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State Rep. Chris Smith challenges Holness’s county seat

Chris Smith

Florida Senator Chris Smith joins the recent slew of former state representatives returning to county politics after their terms expire. Smith has confirmed his candidacy for Broward County’s District 9, long held by Dale Holness.

Smith, who faces term limits next year, filed his paperwork to run this week. He faces the unusual challenge of running against someone with a similar name on the ballot.

As longtime elected officials in Broward, both Holness and Smith are well-known in the district and will be able to rake in a lot of donations from those who do business with the county.

Holness has raised about $125,000 while the other candidates have not listed any donations so far. A former Lauderhill city commissioner,he won his county seat in 2010 after Commissioner Joe Eggelletion was convicted of corruption

Holness is currently the only Caribbean-American serving on the county’s commission.

How will you vote?

With elections in the air, The National Weekly tests the temperature Caribbean-American voters, with some surprising results.

Though presidential elections are more than a year off, the election season is full steam ahead as countless candidates campaign for the Oval Office, with Caribbean-American voters already eyeing who to support. This National Weekly survey gives the political breakdown of our community.

Victory for STETHS and Dinthill at JHSASN tournament

Mt. Alvernia (in blue) defends goalpost against Vera Tech shooter in the JHSASN Netball Semifinals

It was top class athleticism that won the night at this week’s Jamaica High School Alumni Sporting Network, at the Lauderhill Sports Park, where Jamaican alumni teamed faced off for the National Weekly trophy.

Western schools dominated the night with top performances from represented institutions. But it was the undefeated St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) that orchestrated a dramatic upset, with their speed overpowering last year’s tournament champions, Manning’s School and winning 1 nil. For his excellent leadership on the field, STETHS Michael Binns was named the tournament’s MVP and Golden Boot winner. STETHS’ Damian Harriott copped the best goalkeeper award, while Garfade Johnson of Manning’s School won best defender title.

On the netball court, the perfectly synchronized Dinthill Technical High School confidently held on to their championship title, neatly defeating contenders Mount Alvernia 21 to 14.

CNW90: State Rep. Chris Smith challenges Holness’s county seat

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, September 10, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida.

Florida Senator Chris Smith joins the recent slew of former state representatives returning to county politics after their terms expire. Smith has confirmed his candidacy for Broward County’s District 9, long held by Dale Holness. Holness is currently the only Caribbean-American serving on the county’s commission.

Responding to public concerns over local policing, Miami officials have presented plans to introduce 40 new officers trained in cultural sensitivity, starting in October. Advocates however argue economic development rather than more police personnel is needed in the department’s targeted District 5 neighborhoods of Little Haiti and Overtown.

It’s another Jamaican school alumni face-off this weekend, as the best alumni soccer player from Wolmer’s School and Campion College compete in their 5th annual Reunion Soccer: Wolmer’s vs. Campion, set for Saturday, starting 2:30 pm at the Central Broward Regional Park. Proceeds will be donates to the two schools.

In sports, Jamaican sprinters Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson have reached an out-of-court settlement with the company that sold them a banned substance which led to their suspensions from the track. They sued Dynamic Life Nutrition LLC for selling them supplement tainted with banned Epiphany D1, which was not listed on the label.

What’s trending:

New Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, was officially sworn into office yesterday at Queen’s Hall in Post-of-Spain.

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 88 and a low of 77. For Miami-Dade, scattered thunderstorms with a high of 90 and a low of 77.

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

Oldies but Goodies

Three VP essential reggae tracks to add to your collection. (Don’t worry. We won’t tell anyone that you didn’t already have them).

“Destiny” by Raging Fyah

It’s the sound of the sun – bright and uplifting. Brotherhood in a song, with the kind of melody that generates smiles. This bone-deep reggae hails from back in the 1970s when politics and a natural groove went hand in hand. That’s the music of Raging Fyah. The five-piece band from Kingston, Jamaica, makes reggae that skanks and bounces with a new pop roots vibe on their album, “Destiny.”

Reggae Legends – Anthony B (4CD Box Set)

This 4 CD box set collectes four original albums from Reggae Legend Anthony B, in reproduction of the original sleeves, which gives an extensive overview of this ever popular artist. Anthony B remains one the most successful reggae artists of recent times, playing to sell-out crowds around the globe. Includes the hit singles “God Above Everything,” “World A Reggae Music,” “I Understand” and “Don’t Buss Your Gun.” Includes team-ups with Jah Cure, Ras Shiloh, Culture and The Mighty Diamonds.

Reggae Legends – Garnett Silk (4CD Box Set)Garnett Silk

This is another of the VP Legends series, with a 4 CD box set compiling the four original albums from Reggae Legend Garnett Silk. These reproduction sleeves can’t help but carry a touch of nostalgia for the much missed Garnett Silk, herald during his time as the next generation’s creative answer to Bob Marley. These recordings launched the 90’s roots reggae revolution, paving the way for the one drop stars of today. Includes the hit singles “It’s Growing,” “Place In Your Heart,” “Lord Watch Over Our Shoulders,” “Nothing Can Divide Us,” “Love Is The Answer,” and “Mama.”

Applications now open for the 2016 GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Programme

After reviving its popular Jamaican Birthright programme in 2015, GraceKennedy has announced that applications for the 2016 period are now open. The aim of the programme is to expose second and third generation Jamaican university students to a diversified Jamaican experience through music, social activities and professional tutelage through internships at GraceKennedy.

“The programme this year was a huge success. Our 2015 Birthright interns had an unforgettable and rewarding experience,” said Executive Director of the GraceKennedy Foundation, Caroline Mahfood, who has oversight for the project. She continued, “With the help of our partners Sandals, Digicel and the Jamaica Tourist Board, the interns not only experienced the professional aspect of Jamaica but also the rich cultural heritage, from cuisine to music, sports and more. They really got the chance to get up close and personal with Jamaica.”

2015 Birthright Interns, Janae Bell, a freshman at Harvard University, Kira Starks, a  graduate of the University of Baltimore, Jamila Turner Dell’Acqua, a  graduate of the University of East London, and Ukpong Etang, a junior at Concordia University in Montreal, received an all-expenses paid, five week trip to Jamaica to participate in the programme. They all expressed appreciation for having had the opportunity. According to Janae, “I really developed a love and appreciation for Jamaica on this trip. I was able to experience the life and culture as a resident rather than a tourist. The GK Birthright Programme is one I recommend all students of Jamaican heritage take part in.”

The GraceKennedy Foundation is ensuring that students have that chance. Applications are open to second and third generation Jamaicans (of Jamaican parentage or grand parentage) between the ages 18 – 25 years, who have not lived in Jamaica for more than six months, and who are seeking an opportunity to learn and explore their Jamaican heritage. They must be pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree and must have a Grade ‘B’ average or higher.   Applications will be accepted online from September 7 to November 30, 2015, after which four persons – two from the United States, one from the United Kingdom and one from Canada – will be chosen to participate in the Birthright Programme for 2016.   GraceKennedy Limited will host the four university students from July 2 to August 6, 2016, giving them hands-on experience in their chosen career fields.

 

The next best start-up platform: church?

Your local church or temple may not be the first place that jumps to mind to turn to when you’re launching a business. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) sees otherwise, and plans to use local close knit spiritual to launch their latest venture, the Business Smart Toolkit.

This handy program is a ready-to-use workshop toolkit that equips faith-based and community organizations to help new and aspiring entrepreneurs launch and build businesses that are credit ready.

“We can’t wait for aspiring entrepreneurs to come to us; we need to reach out to them where they are,” said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. “The Business Smart Toolkit allows us to work more effectively alongside local partners in underserved communities to ensure that all Americans have access to the government and private resources available to support their entrepreneurial dreams.”

The program’s approach is also specifically geared to target the booming field of minority-owned small business, including immigrant and Caribbean-American enterprises, says Contreras-Sweet.

“Minority firms are a fast growing segment of the U.S. economy, generating $1 trillion in economic output, yet they typically encounter higher borrowing costs, receive smaller loans and face more rejections,” says Contreras-Sweet. “We wanted to focus on expanding lending to underserved communities to ensure that all key drivers of the U.S. economy are able to contribute at their full potential.”

The toolkit is designed to “train-the-trainer,” such as trusted community leaders, so they can lead a series of workshops in collaboration with the SBA. The toolkit is specifically designed to educate new and potential business owners – from those looking to open their first small business, to established business owners hoping to expand and grow. It contains a variety of small business and financial literacy topics that include business start-up basics, the essentials of becoming credit-ready, and resources for small business education and support. All materials are also easily available as a download from the SBA website.

“This new toolkit is another demonstration of SBA’s commitment to ensuring accessibility to high-quality information,” said Francisco “Pancho” A. Marrero, SBA South Florida District Director, “so that small business owners from every community across the nation receive the relevant assistance required to propel their companies forward.”

Spike expected for investor visa requirements

The EB-5 investor visa allows foreign investors to obtain residency through investing capital in their U.S. businesses or a USCIA-approved business center. But with the program set to expire on September 30th, Congress has recently been very busy rewriting eligibility requirements, including increasing the minimum investment amount from the current $1 million to $1.8 million.

They are also looking at increasing the Regional Center and Targeted Employment Areas (TEA’s) from $500,000 to $800,000. A new proposal even argued to increase capital investment to $2 million dollars.

This leaves a very short period of 30 days or less for new investors to get into the program under the existing $500,000 minimum before the planned increase. To meet this requirement, not only will investors be required to make the full $500,000 payment, but also provide extensive documentation to prove the source of their funds. Investors who want to qualify under the current capital requirement are advised not to delay.

EDITORIAL: A bilingual future is our future

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump recently accosted his fellow party opponent, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, for addressing supporters in Spanish, playing to a controversial national issue that has long been settled in South Florida.

Thanks to our diverse Latino and Caribbean communities, particularly in Miami-Dade County, Spanish often functions as the primary language, and can be found from supermarkets to mom-and-pop establishments, and from large department stores to professional offices. This environment makes bilingualism a competitive trait – one would even argue a necessary one in South Florida’s labor market.

Naturally, the inability to communicate in both languages, whether for work or in daily life, can prove frustrating for English-Speaking Caribbean nationals here in South Florida. This frustration can inspire the xenophobic in us, the fear of cultures and languages different than ours.

There was a strain of this same fear when in 1980, a group called Citizens of Dade United proposed a ballot initiative making English the official language of the county. The move was in response to the renewed waves of immigrants during the 1970s and 1980s.

From 1981 to 1993, English was the official language in the county. The Dade County English Only Ordinance forbade the county government to fund programs not conducted in English or conducting business in any other language, and only few jobs required the bilingual criterion. However, as the county’s Latino community grew, so did the opposition to the ordinance. In 1993, following the redistricting of the county commission into 13 voting districts, voters gave the commission a Latino majority, which voted down the English-only ordinance.

The region is also undergoing another seismic shift, with now over 40 percent of South Florida population consists of migrants who speak languages other than English, with the majority speaking Spanish. This pattern repeats in other immigrant-strong states like New York, California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. In response, Florida, Arizona and Texas also planned to submit bills for a national English-only bill. President Obama signed an executive order that made such initiatives unconstitutional, calling them “anti-American.”

And in many ways, such ordinances are truly “anti-American.” They are a hostile response to difference, to change. They are also born from a very human sense of insecurity among an unsure employment market. It would be so easy for English-speaking Caribbean-Americans – a minority within a minority – to lay their communication problems at the feet of an immigrant community demanding to keep their mother tongues on American soil.

This attitude, however, is fatal. It covers up the simple fact that Jamaicans have more in common with Cubans, and that Trinidadians have more in common with Venezuelans, than all do with what is considered a mainstream, English-speaking America. Among all countries sharing the Caribbean sea, we share a history and culture that runs far deeper than the European language we just so happen to be assigned to through some accident of colonialism. Here in South Florida, with no sea to separate us, we Caribbean-Americans, of whatever language, have a chance to be stronger than we ever were apart.

Instead of bemoaning these communication difficulties, we need to get proactive. The Caribbean-American Diaspora needs to get serious about bilingual education, making it a priority on our agenda. Caribbean-Americans, especially young people, need to learn Spanish in schools, colleges and elsewhere, to effectively compete on the job market, and communicate effectively with others. It’s also necessary for immigrants who are proficient in other languages to learn English.

Years of immigration has made America a starkly diverse nation of races and languages. It’s unlikely the nation will ever have an “English only” label. For the Caribbean-American’s sake, we may be made better for it.

Go vegan, Caribbean style

Medical experts say a vegan diet can reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes. But who wants to give up their favorite Caribbean goodies? Find the best of both worlds with these classic recipes.

Vegan Patties

Vegan Chef Shernell Cooke has the perfect vegan version of this favorite snack. A touch of jerk spice makes this a guilty-free bite.

Ingredients:

Pastry

3 cups of flour

1 1/2 cups of equal parts mixed vegan margarine and vegan shortening, PLUS 2 heaping ice cold tbsps.

1 teaspoon turmeric

2 teaspoons curry powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup ice-cold water PLUS 1 tablespoon if needed for dough

Filling

1 tablespoon oil to sauté

1 medium onion minced finely

3 green onions minced finely

3 cloves garlic minced finely

1 1/2 cup tvp mince hydrated or frozen mince or seitan mince

2 tablespoon Jerk seasoning

1/2 Scotch Bonnet minced finely, optional

1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

1 heaping teaspoon curry powder

Pinch of allspice and black pepper

1 tablespoon of ketchup or tomato sauce

2 teaspoons fresh thyme

3 tablespoon water

1 heaping tablespoon fine to medium breadcrumb

2 tablespoons soy cream to brush tops of pastry

For dough, rub in the fat to the flour so it resembles medium breadcrumbs and add turmeric, curry and salt. Slowly add water to form two balls, but don’t overwork. For filling, heat oil on stove and add green onion, onion garlic, protein mince and seasonings. Add all other ingredients and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat. Adjust for salt and heat. Put aside to cool. Then cut pastry into 6 pieces and roll to 5 inch circles. Fill with mixture and fold, sealing with fork. Bake for 25 minutes at 200 C/400 F. Brush with soy creamer 15 minutes after going into the oven.

Caribbeanvegan.wordpress.org

Banana Milk

Felix Padilla of SimplyTriniCooking.com swears by the morning booster, whether on its own or mixed in with your favorite breakfast cereal.

Ingredients:

3 cups coconut water, cane juice or coconut milk

4 ripe bananas

8 pitted dates soaked in 1 cup of water (overnight)

Put peeling bananas, dates and liquid in blender and blend until smooth. To add flavor, use water from soaked dates.

Simplytrinicooking.com

Corn Soup

Angela from CookLikeAJamaican.com loves this healthy version of a classic Saturday soup, extra delectable thanks to sweet corn.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. cooking oil

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 stalk celery, diced

10 cups water

1/2 cup coconut milk

3 large vegetable bouillon cubes

1 cup dry yellow split peas

3 cups Jamaican pumpkin cubed

2 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 2 tsp dried)

3 Red medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 cobs fresh corn (or 4 cups frozen kernels)

3 carrots, diced

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1/2 tsp Black Pepper

1 tsp Salt, or to taste

1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional)

Sauté onion, garlic and celery in cooking oil until onion is transparent. Add water, coconut milk, bouillon, split peas and 2 cups of pumpkin to pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat and cook until split peas are soft. Meanwhile, cut 2 cobs of corn into 1/2-inch “wheels” and shave kernels off remaining 2 cobs; set aside. Once split peas are soft, use hand blender to puree broth until smooth. Add the remaining pumpkin, potatoes, carrots, corn, ginger and thyme and simmer on medium for about 20 minutes, or until carrots and potatoes are soft. Stir in the remaining seasonings. If using, place the scotch bonnet pepper on top. Simmer soup for about 5 to 10 more minutes to blend flavors. Discard scotch bonnet pepper.

cooklikeajamaican.com

Too sick to work?

New executive order highlights desperate need for paid sick days

Just in time for Labor Day, a new presidential executive order authorized a seven-day paid sick leave for federal workers, effective January 17 for some 300,000 employees. But the order does nothing for many South Florida workers still out in the cold over pay security during illness

Osmond Levers, who works for a federal department in Miami, says he gets 5 paid sick days and 10 vacation days annually. But, his wife Judith, employee of a private-sector company in Boca Raton, is not “assigned clearly defined paid sick leave, but a pool of paid time off hours.”

Miami human resources consultant Genevieve Abrahams says, though many private sector employees are allotted set paid time off hours (or PTO) every month, there is often no differentiation between “a fixed paid sick, vacation, and maternal leave days.”

This leaves new mothers in precarious situations, as “in many cases women use up accumulated PTO towards maternity leave,” leaving little for illnesses.

And there are many workers who get no paid sick leave whatsoever. U.S. Bureau of Labor says that 39 percent of private-sector workers lack paid sick days. Lisa Barnett, a worker in a restaurant chain in South Florida says “many months I am sick like a dog, but can’t afford to stay home sick and not get paid.”

The need to reform paid sick and maternity leave policies nationwide will be a key item on President Obama’s State of the Union address this year. Reports say Obama will urge employers to revise their paid sick policies.

This is the hope of Morgan Dacosta, who is pregnant and receives the PTO policy on her Miami job. “I really, really hope private sector uses the president’s example. I think this would motivate employees, and lead to more productivity in the work place.”

Tropical Storm Grace nears Dominica

Roosevelt Skerrit says DLP government will ensure opposing voices will be heard in new Parliament Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says if his Dominica Labour Party (DLP) wins all the 21 seats in the December 6 general election being boycotted by the main opposition parties, it will use the opportunity to ensure that the voices of the church and the trade union are heard in the legislative chamber. Today is Nomination Day for the election that Skerrit called two years ahead of the constitutional deadline, which the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) and the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) have indicated they will boycott because of the lack of promised electoral reform. At least two independent candidates have said they will contest the polls and the newly formed Team Unity Dominica (TUD) said it will nominate candidates. Speaking at a DLP public meeting on Thursday night, Skerrit, 50, who has been prime minister since 2004, said if the party wins all 21 seats “I shall move with dispatch to have the necessary laws amended to provide the for appointment of four independent senators to the Parliament of Dominica”. He said he would ask President Charles Savarin to appoint one senator on the advice of the political entity that received the second highest number of votes in the election, another appointed on the advice of the private sector with the other two coming from the trade unions and the churches. “So have no fear, there shall be voices in the Senate and at least of different philosophies in the Parliament of Dominica. We shall facilitate different views and recommendations. We do not believe we have all the ideas, but we need constructive engagement, and I shall look forward to a new purposeful and well-intentioned Parliament in the New Year,” Skerrit said. But speaking at a “No Reform, No Election,” rally in the capital on Thursday night, Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton, urged supporters to boycott the election unless there is electoral reform. “We have campaigned for it; we have advocated for it and for years we don’t have it. Every independent body that has monitored elections in Dominica says we should have reform,” said Linton, who last month stepped down as the UWP leader. “So we are saying now, the first order of business in the resistance to that disrespectful betrayal of us with this election call is to ignore it completely. It is not our election, it is his election, let him contest it, he will go up against himself, it will never be a legitimate election.” Linton told supporters that the snap poll will have no legitimacy “and tonight we stand united in denying Roosevelt Skerrit the moral authority to govern Dominica. Meanwhile, the Electoral Office said all returning officers and election clerks will be available at designated nomination centers on Friday to receive nomination papers and statutory declarations from prospective candidates. CMC/
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit

 

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has urged Dominicans to take precautionary measures even though Tropical Storm Grace is expected to weaken on Tuesday as it moves closer towards the Lesser Antilles.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said that the storm is expected to become a tropical depression with winds of 40 miles per hour. It is now located 1,360 miles east of the Lesser Antilles.

Skerrit’s plea comes as the island continues to recover from the battering it received from Tropical Storm Erika that has been blamed for more than 30 deaths and a number of people reported missing and now presumed dead.

The country has also estimated damage to its infrastructure in excess of US$600 million and is appealing to the international community to help in the rebuilding exercise.

Prime Minister Skerrit in his address to the nation on Monday night said “regardless of this weakening — and this is what I want you to listen to very carefully, my dear people ,  the current projection is for an increase in shower and thunderstorm activity, which could be heavy at times across Dominica on Friday, with the possibility of flash flooding”.

Skerrit said he is advised that a tropical wave is expected to produce some unstable conditions on Wednesday with model projections estimating rainfall amounts of 15 to 20 millimeters across Dominica.

Jamaican athletes reach settlement with company that sold banned substance

Asafa Powell

Jamaican sprinters Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson have reached an out-of-court settlement with the company that sold them a banned substance which led to their suspension from the tracks.

Powell and Simpson sued  Dynamic Life Nutrition LLC, the company that sold them tainted supplement Epiphany D1.The company was sued when it was discovered that Epiphany D1 included ingredients that were not listed on the label.

“Both Asafa and I are happy that we were able to settle this out of court,” declared Simpson, a World Championship silver medallist.

“The legal process is tedious, but we don’t think about it when we are on the track. We have a very capable team, and both of us are now extra careful about our diets and supplement regimen”.

Powell and Simpson took Epiphany D1 as part of their training regimen, but later found out that the supplement contained oxilofrine, a stimulant which the company failed to let consumers know.

The two Jamaicans were suspended from the sport for six months after the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) found that they did not know the stimulant was present in Epiphany D1.

“There is no way to really explain the kind of damage a ban has on an athlete’s reputation,” said Powell.

“For us it was especially painful, because we really let down our countrymen. There’s no doubt that we’re going to continue to fight to repair it and regain the trust of my fans and fans of the sport”.

Sherone Simpson is a three-time Olympian, winning the 4X100m relay gold and silver medals, as well as the 100m silver medal.

Powell has run the most sub-10 100m times in the recorded history of track and field and is the first Jamaican to ever hold the world record for the 100m event, with times of 9.77 and 9.74, respectively.

Barbados Melting Pot

Chef Paul Griffith

For one magical evening on September 19, patrons will be immersed in the vibrant culture, art, history, food, music and spirit that is uniquely Barbados, while having the opportunity to support those less fortunate. Come party to the live performances of Bajan artistes Peter Ram – the 2015 Triple Crown soca winner known for such hits like “All Ah We,” “Woman By My Side” and “Pumping” – and Mikey, with hits such as “We Loose” and “No Behaveya” which has grabbed him multiple soca crowns. The 4th Annual Barbados Melting Pot will be held at the Central Broward Regional Park from 4 pm to 10 pm.

Barbadian and Bahamian chefs are also ready to satisfy your appetite. Chef Sandra Bryan of Ethel Jaynes Café in Hollywood will be preparing traditional Bajan delights, while Bajan star Executive Chef Paul Griffith will cater for the VIP area, where tickets also include drinks.   Chef Paul will also host a cooking demonstration at 5 pm, in association with Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. – giving a hint of what you can expect at the 2015 Barbados Food and Wine and Rum Festival in November.

Patrons can enjoy the parade of costumes by carnival band Bajan Fuh Evah and register for the 2015 Miami-Broward Carnival. Kids will also be entertained in the fun zone and all will be mesmerized by the fire eating show. There will also be a screening of the trailer for the Bajan film “Sweet Bottom.”

This special event is hosted by the Barbados Young Achievers of South Florida, Inc. (BYASFI), dedicated to their charitable mission in raising awareness about worthy causes. This year the BYASFI’s goal is to raise awareness – and dollars – to provide assistance to the families who are forced to relocate or travel incredible distances to obtain much-needed medical treatment for their seriously ill children. In honor of South Florida’s true “melting pot,” put the Barbados Melting Pot on your calendar to discover a taste of Barbados while supporting a noble cause.

Kids under 12 enter for free. Students with valid student I.D also get a discount and pay $20.

Purchase tickets at www.eventbrite.com, Ethel Jaynes Café, Joy’s Roti Delight, and at byasfi.org.

BCPS celebrates September as National Attendance Awareness Month

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) joins the national celebration of Attendance Awareness Month in September, which focuses on raising awareness about the importance of regular school attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism. 

 

During Attendance Awareness Month, school leaders, community advocates, parents and students are asked to act on these critical first steps to help prevent chronic absenteeism:

–       Develop a habit and culture of regular attendance 
–       Determine when and with whom chronic absence is a problem, and 
–       Identify and address barriers to getting children to school.

 

Chronic absences disproportionately affect children from low-income families – students who benefit most from attending school, research shows.  Many children miss too much school because of health problems, unreliable transportation or housing moves, barriers that community organizations and partners can help families address. 

 

“We know that when students are in school and engaged in the learning process, they are much more likely to be successful,” said Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie.  “To reach that goal, we need the commitment of the entire community. We’re asking our schools, parents and community partners to work together to ensure that our students attend school every day to maximize their access to a quality education and graduate college and career ready.”

 

“September is a particularly good time to focus on attendance,” said Dr, Laurel Thompson, director of BCPS Student Services. “Research shows that students who miss two to four days in the first month of school are more likely to become chronically absent during the school year. By paying attention to absences early in the school year and early in a child’s academic career, we can turn around attendance and achievement.”

Hillary Clinton apologizes for private email, says it was a ‘mistake’

Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton said using her personal email account while secretary of state was a “mistake” and she is “sorry,” an admission that many of her allies have waited to hear in hopes she can move forward from a controversy that has dogged her candidacy.

The apology on Tuesday night was the farthest Clinton had gone to apologize for her use of a private email address and server while serving as the nation’s top diplomat.

“What I had done was allowed, it was above board. But in retrospect, as I look back at it now, even though it was allowed, I should have used two accounts. One for personal, one for work-related emails. That was a mistake. I’m sorry about that. I take responsibility,” she said in an appearance on ABC’s World News Tonight with David Muir.

Clinton also posted an apology on Facebook saying, “Yes, I should have used two email addresses, one for personal matters and one for my work at the State Department. Not doing so was a mistake. I’m sorry about it, and I take full responsibility.”

She added, “I could have — and should have — done a better job answering questions earlier. I’m grateful for your support, and I’m not taking anything for granted.”

Republicans have criticized Clinton’s unwillingness to apologize for the decision to use a private email account for official business and have a server based at her home in suburban New York.

Clinton has said repeatedly the email scandal should not raise questions about her judgement as she seeks the nomination for the 2016 election

British Airways plane catches fire on Las Vegas runway

A British Airways jet caught fire on the runway at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas on Tuesday forcing the evacuation of the passengers on board.

Firefighters stationed at the airport reached the plane two minutes after getting reports of flames, and within another three minutes, everyone inside the plane had escaped.

After firefighters extinguished the flames, emergency vehicles could be seen surrounding the aircraft, which was left a sooty gray from the smoke and fire retardant.

“There were 159 passengers and 13 crew on the flight,” according to the airport’s Twitter account. “Two were transported for minor injuries.”

Baltimore approves $6.4M settlement in Freddie Gray case

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

A city board Wednesday approved a $6.4 million settlement with the family of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man who sustained a fatal spinal cord injury in police custody

The settlement, announced Tuesday, could play a role in whether a judge decides to move the trials for the six officers charged in Gray’s death out of the city.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and other members of the Board of Estimates voted unanimously to approve the settlement Wednesday morning, just a day before Judge Barry Williams will hear arguments on whether the trials should be moved to a different jurisdiction.

The settlement appears to be among the largest such payments in police death cases in recent years. It was reached before Gray’s parents and his estate filed a lawsuit, although they had filed claims with the city and its police department.

Although the city said in a statement that the settlement does not resolve any factual disputes, and expressly does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of the city, its police department or any of the officers, experts say the city’s willingness to pre-empt a lawsuit could have an effect on the officers’ ability to receive an impartial trial in Baltimore — an issue Williams will likely decide Thursday.

Project launched to monitor IMF agreement in Jamaica

IMF says economic activity in Antigua and Barbuda on ‘solid recovery path’

The Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI) and the University of the West Indies in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have launched a project to monitor Jamaica’s performance under its agreement with the IMF.

The project titled: “Monitoring Fiscal Responsibility”, will provide evidence-based analysis of  the government’s performance including its IMF commitments and recommendations for effective policy and decision-making.  

The project will last for one year and is aimed at filling what has been described as the limited capacity of  civil society to engage with the process.

CaPRI will produce an “IMF Tracker” in the next issue of  its quarterly publication “Think Tank” at the end of  this month.      

Reggae Boyz progress to next round of World Cup Qualifiers

amaica celebrates their second goal against Nicaragua. (FIFA website photo)

Reggae Boyz progress to next round of World Cup Qualifiers Road to Russia

On Tuesday night, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz secured progression to the next round of the World Cup Qualifiers by the narrowest of margins following a 2-0 win over Nicaragua in Managua.

The Reggae Boyz entered the fixture with a mountain to climb, following a poor showing at Jamaica’s National Stadium, which had seen the central American team triumph 3-2 away from home.

The Jamaicans got the game off to a perfect start when Darren Mattocks stabbed home from close range in the 13th minute, but seemed hard pressed to make an impression on a well-drilled Nicaraguan unit who kept the ball better for most of the encounter.

With the game slipping away, substitute Simon Dawkins popped up in the 90th minute to fire a poorly cleared effort from a free kick into the back of the net to put the Jamaicans through.

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Women in Distress to expand domestic violence programs

Following a successful partnership with the Lauderhill police department, Women in Distress has announced that they plan to expand their domestic violence and dating abuse prevention programs for teens to other cities in Broward County. Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach are the next targets for the organization.

As part of its partnership with the city’s police department, Women in Distress organized a series of events in the city this year, mostly aimed at middle school and high school students.

As many as 245 eighth-grade students attended the Imagine program at Parkway Middle School, with topics such as healthy relationships, teen dating violence and sexual violence being discussed. At the teen dating violence awareness rally that took place at Lauderhill 6-12, 285 students took healthy dating pledges. Other events included a youth summit at LA Cathedral Pentecostal in the city.

Rihanna to celebrate 10 years in music industry

Rihanna

Rihanna says she’s thrilled to have had a decade-long career in music and she plans on celebrating the feat at some point this year.

“Definitely a very big deal for me. You know, I can’t believe it’s 10 years already, but we definitely have to celebrate this year,” the singer said during an interview Monday. “There are a few things I have in mind, so you’ll have wait on that, but don’t think I’m forgetting because this means a lot to me that I made it to 10 years.”

Rihanna released her debut album, “Music of the Sun,” in 2005. The 27-year-old has released seven albums, launched multiple Top 10 hits and won eight Grammy Awards.

This year she’s dropped three singles, including the Top 5 hit “FourFiveSeconds,” and says she’s busy working on her eighth album.

Reggae entertainer Richie Stephens wraps up production for new music video

Award winning reggae singer Richie Stephens has just wrapped production of a new music video for his single ‘Knock Knock Knock’ in Sao Luis, the capital and largest city of the Brazilian state of Maranhao.

The success of the song in Brazil inspired the singer to shoot the video with a local production crew.

Prior to embarking on a mini tour of Brazil, Stephens got word that ‘Knock Knock Knock’ was a massive hit in Brazil.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the popularity of the song and how it had taken off on its out strength” the singer gushed.

“I could not believe fans recognized me everywhere I went. They obviously had heard the song but only seen my picture on Facebook and youtube. I went to a couple of parties and when they played the song, oh my…everybody start dancing and singing word for word. The response was amazing” he said.

He later confessed that he was so overwhelmed by the experience that when he got to the hotel he shed a few tears.

“These things don’t happen to you everyday so I thanked father God for my blessings. Tears came to my eyes” he said.

T&T Film Festival celebrates 10th anniversary

The Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago will be the destination of choice for movie and film enthusiasts from September 15 to 29, as the dual-island republic hosts the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (TTFF).

Featuring films from and about the region and its diaspora, the TTFF aims to facilitate the growth of Caribbean cinema by offering a wide range of industry programs and networking opportunities. Some of the stand-out events included in this year’s festival are the opening night red carpet gala and after-party, an awards ceremony and the screening of approximately 100 feature length and short films created by Caribbean and Diaspora film makers, many of which will make their world premiere on the TTFF stage.

The festival, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, will also screen ten classic Caribbean films and, for those interested in the art of film making, host workshops, a documentary master class facilitated by renowned documentary film maker Nick Broomfield and a three day academic symposium entitled Caribbean Cinema Now.

Participants will also have the opportunity to network with some of the best local and international directors and film makers, including Pras Michel of the Fugees who will be attending the festival to promote the Caribbean premiere of his film Sweet Micky for President which will be shown at the opening night gala and after-party.

Spike Lee to receive Honorary Oscar

Outspoken Director Spike Lee will be among those to receive the Honorary Oscar at the next Academy Awards show.

In a recent release, the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said it voted Tuesday night to present Honorary Awards to Lee and Gena Rowlands, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Debbie Reynolds.

Lee, a champion of independent film and an inspiration to young filmmakers, made an auspicious debut with his NYU thesis film, “Joe’s Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads,” which won a Student Academy Award in 1983.  He proceeded to blaze a distinctive trail with such features as “She’s Gotta Have It,” “School Daze” and “Do the Right Thing,” which earned him a 1989 Oscar nomination for Original Screenplay.

His work as a director ranges from the Oscar-nominated documentary feature “4 Little Girls” to such mainstream successes as “Malcolm X” and “Inside Man.”  Lee’s other feature credits include “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Jungle Fever,” “Crooklyn,” “He Got Game,” “25th Hour,” “Miracle at St. Anna” and “Red Hook Summer.”  He currently serves as the artistic director of the graduate film program at NYU.

The Academy said the Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given “to honour extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, also an Oscar statuette, is given “to an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.”

Lee will be presented with his award at the Academy’s 7th Annual Governors Awards on Saturday, November 14, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center.

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