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Lauderhill Police Dept. yet to assign a new permanent Chief of Police

Since early August when Andrew Smalling resigned as Chief of Police of the City of Lauderhill Police Department, a new permanent chief has not been appointed. Since Smalling’s resignation the department’s deputy chief Major Constance Stanley has been serving as interim chief. Howeverm some of the city residents are concerned why a permanent successor hasn’t been named.

“We need to know if Major Stanley will be given the position, or if a new chief is going to be appointed, “ said Lucas Wells, a long time city resident and community organizer. “This is a small city, but one that can have big law enforcement problems. The residents needs to know who is the real chief, not the interim chief.”

After his resignation, Smalling served as a consultant to the Department. Some residents assumed the city would have settled on Smalling’s permanent successor before his consulting assignment ended on November 3. However, a successor was not named, and Stanley continues to serve as interim chief.

One possible obstacle is finding a suitable successor

“We are a relatively small city,” said resident Curtis Jennings another resident. “And it may there’s be a problem finding a suitable replacement from within the city.”

The commission has passed a new ordinance which, according to city information officer Leslie Johnson, allows the city to consider an applicant for police chief from outside the city at the city manager’s discretion.

But Johnson also noted that the city has not advertised for a new chief.

“The City Manager also has the discretion to keep the interim manager in place as long as he thinks necessary, confirm the interim manger as the permanent police chief, or decide to advertise for the position if he so determine,” said Johnson

 

 

CNW90: White Student Unions pledging white pride pop up at Florida Universities

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, November 26, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Controversy has erupted over White Student Unions Facebook pages popping up for Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, and Florida International University. Reports claim that the group was formed in response to Black Lives Matter protests, and their “explicit hostility to white students and white culture.” Authorities from UCF and FSU state the groups have no official school affiliations.

Over 400 families will be receiving special meals just in time for thanksgiving today, at the Overtown Youth Center. The meals are provided by NBA Hall-of-Famer Alonzo Mourning, along with a host of volunteers, as part of Mourning 15th annual “33 Thanksgivings” program.

The Caribbean Christmas season in South Florida is officially launching this Saturday, November 28 with Parang Parang – a night of music and tradition, starting 7pm at the South County Civic Center in Delray Beach. The event feature music from La Familia de Parranda and DJ Shammi.

Jamaican umpire Jacqueline Williams has been named as an official for the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 qualifiers, which will bowl off in Thailand. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said yesterday’s decision had been made to fast-track the 39-year-old in order to get her named to the umpires panel for the 2017 Women’s World Cup.

What’s trending:

Bajan-American activist, congresswoman, and first black woman to run for president, Shirley Chisholm, receives a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom. For more on what’s trending, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Caribbean National Weekly, and on Twitter at National Weekly.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 80 and a low of 70. For Miami-Dade, scatter showers with a high of 79 and a low of 69. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.

On behalf of the CNW90 team, we would like to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Shirley Chisholm receives posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom Award

On Tuesday, Bajan-American activist, congresswoman, and first black woman to run for president, Shirley Chisholm, received a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Chisholm was the first woman of color to run for president for a major party, and was also the first African-American woman elected to Congress in 1968 and was a founding member of what would become the Congressional Black Caucus. She was known as a champion of minority education and employment opportunities.

Chisholm, who died in 2005, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom along with 16 other notable Americans including persons advocate Billy Frank Jr., baseball legends Willie Mays and Yogi Berra, and entertainer Barbra Streisand.

Atkinson nominated Caribbean Sportswoman of the Year

Alia Atkinson

Topping off a stellar year, South Florida-based Jamaican swimmer Alia Atkinson has been nominated for the 2015 Caribbean Sportswoman of the Year award from the Caribbean Sports Journalists’ Association (CASJA).

The first ever black woman to hold a swimming world record was recognized for her arguably best performance year yet. This year, she became the first Jamaican swimmer to win a medal at a long course world championship games, when she won silver in the 50m breaststroke and bronze in the 100m breaststroke at the FINA World Championships in Russia. She also broke Jamaica’s long course record in the 100m breaststroke and won gold in the 100m breaststroke at the Swimming World Cup in Dubai.

Atkinson faced tough competition however from an excellent selection of Caribbean women athletes. The other nominees include fellow Jamaicans such as track star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, cricketer Stefanie Taylor and sprinter Danielle Williams. The other nominees are Cuban pole vaulter Yarisley Silva and discus thrower Denia Caballero, Barbadian heptathlon and high jump star Akela Jones, sprinter Shaunae Miller of The Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago’s track and field stars Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Michelle Lee Ahye and Cleopatra Borel.

A regional panel of six comprising of sports journalists, commentators and administrators determined the winner from the list chosen by sports journalists in the Caribbean. They are Tonique Williams-Darling, Shaka Hislop, Vernon Springer, Terry Finisterre, Ato Boldon and Kayon Raynor.

White Student Unions pledging white pride pop up at Florida Universities

Controversy has erupted over White Student Unions Facebook pages popping up for Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, and Florida International University.

The creation of an “Illini White Student Union” Facebook page that surfaced November 18 in response to a “Black Student Solidarity Rally” at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was the first to gain national attention.

These “White Student Union” pages currently exist only as social media creations, and it is not clear whether they are created by students at their respective universities. It is also unclear if these groups plan to become actual student organizations on campus.

In their timelines, some pages post news articles critical of the Black Lives Matter movement, or stories that aim to debunk white privilege. Posts on these pages also include articles on racial controversies at other campuses or their own. Additional posts are on topics such as Europe and the European refugee crisis, political correctness, links to other “White Student Union” pages, and any articles written about themselves or other “White Student Union” pages.

Reports claim that the group was formed in response to Black Lives Matter protests, and their “explicit hostility to white students and white culture.” Authorities from UCF and FSU state the groups have no official school affiliations.

 

JA umpire to officiate ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers

Jamaican umpire Jacqueline Williams has been named as an official for the International Cricket Council(ICC) Women’s World Twenty20 qualifiers, which will bowl off in Thailand.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said yesterday’s decision had been made to fast-track the 39-year-old in order to get her named to the umpires panel for the 2017 Women’s World Cup.

Former England left-arm spinner Sue Redfern will also join Williams, alongside the New Zealander Kathleen Cross and Australia’s Claire Polosak.

They will be joined by fellow umpires Allan Haggo and Nigel Morrison, with Graeme Labrooy as match referee. Eight nations will battle for the final two spots at the women’s ICC World Twenty20 in India in March 2016.

5 exciting places to visit in St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Days in St. Vincent & The Grenadines consist of lazing along white-sand beaches, exploring coral reefs, and day-tripping to the Grenadines’ rural islands and cays. But as a tourist, what are some of their best spots to visit? The National Weekly explores the sunny island and what it has to offer to locals and tourists all over the world.

Macaroni Beach

Not the first thing you would think of when you hear the word “macaroni”, however Macaroni Beach is just as pleasurable as would be any macaroni and cheese dish. This isolated strip of sand along the island’s eastern shoreline makes a perfect spot for sun-seekers and surfers.

Critter Corner

St. Vincent doesn’t hold the renowned title of “Critter Capital of the Caribbean” for nothing.  Diving is one of the activities for which this island is well known. The sea grass and boulders of Critter Corner—which hugs Indian Bay Beach’s sugary sands located to the south of Kingstown—are home to a wide variety of fish which makes it the perfect spot to go scuba diving and snorkeling.

Wallilabou Bay

Pirates of the Caribbean fans looking to retrace Captain Jack Sparrow’s footsteps from the opening scenes of “The Curse of the Black Pearl” should head straight to Wallilabou Bay. Leftover film sets preside over Waillilabou Bay today, allowing visitors to explore the filming location of the first part of the series. Once you’ve snapped pictures of the sites’ cannons and docks, you can sunbathe, swim, or grab some grub at the Wallilaou Anchorage, a popular hotel and restaurant located on the bay.

Montreal Gardens

Located in the mountains above the Mesopotamia Valley, lies this estate blessed with the volcanic fertile soil and frequent rainfall. There you will find an array of exotic flowers, spices and plants interspersed with green foliage in an environment which is cool, misty and quiet. The gardens are opened to the public during the weekdays from 9 – 5 pm between the months of December and August.

La Soufriere

La Soufriere is a massive active volcano that takes up the northern third of the island of St. Vincent. The volcano, which name comes from the french word soufre, which means sulphur, rises majestically over 4000 feet and last erupted in April 1979. A guided tour to La Soufriere volcano is a rigorous, uphill hike which takes you along the picturesque windward coast of the island to the crater, which can then continue down the west coast (along the Leeward side) terminating in the valley of Chateaubelair.

CNW90: JA Govt’ tells taxis to stop putting children in trunk

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

Jackson Memorial Health has announced plans to open an urgent care center in Miami Gardens. Responding to the need of the “many insured families” in the area, the company said the new center will be added to the existing North Dade Health center, which currently does not accept walk-in patients.

City of Lauderdale Lakes Commission is reviewing a proposal banning new gas stations from the city. Proponents of the law argue that gas stations bring little employment opportunities and fail to attract new business. Lauderdale Lakes currently has 10 gas stations, with another to begin construction next year.

Haitian-American activist Marleine Bastien will be honored for her human rights advocacy this Sunday at “The Promoting Community Excellence Awards,” starting 6 pm at Little Haiti Cultural Center. Bastien is the Executive Director of Haitian Women in Miami organization.

Jamaica head soccer coach Winfried Schaefer has refuted claims that the team is responsible for Birmingham striker Clayton Donaldson’s injury. Club manager Gary Rowett argued that Donaldson should have been taken out after the striker went down twice. Schaefer, however, says players are never forced to play if they have an injury.

What’s trending:

Jamaica’s Minister of Transportation warns rural taxi drivers to stop putting children in the trunk. The practice is an age-old problem in communities without sufficient transport for community school children. For more on what’s trending, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Caribbean National Weekly, and on Twitter at National Weekly.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 77 and a low of 71. For Miami-Dade, cloudy with a high of 77 and a low of 70. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. 

4 ways to spread cheer and save your wallet this holiday season

The holiday season is often dubbed “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many Americans, it can be an incredibly stressful time financially. The National Retail Federation predicts a 4.1 percent increase in sales this year, with the average American set to spend an estimated $786.

Whether shopping online or in-store, there’s often a temptation to spend too much on gifts, leading to a case of buyer’s remorse come January. Regions Bank, one of the largest U.S. banks with 1,630 branches across 16 states, has advice for consumers on how to prepare financially for the holiday shopping season.

1. Begin with the golden rule. Spending on gifts shouldn’t exceed more than 1.5 percent of your annual income. Use this rule as a guide to determine how much you should set aside to spend on gifts for your friends and family — and stick to it.

2. Separate and delegate. Consider creating a separate account to fund gift purchases and make regular contributions from your primary checking account in a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.

3. Only buy what you can truly afford. To prevent overspending, never leave home without a list of what you intend to buy, and be sure you have the money needed to cover your purchases once you arrive in-store.

4. Use timing to your advantage. While things like airline tickets should be booked far in advance, other items — toys in particular — often drop in price during the first two weeks in December. Sometimes it pays to wait, other times it does not, so be sure to check for deals before you head out shopping.

As December nears, now is the time to start mapping out your shopping strategy. Establish a benchmark based on your income; create a holiday savings account, and fund it regularly; be sure you’re purchasing within the parameters of what you can truly afford; and know when to buy and when to wait.

World observes International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

On Wednesday November 25, the National Weekly joins the the rest of the world in observation of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

On this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the UN has launched its campaign Orange the World.

The campaign will be carried out during 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, from 25 November until 10 December which also happens to be Human Rights Day.

In 2010, The United Nations created UN Women, the Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Over the last 5 years, the organization has worked assiduously in the empowerment of women, the elimination of discrimination against women and girls and every year, and every year has chosen a date to recognize violence against women.

According to studies released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, one in three women around the world experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their life, mostly by an intimate partner.

5 tips to make your holiday cooking and baking cleanup easier

Preparing meals together is a great way to create lasting holiday memories. However, it’s no secret that whipping up Grandma’s sugar cookie recipe can create quite a mess. This year, use these clean-up tips to enjoy holiday time in the kitchen:

Start with a solid base

Avoid messy counters when baking your favorite holiday treats by covering your work area with parchment paper. Not only will it catch any spills, the wax coating also prevents food from sticking. You can even use it as a base to roll delicate pastry doughs. Once finished, gather up the paper and toss it in the trash.

No mess, no worries

Food residue, such as egg shells and batter, are easily transferred from hands to cabinet handles and counters. To avoid this mess, set aside a large bowl for storing peelings and scraps. When all the cooking and baking is done, simply dump the contents of the bowl into the garbage can for simple, mess-free clean-up.

Utensil resting spots 

Baking often requires using measuring spoons more than once. Rather than setting dirty utensils on the counter, which scatters seasonings and sprinkles, place them in a cup as you create your favorite holiday treats.

Soak now, clean later

Let’s be honest, no one looks forward to scrubbing dirty pots and pans after hours spent in the kitchen. Make it easier on yourself by soaking the dirty pans in soapy water while you cook. For an added boost, use a soap that works well against grease. By the time your mouthwatering pie comes out of the oven, the dishes will be ready for a quick and easy clean-up with less scrubbing.

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Sangster International Aiport introduces electronic boarding passes

Passengers using the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica are now being allowed to use electronic boarding passes as part of the security screening process.

The operator of the airport – MBJ Airports Limited on Monday announced that the move follows the approval of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority to allow passengers travelling on or after the effective date to use boarding passes as displayed on electronic handheld devices for screening by airport security personnel.

“Passengers will be able to check in online for their flights and arrive at the airport and proceed directly to the security screening area or check their bags first and then proceed to the security screening area,”  said a release from the authority.

“This initiative is one of several being undertaken to improve the overall passenger experience at the Montego Bay Airport to maintain our recognition as the leading airport in the Caribbean.”

MBJ Airports Limited said announcements will be made regarding the other initiatives at the appropriate time.

 

JA Transport Authority warns taxi drivers to stop putting children in trunks

Jamaica’s Transport Authority has warned rural taxi drivers to stop putting children in the trunk of their motor cars.

The practice is an age-old problem in communities in a bid to increase their earnings on each trip.

According to Managing Director at the Authority, Donald Foster, any operator found to be violating the rights of passengers, to a safe and comfortable ride by overloading the vehicles will be prosecuted under section 28 (3) of the Road Traffic Regulations.

Reggae Boyz coach says Jamaica not to blame for striker’s injury

Reggae Boyz coach Winfried Schäfer
Former Reggae Boyz coach Winfried Schäfer

Reggae Boyz coach Winfried Schaefer has refuted claims that the team is responsible for Birmingham striker Clayton Donaldson’s injury in a recent game.

Club manager Gary Rowett argued that Donaldson should have been taken out after the striker went down twice, instead of being allowed to continue playing the 90 minutes. Schaefer, however, says players are never forced to play if they have an injury.

The coach went on to explain that he had tried to take Donaldson out of the game after a collision with the goalkeeper, opting to send Darren Mattocks on the field, but the forward insisted on playing on.  Schaefer, however, thanked the club for releasing the player and wished him a speedy recovery.

Last week the 31-year-old came back from the Reggae Boyz’ World Cup qualifiers with a groin problem that will keep him out for at least six weeks.

Fort Lauderdale airport workers begin 24-hour fast

Workers from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport kicked off a 24-hour fast yesterday afternoon campaigning for affordable benefits and union rights. 

Though the Broward county commission recently ruled to increase wages to $11.68 an hour, many workers say they are still often only given part-time hours, unaffordable health insurance plans, and few or no paid sick days. 

Airport workers have been protesting for years, with the ultimate goal of making $15 an hour and the right to unionize free of threats and intimidation. The workers joined more than 2,000 workers last week, including cleaners, wheelchair attendants, and baggage handlers that went on strike at airports in Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago O’Hare, Newark Liberty and New York’s Kennedy and LaGuardia airports.

The fast continues until Wednesday tonight.

Jackson Memorial Health to open urgent care center in Miami Gardens

Jackson Memorial Health has announced plans to open an urgent care center in Miami Gardens.

Responding to the need of the “many insured families” in the area, the company said the new center will be added to the existing North Dade Health center, which currently does not accept walk-in patients.

The urgent care center is the fifth announced by Jackson Health this year, and it likely will be paid for with a portion of the $830 million in taxpayer funds that Miami-Dade voters approved in November 2013.

Financing and design details will be announced in early 2016 when the Public Health Trust, Jackson’s governing board, will consider the full proposal, according to a memo from Jackson CEO Carlos Migoya. The other four urgent care centers will be in South Beach, Cutler Bay, North Miami and Country Walk.

The new urgent care center will be added to an existing facility known as the North Dade Health Center, which houses doctor’s offices but no walk-up facility where patients can receive care without an appointment.

CASA hosts Youth Soccer Classic

CASA presents Youth Soccer Classic Dec. 16

The best of South Florida’s local soccer talent will be on full display at the Caribbean Americas Soccer Association’s Youth Soccer Classic, set for December 16th to 20th, at the Lauderhill Sports Park.

The best and brightest local U20 teams will face off against squads from the Caribbean. Jamaica, Haiti and Barbados will all be sending their top performing players and likely candidates for next year’s national team selection. The Jamaican contingent will be full of MVPs from the recently completed schoolboy Manning and Dacosta Cups. This year also marks a triumphant return for Team Haiti, who was not able to attend last year’s competition.

Based on this year’s strong performances, it’s Team Jamaica and Haiti that may be the likely contenders for the final, says CASA president Richard Campbell. “They are our number one seed teams.”

But South Florida’s own soccer talent, says Campbell, cannot be dismissed, which such strong performances from Plantation U20, Coral Springs U20, CASA U20, and Miami United U20. “Our local teams will definitely be giving them a challenge,” including returning champions, Miramar U20.

In the end, the tournament is a win-win for both Florida and the Caribbean sides, as the tournament will be used as a fruitful scouting grounds for Caribbean soccer officials to find talented Caribbean-American players to play for their national teams. Last year, three players joined the Jamaican U20 national team, noted Campbell. Scouts from University and semi-pro teams will also be attending to check out both the local and Caribbean players

This cross fertilization of talents between the Caribbean and the Diaspora, says Campbell, is what CASA is all about, “giving a chance for the young players to learn from one another, and how to compete with a broad spectrum of styles.”

The first round of matches begin Wednesday, December 16, starting 5 p.m., and the final is scheduled for Sunday, December 20, at 5 p.m.

Top 5 things to taste in Belize

The Belizean cuisine is highly influenced by Mayan, Mexican and Caribbean culinary methods. If you’re quite the foodie, join The National Weekly as we explore 5 of Belize’s most tastiest dishes.

Tamales

Tamales are squares of cornmeal stuffed with chicken, pork or beans, along with green peas, onion and chunks of tomato, wrapped in smoked plantain leaves,and held together with the string stripped off plantain leave. The tamales are then steamed over an open fire until cooked.

Chicken Escabeche 

Escabeche is a an exotic chicken soup with its roots in Yucatec Maya and Spanish cuisine. The chicken is seasoned with oregano and thyme, lightly broiled, then roasted and served in a light and clear chicken soup seasoned with onions, black pepper, allspice, and Jalapeno pepper.The dish is served piping hot with hand made corn tortillas.

Cassava Pudding

 

For this tasty pastry, cassava, ginger, sugar, coconut milk and vanilla are combined to create the perfect Sunday night dessert. The ingredients are placed in a baking dish, until the pudding has perfectly set. A thin layer of pie crust can be added to give the pudding an extra “oomph”.

Belkin Beer

Made in the style of a german pilsner beer, Belikin is the leading domestically produced beer brand in Belize. The name “Belkin” is one of the ancient Maya names for Belize and means Road To The Sea. Said to be a “smooth” beer, Belkin is a favorite of tourists.

Cochinita Pibil

Cochinita Pibil is a traditional Yucatec-Maya slow roasted pork dish. The meat is marinated  in an acidic sour orange juice flavored with annato seed paste, garlic, allspice and onion.The meat is then wrapped in plantain leaf, placed inside a large roasting pan that then goes underground or inside a clay oven with firewood and slow cooked and smoked for hours until the meat is succulent and tender.The dish is served with hot hand-made corn tortillas, or over a bed of rice.

6 steps to a happy holiday of healthy eating

The holidays are approaching, and with them come buffets, sweets and food-laden tables. You can think of that as temptation or realize that you have the power to make good-for-you choices, whether you’re managing diabetes or aiming for healthy eating in general. The American Diabetes Association has simple recommendations for enjoying delicious foods and good nutrition during the holidays and beyond.

As part of American Diabetes Month, the Association is focusing on eating well. It is a theme that makes any holiday gathering manageable and sets a great new foundation for the new year ahead.

Here are some tips:

* Enjoy the party, but don’t overdo it. Eat slowly and really enjoy a few of the foods that are special to you this time of year. If you’re counting carbohydrates and calories as part of your diabetes management plan, think about devoting your carbs to what you like best—and skipping the rest. For example, if you want dessert, cut back on foods such as dinner rolls or stuffing and “spend” your calories and carbs on a small serving of pie. Remember, moderation is key—so stick to small portions and skip seconds.

* Bring your favorites. Offer to bring your favorite healthy dish to share. If you’re counting carbs, check your recipe’s nutrition facts so you know how many grams are in one serving as well as the proper serving size. At some gatherings, it’s best not to mention a dish is “healthy” and let the flavor speak for itself; or perhaps the folks at your gathering may appreciate a card that notes the nutrition facts.

* Drink in moderation. Alcohol can add significant calories to your holiday intake—and, if you use insulin or sulfonylureas, complicate keeping blood glucose levels in the safe range. Keep your alcohol consumption to no more than one drink if you’re a woman and two drinks if you’re a man. Avoid high-calorie mixed drinks that include sugary soda or juice. Opt for sugar-free mixers instead. For insulin and sulfonylurea users, it’s important to check blood glucose levels during and up to 24 hours after drinking alcohol and to treat any lows.

* Stay active. Think of physical activities during the holidays as a chance to spend quality time with friends and loved ones. Use your extra time away from work or school to exercise—or to participate in a local holiday walk or run. Start a game of pick-up football with family in the yard or take a walk after eating.

* If you overindulge, get back on track. If you eat more than you planned for, don’t think you’ve failed. Focus on enjoying the company of those around you. Then, the next day, get back on track by gifting yourself with healthy eating, regular exercise and monitoring blood glucose levels as directed, if that’s part of your diabetes care routine.

* Focus on what matters. The holidays are a time to slow down and catch up with your loved ones, so remember to focus on your friends and family, not the food. Play games together, volunteer or spend time outdoors. Great memories don’t have to be made only at the dinner table.

Apply the tips above for healthy, happy holidays and a great start to new year ahead.

Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact holds 7th annual summit

Assistant County Administrator Jon Van Arnam, Palm Beach Gardens Mayor David Levy and County Administrator Bob Weisman at the 2010 Southeast Florida Regional Climate Leadership Summit. (Photo courtesy: Palm Beach County website)

On December 1-3, Monroe County will host the 7th Annual SE FL Regional Climate Summit in Key West, along with the City of Key West, City of Marathon, and Islamorada Village of Islands.

This year’s Summit speakers and participants will engage in “Charting the Course” for South Florida’s future. Public, private, and nonprofit experts and elected officials will lead sessions on timely topics such as cutting edge modeling and evaluation tools, adaptation strategies, sustainability tools for rating and assessing communities, coordination with state and federal elected officials and agencies, clean energy and transportation, national security, and the rapidly evolving legal landscape for local governments in the face of sea level rise.

The Annual Southeast Florida Climate Summit is an event of the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, a regional partnership of Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach Counties, their municipalities and other partners. The Compact partners have been working together since 2009, to develop a strategy that will enable the region to adapt to the impacts of Southeast Florida’s changing climate, such as sea level rise, and to reduce its causes. This unique collaborative effort is the first of its kind and has not yet been duplicated anywhere else.

 

The Summit will be held at the Casa Marina Resort in Key West and is sold out. Please visit GreenKeys.info to view the agenda. For members of the media, your media contact is Elliott Bent, Communications Officer, with the Institute for Sustainable Communities.

U.S. Small Business Administration’s MBK initiative unveils new video series

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Initiative has unveiled a new video series hosted by Mike Muse, the SBA MBK Millennial Entrepreneur Champion.

Muse engaged with several successful Millennial entrepreneurs in the world of music, fashion and technology as they revealed their innermost truths about their paths to and through entrepreneurship.

Celebrity Stylist and Designer, Ty Hunter, jumpstarted the series and talked about his path in transitioning from working in the healthcare industry before following his passion of fashion and styling.  Host, Mike Muse, gets Hunter to speak candidly on how he’s building his personal brand, risks and fears, success, his time working with Beyoncé and why he compares himself to Janet Jackson.

 

The SBA and Mike Muse are building upon momentum from the Champion initiative. Last month, Mike Muse and the SBA, in collaboration with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Overbrook Entertainment, held the first ever Careers in Film Summit in the Goldwyn Theatre at the Academy in Los Angeles.  The summit aimed to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs through highlighting the careers and entrepreneurial opportunities available in the film industry.

Cuban nationals stream into U.S. to claim special status

Fearing an end to the Cuban Adjustment Act, Cuban Nationals have streamed into the U.S. to claim special status.

In a new wave of migration, Cuban Nationals are flooding through Latin America to reach U.S. borders in order to apply for special immigration status in the U.S. This surge is believed to be a result of widespread fears that the U.S. will soon end the decades old immigration law giving special immigration benefits to Cubans who are able to make it to U.S. soil.

The increase in Cuban migration has doubled over the past year, resulting in thousands of Cuban’s crossing from Panama into Nicaragua and up through Mexico in an aim reach the U.S. border. To stem the tide, Nicaragua recently closed its border with Cosa Rica to Cuban Nationals, causing thousands to be stranded in Costa Rica.

The law regarding Cubans, called the Cuban Adjustment Act or  CAA allows any Cuba National who makes it onto U.S. soil to immediately apply for a work permit, government aid and U.S. Residency after one year. Whether the U.S. will agree with Cuban officials to rescind the law any time soon is doubtful, since it is likely held by the U.S. as a valuable bargaining chip to use in negotiations with the Cuban government when the time is right. But for now, just the mere prospect of the law ending has caused many Cubans to use desperate means to leave Cuban and travel under very dangerous conditions to reach U.S. borders.

Florida’s Dept. of Health approves 5 nurseries to grow medical marijuana

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, November 24, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, I’m… for CNW 90.

The Florida Department of Health has approved licenses for 5 nurseries in the state to grow and distribute special breeds of medical marijuana to treat patients with severe epilepsy and advanced stages of cancer. For the state’s southeast region, Costa Nursery Farm won the bid to serve the South Florida area.

Golden Krust CEO Lowell F. Hawthorne says the popular franchise has plans to open 50 stores in Florida in the next three years. Speaking at the recent grand opening of the company’s latest restaurant in Margate, Hawthrone said the company currently has 122 stores in 9 states.

South Florida theater fans can enjoy a bellyful of laughs this Thanksgiving weekend, as Sunshine Theater presents David Tulloch’s new comedy, “Prayer Partner.” The play premiers Saturday, November 28th, starting 8 p.m. at the Miramar High School Theater, and continues on Sunday at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, starting at 7 p.m.

Jamaican teams sweep gold at the recent Senior Florida Netball Classic, held at the Coral Springs High School gymnasium. Jamaican-based Scotia Bank A Team defeated local club, CARICOM Netball, winning 18 to 11. Teams from across the Caribbean competed in the two-day event.

What’s trending:

Jamaica’s National U17 Girlz are the new Caribbean Football Union Under 17 Women’s Champions, following their 2-1 win against Haiti. For more on what’s trending, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Caribbean National Weekly, and on Twitter at National Weekly.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 74 and a low of 68. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 75 and a low of 68. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. 

HANA celebrates Multicultural Festival

Nothing reflects South Florida’s diversity like the region’s dedicated and hardworking community of nursing professionals. The Haitian American Nursing Association (HANA) certainly believes so, celebrating their profession’s cultural variety by hosting this year’s Multicultural Festival, held this past Saturday at Miami Dade College’s North Campus.

Members from ten local ethnic associations showed up to support the annual event. President of the Florida Nurses Association Dr. Leah Kinnaird served as keynote speaker, delivering an address on the value of cultural diversity in the field. Each association also presented their latest initiatives and goals to fellow members of the field. In addition, to celebrate the rich cultural backgrounds of South Florida’s nursing professionals, members of each nurses association presented some aspect of their traditional culture, from a traditional dance performance by HANA members to a fan dancing from the Philippine Nurses Association of South Florida. Attendees could also sample delicious traditional dishes from each association.

Formed 6 years ago, the event, says HANA President Amina Dubuisson, has become a crucial way “of getting to know each other and about other cultures.”

Though the cultural immersion aspect of the event is always enjoyed by attendees, it’s the sharing of professional knowledge across ethnic boundaries that prove immensely valuable, says Dubuisson.

“As professionals, even though we are from different groups, it’s essential that we support each other,” says Dubussion. “This event works to mainly bring awareness to the community about all the associations and the way we can give back to our communities together.”

Ten associations in all participated in the event, including the Jamaican Nurse Association of Florida (JNAF), The Trinidad and Tobago Nurses Association of South Florida (TTNASF), Barbados Nurses Association of Florida (BNAFL), the Black Nurses Association – Miami Chapter (BNA-MC), the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), and the International Nurses Association of American (INAA).

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz are CFU’S U-17 Champions

Jamaica’s young Reggae Girlz defeated Haiti 1-0 at the Estadio Juan Roman Loubriel in Puerto Rico on Sunday to capture the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) Under-17 Championships.

A third minute strike from Florida-based Shayla Smart proved to be the decider in the final.

The young Reggae Girlz will now turn their focus on the CONCACAF Championships, which will be played in Grenada, in February .

If successful, they will advance from that round to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Jordan from September 30-October 21.

 

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