Home Blog Page 1532

U.S. Coast Guard repatriates 121 Cuban migrants

The United States Coast Guard says it has repatriated 121 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, within the past week.

On Wednesday, the Coast Guard said the repatriations were the result of nine separate interdictions at sea in the south Florida Straits.

“These events all consisted of Cubans attempting to illegally enter the United States on unseaworthy vessels commonly referred to as ‘rustics’ or ‘chugs’,” the Coast Guard said.

The Coast Guard said its medium endurance cutters along with numerous other Coast Guard patrol boats and aircraft, “aggressively patrol the Florida Straits to detect and deter illegal and unsafe maritime migration”.

Jamaica Diaspora Legacy Foundation launches new efforts and new website

Jamaicans in South Florida can look forward to a new Cultural Center for their community in the coming years. The Jamaica Diaspora Legacy Foundation (JDLF), a non-profit organization formed in 2012, is gearing up to begin major fundraising efforts toward the building of the Jamaica Cultural and Resource Center.
The multifunctional facility to be constructed in Broward county, will accommodate cultural events and activities, meetings and social gatherings particularly for the Jamaican community and the several organizations within the community. It will also house information and items of historical and cultural significance to the estimated 350,000 Jamaicans living in South Florida.
The JDLF was founded in 2012 by a group of Jamaicans focused on maintaining Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage. The foundation’s objective is to facilitate the building of the Cultural Center for the local community to call “home”. Floor plans have been drafted by architect Neil Hall and renderings of the finished building are forthcoming.

New story of healing in AARLCC Book Talk

New story of healing in AARLCC Book Talk
African American Research Library and Cultural Center

Indulge in some childlike wonder as AARLCC Book Talk series tackles new book, “The Wondrous Butterfly” by local author Jethro Francois – set for Saturday, October 3, starting 3 pm at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale.

The new book tells the “parable-like story of a lively young boy who is struck with an illness that robs him of his vitality. But, like a caterpillar that transforms into a butterfly, this boy finds spiritual and physical healing.

Author Jethro Francois says he hopes his new book “inspires hope, faith, perseverance and transformation.”

Jethro Francois was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on July 4, 1977. As a youth he focused on science and then came to a love for literature. After arriving in the United States in 1995, he earned a Bachelor of Science in biology at Georgetown College. His very first literary work, “My Beloved,” was published in 2005 by the International Library of Poetry. His novel for children, “The Butterfly,” was published in 2010. He is also known as Princynova, the founder of a Christian band called Acoustub. He writes songs, as well as stories and articles, and has just released his first song, “How Do I Say That I Love You?”

Haiti’s presidential candidates tackle issues at DC Town Hall

Presidential candidate Clarens Renois

 

Issues related to poverty alleviation, food security, unemployment and the economy were highlighted by five of Haiti’s presidential candidate at a recently held town hall meeting at the George Washington University in Washington D.C.

Candidates Clarens Renois, Charles H. Baker, Simon D. Desras, Moise Jean Charles and Mathias Pierre mainly focused on the road to prosperity. According to Barker, if elected, his administration will focus on creating 675,000 jobs in the field of agriculture.

“There must be order and discipline to work in Haiti, in addition to agriculture,” said Barker. “I will focus on health and education.”

For his part, Desras promised to turn his attention to food security, arguing that “we have to go from a market economy to a human economy; in other words, arm the society to fight against unemployment, hunger, poverty and the engagement of the World Bank in Haiti, especially in the area of infrastructure, energy and growth.”

Morse Jean Charles, who was mayor in the former René Préval administration, believes political stability is crucial for the growth of the nation – “security in the large sense, not just having police officers on the road. A country where people spend three days without food, is not a country with security. We have to reform the state.”

In sharing his vision for the country, Pierre said there must be economic equality, particularly “the youth, farmers and women. A country cannot be built with a huge economic exclusion.”

Renois turned his attention to Haiti’s youth. “Haiti’s population is 65 percent of youth, the young in Haiti just leave the country, they go to Brazil, Canada and the DR [Dominican Republic]. We need to find a way to keep the young in Haiti,” he said.

The campaign for the October 25 legislative and presidential election began on Wednesday, September 23. At least 54 candidates have been approved by the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to contest the presidential elections to choose a successor to President Michel Martelly, who is barred from seeking a third consecutive term under the constitution.

The first round of legislative elections on August 9 was marred by incidents of violence with the CEP reporting that men armed with rocks and bottles had attacked polling stations in the capital. The CEP later banned a number of candidates and political parties from the second round of the elections. Many candidates are also disputing the preliminary results, with the CEP promising that the final results would be posted by month end.

 

Dominica Football reeling after Tropical Storm Erica

Dominica Football Association Glen Ettiene

The state of football in the Dominica has been left in shambles as a result of damage done to the island’s infrastructure by Tropical Storm Erica.

In addition to damage to the facilities and playing surfaces the passage of the storm has left several roads impassable, which hampers the abilities of the teams to travel.

President of the Dominica Football Association Glen Ettiene confirmed to Dominica Vibes on Monday that it was the current conditions that had led to a delay in the start to the season.

“Tropical Storm Erika has definitely given us a big blow in terms of football because some of the playing fields are badly damaged,” Ettiene said.

“We have teams from the North the South, South East and we have to take into considerations the travelling of the various teams and that itself was not permitted.”

The football governing body hopes to also consider the use of the stadium facilities for some of the games.

“That will help us greatly in addition to the field at Portsmouth and Dublanc. We still have Point Michelle, but there is an ongoing project at that field and it might be a setback for us.”

Talk UP: What is the number one mistake people make in relationships?

Broward to nurture more small business collaborations

Broward County is working to blur in public versus private divide as they continue with their popular Business Development Workshop series, next set for Wednesday, October 7, from 2 to 4 pm at the Broward County governmental Center in Fort Lauderdale.

This next session, “FY16 Capital Projects and Contracting Opportunities” is dedicated to matchmaking small local business with public works programs. Business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to learn more about current and upcoming county government projects. Featured guest speakers include representatives from various county agencies, who will discuss opportunities in commodities, constructions, engineering, maintenance and repair, public art and technology.

The workshop series is hosted by the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development

Miami Gardens turns pink in October

 

The City of Miami Gardens is “Painting the City Pink” this October to support breast cancer awareness. Vice Mayor Felecia Robinson, who is spearheading this campaign, wants every woman to be proactive about their health.

“We know this disease kills. Cancer knows no name, no ethnicity, no religious background or belief, no gender,” says Robinson. “We want you to go to the doctor, take time every month and perform your own breast exam and ask questions.”

Women of all ages are encouraged to participate in events throughout the month, but husbands, fathers, children, family, friends and neighbors are also encouraged to come out and support the survivors and families who have lost loved ones. In addition, throughout October Memorial Heathcare and the Florida Department of Health will be providing free mammograms, and the Florida Department of Health free pap smears.

Each year, breast cancer kills more than 40,000 women in the United States and another 22,000 women are diagnosed with the disease. Miami-Dade County has higher rates of advanced stage breast cancer diagnosis compared to the state average, and also suffers from the highest breast and cervical cancer death counts among African-Americans and Hispanics in Florida.

For more information or to make a contribution towards Paint the City Pink Month, contact Shantelle Smith at ssmith2@miamigardens-fl.gov or 305-622-8000 ext. 2789.

PINK MONTH ACTIVITIES:

Mural Unveiling, Pink Walk and Health Resource Fair – October 3rd

Healthy Happy Hour – October 8th

Survivors Retreat – October 10th

Paint the City Pink Food Truck Invasion – October 16th

Pink Tea – October 18th

Zoe’s Dolls presents The Living Doll Experience – October 25th

10 ways to keep your cool with grapes

This time of year, nothing tastes better on a warm day than a refreshing cool snack – like grapes. Delicious and good for you, California grapes are the perfect finger food but they can also be so much more. If you’re looking to treat your palate to new taste sensations, here are 10 recipes that will expand your horizons and your love of this delectable fruit.

1. Grapes of all varieties

Variety is the spice of life and snacking on grapes can invigorate your taste buds as well as please your palate. Available in red, green or black, there are over 80 varieties of fresh grapes grown in California, and each variety has its own unique characteristics and flavors. Indulge your senses and mix a variety of grapes together for new flavors in every handful.

2. Fresh Grape Salsa

For a fresh twist on a classic that will surprise and delight, use grapes instead of tomatoes: combine fresh grapes, cilantro, and chilies with some vinegar, onions and salt and pepper to make fresh grape salsa. Serve with chips or toasted crostini for a deceptively simple dish with an unforgettable flavor.

3. Green Grape Gazpacho

Turn old gazpacho recipes upside down with green grape gazpacho. Lettuce, cucumber, grapes and more combine to put a new twist on a traditional treat.

4. Refreshing Grape Agua Fresca

For a sweet warm weather beverage, whip up a grape agua fresca. Mix freshly made grape juice, sugar and lime juice together and you have a drink that may just dethrone lemonade as your summertime drink of choice. Add sparkling water for a bubbly spin.

5. Black Grape Sorbet

The perfect meal deserves the perfect dessert and black grape sorbet delivers. Pureed grapes, lemon zest, sugar and lemon juice blended and chilled for the perfect consistency. A frozen treat that is delicious and guilt-free! Who can say no to that?

6. Fresh Spring Rolls

If lighter fare is the meal choice of the day give this fresh spring roll recipe a try. Start with a sheet of rice paper, add fresh grapes, shrimp, shredded carrots and bean thread noodles. A dash of mint leaves and lemongrass give these rolls a unique zip.

7. Black Grape Margaritas

Black Grape Margaritas put a unique spin on cocktail hour. Tequila, sweet and sour and crushed ice come together with black grapes for added flavor. These beverages are sure to hit the spot on a hot day. Just don’t forget the salt.

8. Grape Daiquiris

If you’ve always preferred daiquiris over margaritas, there’s a drink for you as well. A grape daiquiri combines white rum, ice, lime juice and seedless grapes in an easy-to-create cocktail. Puree it all for two minutes and you have a delicious libation ready to savor.

9. Frosty Fresh Grape Pops

You can’t get these from the ice cream truck driver and that’s too bad – but they are fun to make at home. Frosty fresh grape pops are a cool treat for adults and kids alike and because they are made with fresh fruit they present a good-for-you option when compared to other desserts on a stick.

10. Frozen grapes

Sometimes the simplest treats are also the best. When you’re looking for an after-meal snack or a healthy option, try frozen grapes. Naturally delicious, each one is like a mini-sorbet on its own! Simply rinse, pat dry, then place your California grapes in a re-sealable bag and stash it in your freezer. Two hours later, you’ll have delectable frozen grapes to enjoy.

Brandpointcontent.com

Courtney Walsh picks top American players

Courtney Walsh

Eight top players have been selected for the final round of the ICC Americas Cricket Combine, held at the Indianapolis World Sports Park. Close to 70 players were evaluated with eight players selected to participate in Phase Two of the Combine, which will take place September 25-27. An additional four players were provisionally selected to participate in Phase Two.

ICC Cricket Hall of Famer Courtney Walsh coached fast-bowlers and led one side in Monday’s Twenty20 intra-squad match.

“It has been very competitive,” said Walsh. “The way they are playing over the past three days, you’d think they had played together before…the intensity they have shown has been tremendous.”

The selected players include Jamaican-born Timroy Allen, Guyanese-born Jeremy Gordon, Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan, Jasdeep Singh, Alex Amsterdam, Anirrudh Reddy Saddi, Danial Ahmed and Prumjot Panesar.

Phase Two will commence Friday, September 25 at the World Sports Park, when a pre-selected group of the best cricketers in the Western Hemisphere will join the eight players advancing from Phase One. Players selected will participate in the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Nagico Super 50 tournament in January 2016.

Guyanese President invited to ‘one-on-one’ meeting with President of Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has extended an invitation to President David Granger to a one on one meeting ahead of addressing world leaders at the 70th UN General Assembly meeting in New York on Tuesday.

A statement from Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the president extended the call to Granger to facilitate a meeting “in which they can find a positive way to clear obstacles in relations between the two governments.”

The state owned Guyana Chronicle newspaper says the statement dated September 22, was issued on the same day that the Government of Guyana announced what it described as “unusual” activities at the Guyana-Venezuela border and on the Cuyuni River.

Approximately 200 military troops have been participating in what the Venezuelan Minister of Defence called “operational exercises”.

The Venezuelan President said he is prepared to undertake all diplomatic actions with the aim of resolving the border controversy but maintained that Venezuela has a legitimate claim of Guyana’s Essequibo Region.

Increased state budget could cost homeowners

A plan by Florida’s governor Rick Scott to increase funding for state public school by increasing residential property taxes is angering residents as well as some state politicians.

The state Board of Education have recommended a significant increase of $104 per student to $7, 209 in 2016/17, $83 more than the previous highest of $7,126 set by former Governor Charlie Christ. The education plan would add up to an estimated $20.2 billion, of which $426 million would come from property taxes on Florida homes whose values have risen over the past two years.

Some state legislators are against the total dependence on property taxes to increase education funding. Both House Representatives Jose Javier Rodriguez of Miami and House Leader Mark Pafford of West Palm Beach have protested the move.

But Florida’s Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart argued that residents could afford the tax, since increase in property values “is good news for homeowners and for taxable property.” The proposal will be included in the governor’s 2016/17 state budget to be submitted to the Legislature in December.

West Palm Beach economist Malcolm Romans a former state employee, said while he doesn’t agree the state should take more taxes from residents properties, this is not a designed property tax increase. “Property tax increases automatically when property value rises, and usually municipalities and the state have access to the increase to provide more services to the public. However, over the years it has been traditional for the state to fund approximately 60 percent of its budget, with the other 40 percent coming from taxpayers (property and sales taxes). For tax payers to pay over 80 percent of the increase in the budget to fund schools would be unusual.”

Romans also stated that since Floridians doesn’t pay state tax, it has been the norm for state schools, hospitals, and other “inescapable services” to be funded from property taxes. “State law allows the governor and legislature to have all the state’s 67 school board levy a percentage of homeowner’s property taxes to funds schools. This usually approximates $50 per $1,000 of taxable property value. Anything above this is unusual.”

CNW90: Wrongly deported Jamaicans returned to U.S. thanks to new Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board program

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

Jamaicans siblings Devon and Donna Cameron, who were deported as teenagers 25 years ago, returned to the U.S. as citizens this week, as part of the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board’s initiative to assist those wrongly deported. The Board’s Southeastern representative, Wayne Golding, confirms the Camerons are just the first in several cases being handled by the project.

The Broward State Attorney’s Office is expanding its program to assist adults who qualify to have a single Broward criminal case or single arrest sealed or expunged from public view. The program will only apply to those cleared of criminal allegations or who successfully completed a diversion or probation program

The Miami Gardens Police Department has launch a contest among the city’s students to name their new mascot. The winning class will receive a pizza party with Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert III, city Police Chief Antonio Brooklen and the new mascot. Students should submit video suggestions on Instagram at #nameourmascotmgpd or email publicaffairs@miamigardens-fl.gov. The contest begins October 1.

In sports, Jamaican-born Timroy Allen and Guyanese-born Jeremy Gordon are among the eight finalists selected from nearly 70 candidates for the final round of the ICC Americans Cricket Combine, beginning Sept. 25. The winners will compete in the West Indies Cricket Board’s Nagico Super 50 tournament in January 2016.

What’s trending:
Pope Francis arrives in the U.S. to begin his first nation-wide tour with stops in Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia.
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 86 and a low of 75. For Miami-Dade, scattered thunderstorms with a high of 85 and a low of 74.

For more information on these and other stories, visit cnweeklynews.com.

Early birds save big on Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival tickets

On Sunday November 8, the city of Sunrise will come alive for the 14th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival.

This year festival organizers are ensuring that patrons will “Get A Taste of Fun!” at the Largest Caribbean Food Festival in the USA.

Patrons are urged to take advantage of the $25.00 Early Bird discount tickets on sale now through September 31, after which advance tickets will cost $30. A new and improved VIP Vibe will feature the culinary creations of Chef Patrick Adams, executive Chef to Donald Trump, and promises to take the VIP Vibe experience to a higher level.

Early Bird and VIP tickets are on sale online at www.jerkfestival.com and at select retail outlets now.

The little ones can enjoy their time over in the awesome, kid-friendly Kidz Zone, while sports enthusiasts will cheer on their favorite teams in the netball matches as well as a heated domino tournament.

Patrons can get their fill of live music and performances on the Main Stage from veteran reggae artistes, Third World and Barrington Levy. Other artistes such as Chris Martin and Spred the Dub, along with comedian Chris “Johnny” Daley, will keep patrons thoroughly entertained until the event simmers down at 10:00 p.m.

Visit www.jerkfestival.com for vendor booth availability and general festival information.

Belize Independence Spotlight: Althea Neal

Althea Neal

Born in: Stann Creek Town/Dangriga, Belize

Lives in: North Miami Beach

Life’s Passion: Caterer Althea says “baking remains a passion of mine – one that I inherited from a long line of ancestral bakers.” Her favorite Belizean treats to make “are Belizean milk cake, coconut and lemon tarts, potato pound (pone) bread pudding, and Belizean black and white fruit cake.”

Most cherished memory of home: Childhood family gatherings on Easter weekend back in Belize never fails to warm her heart, says Althea. “It all begins with the baking of Easter bun and other treats.” The holiday, says Althea, also felt like a break for the whole county. “All over businesses closed their doors at midday on Holy Thursday, and city dwellers flocked to the coastal towns and small islands offshore to relax for the longest weekend of the year.”

What makes her a proud Belizean-American: “Living and growing up in a third world country has taught me values that serve me very well in America,” says Althea. “And, as a proud Belizean-American, I am able to enjoy the blending of these cultures in a way that only an immigrant can.” Althea is also grateful for being “able to teach my daughter, who was born here, about the values of both.”

Belize Independence Spotlight: Georgia Brown Gillet

Georgia Brown Gilletrsz_georgia_copy

Born in: Corozal Town, Belize

Lives in: Pembroke Pines

Life’s passion: Georgia is particularly passionate about continuing the philanthropic legacy of her beloved father, the former Chief Justice of Belize, Sir George Noel Brown. Through the Sir George Noel Brown Foundation in Belize and Florida, “I have chosen to continue his vision of seeking development of Belizean Youth through Sports and Education,” says Georgia.

Love most about the Diaspora: An admitted social media enthusiast, Georgia is in awe of how technology has helped bring all Belizeans together. “Social media, and in particular Facebook, has provided a window into the soul of Belizean society for us in the Diaspora,” says Georgia. “I believe this paradigm shift in connecting Diaspora Belizeans with those in the Homeland so readily and so easily is what has led to our renewed and vibrant patriotism.”

What makes her a proud Belizean-Americans: Following in the legal footsteps of her father, Georgia says she’s “grateful to be an attorney here in the United States, able to assist Belizeans and many others to regularize their immigration status.” These efforts, believes Georgia, are just a part of empowering the Diaspora community here in Florida “to maintain Belizean traditions here as well as to help Belizeans at home.”

Belize Independence Spotlight: Raymond “Ray” Gongora

Raymond “Ray” Gongora

Born in: Belize City, Belize

Lives in:  Pembroke Pines

Life’s Passion: Known for his electronic newsletters providing news from across the Belizean Diaspora, Ray loves learning and celebrating what the global, diverse community has to offer, whether it’s concerts in New York, or charity fundraising efforts in Miami. “I’m proud that people continue to say thanks for what I am doing and complement me as a true Diaspora Representative,” says Ray. “In times of need and disaster we [Belizeans] know how to pull together.”

Miss most about home: Through grateful for the Florida sand and surf, Ray says he most misses “the Caribbean Sea and the sea breeze – it is totally different.” And though he’s still far from home, the former theater director keeps his connection close to Belize by supporting the arts. “The arts and culture of Belize – it is very rich,” says Ray. “There are the East Indian, Creole, Garifuna, Mayan, and Mestizo, and the food, language, dance, and music are different and representative of each ethnic group.”

What makes him a proud Belizean-Americans: The name says it in itself – Belizean to the Bone!” says Ray. “You better Belize it! And as a Caribbean-American I am proud to continue to contribute to fostering ine Caribbean!”

Secrets of a Great Love Life, JA Style

Michael Anthony Cuffe and Dr. Karen Carpenter address the audience at their recent relationship workshop in Pembroke Pines.

The National Weekly chats with Jamaican love experts Dr. Karen Carpenter and Michael Anthony Cuffe, fresh from their recent relationship workshop in Pembroke Pines, about what it takes to find and keep love (and a healthy sex life).

What’s the biggest relationship mistake people make?

KC: I think we both agree that the biggest mistake is choosing the wrong partner, because they don’t have the tools for choosing the right one. Instead people use all kinds of hocus pocus, superstition and grandma’s tales. And that’s not a great formula for a long term relationship.

MAC: There is no such thing as a bad relationship. We make bad choices.

What advice would you give couples looking to renew their romantic life?

MAC: Karen spoke about a shopping list (of needs) in the talk. And I also spoke about self-acceptance as knowing what you want in a relationship. If you have those things, then you’re in good stead.

KC: A lot of people talk about communication. But I actually find it off-putting when someone says “what I need is more communication.” More communication alone is not going to get you a better relationship, because you don’t know what’s causing the blockage. The best thing you can do is deal with your relationship like a grown-up. Stop playing games.

MC: We often mistake manipulation for love, each trying to see who can out maneuverer the other.

What advice would you give singles looking for love?

KC: Make a shopping list. You’ve got to begin with knowing what you want and making sure it’s realistic. Then you have to be the person you want. A lot of us want someone to fill the gaps in us. But if you want someone with integrity you have to act with integrity. You attract what you are.

Do men and women want different things from relationships?

KC: Not necessarily. We find that men and women are looking for different things not because they’re male or female, but because they have different personalities. So you can find a women who’s looking for the same things a man is looking for, but they’re not usually walking through my door together. So sometimes they need to go look for someone else.

Do Caribbean people approach romance differently than Americans?

MAC: That’s a hard one. There are some things that are culture specific, but I think what we’re all looking for is love. We want is a partner who can provide the basics for a healthy relationship. They’re looking for somebody who would allow them to be visible to each other.

KC: Culture plays less of a factor than what individuals’ definitions are of love. What are your expectations? Use your shopping list to build a mission statement for your love. Say, “I’m looking for the man or woman who is mine by divine right, who is…” and remind yourself that this is my template.

Clinical Sexologist Dr. Karen Carpenter is the author of the popular relationship guide, “Love & Sex” and Michael Anthony Cuffe is a veteran journalist and motivational speaker. Both are co-founders of the “Love & Sex” workshop series.

South Florida gets down to business at new FITCE expo

South Florida local business and commerce are set for a major uplift thanks to the upcoming, 2015 Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE), set for October 12 to 16 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center.

Over 200 international business and 400 stateside companies will participate in this landmark event. The expo will also feature Fortune 100 speakers, world leaders and global trade enterprises from over 50 countries. Local entrepreneurs will be able to get a hand-on educational experience, learning secrets to the success of these top class experts through business matchmaking, panel discussions, seminars and presentations – all in an effort to further grow and develop Broward County’s economy. The FITCE expo will offer endless opportunities to learn about the latest trends and innovations from industry experts.

Top speakers include Thomas Wong, US Department of State, Office of Economic Policy and Summit Coordination; Anthony Mak, Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (New York Office); The Honorable Marco Midence, Minister of Technology and Communications, Honduras; and The Honorable E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs for Antigua and Barbuda.

Highlighting the cultural elements of the South Florida region, FITCE will also feature several artistic works and performances throughout the expo to emphasize the lucrative creative industry operating throughout the community.

“Broward County and South Florida is well positioned geographically and culturally with over 120 spoken languages and an infrastructure of three international airports and seaports to be a major trade logistics hub,” says Broward Commissioner and event organizer, Dale Holness. “With this in mind, when my peers at the Broward County Commission approved to co-sponsor FITCE last December, it solidified something I had been working on for years, to bring an expo that will highlight Broward County as the center for trade, which is also a goal of the Commission. Not only will FITCE provide international business matchmaking, panel discussions, and great keynote speakers, FITCE will also showcase the cultural diversity of our county. We are having the event to continue to grow and develop the economy in Broward County and South Florida.”

Miami-Dade tackles student absenteeism

A Miami-Dade coalition is to take action to eliminate absenteeism at county schools. Miami-Dade Commissioners, the Miami Dade School district, the Urban League of Greater Miami, the Miami Heat, the Miami Dolphins, and the county police announced iAttend program to improve school attendance in the county, where an estimated 20,000 students are absent each school day.

A study conducted by the MDPS show high incidence of absenteeism particularly among high school students. At some county high schools, over 22 percent of students missed 21 days of school last year.

Public school teacher Elena Bravo sees that as “a most welcome initiative, as every day they are absentees” in her high school grade 10 English class.

“I can understand students occasionally miss school because of illness or family emergency, but some students are absent multiple times each month. This is inexcusable, and cannot be tolerated if the school system is responsible for molding the education of future adults.”

The new iAttend program focuses on hiring more guidance counselors to monitor students with habitually poor attendance. When necessary, Miami-Dade Police will also visit to students’ homes to ascertain the reason for their absence.

However, parent Steve Anglin says he’s concerned that police visits “could create confrontational situations between students, especially seniors, and police. I would rather the onus be placed on us parents to ensure we get our kids to attend and stay in school.”

Fellow parents Maxine Williams argues that offering more “attractive incentives” would be a better approach. “Kids should be offered incentives to motivate them to come to school, instead of making them feel threatened if they don’t attend.”

The Urban League of Greater Miami president T. William Fair says the organization plans to do so, offering families and students who attend school regularly supermarket gift cards.

But Bravo says as a teacher, she “feels badly” that students need incentives unrelated to school to attend school. “The school environment should be the incentive. If kids don’t want to come to my class, then I’m failing them.”

However, social worker Minerva Green said it is important to study where absentee students live. “I think absenteeism is highest in the poorer areas, where sometimes students are required to say home to help with younger children, or parents work often work so long hours they’re not even aware their children are not attending school. Often the problem is deeply social, not that the kids are truants.”

 

Pope Francis in US on historic first visit

Pope Francis

Pope Francis arrived in the United States yesterday for his first visit, a historic six-day trip to the spiritual home of capitalism after his tour of communist-ruled Cuba.

The 78-year-old Argentine pontiff stepped onto US soil for the first time at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington, DC where he was greeted by US President Barack Obama and his family, as well as Vice-President Joe Biden.

US Catholic leaders and a select crowd of several hundred well-wishers were on hand to greet the pope, who wore his traditional papal whites and waved to the cheering crowd.

A small group of children from Catholic schools in the Washington area were brought forward to welcome the pontiff.

Obama will host the Jesuit pope at the White House on Wednesday. Francis will make two key speeches during his visit, addressing the US Congress tomorrow and the United Nations on Friday.

Topics will include critiques of the dominance of finance and technology; a condemnation of world powers over the conflicts gripping the planet; appeals to protect and welcome immigrants; and climate change, according to Vatican sources.

 

The pope arrived from Cuba, where he visited three cities in four days, had three masses before adoring crowds and met President Raul Castro and his big brother Fidel, the men who have ruled the communist island since its 1959 revolution.

Wrongly deported Jamaicans return to U.S. as citizens

Jamaicans siblings Devon and Donna Cameron, who were deported as teenagers 25 years ago, returned to the U.S. as citizens this week, as part of the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board’s initiative to assist those wrongly deported.

The Board’s Southeastern representative, Wayne Golding, confirms the Camerons are just the first in several cases being handled by the project.

Devon Cameron and his sister Donna Cameron — who were deported as children from Maryland, United States, 25 years ago.

Alia returns to Dubai

 

South Florida-based Jamaican swimmer Alia Atkinson has been confirmed as one of the stars competing at the upcoming FINA Swimming World Cup in Dubai come November. This next meet marks a return for Alia to the same competition stage where she earns her short-course World Record in the 100 meters breaststroke, the first for a black, female athlete.

Atkinson, who trains at the Pembroke Pines-bases SOFLO Swim club, remains in top form. She is currently ranked number 12 in the world in overall standings. This past August, Alia Atkinson won silver for the 50 meter breaststroke in the final night of competition at the FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia. Atkinson also secured a new national record for Jamaica, lowering her own time of 30.17 seconds to 30.11.

Dubai is hosting the 8th and final stop of the series, which takes place from November 6th to 7th.

CNW90: Jamaica PM Portia Simpson Miller to be keynote speaker at Jamaican American Bar Association Gala

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 22, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

The Jamaican American Bar Association has announced that Jamaican Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, will serve as keynote speaker at their annual Grand Gala and Awards Ceremony, set for November 7th at the Sheraton Hotel in Dania Beach. The ceremony will recognize outstanding members of the Diaspora’s legal community.

Contract workers at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport copped a major breakthrough as the Broward County Commission voted unanimously to close a loophole excluding these workers from the county’s living-wage ordinance. The workers will now be eligible to make minimum wage of $8.05 an hour.

The popular monthly free concert series, Big Night in Little Haiti, is calling on the public to support the event’s future in 2016 by donating to the overseeing organization, The Rhythm Foundation. The event has served as a cultural showcase for Caribbean music, food and art. Donation can be made on their website.

In sports, The Bahamas will receive some very special sports ambassadors this week as the Miami Heat Dance Squad heads to the islands for a special tour and photo shoot. Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Harrison Thompson says the country welcomes the Miami Heat dancers as a sign of the nation’s strong support for the team.

What’s trending:
Trinidad’s Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi has signed the documents to allow the extradition of embattled former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner. 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 87 and a low of 74. For Miami-Dade, scattered thunderstorms with a high of 85 and a low of 74.
For more information on these and other stories, visit cnweeklynews.com.

Former cricketer Vivian Richards gives blessing to appointment of Holder as Test captain

West Indies Cricket legend and former captain, Sir Vivian Richards, has given his blessing to the controversial appointment of 23-year-old Barbadian Jason Holder as Test captain, arguing that his youth could be a boon.

Richards believes that Holder, who joined the team as a bowler, but showed remarkable improvement with the bat, also commands the respect of the team, which will be a crucial factor in his success.

Holder replaces Trinidadian Denesh Ramdin following the Cricket Board’s decision.

1...1,5311,5321,533...1,542Page 1,532 of 1,542