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Spat over Obama Cuba remark
Cuba: The Raul Castro administration in Cuba has assailed President Barack Obama as a clone of his conservative Republican predecessor, George W. Bush, saying that he gives more leverage to Cuban-American exiles than to his own diplomats. Comment.
Imran Tahir wrecks West Indies
Sports: West Indies and South Africa faced off in their first Group B match of the 2011 World Cup in which the South Africans won in fascinating style by seven wickets. Comment.
Bouterse rewards coup makers
Suriname: Not appearing to take cues from the backlash politically insensitive administrations have received in the Middle East in recent weeks, Suriname’s former military strongman last week handed out top awards to the men who helped him overthrow the country’s elected government 31 years ago on Feb. 25, despite the fact that many locals regard the events from that period as still a raw, open wound. Comment.
Community supports fire victims
People: Council Member Jumaane Williams, in collaboration with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, St. Jerome’s Catholic Church and Community Board 17, held a Disaster Relief Donation Drive for those people who lost everyting in the Flatbush fire at 342 East 29th St. on Feb. 19. Comment.
Rights group urges end to T’dad hangings
Trinidad and Tobago: The influential human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has urged members of Trinidad and Tobago’s parliament to vote against a constitutional amendment to resume hangings in the twin-island rebublic. Comment.
Building a culture of fairness in the U.S. Congress
National: A few weeks ago, the U.S. Senate voted down a Republican attempt to repeal last year’s health-care reform law. You may remember this, even though it rated only a mention on the evening news. What I’m virtually certain you don’t remember is how the Republicans, who are in the Senate minority, even brought the issue up. Comment.
Cruise line employees busted with cocaine in Jamaica
Jamaica: Two crew members of a cruise liner visiting Jamaica were busted on Feb 24 in Montego Bay for having close to 75 pounds of cocaine on board their ships. Comment.
Black History and Vindicationalism
National: As we celebrate another Black History Month during these political times of world turmoil and uprise, it’s important for America to project a world image that it has “turned the page” of racism in its own blood-stained history. And while the relevance of this month has even been called into question since the advent of a Black president, I’m reminded of the African proverb that: “Until the lion has his historian, the hunter will always be the hero.” Comment.
Indashio’s flirtatious fall collection
Music & Fashion: In fine dramatic style, fashion designer Indashio filled the runway with a gush of smoke before unleashing his eye-popping Fall 2011 collection at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, to end New York Fashion Week. Comment.
Angostura launches ‘Butterfly Rums’
Trinidad and Tobago: Trinidad and Tobago is known as a producer of many products that are in demand internationally. Of all of these, it is often said that only its rum represents the spirit of the twin-island republic. The spirit of this carnival crazed country was present in dark and wintry New York last weekend, when Angostura, also makers of the world famous aromatic bitters, launched three of its super premium rums. The International Range, “Angostura Butterfly Rums,” captivated a gathering composed of rum connoisseurs, casual and regular drinkers, journalists and well-wishers. Comment.
Jamaicans hold firm to Buju’s innocence
Music & Fashion: Supporters of popular, reggae, dancehall, deejay Mark Myrie AKA Buju Banton are sad but resolute that last week’s guilty verdict is tied to a campaign to quash his anti-homosexual stance. Comment.
Jamaican named among ‘hottest’ chefs in N.Y.
Food: Jamaican Sean John was heralded as one of a select few chosen by Macy’s Culinary Council during Black History Month. Cited for excellence and superlative cooking he was named “one of New York’s hottest chefs.” Comment.
Cuba detains dozens of Zapato protesters
Cuba: Cuban security officials on Feb. 23 detained dozens of protesters and put several under house arrest as nationals marked the anniversary of the death of dissident Orlando Zapata Tamayo. Comment.
BALL OF FUN
Sports: Basketball buffs of all ages from kids to the senior citizens and of numerous walks of life came to Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, Izod Center in New Jersey and Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale for a total of five games in four days/evenings to catch the round ball sport of a different kind — where individual scoring does not really count. The final score is what counts to go down in their record. Comment.
Hungry for more this Lenten season?
Food: The season of Lent, when millions of Catholics, Anglicans and others abstain from eating meat on Fridays, often leaves people hungry for more. Comment.
Caribbean Round-Up
Trinidad and Tobago: Cuba’s government says it is liberalizing the sale of sugar, after decades of subsidizing its price. Comment.
Weapon tracking unit for CARICOM
Antigua: A central unit will be set up in the Caribbean to identify the origins of firearms and ammunition within the next three years. Comment.
CARICOM wants British navy to stay
Caribbean: Britain would be asked to reconsider its decision to abandon its warship patrols of the Caribbean, for the first time since the Second World War because of the navy’s funding crisis. Comment.
Bahamas breaks ground on Chinese-funded super resort
Bahamas: The ground was broken on Feb. 22 for the Bahamas’ largest private sector development project, a few days before the government opens a new international airport terminal, considered the largest public sector project ever in the northern chain of Caribbean islands. Comment.
ESPN enters the Caribbean airwaves
Bahamas: Miami, FL Feb. 23, 2011 – ESPN has reached a two-year agreement with Navetter Broadcasting Company whereby ESPN Radio will be aired on ZSR-FM (103.5) from the Bahamas, it was announced by Bernard Stewart, vice president, ESPN Caribbean and Maritime Media and Vann Ferguson, general manager of Navetter Broadcasting. This is the first ESPN Radio agreement in the Caribbean. Comment.
Ricky Jai cops monarch title
Music & Fashion: Chutney singer Ricky Jai copped the first TT$2 million prize of the 2011 Carnival season when he took the Chutney Soca Monarch title at Skinner’s Park, South Trinidad last week. Comment.
WINNING JUMP
Sports: Field specialist Glen Forsythe turned in an outstanding indoor track and field season, climaxed by winning two events in the Nassau County or Section VIII championships at St. Anthony’s High School in Suffolk County. Comment.
Life in jail for JFK bomb plot
New York: New York (AP) — An aging former cargo handler was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for hatching a plot to make John F. Kennedy International Airport go “up in smoke” by attacking jet fuel supplies with the help of a notorious al-Qaida explosives expert. Comment.
Jamaica, Trinidad, U.S. advance
Sports: Host Jamaica advanced to the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Under-17 tournament when it defeated Guatemala, 1-0, on Saturday, the last day of the preliminary round, in Montego Bay. The win meant that Jamaica finished atop Group C, with Caribbean rival Trinidad and Tobago finishing second to complete the pair that advanced from the three-team group. Guatemala was the Group C team that was eliminated. Comment.
West Indies vs. South Africa
Sports: West Indies will start their official I.C.C. World Cup Cricket match on Feb. 24 against South Africa. Comment.
NYC comptroller honors four
People: NYC Comptroller John Liu celebrated Black History Month at the Harlem State Office Building by honoring four persons on Feb. 9. Comment.
Jared’s MLK Essay wins top prize
Guyana: Jared Atchinson wasn’t born when civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King marched for equality way back in the sixties. But for this young man, learning about the tireless work of this iconic leader was enough to evoke the passion in him to speak eloquently of how King impacted his life and that of society. Comment.
Diasporans plan irie times in Jamaica
Jamaica: Jamaicans abroad are anxiously anticipating the golden celebration of independence next year. Reportedly, from Europe to Australia nationals are anticipating an official announcement of activities planned by the government. Comment.
FIERY TANGO
Arts & Theater: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College continues its 2010-2011 World of Dance series on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 8:00 p.m. with Argentine company Tango Buenos Aires performing Fuego Tango y Pasión (The Fire and Passion of Tango). Comment.
St. Lucian ‘Invader’ to headline ball
Music & Fashion: The St. Lucia House Foundation, an umbrella group of New York City-, Connecticut- and New Jersey based St. Lucian organizations, announced that legendary soca musician Ignatius “Invader” Tisin will headline its gala on Saturday, Feb. 26 to celebrate St. Lucia’s 32nd anniversary of independence. Comments (1).
National civic, business leaders to be honored
People: Philip Banks, Jr., president of the One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York City announced that the organization will salute some of the country’s most dynamic civic and business leaders at its 31st Annual Benefit Gala, the theme of which is, “Investing in Ourselves─Making our Own Tomorrow.” Comment.
Grenada’s PM seeks assistance for farmers
Grenada: Prime Minister Tillman Thomas has re-emphasised his support for Grenada’s agricultural development in general and the country’s farmers in particular during a meeting with a Brazilian delegation on Feb. 14. Comment.
An ever-expanding web of deception
Movies: “The Big Lie” is a shopworn formula, which has been recycled by countless television sitcoms since serving as the premise for almost every episode of “I Love Lucy.” The age-old theme typically revolves around a morally-compromised protagonist who ends up ensnared in an ever-expanding web of deception after telling a little fib at a moment of weakness. Comment.
Taj Mahal Trio at Lincoln Center
Music & Fashion: The Taj Mahal Trio comprising Taj (vocals, guitar, keys, banjo), Kester Smith (drums) and Bill Rich (bass) will be appearing at The Allen Room at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street, New York on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25 and 26, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Comment.
Legislation to extend state-funded education programs
New York: State-sponsored adult education and library aid programs, and provisions for No Child Left Behind compliance will remain intact, due to the recent passage of legislation in Albany designed to continue funding them. Comment.
‘Fat Tuesday’ all day long
Food: New Orleans may be the official home of Mardi Gras, but you don’t have to live in the Big Easy to enjoy the party. Mardi Gras, or literally, “Fat Tuesday,” is the final day of the Carnival celebration, the festive season that occurs before Lent. Comment.
Grassroots solutions for global warming
Movies: Today, there’s a consensus among experts in the scientific community not only that global warming is occurring, but that man-made climate change might not be reversible. Meanwhile, our inept politicians continue to pass around the hot potato in the face of readily-observable phenomena like receding glaciers and the melting of the polar ice caps. Comment.
Vincy group elects first female prez
St Vincent: The Philadelphia-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania, Inc. (SVGOP) has finally elected its first female president. Comment.
Moves to make ‘Bob’ a national hero
Jamaica: Bob Marley’s plaudits could change from recipient of Jamaica’s third highest honor – Order of Merit, to the lofty first bestowed on only seven others as a national hero. Comment.
Prince funds next N.Y. generation
Music & Fashion: Prince is continuing his mission to pay toward the knowledge and pave the way for the next generation to attain its greatness. Comment.
No more immunity for George W. Bush – abroad, at least
National: On Monday, the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) released the ‘Preliminary Bush Torture Indictment,’ a document outlining the core aspects of the case against Bush for torture, and his alleged violations of the Convention Against Torture to which the United States is a signatory. Comment.
Three activists in Newman’s play
Arts & Theater: The Castillo Theatre’s current production “Mr. Hirsch Died Yesterday” has the distinction of bringing together three activists of our time: playwright Fred Newman, director Woodie King Jr. and development psychologist Dr. Lenora Fulani making her acting debut in the role of Freda. Comments (1).
TOUCH OF COLOR
Music & Fashion: The models walked the Foley Gallery runway in Chelsea on Feb. 7 with a backdrop of black and white paintings, completely simpatico with the color palette of the 11-piece fall collection of Trinidadian designer Keishel Williams – casual to elegant – mostly black or gray. There are some with a splash of color. Comment.
Haiti issues passport to exiled former leader
Haiti: The Haitian government said on Feb. 7 that it has issued a new passport to former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide that would enable him to end his exile in South Africa and return to the impoverished, French-speaking Caribbean country. Comment.
Caribbean Airlines expanding routes
Trinidad and Tobago: Caribbean Airlines Ltd. (CAL) is moving to expand its routes to include some of the other Eastern Caribbean islands. Comment.
NETS NEW FACES
Sports: Anthony Morrow, who has started until the middle of December, has been a valuable addition to the New Jersey Nets and is teaming very well with veteran Devin Harris in the backcourt. But at times during the first half of the season, they just did not click. Comment.
Carib Money Aches
Guyana: The Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat is likely to shortly send home some staff members, cut back on travel and find other ways of trimming its operating budget that has been frozen for the past three years, as cash-strapped member states complain about their inability to meet annual contributions, officials disclosed last weekend. Comment.
New take on Black History Month
Books: A white man goes on a journey to find his biological father and discovers a rich, black heritage. Detailing his search for his birth father, the shocking discovery of his hidden black heritage and his struggle to come to terms with his new identity, Fosberg’s book “Incognito: An American Odyssey of Race and Self-Discovery” was released this month in honor of Black History Month. Comment.
Deal in Carib-EU banana war
Caribbean: The European Parliament on Feb. 3 approved a tariff deal with Latin American banana producers, bringing to an end a long-running trade war that also involved the Caribbean. Comment.
New York Red Bulls beef up
Sports: It seems the New York Red Bulls are not leaving anything to chance in its quest to make New York the home of the 2011 MLS Cup trophy. The team announced the signing of two players and is the subject of news reports about the possible signing of another big name European star. Comment.
Cuban dissident who refused exile to Spain, is released
Cuba: ≈Guido Sigler Amaya, the first of two political prisoners among a group of 11 dissidents who reject being exiled to Spain, has been freed from the Aguica prison in Matanzas, Cuba. Comment.
Call for debt reduction in the Caribbean
Caribbean: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Caribbean countries, saddled with high debt levels and badly affected by the global economic crisis, need to reduce debt and develop new sources of growth to enhance their prospects. Comment.
U.N. chief hails memorial to victims of slavery
People: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed as “an important step” the launch of the website for the permanent memorial to honor the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. Comment.
Meeting Obama’s challenge for girls
National: President Obama’s challenge for all of us to create the country that 9-year old Christina Taylor Green thought we had when she made the fateful trip to hear her elected representative rings true to me. Christina had an ambition to be the first girl to play in the major leagues. Tragically it’s a chance she won’t have. It made me think about what are the chances for all those bright girls across our country to become the leaders we need? Comment.
Where did all the Haiti money go?
Haiti: When a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010 the world community came to its aid. Millions of private citizens in this country and around the world reached into their household budgets and gave generously to the Haitian people who were grappling with the devastation. Comments (1).
Jet Blue gets FAA $$millions for surveillance avionics
Caribbean: The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) is giving low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways US$4.2 million towards equipping up to 35 of its Airbus A320s with automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) avionics in exchange for data on these flights on the East Coast and to the Caribbean. Comment.
Australia strong for ICC World Cup
Sports: The ICC World Cup bowls off on Feb. 19 and Australia in spite of losing the ashes to England in the test series still has a huge advantage over many other teams. There are 14 teams scheduled to participate in the World Cup and the Aussies are standing tall in the top four of the rankings going into the competition. Australia is in group “A” and only Pakistan may give the Aussies a huge challenge. Comment.
Lara backs India’s team
Sports: Former West Indies captain Brian Lara is backing India to win the ICC World Cup, which starts this month, but he said the one-day powerhouse would need to play a measured campaign if they are to lift their second title. Comment.
Queens volunteer provides financial training
New York: As a volunteer member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Jamaica YMCA David Thomas uses his professional expertise to help his community through the power of knowledge and practical solutions. Comment.
Action for AIDS slates Harlem forum
New York: Recent statistics on HIV/AIDS and its impact on the Black community will be discussed during a forum slated for Harlem on Feb. 12. Comment.
Tuskegee Airmen to speak at LIU
People: Black history comes alive at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus Feb. 15, when two of the iconic Tuskegee Airmen share their stories of being the first black fighter pilots in America’s Armed Forces. Comment.
International Youth voice demands to U.N.
Haiti: Becca Polk, a graduate student in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice, recently returned from the 17th World Festival for Youth and Students — an event held every five years. Comment.
Medgar Evers to host reading series
Books: The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College will host the John Oliver Killens Reading Series entitled “Literary Activists of the Indignant Generation” on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in the E.O. Jackson Auditorium - 1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11225. Comment.
Avoiding a tough stance on Egyptian crisis
UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 4 - The U.N. Security Council, which is empowered to intervene in crisis situations threatening international peace and security, has remained tight-lipped over the weeklong rioting, killings and mass demonstrations in Egypt - even as the political upheaval has spilled over into Jordan and Yemen. Comment.
Haiti Noir with Edwidge Danticat
Books: Manhattan’s Symphony Space’s Selected Shorts was packed with literature lovers and fans of Brooklyn’s and now Miami’s–own Edwidge Danticat, while it snowed ferociously outside. The Jan. 26 evening featured two readings from Danticat’s recently edited book “Haiti Noir,” part of Brooklyn-based Akashic Books’ “Noir“ series, collections of stories of crime and criminals, and celebrating their authors. Comment.
Independent & Foreign Films
Movies: Carancho (Unrated) Argentine romance drama, set in Buenos Aires, and revolving around an ambulance-chasing attorney (Ricardo Darin) who falls in love with the idealistic young doctor (Martina Gusman) who’s trying to save the life of a patient he wants as a client. With Carlos Weber, Jose Luis Arias and Loren Acuna. (In Spanish with subtitles) Comment.
Caribbean Airlines promises direct JFK/Guyana flights
Trinidad and Tobago: An airfare war is brewing thanks to Caribbean Airlines, which is set to ink a deal with the Jagdeo government to fly its next generation aircraft direct from Georgetown’s Cheddi Jagan Timehri International to John F. Kennedy Airport. Comment.
Debate renewed over friendly and unfriendly dictators
National: UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 1 - Jeanne Kirkpatrick, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, once made the highly-debatable distinction between “friendly” right-wing “authoritarian” regimes (which were mostly U.S. and Western allies) and “unfriendly” left-wing “totalitarian” dictatorships (which the U.S. abhorred). Comment.
Marley gears for 2012 Olympics
Jamaica: Cedella, the eldest daughter of Bob and Rita Marley has been chosen designer to fashion sportswear for all of Jamaica’s Olympic team to London in 2012. Reportedly, she will design the podium, performance, ceremony and casual wear for the entire Jamaican team to London, England. Comment.
TRIBUTE TO CEDRIC
Music & Fashion: As part of this year’s Black History and Reggae Month celebrations, New York based Caribbean Lifestyle TV, (CLM TV) - which air weekly on CIN TV, channel 73, WNYC TV in New York – will pay tribute to saxophone great Cedric “Im” Brooks at the station’s fourth anniversary gala and awards ceremony on Feb. 28 in Manhattan. Comment.
Gov’t-backed candidate out of Haiti’s election
Haiti: PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haitian electoral officials dropped the government-backed candidate from the upcoming presidential runoff on Thursday, ending a standoff with the U.S. and other international powers over the results of a first-round of voting that was marred by fraud and disorganization. Comment.
Gipsy Kings at Radio City
Music & Fashion: Radio City Music Hall and MSG Entertainment are proud to welcome The Gipsy Kings back to the great stage on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 8:00 p.m. Comment.
Night of blues, rock & soul
Music & Fashion: It is a new year and a new look for local favorites Renee and The Derelicts who will perform two sets of classic and original blues, rock and soul tunes at the P&G Cafe on Manhattan’s West side Saturday, Feb. 12 beginning at 10:00 p.m. with no cover. The Café is located at 380A Columbus Ave. (78th Street) (“B” or “C” subway to 81st St.) Comment.
Jailed judge now under house arrest
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A Venezuelan court on Wednesday granted house arrest to a judge who has been jailed for more than a year in a case criticized by human rights groups. Comment.
Sharing Valentine’s Day Love
Food: I love that we have a day designed to celebrate love! And I enjoy finding creative ways to show the people in my life how much I care about them. This year, I’m sharing some ideas from the kitchen and from the heart so that you can put some extra L-O-V-E into your Valentine’s Day. Comment.
T&T insurrectionists cannot be prosecuted
Trinidad and Tobago: Yasin Abu Bakr, leader of the radical Muslim organization Jamaat al Muslimeen and the 113 insurrectionists who staged the attempted July 1990 coup in Trinidad and Tobago cannot be prosecuted anymore for serious offences committed during the event. Comment.
CARIFTA Games in Jamaica in Jamaica in limbo
Caribbean: This year’s CARIFTA Games scheduled for April 23-25 will now be held in Montego Bay, Jamaica after several potential hosts turned down the chance to stage the region’s marquee junior track and field meeting, which is usually held over the Easter weekend. Comment.
‘Dream for One Bright World’
Music & Fashion: It was shortly after the passing of her mother at age 94, that I first spoke to singer Cynthia Scott. She had recently finished the recording of her CD “Dream for One Bright World,” a poignant CD that I suspect was a labor of love. It may have also served as a catharsis for the loss of her mother who passed during the time Cynthia was recording the CD. Comment.
Record-breaking tourist arrivals
Caribbean: The Caribbean is attracting tourists in numbers not seen since the start of the global economic crisis, with several islands boasting new records, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). Comment.
Open House
New York: Caribbean Thursdays
New Rochelle Radisson, One Radison Plaza, New Rochelle, N.Y., a stylish, unpscale after work hot spot offering the perfect ambiance to unwind, presents Spicy Caribbean Thursdays, featuring great reggae music, an array of cocktails & samples of free appetizers from the Caribbean menu, every Thursay, 5:30 p.m. - Until. Proper dress code (jackets/dress shirts); $10 cover charge. For information, contact Morvia Reid-Williams at (914) 262-9582. Comment.
Special Black History Month Events and promotions
People: Celebrate Black History Month with special events and promotions recognizing the significant contributions by African-Americans to the world’s social, political and economic development. Comment.
Tips to avoid colds and flu this season
Sports: It’s cold and flu season again, so it’s time for a refresher course on what you can do to keep your family healthy. Comment.
The nozzle problem: Meatal Stenosis of the Urethra
Health: Many patients suffer with lower urinary tract symptoms often caused by benign enlargement of the prostate. Their complaints may include varying combinations of a slow weak stream, pushing to void, frequency day and night, urgency, sleep interruption, and incomplete emptying. Comment.
Caribbean Round-Up
Caribbean: There is opposition to the proposal by Canadian electric utility company, Emera, to take over the Light & Power Holdings Ltd, the monopoly provider of electricity in Barbados. Comment.
Nutrition key to bone health
Health: Experts in health, nutrition and sports medicine agree: Take care of your body, and your body will take care of you. This is particularly sound advice with regard to the crucial role that everyday nutrition plays in maintaining bone health and repairing injuries, and ensuring that your skeletal system is strong enough to endure the rigors of an active lifestyle. Comment.
Making a better life for yourself
Books: Michael Oher became famous a year ago when his inspirational story was made into a heartwarming Hollywood movie. That overcoming-the-odds sports saga recounted how a traumatized, Black teenager went from homeless to National Football League star with the help of the a well-to-do family who rescued him from the streets of Memphis. Sandra Bullock even won an Oscar for her endearing portrayal of matriarch Leigh Anne Tuohy, a compassionate Christian who altruistically invited the gentle giant to move into her house. Comment.
How far does an education take you?
National: It is engrained in the heads of the youth that you must go to college to get a good job. Comment.
Massive bird, fish deaths linked to human activity
Viewpoints: ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 24, 2011 - The new year brought a spate of bird and fish deaths across the United States and around the world. Hundreds of birds simply fell out of the sky and thousands of fish were found floating dead in rivers. Comment.
