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After ‘Warnergate,’ a clear choice
Viewpoints: Media attention has continued, of late, to be focused on Trinidad and Tobago, unfortunately not by way of developments that are the least bit flattering. Word that Jack Warner, who is the minister of works and transport in the Kamla Persad-Bissessar government, had been suspended by FIFA for his alleged involvement in a bribery scandal and had subsequently resigned from his FIFA position, was big news throughout the sports world, delivering for Trinidad and Tobago the sort of ink the country hardly ever commands on the world stage. Comment.
Barbados taps Rihanna as tourism ambassador
Barbados: The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) has named popular sultry singer Rihanna as the island’s tourism ambassador. Comment.
WIPA questions Gayle’s non-selection
Sports: The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) has questioned the non-selection of opening West Indies batsman Chris Gayle for the current India tour of the West Indies arguing that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is being hypocritical in the manner in which they are dealing with him. Comment.
UWI professor wins prestigious CARICOM award
People: University of the West Indies’ (UWI) deputy principal and gender professor, Dr Violet Eudine Barriteau will receive the 10th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Triennial Award for Women for her remarkable contribution to the field of gender and development and her role as “a powerful exemplar of self-respect, self-discipline, vision and leadership,” the secretatiat announced last week. Comments (1).
Best of the best Carib chefs in culinary contest
Food: Trinidad & Tobago received top honors as Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s (CHTA) 2011 “Taste of the Caribbean” competition hosted by the Hyatt Regency hotel in Miami last weekend. Comment.
End routine tax avoidance by large corporations
National: Some of our nation’s biggest corporations are planning a tax holiday and they want you to pick up the tab. Comment.
‘SISTAS THE MUSICAL’
Music & Fashion: “Sistas The Musical” is a highly anticipated new musical from playwright Dorothy Marcic. Sistas will premiere at Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York on Monday, July 11. Comment.
Getting the quality sleep we need
Health: Living in this caffeine-charged, 24-7 society leaves a large percentage of us chronically and dangerously sleep deprived. Comment.
Cameron Diaz plays misbehaving schoolmarm
Movies: Public schoolteachers have been getting a pretty bad rap recently, between taking the brunt of the blame for both the declining graduation rates and the escalating deficit of many a state’s economy. Comment.
Successful Coney Island 5K race
Sports: Anthony Watson, coach of the Prospect Park Track Club, recently entered 19 athletes into the 19th annual Cosme’s 5K Boardwalk Charity Run in Coney Island. Comment.
José Alberto ‘El Canario’ at Lehman
Music & Fashion: Lehman Center for the Performing Arts presents two Latin music greats, José Alberto “El Canario,” and Andy Montañéz, “El Godfather de la Salsa” on Saturday, July 9 at 8:00 p.m. Comment.
Fourth of July b-day celebration for Louis Armstrong
Music & Fashion: Monday, July 4, 2011 Comment.
New Yorkers welcome small farmers
La Via Campesina is the international movement that brings together millions of peasants, small and medium-size farmers, landless people, women farmers, indigenous people, migrants and agricultural workers from around the world. It defends small-scale sustainable agriculture as a way to promote social justice and dignity. Comment.
Una Queen Of Hats – An exhibition by Maxine Alex
Arts & Theater: Brooklyn’s beloved former Council Woman Dr. Una S. T. Clarke was the focus of a labor of love that paid homage to her spirited personality as an effective politician in the community and ultimately, her elegant headwear. Comment.
Cubans alarmed over new U.S. deportation bill
Cuba: Cubans with deportation orders say they have grown alarmed about a new bill recently introduced in the U.S. Congress that immigrant rights activists say could enable immigration authorities to re-detain indefinitely Cubans with criminal records who cannot be returned home. Comment.
Guyana’s joint opposition unveils itself
Guyana: As promised, a joint opposition umbrella grouping including the main People’s National Congress (PNC) unveiled itself to the voting public on Friday arguing that coming together with a single slate and consensus presidential candidate might well be the best way of unseating the Indo-led People’s Progressive Party (PPP) seeking its fifth consecutive term in general elections due by yearend. Comment.
Llng Island hosts another successful Carib-American Heritage Festival
Music & Fashion: Throngs of Caribbean-Americans and friends showed up on a recent blue-skied, sunny Saturday on June 18 for the second annual Long Island Caribbean–American International Festival (LICAIF) at the beautiful, landscaped Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, New York. Comment.
India defeats Windies by 63 runs
Sports: The first Test match between India and the West Indies at Sabina Park was a thriller and filled with competitiveness as the bowlers on both sides capitalized on a wicket that played very unusal with lots of occasional bounce and exceptional balls keeping very low dragging on the wicket. India took honors by winning by 63 runs. Comment.
MEXICO TROUNCES USA
Sports: Mexico rallied for a 2-0 deficit to beat the USA, 4-2, in front of 93,420 - the largest crowd for a Gold Cup game in the U.S. and predominantly Mexican fans - at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena (CA) Saturday night to win its second straight CONCACAF Gold Cup and sixth overall. Pablo Barrera (29th, 50th) scored twice and Andres Guardado (36th) and Giovani Dos Santos (77th) also tallied for Mexico. Javier Hernandez’s tournament leading seven goals earned him the tournament MVP award. Comment.
Caribbean leaders head to annual summit amidst doubts of progress
Caribbean: Caribbean leaders head to St. Kitts this week for their main annual heads of government summit this year so far, with no dominating item on the agenda, despite the fact that the conference will last for at least three full days. Comment.
NETS Dancers host Hip-Hop Clinic for Kids
Nearly half of all New York City elementary school kids are obese. The lack of activity and poor eating habits begin early in life. Comment.
Your rights when getting a mortgage
Business: By Trisha Ocona Francis Comments (3).
SVG expands its diplomatic relations
St Vincent: Continuing what it has described as its “global diplomatic outreach,” St. Vincent and the Grenadines has formalized diplomatic relations with Moldova, Serbia and the Solomon Islands. Comment.
Terri Carrington’s jazz mosaic
Music & Fashion: The Mosaic Project – set for release on July 19, 2011 – assembles an all-female cast that includes Esperanza Spalding, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, Nona Hendryx and many others. Comment.
Sun Kulcha
New York: Jazz
J@LC presents the Kenny Garrett Quartet with Benito Gonzalez, Nat Reeves & Ronald Bruner at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, corner of 60 St. & Broadway, in the Time Warner Building, Fifth Fl., performing thru July 3, 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. For information & reservations, call (212) 258-9595. Comment.
U.S. playing catch-up to Jamaicans in women’s 100
Sports: Back in her heyday, Gail Devers stood out almost as much for her flashy fingernails as her dazzling finishes. Comment.
Trinidad police seek info from FIFA
Trinidad and Tobago: Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs said the police will commence a criminal investigation into alleged bribery allegations at last month’s meeting between Caribbean Football Union (CFU) officials and former FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam only when he receives information from FIFA Ethics Committee. Comment.
Brooklyn youths celebrate Juneteenth
Africa: NYC Council member Charles Barron sponsored a Juneteenth celebration in his East New York District on Friday, June 17 which highlighted performances by children, in an effort to educate and keep Black History alive. Comment.
Call for a clampdown on corporate tax dodgers
National: I’m an accountant. My college degrees and CPA license are the intellectual properties that enable me to earn a living. Now suppose that I formed a corporation to deliver my services, then took my diplomas and license off my wall and placed them in a safe deposit box in a Luxembourg bank. Comment.
Mandela opens door to U.S. First Lady
Africa: Resigned from public duty, former South African President Nelson Mandela rarely receives visitors. However, he made an exception last week by opening his home to first lady Michelle Obama who made a three-day visit to his country. According to the Associated Press, Graca Machel, wife of the 92-year-old international hero, greeted the wife of President Barrack Obama to the home and described her as “queen of our world.” Comment.
Buju Banton gets 10 years in drug case
Music & Fashion: TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge sentenced Grammy-winning reggae singer Buju Banton to 10 years in prison Thursday, the lowest sentence legally allowed for his role in a large cocaine trafficking deal in 2009. Comment.
Independent & Foreign Films
Movies: Aurora (Unrated) Deliberately-paced drama contrasting a sedate family man’s (Cristi Puiu) unremarkable home life with his explosive alter ego which only comes out at night while he’s roaming the streets of Bucharest. With Clara Voda, Catrinel Dumitrescu and Luminita Gheorghiu. (In Romanian with subtitles) Comment.
THE LEGEND RETURNS
Arts & Theater: In honor of being selected for mainstage performance at the National Black Theatre Festival, the Billie Holiday Theatre will present encore performances of “The Legend of Buster Neal,” written and directed by Jackie Alexander. Comment.
Cocoa Tea on U.S. Tour
Music & Fashion: Camp Records legendary reggae recording artist, Cocoa Tea will be performing at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum, in conjunction with the NYPD initiative, in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month on June 29. Comment.
Tribute to fallen All Stars youth leaders
Arts & Theater: Ben Vereen, legendary entertainer, attended the All Stars talent show in Harlem on Saturday, May 14 at Bread and Roses High School where 100 inner-city youth from throughout New York City produced and performed in a vibrant hip-hop talent show featuring songs, dance and rap. Comment.
Community clamors to Im on historic Juneteenth
Music & Fashion: Cedric Im Brooks smiled and also shed a tear on the day the world celebrated fathers and a historic African-American landmark date. For a majority it was Father’s Day. For many African-Americans, June 19 also marked Juneteenth Day in 1865 when slaves were freed from white captivity in the south of the USA. It is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in America. Comment.
Host a star-studded Fourth
Food: The Fourth of July calls for a carefree party, with good friends, fab food, fun and fireworks - a real star-studded holiday celebration. Comment.
Young CEO writes book for tween girls
Books: Only nine years old, trail blazer and CEO/President of Rub A Dub Spa Parties For Kids Inc. Jamila Thompson writes a book for tween girls called, “You Work It Girl: A Tween’s Guide For Beauty, Fashion and Other Cool Stuff.” Comments (4).
Warner leaves FIFA with image tarnished
Caribbean: GENEVA (AP) — Once sought for his support by Nelson Mandela and Britain’s Prince William, FIFA Vice President Jack Warner’s time at the heart of international soccer is over. Comment.
Abdominal obesity: Greater than the sum of its parts
Health: Stress is an everyday fact of life. When we’re stressed, the subconscious temptation to turn to so-called comfort foods can be powerful, and if we’re in a hurry, the fast-food options beckon loudly. Unfortunately those foods tend to be high in fat and sugar, and it’s common knowledge that those soothing calories can make us gain weight. For some, however, the weight gain is primarily in the abdomen and is noticeably disproportionate to the number of calories consumed. Comment.
LIAT averts regional industrial action
Caribbean: LIAT has averted a region-wide industrial action by rescinding severance letters to workers at its City Ticketing Offices. Comment.
Jamaican first lady visits Mt. Vernon
Jamaica: Mt. Vernon Mayor Clinton Young, Jr. and Westchester County Board of Legislators Vice Chairman Lyndon Williams hosted a special reception at Mount Vernon City Hall in honor of Mrs. Lorna Golding wife of Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, visited Mount Vernon Saturday, June 18. Comment.
Enhancing indoor lessons with visits to borough parks
People: From collecting water samples at Inwood Hill Park to learning about the decomposition process at landfills, to exploring forest ecology, Seeds to Trees, City Parks Foundation’s (CPF) flagship education program, introduced science and nature in the urban environment to children from IS 161 in Harlem, PS 182 in East Harlem, and PS 178M in Inwood. Comment.
BETAC celebrates bilingual educators
People: Members of the education community celebrated the accomplishments of all bilingual educators and the staff of the Bilingual/ESL Technical Assistance Centers (BETACs) during a ceremony at Auntun’s,Queens on June 11. Comment.
A prison system that’s bankrupting the U.S. Caribbean Life all Page 10 OpEd A prison system that’s bankrupting us By Sarah van Gelder 2011_06_22_sub_van Gelder_prisons Caribbean Life all Page 10 OpEd A prison system that’s bankru
People: If there was any doubt about the broken state of our prison system, the news this week should put it to rest. Comment.
Call for executive action to stop unjust deportations
Brooklyn: A coalition of immigration groups in New York joined forces last weekend with two members of Congress at a Brooklyn rally to call President Obama to end what they described as the “senseless and unjust” deportation of Caribbean and other immigrants. Comment.
Swweet Summer Delights
Food: Making homemade ice cream for friends and family is a sweet way to celebrate summer - and it’s easier than you might think. Comment.
Ryan Reynolds stars in ‘Green Lantern’
Movies: When you think of Ryan Reynolds, what mostly comes to mind are his wacky romantic romps like “The Proposal,” “Van Wilder,” “Adventureland” and “Definitely, Maybe.” Comedy chops aside, one still might naturally wonder whether he would able to summon sufficient gravitas when asked to portray a comic book superhero. Comment.
Summer health advice for seniors
Health: The hot, hazy days of summer can pose special health risks to older adults. It’s important that older people avoid heat-related illnesses, known as hyperthermia. Comment.
W.I. faces huge challenge against India
West Indies selectors along with the West Indies Cricket Board implemented a strategy during the Pakistan series and the same is being used for the present India series of experimenting with players. It is fine to play a few players to allow them to show off their skills in order to facilitate them in one of the three categories of the game or may be all. Experimenting with many players during two major series that involves Pakistani and India seems to be wrong. Comment.
Urodynamics: The amazing bladder pressure test
Health: Sixty years ago, when a man complained of the familiar symptoms of frequency, urgency, hesitancy, incomplete emptying, straining, sleep interruption and a weak and intermittent stream, the problem was often considered to be due to prostate enlargement and surgery was offered. Comment.
TOUGH LOSS
Sports: The Jamaica Reggae Boyz, despite a tough, 2-0 quarterfinal loss to the USA last Sunday at RKF Stadium in Washington D.C., Caribbean champion Jamaican men’s national team represented the region well in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament, played in several U. S. venues. Comment.
FIFA bribery investigation
Sports: Suspended FIFA vice-president Austin “Jack” Warner says he has no plans to meet investigators probing bribery allegations. Comment.
World Bank boost for OECS electricity services
St Lucia: The World Bank Board of Directors on Jun. 16 approved two zero-interest credits for a total of US$5.6 million to help Grenada and St. Lucia establish the Eastern Caribbean Energy Regulatory Authority (ECERA). Comment.
Mount Sinai Presidential Service Award
Manhattan: Spirits were high in Stern Auditorium as colleagues, family, and friends cheered on 36 individuals and 10 teams of employees who received the 2011 Recognition of Excellence Awards during The Mount Sinai Medical Center Employee Recognition Program ceremony on June 13. Comment.
‘Taste Of The Caribbean’ in Miami
Food: Gourmands come indulge in Caribbean cuisine and test your palates while learning the tricks of the trade from experts in the field during the “Taste of the Caribbean” consumer program taking place June 24 – 25, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Miami. Comment.
Impressions Dance Theatre’s ninth recital
Arts & Theater: The students of Impressions Dance Theatre will take to the stage of the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, at 153-10 Jamaica Ave., to begin their ninth Annual Recital, on Saturday, June 25 starting at 4:00 p.m. Comment.
AILEY’S 50 YRS OF RELEVATION
Arts & Theater: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), recognized by U.S. Congress as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” will celebrate 50 years of Revelations across the globe from June 21 – Aug. 28 in various cities in Norway, Germany, Russia and Switzerland. Comment.
Harlem Dowling pupils win comic project
Manhattan: Pupils from Harlem Dowling’s after school program at PS 161 received top honors from The Comic Book Project at Columbia University Teacher’s College. Comment.
Old-town Bimshire lands on World Heritge List
Barbados: The historic section of the capital of Barbados has became the Caribbean country’s first entry on the United Nations-managed World Heritage List, after a committee of experts approved its inscription among three new sites. Comment.
Traumatized teen wins lawsuit against Guyana police
Guyana: A teenager who Guyanese police brutalized because they had suspected him of participating in the murder of a low level government official back in 2009 has been awarded compensation by a local court for pain, suffering and long term trauma associated with one of the country’s most bizarre torture cases. Comment.
DC 37 rally protests cutbacks and layoffs
New York: On June 14, District Council 37, the City’s largest public employee union, held a massive rally at City Hall. Thousands of DC 37 members and supporters turned out to deliver a resounding message: Stop cutbacks, layoffs and contracting out! Don’t balance the budget on the backs of working people! Comment.
PS 269 Peace Rally and Wounded Warrior Program
People: PS 269 is dedicated to educating young people in intercultural understanding and creative non-violent approaches to conflict. Comment.
Stroke of a Pen immigration campaign heats up
New York: The New York Immigration Coalition joined Congress Members Yvette Clarke and Luis Gutierrez at a public forum in Brooklyn Saturday, June 18, 2011 to highlight the urgent need to reform our immigration system and put an end to the senseless deportations and suffering of families. Comment.
Nascimento at Lincoln Center
Music & Fashion: Four-time Grammy Award winner and international superstar, Milton Nascimento, is a brilliant songwriter, guitarist and singer from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Well known within the Portuguese community, Milton is also world renowned. Comment.
Documentary on T&T rebellion
Movies: A documentary film on the 1970 black power uprising in Trinidad and Tobago that triggered profound changes in the country’s social structure, will be screened in New York for the first time on Thursday afternoon, June 23. The screening of “’70: Remembering a Revolution” will take place at the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, 85 South Oxford Street, Brooklyn, commencing at 5:00 p.m. Comment.
What it takes to be a citizen
Viewpoints: A few weeks ago, the federally-run National Assessment of Educational Progress issued its latest “report card” on civics education in the United States. You get a sense of what it found from The New York Times headline: “Civics Education Called National Crisis.” Comment.
Habitat homeowners celebrate in Bed-Stuy
Brooklyn: Recently, 16 families in Bedford-Stuyvesant received the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity homes. Comment.
Women’s social movement launches new initiative
People: Caribbean Women's Social and Cultural Initiative celebrates 25 yearsThe Caribbean Women Social & Cultural Association of America (CWSCAA) celebrates its 25th anniversary with a flag-raising event to hoist the United Peoples Flag for consecration of the United Peoples Inclusive. Comment.
Issues of hate against LGBT faith leaders
People: In recent weeks, several clergy from houses of worship in Harlem have made remarks against Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender (LGBT) people that are damaging, malicious and false. In these statements, LGBT (same gender loving) people have been associated with activities of pedophilia and bestiality. These statements are false and send messages to our community that promotes hate, harassment, bullying and physical violence. Comments (1).
Independent & Foreign Films
Movies: The Best and the Brightest (Unrated) Social climber comedy about a desperate couple (Neil Patrick Harris and Bonnie Somerville), new to Manhattan, who enlist the assistance of an education consultant (Amy Sedaris) in order to get their five-year-old daughter (Amelia Talbot) admitted to an exclusive private school. With John Hodgman, Christopher McDonald and Kate Mulgrew. Comment.
Caribbean films close Caribbean Week
Movies: Since Frances-Anne Solomon screened A Winter’s Tale in New York in 2007, she’s wanted to see a Caribbean film festival in New York. Comment.
Kittitians pay tribute to U.S. founding father
St Kitts and Nevis: In a ceremony that took place at historically significant sites in downtown Manhattan on June 7, the Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis Dr. Denzil L. Douglas joined with the island’s Senator Ricky Skerritt, chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), John Herzog, founder and chairman Emeritus of the Museum of American Finance, Arthur Piccolo, chairman of the Bowling Green Association to pay tribute to Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the U.S. who was born in Nevis. Comment.
Jamaican women ‘sweep’ CTO honors
Jamaica: Caribbean Tourism Organization marked their annual conference and celebration of Caribbean Heritage Week from June 6 to 11 with a myriad of activities in New York City. Comment.
Caribbean Round_Up
Trinidad and Tobago: The Canadian government has given a Can$5 million grant to a CARICOM Food Security Project at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Comment.
Get Egg-cited!
Food: There’s a reason for the adage, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” It’s because breakfast provides an opportunity to get important nutrients that are difficult to make up over the course of the day. Comment.
Xaverian captures Diamond Title
Catcher Elvin Soto felt disappointed that he wasn’t chosen in the major league baseball draft last week during the time of the Catholic High Schools Athletic Association playoffs. Comment.
What to do about a bloody ejaculation
Health: Blood in the ejaculate was first described 2,500 years ago by Hippocrates (460 BC-370 BC), the father of Western medicine. This condition, known as “hematospermia” often creates great anxiety in the patient and his wife though most of the time no definite cause can be uncovered and no underlying disease can be found. Comment.
Business Opportunity Expo in Manhattan
Manhattan: Allan Houston, assistant general manager of the New York Knicks and NBA All-Star, will be the keynote speaker at the New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council’s Business Opportunity Expo 2011 on Thursday, June 16 at the New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway in New York City from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Comment.
Things to ask about at your annual physical
Health: It’s something far too many of us put off – finding a primary care doctor and getting annual check-ups. Comment.
T&T appoints Carrington as an ambassador
Former CARICOM Secretary General Edwin Carrington has been appointed as Trinidad and Tobago’s ambassador extraordinaire and plenipotentiary to CARICOM. Comment.
Native Americans celebrate heritage
People: Native Americans in New York celebrated their heritage at Gateway National Recreation Area at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, June 3-5. Comment.
Trinidad to tighten AIDS spreading law
Trinidad and Tobago: Authorities in Trinidad are to consult with non government organizations and the judiciary to formulate new laws against the willful and reckless spread of HIV-AIDS in the aftermath of a case where a court convicted a husband of killing his wife because she had knowingly passed on the deadly disease to him. Comment.
The Caribbean comes to Grand Central
Manhattan: Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Station, Manhattan, was transformed into a tropical showcase of the Caribbean islands. Hundreds were seen milling around sipping rum drinks, sampling beef patties and picking up bags of brochures for a tropical vacation. Comment.
St. Kitts beat Dominica in hard-fought duel
Perennial cellar-placed team Dominica fought gallantly to minimize their loss to St. Kitts and Nevis on Sunday in the fifth round of the Digicel New York Caribbean Soccer Cup at the Jefferson High School stadium in Brooklyn. Comment.
Congressional voice for immigration
Trinidad and Tobago: Mervyn Malcolm Dymally (born May 12, 1926 in Cedros, Trinidad and Tobago) is a California Democratic politician of mixed Indian and Afro-Trinidadian heritage. Comment.
Economic growth forecast for Latin America and the Caribbean
Haiti: The World Bank has predicted 4.5 percent economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean this year. Comment.
Smugglers cart away millions in Guyana gold to Suriname
Guyana: Tons of gold produced in Guyana are not being declared and sold to the official state system but are rather being smuggled across the river border with Suriname, where sellers make millions in cash because royalties or state taxes are cheaper than in the country of origin. Comment.
Thomas R. Jones; a judge who agitated for urban revival
Immigration: Thomas R. Jones, a New York State assemblyman and judge who challenged Senator Robert F. Kennedy to address urban malaise and became the founding chairman of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, a leading organization in the 1960s’ effort to revitalize urban ghettos. Comment.
PANAMA OUTPLAYS U.S.
Sports: “On the night, we were not good enough,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. “But Panama certainly was…” Bradley got it right about his team’s 2-1 defeat to Panama Saturday night in a Group C game at the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament, played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. What is also true is that Bradley contributed to his team’s dismal display. Comment.
Marie Claire’s treasury of gold
Music & Fashion: Not even completed, the Jamaica Observer already describes her debut album as nothing less than “groundbreaking.” The who’s-who of Reggae royalty have lent their wisdom and unquestionable talent to ensure that Marie-Claire’s Dreamland is a first-rate production. Comment.
Gayle takes top cricket awards
Sports: Discarded West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle copped the International Cricketer-of-the Year and the West Indies Test Player-of-the-Year awards at the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) 2010 award ceremony held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain last week. Comment.
Tribute to our ancestors of the Middle Passage
Africa: A torrential downpour. The loss of the sound system. Nothing could daunt the hardy souls gathered on the Coney Island boardwalk for the 22nd Annual Tribute to Our Ancestors of the Middle Passage. Comment.
A time to strengthen Caribbean-U.S. relations
People: As a Brooklyn native whose roots are firmly planted in my Caribbean heritage, I take great pride in celebrating Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This month we celebrate and recognize the many contributions Caribbean-Americans have made to this country. This would include people like, iconic actress Cicely Tyson, Former Secretary of State, General Colin L. Powell, legendary singer, actor and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte and the Honorable Shirley Chisholm. Comment.
Monty Alexander: Celebrated jazz musician
Music & Fashion: Jamaican jazz pianist Monty Alexander celebrates 50 years on the music scene this year. Comment.
Prez Castro hurries reform agenda as age catchs up
HAVANA, Jun. 3, 2011 - President Raul Castro, who turned 80 Friday, is facing the challenge of making the Cuban economy more efficient without abandoning socialism – a course that involves overcoming conservative resistance to change and new forms of working and even thinking. Comment.
23 killed, 6 missing in floods, mudslides in Haiti
Haiti: PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Heavy rain hammered southern Haiti for a seventh straight day Tuesday, triggering floods and mudslides and causing houses and shanties in the capital to collapse. The official death toll was 23 but could rise as remnants of the storm lingered. Comment.
Free dresses; now it’s prom time
Brooklyn: Scores of young women who were unable to buy their prom dresses received free dresses during the fourth annual Prom Dress Giveaway on Saturday, May 14. Comment.
Jamaica beats Grenada 4-0 in Gold Cup
Jamaica: CARSON, California (AP) — Jamaica recorded its biggest ever win in a CONCACAF Gold Cup game, beating Grenada 4-0 on Monday. Comment.
UWI to honor 20 Caribbean icons
Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degrees are to be conferred on cricket icon Brian Lara, Sir Fenton Ramsahoye QC and former Ambassador Kamaluddin Mohammed. Comment.
Sun Kulcha
Music & Fashion: Comedy/Variety
No Name producer Eric Vetter is hosting the Uptown Cabaret Show, an opportunity for musical talent to try out new material in a safe & fun place at the Indian Road Cafe, 600 West 218 St., N.Y., 7:00 p.m., with sign up at 6:45 p.m. Food & drinks available. No cover, no minimum. For information, call (212) 942-7451. Comment.
SWEET CREOLE MUSIC
Music & Fashion: After a very entertaining performance at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on June 4, The Creole Choir of Cuba is scheduled for international performances in Switzerland, France and England later this month. Comment.
Three legends pass – Faye Treadwell among them
People: Fayrene (Faye) Treadwell, one of the first female African American entertainment managers in history, died last week in Burbank, CA where she lived with her daughter. She was 84. Comment.
Spotlight on Jamaican women
People: Later this year, millions of television viewers of Travel Channel International will get a glimpse of a few outstanding women who have distinguished themselves in four countries across the globe. Carefully chosen for the series’ inaugural season, South Africa, The Philippines, and Turkey, Jamaican journalist Janet Silvera was selected to spotlight a matriarchal contributor from the Caribbean. Comment.
City Hall discusses Carib small business
Brooklyn: Deputy Mayor of Operations Stephen Goldsmith held an information and listening session with Caribbean community business members as part of outreach sessions his office is having with small business owners citywide–particularly restaurants, bars, bakeries and butcher shops– and merchant associations around the city. Comment.
Application for vendors
New York: This winter marks the 12th annual Grand Central Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall. Comment.
Failing farmers by slashing budgets
National: A young farmer called me last year because he’s transitioning his farm to organic production and he heard me on the radio talking about USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative, which provides cost-share to farmers and ranchers during organic transition. Comment.
Flatbush native native makes foray into urban music
Arts & Theater: Up-and-coming hip-hop artist D. Julien’s latest release, Ready For Tomorrow will go a long way towards fulfilling his dream of capturing the urban music demographics ranging from the post-tweens to the 30-somethings. Comment.
Athletes set for state championships
A huge number of schoolboy athletes representing their high school teams, will be travelling upstate to Rochester to compete in the final meet of the 2010-2011 calendar schedule. The occasion marks the annual track and field competition in the New York State Outdoor Championships. There will be two separate meets, one for boys and one for girls. Comments (1).
Caribbean musical stars in concert
Music & Fashion: The first Annual Caribbean Brightest Stars Concert will take place on June 18 at Club Gravity 229 Empire Blvd., Brooklyn, N.Y. Comment.
Talented 15-year-old heads her company
Haiti: The acknowledgements are too many to list for this child “accidental” entrepreneur but reasons for her success are simple, a good product in demand and once she started–at age nine–a supportive family. Comment.
Basketballer finds paradise in St. Croix
People: Basketball, with an ever expanding fan base and the public’s growing interest in the lavish lifestyles of its superhero athletes, is no stranger to opulence. Once in a while, there is an individual who stands out as a true testament to style, grace, endurance and yes, even quality of life. Comment.
Fixing an untenable situation over soccer in Belize
Belize: Under its president, Bertie Chimillio, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has been running football in the country for many years and has failed to develop a team that would be competitive in the international arena. Comment.
Queens residents peeved over environmental issues
Queens: Residents of Southeast Queens have expressed concern over environmental problems they faced and are dissastified with answers provided by environmental officials. Comment.
Father’s Day feast fit for a king
This Father’s Day, give dad the royal treatment by creating a feast that combines his two favorite things - the grill and steak. Comment.
Caribbean stars at Adidas Grand Prix
Sports: NEW YORK CITY – The Adidas Grand Prix has long been known for bringing dozens of exciting Caribbean track-and-field stars to Icahn Stadium each June, and this Saturday will be no exception: 34 top Caribbean athletes – including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Richard Thompson and Jamaica’s newest sprint superstar, Steve Mullings – are on the way. Comment.
Caribbean Round-Up
Trinidad and Tobago: A call has been made for Caribbean competition among carriers so as to keep airfares reasonable. Comment.
Living well with vision loss
Health: If you’ve been having trouble reading, recognizing familiar faces or seeing street signs, you’re not alone. Low vision, or uncorrectable vision impairment, currently affects six million Americans -- a number expected to grow substantially as the nation’s population ages. This means millions of Americans are at risk of losing their independence in the future. Comment.
Proscar & Avodart side effects
Health: For many years Proscar, now increasingly known by its generic name, Finasteride has been used to actually shrink the prostate to improve the flow of urine and avoid prostate surgery. More recently, Avodart, which is Dutasteride generically, was also approved by the FDA for the same purpose. Comment.
Best Birthday Cake contest
Food: Decide who bakes the Best Birthday Cake in a contest sponsored by Fairway Market at American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Ikea Brooklyn on Saturday, June 11. Comment.
Reyes is back, Mets gets going
Sports: As soon as infielder Jose Reyes returned to the line-up the New York Mets got going. Comment.
WICB appoints first female director
Caribbean: Jennifer Nero has become the first woman to be appointed on the board of directors of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). Comment.
Jagdeo faces a fight
Guyana: Fighting to ensure the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) does not win a fifth consecutive term in office amidst widespread allegations of runaway corruption and links to the underworld, a major opposition coalition is to be offered to Guyanese voters this week ahead of general elections expected in the fall. Comments (13).
SPAIN THUMPS U.S.
Sports: Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts wasn’t a comfortable place to be last Saturday afternoon if you were a fan of the U.S. men’s national soccer team. In the U.S.’s last warm-up game before its CONCACAF Gold Cup opener against Canada, which was scheduled for Tuesday in Detroit, the Americans were humiliated in a lopsided 4-0 defeat at the feet of world champion Spain. Comment.
Swamped Guyanese appeal for help
Guyana: Authorities from a southwestern border town with Brazil Sunday appealed for help and emergency aid after the border Takatu River overflowed its banks, leaving buildings including the main power plant and the local police station under up to three feet of water. Comment.
Cuomo backs away from federal deport program
People: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has suspended New York’s participation in a federal immigration enforcement program that seeks to deport Caribbean and other immigrants. Comment.
History of Haiti thru drums and dance
Music & Fashion: Peniel Guerrier sweeps an engrossed audience wordlessly using only the rhythms of the drums and dance by his dance students through 600 years of Haitian history starting with the indigenous Taino Indians. The historical female chief Anacoana, the ruler of Hispaniola before Columbus, is introduced as she is respectfully carried high. Comment.
St. Vincent, Guyana score easy victories
Sports: St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Guyana scored significant victories on May 29 in the New York Digicel Caribbean Soccer Cup at the Jefferson High School stadium in Brooklyn. Comment.
Crown Heights marches 20 years after uprising
Brooklyn: The 71st Precinct Council held a parade in Crown Heights Sunday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Crown Heights uprising and also display the unity which has since existed between the once-divided Brooklyn communities. Comment.
Jamaican ‘Lady’ wins CTO media honor
Jamaica: Winsome Charlton, a Florida, radio personality popularly known as Lady C is the recipient of this year’s distinguished Marcella Martinez Memorial Award. Comment.
Celebration of African arts
Music & Fashion: BAM’s 34th DanceAfrica festival during Memorial Day weekend packed dance, music, film, art, and community events from Africa and the diaspora into a celebration of African arts. Comment.
Diversity and Talent
Music & Fashion: Among the live music choices New Yorkers face in the upcoming months the most compelling may well be several artists that inspired the winds of change in the Middle East and Africa. From reggae music to soul, rap, punk inflected music from the Moroccan underground. Comment.
Guyana Amerindian native at U.N. forum
Guyana: Bertie Xavier came far away from his home of Wolletta Village, in the Rupununi Region of Guyana. The Amerindian native was here representing the entire South American continent at the recent United Nations 10th Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Comment.
West Indies faces strong Indian team
Sports: The West Indies cricket team will be facing much more opposition from team India than they had with Pakistan. Comment.
Sun Kulcha
New York: Job Fair
NYS Senator Eric Adams announces a Job Fair to be held at PS 375, 46 McKeever Place, between Sullivan Place & Montgomery St., Brooklyn, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Business attire suggested. Bring plenty of resumes. For more information, call office of Senator Adams at (718) 284-4700. Comment.
Pamela E. Jones’ NYC solo recital
Music & Fashion: New York City Opera soprano Pamela Jones will present her New York City solo recital debut on Thursday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. Comment.
Caribbean International Fashion Week
Music & Fashion: Diamond Noir Collective, in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will host the 2011 Caribbean International Fashion Week (CIFW). Comment.
Burning fat matters more than losing weight
Health: When it comes to losing weight, most Americans are impatient, seeking to shed pounds as quickly as possible. But many traditional diet and exercise plans often lead to disappointment and frustration -- and can even make you less healthy. Comment.
Independent & Foreign Films
Movies: Agrarian Utopia (Unrated) Visually-captivating, salt-of-the-earth saga highlighting how peasants farming the rice paddies of Thailand are being exploited by avaricious bankers playing a rigged form of capitalism. Starring Prayad, Sompong and Sai Jumma, and Nikorn and Somnuek Mungmeung. (In Thai with subtitles) Comment.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate
Health: Procrastination is a natural human tendency. People prefer to put things off that are not painful or overly bothersome. Comment.
Two Caribbean airlines become one ... finally
Trinidad and Tobago: Days before the deadline for a notice of closure of one of the largest aviation mergers in the Caribbean, Caribbean Airlines has finalized its acquisition of Air Jamaica. Comment.
Tips for safe swimming and healthy pools
Health: It’s pool season again -- a time for pool parties and splashing with the kids. It’s also time to share tips on keeping swimming healthy and avoiding recreational water illnesses. Comment.
Acting CONCACAF chief tries to fire Blazer
Caribbean: ZURICH (AP) — CONCACAF reacted swiftly after its acting president tried to fire whistleblower Chuck Blazer just hours before FIFA’s presidential election, telling the interim chief he did not have the authority to make such a move. Comment.
T&T PM stands by her works minister
Trinidad and Tobago: Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has vowed to stand by suspended FIFA Vice-President Austin “Jack” Warner by the Ethics Committee of the world’s governing football body. Comment.
Caribbean Round-Up
Trinidad and Tobago: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts Barbados economy is on a comeback. Comment.
Visa worries for Jamaican ministers
Jamaica: Later last month, the American State Department cancelled the entry visa of Jamaican Energy and Mining Minister James Robertson triggering panic in an already beleaguered cabinet and the business community and forcing the administration of Prime Minister Bruce Golding to ask for consultations with Washington. Comment.
Small Business Administration appoints advocate with Caribbean roots
New York: Teri Coaxum is the new regional advocate for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy’s Region II, covering the states of New York, New Jersey, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. She will be the Office of Advocacy’s direct link to small business owners, state and local government agencies, state legislators, trade associations, and small business organizations. Comment.
Tutu is first Sri Chinmoy Peace Award recipient
People: Hartford, CT/Tacoma, WA -- As part of his last scheduled tour of the United States, renowned peace luminary and freedom fighter, Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the first Sri Chinmoy Peace Award during a private meeting in Tacoma, WA last week. He was especially honored for his tireless courage and dedication to fostering the ideals of peace in the hearts and lives of millions worldwide. Sri Chinmoy and Desmond Tutu, first met in Cape Town on Dec. 20, 1995. Comments (1).
Big Apple’s Crop Over countdown
Arts & Theater: The New York-based officials of the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) officially launched the 2011 Barbados Crop Over, in New York with a two-hour presentation. Comment.
