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Susan Lycett Davis featured in Broward’s 100 historic and Spectular Broadway Style Prodution

On Saturday October 3, Susan Lycett Davis was featured in Broward’s 100 historic and Spectular Broadway Style Production for “WE” as part of the Duende celebrations.

“WE-The passion & rhythm of the people” was staged in the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to a sold out audience.

The theme of the production was created by Broadway Director & Cirque Dreams Founder Neil Goldberg, featured Grammy award winning, international artist John Secada; Broadway legend Linda Eder; Sisaundra Lewis of “The Voice”; Lillie McCloud of “The X Factor”;international Hip Hop Sensation Marquese Scott, plus, over 100 South Florida musicians, dancers, poets, choirs, athletes and variety artists.

Susan Lycett Davis (Dr. Sue) who is a resident of Pembroke Pines and a professor at nova Southeastern University, is a former actress and Arts Administrator. Her words were visually brought to life throughout WE. The amazing opening scene had a musical arrangement of “Born Free” being sung by a 40 member choir in the rear, with Dr. Sure reciting a snippet of her poem “I”.

Dr. Sue, British by birth, Jamaican by choice and American by naturalization, writes and entertaines and has worked extensively in the uK and the Caribbean.

 

Honorable Ralph Thomas presented with book “Soldiers of the Soil”

Mark Milward, WISC Editorial Board member, presented Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, H.E. The Hon. Ralph S. Thomas with the book “Soldiers of the Soil”, by Fay Clarke Johnson.

The book tells the story of the migration of Jamaican farm workers who arrived in Hartford, Connecticut in the 1940s during World War II. While the labor shortage impacted the tobacco industry, the void was filled as the US looked towards the British West Indies and arrangements were made with the Jamaican government to recruit workers for the labor intensive work on the farms in the Connecticut Valley.
The book covers their arrival in Connecticut and their eventual settlement in the Hartford area as well as the establishment of the West Indian Social Club (WISC) of Hartford, Inc. The now thriving Jamaican community boasts the third largest population of  Jamaicans in the US.
Mark attended the first meeting of US based Jamaican leaders representing national and DC area organizations at the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC, who met with the newly appointed Ambassador as he reviewed their recommendations, concerns and gathered information in order to establish plans for charting a course as Jamaica’s number one representative of the Jamaican government in the US.

City of Sunrise not affiliated with “Complementary Water Test” offer

A private marketing company has posted door hangers on some Sunrise residences with an offer to provide a “complementary water test.” These door hangers/advertisements are printed with the headline COMMUNITY WATER TEST followed by a questionnaire, and are accompanied by a plastic bag and a small bottle to hold a water sample.

The public is advised that the City of Sunrise is NOT associated with this company, their water testing services, and/or their products.

The City of Sunrise Utilities Department routinely monitors its drinking water for compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Act and other state and local water quality standards. Each year, the City issues a drinking water quality report to keep its customers informed, and to demonstrate its compliance with EPA standards

Jamaica Customs surpass revenue targets

Kingston Wharf
Kingston Wharf

Jamaica Customs says they have collected over J415-billion in revenue for the month of September surpassing the government’s target of J$12.95 billion.

So far for the period April to September, the government agency said it had collected J$87.9 billion, more than J$9.6 billion above the target set by the Ministry of Finance and Planning (MOFP). This is in comparison to the same period last year when Jamaica Customs collected J$74.5 billion.

Jamaica which has a four-year External Fund Facility (EFF)) with the Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF), said that to date, 55 per cent of the annual target set by the MFOP has been attained.

“The Jamaica Customs Agency continues to improve its business processes through automation with the implementation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA World) which will result in greater efficiency and client service improvements.

“To increase collections, additional revenue enhancement measures will be implemented for the remainder of the fiscal year, as we facilitate trade and protect our borders for the ultimate goal of collecting much needed revenue; thus assisting in stabilizing the Jamaican economy,” The MFOP said in a statement.

Coverage of the “Florida Conference on Caribbean Issues”

Tendulkar and Warne to captain two teams for special Twenty20 series

Shane Warne (left) and Sachin Tendulkar.
Shane Warne (left) and Sachin Tendulkar.

Two all-star cricket teams, captained by Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne, are set to tour the United States in November for a special Twenty20 series.

A bid to boost cricket’s popularity in the US, the series will feature cricket legends such as Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting and Michael Vaughan. The tour will play at major baseball stadiums in New York, Houston and LA.

Warne & Tendulkar had proposed the formation of a T20 league featuring retired international cricketers, with 15 exhibition matches to be played across a three-and-a-half year period.

Nominate a breast cancer survivor for the #PinkCitySurvivor Retreat and Contest

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the City of Miami Gardens invites residents to nominate the survivor in their lives for a spot in their annual Survivor’s Retreat on October 10.

The Survivor’s Retreat is a rejuvenating, all expense paid day of pampering, relaxation, food and fun at the historic Enrico Dairy Farmhouse in Miami Gardens.

To submit, upload a short video on Instagram or Facebook explaining why your #PinkCitySurvivor should win, and tag @CityofMiamiGardens or post on the city’s page.

Ten winners will be chased based on video creativity and number of likes. If you don’t have a social media account, simply email a 250-word easy with  photo about why #PinkCitySurvivor should be chosen for the retreat to ssmith2@miamigarden-fl.gov

Earl Jarrett to give keynote address at Jamaican Business Expo and Global Trade Forum

Highlighting business opportunities in Jamaica, the Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce will host the Jamaican Business Expo and Global Trade Forum under the theme “Brand Jamaica to the world in Florida”, set for October 8 and 9th in Miami from 8:30 am to 5pm.

Special features include a “Shark Tank” Investment Forum, Business Matchmaker, and keynote address from Earl Jarrett, General Manager of Jamaica National Building Society and Chairman, Jamaica Diaspora Foundation.

Tickets are $50, which will include the trade forum, lunch B2B meetings and entry to all events.

To register, call 305-573-3235 or email marie@jamaiacausachamber.org

CNW90: Big wins for Chronixx, Tarrus Riley and Etana at IRAWMA

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, October 5, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Principal of North Miami Senior High’s night program, Jean Coty Ridore, has been arrested by authorities for corruption charges. Officials report that the principal took $1000 and other illegal kickbacks in exchange for hiring an employee, who was a undercover police detective.

Candidates for the upcoming 2015 Presidential elections in Haiti met a lively and critical crowd at this past weekend’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 regarding the economy and national security.

It was a star-studded night full of expected wins at this weekend’s International Reggae and World Music Awards, at Bailey Hall in Ft. Lauderdale. Top music nominee Tarrus Riley emerged as the big reggae winner of the night, while Etana won the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award for her dedicated to charity.

Business man Sham Mohammed has come to rescue Trinidad and Tobago football from its current financial troubles, donating TT$100,000 to the Soca Warriors, just before to the team’s departure for Panama City for an international friendly. Team manager William Wallace pleaded for other fans to step forward to support.

What’s trending:
Jamaicans in New York launch an online petition to stop Jamaica from accepting Britain’s £25-million grant to build a new prison.
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 87 and a low of 71. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 87 and a low of 71.
For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweeklynews.com.

Bahamas Consulate General launches emergency appeal to help residents in Bahamas

On Tuesday, October 6, the Bahamas Independence Committee will conduct a meeting at the Freewill Christian Center addressing the impact that was caused by Hurricane Joaquin which struck Bahamas last week.

The hurricane claimed the homes of hundreds of people, caused extensive flooding, damaged buildings, and left hundreds of Bahamians homeless across Long Island, Exuma, Acklins / Crooked Island, and San Salvador.

As a result, The Bahamas Consulate General Miami launched an emergency appeal to help residents that have been significantly affected by Hurricane Joaquin.

The Ministry of Transport & Aviation also implemented airport fee exemptions following the hurricane. Effective last Saturday, and until further notice, landing fees at all Government Airports will not be payable by any and all aircraft involved in the transport of relief goods to islands affected by Hurricane Joaquin, namely Long Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Acklins, Crooked Island, Inagua, Mayaguana and Cat Island.

Create the perfect cheese board in 4 easy steps

A delicious assortment of cheeses, paired with the right foods, is a feast for the eyes and the palate. You don’t have to be a professional chef to create a cheese board that looks and tastes like a culinary masterpiece.

“For entertaining or just a quiet night at home, you can’t go wrong with a gourmet cheese board,” says Chef Michael Symon, co-host of ABC’s “The Chew,” author of three best-selling cookbooks and owner of several restaurants. “It’s a fast-and-easy appetizer that can make even a novice cook look like a culinary mastermind.”

Consider the following as you prepare your next cheese board:

* Determine the right quantity of cheese

If you’re serving it as an hors d’oeuvre, plan for 1 to 1.5 ounces of each cheese type per person. If it’s for a light meal, plan for 2 to 3 ounces per person.

* Purchase multiple cheese styles

For visual appeal, select an odd number of cheeses, such as three or five, depending on the number of people. Try a variety of cheeses in flavors that complement one another, such as:

Aged Havarti: Mild and buttery, this specialty cheese from Castello has a delicate, crystalline structure that forms during its long maturation period, creating a flavorful, crunchy surprise.

Brie: Extremely spreadable and creamy, Brie is easy on the palate and pairs with a wide variety of foods.

Blue: A full-flavor variety, such as Castello Traditional Danish Blue, has a wonderful “bite,” with characteristically tangy notes of blue balanced by sweet and salty undertones.

* Select gourmet pairings

The perfect cheese board includes foods that complement and enhance the taste of the cheeses. The best boards have four pairings: A bread item, charcuterie, something sweet and something savory or salty.

Breads to consider are flatbread, grilled crostini or baguettes, while great charcuterie options include prosciutto or a pork pâté. For sweets, figs, honey or berry preserves are delicious additions. And for savory and salty pairings, include Marcona almonds, cornichon pickles or Kalamata olives.

* Keep your presentation simple 

Arrange your cheeses from mildest to strongest, in a clockwise pattern on the board. Be sure to leave space for pairings. Precut half of each cheese on the board, to make it easy for guests to dive in. Set out the cheeses 30 minutes before serving so the flavors fully come to life.

Before serving, place pairings on the board in small groups. Lastly, set out one knife per cheese to keep the flavors from mixing together.

For additional cheese board tips and techniques, visit CastelloCheeseUSA.com.

Brandpointcontent.com

Tobacco Free Partnership of Broward County announces first Tobacco Free Art Exhibit

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Broward County is organizing its first Tobacco Free Art Exhibit.  Its purpose is to promote tobacco free beaches and parks in Broward County.

The artwork will be produced by the youth of Broward County, ages 5 – 18.   School age children of Broward County have until October 31, 2015 to submit their entry, which will be voted on during the month of November to determine which pieces will be exhibited.  Once voting has been completed, those deemed eligible will be invited to display their artwork as part of the Tobacco Free Art Exhibit.  Participation guidelines and voting rules are spelled out at the Web site of the  Tobacco Free Art Exhibit http://tobaccofreeartexhibit.org

The expected number of art pieces to be displayed is approximately 100.   The Tobacco Free Art Exhibit will be exhibiting on the sixth floor of the Broward County Main Library, January 4, 2016 through February 26, 2016 and in the main lobby of the Broward County Government Center, January 5, 2016 through January 28, 2016.

Powell excited about approaching century of sub-10 clockings

Former world record holder Asafa Powell is thrilled at the prospect of becoming the first athlete to run over 100 legal sub-10 clockings over the 100m.

Powell, known as the ‘sub-10 king’ in some circles, has so far accomplished the feat some 93 times, seven short of the golden century mark.

The sprinter will hope to get to the 100 mark and beyond ahead of the Rio Olympic Games.

“People have been making a big deal over it,” Powell told the Jamaica Observer.

“And it has become a major part of me, a major part of my image to be the ‘sub-10 king’, and it is very exciting. Everyone is looking forward to it and I am looking forward as well.”

Powell, who recently signed a contract with manufacturing brand Puma, accomplished the feat 10 times during the 2015 season and finished with the third fastest time in the world.

“I am very excited about getting the 100 sub-10 seconds.”

At 32 years old, and despite disappointment at yet another major games, the sprinter has no intention of calling it quits any time soon.

“My body feels great, I don’t feel like I am 32 years old, I feel fresh and strong. Next year is a big year and I will continue to work hard, my body is not overworked as I started my career late, so I have a lot left.”

Big wins at IRAWMA

 

The stars were truly aligned at this weekend’s 34th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), at Bailey Hall in Fort Lauderdale. Music stars showed up in style, while surprise dancehall guest Gully Bob thrilled the red carpet, eagerly attracting fans.

The show also displayed stellar performance from various nominees, including Etana, innovative Jamaican Dub group, No-Maddz, and the Kamutshima Dance Troupe. As for the big music winners, Etana dominated the female category for “Best Female Vocalist,” as well as winning the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award for her dedicated work with charity. Tarrus Riley secured the award for “Best Male Vocalist,” as well as “Most Cultural/Educational Entertainer” for his music’s ever prominent cultural consciousness. The “Entertainer of the Year” award went to reggae roots sensation, Chronixx, while Dexta Daps also won “Best New Entertainer.” Omi was also awarded “Best Crossover Song” for his summer hit, “Cheerleader,” while Machel Montano won for “Best Soca Entertainer.”

Honoring their host city, IRAWMA also awarded several local talents for their contribution to music. Code Red copped “Florida’s Entertainer of the Year,” Nu-Look won “Florida’s Haitian Entertainer of the Year,” and “Hold On” singer Sharon Wiles won “Florida’s Best Gospel Entertainer.” Young star Lejah also won “Florida’s Emerging Star” award and Bunjie copped the prize for “Florida’s most Popular Dance Party  DJ.”

A.J. Brown and Ed Robinson, for their contribution to music, were also inducted to the IRAWMA’s Hall of Fame.

EDITORIAL: Most insensitive, Mr. Cameron

Prime Minister David Cameron addresses a joint sitting of parliament in Kingston last week.
Prime Minister David Cameron addresses a joint sitting of parliament in Kingston last week.

There’s a lot of understandable emotion from Jamaicans at home and abroad in response to UK Prime Minister Dave Cameron’s proposed £S25 million plan to build a new prison in Jamaica.

No question the plan appears insensitive, even ignorant, in the context of CARICOM’s campaign for economic reparations based on the historical suffering of slavery, as well as its modern-day ramifications. Furthermore, Britain’s gift proves only self-serving – not to generally improve Jamaica’s deplorable penal system, but to house some of the 700 Jamaicans Britain would repatriate from UK prisons.

It’s hard to believe, as some has suggested sarcastically, that Cameron may have confused reparation with repatriation. However, it’s apparent he saw his government’s offer of a foreign aid package to Jamaica and the Caribbean as an opportunity to solve overcrowding in British prisons. Those who welcome Cameron’s plan may argue that he has Jamaica’s interest at heart, by acting proactively in helping Jamaica manage the return of criminal deportees – unlike the USA, another major source of deportees to Jamaica.

The criticism against Cameron’s gift isn’t only targeted against him, but also to Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting. It’s implicit in some reports that the Jamaican government had previously negotiated with the British for aid to build a prison. Certainly Bunting hailed the gift, citing the woeful inadequacies of Jamaica’s overcrowded prisons.

But the question of whether Jamaica needs a new prison is certainly debatable. With the continued rampant Jamaican crime rate, there is need for more room to house prisoners. But building prisons is not the solution to the crime problem. At least, it is hoped the current Jamaican government doesn’t believe so. If they do, they could be possibly secretly negotiating with other first world nations for more new prisons to be included in financial aid deals.

How much more diplomatic and profound would it have been if Cameron offered £S25 million (J$4.5 billion) to assist Jamaica in building new youth training camps. These camps could be venues where hundreds of Jamaican youth with little employment opportunities could receive practical job skills training, develop financially rewarding projects in various cooperate youth economic projects, and access positive alternatives rather than succumbing to the temptation of crime.

The answer for Jamaica’s current crime problem is not to use imported British currency or that of any other nation to build more prisons. The national solution should be to transform potential, even convicted, criminals into productive citizens through socio-economic development programs. Of course, foreign aid is welcome to further such endeavors.

Ironically, Cameron is well aware of both Jamaica’s and the Caribbean’s need for foreign aid for social and economic development. During his Jamaican visit, he also announced £300 million in British grants for regional infrastructure projects; £30 million to support the region’s export promotion; and £100 million in export-finance guarantees for UK firms doing business with Jamaica. This may not be the reparation the CARICOM Commission on Reparation is seeking from the British government, but this is welcomed foreign aid. It’s therefore puzzling that Cameron tainted the positive significance of his aid package with the insulting and insensitive inclusion of funds to build a prison to host prisoners who committed crimes in Britain.

Hunger Relief Strategic Plan to be presented to the BCC

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and United Way of Palm Beach County have collaborated to develop a community-wide plan to alleviate hunger.

The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) and the University of South Carolina’s Center for Research in Nutrition and Health Disparities (USC Center) have developed the “Hunger Relief Strategic Plan” that will be presented at the Oct. 6 BCC meeting in the Palm Beach County Robert Weisman Governmental Center located at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach.

This plan will highlight specific goals, strategies, and tactics to address this challenge.

United Way of Palm Beach County President/CEO Dr. Laurie George said, “Our community stepped up to help with the ‘Hunger Relief Strategic Plan’ in a way that FRAC and USC have not seen in other communities.  That is tremendous and tells us that Palm Beach County is ready to join us in the fight against hunger.”

For 85 years, United Way of Palm Beach County has been dedicated to identifying and addressing critical community issues to improve the lives of residents.  Since the early 1900s, Palm Beach County has upheld a core responsibility of caring for and supporting the needy, and providing for the poor and indigent.

Airports in Bermuda reopen after passage of Hurricane Joaquin

LF Wade International Airport, Bermuda
LF Wade International Airport, Bermuda

Bermuda’s international airport reopened to commercial flights on Monday, after a 24-hour shutdown while the island’s electricity company is working to restore power to thousands of customers following the passage of Hurricane Joaquin that battered the island on Sunday night and well into Monday.

Officials said there were no reports of serious damage or deaths but tropical-storm-force gusts continued to rake the island.

Sole power provider the Bermuda Electric Light Company (Belco) reported that a significant number of customers have had their electricity restored, but more than 13,000 customers remain without power.

The Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) said almost three inches of rain fell on Sunday as the centre of Joaquin passed to the west of the island as a Category One storm, down from a strong Category Four 24 hours earlier.

Joaquin, which earlier caused death and destruction during a two-day rampage through the Bahamas, has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and was situated about 195 miles north of the Bermuda, moving away to the north-northeast at 13 mph.

All schools were closed on Monday but government offices reopened at noon.

There was no official announcement on when ferries and buses would start operating again.

The Causeway, a low-lying bridge linking the east end with the remainder of Bermuda, re-opened on Monday after being closed on Sunday night.

Jamaica National Building Society to host Outlook Public Forum

On Thursday October 8, 2015, the Jamaica National Building Society will host the JN Outlook for the Future public forum at the New York Hilton Midtown under the theme “ Developing Successful Jamaican Businesses in a Challenging Economy”.

The Forum will provide practical information on developing and sustaining businesses in Jamaica against the background of a challenging, but improving, economic framework.

Two leading Jamaican private sector leaders: William Mahfood, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica and Chairman of Wisynco Group Limited; and Glenford “Glen” Christian, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cari-Med and Kirk Distributors Limited, will present on how they established successful companies; what makes the Jamaican economy conducive for business investment, and share perspectives on moving the Jamaican economy forward.

The Outlook for the Future series, organised by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), has been held in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom since 2003. The meetings have successfully brought together representatives of successive administrations and key leaders overseas to engage in frank, open discussions about issues of national importance to Jamaicans locally and in the Diaspora. In addition, the forums provide an environment in which investors can network and explore opportunities for investment in Jamaica.

CNW90: Willie Stewart and Friends light up the Stage at Broward 100 Duende concert

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, October 5, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Speaking at the recent City of Miramar State of the City address, Mayor Wayne Messam announced several infrastructural projects, include developments for Miramar historical East district. Messam says these plans are part of the city’s efforts to boost its business competitiveness.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has been confirmed keynote speaker for the 17th annual Eric William Memorial Lecture series at Florida International University, set for Friday, October 23. Dr. Gonsalves will speak on the Caribbean region’s role in renewing U.S. Cuba Relations.

Reggae legend and Third World band founder, Willie Stewart, heated up the state with fellow Caribbean-American artists at this weekend’s Duende Concert Series, celebrating Broward County’s Centennial anniversary. Established stars and budding talents joined Stewart on stage, including his percussion ensemble from Somerset Academy of Central Miramar.

Dynamic Taekwondo Duo, Trini-Americans Brandon and Melissa Joseph won gold and silver
respectively at the recent Taekwondo Grand Prix 8 tournament in Sarasota Florida. Both Brandon and Melissa, who is Trinidad’s Olympic hopeful, will next compete in the Trinidad and Tobago Taekwondo Open October 9 in Port of Spain.

What’s trending:
South and central islands in The Bahamas are in recovering mode as Hurricane Joaquin, one of the strongest storms on record, heads for Bermuda.
For more on what’s trending, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Caribbean National Weekly, and on Twitter at National Weekly.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:
Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 87 and a low of 72. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 87 and a low of 72.
For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweeklynews.com.

Immigration Q&A: Overstaying visa waiver

Question: Hi, I’m from Australia I met my fiancé in 2011. I overstayed my visa waiver to be with him. I came back to Australia in May 2014.(I wasn’t deported, I just came home to see my family). I came back in July on another visa waiver but I was sent home and Homeland security told me to apply for a B2 tourist visa. I applied for the B2 visa only to be told at the U.S. Consulate that I can’t be issued one because of overstaying my waiver which really confuses me. Now my fiancé is going to fly to Australia to marry me and we were wanting to know what we have to do so that I may be able to travel back to the U.S. with him after we are married as this is where we plan to live.

Answer: Yes, unfortunately, under Immigration regulations, once you overstay your period of authorized stay in the U.S. – by even one day, when you leave the U.S., you are not allowed to re-enter on your Visa Waiver (or B1/B2) and are instead required to apply for a new B1/B2 Tourist visa at the U.S. Consulate in your home country. However, once an individual overstays in the U.S. and then applies for a visa at the U.S. Consulate abroad, the Consular officers are very unlikely to issue a B1/B2 tourist or any other type of Non-immigrant visa, effectively closing all possibilities for legally travelling to the U.S. again.

CNW90: British PM says no to reparations to the Caribbean for slavery

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, October 1, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The Campaign for Haiti’s next president heads to South Florida this Sunday, as Port-au-Prince-based Radio Television Caraibes and Friends of Haiti hosts the next presidential debate at North Miami Senior High, starting 4 p.m. Ten of the 54 candidates will participate, including Mario Andresol, Charles Henri Baker, and Steven Benoit.

After a drawn-out search and months operating without a permanent city manager, Lauderdale Lakes have hired Opa-locka’s current manager, Kelvin Baker, for the position. The move however has been criticized as being rushed and nontransparent, as Baker begins work this Thursday without an approved contract.

Reggae princess Etana, reggae prince Tarrus Riley, bad boys Inner Circle, and gospel great Carlene Davis are among the leading nominees for the 34th annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), set for Sunday, October 4, at the Bailey Hall at Broward College in Davie, with red carpet starting at 5 pm.

In sports, Reggae Boyz Lance Laing, Upston Edwards, and head coach Winfried Schaefer have been slapped hard by FIFA for indiscretions during Jamaica’s World Cup qualifying match against Nicaragua. Laing and Edwards were found guilty of using offensive language towards match officials, while Schaefer was charged for unsportsman-like behavior.

What’s trending:
British Prime Minister David Cameron has told Jamaican reporters that reparation is not the answer to the issue of slavery, during his current visit to the island
For more on what’s trending, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Caribbean National Weekly, and on Twitter at National Weekly.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:
Partly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 91 and a low of 75. For Miami-Dade, partly cloudy with a high of 92 and a low of 74.
For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweeklynews.com.

CNW90: FIFA bans Warner from football for life

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

Miami Dade Public School District has issued an official reprimand against former North Miami High Principal Alberto Iber. The District, however, has not decided on any repostings for Iber, who is now restricted to administrations. Iber was removed after he made controversial comments on social media supporting a Texas cop shown in a viral video for his hostile arrest of black teens at a pool party.

The Grace Kennedy Foundation are calling for applicants among the Jamaican Diaspora for the 2016 Jamaican Birthright Internship program. The winner will work at a Grace Kenney subsidiary linked to their field of study, as well as become immerse in various cultural programs. Only applicant with Jamaican parentage qualify. The deadline is November 30th.

West Indies head coach, Phil Simmons has been suspended for criticizing the One-Day team selection process for their upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Only appointed six months ago, Trinidadian slammed the omission of Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, claiming there had been “outside interference” in the selection process.

What’s trending:
FIFA has announced their former vice president Jack Warner has been banned from football for life, following allegations of corruption.
For more on what’s trending, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Caribbean National Weekly, and on Twitter at National Weekly.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:
Scattered Thunderstorms in Broward County with a high of 92 and a low of 76. For Miami-Dade, scattered thunderstorms with a high of 89 and a low of 75.
For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweeklynews.com.

Broward College receives $2.2M grant from U.S. Department of Education

Designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic Serving Institution, Broward College was awarded a $2.2 million Title V grant to strengthen and expand educational opportunities for Hispanic and low-income students.

The program provides grants to make college more attainable for Hispanic students, and allows institutions to enhance their academic offerings and program quality by providing opportunities for faculty and curriculum development, academic tutoring and mentoring, and other services.

This grant will be used to pilot, evaluate and scale program activities within Broward College’s Business Career pathway, with a specific focus on entry-level courses in accounting, marketing and business administration. Funds will also be used to provide students who may be struggling academically with the specialized support they need to improve their performance and become more engaged with their studies.

Broward College is among 96 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) who will receive more than $51 million in new awards. An HSI is defined as an eligible institution of higher education that has at least 25 percent Hispanic full-time equivalent undergraduate enrollment at the end of the award year immediately preceding the date of the application.

Simmons asks for more time to face WICB

Phil Simmons
Phil Simmons

West Indies coach Phil Simmons has asked that a meeting with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) be postponed.

The coach was expected to meet with the WICB Human Resources Committee on Sunday, but according to the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, however, the meeting has been postponed until a few days’ time after Simmons asked for more for a longer interval to prepare.

Simmons was suspended after facing backlash following his comments regarding the selection process regarding the one-day team for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. He made the shocking move of slamming the omission of Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo from the yet-to-be announced ODI squad, claiming there had been “outside interference” in the selection process.

Simmons has, however, since apologised for the outburst referring to it as a lapse in judgement cause by a “moment of madness.”

At the meeting the coach is expected to be asked to justify his comments regarding the accusation of outside interference.  Should he be unable to justify the statement he is expected to face the disciplinary committee.

Survey finds Caribbean black immigrants better off

A recent Nielsen survey shows the Black population in the U.S. have grown diverse thanks to immigration, with the Black migrant population doubling since 1980 to a record 3.8 million, or 1 out of every 11 blacks.

Topping the list of some 23 origin nations for Black immigrants, Jamaicans represent 18 percent, followed by Haitians at 15 percent, Trinidad and Tobago at 6 percent and Nigerians with 6 percent. In all, 53 percent is from the Caribbean, including 30 percent from the English-speaking Caribbean.

But the survey also shows black migrants growing stronger economically than U.S. born blacks, with the median-household income of the migrant black being 30 percent higher than his US counterpart.

“Caribbean and other researchers have found over the past five or so years that the Caribbean-American migrant population, have gained significantly higher earning power than the rest of the very diverse black population,” says Caribbean-American demographer Winston Wellesley of Port-St. Lucie, attributing the hire earnings to higher likelihood of access to college education.

Wellesley’s observation mirrors that of Nielsen’s senior Vice-President of global communications Andrew McCaskill, who said the majority of black immigrants “are coming specifically to get an education in the States,” for both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

McCaskill also noted higher entrepreneurship rates, where immigrants are “creating jobs in their communities, and are buying products from their entrepreneurs. There typically is a culture of recycling dollars, which contributes greatly to the rising fortunes.”

McCaskill however noted that U.S. born blacks have had to battle generations of institutional racism, such as predatory lending, which create socioeconomic disadvantages immigrants do not experience.

But the Nielsen survey also shows growth rates in black households overall, which, McCaskill says, shows the economic power both U.S. born blacks and immigrants collectively have.

“When black consumers see how much power they have, it will change the way African-Americans look at themselves. They have the power to drive the products and services that come into their lives and communities,” says McCaskill.

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