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Lady Saw baptized. Will leave dancehall behind

Lady saw baptized. This and and a look at some of the top stories making the news today, December 16, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

State Rep. Carlos Curbelo has filed a bill proposing to cut federal welfare services, such as Medicaid and food stamp, for incoming Cuban immigrants. The current law gives Cuban immigrants automatic asylum status, granting access to federal funds that would take years for other immigrant groups. Curbelo, who’s also Cuban-American, says the law would only apply to Cubans immigrating after the bill is passed.

Florida remains a good market for black-owned businesses, according to a newly released U.S. Census Report. The sunshine state is in second place in the country for the most Black or African-American owned firms, at over 250,000. The government also plans to invest $13.4 million to support continued minority small business growth.

Legendary Jamaican actor of “Dancehall Queen” and “Third World Cop” fame, Paul Campbell, will be the special guest at this year’s “Very Merry Holiday Fair” in Lauderdale Lakes, set for this Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Vincent Torres Memorial Park. The free fair will also feature a performance from reggae crooner Pluto Shervington.

In sports, young soccer plays from across the Caribbean face off against South Florida’s best at the Caribbean American Soccer Association’s annual Youth Soccer Classic, at Lauderhill sports complex. The tournament begins tonight, with Barbados U17 vs. CASA U17 at 5 p.m., Plantation U20 vs Coral springs U20 at 6:30 pm, and CASA U20 vs Miami United U20 at 8 p.m.

What’s trending:

Lady Saw Baptized

Notorious dancehall star Lady Saw has been baptized a Christian at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston. Lady Saw, whose real name is Marion Hall, said she was spiritually moved to return to her faith following the recent and sudden death of young dancehall singjay J Capri. Hall announced on her Instagram account that she was also cancelling all her upcoming dancehall shows.

Read More. Lady saw gets baptized and leaves dancehall behind.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 83 and a low of 72. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 82 and a low of 72. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. 

Caribbean queens top Miss World’s talent competition

Caribbean beauty queens are at the top of the heap for 2015 Miss World’s talent competition. 

Miss Guyana Lisa Punch won the talent night on 14 December by impressing the judges with her original song, titled One Last Time, which was written in tribute to her late cousin. Second place went to Miss Malaysia Brynn Lovett while Miss Jamaica Sanneta Myrie came third with her interpretative dance.

Punch’s win automatically places her in the Miss World finals.

The 65th annual Miss World pageant final will take place on 19 December at the Beauty Crown Grand Theatre in Sanya, China.

American Cancer Society Program increases healthy practices in the workplace

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and researchers at the University of Washington reported significant improvements in workplace health practices in the first year of implementing ACS’s The CEOs Challenge program.

ACS partnered with 26 large companies in its CEOs Against Cancer network, reaching 348,527 employees, to address the three leading behavioral causes of death in the United States — tobacco use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating.

ACS measured before and after scores in four categories: cancer screening, healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco cessation. Scores were based on implementing best practices in supporting cancer screenings during work hours, subsidizing or competitively pricing healthier food options in the workplace, providing access to an onsite gym or offering discount membership to offsite commercial facilities and covering costs of nicotine replacement therapy and cessation counseling

The researchers scored companies’ health practices on a 100-point scale before and after beginning the program. The overall results are reflected below:

  • Scores for cancer screening increased from 54.8 to 74.4
  • Scores for healthy eating increased from 46.5 to 65.9
  • Scores for physical activity increased from 59.8 to 75.8
  • Scores for tobacco cessation increased from 68.2 to 77.6

Praying for community healing at Kwanzaa

Seeking communal healing following this year’s tumultuous slew of terrorist attacks, police shootings, and discrimination on college campuses, the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) will be hosting a special Kwanzaa Day on Saturday, December 26, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

As Kwanzaa marks a time of giving thanks for this year’s fruits of labor, the AARLCC also seeks to empower others to help heal themselves and their communities for 2016. All of the workshops, presentations, and performance will tie into the values of Nguzo Saba (which in Swahili means the Seven Principles).

This year’s program will focus on helping the audience move towards healing by providing workshops and discussions, from daily yoga practices to healthy eating. There will also be fun DIY sessions to make treasurable items for family and friends, from a gift-making workshop to a DIY Healing Salve session with locally-based Jaqs Organics. Local craft-persons will share their handmade wares at the vendor marketplace, giving and opportunity to support local business as well and get the perfect gift for the holiday season. They day will culminate with performances in the auditorium that speak to the healing journey and the principles of Kwanzaa.

 

T&T among oil-producing countries affected by drop in oil prices

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says Trinidad and Tobago is among oil-producing countries in Latin America and the Caribbean severely affected by the sharp drop in petroleum prices.

It says exports from Latin America and the Caribbean will drop by an estimated 14 per cent in 2015 due to a steep decline in prices and weak demand for the region’s main exports from key trading partners.

The IDB’s “Latin American and Caribbean Trade Trend Estimates 2016” annual report notes that exports dropped for the third year in a row, with the decline intensifying and spreading to virtually all nations in the region.

The IDB says oil-exporting countries were affected the most by the sharp drop in petroleum prices with Venezuela and Colombia posting the biggest contraction rates, followed by Bolivia, Ecuador, and Trinidad and Tobago.

El Salvador and Guatemala were the only two countries where exports rose, due to a strong increase in their sugar shipments to China.

The report includes detailed data from 24 countries in the region. For the first time, it includes data from six Caribbean nations: Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The region’s trade performance reflects a sharp drop in the prices of major commodities. The trade decline also stems from a weakening in demand from the region’s main trading partners. For the region as a whole, the worst declines occurred in trade with Asia, excluding China, which fell 19 per cent, with the European Union -18 per cent, and in intraregional flows -19 per cent.

Jamaica’s UN Ambassador to chair Small Arms Meeting

 

Member States of the United Nations, on the 4th December, elected Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador E. Courtenay Rattray, as Chairman of the forthcoming Sixth Biennial Meeting of States to consider the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, which will be held in New York over the course of a week in June 2016.

In thanking Member States for the confidence that they have entrusted in him to guide this important meeting including its preparatory process, Ambassador Rattray cited “the importance of the Programme of Action in tackling the complex issue of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons”.

He described the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in various parts of the globe as a significant security challenge that continued to pose a systemic and pervasive threat to the long term socio-economic development of many nations around the world, in particular small island developing states.

Over the past two decades, Jamaica and fellow CARICOM partners have been a strong and consistent voice at the United Nations calling for concerted global action to tackle this transnational scourge that has disproportionately affected the region. CARICOM countries actively participated in the negotiation of the Programme of Action which was adopted by the international community in 2001 and have been working at the national, regional and international levels, including with civil society, to implement it.

The Programme of Action addresses, among other things, tracing and marking of weapons, stockpile management, record keeping, export controls, as well as international cooperation and training for capacity building.This is the first time that a CARICOM Member State will chair a meeting of the UN small arms process and represents a unique opportunity to keep international attention focused on this important issue.

Hallandale Beach PD to start wearing body cameras

Hallandale Beach Police Department has become the first in Broward County to wear body cameras, as officers received equipment yesterday.

Hallandale Beach will equip 28 out of 100 officers with body cameras in the pilot program’s first year. Former Lauderhill Police Chief Andrew Smalling says body cameras have become crucial policing tools, providing the officer’s perspective during encounters.

The use of body cameras is part of new reforms sweeping through the department.

Samuels banned from bowling for 12 months

West Indies cricket takes another blow as all-rounder Marlon Samuels is banned from bowling in international cricket for 12 months because of an illegal action.

An assessment of his bowling during the first Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka in Galle in October 2015, which the home team won, showed his elbow extension exceeded the permitted 15 degrees. Samuels received a more severe sentence due to his previous bowling violation in 2013, when he was banned from bowling quicker deliveries.

Samuels is the third bowler to be banned from bowling in international cricket by the ICC in 2015.

Sunil Narine was suspended in November due to an illegal action. Like Samuels, Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez was handed a 12-month ban by the ICC in July, after his action was found to be illegal for a second time since November 2014.

India’s Shikhar Dhawan was also reported for illegal bowling action recently in the fourth and final Test between India and South Africa.

Former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Leander Shaw dies at 85

The legal community is grieving the loss of Florida’s first African-American Chief Justice Leander J. Shaw, Jr. who died early Monday morning after a lengthy illness.

Shaw, 85, Shaw was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court by Gov. Bob Graham in 1983, becoming the second black justice, following Justice Joseph Hatchett. He became chief justice in 1990 and served until 1992, eventually retiring from the bench in 2003.

Appointed to the court in the 1970s, after scandals that led to changes in how justices were selected. Justices had been elected until an investigation into allegations that some were improperly influenced by people who donated to their campaigns.

The justice leader was considered one of the most liberal justices during his time on the court. He angered conservatives when he wrote an opinion in 1989 that affirmed a woman’s right to have an abortion.

Shaw is survived by his four children.

JA gov’t launches Communication Policy

The Jamaica government has launched its first ever Communication policy with the Portia Simpson Miller administration saying it is part of its commitment to  greater accountability, transparency and good governance.

Information Minister Sandrea Falconer, who launched the policy, said that having a proper communication policy and a proper communication environment, encourage transparency and good governance, hence the move to formulate the Government of Jamaica Communication Policy.

“The policy is very important, as it gives a guideline of minimum standards of communication that we require in Government agencies, departments and ministries, because communication is such an important part of what Government does.

“ We have to communicate our policies, we have to communicate our programmes, and we have to make sure we have the best professionals who are providing this kind of information to the people,” she said.

Falconer said that this is the first Government Communication Policy in Jamaica’s history, and is an important step which shows how “this administration is taking seriously, communicating to our people and getting them involved in what we do.”

The Executive Summary of the document notes that the the policy is crucial, as Government realises that accessible, accurate and timely information – in particular, that which relates to its policies, programmes and services – is necessary to enable Jamaicans, including those in the Diaspora, to participate more meaningfully in the democratic process and the realisation of the national development goals.

Serena Williams named SI’s 2015 Sportsperson of the Year

American tennis player Serena Williams has been named the 2015 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year.

Williams took to her Instagram account to express her gratitude. “This year was spectacular for me. For SportsIllustrated to recognize my hard work, my dedication, and my sheer determination gives me hope to continue on and do better. As I always say, it takes a village it’s not just one person. This is not just an accomplishment for me, but for my whole team. I am beyond honored. I love you guys! 2016? #letsdoit”

Serena is the third woman to receive the honor outright since its inception back in 1954, and the first since Mary Decker won the award back in 1983.

Past recipients of the award include Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Billie Jean King.

Hanna declines Miss World invitation

Jamaica’s Minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna, who won the Miss World pageant in 1993, has declined an invitation to be a judge  in the 2015 Miss World Competition.

Hanna, who was scheduled to be one of the judges for the competition on December 19 said following an incident involving the Child Development Agency (CDA), for which she has responsibility, “I would not feel comfortable leaving at this time”.

Hanna was making reference to the manner in which 34 wards of the state were removed  from the Sunshine Child Care Facility in a manner that breached the rights of the children.

“Subsequently, there are certain actions that I have taken and others that I am taking to remedy the situation which needs my oversight on the issue concerning the nation’s children,” Hanna said.
Hanna who has remained close to the Miss World Organization and Julia Morley over the past 22 years spoke with Julia Morley to convey the information on the weekend.

The former Miss World said Morley was disappointed but understood her stance and encouraged her.
“I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity that I had of being Miss World to represent Jamaica and the world in 1993. I send my best wishes to the reigning Miss Jamaica World 2015 Dr. Sanneta Myrie and all the contestants at the pageant.”
Lisa Hanna, 40, won the Miss World pageant in 1993. She is currently a two term Member of Parliament.

 

Shark attacks fisherman off Miami Coast in the Bahamas

Shark attacks fisherman off Miami coast. This and a look at some of the top stories making the news today, December 14, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Local US Coast Guard responded to a shark attack this past weekend, just off nearby Andros island in the Bahamas. The 26-year-old fisherman was diving for lobster when he was reportedly bitten by a bull shark on his stomach.  The man survived, and has been hospitalized. The incident is the latest in a handful of shark attacks in recent years in the region.

In a press conference today, Broward county’s Black Lives Matter Alliance is praising the recent manslaughter indictment of Broward Sheriff’s deputy Peter Peraza. Peraza was charged for the deadly shooting of 33-year-old Jermaine McBean for carrying an air rifle. The officer claimed McBean failed to respond to orders to drop the rifle, though the victim was wearing headphones. The group confirmed McBean’s family is pursuing a civil suit.

It was a pan panorama for the holidays this past weekend, as 8 steel bands from across South Florida performed at the annual Pan-Parang Festival at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill. Hosted by the Florida Internal Steelpan Association, the event featured music, from calypso tunes to holiday classics.

In sports, it’s a hat trick this weekend for Jamaica College, as the boys in blue captured their third ISSA-FLOW Olivier Shield in a row, retaining their all-island championship title. Jamaica College defeated DaCosta Cup champions St Elizabeth Technical, 2 to 1, much thanks to a 9th-minute goal from Donovan Dawkins.

What’s trending:

The city of Kingston, Jamaica has officially been designated a creative Music City by UNESCO World Heritage Foundation. Kingston is now part of the international Creative Cities Network, with 69 Members from 32 countries in art, Film, Literature, and Music.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 83 and a low of 70. For Miami-Dade, partly with a high of 82 and a low of 71.

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

A quick, easy, and satisfying snack idea

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

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

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

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

Avocado & Egg Open-Faced Delight

Ingredients:

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

*1/4 avocado, mashed

*1 hard-boiled egg, sliced

*3 cucumber slices

*1/4 teaspoon chili oil

*Lime zest

*Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

*Spread mashed avocado onto toast.

*Top with egg slices and cucumber sliced.

*Drizzle with chili oil.

*Season with lime zest, salt and pepper.

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UNESCO designates Kingston a ‘Creative City of Music’

The city of Kingston, Jamaica has officially been designated a creative Music City by UNESCO World Heritage Foundation.

Kingston is now part of the international Creative Cities Network, with 69 Members from 32 countries in art, Film, Literature, and Music. The other cities also recognised as creative cities of music include Tongyeong (Republic of Korea), Varanasi (India), Adelaide (Australia), Idanha-a-Nova (Portugal), Katowice (Poland), Salvador (Brazil), Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Liverpool (United Kingdom) and Medellín (Colombia).

The designation resulted from a partnership between the Tourism Ministry through the Entertainment Advisory Board (EAB), the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) and other stakeholders.

UNESCO’s Creative Cities programme was began in 2004 as an initiative to unite cities from across the globe through creative industries. It is policy-driven at the municipal and national levels.  The network is currently formed by 69 members from 32 countries, covering seven creative fields — crafts & folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, music and media arts.

Pan Parang Festival A Success

It was a pan panorama for the holidays this past weekend, as 8 steel bands from across South Florida performed at the annual Pan-Parang Festival at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill.

Hosted by the Florida Internal Steelpan Association, the event included live performances of Caribbean music from steel bands and percussion groups across South Florida.

Performers included the Karibbean Knights,Tamboo Bamboo, 21st Century, Resurrection, Pride, Sticks N Tones, Miami Rhythm Section, Uprising and former winners of the Miami Broward Carnival Panorama Steel Band Competition, Silver Stars USA and the reigning champs, Pantastik.

Broward County’s Black Lives Matter Alliance praises indictment of Florida Deputy

Broward County’s Black Lives Matter Alliance is praising the recent manslaughter indictment of Broward Sheriff’s deputy Peter Peraza. 

Peraza was charged for the deadly 2013 shooting of 33-year-old Jermaine McBean for carrying an air rifle. The officer claimed McBean failed to respond to orders to drop the rifle, though the victim was wearing headphones. 

Representatives of the victim’s family are satisfied with the indictment but said it’s only the first step.

The group confirmed McBean’s family is pursuing a civil suit.

Peraza, 37, joined the sheriff’s office in February 2001 as a detention deputy. After a decade he attended a police academy to become a Department of Law Enforcement deputy and received more training to work road patrol.

SVG opposition to boycott parliament

The main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) which says it will boycott parliament in protest at the “flawed” results of the December 9 general elections, is questioning the role of the various regional and international groups that observed the polls.

“CARICOM will say, it is free and fair, the OAS can say it was free and fair. We in the New Democratic Party say it was not free and it was not fair. And at least I have been in contact already with three OECS prime ministers on the matter of this election,” NDP leader Arnhim Eustace told an NDP meeting on the weekend.

Eustace told party supporters that the election observers come to here “too late to make any meaningful decision” and that he had communication that concern to the Commonwealth observers.

The Organization of American States (OAS), along with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Commonwealth had sent teams to observe the poll that was won by the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

The ULP won by a margin of 8-7 mirroring the 2010 results. But the NDP insists that there were too many irregularities in last Wednesday’s polls and is refusing to accept the results.

 

JC defeats STETHS to retain Oliver Shields title

On Saturday, Jamaica College captured their third ISSA-FLOW Olivier Shield in a row, retaining their all-island championship title.

Jamaica College (JC) defeated DaCosta Cup champions St Elizabeth Technical (STEHS), 2 to 1, much thanks to a 51st minute goal by Tyreek MaGee in the 51st minute and a 90th-minute goal from Donovan Dawkins.

The boys in blue had some serious work to do coming from behind, after STETHS’ Dwayne Foster’s long distance free kick put them ahead of the game in the 30th minute.

However, during half time, JC coach Miguel Coley made a few notable adjustments to his team which proved to be successful.

At the end of the game, Coley, thanked the school’s administration, the management staff and the players for their sacrifice.

 

6 kitchen tips to keep mornings moving

The average American mother has a bazillion things to do every morning, and only two hands — and limited time — to get it all done. Finding some tricks and tactics to make the morning go smoothly can help ensure you accomplish everything, squeeze in a satisfying breakfast, and get the family out the door on time.

Here are six smart ways to save time in the morning and get the day off to a good start:

1. Work ahead — Anything you can do the night before is one less thing you have to do in the morning. Generally, moms have more time at night after the kids are in bed, so shave minutes off your morning tasks by doing basic things — like choosing outfits, organizing backpacks and athletic bags, and even pre-packing non-perishables in lunch bags — the night before.

2. Know what’s coming — Use smartphone apps to check the weather forecast and traffic reports so you can be prepared. A quick look at the next day’s forecast before going to bed can help you know how to dress everyone, and setting your phone to receive real-time driving alerts can let you know if you need to leave the house a little earlier to beat the traffic.

3. Choose a speedy, wholesome and satisfying breakfast — You may not have time for a hearty feast, but skipping breakfast altogether is a bad idea. You need that boost of energy and satisfaction in the morning to help get the day started right. Look for wholesome options that are easy to eat on the go.

4. Build organizational habits — Hunting for car keys, your purse, running shoes, or your kids’ backpacks can add critical minutes to your morning schedule. Designate spots in your house for important morning items — such as a hook next to the door for your car keys — and return those items to those spots each time you’re done using them.

5. De-stress with some stretching — It may be difficult to fit in a run or workout every morning, but you can still savor the benefits of some mild physical activity. Stretches can relax your mind and loosen muscles, and you can do them virtually anywhere. Lift yourself onto your tip toes and rock back on your heels to stretch calf muscles while you’re standing at the counter or waiting for your kids to get ready. Do some gentle head rolls to ease neck strain while you’re sitting in the car at a stoplight or waiting in traffic.

6. Keep kids moving with music — Children may not feel motivated by a traditional timer, or by you verbally counting down the minutes for them. Instead, try making a playlist of their favorite songs that lasts exactly as long as they have to get ready in the morning. Help them learn that by the end of the first song, teeth must be brushed. When the third song is over, everyone should have backpacks and their favorite Quick Starts in hand and be ready to walk out the door.

From wholesome on-the-go breakfast snacking to easy stress-relievers and better organization, it’s possible to manage the hectic pace of every morning — and get your day started smoothly.

Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference set for January 18-20

The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago will host its Annual Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference on January 18-20, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain.

The 2016 edition of this long-running annual conference will explore the topic ‘Energy and Development’, at a time when the energy industry globally is facing numerous challenges spurred by the plummet of oil and gas prices.

The conference will deliver networking opportunities with the key players in the energy sector to propel your business forward, the creation of opportunities in a challenging environment and rare and useful insight into the local, regional and global energy sector outlook.

The feature speaker will be Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs, world-renowned, professor of economics, leader in sustainable development,and advisor, Director of the Earth Institute and best-selling author. Keynote speakers will include Dr. Pierce Reimer, Director General, World Petroleum Council, Dr. David Rainey, President, Exploration, BHP Billiton Petroleum; The Hon. Raphael Trotman, Minister of Governance, Natural Resources & Environment, Guyana; and The Hon. D’Arcy Boyce, Minister of Energy and Telecommunications, Immigration and Investment, Barbados.

The Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference is the premier Energy Conference in the Caribbean and promotes vigorous debate and discussion among leaders of industry, Government and academia.

Approximately 2500 visitors were in attendance over the three days of the 2014 Energy Conference – roughly six to seven times more than other annual energy conferences held in the country.

To register for the conference visit www.ttenergyconference.org.

The deadline date for registration is December 31, 2015 and late registrations will attract a fee.

For general information please do not hesitate to contact (868)636 3749/6-ENERGY ext 21/33.

Miami-Dade’s public schools outperform State in simulated school performance grades

In a simulated test-run of proposed cut scores used to calculate Florida’s 2014-2015 School Performance Grades, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has outperformed the State.

“Notwithstanding the challenges, we have faced regarding Florida Standards Assessment’s (FSA) questionable validity, as well as the lack of baseline data and learning gains, we are pleased with the fact that our performance continues to outpace comparable school districts and the State”, said Miami-Dade Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho.

“Once again, these positive results speak to the hard work and dedication of our teachers and students.”

Florida’s Commissioner of Education, Pamela Stewart, released proposed cut scores to be used in the calculation of Florida School Grades for the 2014-2015 school year on December 9th. Simulated school grades for all Florida schools were released at the same time.

Based on the State’s simulated Florida School Grades for 2014-15:

  • M-DCPS has a higher percentage of “A” rated schools than schools statewide.
  • The percentage of “F” schools in M-DCPS remained constant from 2013-14.
    • M-DCPS has a lower percentage of “F” rated schools than other school districts.
  • The District outperformed Broward, Duval, and Hillsborough counties, on the percentage of “A” and “F” schools, and Palm Beach on the percentage of “F” schools.

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.

COJO praised for supporting educational and children’s institutions

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Ralph Thomas has praised the New York based Jamaica charity, Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) for contributing just over half-million US dollars over the past 21 years in support of various educational and children’s institutions in Jamaica.

Addressing COJO’s 21st Awards and Scholarship Gala at the JFK Airport, Hilton New York hotel in Queens on Saturday, November 5, 2015 the Ambassador said, “I am heartened by the tremendous support being given by members of the Diaspora across the United States.”  He said he was particularly pleased by the generous contribution made by COJO under the leadership of its founder and chairman, Mr. Gary Williams who through initiatives such as the annual gala raised funds to assist children’s charities in New York as well as in Jamaica.

Ambassador Thomas pointed out that in 2014, fourteen organizations including educational institutions and children’s homes received just over nineteen thousand dollars from COJO which also provided scholarships to students in need.

“Your invaluable efforts especially in the areas of education and healthcare, two vital pillars of development, have not gone without notice by the people and government of Jamaica on whose behalf I would like to thank you,” the Ambassador said.

The Jamaican Envoy noted that COJO has significantly impacted the lives of thousands of Jamaican children, who in addition to young people, make up a large percentage of the Jamaican population.  “Your organization has remained true to its mission to provide a range of well-needed social services and your dedication to providing adequate access to proper healthcare, quality education and advancing the overall well-being of children are deserving of commendation”

In his remarks, COJO’s chairman Gary Williams said, COJO’s mission is to give all youth the chance to reach their God given potential so that they can become happy, useful and contributing citizens.  Mr. Williams said the organization which started in 1994 as way to give back to his homeland, has been true to its mission, as over the last 21 years it has contributed significantly to the youth and educational institutions of Jamaica.

Jamaican Olympian, Veronica Campbell Brown who received the humanitarian award was one of five individuals and one organization to be honored by COJO.  Other honorees included Mrs. Madge Warren with the distinguished service award; Mr. Patrick Jolley the visionary award while Attorney Donald Vernon and Oliver McKenzie both received the community service award with the corporate award going to Carl Stuart from Caribbean Airlines.

Celebrate the holidays at Rhythms for the Season Concert

Bring in the Holiday with Willie Stewart & Friends during an intimate musical experience at the 1st Annual Rhythms for the Season Concert on Sunday, December 20, 2015 at ReBar Lounge (formerly Fusion Cafe) at 5pm.

Rhythms for the Season will feature Willie Stewart, a former member of Inner Circle, and a founding member/drummer of international Third World Reggae Band and Jamaica’s own “Pavarotti” Mr. AJ “Boots” Brown. Joining the stage with Willie Stewart will be Vinnie Hamilton on Keyboards, LeRoy Romans on Keyboards, Ricky Walters on Bass, and a special surprise Guitarist.

Before the show, dinner will be available for guests to purchase from a full menu, or cocktails from the many bars throughout the venue.

Presold tickets can be purchased online via EventBrite.com for only $17.50, $25 at the door and VIP tickets for $45 which includes premium seating, appetizers, and a drink ticket.

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