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5 ways to boost your health in five minutes or less

You know those days when your normal schedule gets thrown completely out the window? You’re tired, overrun and can barely think about the next thing on your to-do list, let alone work on your larger goals or concentrate on your health.

“Luckily, major results can stem from small steps, even if they seem inconsequential. These tiny decisions throughout your day add up to create a gradual shift towards change and transformation when it comes to your health,” says Paul Kriegler, registered dietitian with Life Time – The Healthy Way of Life Company.

When you’re flying at rapid speed throughout your day and could use a small win, Kriegler suggests trying a few of these five-minute health commitments:

Whip up a sustainable energy boost. Think of food as fuel for your body. When you’re busy and on the run, don’t forget to pack healthy lunches and snacks to keep you nourished throughout the day.

* A protein and powdered greens shake is the perfect quick snack or lunch.

* Cut up veggies at the beginning of the week to pack for lunch.

* Make a 3-ingredient salad. All you need is lettuce, a protein, and another veggie.

* Throw together stew or chili ingredients for a week of healthy dinners and lunches.

Do you have five minutes? Fit in a workout. Kriegler says a workout doesn’t have to (and shouldn’t!) disrupt your entire day. If you find yourself with five minutes to spare, get up and move.

* Work out your kinks with five minutes of stretching or foam rolling.

* See how many pushups you can do in five minutes.

* When you’re at work, run up and down the side stairs of your office.

* Fit in two sprints up and down your street before dinner.

* Do three to six yoga poses to target a particular body part or objective. Find a yoga video that focuses on relaxation or strength.

*Head out to your backyard for five minutes of jumping rope, playing tag with the kids or trying a YouTube exercise video that looks interesting.

Plan for the days and weeks ahead. Achieving a goal always involves planning. Find five minutes in your day to make sure you have a healthy plan in place.

* Plan a healthy menu for dinner tonight or start your healthy shopping list for the week.

* Pack your gym bag for tomorrow’s workout.

Take time for yourself. “When you’re constantly on the go, remembering to take time for yourself can be a challenge,” says Kriegler. “Whether you have to get up five minutes early or stay up five minutes late, fit in some time to connect with yourself.”

* Try a five minute meditation to relax your body.

* Walk outside for a few minutes of sun and fresh air.

* Pour yourself a big glass of water to take your supplements with in the morning.

*Call someone in your support network for encouragement. This could be a weight loss coach, running or workout buddy, friend or spouse.

Although these may seem like minor tips, these small wins can help you on your journey toward a healthier way of life.

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Conquer holiday food cravings and still enjoy seasonal treats

There’s plenty to savor this time of year, and it doesn’t have to lead to a bigger waistline.

Licensed naturopathic doctor Dr. Aimee Gould Shunney believes the holidays are a time to enjoy good food and time with family and friends. With her expert insight, you can make smart eating decisions while avoiding the most notorious food traps of the holiday season.

Avoid: Eating holiday sweets to satisfy hunger

Eat: Proteins followed by just a bit of dessert

“Many of us don’t cook and we simply show up to the party hungry, craving something sweet,” says Shunney. “My suggestion is to have some dessert … after you have proper sustenance. Make sure you eat regularly throughout the day. Keeping your blood sugar stable will help you make good choices when you get to the party. Be sure to have plenty of high quality protein and fat, like fish, meat, beans, nuts and seeds, as well as fiber, so any sugar you do eat takes longer to metabolize. And then, since you will be sated, you can have a small portion of your favorite dessert. It’s a win-win.”

Avoid: Meat and fatty main dishes

Eat: Flavorful and festive fish as a main course

“Fish contains the essential long-chain omega-3 fats EPA and DHA that are so helpful for a healthy stress response, for blood sugar balance, for mood, and for heart health. Who doesn’t need an extra dose of that at the holidays?” says Shunney. “The truth of the matter is most people rarely eat fish often enough — at least once a day — to get a therapeutic dose of EPA and DHA.”

Avoid: Overindulging on chocolate goodies

Eat: Healthier alternatives that use raw cocoa powder

“Sugar cravings are often a sign of low blood sugar,” Shunney says. “It’s your body screaming for quick energy. But remember, while something sweet may confer a quick energy burst, it will also drop you on your bottom sooner than you can say, ‘Oops! I did it again.’”

Avoid: Eggnog, holiday cocktails and other high calorie drinks

Eat: Water or unsweetened juice mixed with mineral water

Shunney suggests: “Water, water, water — not very festive, but it really is the best thing to drink for your mood and metabolism. Additionally, a bit of unsweetened juice with sparkling water is a perennial non-alcoholic favorite that feels a bit more special when toasting and doesn’t overload you with sugar and empty calories.”

Avoid: Eating everything at a holiday buffet

Eat: Your favorites surrounded by veggies and protein

“Take small amounts of your favorites, otherwise you’ll be miserable and overeat everything else,” says Shunney. “Then surround those with veggies and protein. Ideally, you should have about 1/4 of your plate be protein and 1/2 to 3/4 of your plate be veggies, and no more than 1/4 of your plate be starch. It’s more doable than you think — especially if you allow yourself to have small amounts of the things you love.”

Avoid: Baking with tons of sugar and refined flour

Eat: Baked goods with smart sugar and grain substitutes

“Recipes always call for way more sugar than needed, so do some research or experiment with cutting sugar in half,” Shunney says. “You can also sweeten with fruit, fruit juice, dates or coconut sugar for added nutrition and to keep the sugar and calories down. Substituting whole grains for refined grains is an excellent way to add fiber and vitamins, and adding whole nuts or using crushed nuts as crusts is a great way to add good quality fat to stabilize blood sugar.”

TalkUp: What is your opinion of the deal to construct a prison in Jamaica?

The British Government offered the Jamaican Government a gift of Twenty-Five Million Pounds for the construction of a prison. What is your opinion of this?

Applications for Jamaican citizenship increase by 8 percent

Applications for Jamaican citizenship has increased by 8 percent, according to the island’s Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency.

According to chief executive officer of PICA, Jennifer McDonald, the agency processed a total of 2,000 citizenship applications in 2014.

McDonald says 250,000 applications for Jamaican passports were processed last year, a 28 per cent increase when compared to 2013.

She attributed the improved performance to measures implemented to boost service delivery and efficiency of employees.

Soca Warriors get ready to face Nicaragua on Tuesday

Fresh from their 2 to 1 victory in a friendly match last week against Panama, Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors get set to face Nicaragua tomorrow at the Hasley Crawford Stadium.

The team hopes their confident win will lead to success when they take on Guatemala and the U.S. next month for the CONCACAF Zone semifinals, to qualify for World Cup 2018 to be played in Russia.

CNW90: New documentary shining spotlight on corruption in Jamaica premieres on local TV

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, October 12, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Boosting Jamaica’s exports should be a top economic concern, said Jamaican National Building Society General Manager Earl Jarrett, speaking last Friday at the Jamaican Business Expo and Global Trade Forum in Miami. Jarrett encouraged Diaspora business leaders to help strengthen brand Jamaica in US markets, generating more exports from Jamaica.

Four South Florida leaders were honored for their commitment to the Haitian diaspora this Sunday at the annual Haitian American Democratic Club Luncheon in Margate. Honorees include Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Broward Commissioner Dale Holness, Miami Dade Commission Chairman Jean Monestime and Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam.

New documentary on corruption in Jamaica, “The Cost of Corruption- Jamaica’s barrier to prosperity” will make its South Florida network premiere this Sunday, October 18 on the SFL channel. Filmed by Jamaica’s anti-corruption group National Integrity Action, the documentary details four episodes in Jamaica’s history where corruption undermined its progress.

Fresh from their 2 to 1 victory in a friendly match last week against Panama, Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors get set to face Nicaragua tomorrow at the Hasley Crawford Stadium. The team hopes their confident win will lead to success when they take on Guatemala and the U.S. next month for the CONCACAF Zone semifinals, to qualify for World Cup 2018

What’s trending:
Applications for Jamaican citizenship has increased by 8 percent, according to the island’s Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency.
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 90 and a low of 69. For Miami-Dade, mostly sunny with a high of 90 and a low of 68.
For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweeklynews.com.

Four South Florida leaders honored at Haitian American Democratic Club Luncheon

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Four South Florida leaders were honored for their commitment to the Haitian diaspora this Sunday at the annual Haitian American Democratic Club Luncheon in Margate.

Congresswoman Frederic Wilson received the Advocate Award, Broward Commissioner Dale Holness, the Ally Award, Miami Dade Commission Chairman Jean Monestime, Trailblazer Award and Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam received the Humanitarian Award.

“These leaders have positively impacted the Haitian Community in the United States and in Haiti with many quality of life initiatives. It is important that the Diaspora acknowledges their contributions and show its appreciation,” said HADC President, Guithele Ruiz-Nicholas.

Boosting Jamaica’s export should be top concern, says JNBS GM

General Manager, JNBS, Earl Jarrett
General Manager, JNBS, Earl Jarrett

Boosting Jamaica’s exports should be a top economic concern, said Jamaican National Building Society General Manager Earl Jarrett, speaking last Friday at the Jamaican Business Expo and Global Trade Forum in Miami.

Jarrett encouraged Diaspora business leaders to help strengthen brand Jamaica in US markets, generating more exports from Jamaica.

The Forum was led under the theme “Brand Jamaica to the world in Florida” and featured a “Shark Tank” Investment Forum and Business Matchmaker.

Cayman Islands to offer 10-year visa for Jamaicans

The Cayman Islands is revising its visa regime, and is now offering Jamaicans a 10-year visa.

Jamaica is being given special treatment under a new immigration law as all other nationalities which require a visa prior to visiting Cayman can obtain only single-entry permission, or permission to enter multiple times within a one-year, three-year or five-year fixed period, according to the Cayman Compass.

According to the newspaper, a Cabinet directive was issued recently to Cayman’s chief immigration officer to add the 10-year visitor visa for Jamaicans only.

“Recognizing the unique relationship between Jamaica and Cayman … [this] is an initiative aimed at strengthening our ability to adequately facilitate legitimate visitor travel for qualified Jamaican nationals without jeopardizing operations or processes relative to border control,” Ministry of Home Affairs Chief Officer Eric Bush is quoted as saying.

Jamaica and Cayman’s strong historical and cultural ties stretch back to pre-independence days when the Cayman Islands were part of the British colony of Jamaica.

Breastfeeding support improves in many U.S. hospitals

Hospital support for breastfeeding has improved since 2007, according to the latest CDC Vital Signs report released today. The percentage of U.S. hospitals using a majority of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, the global standard for hospital care to support breastfeeding, increased from approximately  29 percent in 2007 to 54 percent in 2013, a nearly two-fold increase over six years. Improved hospital care could increase rates of breastfeeding nationwide and contribute to healthier children.

“Breastfeeding has immense health benefits for babies and their mothers,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.  “More hospitals are better supporting new moms to breastfeed — every newborn should have the best possible start in life.”

Of the nearly four million babies born each year in the U.S., 14 percent are born in Baby-Friendly hospitals, a number that has nearly tripled in recent years, but remains low. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was established by the World Health Organization and UNICEF and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The core of the BFHI is the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.

“What happens in the hospital can determine whether a mom starts and continues to breastfeed, and we know that many moms – 60 percent – stop breastfeeding earlier than they’d like,” said Cria Perrine, PhD, epidemiologist in CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity. “These improvements in hospital support for breastfeeding are promising, but we also want to see more hospitals fully supporting mothers who want to breastfeed. The Ten Steps help ensure that mothers get the best start with breastfeeding.”

There are many health benefits to breastfeeding. Babies that are breastfed have reduced risks for ear, respiratory, stomach and intestinal infections. They also are at lower risk of asthma, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Pre-term infants are at a particularly high risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a disease that affects the stomach and intestinal tract; breastfeeding can protect infants from this disease.

Also, mothers that breastfeed are less likely to get breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Advice on paying naturalization application fee with a credit card

 Now that the USCIS allows Residents to pay the Naturalization Application Filing Fees with a credit card, customers can use Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and gift cards with the Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover logos to pay the fee.

However, payment for the entire $680 application fee must be paid with one card and cannot be paid using multiple cards.

​Make sure and check your credit card balance before filing your application to make sure that you have enough credit or funds in the account, since the USCIS will reject any Naturalization applications paid using a credit card, if the payment is declined. Finally, be sure to fully complete Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transaction, sign and place on top of your Naturalization application package. 

Actor Danny Glover predicts Usain Bolt will successfully defend his titles in Rio

Actor Danny Glover, in a trip to Jamaica recently said that the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt, will successfully defend his titles in Rio at the age of 32.

The American actor has seen plenty of track and field talent in his time, among them sprinting legends Carl Lewis and Jessie Owens, but praised Bolt as the “greatest runner ever”  and believes Bolt’s unique physical abilities puts him in a different class.

Bolt recently faced down another noted American sprinter, Justin Gatlin, at the Beijing World Championships.  The double world record holder had been caught short on form heading into the championships, but still did enough to hold off the in-form Gatlin over both the 100m and 200m events.

Gatlin has vowed to return stronger for next year’s Rio Olympics but the Lethal Weapon, and The Color Purple star’s money will still be on Bolt.

 

JNBS goes commercial

 

Final move pending vote from Diaspora members

After a 7-year process, the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) has been approved by Jamaica’s Ministry of Finance and Planning as a commercial bank. But the group’s new status is still pending, according to the society’s local representative, Janice McIntosh.

JNBS, says McIntosh, “has to be licensed,” following approval by the Jamaican courts, “to begin functioning as a commercial bank.” The society will also need approval of its members in Jamaica, USA, Canada, and the UK. Meetings with members of the Diaspora in the USA, says McIntosh, will begin in November, when some 35,000 shareholders in South Florida alone may vote to approve the transition to commercial banking.

But, from the strength of their application, and the general positive response from shareholders, “We don’t anticipate any problem with the process,” says McIntosh.

The JNBS made its first application for a commercial bank license in 2008, and resubmitted an application in November 2013. Last week Jamaica’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Peter Phillips, submitted a letter to the Society informing it of the ministry’s approval to be converted to a commercial bank.

Earl Jarrett, JNBS’ General Manager, calls the approval “a major achievement.”

“We have come a long way since our first application seven years ago,” said Jarrett in a statement. “And we are definitely committed to repositioning JN to better serve our members.”

JNBS is slated to become the third largest commercial bank in Jamaica when it begins operations, with an estimated 12.8 percent of the nation’s banking market. The society will join Jamaica’s six other commercial banks: The Bank of Nova Scotia, First Caribbean International Bank, Citibank, National Commercial Bank, First Global Bank, and Sagicor Bank. The National Commercial Bank has the largest market share with approximately 36 percent, followed by Bank of Nova Scotia with 26 percent.

The move, said Jarrett, was in response to increased demands from the Society’s members for an expanded range of credit products and services, such as personal loans and checking accounts, which are limited to commercial banking. Now equipped with the ministerial approval, the JNBS, along with moving ahead with completing its licensing requirements, can begin reorganizing its group of companies in accordance with Jamaica’s Banking Services Act. The Group includes several companies offering a wide variety of financial and non-financial products and services.

Jarrett said the necessary operational changes to a commercial bank are being made, which will “reposition Jamaica National to successfully chart another 141 years as a bona fide member of the [Jamaican] commercial banking sector.”

Criminal history question banned on Miami-Dade County job applications

There’s relief for South Florida residents with criminal history searching for public jobs in Miami-Dade. On Tuesday, the county commission voted 8-4 to remove the question that asks for previous criminal convictions from county government application forms. The question, however, will remain for those applying in law enforcement, fire-rescue, and corrections.

Miami employee consultant Christie Billings, an ardent advocate on this issue, hailed the decision.

“Hundreds, if not thousands, of otherwise qualified individuals have been denied jobs because of answering yes to having prior convictions. No matter if this conviction was for a petty crime like shop-lifting, or possession of small quantities of weed, this is usually a job application killer,” Billings said. “It’s only fair every applicant has the same chance to at least advance to the job interview. There, the applicant can be assessed on his or her experience and qualification, and adequately explain any criminal history, rather than being purged from the hiring process from the outset.”

The removal, however, doesn’t mean county job applicants no longer have to undergo criminal background checks. But such checks, like drug tests, will only be conducted when the applicant becomes a finalist.

County Commission Chairman Jean Monestime, a prime initiator for the change, said the decision “give people a chance to make an honest living instead of perpetuating the inequalities in the justice system. If someone has proven their ability to benefit their community, we owe it to them to give them…a second chance, and not unfairly exclude them before we find out about their qualifications.”

Billings said she has no problem with criminal background checks as the “last hurdle,” but believe applicants should be made aware of this when they apply.

Billings is part of a national movement called “Ban the Box,” which seeks to remove arrest check boxes on job applications. So far, Florida has not “banned the box,” although the cities of Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville have.

“Plans are being pursued to take this issue to the state Legislature,” Billings said. “We have to give people a fair chance.”

Guyana pays tribute to first CEO of WICB

First CEO of WICB Dies

The government of Guyana says it hopes the late Steve Camacho’s legacy of “grace, humility and unyielding respect” for cricket will be an example to all who currently govern the sport.

Camacho died in Antigua last Saturday at age 69, following a long battle with cancer. The Guyana-born administrator served 18 years as chief executive officer of the West Indies Cricket Board, where he was the organization’s first full-time employee. He was also board secretary, selector and West Indies team manager, and has been widely hailed as establishing the highest standards in each role.

Camacho distinguished himself as one of the finest and most widely respected cricket administrators in the region,” a government statement said. “With a quiet demeanor and exuding elegance, Camacho was widely admired, respected and loved in the cricket fraternity and further afield. The Government of Guyana hopes that Camacho’s legacy of grace, humility and unyielding respect for the regional sport will serve as guideposts to those who have been entrusted with the management of the game.”

Camacho also represented West Indies, playing 11 Tests between 1968 and 1971 and garnered 640 runs. He made his international debut on England’s tour of the Caribbean, alongside the likes of Sir Garry Sobers, Clive Lloyd and Sir Wes Hall. A top order batsman, Camacho played 76 first class matches, scoring 4 079 runs including seven centuries and 24 half centuries.

Jamaican documentary to air on tv in South Florida

South Florida TV to Air Jamaican Documentary

The Jamaican Documentary on corruption, “The Cost of Corruption…. Jamaica’s barrier to prosperity” will air on television in South Florida.

National Integrity Action (NIA), Jamaica’s anti-corruption organization will broadcast its first full-length documentary  in South Florida on Sunday, October 18th at 8:30AM.

The one-hour long Jamaican Documentary on Corruption film graphically details four episodes in Jamaica’s 50-year post-Independence history, each of which indicated how corruption undermined Jamaica’s achievements. Viewers in Dade and Broward counties can watch on SFL/THE CW Network on Channel 39 or Comcast Channel 11.

 

Professor Trevor Munroe, Executive Director of NIA in describing the film pointed out “that the information contained therein was carefully researched and reveals the magnitude of the corruption problem. However the Jamaican people once they understand better the issues have the capacity to meet the challenge, to come together, to build integrity and combat corruption more effectively.”

Produced by Frame by Frame Productions, the Jamaican Documentary on Corruption is narrated by Professor Munroe and includes commentary and in-depth analyses from some leading Jamaican scholars and members of private and public sectors, as well as gives voice to the ordinary man in the street, all of whom have a story to tell on corruption.

Nurses in the Spotlight

HANA celebrates with night of culture

Haitian culture in song, dance and all out fun enter center stage at the upcoming Haitian American Nurse Association of Florida (HANA) Cultural Night, set for Thursday, October 17th, from 6 p.m. to 10 pm at Miami Dade College, North Campus.

President of Miami Dade College, North Campus, Dr. Malou Harrison, will be the special guest of the night of culture and entertainment, including dance performances by HANA members and Roots Afro-Haitian Folkloric troupe. A short original play, “Lavi yon Fanm” (Life of a Woman), by local talents Nahomie Mirville and Josy Saint Fleur, will also be performed.

But the night’s highlight will definitely be the anticipated, all-star fashion show, featuring work from local designers. Designers include Classy Lady Creationz by Claire Jean-Gilles La Belle, who specializes in one-of-a-kind, statement handbags and cluthes, as well as Couture Wearable by Doreen Jean-Gilles.

“We are honored to join hands with the Haitian American Nurses Association in presenting the Republic of Haiti’s rich arts and culture to our community, said Malou C. Harrison, North Campus president.

HANA is a non-profit organization established since 1984 to provide nurses the opportunity to share ideas and get involved with issues relevant to the health and welfare of communities in Florida and abroad. Additionally, the organization strives to increase enrollment of nursing students through education and mentoring as well as creating community networking opportunities for its members.

Fort Lauderdale’s once blighted community is now “Historic Sistrunk”

The historic African-American community in Fort Lauderdale, west from NE 7th Avenue to the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center – commonly known as Sistrunk or Sistrunk Corridor – has been rebranded as “Historic Sistrunk.”

The new name is part of plans by the Historic Sistrunk Community Council to redevelop the blighted area to thriving black business community, as in once was in the 1940s, says Dennis Wright, president of the community council.

“When it came to business, arts and entertainment in Fort Lauderdale, Sistrunk was it,” said Wright. “At any given time so many things would be happening and going on, it made it hard to choose.”

The renaming compliments several redevelopment projects already done by the Northwest-Progresso-Flagler Heights Community Redevelopment Agency (NPFCRA) along the Sistrunk Corridor including streetscape projects.

“The streetscape is part of the infrastructure redevelopment designed to set the tone for business development along that corridor. We are working with the residents on business improvement projects and encouraging developers to come into the community, and highlighting the area’s very strong history as the base for the development,” said Jeremy Earle, Deputy Director of Fort Lauderdale’s Department of Sustainable Development.

The City of Fort Lauderdale has also devoted significant investments and leadership to revitalizing the area.

“Redeveloping Sistrunk as the business center it once was is a current and ongoing effort,” says Pamela Adams, President of the Midtown Business Association and member of the Historic Sistrunk Community Council. “In partnership with the CRA, we hope to make available extraordinary incentives to attract and relocate businesses with an emphasis on programs that will benefit small and minority owned businesses.”

Ann-Marie Sorrel, president and CEO of The Mosaic Group, and spokesperson for the NPFCRA, says “The Sistrunk Corridor has historically been the Black Wall Street of Fort Lauderdale. The community wants to preserve this rich history and attract and retain black businesses in the area, and become an important part of local economy.”

#HaitianElecions2015: Decision still in the balance following Presidential Debate

Candidates for the upcoming 2015 Presidential elections in Haiti met a critical crowd at this past Sunday’s presidential debate, held at the North Miami Senor High School. Attempting to garner support from the Haitian Diaspora in South Florida, eight top candidates fielded questions ranging from the economy to national security.

Though the candidates were dedicated serious campaign time for the Haitian Diaspora living in South Florida – an audience that currently cannot vote in the upcoming elections – the Diaspora’s clear influence on voters back home, as well as their lucrative financial support, made this presidential debate off-island a crucial platform in the heated campaign. But getting solid solutions for issues posed by both moderators and the crowd proved difficult as the night progressed, with the audience vocally criticizing vague responses to key issues.

Some candidates, however, proposed specific strategies to tackle the economy. Both Sen. Samuel Madistin and lawyer Aviol Fleurant offered a “Made in Haiti” approach, with Madistin advocating to replace foreign imports with local production, and Fleurant arguing for more investment in the local rice and coffee industry. Meanwhile, Eric Jean-Baptiste advocated a socialist stance, proposing greater government regulations on small to medium farming.

This was the first presidential debate in South Florida, and the last one before the upcoming presidential elections, set for October 25.

Pay your toll by plate before it’s too late

Some South Florida motorists who are no longer required to pay tolls at toll-booths on the region’s highways may harbor the misconception they can avoid paying toll. However, this mistake could risk their driver’s license.

In recent years, toll booths on segments of the Florida Turnpike and major Miami-Dade expressways have been replaced by an image-based electronic toll collection system that photographs a vehicle’s license plate to identify motorists responsible for payment – commonly called the ‘Toll-by-Plate” system.

Most South Florida motorists use the system by using a pre-paid electronic transponder, SunPass, affixed to their vehicles. When one drives through a toll zone, the related toll charge is deducted from the prepaid account, which can be replenished as required.

But some 10 percent of motorists without a SunPass are billed by the toll-by-plate system, when the vehicle crosses an electronic collection portal. A monthly invoice is mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.

 And it’s not unusual for these invoices to take registered owners by surprise. Monique Pearle said she loaned her car to her brother for a week when he visited from Jamaica. But when he returned home, Peale said she was surprised to receive “a bunch of bills with my car’s photographs for unpaid toll charges. My brother wasn’t even aware of driving through toll zones, and the car didn’t have SunPass.”

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) – responsible for Toll-Plate collections on the Florida Turnpike – and the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority(MDX) – responsible for collections on Miami expressways, including the Don Shula, Dolphin and State Rd 112 – have both reported sluggish payments when the program initially began. But both agencies have implemented a system to counter delinquency. If the initial invoice isn’t paid by the due date, an additional $2.50 in administrative charges are added to a second invoice. If this invoice is ignored, it’s submitted to a collection agency, which adds additional fees to the balance owed. If the invoice isn’t paid, both agencies have authority to place a hold on the debtor’s driver license.

“The vehicle’s owner won’t be able to renew his/her license until the outstanding tolls are paid,” said Mario Diaz, MDX public information manager.

Profits on toll pays motorists dividends

While Diaz was unable to provide data related to delinquent payments, he said revenue from the Toll-by-Plate system was strong. “Every day over a million trips pass through the toll zones on the MDX System,” he said.

Revenue from the system is used by MDX to maintain the county’s expressways and ensure smother traffic flow. This year, revenue so exceeded budgeted expenditure that MDX’s board implemented a “Cash Back Toll Dividend Program” last July. A decision was made to refund some $2.2 million in toll charges to drivers who used the toll system.

“This is a dividend because the tolls motorists pay are an investment into the MDX expressway system,” Diaz explained, stating that eligible motorists should receive dividends averaging $75 each.

To be eligible for dividends under the program, the only one of its kind in the U.S., motorists, individuals and businesses must be registered, be SunPass customers in good standing, and spend over $2 weekly ($100 annually) in tolls on any of MDX’s five expressways. The dividends will be paid each year the agency makes a profit. Motorists registering this year will be automatically enrolled for future years.

CBA hosts annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet

Attendees at the 2013 Scholarship and Awards Banquet at Miami Marriot Biscayne Bay
Attendees at the 2013 Scholarship and Awards Banquet at Miami Marriot Biscayne Bay
Attendees at the 2013 Scholarship and Awards Banquet at Miami Marriot Biscayne Bay

Under the theme “Celebrating Unity: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers,” The Caribbean Bar Association will celebrate their 19th annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet, set for Saturday, October 17, starting 7 p.m. at the Miami Marriot Biscayne Bay.

As the CBA’s signature event, the banquet raises funds to sustain the Caribbean Bar Foundation and the CBA’s diverse philanthropic missions and outreach programs, including scholarships for judicial internships awarded to law students in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

This year’s event will also honor the achievements of outstanding individuals and institutions, whose contributions to Caribbean-American communities inspire cultural pride, leadership, and community activism in others. This year’s honorees include Babacar M’Bow, Director, Museum of Contemporary Art; Lisa Narcisse, Vice President, Branch Manager of PNC Bank; Embrace Music Foundation; and the Haitian Lawyers Association.

The banquet will be hosted by radio personality Keith “Papa Keith” Walcott of WMIB 103.5 The Beat and attorney and Past President Sherylle Francis. Guests will be treated to Caribbean-themed cuisine, exciting musical and cultural performances, raffle prizes and dancing with DJ Dorenzo Olivier throughout the night.

South Florida gears up for FITCE expo

Caribbean politicians and business leaders head to Broward on Monday for the first annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo, set for Oct. 12 to 16, at Broward Convention Center.

The goal of the first ever Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) is to expand Broward County as the premier importing and exporting trading capital, while helping to establish new businesses and nurture existing businesses to continue growing.

Speakers at the inaugural event include Antigua’s Minister of Trade, E.P. Chet Greene and former Haitian Prime Minister Gerard R. Latortue. Trade Commissioners from Haiti, Jamaica, Barbados and Antigua will also be presenting.

FITCE is strategically focused on redefining South Florida’s reputation as the place to establish businesses in the global market. The FITCE Team created this event in partnership with the import and export experts in South Florida.

Miami Dolphins fire defensive coordinator

Photo courtesy of Miami Dolphin's website
Photo courtesy of Miami Dolphin's website
Photo courtesy of Miami Dolphin’s website

Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle has been fired, following a string of poor performances by the team.

Coyle entered this year on thin ice after Miami’s defense collapsed in the second half of last season.

Former defensive backs coach, Lou Anarumo, will take over his place. Coyle is the lasted causality of the Dolphins’ weak start in the season, following Coach Joe Philbin’s firing this week.

The Dolphins announced Thursday that Jeff Burris was promoted to assistant defensive backs coach and will work with the team’s cornerbacks. Assistant defensive backs coach Blue Adams will continue to work with the team’s safeties.

BAF to host Belize Family Funday

This Saturday is set to be a family affair as the Belize Association of Florida celebrates Belize Family Day, from 11 am to 6 pm at the Holy Sacrament Episcopal Church Pavilion in Pembroke Pines.

The event, which seek to unite Belizeans across the region, will also be raising donations for the homeless in Belize.

Children aged 2-10 can enjoy a bounce house, cotton candy, pop corn machine and bike decorating contest.

To register for the bicycle decorating contest, call 954-614-2794

Top 3 Caribbean Eats in South Florida

Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill

Founded in 1989, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill is a privately held corporation, is a manufacturer and distributor of Caribbean food products and franchisor of Caribbean restaurants. The company’s products can be found in its over 120 franchises, supermarkets, hospitals, schools, correctional institutions and food service facilities, sporting facilities, other retail outlets and at special outdoor events throughout the United States.

Aunt I’saunt-i-s-jamaican-restaurant

With 2 locations in South Florida, Aunt I’s has differentiated itself from the other Caribbean restaurants in the state of Florida. Known for it’s scrumptious meals, Aunt I’s was chosen by the Food Network to appear on their show the “Heat Seekers” and in 2013 the national network, ABC selected us for their food show “The Chew”. The restaurant was also ranked by the South Florida community as one of the top two Best Jamaican Restaurant on Miami’s local Channel 10’s Top 10 Jamaican Restaurants of 2013.

Tap Tap Restaurant

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Located in the heart of South Beach, Tap Tap restaurant has made a name for itself in Miami. From the murals that adorn the whole restaurant to the unique haitian cuisine, Tap Tap restaurant has become the “hit spot” for Caribbean restaurants in Miami.

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