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Hundreds gather for funeral of Palm Beach Gardens police shooting victim Corey Jones

Hundreds gathered this past weekend at the Payne Chapel AME in West Palm Beach to give final respects to musician Corey Jones, the victim of the recent police shooting in Palm Beach Gardens.

Hundreds gathered this past weekend at the Payne Chapel AME in West Palm Beach to give final respects to musician Corey Jones, the victim of the recent police shooting in Palm Beach Gardens. Special guest Rev. Al Sharpton spoke out against the nation-wide series of police violence against black men.

Palm Beach Gardens Police Officer Nouman Raja killed Jones in the predawn hours of Oct. 18. The plainclothes policeman approached Jones on the side of a highway, where Jones was waiting for a tow truck to pick up his broken down car.

Raja, who was in an unmarked vehicle and, according to officials, not wearing a badge, told investigators he shot Jones after a confrontation near Jones’ vehicle.  Jones, 31, was armed. He had a concealed-carry permit and had legally bought his gun three days before the shooting. But prosecutors said Jones did not fire is weapon. And his family believes Raja never identified himself as a police officer.

Dade Medical College announces immediate closing

Local major for-profit school, Dade Medical College, has closed up shop, following investigations for financial fraud, as well as low passing rates for license exams in nursing and physical therapy. Campus locations in Miami, Miami Lakes, Homestead, Hollywood and West Palm Beach are closed with immediate effect.

Majority owner Ernesto Perez issued an afternoon memo informing employees and students.

Perez once wielded enormous political power both locally and in Tallahassee. But amid heightened federal scrutiny and mounting debts, he was unable to keep his college from going out of business.

All six Dade Medical campuses, stretching from Homestead to Jacksonville, are affected. Also closing are the two campuses of Dade Medical’s smaller affiliate school, the University of Southernmost Florida.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article41967387.html#storylink=cpy

CSC to host Teens’ Transition to Life Summit

The Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) and community partners will host the sixth annual Teens’ Transition To Life Summit on Saturday, Oct.17 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Plantation Hotel.

This summit will serve as an informative day for youth with learning differences who are interested in college, vocational education and other options in life after high school. 

In addition to youth learning about their options after high school, the Summit is an opportunity for parents to gain access to invaluable resources. The day includes workshops for parents supporting youth transitioning to adulthood.

Broward 211 will be present to help families interested in signing up for service programs and to check on eligibility. There will also be various activities and entertainment for youth, including a dance party. 

 The opening session, which starts at 10:00 a.m., will feature motivational keynote speakers Alex and Jessica Dixon, the subject and co-author of ‘A Stroke of Luck,’ a book discussing how Alex overcame the sudden onset of a mysterious illness which gave her acute pain and muscle spasms. Alex will share with the audience how her drive got her through the tough times and how she beat the odds to become a productive young woman.   

Art of Black Miami to bring exposure to local artists

The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Multicultural Tourism and Development Department gears up for their second signature Art of Black Miami campaign that brings exposure to the creative influence of African-American, Caribbean, Latin American, African  and global artists who contribute to the fabric of Miami’s heritage neighborhoods and culture during Art Basel.

Heritage communities participating in Art Of Black Miami include Little Haiti, Coconut Grove, Liberty City, Opa-Locka, Historic Overtown, Wynwood, MiMo  District, Downtown and other areas where artists will exhibit and display their abundant artistic talents.

 

5 beauty tips to help you shine

Cold weather is finally here. Time to don a coat and scarf and embrace all the fun these months have in store. And of course you want to look good doing it as well.

To help you find that perfect look, author and singer/songwriter Tanille Edwards offers her top five beauty tips inspired by her latest romance novel “Broken” – the tale of Milan, a high school senior who is hearing impaired as well as being a burgeoning supermodel. Like Milan, Tanille’s tips aim to help you conquer your insecurities and find a look that’s uniquely your own.

* Pack your tool kit. Never leave home without moisturizer, eyeliner inside the lower lash line and lip gloss. You never know when any of these items will be called into action.

* Create eye-catching eyes. Pump up your eye color by coordinating a complementary smokey eye for a look everyone will notice and no one will forget.

* Go for the gold. Looking for an angelic look? Try gold bronzer on the surfaces that the sun kisses like your forehead, the bridge of your nose and your cheeks. This will keep your skin looking radiant and protected as well.

* Make the unnatural natural. Use a light sweet pink blush and apply it before you apply concealer for a look that’s very natural. Once you’re finished, line your inner lower lids with white eye liner and use a black eyeliner to complement your upper lash line. Finally, apply mascara but remember to go light.

* Don’t be afraid to coordinate your look. Going matchy-matchy with your eye shadow and outfits isn’t always a bad thing. If you are going for a more causal weekend look consider going with a very light dusting of eye shadow. Choose a shade that matches your outfit. This will give you a put together look without a lot of effort.

Applying any of these tips will give you a fresh new look, so don’t delay. Get creative because redefining yourself is something you can do and enjoy every single day.

Amnesty International urges US to lift economic embargo against Cuba

The London-based human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has urged the United States to “listen to” the United Nations and lift the long-standing trade and economic embargo against Cuba.

In a near unanimous vote, the 193-member United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution renewing its call for an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba.

At the same time, the General Assembly acknowledged the restoration, after nearly 50 years, of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

By a vote of 191 in favor to two against (Israel and the United States), the Assembly welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba, announced last July, and the willingness of US President Barack Obama to work towards the lifting of the economic, financial and trade embargo against Cuba.

“A UN vote to lift the US embargo on Cuba sends, once again, a strong message to US President Barack Obama and Congress about the dire human rights impact of the economic embargo on ordinary Cubans,” Amnesty International said.

“Claiming to be open to fostering a new kind of relation with the Cuban authorities on the one hand and maintaining an economic embargo that prevents ordinary Cubans from accessing medicines and other basic commodities on the other is a complete incongruity on the part of the USA and greatly contributes to further undermine human rights in Cuba,” said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International.

“The US Congress must listen to the loud message sent by the international community through the UN today and lift an embargo that has no place in today’s world,” she added.

Tuesday’s vote was the first regarding the US embargo against Cuba since the two countries restored diplomatic relations in December 2014.

Having taken up the text for the past 24 years, the UN General Assembly reiterated its call to all States to refrain from promulgating and applying laws and measures not conforming with their obligations the UN Charter and international law, which reaffirm freedom of trade and navigation.

The Assembly “once again urges States that have and continue to apply such laws and measures to take the necessary steps to repeal or invalidate them as soon as possible.”

3 steps to prepare your credit for homeownership

Homeownership is a dream for many Americans, and maybe it’s one of yours as well. Making this dream a reality requires hard work, dedication and the proper preparation. You must figure out where you want to live, what type of home you desire, what you can afford and also how your credit rating may impact your home-purchasing goals.

Your credit rating can play an important role in the home buying process, and your creditworthiness could also affect the amount that you can borrow, the interest rates you will qualify for and your ability to obtain a mortgage loan in the first place.

“A consumer’s credit is one of the biggest factors that goes into the mortgage-application process,” says Eric Hamilton, President of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. “Before applying for a loan, it is crucial to get your credit in the best shape you possibly can.”

To help you build good credit and increase your ability to obtain better loan terms, Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. offers these tips for improving your credit:

Pay your bills on time 

Late or missed payments on any of your credit accounts, such as credit cards, mortgages and other loans, could cause a drop in your credit score. To prevent this, make your payments on time. Making additional payments whenever possible and paying extra toward the principal balance will also help to keep a good payment history and decrease the payoff timeline.

Minimize any outstanding debt and keep existing debt manageable 

Paying your statement balances in full instead of letting debt accumulate can improve your credit scores, which may result in better terms being offered from lenders. Lenders often check your credit report when you apply for a loan and measure the amount of debt you’re carrying against the loan amount they’ve requested. Excessive debt is one of the factors that could cause a lender to decline your application.

Avoid applying for unnecessary credit 

Credit applications can appear as inquiries on credit reports, which may suggest to lenders that an applicant is taking on additional debt. Be aware of advertising or sales promotions that offer purchase discounts if you apply for a credit card. Even these cards could show up as inquiries on your credit report. These inquiries remain on credit reports for two years. Instead of applying for additional credit, use your existing lines of credit to showcase your responsible credit management by paying bills on time and paying off the debt quickly.

“There are a lot of steps you can take to improve your credit, but it’s important to remember that credit scores don’t change overnight,” says Hamilton. “It takes time to increase your credit rating, and while it may feel like a slow-moving effort, it is well worth the wait when you get to open the door to a home of your own for you and your family.”

West Indies women take 2-0 lead against Pakistan

West Indies Women defeated Pakistan Women in a three-match Twenty20 series on Saturday, October 31.

West Indies Women took an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match Twenty20 international series on Saturday, when they defeated the touring Pakistan Women by the Duckworth/Lewis method at the National Cricket Stadium in St. George’s, Grenada.

Electing to field after winning the toss, West Indies Women restricted Pakistan Women to 95 for 7 from their 20 overs with Deandra Dotting taking 3 for 20.  And chasing a victory target of 96, West Indies Women reached 91 for 3 off 17.4 overs when rain stopped play and they were awarded an 11-run victory by the Duckworth/Lewis method.

When Pakistan Women batted only Nain Abidi contributed significantly to their innings, as she made 35 from 45 balls.

Captain Stafanie Taylor, opening the innings, then guided the West Indies’ reply with 43 not out, off 111 balls that included two fours and one six, for a strike rate of 111.62.

High tides threaten South Florida coast

High tides are again flooding streets and residential yards along South Florida’s east coast, creating major concerns for drivers and homeowners.

The Met Office has confirmed that the coast along southern Miami-Dade County to Fort Lauderdale will be affected several days this week by the annual King Tide.

The tide is an oceanic phenomenon that occurs in South Florida from September to November caused by the full moon.

The flooding is taking its toll on day-to-day life, says Miami Beach resident Nathan Cole who drove through several inches of seawater during “King Tide” on Monday.

“I had to drive through several inches of sea water, which is making my car rust badly.”

This area is still reeling from September super-moon flooding, which lasted for three days. This resulted in the towing of cars that were flooded along the inter-coastal in Fort Lauderdale and on Miami Beach Streets.

Environmentalist Bently Burger, said coastal flooding is “a serious problem, this is an early sign of the effects of climate change.”

“There are signs the ocean adjacent to South Florida’s coast is rising, and rising more annually,” says Burger. “This could create (a) serious storm surge along the coastline during future tropical storms.”

An urgent crisis in coastal residential viability may be within 15 years, but could be sped up with the construction of “several apartment buildings and expensive homes along the coast,” this could also affect drinking water and canal draining systems.

Burger also cited a Florida Atlantic University study showing a six-inch water level rise in 20 years.

After the high-tide flood last year, the City of Miami Beach began a five-year plan to install pumps throughout several neighborhoods to pump floodwater into nearby Biscayne Bay.

A city clerk said the public works department is working diligently to “beat the five year installment plan.”

Miami-Dade County is currently preparing plans to cope with potential high-tide floods. However, attempts to get details on the status of these plans, were unsuccessful.

 

JCF urged to step up search for wanted men

In an effort to stem the crime wage, Police Commissioner, Dr. Carl Williams has instructed members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to step up their search for wanted men and illegal weapons.

The instructions were issued at a crime control conference with senior cops on Wednesday.

Since the start of the year, the country has recorded over one thousand murders and this has prompted a Parliamentary Committee to summon Williams to report on efforts to stem the increase in murders across the country.

The Commissioner of Police, who is scheduled to appear before the Internal/External Committee on November 10, says he is prepared to answer questions about his strategy to reduce crime.

Williams added that he is determined to bring the crime rate under control and expressed confidence in members of the JCF.

“I believe that we are in a position to roll back some of the murders in some of the areas where they have been happening and I am confident that we will see through this period –

The coming election campaign period and the coming Christmas holiday period,” Williams said.

 

Rihanna cast in new sic fi movie

Rihanna has been cast in a new Luc Besson-directed sci-fi movie.

The 27-year-old star – whose previous film credits include ‘Battleship’ and the animated sci-fi comedy ‘Home’ – has been cast in a ‘big role’ in time-travel movie ‘Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets’.

The news was announced on Instagram by the movie’s director, who said: ‘RIHANNA is in VALERIAN!!!!! ….and she has a big part!! I’m Sooo excited!!! (sic)’

The new sci-fi movie is based on a French graphic novel and will feature a star-studded cast, including the likes of Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen and Dane DeHaan.

Earlier this year, Rihanna’s ‘Home’ co-star Jim Parsons heaped praise on the Bajan star, describing her as ‘an excessively warm person’.

The duo appeared alongside each other in the computer-animated movie, in which she plays a pre-teen girl named Tip.

Recalling the experience of working with Rihanna, Jim shared: ‘It was wonderful. She’s an excessively warm person, a very funny and quick-witted person.

‘We had never met before, and I was taken aback at what a wonderful sparring partner she was, both in conversation and to work with, immediately.’

 

West Broward High School to host first TEDx Talk Event

On Thursday, November 12, 2015, West Broward High School will host its inaugural TEDx Talk event. TEDxWestBrowardHigh takes place in the school’s theater at 500 NE 209th Avenue in Pembroke Pines, from 6:30 – 9 p.m. The independently organized event, licensed by TED, features local voices and TED Talks videos under the theme, “The World is Mine.”

 

TEDxWestBrowardHigh is spearheaded by West Broward High master teacher and curator Horace Buddoo, along with West Broward High TED-ED Club members, teachers and students. Buddoo applied for a TEDx license as a way to promote a culture of collaboration and idea sharing for students. 

 

“At West Broward High, we strive to foster knowledge, creativity, integrity and personal excellence in our students,” said Buddoo. “TEDxWestBrowardHighSchool provides a platform for students to get inspired and encourages them to think big about their ideas, their future and their community.”

 

The line-up of speakers, known as TEDx Talkers, embodies forward thinking with great ideas and extraordinary stories to tell. TEDxWestBrowardHigh’s participants will experience stories of success, inspired through examples of hardships overcome and reflect on challenges that bring unexpected insight.

5 amazing things you didn’t know about your favorite cup of coffee

If your morning simply doesn’t begin until you’ve had that first cup of coffee, you’re not alone. Americans everywhere love their joe, and research shows 37 percent of American workers can’t even get dressed for work without their first cup of coffee. Nearly half of American workers consume at least three cups of coffee each day.

In the office environment, the coffee break is something of a tradition, to be shared and enjoyed together by coworkers everywhere. Thus, in honor of the American worker’s favorite morning drink and to celebrate National Coffee Day on September 29, Staples, offers these five amazing coffee facts for you to share and discuss at your next coffee break.

1. People everywhere enjoy a good cup of coffee. Americans love their coffee and research shows they spend about $40 billion each year on this delicious morning beverage. But the love of joe isn’t exclusive to the United States. Across the world, an estimated 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed every single day, so drink up, you’re in good company.

2. A drink with a rich history. Coffee’s history far predates its use in modern America. Arab traders were recorded to have brought coffee beans back from Africa as far back as 1,000 A.D. Even then these traders understood the power of coffee’s morning kick. When the beans were brought back they were boiled for a drink called qahwa, which literally translates to: “that which prevents sleep.”

3. A cup or more is good for a man’s health. In 2011 the Harvard School of Public Health released the findings of a comprehensive 22-year study regarding men’s health and coffee consumption. The study, which included nearly 48,000 men, found those who drank six cups of coffee a day, or more, were 60 percent less likely to die of prostate cancer.

4. A commitment to excellence. That cup of coffee you’re holding is the product of lots of care and hard work. In fact, when you factor in the water needed to grow coffee beans and process them, it takes about 37 gallons of water to create just one single cup of coffee.

5. It’s not just for people. Human beings may be the only species that enjoys coffee in its warm, blended, liquid form, but they are not the only ones who savior the taste of coffee. In fact, coffee cherries, the fruit where coffee beans come from, is actually a favorite treat of elephants.

Consider these facts and it’s easy to see coffee has a history every bit as rich as the drink itself. To further test your coffee knowledge and to find everything you need to support your corporate coffee culture, including pods, plates, napkins and cups, visit your local Staples store today or check out Staples.com.

Curl care guide: How to keep the fun without the frizz

According to a Dove Hair study conducted in 2014, one in five women with curly hair are frustrated by their hair, and bad hair days can put a damper on the entire summer. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way.

To offer additional insight, celebrity stylist and Dove Hair Curl Expert Cynthia Alvarez discusses her best tips to ensure your curls remain fabulous throughout the entire summer. Her number one tip for curls is “hydration’s your friend!”

* Wash your hair at least once a week in the summer. A trip to the pool or the ocean may have you thinking you can skip washing your hair but these outings make washing your hair more important than ever. Chlorine, salt and sweat are hard on your hair so rinse immediately to prevent these chemicals from lingering too long, and shampoo as usual.

* Make a hat or scarf your new favorite accessory. “Avoid frequent exposure to direct sunlight and wear a hat,” says Alvarez. If you want to protect your curls from summer heat and humidity, add a hat or scarf to your ensemble. Hats and scarves work as a shield by blocking the sun’s rays from drying out your hair, so if you’re planning to be out in the sun all day, this is a must. Just remember to have fun with it! Your hat or scarf is more than just protection for your hair; it’s also that perfect accent to an already amazing look.

* Choose the right hair-care products. Your curly hair makes you special, and it needs a special type of care as well. Dove’s Hair Quench Absolute Collection includes shampoo, conditioner, serum and mask – everything you need for the perfect look. The shampoo, conditioner (or mask) and serum work as a 3-step system to cleanse, nourish and treat hair, providing four times more defined, natural curls. The system offers five key benefits for all curl needs, including improved manageability, quenched dryness, smoothness, strength and nourishment. Consider it your summer’s secret weapon.

* Protect your hair when going to the beach or pool. When going to the beach or pool, bring along Dove Quench Absolute Creme Serum, add 1-2 pumps when needed, for well-defined hydrated curls that will look amazing all afternoon.

Summer’s hottest days don’t have to be avoided just to protect your curls. By employing Alvarez’s tips above, you’ll be able to enjoy everything summer has to offer and enjoy fabulous curly hair.

To learn more about Dove’s Hair Quench Absolute Collection, visit Dove.com/loveyourcurls.

IMF approves $US8.7 million for Dominica

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be providing US$8.7 million for Dominica to be drawn from the Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) as the island rebuilds following the battering it took from Tropical Storm Erika in late August.

The RCF provides immediate financial assistance with limited conditionality to low-income countries with an urgent balance of payments need. Financing under the RCF carries a zero interest rate, has a grace period of 5.5 years, and a final maturity of 10 years. The Fund reviews the level of interest rates for all concessional facilities every two years.

IMF deputy managing director Mitsuhiro Furusawa, says he recovery and rehabilitation costs will be substantial, putting tremendous pressure on already challenging fiscal and balance of payments positions.

The IMF official said that the Dominican authorities have committed to generating robust primary surpluses over the medium term to ensure downward debt dynamics.

“They will tackle pressures on current spending, broaden the revenue base, strengthen tax collection, further re-prioritize capital expenditures, and step up efforts to strengthen the fiscal policy framework to ensure the sustainability of the fiscal adjustment effort.”

He said the authorities are also committed to strengthening financial policies to tackle regional and domestic vulnerabilities, both in terms of the health of financial institutions and their supervisory and regulatory frameworks.

Jamaica gymnast shines on world stage

To the thumping beat of the movie soundtrack for the James Bond film, “Dr. No,” Jamaican Gymnast Danusia Francis leaped and tumbled into a qualifying spot for Jamaica at the Olympic test event, following high marks at the recent World Gymnastics champions in Glasgow, Scotland.

Competing in the floor, vault, beam and uneven bars, Francis earned Jamaica’s highest all-around score in the competition at 51,999 points, finishing overall in 66th place. Francis earned her highest score of the night on her vault routine. But it was her daring and fun James Bond floor exercise that became an audience favorite.

“It felt amazing to be on the world stage,” Francis said, who is currently studying and training at the University of California, Los Angeles. “I was so relaxed with all the lights and screens; I am used to it from college, so I made sure to just keep the same mindset. The atmosphere was amazing in there!”

Her coach Valorie Kondos Field is still looking forward to watching her apprentice perform on the world stage.

“Knowing Danusia, get her a crowd and get her a spotlight, she’s gonna win the hearts of every single person in that arena,” Kondos Field said.

Francis also says she hopes to become Jamaica’s first Olympic competitor in gymnastics. A dual citizen of both Jamaica and the UK, the 23-year-old previously represented Great Britain as a member of the reserve team at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

OAS deploys EOM to Belize

The head of the Organization of American States (OAS) Jacinth Henry-Martin has deployed the Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to Belize for the November 4 general elections.

The Organization of American States (OAS) has deployed its Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to Belize for the November 4 general elections.

The OAS said the mission, headed by Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin, Chief of Staff to OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, began its deployment on Wednesday.

The delegation comprises observers from Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, El Salvador, France, Mexico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

The OAS said the Mission will focus its observation on electoral organization and other issues in the electoral process.

It will also gather information about the status of the recommendations made in the last EOM to Belize in 2012.

 

Carvalho calls for less public school testing

 

Miami-Dade Public School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has joined the national call for less public school testing.

His call stems from a study that revealed the adverse effects of over testing.

The findings of the study – announced at a press conference held by the Council of the Great City Schools in Washington, D.C. showed that in the 2014-15 school year, over 400 unique tests were administered in the 66 Great City School systems, including South Florida districts.

The conference, was also attended by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Deputy Secretary John King, and other superintendents and school board members from
the nation’s urban public school system.

According to the study, students spent 20 to 25 hours each school year taking standardized tests, and were required to take an average of 112.3 tests between pre-K and grade 12.

Several tests were not specifically related to college-or career-ready standards, and often did not

assess student mastery of any specific subject.

“It’s not the quantity tests that is important, but the quality,” said Carvalho, who has been campaigning with Broward and Palm Beach County superintendents to reduce standardized tests, particularly under the stress of the new Florida Standard Assessment computerized test, which experienced major technical problems earlier this year.

Teachers and parents told National Weekly that they are certainly feeling the strain on their children. Miami-Dade teacher Pearline Yearwood said the frequency of tests are “creating unfortunate fear in some students, resulting in some having serious nervous reactions. No child should see their academic pursuit as an ordeal.”

Math teacher Lucinda Blades suggests that “the system should be restructured so students take an assessment test at the end of each semester leading to an annual assessment of students, schools, and teacher’s assessment based on the average of the three tests.”

Plantation parent, Robert Blessing, calls the current assessment tests “useless.” He said his daughter, a Broward High student, scored high in math and reading, “but her reasoning skills are poor, and she needs improvement in her writing skills. So what do all these tests prove? More time should be spent on student’s comprehensive education, rather than conducting so many tests.”

 

 

 

TalkUp: To eat, or not to eat red meat

CNW90: JA Swimmer Alia Atkinson wins silver at FINA World Cup

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, October 30, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

After an intensive nation-wide search, current Miami Gardens Interim Police Chief Antonio Brooklen will stay on permanently in the city’s top law enforcement post. Brooklen took over the position since February this year, after former chief Stephen Johnson was arrested in an undercover prostitution sting.

The FBI are calling on the public for any assistance in solving yesterday’s series of two bank robberies at the SunTrust Bank in Fort Lauderdale and a TD Bank branch in Tamarac. Though authorities did not confirmed whether the two crimes were linked, both were done in a similar manner, with one lone assailant.

In their efforts to raise funds for classroom renovations, the Jamaican Ferncourt High school alumni association is hosting a special fundraising concert, this Saturday, starting 6:30 pm at the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Hollywood. Headliners include Gospel stars Sharon Wiles, Patrice Brown and Dr. Audley Rollins.

In sports, making up for a disappointing loss in the women’s 100m breaststroke, Jamaican swimmer Alia Atkinson rallied to earn silver in the 50m breaststroke at the FINA World Cup series in Tokyo. The Pembroke Pines-based swimmer came a close second with a time of 30.79 seconds.

What’s trending:

Caribbean Airlines CEO Michael DiLollo has resigned with immediate effect, after 17 months on the job. 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 showers in Broward County with a high of 86 and a low of 73. For Miami-Dade, mostly sunny with a high of 8 and a low of 73. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. 

 

Healthy Community Zone kickoff event set for November 7

Broward Municipal Services District along with partners from Broward Regional Health Planning Council and TOUCH (Transforming Our Community’s Health) will host their Healthy Community Zone Kickoff event on November 7th, from 11AM – 2PM at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park.

Families can enjoy a fun and educational experience learning about how to improve their family’s health and wellness. Activities include: Zumba, Bike safety rodeo and helmet giveaway, health screenings, Affordable Care Act enrollment, raffle prizes and more. Free food and refreshments will be available.

Healthy Community Zone is a collaborative partnership that provides information, events and services to improve the community’s health in the areas of tobacco-free living, active Living and Healthy Eating, clinical & Community Linkage and Healthy Built Environments.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Independence spotlight: David Phillips

Birthplace: Fountain, St. Vincent.

Lives in: Coral Springs

Moved to FL: 1977

What he wishes you knew about SVG: The lawyer and history buff finds the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines fascinating, whether the rich legacy of the Garifuna people who long kept colonization and at bay, or the country’s unique botanical history. “The first breadfruit tree planted in the Western hemisphere was planted in St. Vincent by Captain Bligh of the HMS Bounty,” says David. “That tree still stands in the Botanic Gardens near Kingstown.”

Most cherished memory of home: David most misses the Christmas season’s tradition of “Nine Morning Walks” – the “nine mornings before Christmas when most people, young and old will go for a very early morning walk. Some will go for a sea bath, others caroling. It’s supposed to make you healthy for the New Year. What a treat it was to see the village band go caroling through the night.”

Why he’s a proud Vincentian-American: “As a proud Vincentian in South Florida, it means I have been able to work hard and accomplish success,” says David. “And that we can inspire our children to realize their dreams and keep our Caribbean spirit alive.”

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Independence spotlight: Mareeze Prince

Birthplace: Kingstown, St. Vincent

Lives in: Miramar

Moved to FL: 2000

What she wishes you knew about SVG: “When you speak about ‘SVG,’ they will just say ‘them small islanders,’” says Mareeze. “But although we are a small island, we have big hearts, great personalities. We love to party and we love our homeland.”

Most cherished memory of home: For Mareeze, it’s the simple childhood memories of “going to the beach on early Saturday morning with a well-seasoned pig, goat and a bottle of sunset rum. We cook all day, play on the sea side, swim in the turquoise waters and party all night. Enjoying good times with family and friends with no worries in the world.” And Mareeze will never say no to “some nice black fish with some arrowroot bake douggboy.”

Why she’s a proud Vincentian-American: “After leaving my homeland over 35 years, I still value my culture, my heritage and the great hospitality that we convey to others,” says Mareeze. “And the Vincentian community here in South Florida is small, but nevertheless when we get together it’s just like we are back home. Everybody’s eating, drinking and having a good time. We just appreciate each other.”

St. Vincent & the Grenadines Independence spotlight: Christopher Crichton

Christopher Crichton

Birthplace: Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Lives in: Palm Beach

Moved to FL: 1991

Life’s Passion: As president of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Association of Florida (SVGAFL), Chris is most proud of the group’s continued efforts to give back to the homeland, whether donating books and school supplies to primary schools across the county, or medical supplies to the Milton Cato General Hospital. “SVGAFL has made contributions to our country every year,” says Chris. “When you accomplish your goals annually they become really proud moments.”

Plans to Celebrate: The Association, says Chris, plans to celebrate all month long, starting on Sunday, November 1st, with a thanksgiving services at the Grace Episcopal Church in West Palm Beach. Then the Association’s annual Dinner Dance on November 14th, at the Goal Choice Ball Room in Margate, where “every year we host a Government official as a special guest.”

Why he’s a proud Vincentian-American: Chris is most proud of “being able to work for the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for ten years after I was awarded a two-year scholarship to study abroad,” recalls Chris. “And being able to pass on good family values to my children.”

Concert explores jazzy roots of reggae and more

A concert may be all about laughs, dancing and having a good time, but who says it can’t teach a serious history lesson too? The Roots of Music concert took this task to heart at their recent event last Sunday at the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Jamaican guitarist, jazz composer and music instructor Eugene Grey led a talented crew of musicians through decades of Jamaican music, from the 1940’s jazzy big bands to 80s reggae jams. The band also performed jazz, soul and R&B classics along the Jamaican tunes, showing how both American and Jamaican music has influenced each other as both their sounds evolved.

The concert was a creative culmination for Eugene, who learned under Jamaica’s foundational jazz musicians and witness the evolution of the country’s popular music. A long disciple of jazz, as well as lover of American soul, Eugen says this concert served as an ode to those musical forefathers.

“You know what’s amazing, the [Jamaican] musicians who really transcribed the American music and helped to convert it, they were originally jazz musicians,” recalls Eugene. “All American pop came from jazz, and so did much of Jamaican music. So in my own music, I’m looking at the whole thing in a Jamaican context. How we as Jamaican play jazz, how we interpret and incorporate it with our own music.”

Eugene also works to inspire the future generation to learn more about jazz and Jamaican music, through his non-profit “American Roots of Jamaican Music” school program. The organization’s mission is to provide music education and cultural enrichment to underserved communities. Rootz of Music was awarded a Target grant in 2013 to promote the American Roots of Jamaican Music program in the schools.

“It’s really good to teach kids jazz and classical music, but there are other music too,” says the former public school educator. “So why not include all of them, teach the kids all music, as they are all evolving. We just want to share information, but in a fun way.”

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