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Haitian Diaspora converges for NAHP conference

Following the recent tense presidential elections in Haiti, leaders throughout the Diaspora will get down to policy brass tacks at the upcoming National Association of Haitian Professionals (NAHP) fourth annual conference, set for November 12 to 14 at Florida International University.

The three-day conference will focus on advocacy, philanthropy and social entrepreneurship in the context of uniting and strengthening Haiti and its Diaspora. Dominant thinkers on Haiti’s development will also come together to discuss effective collaboration between governments and their diaspora.

“The conference has become the preferred platform where policy makers, politicians, professionals, students, government officials, leaders, and stakeholders committed to Haiti come together to discuss and find solutions on issues related to Haiti and its Diaspora,” said conference co-Founder and NAHP VP, Serge Renaud.

As Haiti’s political future still hangs in the balance following the elections, the conference has certainly attracted many political leaders and critics as a platform to express their concerns. Current Prime Minister Evans Paul and three former prime ministers Laurent Lamothe, Garry Conille and Jean-Max Bellerive, are all attending as keynote speakers. Top ministers such as Minister of Haitians Living Abroad, Robert Labrousse, Minister of Economy Wilson Laleau and Haitian ambassador Paul Altidor will also there addressing key economic and political concerns.

Beside current challenges, the conference also seeks to promote innovations, ending with the inaugural Golden Honors Award Gala. NAHP will recognize the contributions of men and women excelling among the Diaspora. Two Haitian Leadership Award Scholarships will also be presented to young scholars Raquel Laguerre and Amanda Raymond.

“NAHP strives to cultivate, illuminate, and demonstrate the many accomplishments of individuals in all sectors that have contributed in elevating and reshaping a brighter Haiti,” says event chair Marie Texas. “The award ceremony aims to foster a culture of appreciation, and to educate future generations about the values in celebrating the successes of positive influencers reaching great heights through selfless dedication to philanthropic work.”

Learn how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses

You may think of mosquitoes as being strictly hot weather pests, but these disease carrying insects can actually remain active until the temperature consistently stays lower than 60 degrees. The risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses can remain a significant threat well after the long, lazy days of summer, and it is vital to remain vigilant against these pests until they become inactive for the winter.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show more people contract West Nile virus (WNV) – a potentially fatal mosquito-borne illness – in late summer than during any other time of the year, and transmission of the disease can also continue into the fall. Mosquitoes are known to transmit other diseases, including Chikungunya virus, a disease that causes joint pain and is most frequently brought in to the U.S. by travelers who were infected in countries where the disease is common.

“Preventing mosquito bites is vitally important in late summer and early fall, when mosquitoes are still very active,” says Dr. Jorge Parada, medical advisor for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “People should never assume that the mosquitoes in their backyard or those they encounter on vacation are free of disease. It’s best to play it safe and take steps to prevent mosquito bites.”

The NPMA offers these tips for protecting yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne illness:

* Many mosquito species are most active between dusk and dawn, so try to avoid outdoor activity during those hours. It is important to note, however, that the mosquito species that transmits Chikungunya is active throughout the day.

* Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon-eucalyptus or IR3535 whenever you’ll be outdoors. Follow the directions on the product label and remember to apply the repellent over sunscreen and reapply every four to six hours.

* Protect arms and legs with long sleeves and long pants, and wear closed-toe shoes when outside.

* Eliminate areas where mosquitoes can breed, such as standing water in flower pots, tires, kiddie pools, puddles and low-lying areas of lawn where water collects. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as half an inch of water.

* Make sure window and door screens are in good repair in order to keep mosquitoes from easily getting into your house. Patch holes in screens.

* A mosquito infestation can be a serious health hazard. If you find yourself losing the battle against mosquitoes, it may be time to call in a professional for help.

Despite your best efforts, mosquito bites can still occur, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of common mosquito-borne illnesses. WNV is among the most common and most serious. Found in virtually every state, the virus causes flu-like symptoms such as swollen glands, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and eye and abdominal pain. “Children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable to the disease, which can be fatal in severe cases,” Parada says. “It is possible to have West Nile virus for some time without experiencing any symptoms, and many people who contract the disease don’t ever realize they had it.”

The Chikungunya virus appeared relatively recently in the U.S., with the first known locally acquired cases being reported in Florida in July 2014. Although typically not fatal, the disease can be extremely painful. According to Parada, symptoms develop four to eight days after the mosquito bite, and include severe joint pain, especially in hands and feet, fever, headaches, muscle pain, rash and joint swelling. Symptoms usually go away after a week, but there is no treatment.

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Broward County joins coalition of 25 state and local governments in support of EPA clean power plan

Broward County Mayor Tim Ryan

Broward County Mayor Tim Ryan recently announced that the County has joined a coalition of 18 states and seven cities that filed a motion in federal court to intervene in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Clean Power Plan” against legal challenge.

The coalition’s motion to intervene in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit responds to lawsuits brought by several states and industry groups to prevent implementation of the rule. The Clean Power Plan rule requires fossil-fueled power plants – the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in the nation – to cut emissions pursuant to the Clean Air Act.

Mayor Ryan said he and a majority of his colleagues on the Broward County Commission voted to join the litigation in support of the Clean Power Plan rule because Broward residents are already feeling the effects of climate change and sea level rise.

“There is an urgent need for local governments and states to unite in defense of the Clean Power Plan and the emissions reductions it will achieve,” Mayor Ryan said. “Sea level rise and severe storms are already causing frequent and extensive flooding along Florida’s coast, with severe impacts on our residents, infrastructure, and economy.”

Ryan added that it was imperative to act immediately to reduce carbon emissions because South Florida is “literally the front line in combating sea level rise.”

“Our streets are flooding, our drainage systems are being overrun and our sea walls are being overtopped now,” Ryan said.  “And it’s not just when we have a tropical storm or hurricane – we have flooding now simply from heavy rains and king tides. For South Florida, this isn’t a future concern. The damage is severe, it is happening now, and it will only get worse if we fail to act. We need national action, and the Clean Power Plan represents the most important step the US has ever taken to reduce the carbon emissions which are driving these impacts.”

The EPA adopted the Clean Power Plan through a multi-year stakeholder process that drew heavily on the experience of states and utilities in reducing power plant greenhouse gas emissions.

The finalization of the Clean Power Plan marks the culmination of a decade-long effort by states and cities to require mandatory cuts in the emissions of climate change pollution from fossil fuel burning power plants under the Clean Air Act. The Clean Power Plan, along with the companion rule on new, modified, and reconstructed power plants, will control these emissions by setting limits on the amount of climate change pollution that power plants can emit.  The rule for existing plants is expected to eliminate as much climate change pollution as is emitted by more than 160 million cars a year – or 70 percent of the nation’s passenger cars.

The states of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, the District of Columbia, and the cities of New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boulder, South Miami have all joined the coalition.

New national record for Atkinson

Jamaican swim star Alia 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.

That time bettered the 1:06.59 national record that Atkinson set at the 2015 Pan American Games just over two weeks ago where she took home the silver.

Second and third place went to Molly Hannis of the United States and Viktoria Gunes of Turkey in 1:06:60 and 1:06:96 respectively.

 

US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke to visit Jamaica

United States Congresswoman Yvette Clarke

United States Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke, is scheduled to visit Jamaica this week to meet with representatives of the energy sector.

Clarke will be in the western capital of Montego Bay on a three-day official visit from November 13 to 15,  on the invitation of the President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), Gloria Henry.

During her visit, Clarke, will meet with representatives of the energy sector, including the Jamaica Public Service Company and the Port Authority of Jamaica.

She will also visit the Montego Bay Freeport to meet with members of the manufacturing sector and also deliver the keynote address at the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce Banquet and Awards ceremony.

Clarke, who was born to Jamaican parents, represents New York’s Ninth District (Brooklyn) and is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus,

As a US Congresswoman, she serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as several other committees including education, labour, homeland security, and small business.

 

Jamaican Health Minister removed, transferred to Ministry of Labour and Social Security

Dr. Fenton Ferguson

After weeks of mounting pressure from members of the public following the death of 19 babies due to an outbreak at two of the island’s major public hospitals, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has replaced Dr. Fenton Ferguson as Minister of Health.

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), in a statement on Friday said Ferguson has been assigned to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Horace Dalley – a former Minister of Health, will replace Ferguson.

According to the release, Labour Minister, Derrick Kellier, who for more than a year,  held the twin portfolios of Labour & Social Security and Agriculture & Fisheries, will now be left with the Agriculture & Fisheries portfolio.

In announcing the changes, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said she had listened to recent discussions and expressions of concern regarding the situation in the health sector.

Following last month’s disclosure of the outbreak of infections in the neonatal intensive care units at the University Hospital of the West Indies and the Cornwall Regional Hospitals earlier in the year, there were calls for the sacking of Ferguson.

 

The infections affected 42 babies and led to 19 deaths.

Last year, Ferguson also faced similar pressure over the handling of the chikungunya virus outbreak which crippled the economy and has been blamed for several deaths.

Evoking the mulatto web series explores race and identity

Black Public Media Digital Arts Fellow Lindsay C. Harris

The Harlem-based media arts organization, National Black Programming Consortium has hosted a Web series examining Black mixed identity in the 21st century through the lens of the history of racial classification in the United States.

Evoking the Mulatto by Black Public Media Digital Arts Fellow Lindsay C. Harris premiered on October 12, with new episodes released weekly on NBPC’s YouTube Channel and website, blackpublicmedia.org.

The series will conclude with a screening of all four episodes and a panel discussion on Thursday, November 19, at the YouTube Space NY, located in the Chelsea Market building in Manhattan. he panel will be moderated by cultural programmer and arts administrator Maura Cuffie.

Evoking the Mulatto is a transmedia, interactive video art project, consisting of video interviews, photographic portraits, animation, and historical mappings that hopes to navigate race within and beyond a Black-White binary, while inspiring a broader discussion on humanity, the right to one’s own body and the right to one’s own identity.

Interviews with young artists and activists have been developed by Harris into a Web series covering a variety of themes, from terminology and personal relationships to media and politics in the age of a Black (and biracial) president—all while asking, “Are we really post-race?”

 

 

To register for the live event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evoking-the-mulatto-screening-discussion-tickets-19176738140?aff=es2.

Sheriff’s captain apologizes for black face Bob Marley costume

Photo courtesy of nydailynews.com

A Captain in the Gaston County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina, was forced to issue an apology after being photographed wearing a black face as part of her Bob Marley Halloween costume.

Captain Melanie Thornburg, insisted that she never intended to offend anyone and was unaware of  the historical significance of  wearing a blackface.

Thornburg, who is white, landed in hot water after a photo surfaced on social media showing her wearing a dread-locked wig and a T-shirt emblazoned with a marijuana leaf and the word ‘High’.

The law enforcement official explained that on the weekend, she was searching for a last-minute idea for a Halloween  and since she already had the wig and the shirt, decided to go as Bob Marley.

West Indies Women sweep Pakistan T20

West Indies Women came from behind to stun Pakistan in a nerve-jangling super over, making a clean sweep of their three-match Twenty20 International series in Grenada on Sunday.

Bundled out for a paltry 88 off 19.5 overs, the West Indies capitalized on a rain break which saw Pakistan’s target adjusted to 78 off 17 overs, and hit back to restrict the visitors to 77 for seven at the National Stadium to leave scores tied.

In the all-important super over, seamer Deandra Dottin snatched two wickets as Pakistan Women scraped together just three runs and West Indies Women survived the loss of Dottin off the first ball, to reach their target off the last ball of the over when Kyshona Knight struck a boundary.

Sent in, West Indies Women were 63 for four in the 14th over, but lost their last six wickets for 25 runs to be dismissed under 100.

Team Pakistan will continue to South Florida this week, for a special T20 showcase with the U.S. national team at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill.

Desulme receives AHED award

North Miami Councilman Alix Desulme receives the one of the Association of Haitian Educators of Dade’s most prestigious honors at their recent awards ceremony on Moca Café in North Miami. Recognizing him for his dedicated service as a teacher and leader in the community, Desulme was bestowed the “Movers and Shakers Award in the Field of Education.”

“I am honored and humbled to be selected amongst my peers,” said Desulme, a certified teacher who taught in the Miami-Dade County Public School system for over a decade. “I am grateful for the acknowledgment of my work in the field of education. I believe as educators we make a difference in the lives of students and our ultimate goal is to make school meaningful and successful for each and every child.”

Desulme earned a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Science in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) from St. Thomas University. Currently, he is pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership focusing on Transformative Leadership at the University of New England.

Walking: the old way to get fit is new again

With so many fitness trends, you might not think of walking as good exercise. If you’re not thrusting a kettlebell over your head, pushing a tractor trailer tire or shaking your hips to a Top 40 dance beat in a scheduled group class, you’re not cutting it, right? Well, not so fast. Walking is actually a great way to get in shape. In fact, if you walk often enough and fast enough, the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other can satisfy your body’s daily requirement for aerobic activity.

Walking may just seem like an old method of exercise; it certainly is tried and true. But quite the opposite of outdated, it seems to be making a resurgence in the health, fitness and medical worlds as a low-cost solution to the nation’s ongoing health care crisis.

Renowned medical expert Dr. Andrew Weil is an advocate of walking as a crucial method of preventative care. He advocates walking as a low-risk means to optimum health.

Regarded as a leader in the world of integrative medicine, Weil is part of a panel of experts with Vionic Innovation Lab, an innovative footwear company leading the way for proper foot health and active lifestyle solutions. With new products such as the Zen Walking shoes, Vionic offers podiatrist-designed technology in contemporary styles, providing an innovative support for anyone in need of a supportive shoe or sandal to start or improve her walking routine.

The walking movement is growing: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that between 2005 and 2010, the number of adults who walked for 10 minutes or more at least once a week rose from 56 to 62 percent – an increase of almost 20 million people.

Need more convincing reasons to walk onto the bandwagon? Here’s why walking for exercise is so ideal:

* Walking is what your body is designed to do.
*Among all forms of aerobic exercise, walking carries the least risk of injury.
* You can walk almost anywhere, any time.
* Nearly everyone can walk, and it’s something you can do throughout your life.
* It’s free.
* There’s no special skill, training, or equipment needed – all you need is the right footwear.

The buzz about walking has even reached the stars. Fitness trainer to celebrities such as Kate Walsh, Pink and Stacey Kiebler, Juliet Kaska has been known to start many of her high-profile clientele with a consistent walking routine. Also contributing to the Vionic Innovation lab as a lifestyle expert, Kaska recommends walking as a great baseline for any fitness program, but reminds her followers to “invest in a good pair of walking shoes. They will do wonders for your posture and joints. Minimizing the impact of each step. Look for lightweight flexible shoes and be sure to replace them often, especially if you’re walking every day.”

As you develop your walking program, set your own pace. As a general rule, taking 10,000 steps a day is a great goal for improving your overall physical, emotional and mental fitness. But the journey, as they say, begins with a single step. There’s no better time than now to begin.

Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival poised for national expansion

 

As organizers gear up for this Sunday’s Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival at Markham Park in Sunrise, plans are also currently in the works to take the popular culinary event nationwide. Starting out as a combined music and food fair in 2001, the festival has ballooned into one of South Florida’s most iconic events – making it ripe for expansion.

“What we have established is a brand, an authentic brand,” says Festival CEO Eddy Edwards. “The company is now embarking on plans to take the festival to other cities.”

The new expansion plan, says Edwards, was inspired by the success of the New York branch of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, “where it has become an established summer event on that city’s cultural calendar.”

This year’s festival saw none other than New York Mayor Bill de Blasio competing in the popular Celebrity Quick Fire Challenge against Miss Jamaican Universe Kaci Fennell. For Edwards, the Mayor’s continued support only proved the festival’s cross-cultural potential in more cities.

“Although we are still developing our expansion plan, Grace Jamaica Products has been very supportive, and has expressed its commitment to join us in the cities where we take the festival,” notes Edwards.

As for which cities may get its own Jerk Festival, Festival Chairman Abdul Mushin says “the potential markets in our expansion plan include cities with high density Jamaican communities, including Houston, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and Connecticut.”

June Minto, a company director, is excited about the company’s expansion plans, witnessing “first-hand the immediate positive impact the festival had on entering the New York market.”

“I have every confidence this impact will resonate wherever we take the Festival,” says Minto. “Although it’s a quintessential Jamaican cultural festival, it has strong cross-over appeal to non-Jamaicans as well.”

Primarily a food festival, the event also features Caribbean popular entertainers, cultural performances, arts and crafts vendors and business arcades, making the event an economic boon for local small businesses.

But Minto assures that the word-renowned Jerk “with all its spice and flavors” remains the heart of the festival. Through the years, the event has taken care to showcase “topnotch culinary artistry – whether in the fiercely fought cooking competitions, the informative cooking demonstrations, or the infinite variety of foods for patrons to enjoy.”

A special feature this year is the Celebrity Quick Fire Challenge called The Battle of the Beauties, featuring Miss Universe Jamaica 2014, Kaci Fennell, and Miss Jamaica World 2008, Brittany Lyons. Another exciting attraction includes the Publix Cook-off, features 2014’s second place winner, Chef David Tample, challenged by chefs Chris Kissner, Karin Vicker, Freddi Famble and James Lubin.

 

Jamaica to assist Dominica following tropical storm Erika

Minister of State in the Transport Ministry

Two months after Tropical Storm Erika left a trail of destruction across Dominica, Jamaica is assisting the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state with J$50 million worth of supplies.

The donation of bridge infrastructure and materials was initiated by the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing and represents a joint public/private sector partnership.

The donation includes two Bailey-bridges from the National Works Agency (NWA), six tons of steel from Tank-Weld, and 18 tons of cement from a combination of interests. Oslo Bulk will ship the items to Dominica.

Minister of State in the Transport Ministry, Richard Azan, said the donation is the largest ever contribution of relief items by Jamaica to another country.

 “It is a big thing that Jamaica is in a position to respond to our sister Caribbean territory in this way. We are grateful to God that we ourselves have been spared from disaster this season and we are thankful for the opportunity to help our neighbour,” he said.

 

Another 14 deportees get help from Diaspora program

Attorney Wayne Golding

Plans to move program to Guyana

The Jamaican Diaspora Advisory board has continued their outreach efforts for Jamaican deportees, picking up 14 more cases for U.S. reentry

Advisory Board members and attorneys Wayne Golding and Joan Pinnock offered free council with over 350 deportees at a recent session in Kingston at the Jamaica Theological Seminary. The attorneys were assisted by attorney Cecil Rowe from New York, Seminary president Dr. Garnett Roper and founder of the Family Unification Resettlement Initiative Carneta Abarus. Golding said despite the “marathon forum,” the team was able to review each deportee’s case, with some participants traveling from as far as Negril by bus.

The 14 individuals identified for possible reinstatement in the U.S. “derived citizenship from their parents,” said Golding. “And numerous other deportees were identified, whose cases have developed relevance because of changes in the interpretation of U.S. immigration law.”

The program is in response to data collected at the recent Jamaica Diaspora Conference, showing a majority of deportees were removed for various criminal offenses, but those offenses were not necessarily permanent bars to returning to the U.S. legally.

“Deportation from the U.S. has had a devastating effect on Jamaican families, and has led to some deportees illegally returning to the U.S. only to be imprisoned up to twenty years for the offense,” notes Golding. “Some individuals have even died attempting to return to the U.S. illegally.”

The popularity of the Board’s initiative has grown to such an extent that the attorneys have been invited to meet with deportees in Guyana later this week. They also are scheduled to return to Jamaica to hold another forum next January.

“The success of these forums will effectively afford the Jamaica Diaspora the opportunity to form partnerships in and outside Jamaica,” says Golding. “So we can address U.S. immigration policies affecting Caribbean families.”

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts to host comedy musical

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County will host its “Free Family Fest with Story Pirates”, a nationally recognized comedy troupe and nonprofit arts education organization that transforms original short stories written by children into a wild, sketch comedy musical.

South Florida elementary school children are encouraged to submit their own short stories for a chance to see them performed live by the group’s cast on the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall stage on Saturday, January 16 at 1:30 p.m.

Call for submissions have already started and will last until December 1. Stories submitted must be original content and cannot include characters or plots from movies, television shows or books. Select stories will be incorporated into a fully produced comedy sketch and musical number.

Audience members will also have the opportunity to participate in the show during an entirely improvised segment.

To submit a story, visit www.arshtcenter.org/storypirates or email education@arshtcenter.org.

 

‘Tis the season for good etiquette

In today’s fast paced, eat-on-the-run world, it seems very few of us make time for a regular sit down meal at the dinner table. That’s until the holidays roll around, when the pressure’s on to be perfect. Before you read any further, ask yourself — are you confident with your table manners, or do you have to take your cues by watching others?

Manners coach Dubravka Vujinovic is one of the etiquette coaches at dinnerware giant Replacements, Ltd. Throughout the holidays, the company hears from people looking for a crash course in social graces. It doesn’t matter if you’re the guest, or the host — ‘tis the season for good manners and proper etiquette.

Set the perfect table

Remember: forks go to the left, spoons and knives to the right, with the sharp side of the knife turned toward the dinner plate. Place utensils in the order they will be used according to the courses you plan to serve.

Very importantly, don’t set the table with implements you don’t plan to use. “If you aren’t serving soup or salad, then you don’t want an extra spoon or fork in your place setting. Not only will these extra pieces get in the way and create extra clean up, it may be confusing for your guests,” Vujinovic says.

The bread plate goes to the left of the dinner plate, water glasses and other beverages to the right. Water glasses should be the only glass filled before your guests arrive. Wait to fill iced tea, wine and other drinks until after your guests are seated.

Don’t panic if you’re not sure about the proper place setting for each meal. Vujinovic says you can find “cheat sheets” or place setting guides on Replacements’ website, under the “neat things” tab.

Be a gracious guest

Always pass food around the table counterclockwise to the right without serving yourself first. Pass the salt and pepper as a set, even if you are only asked for one.

Ladies should always blot their lips before sitting down to the table, to keep from getting lipstick stains on linen napkins or glassware.

If you’re not sure which utensil to use with each course, start on the outside and work toward the plate.

And don’t forget…

Remember, the host/hostess always sits last. This person will let you know when it’s OK to begin eating by offering a blessing or statement or perhaps passing a dish.

Don’t cut more than one or two bites of food at a time and never butter an entire roll or piece of bread. Rather, pinch off one or two small pieces and butter those first.

If you need to excuse yourself temporarily, place your napkin on your chair to indicate you are coming back. Signify you are finished with your meal by placing your napkin to the left the dinner plate and your fork and knife side by side diagonally across your plate with the sharp side of the knife blade facing inward and the fork times down.

Perhaps most importantly, don’t bring your cell phone to the table.

Vujinovic emphasizes good manners transcends all ages.

“I think it’s very important to start teaching your children proper manners even at a young age,” Vujinovic says. “As I’ve noticed with my own children, kids are very open-minded when it comes to learning, so if you introduce them to etiquette now, this will become habit and stay with them throughout their lives.”

Should you cause a major holiday fumble by accidently breaking a piece of the host’s dinnerware, you should certainly offer to replace the piece. If you don’t know the name of the pattern or manufacturer, you’re in luck — Replacements offers a free identification service.

 

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Southwest Airlines increases service from Continental United States to Jamaica

On November 1, Southwest Airlines began operating daily nonstop service between Houston’s Hobby International Airport (HOU) and Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay.

“The new service is a testament to the strong partnership with Southwest Airlines aimed at attracting visitors from Houston and its various feeder markets,” said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “With the busy winter season fast approaching, we are pleased to welcome the airline’s first daily nonstop service from Houston, which will ensure that destination Jamaica remains a potential vacation option for visitors from the Southwest & West.”

To celebrate the occasion, Jamaica and Southwest created an island breakfast celebration at the gate in Houston before the inaugural flight departed. Passengers were treated to a fare that included Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, Jamaican music, as well as lots of prizes and surprises. Representatives from the Jamaica Tourist Board and Southwest Airlines were on hand for the official ribbon cutting.

As part of the celebration, a small media contingent traveled on the inaugural flight to Montego Bay.  In Jamaica, they will be hosted at the Royalton White Sands where they will get the opportunity to sample the culinary offerings and experience some of the island’s attractions firsthand.

The new daily flight departs from William P. Hobby Airport’s (HOU) new $146 million international concourse at 10:35 am, and arrives Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) at 2:50 pm. The return flight is scheduled to depart MBJ at 3:45 pm and arrives HOU at 6:15 pm.

Uphill battle for Healthcare Enrollment

As a new Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment season begins this week, South Florida insurance brokers face an uphill battle keeping local enrollment high and gaining the last but significant percent of the region’s uninsured.

South Florida previously signed up the most individuals out of any other major metro area among states using the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace. But the area also has one of the largest estimated number of ACA qualified persons still uninsured

One challenge, says local broker Janice Brooks, is this year’s higher premiums. The top-tier plans have risen by some 9.5 percent, while lower-tier plans with fewer benefits and higher deductibles rose by 2 percent.

Fellow broker Linvale Deer also points to the “rampant lack of understanding especially among the migrant community, including Caribbean people, of how healthcare insurance works. Some people have no idea what’s a deductible and the need supplement the cost for some medical visits even with insurance. And several people refuse to purchase insurance because they claim the deductible is too high, and they don’t believe they should pay for treatment out of their pockets if they have insurance.”

Jodi Ray, state director of Covering Florida Kids and Families, says this year “will focus on populations unfamiliar with the law. This includes legal residents with language barriers, and those living in rural areas.”

“The best way to ensure ACA enrollees actually purchase insurance is to ensure they understand the importance of insurance and how it works,” says Ray.

Several local libraries have been instructed to assist Florida residents to enroll for Obamacare.

Brooks caution those who are qualified for health insurance but refuse to sign up that the penalty will increases from $325 to $695 in 2016. Persons must also enroll by December 31 on the marketplace to obtain coverage for 2016.

Ft. Lauderdale Strikers head to semi-finals

Marlon Greitas

It was a major comeback for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, following a dramatic 1-0 victory against Jacksonville Armada. The Strikers are now heading to the North American Soccer League (NASL) finals this Sunday, against top-seeded team, the New York Cosmos, at MCU Park in Brooklyn.

The Armada win was a much-needed victory for the Strikers, who were coming from behind with a recent loss against the Indy Eleven and a draw against the league’s bottom dweller, the San Antonio Scorpions. Fort Lauderdale entered the match needing a win or tie to advance to the Championship tournament for the fourth time in five years. But the win against the Armanda came down like a Hail Mary in the game’s 87th minute, when Brazilian mid-fielder Marlon Greitas slipped a goal past goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo. Strikers’ goalkeeper was also on fire stopping four goals, making is forth no-goal game of the year.

Fort Lauderdale, who lost last year’s Championship Final 2-1 at San Antonio, qualified for postseason play for the fourth time in five NASL Modern Era seasons. The Strikers made the postseason in 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Jamaican squash player among top 100 in the world

Jamaica’s top squash player, Chris Binnie has been listed among the top 100 players in the world after vaulting up to 93 on the Professional Squash Association’s (PSA) rankings.

The six-time Jamaican and Caribbean champion reached the career-high ranking in the players standings posted by the PSA this week.

The major achievement is another feather in the cap of the decorated player, who set out to crack the top 100 during 2015. 

Binnie set the goal earlier in the year as he continued his comeback from major surgery in 2013, which led to a nine-month layoff that caused his ranking to drop as low as 300.

News of his new ranking came just after Binnie won his second international professional squash, the Securian Indian Summer Tournament, in Minnesota last month.

He is now scheduled to play in the St. Louis Open, on November 11 and then the Florida Open in the first week of December.

Belize PM Dean Barrow wins third consecutive term

Prime Minister Dean Barrow of Belize, led his ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) to a third consecutive general election victory, following Wednesday’s general election

In the last general election in 2012, the UDP won 17 of the 31 seats in the Parliament.

The UDP had faced a challenge from the main opposition People’s United Party (PUP) and the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) in the general election that Barrow called nearly two years ahead of the constitutional deadline.

Opposition leader Francis Fonseca said a PUP government would not support the decision to move to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in dealing with the border dispute with Guatemala.

Barrow, 64, had on the other hand told the new President in Guatemala, Jimmy Morales, “we will not be bullied and Morales needs to learn that quick”.

The Elections and Boundaries Department said that 140,105 people cast ballots in Wednesday’s general election, a 71 per cent voter turnout. It had earlier said 196, 587 persons were eligible to vote.

 

Guyanese government announces plans to establish Witness Protection programme

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman

The government has announced plans to establish a Witness Protection programme.

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, told reporters at a press conference on Thursday that a Witness Protection Bill is currently before a cabinet sub-committee and will be tabled in Parliament shortly.

“The Witness Protection Bill will establish a programme for the protection of witnesses who give evidence in the courts of Guyana. The legislation will establish a program for the protection of witnesses and their families -against intimidation and or physical harm – during and after their involvement in court proceedings,” said Trotman.

He said several of the measures will be incorporated into the programme, inclusive of the provision of new identities and new housing arrangements.

Trotman added that the initiative would see Guyana cooperating with other countries in the region that have already implemented such a programme.

“This is really more of a CARICOM crime and security initiative. Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados have already started working with each other where they move witnesses…before during and after trials within each other’s countries and I have no doubt that Guyana will avail itself to the opportunity to do so,” he stated.

With respect to support from international counties, Trotman revealed that the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative will play an important role.

 

#HaitiElections2015: Moise and Célestin emerge as top candidates in first round

Government-backed candidate Jovenel Moise and opposition candidate Jude Célestin emerged as the top contenders in the first round of the presidential election held on October 25 .

According to preliminary results released here on Thursday by Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP).

Moise finished with 32.8 percent of the votes to Célestin’s 25.2 percent.

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.

Provisional Electoral President Pierre-Louis Opont Moise and Célestin will likely face off in the expected December 27 runoff.

However, this has not gone down well with some hopefuls as several have already announced plans to push for the removal of Moise, who has reportedly been chosen by Martelly.

Candidates have 72 hours to challenge the results, which will be heard by the National Electoral Complaints and Challenges Bureau (BCEN).

Final results are expected to be released later this month ahead of the December presidential runoff.

Earlier this week, eight of the candidates including Célestin and Jean-Charles, 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.

 

CNW90: Atkinson holds fastest time this year for 50m breast stroke

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, November 6, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

City of Miramar trash haulers are joining the fight against crime, as Miramar Police department launches a new neighborhood watch program with local disposal company, Waste Pro. The company will share footage collected from cameras installed on their trucks, while employees are charged with reporting suspect behavior to authorities.

The Dade Medical College saga continues, as the shuttered school has been hit with a class action lawsuit by employees in response to the sudden closure. The 9 plaintiffs allege that they were not given the 60 day advance notice of mass termination as required by law. The suit is seeking to recover 60 days’ worth of wages.

Caribbean food fans across South Florida will head to Markham Park in the City of Sunrise this Sunday for the annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival. Starting at 10 a.m., this year’s festival features celebrity cook-offs and live performances from Third World and Barrington Levy.

In sports, it’s another victory for Pembroke Pines-based Jamaican Swimmer Alia Atkinson, who now holds the fastest time this year in the 50 meters breast stroke. Atkinson defeated rival American swimmer Molly Hannis with a time of 30.55 seconds, a time one hundredth of a second ahead of the previous record.

What’s trending:

U.S. official says Islamic State bomb may have brought down Russian commercial airliner that crashed in Egypt, killing 224 passengers. 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 76. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 86 and a low of 75. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. 

 

Top 8 must-see events in Jamaica

Jamaica is known for it’s white sandy beaches and mouth-watering meals, but during the summer the land of wood and water has an impressive array of events all season long. Check out our top 8 must-see events!

Caribbean Fashion Week 

During June, the city of Kingston comes alive as Caribbean Fashion Week takes over. Not only is the work of the region’s best designers put on display, but everything from culinary delights, to holistic care of mind and body are at hand for the Caribbean fashionistas. The Total Fashion celebration is aimed at showcasing brilliant collections which usually culminates with a major concert performance by an international artiste. www.caribbeanfashionweek.com

Kingston On The Edge 

KOTE_NatGallery

The festival is a week-long celebration of art and the artists inspired by Kingston. Under the theme “Transitions,” this year’s staging will feature live music, art installations, Kingston Dub Club, short film screenings, Nyabinghi Orchestra, documentaries, Downtown Architectural Bus Tour, and a Solo Exhibition at Devon House.

www.kingstonontheedge.org

All-Jamaica Grill Off 

The All Jamaican Grill Off (AJG) attracts Jamaica’s best recreational and professional grilling chefs for a scorching and intense grilling competition. Expect unlimited sampling from competitors’ booths, all-day music and stage entertainment and much more. www.facebook.com/alljamaicagrilloff

Portland Jerk Festival

The annual Portland Jerk Festival is the largest annual jerk and food festival in Jamaica. The event features local chefs putting their own spin on classic jerk dishes. www.facebook.com/originsofjerk

Reggae Sumfest 

JamaicaPR6_2_14P02HThis much anticipated Reggae event showcases the best talents in roots, rock and reggae music. Held at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, this event features performances by international superstars as well as local acts. This year’s lineup included international artistes Jennifer Hudson, Grammy winning rapper Common, and TV’s “Empire” star and rapper Yazz The Greatest. www.reggaesumfest.com

Makka Pro Surf Contest 

This anticipated surfing event takes place at Makka surfing beach in Saint Thomas for two days of competitive surfing in three divisions; open men, open women and juniors. Makka Pro brings together regional and professional surfers who compete for the cash prizes as well as bragging rights. jamsurfas.webs.com

SPF Weekend 

SPF Weekend is Jamaica’s high-energy summer party experience for guests aged 21 years and older. SPF Weekend takes place in St. Ann on Jamaica’s Independence Day with different themed parties every night, a favorite among locals and travelers alike. www.spfweekend.com

Dream Weekend

Dream Weekend is an annual inclusive party series, which is held around Jamaica’s Independence weekend. The five-day event is filled with 10 various themed events taking place in Negril. Thousands of patrons participate in the Dream Weekend parties which include Yush, Twisted Spiritz, Igloo, Daydreams and culminates with the Dream Live concert. jamaicadreamweekend.com

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