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Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launches eFOIA app

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a new free mobile application called “eFOIA”, which allows users to submit and track Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests conveniently from an Android or Apple phone. The app can be download through Google Play and the App Store.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests can be made by any individual for documents from any federal government agency in the U.S. This is especially convenient for Immigrants who may have lost copies of their Immigration application or supporting documents which are necessary in order to refile a case or have their case reviewed by an Immigration attorney.

Immigrants can file a FOIA request for their USCIS “A file”, which would provide copies of most immigration applications and documents submitted to the USCIS in any Immigration-related case pertaining to the Immigrant. For most Immigrants, the FOIA request should normally be directed to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), those who need to obtain a record of admission to the U.S., should direct the FOIA request to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and FOIA request for Immigration records relating to removal and deportation documents should be directed to the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR).

Its important to note that Immigration FOIA requests will not provide copies of I-797 Notice of Action receipts or approvals. Duplicates of the I-797 Notice of Action must be made on form I-824 and require a filing fee of $405.

 

Opposition party in Jamaica to boycott Upper House

Jamaica will not gain republic status by August 6
Marlene Malahoo Forte

The opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), on Sunday announced plans to boycott the Upper House following Friday’s suspension of opposition Senator, Marlene Malahoo Forte.

During a meeting on Sunday, opposition members passed a resolution calling for a boycott of the Senate until the suspension is lifted.

“The resolution was unanimously passed and the resolution further states that the JLP Senators should not participate in any further deliberations in the Senate until the ban is lifted and an apology made to the Senator…” said JLP Deputy Leader in charge of Area Council One, Desmond McKenzie.

On Friday, President of the Senate, Floyd Morris suspended Malahoo Forte, for failing to produce a copy of the letter from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC), which in 2010 offered to sit in Jamaica on certain conditions.

The suspension was carried by the government majority.

Leader of Opposition Business, Senator Tom Tavares Finson said Marlene Malahoo Forte was not given an opportunity to address the matter before being suspended by Morris.

However, Morris has defended his decision to suspend the opposition senator, insisting that he had no choice based on her delay in handing over a letter to him as promised.

He said on Thursday he had requested the letter and he never got it. He said he also requested the letter on Friday.

“I requested the letter and I never got it. The member is sending to tell me that I can go ahead and adjourn the Senate and she will get it to me,” Morris said, adding that he was also not aware that Malahoo Forte was not in the Chamber when he handed down the suspension.

“I am not aware   – when I was going out of the Chamber I heard Senator Tom Tavares Finson shouting that the member was being suspended without her being in the Senate,” he added.

 

Jamaican soca legend Byron Lee honoured in New York

On October 16th, Jamaican soca legend Byron Lee was honoured at the first New York Hakka Conference held at the Museum of Chinese in Association (MoCA). Lee is the first recipient of an award from this Chapter and Lee’s daughter, Julianne Lee accepted the award on his behalf.

Byron Lee’s work and contribution has been immense and has been celebrated on numerous occasions. As such, he has received many accolades acknowledging his work and impact.

He was previously awarded in Toronto in 2008 by another Chapter of the organization. Lee was selected, as he is the first Chinese with West Indian roots to have made headway into the US and the music industry.

Starting a Mento and Calypso group in high school, Lee grew this group into a big dance band, the Dragonaires, which held sway over four decades in Jamaica and the Caribbean, as well as in the diaspora cities of London, Miami, New York, Toronto. From Ska to Rock-steady to Reggae and Soca, Mambo and Cha-cha-cha, Lee reproduced the international signature music of the Caribbean.

The late Hon. Byron Lee O.J., C.D., died in November of 2008 but his music still resonates with the world and his legacy still lives on.

3 fall recipes and wine pairings to ‘wow’ any crowd

Whether you’re cooking for two or a dinner party with friends, these recipes are the perfect accompaniment to the holiday season. Try them with the recommended wine pairings for a truly memorable meal.

Prosciutto, Mozzarella, and Sage Pesto Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Author: Katie Morris of Katie at the Kitchen Door

Serves: 4

Ingredients

One pork tenderloin, about 1-2 pounds

1 bunch fresh sage

6 sprigs fresh rosemary

15 sprigs fresh thyme

4 cloves garlic

6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

sea salt and pepper

6-8 thin slices of prosciutto

6 thin slices fresh mozzarella

1. Remove the leaves from the sage, rosemary, and thyme. Place the herb leaves in a food processor with the garlic and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil. Pulse the herbs until a finely minced rub is formed. Season the herb mixture with salt and pepper.

2. Rub one half of the herb mixture on the inside of the prepared pork tenderloin. Top with slices of mozzarella, slightly overlapping, and then with slices of prosciutto. Carefully roll the pork tenderloin up as you would a jelly roll, tucking the filling back in as needed. Use butcher’s twine to tie the pork into a roll, using one piece of twine every 2-inches. Rub the remaining half of the herb mixture on the outside of the pork and marinate the pork in the fridge for at least eight hours.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven or other oven-proof skillet. Brown the pork on all sides, then place the Dutch oven in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 145?F, about 20-30 minutes. Remove the pork from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Wine pairing: La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Creamy Cheese Fondue

Author: Kim Wilson of Sand & Sisal

Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

8 ounces Gruyere cheese

5 ounces Baby Swiss cheese

3 ounces Brie cheese

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 cup Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc

1 clove of garlic

1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

half teaspoon Dijon mustard

Pinch of nutmeg

Bite sized granny smith apples, vegetables, bread cubes, or sausage

1. Grate the Gruyere and Swiss cheese (freeze for 20 minutes before-hand for easier grating). Sprinkle the cheese with flour and mix well.

2. Set electric fondue pot to medium heat. Add 1 small clove of garlic, finely minced, until lightly golden.

3. Pour 1 cup of Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Dijon and lemon juice into pot and bring to a simmer.

4. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir cheese into the simmering liquid until smooth and creamy. Stir in nutmeg.

5. Serve with bite sized veggies, apples, bread and sausage. Dip, swirl and enjoy!

Wine pairing: Matanzas Creek Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

Zinfandel Brownies

Author: Dirk Yeaton on murphygoodewinery.com

Ingredients

2 cups Murphy-Goode Zinfandel

20 ounces melted Ghirardelli 60 percent cocoa, dark chocolate squares

12 ounces melted unsalted butter

20 ounces sugar

8 eggs

4 ounces all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

8 ounces Ghirardelli milk chocolate, double chocolate filling, chopped

1. In a saucepan, simmer wine to reduce by half, measuring one cup.

2. Mix together butter and chocolate, then in a mixer beat together with sugar.

3. With mixer on low, beat in eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to be incorporated. Beat on medium high for an additional five minutes, or until mixture has lightened in color.

4. Fold in reduced wine and vanilla, then flour and chocolate. Mix until fully combined.

5. Spread finished mixture in a buttered and papered jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes, rotating pan halfway through bake time. Brownies are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out with a sticky crumb.

Lauderdale Lakes welcomes new city manager

After a tense search, new Lauderdale Lakes City Manager Kelvin L. Baker, Sr. was formally presented his credentials by Mayor Barrington Russell last Tuesday, at a capacity meeting in the Commission Chambers, City Hall.

Baker, who is a former city manager of the City of Opa Locka and the City of North Miami, brings to his new post, more than two decades of experience and expertise. Mayor Russell said he was very pleased to have someone with the characteristics and qualifications of Baker to mage the administration of the city.

“With his balanced, sober and stable approach, I have no doubt he will serve the city well,” offered Russell, noting that when he depart city hall following the end of his term, he has every confidence to the city will be left in good hands.

Sharing the major’s hopeful view, Commissioner Eileen Rathery said Baker made an ideal contribution to the city’s leadership “because of his experience and openness.”

“A God-fearing person and someone you can relate to, he will help the city reach its goals,” she said.

Baker was appointed as city manager by the City of Lauderdale Lakes among some controversy regarding the hiring process, after several applicants submitted resumes that were woefully unsuitable for the position. Baker was one of some ten candidates that fulfilled the academic and experience criteria.

 

Pearls, Pumps and Purple to raise awareness about domestic violence

Raising awareness and funding to support victims of domestic violence, Miami Gardens is set to host the Pearls, Pumps and Purple event, on Sunday, November 1, from 11:30 am to 3 pm.

Hosted by District Relations Manager of Miami for Florida Virtual Schools, Felicia Brunson and Selena, the event will feature a buffet with mouth-watering meals for those in attendance.

Men and women are invited to wear purple in honor of the cause.

Tickets are $55 and can be paid via pay pal. For more information email visionsofimages@bellsouth.net

West Indies women join Australia at top of ICC Women’s Championship

Photo courtesy of ICC Cricket Council website

The West Indies women’s cricket squad joins mighty Australia at the top of the ICC Women’s Championships, following their third-straight win over Pakistan over the weekend.

Stafanie Taylor batted 98 not out as the West Indies women went on to a crushing 109-run defeat over Pakistan.Hayley Matthews went for a well-played 35 from 34 deliveries.

That Pakistan got to 182 for 5 in its 50 overs was thanks to the efforts of Asmavia Iqbal (44 not out in 43 balls) and Sana Mir (24), who added 75 in an unbeaten sixth-wicket stand over 81 balls. Earlier, Anisa Mohammed (2 for 30) and Shamilia Connell (3 for 32) had run through the top order, ensuring Pakistan could only progress at a crawl till the pair came together. Bismah Maroof, the fifth woman out, did her bit to keep things steady, but her 41 took 88 balls.

Tied at 16 points with Australia, they are well on their way for World Cup automatic qualification.

 

Improve your health with these tips for a good night’s sleep

One thing that makes you susceptible to getting sick is being stressed and run down. Despite living in a world where everyone is constantly on-the-go, you can’t avoid the fact that proper sleep is a key element when it comes to overall health.

Sleep is your body’s time to recuperate, so the less quality sleep you get, the less time your body has to do what it needs to do to keep you healthy.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends adults get seven-to-eight hours of sleep each night, and that teens and children get nine hours or more. Unfortunately, a quarter of the American population reports that they get inadequate sleep, which the CDC has deemed a public health epidemic. However, changing a few simple things about your daily routine or the room in which you sleep can greatly improve the quality of the sleep you get and, in turn, help improve your overall health.

Stick to a sleep schedule. Make sure that you go to bed and get up at roughly the same time each day, even on weekends. Having a consistent sleep pattern helps regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle, helping you to sleep better at night. If you have trouble falling asleep within the first 20 minutes or so of going to bed, that’s okay – simply go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired. Agonizing over falling asleep will only make it tougher for you to get the rest you need.

Get cozy. This means making sure you have comfortable bedding. In a U.S.-based survey conducted by the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC), 70 percent of consumers surveyed, who use down and feather products, agreed that they get a better night’s sleep with down and feather bedding. Furthermore, 55 percent agreed that there are health benefits to sleeping with down and feather products, because they:

* Regulate your body temperature – Down and feather is a natural material that wicks away moisture and perspiration, allowing it to quickly evaporate rather than trapping it. This reduces wakefulness due to being too hot or too cool.

* Provide proper support – Down and feather pillows conform to the body more naturally than many synthetic fibers or foam pillows.

* Help tame allergens – Down and feather products are tightly woven and provide a clean, natural and moisture-free environment, so they aren’t conducive to dust mites, which are a source of allergies for nearly 20 million Americans.

Assess your sleeping conditions. Your bedroom should be cool – between 60 and 67 degrees – and should be dark and quiet. Consider using room-darkening shades, and make sure to ‘power down’ before you go to sleep. This means turning off TVs, computers or other sources of blue light that may hurt your sleep. To help block-out extra noise, consider using a fan or ‘white noise’ machines to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

There are plenty of reasons to love the fall and winter months, and you’ll certainly appreciate these cooler months even more if you’re getting the adequate amount of sleep that you need to stay healthy. If you’re having trouble sleeping, start by making changes right to your bedroom – see what a difference the quality of your bedding can make.

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7 unlikely foods that sabotage fat loss

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.”

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. “Not only do these drinks lead to a sugar rollercoaster and energy crashes, they may be loaded with as many as 500-plus calories,” says Hurt.

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.

Jamaican Deportees get help from Diaspora

Attorney Wayne Golding

Involuntary returnees to Jamaica received free legal counsel to review their cases for a possible return to the US.

Attorney Joan Pinnock, President of the Jamaican American Bar Association and NAJASO Board member along with a team of attorneys including Wayne Golding, and Carneta Abarus, MSC from FURI (Family Unification Resettlement Initiative) and her team met with over 300 individuals in Kingston on October 23, 2015 at the Jamaica Theological Seminary.

This was the third meeting conducted by the attorneys following the Jamaica Diaspora 6th Biennial Conference in June 2015. At the meeting at least fourteen (14) Deportees who had derived citizenship from their parents were identified as eligible to return to the U.S. as citizens.

According to Ms. Pinnock, a number of Jamaicans with no convictions who took voluntary departure are also eligible to return through their assistance and permission from the government. Pinnock noted that the majority of deportees seen had crime related offenses of which the convictions would have to be vacated for them to return or they would need to receive a pardon from the Governors of their respective states.

Attorneys Pinnock and Golding had previously successfully returned two (2) deportees to the US on September 20, 2015 as a result of their previous efforts.

With Jamaicans being the highest number of immigrants deported from the United States Golding and Pinnock have dedicated themselves to helping those who are eligible to return to be united with their family members and friends residing in the US through their project initiative.

Broward County launches Broward Dance Coalition Initiative

Dr. Rennie Harris

Continuing its work to cultivate South Florida’s dance community, Broward Cultural Division, in partnership with the Nova Southeastern University, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Performing and Visual Arts, has launched its Broward Dance Coalition Initiative with a high-powered, inspirational experience with the renowned Dr. Rennie Harris on Wed. November 11 at Nova Southeastern University, Don Taft University Center Performance Theatre.

Dr. Rennie Harris is the choreographer and director of “Rome and Jewels,” the longest running hip hop dance theater work in American history with three Bessie Awards, two Black Theater Alvin Ailey Awards, a Herb Alpert award and a nomination for a Lawrence Olivier Award (UK).

This program targets both the dance and hip hop communities in Broward County and is open to all others throughout South Florida.

Evening Schedule:

6 – 7PM – MASTER CLASS
Performance Theatre
Don Taft University Center
For University Students and School Board of Broward County Dance Educators

7 – 8PM – COMMUNITY DIALOGUE
Performance Theatre
Don Taft University Center, Room 309
Seating is limited to 175


For more information contact Grace Kewl at 954-357-7869.

Slow start as Haiti votes for new president

Haitians began voting Sunday for a new president — with a choice of 54 candidates — as the poorest country in the Americas seeks to shed chronic political instability and get back on its feet.

The first-round presidential polls in the Caribbean nation, which is also holding second-round legislative elections and voting for local officials, are unfolding in a climate of uncertainty.

Voters patiently queued to cast their ballots in the capital and some expressed hope that the polls — the only one of several recent elections in Haiti to take place on schedule — could bring change.

The elections come nearly five years after President Michel Martelly came to power in a country that has failed to find democratic stability since the end of the 30-year Duvalier dictatorship in 1986.

M-DCPS increases AP exam passing rates, as well as enrollment

For the 5th year in a row, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) continues to increase Advanced Placement exam passing rates, while also increasing AP enrollment.

More than 26,000 M-DCPS students participated in May 2015 AP exams, showing an overall passing rate of 48.6 percent, with a 2.6 percent increaseover the previous year.

Through the AP Program, students have the opportunity to enroll in advancedcourses of study and earn college credit and/or AP credit while still enrolled in high school. Taking AP classes that earn college credit can help offset the cost of college, saving students and families thousands of dollars in tuition fees.  M-DCPS offers 35 AP courses including art, government, history, languages, literature, math, music, and science.

Broward continues to bolster businesses

The Broward County Office of Economic and Small BusinessDevelopment (OESBD) presented “FY 2016 Capital Projects and Contracting Opportunities”, its final event in the 2015 Business Development workshop series on Wednesday, October 7 at the Broward County Governmental Center.

The free event provided useful information about forthcoming County projects that could mean potential business opportunities for firms – both big and small.

Successfully engaging over 250 attendees, the workshop featured welcome remarks from Broward County Vice Mayor Martin Kiar, District 1 Commissioner, and detailed presentations from representatives of 10 County agencies (Aviation, Cultural, Parks and Recreation, Port Everglades, Public Works, Purchasing and Transit).

“This office works hard to support the local business community through our services and programs,” said Sandy-Michael McDonald, OESBD Director. “We are constantly building partnerships and creating initiatives that will aid in developing firms and guiding them to success in Broward and beyond.”

To keep up the momentum, OESBD invites the business community to attend a Meet & Greet informational and networking event on Wednesday, October 28th from 3 to 6 PM at the Broward County Main Library in Fort Lauderdale.

Hosted by Hunt/Moss, a Joint Venture, in conjunction with D. Stephenson Construction, Inc., the outreach event will inform attendees about the $239 million renovation project of Southwest Airlines Terminal One at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Since additional prime contractors are being recruited for participation, the event will begin with a special session from 3 to 4 PM for prime contractors only and will proceed with a joint session for primes and subcontractors from 4 to 6 PM.

Attendance topped 300 at Sunrise “Mayors’ Chess Challenge”

A new season of Broward County’s Mayors’ Chess Challenges is underway! Spearheaded by Sunrise Mayor Mike Ryan, these free and friendly events are held monthly during the school year, drawing attention to the benefits of chess for both schools and community.

Sunrise hosted this month’s event, drawing a record crowd of over 300 from across Broward County.

“We were overwhelmed by the community’s support,” said Mayor Ryan. “It speaks volumes for the public’s understanding of the academic and social benefits of chess.”

More than 50 chess sets were in play during the Mayors’ Chess Challenge at Sunrise City Hall. The event also featured giveaways, refreshments, and a giant outdoor chess set (courtesy of the Florida Renaissance Festival). Instructional videos played in the background, with plenty of opportunities for hands-on coaching.

The Mayors’ Chess Challenge also went international, as Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, England, joined the festivities via Skype and played a friendly match against Mayor Ryan. Schoolchildren from the UK also faced off against students at the Sunrise event.

Though the event was full of fun and games, Mayor Ryan believes in the overall benefits of the sport.

“Our focus must not be exclusively on tournaments and trophies, but instead on developing in the academic environment the critical thinking skills necessary for the next generation of scientists, doctors, educators, entrepreneurs, thinkers and leaders,” explained Mayor Ryan. “Through our collective efforts, we are seeing young minds develop confidence in their abilities.”

The next Mayors Chess Challenges heads to Tamarac on November 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Ballroom Community Center. Participants will receive a “Mayors’ Chess Challenge Passport” that can be stamped at each event they attend over the coming school year.

To learn more about chess programming in Sunrise – including the City’s free, weekly, open-play sessions – visit www.sunrisefl.gov/chess.

Strongest hurricane ever recorded slams into Mexico

Thousands of Mexicans have sought shelter in schools, public buildings and with relatives as the storm struck. The federal government expected to distribute 390,000 tons of food in four states. (photo courtesy of chicagotribune.com)

Hurricane Patricia, the strongest hurricane ever recorded, has slammed into Mexico’s Pacific Coast, threatening coastal areas with potentially catastrophic winds and rainfall.

Officials had warned of “potential catastrophic” consequences but early signs were positive as Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said the hurricane had caused less damage than feared.

The strengthening winds on Friday prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and tourists and a rush for emergency supplies.

Thousands of Mexicans have sought shelter in schools, public buildings and with relatives as the storm struck. The federal government is expected to distribute 390,000 tons of food in four states.

The president urged the thousands evacuated to stay in shelters until the hurricane passes.

Ramping up their warnings as the storm drew closer, Mexican officials said the unprecedented hurricane could wreak catastrophic damage.

Patricia, while still potentially deadly, falls short of the highest winds ever recorded at landfall. Typhoon Haiyan had winds of 195 mph as it slammed into the Philippines in November 2013, leaving more than 7,300 people dead or missing, primarily from its massive 15- to 19-foot storm surge.

Empty Pockets for West Indies tour of Sri Lanka

Carlton Bernadus, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) operations manager

West Indies no longer major attraction

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has revealed that the current series against West Indies will incur a financial loss estimated to be around US$4.5 million.

Television rights are considered the biggest earner, but the SLC says it will have to absorb the loss since the West Indies no longer attract top dollar.

“Having this tour take place here is a colossal loss. You see, the main source of income for these tours come from the broadcasting rights. In terms of this, there are teams that bring you good money, and then there are teams that bring you lesser amounts,” said Carlton Bernadus, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) operations manager.

“With a series consisting of two Test matches, three ODIs and two T20s, we will spend about 200 million Sri Lankan rupee. We might be able to recover about half of this, so the loss is in the range of 100 million rupees.”

Sri Lanka Cricket says it is allowing fans to attend free of charge to see the Test matches despite the overall loss. West Indies has already lost the opening Test of the series, which comprise two Test matches, three ODIs, and two T20s.

Airport workers overjoyed with wage increase

Contract workers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airports, including janitors, cabin cleaners, and wheel chair operators, celebrate after Broward County Commission voted to increase contract wages to a minimum of $11.68 per hour plus health benefits, or $13.20 per hour for workers without the health option. The increases, which affects some 1,700 workers, take effect on January 1, 2016.

The vote follows the employees’ passionate campaign for living wages, as many earned below the state’s minimum $8.05 per hour. Many, like wheel chair operators, earned an average of $5.50 per hour, which were to be supplemented by tips, but were never guaranteed.

Malcolm Dessalines who previously shared with National Weekly his family’s struggle to live solely on his and his wife’s income as airport employees, was emotional over the news, praising the Commission’s decision.

“We have waited so long for this, over three years,” says Dessalines, who will receive a $5.15 an hour increase. “I can’t tell you how much difference these extra dollars will make in my family’s life. Now I can pay the rent on time and don’t fear eviction, and can also buy food.”

The dispute over airport workers’ wages has been a long one. Unlike other county workers who receive a living wage of $13.20 and $11.69 per hour, these workers were exempt due to their separate contracts with service companies employed by the various airlines operating at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport.

In 2012, Broward Commissioner Dale Holness and former commissioner Kirsten Jacobs began dialogue with the contractors to increase the wages, but met little success. The contractors claimed such increases would be against Federal Aviation rules.

But, with the unanimous vote to pay the airport workers a living wage, they are now considered county workers.

“This is the right thing to do,” said Holness.”No worker should have to earn a wage or a salary that’s so low they can’t afford the basic standards of living.”

Now new contracts are being prepared between the county and the respective airlines to start the new wage scales by January 1.

 

Miami-Dade’s Chairman Monestime condemns “No Haitians” Job ad

Miami Dade Commission Chairman Jean Monestime is condemning a recent job ad declaring “No Haitian” should apply, from south florida-based home health aid company, Interim Healthcare.

“It is completely unacceptable that any company in 21st Century America would consider placing such a racist and discriminatory ad,” Chairman Monestime said. “I call upon the U.S. attorney general to investigate this company for its blatant violation of the Civil Rights Act. The days of no blacks, no Jews or no any other ethnicity need apply are over.

Monestime is demanding that the Attorney General investigate the Florida based company to find out if the company has a record of discrimination and racism against individuals of haitian descent

The company has since apologized for the ad, posted in a New York City pennysaver for their New York branch, calling it unacceptable and offensive.

Page 2: October 23, 2015

TalkUp: Will the Presidential debates have any impact on how you will vote?

Choosing the right tilapia

The right seafood can make for a nutritious and satisfying meal, but it’s not always easy to decipher its labeling. Wild-caught, farm-raised, all-natural and organic are just a few buzz words shoppers notice at the seafood counter, but relying on a one-off label alone won’t guarantee a quality product, particularly in the case of tilapia.

Tilapia has surged in popularity in recent years. When raised well, this mild and firm fish delivers a nutritional punch. High quality tilapia is packed with protein, but low in calories, fat and carbohydrates, plus it’s gluten-free. It provides essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, niacin, selenium, and magnesium, and its levels of omega-3 fatty acids are comparable to Mahi-Mahi and Yellowfin tuna.

The key to realizing the benefits of tilapia in a balanced diet is to find a source committed to quality. Tilapia is a farm-raised fish, and as with any protein, it’s important to know where and how it’s raised. In some countries like China, the lack of regulation and oversight has raised concerns about chemicals, hormones or antibiotics in the fish. However, other countries, such as Mexico, Honduras and Indonesia, have taken great care to grow tilapia in unspoiled environments that enable the fish to achieve their full nutritional potential.

The immaculate, deep freshwater lakes of Mexico, Honduras and Indonesia provide ideal environments for tilapia to thrive and are choice locations for the world’s leading producer, Regal Springs. The company not only delivers a high quality product but invests in practices that protect and improve natural resources for a sustainable industry and healthy community. For instance, water quality monitoring stations and labs are located on-site for constant testing of conditions to ensure the absence of contaminants. Regal Springs supplies fresh all-natural tilapia to retailers like Kroger, HEB, Safeway and Walmart, and frozen and fresh tilapia for Costco’s Kirkland brand.

Selecting fresh or frozen tilapia from Mexico, Honduras or Indonesia can make a world of difference in terms of nutritional value. Tilapia raised in a pristine environment in large floating nets have room to swim against currents and develop muscle. Rising above algae, mud or waste, the floating nets also allow for a controlled diet that ensures fish free of mercury. Producers that utilize primarily vegetarian feed — such as soy beans and grains — supply tilapia that are lean. In addition, an overall healthier aquaculture environment means antibiotics and growth hormones and chemicals are not necessary to achieve a quality product.

One of the easiest ways to judge a fish’s quality is to find approval from the world’s leading industry authorities. The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and British Retail Council have some of the most stringent quality and sustainability guidelines.

If the country of origin isn’t labeled in the seafood case, inquire at the counter or consult resources like thehealthyfish.com to judge the producer’s and source country’s quality standards. When you know where your fish is coming from, tilapia is a wonderful, healthy and versatile protein choice.

T&T singer ready for his voice to be heard

Trinidad born singer Mysta Lyon, is ready for his voice to be heard as he moving full speed ahead towards the magic of the motherland, infusing the harmonies of soca with the rhythmic African beats that are somehow distinctive to that part of the world.

Lyon, who resides in the United States says the African beat has revitalized the genre quite a bit. He’s excited to throw himself into the foray, delivering a song he feels is more than worthy of being included in the soca list of must-plays heading towards the season of revelry and ecstasy in T&T.

“Go Down Low” is a reflection of what’s seen annually on the island of steelpan, mas and calypso, during carnival and even outside of the festival period”, the artiste and music producer concedes.

He says the song is all relative to what’s displayed and coupled with a tune that encourages the desire, Mysta Lyon is promising a frenzy of Trini excitement anytime his single is played in the days and weeks ahead.

A chance. That’s all he feels he needs to win the hearts of the Caribbean people. “It all comes down to that really. It’s all a matter of delivering good music at the right time and I think my time has come,” he shared.

Mysta Lyon’s co-written music with several foreign- based soca artistes, among them, Brooklyn based hit-maker, Lyrikal, fellow artiste and videographer, Ronnie Homer and Kiko Dan with whom he’s word arduously with in the creation of most of his music.

Mysta Lyon has also worked with St. Vincent powerhouse, Fya Empress, producing her 2014 hit single, “Drink Ah Juice” on the Swanky riddim.

In the past, the co-founder of US record label, ROAR Productions, has himself released several songs, among them, “Rum Drinkers” in 2013, “Drinkin-Lymin” and “J’ouvert Vibes”. He however understands the dynamic of the soca music industry and has continued to keep his eye on the prize, making notes and targeting the people who he feels will be most appreciative of his work. “I understand the need to have a core fan base. I’ve worked on that and I will continue to do that. I don’t expect it to be easy for someone who’s not in T&T to up and make it big in just one or two years on the soca circuit. I however believe that music can speak for itself so when good songs really get the opportunity to be heard, there really can’t be any denying it,” he said.

DOH invites Florida chefs to participate in a healthy cooking competition

The Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are partnering to offer the “Healthy, Fast, ‘Fresh from Florida’ Challenge,” part of the World Food Championship.

“Healthy cooking doesn’t have to be a time-consuming effort,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “This challenge shows just how easy it is to put together a healthy meal fast and how the healthy food choice can become the easy choice for families in the Sunshine State.”

“This competition provides a fun way for Floridians to engage in making good dietary decisions, which improves health and gives children the fuel they need to excel in the classroom,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Florida’s agriculture industry provides an abundance of healthy foods that people can find at their local grocery stores—just look for the ‘Fresh From Florida’ label.”

The competition is open to Florida residents. Three finalists will be invited to cook their healthy recipes live at the World Food Championship on Friday, Nov. 6, in Kissimmee for a chance to win $2,500.

CNW90: U.S. Bobsledder switches to Jamaica; plans to recruit Shelly-Ann Fraser Price

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, October 23, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The family of Corey Jones, who was killed by an undercover Palm Beach gardens police officer during an altercation on I-95, is calling for more answers regarding his death. The State Attorney’s Office report that Jones was shot 3 times, while his own gun was never fired. The Family attorney argues that Jones may not have recognized the plainclothes policeman as law enforcement.

The Caribbean Bar Association has two newly installed leaders, announcing Merchant Litigation lawyer Michelle T Bell as the new president and commercial litigation attorney Devona Reynolds Perez as president elect. Both attorneys, who also previously served as officers, will oversee an all-female board.

Caribbean-American youth advocacy group, Transforming America Through Interaction, or TATI (pronounced T-AY Ti, long a sound) is accepting applications for their newly launched career mentorship program Bright Faces – where students explore various fields such as finance, manufacturing, arts and public service. Applications are available on their website.

In sports, US Olympics bobsled driver Jazmine Fenlator is expected to switch allegiances and compete for Jamaica by the next major Games. The athlete, whose father is Jamaican, says she plans to build Jamaica’s first Olympics women’s team, with hopes to recruit Olympic champion sprinter, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

What’s trending:

Calypso Legend, the Mighty Sparrow, has been bestowed the Order of the British Empire, honoring his illustrious career in the arts. 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 85 and a low of 73. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 85 and a low of 71. For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.

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