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Miami Gardens Wine & Food Experience A Success

Zina Jackson owner of A to Zina Cakes and Pastries (middle) poses with volunteer students from Johnson & Wales University.

It was a glamorous night in Miami Gardens in the city’s inaugural Wine and Food Experience.

Actor Omari Hardwick, famed for star roles in Starz’s “Power” and BET’s “Being Mary Jane” heads to Miami Gardens, served as a special guest and celebrity judge.

Hardwick’s touch of Hollywood flair was just part of the glamorous attractions planned for the first ever festival. A riot of gourmet flavors, the event featured a master chef show down among several celebrated South Florida chefs, with a hefty dose of Caribbean flavor. The featured culinary talents included Jamaican celebrity chef Troy Tingling, Jamaican pastry master Myriam Charles, executive chef Boy Ali, and TV’s “Cutthroat Kitchen” competitor, Haitian-American Alain Lemaire.

But not all the heat was in the kitchen. A variable line-up of hot jazz performed, including stars Marie Antoinette, James Dawkins, Melton Mustafa and the Jai Rose Band. The inaugural event also included delightful complimentary tastings of signature dishes from the competitors, as well as samplings of renowned wine and spirits, a bartender showdown and live music.

Soca Warriors defeat Guatemala, Reggae Boyz sink to Panama in CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers

Action from the World Cup qualifier between visiting Trinidad & Tobago (red jersey) and Guatemala on November 13, 2015, in Guatemala City. (Photo: Caribbean Action Images)

It was victory for Trinidad and Tobago and tragedy for Jamaica in this weekend’s round of World Cup semi-final qualifiers.

Khaleem Hyland led the Soca Warriors to their first goal in the 67th minute, beating Guatemala’s goalkeeper Paulo Cesar Motta. Not too long after, Kenwyne Jones made it 2-0 in the 80th minute. Guatemalan Carlos Meija scored a goal in the 90th minute but it was too late for the Guatemalans. With the win, Trinidad and Tobago has secured 3 valuable points in their group.

The Reggae Boyz, however, weren’t as lucky as the Warriors. Jamaica lost 2-0 against Panama in front of a home crowd in Kingston. Armando Cooper neatly scored for Panama in the 42nd minute, then an own goal by Jamaican Wes Morgan in the 52 minute secured a second goal for the Panamanians.

Dominica PM aiming to raise EC$30 million for CBI programme

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit (Photo courtesy:dominicanewsonline.com)

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, says his country is aiming to raise  EC$30 million for 2015 in the Citizenship By Investment (CBI) programme.

The Prime Minister made the remark during an interview in Bangkok on November 7th with Investvine, a business news site in South Asia.  

“The government is setting annual budget targets for the programme. This year, we aim at proceeds of $30 million from less than 200 citizenships granted,” he said.

Skerrit said the CBI is designed to grant investors a second citizenship and a Dominican passport in exchange for foreign investment.

“This can be done either by investing directly into a government development initiative or by purchasing property on the island, be it a holiday home or a fractional ownership of a hotel or resort development. There are different title deeds offered for such investments. Our second citizenship is used by people who need to travel a lot and can do that with a Dominican passport easier than with their home passport,” he added.

 

Miami Dade police remain on high alert following attacks in Paris

Following this weekend’s tragic terrorist attacks in Paris, The Miami-Dade Police Department says they continue “to monitor the situation” through the Southeast Florida Fusion Center. Though the department confirmed that “there is no information” on any local threats, all Miami-Dade Police Department officers have been advised to remain on high alert.

Authorities throughout the country have taken precautionary measures since the attacks, with police departments in major cities across the United States saying they were increasing police patrols in response to the attacks.

On Friday night, terror swept Paris on Friday as a series of attacks left more than 100 people dead in one of the worst attacks in the country’s history.

The six attacks left the government no choice but to put the country on lockdown, calling for a state of emergency.

Some of the gunmen responsible for the attacks are believed to be dead as authorities reported that seven of the attackers died by suicide bombings. French authorities are now hunting down any potential accomplices as the investigation widened beyond this nation’s borders.

Art Beat Miami to bring Art Basel to Little Haiti

Launching December 1st, Art Beat Miami is the highly anticipated satellite show presented by Northeast Second Avenue Partnership (NE2P) showcasing emerging and renowned artists from Haiti, the Caribbean and around the world.

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Little Haiti during the height of Miami’s Art Basel season, this special festival brings together multidisciplinary artists working in collaboration to highlight the culturally rich and diverse creativity of local artists and the Haitian and wider Caribbean Diaspora here and beyond.

The celebrations begin with pop-up art fair exhibiting great works from local and international artists, running from Tuesday, December 1st to Sunday, December 6th at The Caribbean Marketplace in the Little Haiti Cultural Center. This exhibit will showcase the best works across a variety of mediums including paintings, sculptures, drawings, fine art, street art installations and photographs. Pulitzer Prize winning Miami Herald Photojournalist Carl Juste will also be curating the exhibition.

This year, Art beat Miami will also include the Little Haiti Mural Project. Curated by Yo Miami, the project will be a large-scale public street art installation, spanning 30-buildings throughout Little Haiti, featuring the work of muralists of Case Maclaim, Axel Void, Yuhmi Collective, Claudio Picasso (CP1), Jorge Rodriguez, Hoxx, Ruben Ubiera and many more.

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denies request to create new DAPA program

In a disappointing decision last week, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Obama Administration’s request to move forward on the Executive Actions announced by the President in November 2014, to expand the current DACA program for Dreamers and create a new DAPA program for some parents of Residents and Citizens.

This Appeals court ruling is essentially a refusal to lift the “stay” imposed by the lower court in Texas and not a ruling on the validity of Obama’s Executive Actions themselves. For background, the legal controversy originally arose when the State of Texas filed a lawsuit against the Obama Administration to  stop the President’s Executive Actions from being implemented in February 2015.

Under the President’s Executive Actions, estimated to benefit some 5 Million Immigrants, the expanded DACA program for Dreamers would allow Immigrants who came to the U.S. on or before January 1, 2010 (before the age of 16), to apply for DACA status and a Work Permit, without a restriction on their current age and the new DAPA program would allow parents who came to the U.S.  on or before January 1, 2010 and who had U.S. Resident or Citizen children (born before November 20, 2014)  to apply for DAPA status and a Work Permit.

It is unfortunate that in recent years there seems to be a conservative, anti-immigrant climate in America and with that, coupled with Congressional inaction on Immigration reform assured until at least 2017, many Immigrants have become hopeless, wondering if their plight will ever change.

However it’s important to understand that  this decision is not the final word on the President’s Immigration Executive Actions, since  if the Supreme Court rules in Obama’s favor next Spring or Summer,  it will be very difficult  for any future Republican President or Congress to cancel the program. And the chances of Obama’s success before the Supreme Court though not guaranteed, are good, since every U.S. President since 1956 has used executive prerogative to grant temporary relief to Immigrants and the Supreme Court has repeatedly held in favor of  Presidential executive authority. As a result, many experts believe that the decision issued by the Fifth Circuit’s decision will not hold up with the Supreme Court.

With that said, Immigrants need not be too disheartened, since there is still light at the end of the tunnel and while it may take more time, as the saying goes, “good things come to those who wait”.

Bermuda tourism officials welcome increase in visitor arrivals

Chief executive officer of the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) Bill Hanbury

Tourism officials in Bermuda have welcomed an increase in visitor arrivals to the island in the third quarter of 2015 but say they are not satisfied with the pace of progress.

Chief executive officer of the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) Bill Hanbury described the 5.6 per cent rise in cruise, yacht and air visitors between July and September compared with the same period in 2014 as “positive news”. 

“The numbers are tracking in the right direction, but we are not satisfied,” Hanbury said.

“We are not happy with the pace of progress, it has been frustrating. But we believe we have done the right thing in thinking about the long-term solution rather than looking for a quick fix.”

But Hanbury said major investments in Bermudian entrepreneurs to improve “product and experience” as well as the millions ploughed into a state-of-the-art web site and new rebranding architecture would pay dividends in the long term. 

He revealed on Wednesday that the BTA would be handing out a further US$800,000 in grants next week as part of its drive to improve and increase activity options for visitors. 

Between July and September vacation air arrivals saw a small increase of 0.31 per cent compared to last year, but for the first nine months of the year leisure air arrivals are down 0.80 per cent on 2014. 

The latest BTA statistics show that airlift capacity to Bermuda has dropped by eight per cent or 34,000 seats in the first three quarters of the year. However, the first quarter of 2016 is forecast to see a 14 per cent year-over-year increase in airlift capacity. 

 

Author Fayon Robinson to discuss new book at AARLCC Book Talk

On Saturday, November 28, at 2PM, local author Fayon Robinson will discuss her book about a young bully’s attitude change at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Her book is titled, The Attitude Change: Kenny’s Story. The book is published by Tate Publishing.

The author says, “Kenny is a 7-year-old precocious little boy who is always getting in trouble. He is the head of every playground fight, and his grades are below average. He is always looking for new thrills, new ways to bully his victims and new ways to get away with it. Kenny enjoys bullying all the little boys and girls in his neighborhood. That is his way of life — until he meets his new best friend, Humblet.”

Miss Robinson is a native of Jamaica who currently resides in Margate. A teacher for more than 20 years, Robinson works with at-risk students in inner city schools. She started writing at a young age and has written several poems which were published in newspapers while the author was still living in Jamaica.

Residents urged to donate to Broward County’s food drive

A growing number of families count on local food pantries year-round to feed their households. Join the County as residents and County employees are asked to help meet the need for nonperishable foods by donating to Broward County’s Holiday Food Drive.

Since 2010, Broward County employees and residents have collected almost 36,000 pounds of food for local food banks through a 365 Year-Round Food Drive. Residents can help by bringing any of the suggested nonperishable food items to any of the County’s collection locations listed below:

  • Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale
  • Government Center West, 1 N. University Drive, Plantation
  • Main Courthouse, 201 SE Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale
  • North Regional County Courthouse, 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach
  • South Regional County Courthouse, 3550 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
  • West Regional County Courthouse, 100 N. Pine Island Road, Plantation
  • Water and Wastewater Services, 2555 W. Copans Road, Pompano Beach
  • Port Everglades, 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale
  • Aviation Department, 2200 SW 45 Street, Dania Beach
  • Broward County Main Library and all branch libraries

“We must work together to combat hunger and homelessness in our community.  During this holiday season and through the year, please be generous and donate whatever you can to feed children and families in need in Broward County,” said Mayor Tim Ryan.

Suggested Food Items include:

  • Canned Meats
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Canned Fruits
  • Canned Fish
  • Peanut Butter
  • Jelly or Jam
  • Shelf Milk
  • Pasta
  • Beans – Dry and Canned
  • Baby Food

For more information, visit Broward.org/fooddrive.

Immunizations that protect hearing

Many factors — known and still being researched — can cause or contribute to hearing loss, including illness, noise and aging. However, there’s a myriad of things you can do to reduce the risk of you or your child developing hearing loss. Begin by getting all medically-recommended vaccinations against preventable diseases.

Diseases known to damage hearing

Many diseases known to be dangerous to overall health may also cause hearing loss. The following diseases and their associated vaccination information can serve as an introductory guide for parents and adults seeking information on hearing loss and certain diseases. As always, consult your physician for more detailed and personalized recommendations.

Pneumonia (pneumococcal disease)

More than just a lung infection, pneumococcal diseasecomes in many forms. More than half of middle ear infections are the result of pneumococcus bacteria, while severe forms of the disease can cause permanent hearing loss. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against 13 forms of pneumococcal bacterial infection. The PCV13 (brand name Prevnar 13) vaccine is used for infants and children up to 5 years old, adults 65 years or older, and adults under 65 with weakened immune systems. A different vaccine, PPSV23 (brand name Pneumovax), protects against 23 types of the bacteria and is intended for all adults 65 years or older and children two years or older at higher risk of pneumococcal bacterial infection.

Meningitis

The bacterial form of this disease is associated with hearing loss, which occurs in 15 to 30 percent of children who contract the disease, due to inflammation damaging the nerve that conducts sound from the ear to the brain for processing. Three kinds of meningitis vaccines are available in the U.S to protect against meningitis:

* Meningococcal conjugate (brand names Menactra, MenHibrix, and Menveo)

* Meningococcal polysaccharide (brand name Menomune)

* Serogroup B (brand names Bexsero and Trumenba)

A meningitis vaccine is only recommended for children 2 months to 10 years old identified as having an increased risk of meningitis infection. All preteens 11-12 years old should be vaccinated with Menactra or Menveo, with a booster dose administered at 16. Serogroup B is only recommended for those at increased risk of developing meningitis. As for adults who were never vaccinated for meningitis, it’s a good idea to talk to your physician about getting vaccinated if you are planning to travel overseas, are entering the military or have an immune deficiency.

Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)

Ear infections affect approximately one out of every 10 children infected with measles or rubella (aka “German” measles) and can leave them with permanent hearing loss. Pregnant women who contract rubella early on can pass the virus to their fetus, leading to birth defects that include deafness. A mumps viral infection can damage the cochlea (inner ear) and cause hearing loss or complete deafness in one or both ears.

The MMR vaccine is recommended for all children starting between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose at 4 to 6 years old. Adults should get at least one dose if they lack immunity, as should teens going into college. A variant of this vaccine is now available that also covers varicella (MMRV).

Whooping cough (pertussis)

Irreversible hearing loss is among the potential complications from whopping cough. At 18 months, children should receive their first DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine as part of a five-dose schedule administered again at ages 2, 4, 6, and 15. A booster is available for adolescents and adults called Tdap. Expectant mothers should also receive a Tdap dose between 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Chicken pox (varicella zoster)

The chicken pox virus can damage hearing in children and adults. Babies whose mothers become infected during pregnancy may be born with hearing loss, and children who contract it directly are at greater risk of ear infections that could result in hearing damage. Older adults who had chicken pox in their youth may lose their hearing if the virus reactivates as shingles or as Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Two doses of the varicella vaccine (brand name Varivax) are recommended for children, adolescents, and adults. Alternately, the MMRV vaccine can be used as a single shot alternative in children between 12 months and 12 years old. The vaccine for shingles (brand name Zostavax) is recommended for people over the age of 60 whether they know for sure they’ve had chicken pox or not.

The flu (influenza)

In most cases, temporary hearing loss due to influenza is due to congestion and resolves once the flu passes. Sometimes, however, the virus attacks hearing organs directly, resulting in sudden and sometimes permanent hearing loss. Unlike the other vaccine options described above, there are a variety of seasonal flu vaccines. Each year the CDC calculates which flu viruses are more likely to be prevalent and recommends appropriate vaccines based on that data. They generally recommend everyone 6 months or older receive a flu vaccine at the beginning of every flu season (usually defined as the winter months) unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

“Although there are many causes and contributors to hearing loss, keeping yourself and your children up-to-date with immunizations is one of the easiest ways to avoid it,” says audiologist Dr. Carol Meyers, an educational specialist for Sivatos, Inc., the manufacturer of Siemens hearing aids. “Remember, if you’re unsure or have questions about immunizations, consult your physician.”

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CTO gears up to launch Caribbean Tourism and Hospitality Investment Guide

The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) says the first ever Caribbean Tourism and Hospitality Investment Guide targeted at international investors will be launched in Puerto Rico next week.

The guide has been produced by CTO in collaboration with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

It will be launched at the 2015 Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference and Operations Summit (CHICOS) in Puerto Rico, November 12 and 13, and at CTO’s Caribbean Week in Canada business events next week.

The publication showcases a wide range of investment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector in CTO member states and lists incentives that Caribbean Governments are offering to attract new business.

The Investment Guide focuses on the performance of the region’s tourism and hospitality sector and Caribbean economies. It also highlights increased airlift to the region and new investments in the industry – a reflection of investor confidence in the region.

“Ours is an attractive and desirable destination with a strong, competitive advantage due to our natural resources and authentic experiences,” said CTO Chairman Richard Sealy.

“Investing in the Caribbean makes good business sense. We know it and we are proud to produce a guide that illustrates it,” said Sealy, who is also, Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport.

 

Kingston City Run courts SoFlo Diaspora

President of the Jamaica Hotel Tourism Association (JHTA), Nicola Madden-Greig (left) stands with Caribbean Airlines Sales Executive for South Florida, Kaye Chong and Consul General of Jamaica Franz Hall.

Seeking to promote greater participation from the Diaspora in South Florida for its upcoming 2016 event, representatives from Kingston City Run held an official launch recently at the Jamaican Consulate in Miami.

The anticipate event, which will be held from March 11 to 13, includes a 5K, 10 K and half marathon race. Other additional landmark events include a Bacchanal carnival party, a Lifestyle and Wellness Expo and award ceremony for excelling participants.

“Throughout the race, you can go through all this historic and cultural sites of Kingston,” said president of the Jamaica Hotel Tourism Association (JHTA), Nicola Madden-Greig at the Miami launch event. “We truly believe this is a great way to truly showcase Kingston and its magnificent and iconic attractions.”

The run will go through popular locations throughout the city, including Devon House, King’s House, the revamped Hope Zoo and Gardens, and Emancipation Park. Madden-Greig also highlighted the event’s philanthropic focus, particularly targeting homelessness in the city.

“We look at it from the point of view that any city is only as strong as its weakest link,” said the JHTA president. “We want to help eliminate the plight of homeless persons.”

The City Run has been supporting charities like Missionaries of the Poor, which provides rehabilitation and skills training specifically to disadvantaged young men. Registered participants can also get involved in the event’s philanthropic efforts by visiting the charities, as well as directly donating to the event’s various causes.

“It’s not just about going and having fun,” said Greig. “We also want you to give back, so that spirit of volunteerism is all mixed into the whole event.”

The event is also geared to “change the perception that too many of us have had over the years about the city,” said Greig. “Kingston is a very vibrant, fun city.”

To encourage the Jamaican Diaspora to participate, event organizers, in partnership with hotels and travel agents, are also offering a “Come Along” Package, which gives major discounts to groups of 15.

Holiday entertaining made easy and healthy with fish

As the holidays approach, so does the prospect of indulging at annual festivities. It’s easy to get swept up in the celebratory mood, throw caution to the wind and revel in your favorite comfort foods when the weather gets cooler. But while the change in seasons brings a new bounty with which to dress the table, it doesn’t need to sidetrack your healthy eating habits.

Before the holiday rush, arm yourself with recipes for healthy dishes to serve for weeknight meals or even entertaining. With planning, you can pack essential protein, vitamins and minerals into a meal without skimping on flavor. Some fish, such as fresh, all-natural, lake-raised tilapia from Honduras and Mexico by Regal Springs (found fresh at seafood counters in retailers like Kroger, HEB, Safeway and Walmart or Costco’s frozen Kirkland Tilapia Loins) offer an excellent source of lean protein without excessive fat, carbohydrates or calories. Plus, lake-raised tilapia is more sustainable than wild-caught fish and provides great nutrition thanks to pristine lake water, a vegetable -based diet and no mercury or antibiotics.

Seasonal produce is a great way to boost the nutritional punch of lake-raised tilapia and compliment the mild, flaky fish. Root vegetables add heartiness, and their flavors are developed with just simple seasonings and oven roasting. In addition, don’t forget about citrus fruits that dominate at this time of year and add a bright, refreshing taste.

For a healthy and delicious meal with a restaurant-quality presentation, file away this recipe for oven roasted lake-raised tilapia with winter vegetables and citrus vinaigrette. A bonus gift for you: from start to finish, it takes less than 45 minutes!

Oven Roasted Lake-Raised Tilapia with Winter Vegetables and Citrus Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

4 lake-raised tilapia fillets

12 fingerling potatoes

2 turnips

8 small carrots

1 sweet onion

3 parsnips

2 cups washed baby spinach

1 lemon

1 lime

1 orange

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon honey

sea salt

fresh pepper

The vegetables:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel turnips, carrots, onion and parsnips; cut roughly the same size as a halved fingerling potato. Halve potatoes. Place vegetables on oiled sheet pan. Season with salt, pepper and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Roast 25 minutes or until fork tender.

The dressing:

Juice lemon and lime. Peel orange and segment; add juice from the pulp to the lemon and lime juice. In a metal mixing bowl, use a metal wire whisk to whisk honey, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon citrus juice. Slowly drizzle 4 tablespoons of EVOO. Fully emulsify the dressing.

The fish:

Brush lake-raised tilapia fillets with EVOO, season each side with salt and pepper. Place on oiled sheet pan. Roast at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

To plate:

Place one quarter of the roasted vegetables in the center of each of four plates. Top with the roasted tilapia. Toss spinach and orange in the dressing using tongs. Place small amount of salad alongside fish and vegetables, and serve.

Keep in mind that the vegetables will take longer to cook than the fish. For the best flavor, time the fish to come out of the oven last, and enjoy! For other tasty recipes thehealthyfish.com is another good resource.

Jamaica’s elections may come by end of the year

Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party Andrew Holness and Prime Minister of Jamaica Portia Simpson-Miller.

Speculation about a December general election in Jamaica has escalated tremendously, as both major parties, the governing People’s National Party (PNP) and the opposition Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) traverse the island holding mass political rallies.

According to a PNP official, who asked to remain anonymous due to the topic’s sensitive nature, Simpson Miller is contemplating calling the election to coincide with her 70th birthday on December 12. With December 12 falling on a Saturday, the election date would be held on Monday, December 14, as the Jamaica Electoral office recently expressed its preference for elections on Monday’s or Tuesday’s, giving the weekend to prepare polling stations and poll workers.

For the election to be held on December 14, an announcement should be imminent. According to the Jamaican electoral regulations, a general election can be called a minimum of 16 days after Nomination Day. Sticking with the December 14 date, if Simpson Miller plans to allow the minimum 16 days for campaigning, Nomination Day would be on or around November 25. With Nomination Day normally a week after the election date is announced, that date would need be by November 18. Therefore a mass rally to announce the election date could be held anytime up to November 18.

Even without knowing the exact election date, there are strong indications the elections are pending sooner than later. Besides the mass political rallies, and the rush by the parties to finalize the candidates representing each of the 63 constituencies, on Wednesday both the JLP and PNP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jamaican Debates Commission to hold three debates between party representatives between Nomination Day and Election Day.

Polls conducted by Jamaican pollster Don Anderson last October showed the two parties in a dead heat, each having 30 percent of the vote. This was positive news for the PNP, as the polls showed a four point increase for the party from 26 percent in July, while the JLP only saw a one point increase.

Speaking with voters in rural Jamaica and the urban Kingston and St. Andrew region, the National Weekly determined strong support for the PNP in rural Jamaica, especially Western Jamaica, while Kingston and St. Andrew remain split between parties. Voters in rural Jamaica, especially those over 50, were solidly in support for Simpson Miller.

“Momma P is for poor people,” said Myron Francis, farmer of Walkers Wood in St. Ann. “Things still rough, but there are signs things will improve soon.”

But in the suburb of Orange Grove, Upper St. Andrew, 28 year-old Maleek Holt said, “Whoever wins the next election in Jamaica is irrelevant. The country’s problems are so entrenched neither party can make any systematic change soon.”

However, Holt is leaning toward voting JLP. “I think JLP leader [Andrew] Holness has a better chance of getting strong support nationally and internationally to make attempts at real change.”

Heartbreaking loss for Ft. Lauderdale Strikers

It was heartbreaking defeat for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, losing to the New York Cosmos 2-1 in the North American Soccer League (NASL) semifinals at MCU Park in Brooklyn.

The Strikers got the ball rolling with the game’s first goal, shot by 21-year-old midfielder Victor Giro “PC” early on in the 16th minute. But they could not hold on to their lead in the second half, as the Cosmos responded with goals from Raúl González Blanc and Gastón Cellerino.

The loss brings back bad memories for the Strikers, who have twice advanced to the NASL finals and emerged with a lost

“We didn’t deserve to lose this game,” said Strikers coach Günter Kronsteiner. “I feel sorry for the guys, extremely sorry, because they played a great game.”

Artist pleads guilty to $4.5 M in counterfeit bills

Haitian-born and Delray Beach-based artist Jean Losier has pled guilty to forging over $4.5 million in counterfeit U.S. bills from his studio.

The extensive counterfeit ring began in 2008 as a printing plant out of his apartment, where he bleached genuine $1 bills and printed $50 and $100 denominations on the paper. Distributors would then buy the bills from him at 10 cents on the dollar. Most of his fake currency circulated throughout South and Central Florida, but authorities also claim that that about $1 million was circulated in other states, as well as abroad.

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 1974, Loiser moved to the United States when he was 3. Before he was arrested, Loiser ran an art studio in Delray Beach, and was popular among local restaurants for his brightly colored contemporary paintings and sculptures. His work also regularly appeared on the local art festival circuit.

Loiser faces a maximum 20-year federal prison sentence, in addition to the 5-year term he is currently serving, after a jury in Jacksonville found him guilty of a related offence in June. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend he will serve both prison terms at the same time. He will also be likely deported back to Haiti following his prison term. His final sentence will be decided next January.

His lawyer Jason Kreiss has pleaded for leniency, saying to the judge that “Mr Losier has accepted responsibility for his actions and he is very sorry.”

Paris terrorist attacks leave more than 100 dead

Terror swept Paris on Friday as a series of attacks left more than 100 people dead in one of the worst attacks in the country’s history.

The six attacks left the government no choice but to put the country on lockdown, calling for a state of emergency.

All the gunmen responsible for the attacks are believed to be dead as authorities reported that seven of the eight attackers died by suicide bombings.

As a precaution, police officers has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid outdoor public events.

The attacks on Friday are the second time this year the country has come under attack by gunmen. In January, the capital was struck by attackers who claimed allegiance to Islamic State and an al Qaeda affiliate.

It was unclear who was behind Friday’s onslaught. The country has joined the U.S. led air campaign against Islamic State territory in Iraq and Syria, vowing retaliation from the militant group.

5 helpful tips for new moms

The smiles, the soft coos and yes, even that now all-too-familiar cry – it’s only been a few months but already you can’t picture life without your little one. You’re constantly focused on their every movement and will do anything to make sure they have what they need. But while you’re focused on your baby’s happiness and health, who’s doing the same for you?

“It’s common for new moms to put the needs of their baby first,” says Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a practicing OB/GYN, women’s health expert and founder of Her Viewpoint, a premier online women’s health community. “While it’s a natural tendency for most mothers, it’s critical they don’t ignore their own health. My resounding message to all new moms is that the healthier you are, the better you’ll be able to take care of your newborn.”

To better take care of yourself so you can ensure your overall wellness and that of your child, Dr. Shepherd offers these five tips:

* Manage your expectations. Your baby’s arrival didn’t come with a cape so don’t expect to be Super Mom. It’s OK to ask for help when you need it, and if something doesn’t go the way you planned, don’t be too hard on yourself. Learn from the situation and move on.

* Address stress urinary incontinence. A common result of pregnancy or childbirth is stress urinary incontinence (SUI) – bladder leaks triggered by everyday activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise. Now, women with SUI can have the freedom to live without worrying about their next leak! Poise Impressa Bladder Supports are the first over-the-counter, internal product designed to help stop leaks before they happen. Safely inserted into the vagina like a tampon, Poise Impressa Bladder Supports gently lifts the urethra to help prevent leaks for up to eight hours every day. Note that new moms with SUI should wait at least three months after childbirth before trying Poise Impressa Bladder Supports, but once they do, Impressa can help give them the freedom and confidence to live active, fulfilled lives.

* Stay active. Yes, being a new mom naturally keeps you pretty active, but it’s also good to take some time for activity that focuses on you instead of your child. Ask your partner, family member or friend to babysit once a week so you can go for a run, hit the gym, take a yoga class or find some other physical activity that reinvigorates you.

* Don’t skip the most important meal of the day. What did you have for breakfast today? If you routinely skip this meal because you’re so focused on getting the bottle ready, stop. Studies show a good breakfast can leave you feeling more satisfied and empowered with more energy, perfect for taking care of a child.

* Set an appropriate bedtime… for yourself. Yes, bedtimes aren’t just for your youngsters; they’re good for you as well. Many moms make the mistake of supplementing a lack of sleep with extra caffeine or sugar, exposing them to harmful health effects and weight gain. Instead of spending that last hour of the day in front of the TV or iPad, try going to bed earlier. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel in the morning.

New motherhood can be the most rewarding experience of your life and it can also be the most taxing, particularly if you haven’t supported your own wellness. However, if you place some much-needed emphasis on you, there’s no reason this first year can’t be as enjoyable for you as it is for your baby.

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Have a fun and flavorful thanksgiving with simple, delicious recipes

For most, Thanksgiving is all about tradition. Many of us have family recipes we look forward to eating year after year, and family and friends we are excited to see every Turkey Day. Thanksgiving family customs may run strong, but for those who like to have fun in the kitchen and celebrate the season with pals, Friendsgiving is becoming a popular yearly ritual.

Friendsgiving is a time to get together with friends and eat a delicious and creative meal. Sushi? Sure! Pizza? Please! Other Friendsgivings may be made up of Thanksgiving staples with the volume turned up. In any case, Friendsgiving is a time to have fun, eat well and give thanks with friends.

A holiday classic in their own right, California Ripe Olives are the perfect ingredient to give your Friendsgiving dishes a little twist. From the relish tray to the mashed potatoes, there’s always a place on the table for the ever-versatile ripe olive. For a new take on a traditional stuffing, try combining sourdough bread, butternut squash, cranberries, bacon and California Ripe Olives. The sweet squash and cranberries, crunchy bacon and ripe olives combine for a flavor and texture punch that will leave your guests wanting seconds — maybe even thirds.

So this year for Friendsgiving, try dressing up your recipes with versatile and delicious California Ripe Olives to make your dishes pop.

Butternut Squash, Ripe Olive and Cranberry Stuffing

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into ½ inch dice

1 ½ teaspoons grapeseed oil

salt and pepper, to taste

6 tablespoons butter, divided

1 medium leek, white parts only, cleaned and sliced

2 cups chopped celery

1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

4 heaping cups sourdough bread chunks

¾ cup dried cranberries

6 slices thick cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 (6 ounce) can extra large California Ripe Olives, sliced

1 ½ – 2 cups chicken stock

Heat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Add the diced butternut squash and drizzle with grapeseed oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 35-40 minutes or until tender and lightly browned. Set aside when finished.

While squash is roasting, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick skillet and add leeks and celery. Sauté for 10-15 minutes, or until the leeks begin to soften, stirring frequently.

In a large bowl combine the roasted butternut squash, sautéed leeks, celery, sage, bread, dried cranberries, bacon and olives. Season with salt and pepper and add chicken stock until bread is moist but not soaked with liquid.

Transfer to 9×13 baking dish and top with remaining 4 tablespoons of diced butter. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for 30-35 minutes. The top of the stuffing should be golden brown and crunchy.

Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

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JWOF “Ole Tyme Gran Market” returns in grand style

Sometimes, despite the glitz of high tech shopping, there’s nothing better than the old school way – strolling through stalls on a sunny day, chatting with talents craftsmen about truly unique handmade products.

The Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) certainly think so, launching their second annual “Ole Tyme Jamaican Gran Market” on Saturday, November 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Christway Baptist Church in Miramar.

The event is inspired by the traditional “Gran’ Market” of the Caribbean, when arts and crafts fairs provide shoppers with unique items for the holiday season. South Florida’s own Gran Market is perfectly timed just after the craziness of Black Friday, where shoppers can take their time looking for that special gift.

The event has again attracted vendors from Jamaica, as well as local vendors, ranging from art and craft, original art pieces, jewelry, cosmetics, leather goods, gourmet food items, baked goods, and a farmer’s market with a variety of home grown produce.

The day’s activities also feature local artistes. These special acts include international percussionist and drummer Willy Stewart and new singing trio sisters 3B4Joy, the Tallawah Mento Band, Jamaica Folk Revue and local dub poet Malachi Smith.

As is tradition, entertainment for children will also be provided, including old school Jamaican folktales in the Reading Corner, featuring special guests such as Jamaica’s Consul General Franz Hall, Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, Jamaican author Roberto Marley, and playwright Easton Lee. A Kiddies’ Corner will also feature a Bounce House and a variety of games. And Gran Market is never the same without Santa Claus, who will close the festivities delighting the children with a selection of toys.

Proceeds will benefit the JWOF annual renewable Scholarship program “Powerful Women….Next Generation.” Three neighborhood families will also receive a $100 gift certificate, just in time for Thankgiving.

Sister Souljah heads to Lauderdale Lakes Library

On Thursday, November 19, the organization Readingpaysmore will be hosting author and activist Sister Souljah at the Lauderdale Lakes Library Educational and Cultural Center. Come hear her talk about how parents can instill a love of reading in their children.

The celebrated author will give a public reading, as well as be available for book signing. A selection of her best sellers will also be available for sale at the event.

Sister Souljah (born Lisa Williamson) is an American five-time national best-selling author, activist and film producer. In 2007, she became a New York Times Best Selling author and has since charted in the top ten of the NYT list three times over. She has penned the novels “The Coldest Winter Ever,” “Midnight, A Gangster Love Story,” “Midnight and The Meaning of Love,” as well as non-fiction book, “No Disrespect.” On November 10th, her newest novel, “A Moment of Silence, MIDNIGHT III” was released wherever books are sold.

“ReadingPaysMore is proud to be partnering with Lauderdale Lakes Library and Pyramid Books to give South Florida residents a chance to meet the acclaimed author,” said Georgia D.N. Robinson, Esq., Founder of ReadingPaysMore. “Sister Souljah is an example of how the love of reading can expand our minds and open opportunities we never dreamed were possible. Her books inspire, entertain and educate.”

Readingpaysmore is a non-profit organization that advocates for the financial and other rewards of reading to children and adults. Their vision is that children and adults will use reading as a daily activity to expand their minds, hearts and lives.

UPR calls on St. Kitts & Nevis to establish a moratorium on use of death penalty

The United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group has called on St. Kitts-Nevis to establish a moratorium on the use of the death penalty with a view to its abolition.

On Wednesday, the UPR, conducted an examination St. Kitts-Nevis human rights record and called on the twin-island Federation to also “take active measures to abolish corporal punishment of children in all settings”.

As it did in the case of St. Lucia last week, the UPR also called on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to adopt legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

It also called on Basseterre to repeal all legislation that may discriminate against LGBTI persons, to decriminalise same sex relations between consenting adults and to prosecute all perpetrators of sexual and domestic violence.

The review was the twin-island Federation’s second review and the UPR said it was aimed at highlighting human rights developments in the country since its first review and provided an opportunity for States under review to spell out steps taken to implement recommendations posed during their first reviews.

In her presentation to the UPR, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in St. Kitts-Nevis.

Kaye Bass, noted that the twin-island Federation has not imposed the death penalty for several years and only three people have been executed within the last 30 years, and none in almost seven years.

She said the government was reviewing criminal justice procedures to reduce the length of detention without trial and aimed to reduce the backlog of criminal cases and that the state was continuing to adopt measures to put an end to corporal punishment.

 

Citations approved for weed in Broward County

Broward County has joined the trend in reducing penalties for minor marijuana possession, following that County Commission’s unanimous approval. Civic citations instead of arrests can be given for the possession of marijuana less than 20 grams (0.7 oz).

The new regulation, which according to County Commissioner Dale Holness, should become effective by the end of the year, offers different tiers of civil citations depending the number of possessions. However, an offender, if caught with less than 20 grams of marijuana, could face arrests if he was found driving under the influence, or in a violent act.

For the first offense, the offender will receive a $100 fine, the second offense a $250 fine, and the third $500 fine. After the third offense, the perpetuator will be subject to arrest. Offenders caught with less than 20 grams for the first and second time will be offered the option to do 8 hours of community service. Under the new regulation, third-time offenders caught with less than 20 grams of marijuana will be assessed for marijuana addiction, and may be placed in a drug treatment program.

By offering offenders citations, these individuals will not incur damaging criminal records – which was a persuading point for the commission, concerned of the major job obstacles such a minor offence would create, particularly for young people.

Holness said he had advocated that after the third offence, “the offender be placed in a drug treatment program, instead of being arrested,” but that position was overruled.

The new regulations were also supported by Broward Sheriff Scott Israel, and Florida’s State Attorney Office.

Miami-Dade County has already reduced the penalty for small quantity of marijuana from arrests to civic citations. The Palm Beach County Commission is also scheduled to vote on the measure in December.

Percy Carson, a Broward legal-aid attorney, says his department has had to address several cases in the past involving young people arrested for small quantities of marijuana. He welcomes the Broward County Commission vote, but says he’s still concerned about how the new law is going to be carried out by police officers.

“Police will still have the discretion to offer a citation or arrest an offender,” says Carson. “Who will determine during a stop if the quantity of weed is less than 20 grams? How will this quantity be measured? The county commission has done its job. Now the county police, and officers of respective city departments must ensure these citations are given without dispute or malice.”

Carson said he’s also concerned that the new regulation is not binding to every city in the county.

“A city can opt out of this regulation,” says Carson. “There should be some way it’s binding to all the cities in the county.”

 

Progress at last for Broward’s $800M bond project

 

Good news has finally come for Broward County’s trouble $800 million General Obligation Bond Project for the Broward public school system. Unforeseen delays has impeded the, now called the Safety, Music/Arts, Athletics, Renovating, Technology (SMART) Initiative. But officials announced that it’s now making progress on the SMART initiative, including the planned renovation of existing school facilities and the construction of new buildings.

The Broward County School Board and Superintendent Robert Runcie has been the target of criticism since county voters approved an $800 million bond in November 2014.

But BCPS information officer Nadine Drew confirmed the district has hired former Houston School District Chief Operation Officer Leo Bobadilla as the Chief Facilities officer for the initiative’s renovations. Meanwhile, the Broward School Board has begun advertising for design and building services for major SMART projects at three county high schools: Blanche Ely, Stranahan and Northeast. The Board estimates the preliminary budget to improve the facilities at these schools at $45 million.

County Public School Superintendent Robert Runcie said the goal of the school District is to complete over 1,000 facility development SMART projects over the next five to seven years. Runcie also cited progress on the technology component of the SMART initiative. $80 million of the $800 million grant has been allocated to purchase new computers to improve the student-to-device ratio as a part of the District’s personalized 21st century learning objectives in county schools. The District is ahead schedule in this aspect of the initiative, and has ordered over 26,000 computers for over 60 schools. Of this amount 14,000 have been assigned to the schools, and ome 4,000 wireless access points have been installed in these schools.

The BCPS has also implemented the independent Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) to monitor the progress of projects under the SMART initiative. The committee is expected to issue its first quarterly report on November 30.

“We remain focused and relentless in our commitment to deliver on the promises made to the community, and to execute the SMART program with the highest level of integrity,” said Runcie. “Our children deserve nothing less.”

One on One: Suzette Speaks interviews Kaci Fennell at the Jamaica Jerk Festival

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