To promote home ownership among the Caribbean American community, the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce (GCACC) is hosting a Financial Forum on Home Ownership, on Saturday, November 14, starting 10 at am at the Florida Medical Center auditorium.
First time home buyers, previous homeowners, and business owners are invited to join in on the discussion.
Local industry professionals will be on hand to answer questions.
Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has hailed the Jacksonville-based Northeast Florida Medical Society for providing free health services for residents in Hanover and St. James.
The group, led by Guyanese Dr. Kenneth Jones, is currently in Jamaica for their second annual mission, to be held from November 9 to 13.
The team will be providing primary, gynaecological, pain management, and dental care at elected health centers in Hanover; and Granville in St. James.
Major surgeries will also be performed at Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea, Hanover; Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, St. James; and the Falmouth General Hospital in Trelawny.
The team will also be donating medical, surgical and pharmaceutical supplies to aid in the delivery of healthcare services in the region.
Twenty-first century agriculture and the Caribbean’s future will be the main agenda at the 17th annual Invest Caribbean Business Forum. Hosted by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), the forum will be held in Washington D.C. from November 19 to 20.
Under the theme, “Optimizing Value Chains in Agriculture and Extractive Industries,” the two-day forum will begin with a Congressional Caribbean Caucus Roundtable hosted by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke on Capitol Hill. Additional forums include on “The Future of Youth in Agriculture” at the Organization of American States, and the Business Roundtable, where U.S. and Caribbean business persons, Caribbean diplomatic corps and policy makers discuss sustainable growth opportunities.
The focus of the conference is to provide participants information about emerging trade and investment opportunities in the agribusiness sector throughout the Caribbean. The conference will also address opportunities to establish sustainable and profitable partnerships in the extractive industries sector.
“Agriculture remains a key sector with emerging potential to create jobs from micro to mega enterprises,” says ICS President and Founder, Dr. Claire Nelson. “Given a food import bill of over US$4 billion, investments in the agriculture sector can provide both food security and jobs and also earn foreign exchange. We need to transform the culture of agriculture in the Caribbean.”
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the leader of the minority opposition Democratic Republican Party (DRP) Anesia Baptiste is calling for a national debate among the leaders of the main political parties before voters cast ballots in the December 9 general election.
She said the debate would provide the electorate with a clearer understanding of the policies of the political parties.
November 20 is Nomination Day but both the ruling Unity Labour Party and the main opposition New Democratic Party are expected to nominate candidates for all 15 constituencies.
Baptiste said there is a need to lift the quality of campaign ahead of the elections.
“People would be able to hear us as political leaders and even candidates, sit down as men and women and discuss the issues confronting Vincentians in different areas.
“The people need that opportunity so they can decide who they will vote based on the issues and not what appears to be this kind of cuss out culture that has been growing among us in the country,” the DRP leader told radio listeners.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, seeking a fourth consecutive term in office, told party supporters that the party would not engage in “gutter politics” in a bid to ensure victory at the polls.
The South Florida nursing education community is still reeling from the sudden closing of popular for-profit medical institution, Dade Medical College. The school recently shut down all six of their campuses in South and Central Florida, without warning to students and employees. This follow a series of scandals for the school, from owner Ernesto Perez pleading guilty to campaign violations to record low nurse licensing exam passing rates.
But Dade Medical’s downfall should be far from a surprise. Their story sheds light on the precarious position for local medical technical training. Ever since 2009, when the Florida’s Department of Health proclaimed an upcoming shortage crisis in nurses, and the state legislature in response relaxed requirements to open training schools, the surge of more accessible, for-profit medical training programs have created a sub-par workforce. Based on the number of for-profit schools offering nursing courses, the graduation rate of nurses should be higher. But many of these schools in South Florida – often uncredited by the state – are offering substandard training, resulting in high failure rates in students attempting to obtain nursing licenses.
While most of the traditional nursing training institutions continue to graduate licensed nurses, the passing rates for graduates with an associate degree in nursing have declined from 86 percent in 2009 to 76 percent in 2014. However, the passing rates for several schools in South Florida are extremely lower, with four large schools, which included Dade Medical College, having an average pass rate of only 17 percent.
The demand for nurses and the potential for employment in private home and hospitals have motivated a high percentage of Caribbean-Americans to enter nursing schools. Some of these students were unable to graduate from high school, but went on to complete the required GED subjects to enter for-profit nursing schools with their less stringent admissions requirements.
However, the fees charged by these for-profit schools are usually higher than community colleges. The cost for an associate degree course for a physical therapist assistant at Dade Medical was $40,050, almost twice the amount at the region’s community colleges. In addition, most students at these for-profit schools paid for their courses with student loans, incurring massive debt, while the more fortunate received government Pell Grants.
While Florida’s Board of Nursing is authorized to close those schools that receive low passing rates in three successive years, this doesn’t help students who spent thousands of dollars only to face almost certain failure.
Granted, for-college schools serve a purpose in meeting the demand for trained nurses. However, it’s apparent that Florida’s legislature needs to reevaluate the status of these schools. More of them should be accredited, with applicants subject to more thorough evaluation to ensure they have the potential to pass the required licensing exam.
More importantly, Florida’s Board of Nursing should be required to consistently monitor the quality of the courses offered by the private schools. Several students who attended Dade-Medical complained about the poor quality of training offered by the college.
These colleges are earning large sums from students and tax payers. Dade-Medical was estimated to have made over $100 million from fees over the past three years.
These for-profit schools cannot be allowed to operate for the main purpose of making profits, while offering poor quality education. This policy must cease. Florida needs nurses, but they must be qualified to immediately embrace the role of providing quality care to patients.
Another possible solution to attaining this goal is for the state to increase funding to community colleges, enabling them to expand their nursing classes and accept more students at the associate nursing degree level.
Allowing private for-profit unaccredited medical schools to operate without being able to produce the qualified licensed nurses needed, essentially defeats the purpose of these schools.
Grenada’s Minister of Education Simon Stiell arrives in Miami on Wednesday for week-long meetings with local universities – University of Miami, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University and Miami Dade Community College, to discuss scholarships and in-state tuition for Grenadian students wishing to enroll in Florida colleges.
The Minister will also hold a townhall meeting this Saturday in Lauderhill to discuss the new education program with Diaspora members.
The main outcome of his visit to the sunshine state would be much needed scholarships for bright, young, aspiring students, eager for the opportunity to further their education and then return to give back to the Grenada.
It was sweet, sweet victory for cooks and foodies alike at the recent Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, at Markham Park in Sunrise. Stars chefs and celebrity cooks alike faced off in the festival’s three tense competitions with delicious results.
First up at the stove was the 2015 Publix Cook-off, where five local star chefs vied for the coveted golden Dutch Pot trophy for the best three course meal, including appetizer, salad and entre. In the end, Chef David Stample wooed judges Chef Duprat, Chef Chad Cherry, Chef Keith Lorren and Local 10 Weekend Anchor Todd Tongen with the sheer variety of his jerk spice applications. Jerk never looked so good in his winning course, which included black eye pea couscous salad with jerk shrimp, a trio of jerk seafood including smoked jerk salmon and avocado cream crostata, jerk crab cakes and jerk calamari salad, and a hefty entre of Jerk tamarin chicken breast with mofongo and a roasted jerk veggie stack. Second place went to Chef Freddi Famble, while third place went to Chek James Lubin.
For this year’s Publix Celebrity quick Fire Challenge, dubbed “The Battle of the Beauties,” Miss Universe Jamaica 2014, Kaci Fennell, and Miss Jamaica World 2008, Brittany Lyons battled for the best beef entre in 30 minutes, only allowed to use ingredients selected beforehand by star local Jamaican Chef Irie Spice. The two former beauty queens and culinary mavens were required to incorporate dill pickles and beloved Caribbean childhood ingredient, Foska Oats, in their dishes. And it was the self-declared foodie fanatic Fennell who napped the culinary crown with her delectable steak with tomato Foska Oats sauce.
Not to be outdone, the Publix Celebrity Chef Throwdown was just as intense, as Haitian-born Bravo TV’s Top Chef competitor, Chef Ron Duprat crossed knives and skillets with Pop-up Restaurant King of The Bahamas and 2014 Throwndown winner, Simeon Hall, Jr. Both were required to use Chinese pork sausage and the Caribbean classic Yummy Bun in their final plates. Though a tense (and scrumptious battle) Hall managed to once again to come out on top, holding on to his bragging rights through his sheer technical display of smoking, braising and jamming ingredients to perfection.
“This year has the best cooking competitions yet,” says the Festival’s cook-off organizer, June Minto. “We’re thrilled to showcase so many Caribbean culinary talents and all that our region’s unique ingredients can offer.”
Miami Heat has agreed to trade veteran guard Mario Chambers and James Ennis to the Memphis Grizzlies, in exchange to reserve players, guard Beno Udrih and forward Jarnell Stokes.Udrih and Stokes, however, will soon be traded elsewhere to help cut the Heat’s payroll and dodge a hefty luxury tax.
Chalmers currently owns the Heat all-time record for steals in a regular season game with nine on Nov. 5, 2008 vs. Philadelphia in what was his fourth career game.
The two time NBA Champion was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft following his junior season at the University of Kansas. He joined the Heat Organization not too long after, where he became one of 43 players to have won both an NBA title and NCAA Championship.
A look at some of the top stories making the news today, November 11, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.
Grenada’s Minister of Education Simon Stiell arrives in Miami today for week-long meetings with local universities to discuss scholarships and in-state tuition for Grenadian students wishing to enroll in Florida colleges. The Minister will also hold a townhall meeting this Saturday in Lauderhill to discuss the new education program with Diaspora members.
Haitian Women of Miami and other advocacy groups gathered in protest yesterday outside a Miami McDonalds demanding living wages for workers. As part of the national “Fight for $15” campaign, protestors are seeking to pressure lawmakers to raise Florida’s minimum wage to $15 an hour.
Foodie fans get geared up this weekend for the inaugural Miami Gardens Wine and Food Experience, set for this Saturday, starting 6 pm at the Miami Gardens Municipal Complex. The glamorous event will feature celebrity host, actor Omari Hardwick and a Master Chef Cook-off featuring local culinary talents.
In sports, Miami Heat has agreed to trade veteran guard Mario Chambers and James Ennis to the Memphis Grizzlies, in exchange to reserve players, guard Beno Udrih and forward Jarnell Stokes. Udrih and Stokes, however, will soon be traded elsewhere to help cut the Heat’s payroll and dodge a hefty luxury tax.
What’s trending:
Parents of premature child who died in recent UWI Hospital’s bacterial outbreak plans to file suit against health facility. 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:
Scattered Thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 88 and a low of 73. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 87 and a low of 73. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.
Foodie fans get geared up this weekend for the inaugural Miami Gardens Wine and Food Experience, set for this Saturday, starting 6 pm at the Miami Gardens Municipal Complex.
The upcoming Miami Gardens Wine and Food Experience Festival has confirmed star culinary talents, Jamaican celebrity chef Troy Tingling, pastry master Myriam Charles, and executive chef Boy Ali to compete in the Festival’s Master Chef Showdown.
The inaugural event will feature a surprise celebrity host, delightful complimentary tastings from South Florida chefs, master chef cook-offs, samplings of renowned wine and spirits, bartender showdown and live music.
The event is set for November 14th at the City of Miami Gardens Municipal Complex from 6pm to 12am.
Over 300 people took to the streets on Saturday to protest against alleged reports of fraud in the recent presidential election.
Some protestors resorted to violence forcing police to break up the demonstration with tear gas.
The results, released last Thursday, showed government backed candidate Jovenel Moise and former state construction chief Judge Celestin heading for a runoff vote on December 27 .
On Saturday, supporters of Celestine held placards with pictures of the candidate that said “Jude or Death”.
The election, which included balloting for parliament and mayors, attracted 54 presidential candidates,
Of the 5.8 million registered voters, over 1.5 million votes were cast in the election, of those 120,066 were invalidated for fraud and other irregularities.
The scheduled runoff between Moise and Célestin ,has not gone down well with some hopefuls and several have already announced plans to push for the removal of Moise, who has reportedly been chosen by President Michel Martelly.
Following the announcement of the preliminary results, eight of the candidates issued a signed letter to the CEP asking members to appoint a five-member independent commission to do a deeper scrutiny of the ballot sheets to address the allegations of fraud and irregularities prior to publishing the results.
A look at some of the top stories making the news today, November 6, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.
All Aboard Florida, the highly anticipated new passenger train service between Miami and Orlando, unveiled the brightly colored designs of their high tech trains at yesterday’s press conference. The service, which plans to begin operations in 2017, will offer 16 round trips a day, covering the distance between the two cities within 3 hours.
Miami Dade County leaders, including Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Chairman Jean Monestime, led yesterday’s launch of the Office of New Americans of Miami-Dade County. As part of the national Cities for Citizenship initiative, the new service will connect eligible immigrants to financial and legal counseling for the naturalization process.
To support their fundraising efforts, the Immaculate Conception High School Alumni Association, Florida Chapter, is hosting their 25th annual Gala, set for this Saturday, starting 7 pm at the Renaissance Hotel in Plantation. The formal affair will include dinner, dancing and a silent auction.
In sports, New York Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips has again put off Jamaica’s invitation to their national team the Reggae Boyz, choosing instead to focus on his club career. Though not entirely ruling the move out, the league’s leading scorer has insisted that he still needs more time to mull over the decision.
What’s trending:
New shocking viral ISIS recruitment video features young children from Trinidad, shown with their father and Trinidadian ISIS fighter Abu Zayd al-Muhajir. 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:
Mostly sunny in Broward County with a high of 89 and a low of 72. For Miami-Dade, mostly sunny with a high of 88 and a low of 71. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.
The basic idea behind fat loss is simple: eat better, exercise more. However, hidden in this formula are numerous caveats and footnotes. No wonder there are so many books and television specials about the 100 different ways people are supposed to exercise and eat right.
According to Becca Hurt, MS, RD, and program manager of Life Time Weight Loss at Life Time – The Healthy Way of Life Company, “one of the most confusing parts of dieting is the fact that many of the foods people think will help them lose weight actually pack on the pounds.” Hurt notes there are enemies lurking in common foods that almost everyone eats or drinks. So, what’s to be done? To help identify some of the most common weight-loss enemies, Hurt has provided a list of seven culprits everyone will want to weed out of their diet.
Coffee shop drinks
Never mind the french fries and potato chips, Hurt says that liquid calories are more often one of the biggest downfalls when it comes to losing weight. For many, it starts with their morning coffee. While 1-2 cups of coffee with only cream added is no harm, the danger is in the sugar loaded, caramel-chocolate dieting disasters many people believe to be perfectly healthy because they ordered the non-fat options.
Skim milk
“Only recently, Americans started to realize fat isn’t always the bad guy,” explains Hurt. “There is no difference in fat loss between diets with no-fat and full-fat dairy consumption, according to recent studies.” In fact, Hurt notes that people often add sugar to enhance the taste of their skim milk, which quickly turns it into a decidedly unhealthy option.
Pasta
Yes, even whole grain pasta is stripped of beneficial nutrients, bleached and loaded with preservatives to make it more shelf-stable. Pasta portions can also be confusing. “A pasta meal should begin with a big salad, and the high protein meatballs should be larger than the portion of pasta,” says Hurt. “Instead of spaghetti and meatballs, it should be meatballs with some spaghetti on the side.”
Reduced fat snacks
For many, reduced fat, no fat and low fat labels on foods can be a green light to what they believe is guilt free snacking. The principle to remember here is not all calories are the same. “A 100-calorie pudding pack is not as healthy as 100-calories worth of almonds,” explains Hurt. “Food that is naturally healthy doesn’t have to have the “no-fat” label.” A handful of nuts, a few slices of full-fat cheese or some Greek yogurt are healthier options by far.
Energy drinks
For those looking to shed some fat, drinking one of these sugar-loaded bad-boys means putting the brakes on their body’s fat burning process. Hurt adds that people should get no more than 5 percent of their calories from sugar and just one energy drink will put someone well over this limit.
Sandwiches
While many think ordering a sandwich is a diet-friendly alternative to a burger, consider this: one sandwich has as many carbohydrates as a Kit-Kat bar! “Carbs are not a sustainable source of energy,” says Hurt, “and are responsible for that sluggish, hungry feeling that leads many to skip workouts and snack more.” The solution: ditch the bread and add a salad!
Protein bars
They might be marketed as the fat burning, muscle gaining snack, but don’t be fooled. Heavily processed protein bars are loaded with sugars and carbohydrates. To get the necessary protein, Hurt suggests looking to nuts or animal sources such as meats or yogurt instead.
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Food is a central part to any holiday celebration, but after having the same recipe for the fifth or sixth time, even beloved dishes can feel bland and boring. This year, spice up traditional fare with a few unique twists guaranteed to have guests raving.
Mushrooms give earthy appeal to stuffing
The golden turkey or glazed ham is the star of the show at most holiday meals, leaving the meager stuffing beside it looking downright sad. It’s the stuffing’s time to shine when your give it a hearty upgrade with mushrooms. Simply chop your favorite mushroom variety like porcini, shiitake or cremini and add to your favorite recipe for a rich earthy flavor that is incredible satisfying.
Jalapenos infuse heat into sweet cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce is a holiday essential, yet it’s the side dish that gets ignored the most. This year spice up your cranberry sauce with spicy jalapenos and watch it disappear fast. Simply seed and mince one to three jalapenos and add when boiling cranberries. The sweet heat is delectable on meats or as a relish to complement appetizers.
Cheese is the ideal topping for rolls
The lonely bread basket gets a holiday upgrade when you sprinkle tasty cheese to the top crust of baking bread. Hard cheeses like parmesan, asiago and fontina are good options. Grab your favorite shredded variety of Stella cheese when grocery shopping and you’ll be set for this incredibly simple, yet superbly savory addition to your rolls.
Nuts add rich crunch to green bean casserole
Green bean casserole is a holiday staple that is often topped with fried onions. This year think bigger with rich, delectable flavors. Start by making your traditional recipe, but update the topping by using chopped walnuts with crumbled corn bread for a tasty crunch that will garner rave reviews from guests.
Tangy romano cheese enhances asparagus
Sautéed asparagus is a colorful addition to any holiday meal. Give the dish an elegant upgrade by sprinkling cooked asparagus with tangy romano cheese. The sharp, salty cheese mingles with the pungent flavors of the asparagus for a side dish that is as tasty as it is eye-catching. This dish is great with turkey, ham, duck or beef.
Turmeric brings out savory notes in vegetables
As one of today’s most talked about spices, a quick dash of turmeric is perfect for adding a little pizazz to classic side dishes. For example, the warm, peppery flavor of turmeric brings out the savory notes of roasted vegetables. It’s also a fantastic addition when sprinkled on braised greens like kale or collards.
Gorgonzola adds zip to creamy potatoes
Starches are a must for any holiday meal, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with basic mashed. Instantly upgrade your favorite spuds when you add flavorful gorgonzola. The robust flavor of gorgonzola pairs perfectly with white or sweet potatoes. Mash directly into potatoes for a rich, creamy dish or sprinkle on top for a tasty topping like in this sweet potato recipe:
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cranberry Gorgonzola Gremolata
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
6 medium sweet potatoes
1/4 c. melted butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. pure maple syrup
1/4 c. minced fresh parsley
1 lemon zested
1 clove garlic, minced finely
3 tablespoons minced pecans
3 tablespoons finely chopped dried cranberries
1 scallion minced
2 ounces Stella gorgonzola, crumbled
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 F. Place sweet potatoes on cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Flip over and return to oven to bake until tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
When cool enough to do so safely, peel sweet potatoes. Place in a medium skillet over low heat with butter, salt and maple syrup for 5 minutes, basting the potatoes with the butter mixture occasionally. Lightly smash the potatoes until there is an even consistency. Hold over low heat.
In a small bowl, toss together parsley, lemon zest, garlic, pecans, cranberries and scallion. Gently fold in the gorgonzola.
Move sweet potatoes to a serving dish and sprinkle with the cranberry blue cheese gremolata. Serve hot.
Caribbean viewers were shocked and outraged over a social media recruitment video produced by the Ar-Raqqah Province of Islamic State (ISIS) featuring what appears to be four fighters, including three children, from the twin-island state.
One of the men, identified as Abu Zayd al-Muhajir, was surrounded by his three young children, and called on Trinidad Muslims to join in the fight, according to The Express. In the video, Zayd al-Muhajir said the practice of Islam was limited in Trinidad and Tobago, arguing that though there were no problems in wearing hijab or other Islamic wear,Muslims were only allowed to practice what they were told.
“The only practice that you can practice is what they tell you is halal [permissible] to practice. The other aspects of Islam are haram [forbidden] for you. You cannot practice your deen 100 percent,” he said. “It was yearning for me that I knew I had to leave; I had to leave this land. I cannot sit and watch my children grow up in this land in which they cannot practice their Islam 100 percent.”
Reports of Trinidadians travelling to Syria to fight first emerged last year, when former national security minister Gary Griffith estimated that at least 30 citizens had become terrorist fighters. A United Nations report also named Trinidad and Tobago as a country where fighters were being recruited. The war in Syria has attracted roughly 100 foreign fighters from the Caribbean, said General John Kelly, commander of US Southern Command earlier this year.
The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will held to the polls in a general election on December 9. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who made the announcement on Saturday night, told supporters that Nomination Day is November 20.
The ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) will face a challenge from the main opposition
New Democratic Party (NDP) headed by economist, Arnhim Eustace.
The ULP was swept into office in March 2001 in an early election following political unrest one year earlier. In that poll, voters rejected the NDP, which had been in office for 17 years.
The ULP won 56.5 per cent of the votes in the 2001 poll and 12 of the 15 seats in Parliament, compared to 40.9 per cent to the NDP, which took the remaining three seats.
In 2005, the ULP was returned to office by the same number of seats as 2001, and in the 2010 polls, the party captured 53 per cent of the popular votes, 2.4 percentage points more than in 2005.
The NDP, on the other hand received 50.4 per cent, capturing four additional seats in the process, but lost the election by an eight to seven margin.
Miami Dade County leaders, including Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Chairman Jean Monestime, led yesterday’s launch of the Office of New Americans of Miami-Dade County.
As part of the national Cities for Citizenship initiative, the new service will connect eligible immigrants to financial and legal counseling for the naturalization process.
Cities for Citizenship is chaired by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, with support from the Center for Popular Democracy and the National Partnership for New Americans. Citi Community Development is the Founding Corporate Partner.
Miami-Dade is the first County in the country to join the campaign.
New York Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips has again put off Jamaica’s invitation to their national team the Reggae Boyz, choosing instead to focus on his club career.
Though not entirely ruling the move out, the league’s leading scorer has insisted that he still needs more time to mull over the decision.
The Reggae Boyz are hoping that the New York Red Bulls striker, who is eligible to play for the Caribbean nation through his mother’s side of the family, will choose to join their qualification charge for Russia 2018.
The Jamaica national team will resume World Cup qualifiers action on Friday with a match against Panama at the National Stadium.
To support their fundraising efforts, the Immaculate Conception High School Alumni Association, Florida Chapter, is hosting their 25th annual Gala, set for this Saturday, starting 7 pm at the Renaissance Hotel in Plantation.
This year, the 25th Anniversary Gala will include special guests, current Principal, Sr. Angella and former principal, Sr. Maureen Clare. Both ladies have distinguished themselves as outstanding leaders that are instrumental in being part of the lives of many successful ICHS graduates and Alumnae.
The upcoming Gala promises to be a night to remember as Aumns are already planning to use this as a reunion of sorts to meet up with old friends and see their former principal. We will be entertained by steel drums and a saxophonist as well as a fashion show.
ICHS President Janice McIntosh stated, “This Gala event is shaping up to be a stellar affair as we are pulling out all the stops to ensure we make it a night to remember. We are happy that the principals will be in attendance and we are always eager to hear what is happening with the school and getting positive messages from them.”
All Aboard Florida, the highly anticipated new passenger train service between Miami and Orlando, unveiled the brightly colored designs of their high tech trains at yesterday’s press conference.
The trains will offer food and drink service, reserved seating, facilities for carrying pets and free Wi-Fi service and power outlets at every seat.
Initially the company will operate five four-car trains carrying up to 240 passengers, expanding to 10 seven-car trains with a capacity for 356 passengers apiece by mid-2018.
The service, which plans to begin operations in 2017, will offer 16 round trips a day, covering the distance between the two cities within 3 hours.
A look at some of the top stories making the news today, November 6, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.
Following an 8-month investigation, the Miami Dade Police Department has arrested a gang for stealing and illegally selling gas. The gang was also charged with several crimes only discovered by police during the bust, including a cockfighting ring and a marijuana farm worth $100,000.
To assist Bahamian relief efforts following the recent aftermath of Hurricane Joaquin, Consul General of the Bahamas, Ricardo Treco, will host a fundraising service tomorrow at the New Baptist Church in Miami. Proceeds will target the southern islands most affected by the storm.
South Floridians and foodies alike turned up in droves this past Sunday for the 14th annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in Markham Park, Sunrise. Legendary reggae acts Third World and Barrington Levy wooed the crowd, while local Caribbean chefs battled for the crown. Sunday’s celebrations has made 2015 a landmark year for the Festival, said founder Eddy Edwards.
It’s yet another victory for South Florida-based Jamaican Swimmer, Alia Atkinson. Atkinson set a new national record for Jamaica in the women’s 100m breaststroke semifinals, at the FINA/Airweave Swimming World Cup in Dubai this past weekend. Atkinson took the event in 1 minute 05.93 seconds.
What’s trending:
Iconic boxer Mohamed Ali is severely deteriorating, says Ali’s former manager. 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:
Partly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 87 and a low of 74. For Miami-Dade, scattered thunderstorms with a high of 86 and a low of 74. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.
Hummingbird Air, the small regional carrier in the Eastern Caribbean has canceled all flights following an incident in St. Lucia early Sunday.
A release from the US Virgin Islands based airline stated that the incident involved one of the airline’s planes, that reportedly encountered difficulty and veered off the runway.
“There was an incident involving a Hummingbird Air aircraft on landing at the George F. L. Charles airport in Castries, St. Lucia this morning November 8, 2015. The only soul on board was the pilot who was unharmed.”
The release added that the company has launched an internal investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
“Hummingbird Air has taken the decision to cancel all passenger flights until further notice.”
The airline says more information will be provided as it becomes available.
The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) is also investigating the incident .
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