Posts By :

D.Smith

Welcome Haiti’s New Prime Minister

 1024 732 Island TV
0

[vc_message message_box_style=”3d” message_box_color=”orange”] After receiving his blessing from the President of the Republic, Jovenel Moïse, the new Prime Minister, Joseph Jouthe, officially took office, during a ceremony held at the National Palace. [/vc_message] After receiving his blessing from the President of the Republic, Jovenel Moïse, the new Prime Minister, Joseph Jouthe, officially took office, during a ceremony held at the National Palace. Jouthe is the fifth Prime Minister chosen by Moïse. He has taken the full measure of the current crisis in the country stating, “The situation is serious. We are living today in a precarious socio-economic situation which could lead at any time to a humanitarian disaster. Our country is dying.” In his speech on the occasion, Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe also called for a truce. “Leave the country in peace,” he says. “The political leaders are all my friends. Give me a truce, I don’t want any more disorder in the country. Whether moderate or radical opposition, they are all my friends. I will not betray my friends but leave me in peace.” He presented the three axes around which his government action will be articulated: [vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-check”]The restoration of the security climate[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-check”]The reduction of social inequalities[/vc_message][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-check”]The revival of the economy[/vc_message] With regard to the first axis, Joseph Jouthe promised to continue, maintain and strengthen the fight against insecurity which, according to him, was initiated by the outgoing Prime Minister. In this sense, he promised to accompany the police. “The PNH is a special force that deserves special treatment,” he said. Regarding the reduction of social inequalities, Joseph Jouthe announced that his government will help the most vulnerable with concrete measures. While promising to fight against corruption and smuggling, he claims to be able to bet on four strategic institutions: the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI), Customs, the National Police of Haiti (PNH) and the armed forces of Haiti ( FAD’H) to boost the recovery of the economy. The President of the Republic sees this new government as a major positive change in the governance of the country. Developing a budget is its primary requirement for this new government. “We have to work with financial partners, especially the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to have a new budget. It is by this budget that we will judge your government,” he said.  The last national budget has not been made for 2 years. The United States, which has positioned itself as an unconditional ally of President Jovenel Moïse, has supported the government. “The United States is ready to work with the new government of Haiti and its Prime Minister,” said the American embassy in a tweet. “The United States urges the Haitian government to respond to the needs of the Haitian population by urgently addressing questions related to public security, the revival of economic growth and the organization of free, fair and credible legislative elections as soon as it is technically possible to.” We hope that the addition of the new Prime Minister will be the light at the end of the tunnel that we all…

read more

New Developments in Medicine for Haiti

 701 472 Island TV
0

Whether it is to exchange ideas, to think, create or to innovate, Banj is Port-au-Prince’s unrivaled networking spot and workplace. With the work of several Haitian developers, Radiokam was one of the two first startups to join the Accelerator program in Banj, in May 2019. The server continues to modernize the technology sector in Haiti, particularly the world of medical imaging. Dr. Djinaud Prophète, project initiator along with Marc Alain Boucicault, Banj founder, officially launched Radiokam, a platform which will allow clinics to access quality interpretation of medical tests online. As a business-to-business platform, clinics and hospitals registered at Radiokam will send their exams that will be analyzed by certified radiologists. Haiti has an estimated 40 radiologists for 12 million people. This platform will help mostly for hospitals in remote areas that have no access to radiologists at all. If you visit a hospital in Haiti, the first thing you see is people waiting outside. Many of those having traveled for miles on foot and some even had slept there the night before waiting for care. This might lead you to believe that there aren’t enough hospitals in Haiti, but the problem isn’t a lack of hospitals, instead it’s a lack of primary care as well as anything close to the needed public investment in health care. Radiokam is set to help change that. “With Radiokam, doctors, radiologists, from anywhere will not need to travel for exams. And with these interpretations, the doctor will be able to provide care adapted to the situation of his patient,” said Doctor Prophet. This program is also “a solution that will make life easier for patients in remote areas, who are forced to come to the capital to have their radiography done,” according to Dr. Prophète. How it works? To join Radiokam, just go to its website [www.radiokam.com] and create an account as a doctor, hospital or radiologist and fill out the membership form. The service is available 24/7 to satisfy users. Being a “Business to Business” platform, clinics and hospitals registered at Radiokam will send their exams which will be analyzed by certified radiologists. Depending on the method chosen – express, fast, routine – the applicant will receive their results in less than 6 hours, between 6 and 24 hours or between 24 and 36 hours.   Services include Interpretation Radiography Mammography Interpretation Computed Tomography (CT) Interpretation Hysterosalpyngography (HSG) Interpretation Interpretation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sonography Interpretation Nuclear Medicine Interpretation The next step for Radiokam: find one or more investors to support it. But the fact remains that it will need an ecosystem – with hospitals, customers satisfied with the service – that keeps it running.

read more

Daughters vs Sons

 1024 683 Island TV
0

Growing up in a Caribbean household means two very different things, even being raised under the same roof by the same people, for daughters verses sons, stemming from the fact that many mothers “baby” their sons while are much harder on their daughters. Even if they are unaware that they are doing so, it is safe to say that there are some thinking biases to how parents respond and react to their child based on their gender. The only fair way to parent is by keeping it an even playing field for everyone. In many ways the style of parenting that doesn’t make the playing field fair can affect their child’s relationships, opportunities and overall quality of life. In this, perception is everything. We know no parent deliberately means to belittle their own child. In many cases, survival skills are being taught, which should be praised but it’s more about how things are taught than what is actually being learned. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the chosen child or not, the perception of unequal treatment has damaging effects for all siblings. For example, daughters doing the chores while sons get to play. The less favored kids (the one doing the chores) may have ill will toward their mother or preferred sibling, and being the favored child brings resentment from one’s siblings and the added weight of greater parental expectations. Some positives Long-term effects of being the favored child are not all negative. There are, in fact, lots of advantages – including a bolstered self-esteem. The favorite child often grows up feeling confident and powerful with an attitude of ‘I can get things done. The overlooked child, who didn’t have to do the ‘pleasing dance,’ may have been free to experience the things he or she wanted to experience and to be the person he or she wanted to be. Negative effects                                         On the flip side, in the long-term, favorite children may struggle with intimate relationships when they find that no one can possibly love them as much as the parent who favored them. They’re more likely to be depressed because they spent so much of their lives trying to court parental favor that they may not have developed their own personality. On the other end of the extreme is the unfavored child, who is often on the receiving end of the parent’s anger. The unfavored child perhaps stands to suffer the most – even long after he or she has left home whether it be through depression, weakened self-esteem or a chronic need to feel special. In many cases, sibling relationships are strained as resentment from favoritism breeds. Just be aware and change the behavior to something more consistent. For instance, switch off different responsibilities in the household to give a fair chance for everyone to experience the task. We will find, if we break the bad cycle of favoritism many of…

read more

Natural Beauty

 500 500 Island TV
0

Our diet isn’t just about what we put into our mouth. We also eat with our eyes, referring to the idea that in the things we surround ourselves with heavily influence you. Anything that touches our skin goes into our blood stream within 30 seconds. We also “eat” with our noses, what we inhale can also have effects on us depending on the chemical that are added to things such as perfume to keep them smelling sweet. Research shows that our (ethnic women) beauty products are the dirtiest on the market. Stemming from just using what we had available to us, Caribbeans have looked to the earth for everything they need for many years, including beauty products. According to the Environmental Work Group (EWG), many of the mainstream products that target Black women contain toxic and harmful ingredients. Health hazards linked to ingredients in those products include cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental and reproductive damage. For example, one study in the EWG report found that Black Americans had higher urinary concentrations of parabens, the hormone-disrupting chemicals commonly used as preservatives in personal care products, pharmaceuticals and foods. With that being said, we have gathered a list of natural beauty product you can start using so your beauty regime can become less toxic for your body. [vc_tta_pageable no_fill_content_area=”1″ autoplay=”10″ active_section=”1″ pagination_style=”flat-rounded” pagination_color=”orange” tab_position=”top”] Activated Charcoal A form of carbon that absorbs other substances on the surface it’s applied to, making it great for face masks and scrubs. Aloe Vera Gel Great in skin and hair care as it’s easily absorbent and leaves the skin and hair feeling soft. Beeswax (Organic) Super versatile, used in face and beard balms, hair waxes, candles, soap and more. Bentonite Clay Technically Bentonite Clay is aged volcanic ash, and when mixed with water (for a stronger clean, use Apple Cider Vinegar) it becomes ‘charged’ which allows it to absorb toxins. Whilst food grade Bentonite Clay can be bought for detoxifying toxins, chemicals, heavy metals and other impurities from the body, we use it for the same purposes but on the skin in a face mask. Cocoa Butter Although Cocoa Butter is solid at room temperature, it melts when in contact with the skin making it the perfect candidate for lotions, creams, balms and soap. Essential Oils (Organic) Castor Oil– Another oil rich in fatty acid, particularly Omega 5, perfect for keeping the skin moisturized. Also great in soap and massage oils Coconut Oil– Rich in in fatty acids and with excellent healing properties, Coconut Oil has a multitude of uses including make-up removal, hair treatment, massage oil, moisturizer and soap. Manuka Extract– Manuka oil has proven to be a protector against harmful microbes, which is great in any skincare products including soap. Olive Oil (Organic) – Olive Oil is great for moisturizing and restoring skin and hair Honey The natural sugars and antioxidants in honey help to increase lather when used in  soap and works well when mixed with oil. Shea Butter Shea Butter comes from a tree…

read more

10 Years Later…

 1024 683 Island TV
0

On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook the city of Port-au-Prince. It was one of the world’s most significant natural disasters on record. Never before had the world seen an earthquake of this magnitude strike an urban setting, and the impact was serious. Two hundred thirty thousand people were killed, 300,000 were injured. In and around the city, buildings collapsed, leaving 1.5 million people homeless. Those who arrived to help in the days that followed the quake say they will never forget arriving into the city just after the earthquake struck. The destruction was everywhere. There were dead bodies lying in the streets, and residents wandering around. It was like a bomb had dropped on the city. But through it all, Haitians showed to have extraordinary resilience through their struggle, and hardship. The world responded with urgency, compassion, and generosity. Billions of dollars were raised, and aid organizations implemented massive relief and recovery operations. It was, after all, the first independent nation of Latin America and the only country in the world established following a successful slave revolt. It is this inherent fighting spirit that has enabled people to withstand enormous challenges thrown at them. While legitimate questions were raised about overall aid effectiveness and efficiency, there is no doubt that many lives were saved, and Haiti was significantly helped back on the road to recovery. But resilience is not inevitable. Many more struggled immensely to survive. Ten years on from the earthquake, Haiti has actually regressed. The causes are multiple, but negligence and lack of attention are key drivers of the current crisis. We start 2020 with a country that is both highly vulnerable to climatic disaster and facing a massive — and massively underreported — hunger crisis. Data supplied in October by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) revealed that 3.67 million people need urgent food assistance. Inflation is close to 20 percent, and currency depreciation has been crippling for poor Haitian families. Not enough seems to be being done. The current annual budget is a fraction of what it was in the post-earthquake period, and the total of donor investment is grossly insufficient. Last year, the UN appeal for Haiti was less than one-third funded by international donors making it among the most under-funded humanitarian crises in the world. The lack of interest, action, and funding is shameful. In 2010, the world responded to the crisis with speed and extraordinary generosity, but 10 years in this country is in no way adequately prepared for the next one. We can and should do so much more to protect the people of Haiti. On the bright side, the government seems to be putting positive reinforcements into play as the new year commences. Announcements have been made about the remodel project for the National Palace along with restoration of power throughout the island. Though it may not look it from a wide view, these small steps being made now is what we hope will be the foundation of a better environment…

read more

Maxine Waters’ Message to President Moise

 1024 683 Island TV
0

Maxine Waters, U.S. Representative for California’s 43rd congressional district, has been talked about in the news for making civilians tuning in to house meeting chuckle by her remarks. She has even been made into a meme that stayed relevant for quite some time. This time, her name in the news is no laughing matter. During the December 10 Western Hemisphere Subcommittee of Foreign Affairs Committee hearing entitled, “Haiti on the Brink: Assessing U.S. Policy Toward a Country in Crisis”, the congress woman made the following statement: [vc_cta h2=”” color=”white” add_icon=”left” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-quote-left” css=”.vc_custom_1576609436129{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]“Haiti is indeed a country in crisis, and we are long overdue for an honest assessment of the policies of the  United States towards Haiti as this crisis has developed. In April of this year, I led a delegation to Haiti, which met with residents of the Lasalin neighborhood of Haiti’s  capital and surrounding areas, who described acts of unconscionable violence that occurred in November of 2018. The Lasalin massacre resulted in the deaths of at least 71 civilians, in addition to the rape of at least 11 women, and the looting of more than 150 homes. Survivors expressed concern that government-connected gangs, working with police officers, carried out the attacks to punish Lasalin for participation in anti-government protests.”[/vc_cta] She then went into explaining to the other members present in the meeting what the protests were a chain reaction of, which we know is due to the poor treatment of Haiti’s people as well as the large sum of money that went missing under President Moise’s ruling. [vc_cta h2=”” color=”white” add_icon=”left” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-quote-left” css=”.vc_custom_1576609442715{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]“The Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) has verified that Haitian security forces were  responsible for at least 19 killings since September 15, and attacks on journalists have steadily increased in recent months. Moreover, Amnesty International reported that Haitian police have repeatedly used excessive force during recent anti-government protests, including unlawfully firing live ammunition at protesters and indiscriminately launching tear gas. These acts of violence are alarming and raise grave concerns about human rights in Haiti.”[/vc_cta] She closes by saying: [vc_cta h2=”” color=”white” add_icon=”left” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-quote-left” css=”.vc_custom_1576609449211{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]“The U.S. State Department needs to understand that the concerns of the Haitian people  about corruption in their government cannot be ignored, and an inclusive dialogue cannot take place without respect for human rights. The president of Haiti needs to take responsibility for the current political crisis in his country, and the protests will not stop until he does.”[/vc_cta] Haitian-Americans are pleased to see someone taking talking about the crisis as serious as the congress woman is. Non-profit organizations especially are anxious for these issues to be resolved so they can get back to helping their people. Since the violence started over a year ago, many regular missionaries have not been able to make their way to Haiti, which hurts them because they know this is the one time many Haitians get the proper attention they need (medically, mentally, etc.). It…

read more

Be Vigilant This Holiday Season

 1024 507 Island TV
0

Holidays are supposed to be a joyous time – but scammers can replace the joy of the season with the headaches of fraud. Throughout the season, make sure you are taking these simple precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones protected. Phishing emails– Phishing is a type of online scam where criminals send an email that appears to be from a legitimate company and ask you to provide sensitive information. Popular ones include the personalized letter from Santa to your child, solicitations from unknown third parties that offer gift cards or discounts in exchange for taking a survey, fake delivery confirmations and fake renewal requests for things like insurance coverage. Fake Charities– Unfortunately, fake charities often pop up during the holidays to take advantage of people’s generosity. Thoroughly do research on any new charities that ask for your money. Legitimate charities will be happy to answer your questions, not wanting to do so should be the big red flag you need to let you know you could be about to fall for a holiday scam. Social Media Scams – Be aware of posts on social media sites that appear to offer vouchers or gift cards, holiday promotions or contests, or shared linked from known friends. These scams can lead consumers to participate in an online survey that is actually designed to steal personal information. In this day in age, we post absolutely everything but, in this case, consumers should not post pictures of event tickets on social media sites. Scammers can create a ticket using the barcode obtained from the photo and resell the ticket. Protect ticket barcodes as you would credit card numbers. Phone Scams –In general, you should not give your personal information over the phone in any call that you did not initiate. Some phone companies have done us the favor and labeled certain calls as “spam risk” so you already know to ignore who is calling. In the cases that the call has not been labeled as such, use your best judgement. E-cards – Holiday e-cards are increasingly popular, but they can contain viruses. Verify them separately with the sender before opening. False Websites – Online-shopping bargains may be unusually good for a reason. Scammers may create slick websites offering merchandise at cut-rate prices without any intent of delivering – or worse, as a front to steal and misuse your account information. Before you order from a website, verify both that the company is legitimate and that you have not been directed to a spoof of their website. Do not use external links; enter the correct company URL in your browser. Look for “https” in the header – the “s” reflects a secure web page. Gift Cards – You can buy major retailers’ gift cards almost anywhere now – even at gas stations – but check them carefully. If the activation codes are exposed, scammers may have already copied and used the information, leaving you with a worthless card. Use Credit over Debit – Credit cards will not protect…

read more

The US has Plans to Aid Haiti and the Bahamas

 800 684 Island TV
0

The US Department of State released the following statement: [vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-quote-left”]“Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale will travel to The Bahamas on December 5 and to Haiti on December 6. In Nassau, he will meet with Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, National Security Minister Marvin Dames, disaster response authorities, and USAID implementing partners. They will discuss U.S. support for Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts and the U.S. commitment to ongoing bilateral cooperation. In Haiti, Under Secretary Hale will meet with Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, Foreign Minister Bocchit Edmond, and other political leaders. They will discuss the pressing challenges facing Haiti and the need for an inclusive national dialogue and a functioning government capable of restoring order, maintaining rule-of-law, expanding the economy, and serving the Haitian people.”[/vc_message] In the aftermath of the Category 5 storm that hit the Bahamas earlier this year, the government has deported hundreds of undocumented Haitian migrants. The strongest storm on record to hit the Northwest Bahamas left thousands displaced, hundreds still missing and at least 70 dead. Dorian destroyed the two largest of the six Haitian shantytown communities on Abaco. In the days immediately following the storm, the government announced that it had suspended the deportation of immigrants in the affected areas. However, just two weeks after this declaration, non-regularized individuals were warned that they “are not safe” and told to “go home” if they lost a job as a result of the storm. That act alone has generated lots of ongoing criticism from various United Nations agencies as tensions continue to increase over the matter. Hale met with Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of National Security Marvin Dames, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) implementing partners and other government officials. The group was reportedly discussing the longstanding and enduring partnership between the two countries, as well as America’s continuing support for The Bahamas in the wake of the devastating storm. But, civilians in the states and on the islands alike don’t seem to be too trusting of these meetings. Like anything else, only time will tell how much work will stem from these meetings being held so it may be too soon to mark a stamp of un-approval. Caribbeans of Haitian and Bahamian decent just feel a little uneasy about this random someone who they feel, at this time, may not do much but add fuel to the fire. The biggest concern people have voiced is questioning the real reason behind the visits. Some feel the US just stepped in to be a moderator for the start of the conversations and aren’t sure if they will actually lend a hand where it matters most. Giving aid to despondent nations is a humanitarian gesture and promises several benefits. However, critics are also correct in saying there are loopholes in the system. The best way to address this is to come up with a structural design to ensure aid is given to the right recipients and that…

read more

Caribbean Art is Coming to Miami

 334 320 Island TV
0

Art Basel is the leading global platform connecting collectors, galleries, and artists. It originated in Basel, Hong Kong, followed by the Miami Beach sector that came about in the years following being established. It is known to be a driving force in supporting galleries as they nurture the careers of artists. The five-day event also serves as a commitment to increasing the transparency and accountability of the art market. Initiatives, including Art Basel Cities and the recently announced Art Basel Inside, overall are striving to create unique artist-led experiences and strengthen local art scenes. Throughout the whole Basel experience, guests have the options of which art they can browse through by paying attention to which scenes will be set and where. If you are looking to support your local Caribbean talent, there is opportunity for that at Art Beat Miami. Art Beat Miami is an annual satellite art fair showcasing emerging and renowned artists from Haiti and around the world. Put on in the heart of Downtown Little Haiti, Art Beat Miami features emerging and renowned artists, painters, sculptors, art exhibits, murals, performers and musicians. The festival brings together multidisciplinary artists working in collaboration to highlight the culturally rich and diverse creativity of local artists and the Caribbean Diaspora here and beyond. It is an experience of art, cultural, exchange, food, fashion and music inspired by Haiti and artists worldwide. During Art Basel Week, the Little Haiti Community invites you to discover multidisciplinary works of art by internationally recognized artists at the Caribbean Marketplace of the Little Haiti Cultural Center. Enjoy live music, food, mural exhibitions, fashion shows, special events, and conversations with artists. At Art Beat Miami, a half-dozen Miami artists present work focusing on Haiti. In its sixth year, the fair is hosted by Little Haiti Optimist, Northeast Second Avenue Partnership and Haiti’s Ministry of Culture and Communications. Among the Haiti-based artists included are Olivier A. Gantheir (OliGa) and Claudia Apaid, who came to our studio to chat with Patrick on the air about what they will be showcasing and their specific experiences with the art scene as a Caribbean artist. Caribbean art has always reflected the region’s rich past and the various waves of migration. Incorporating different styles of European art with its own culture, Caribbean paintings should be read as a collage of all the different periods of island’s heritage. With the exception of Haitian art, critics suggest that it was only in the 20th-century that we witness evidence of the local creation from Caribbean artists. It will be very exciting to see the modern take on history repeating itself through the hard work of all the artists showcasing their work at Art Beat Miami 2019. [vc_message] The art fair kicks off 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4th, with a free musical performance in the Caribbean Marketplace and runs through Sunday, December 8th. All events will take place at the Little Haiti Cultural Center and Caribbean Marketplace, 212 NE 59th Terr., Miami, FL.…

read more

Think of It This Way…

 1024 613 Island TV
1

To those who are paying attention, it is no secret that Haiti is in turmoil. A quick catch up for those who are unaware, protests leaders in Haiti have called the people to the streets after being fed up with poverty, scarcity and corruption. Year after year, the country continues to rank the poorest in the Western hemisphere; more than half the population lives on less than $2.49 a month. Thousands have continued to march since this all began which mostly just turns into riots as civilians spill oil and burn down anything in their way. As you can imagine, many meetings, debates and acts of desperation have been put together to get these acts in the community to ultimately come to a stop, but nothing has helped. It is almost as if, unless something changes soon to make civilians happy, Haitians will just have to wait out the storm caused by themselves and/or their neighbors. Stanford classics professor Ian Morris does in his book, “War! What Is It Good For? Conflict and the Progress of Civilization from Primates to Robots” suggest the thesis that human progress has been helped, rather than hindered, by war. In hopes of shedding some light over this darkness that is currently surrounding our headlines, that is the thesis we will explore as well. For very obvious reasons this has been one of the worst times in Haiti’s history but, without this uprising many things wouldn’t be on their way of being reworked. Post this “war” stage, it is the hope that the community will be given what they want or, if not 100% satisfied, then at least some sort of compromise will be made to settled some of the hearts spearheading these riots. And, when the smoke has eventually cleared the city will need to be rebuilt. In that act, Haiti will have a brand new community to house their reworked economy. These things don’t happen overnight and are most likely very far from easy to set in stone and move forth with as simply as reading about the idea sounds, but when you have nothing left to fight and you are just waiting for others around you to make it stop, these are all hopeful places one can take their mind. More internally rather than just for the good of the society, to endure these kinds of living conditions (where every day you come outside your home there is “war”) one has to give credit to their own strength. Moving forward, our people should be reminded of these times and how they kept pushing as a reminder of how powerful they can be facing any obstacle (as small as family issues or as big as this). In all this, holding on to gratefulness is key. There are many things about their government and who stands with them that the people of Haiti are now aware of all because of these past trying weeks. We continue to pray for the safety and sanity of…

read more

Lack of Education in the Caribbean

 1024 683 Island TV
0

Fortunately for those living in the states, education is heavily enforced. So much so that officials will come knocking on home doors in search for children who are no longer attending school in hopes of flipping the narrative. Unfortunately, though, our kin in the Caribbean cannot relate. Education in the Caribbean, most specifically literacy, is very rarely stressed at all. If you go, great. If you don’t, not many areas get those visits previously mentioned, so, children kind of just go without. The circumstances are most times so much more different though. Most children are needed to work back home, in fields or wherever they can find to keep their families supported. Though that reasoning is totally understandable, it could be doing more harm than good in the long run. Individuals aren’t fully to blame for just deciding a life without schooling is the route they will take. Most Caribbean islands have kids take a placement test once they make it to a certain age (usually around their teens) that acts as sort of a divider between the “high achieving” and “lower achieving” students. The score you get on the exam either allows you to continue on an educational path (teachers, doctors, engineers, etc.) or suggests that you should go after a trade (a jeweler, mechanic, contractor, etc.). This act, depending on the individual could but both them and the society in jeopardy. Most obviously, individual lose the ability to understand essential information. That can be for jobs or just in regular day-to-day life. Lower income then comes from lower quality jobs due to lack of schooling, but this idea can be reworked depending on the person because there are now so much more people starting successful businesses of their own. Little value is then given to education which in most cases will lead to generations after generations repeating the same cycle. Most importantly, for individuals who let it affect them in this way, lower self-esteem can be experienced which then gets into the conversation surrounding mental health and it is very clear how harmful not having a positive relationship with your mind is. As far as society is concerned, since literacy is an essential tool for individuals and states to be competitive in the new global knowledge economy, many positions remain vacant for lack of personnel adequately trained to hold them. The higher proportion of adults with low literacy proficiency is the slower the overall long-term Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate which provides an economic snapshot of an economy and growth rate. It is also believed that the difficulty understanding societal issues lowers the level of community involvement and civic participation. All of this isn’t known without individuals and organizations working towards rising these low rates concerning education in the Caribbean. People are traveling to teach, hosting workshops for growth and spreading awareness on the topic in hopes that more will learn about the help they or others they know can get.

read more

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month

 1024 763 Island TV
0

Starting with diabetes, November is a very heavy month for awareness of detrimental diseases. We now, with the millions of other Americans effected, will put our focus on epilepsy. One in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy at some point during their lifetime. It is one of the least understood of all the neurological diseases, yet it is the fourth most common. Epilepsy may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke. During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behavior, symptoms, and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. During this month, many organizations join together to provide information about research, prevention, treatment and resources to fight epilepsy. Epilepsy, unfortunately, has a long history of misunderstanding and stigmatism. Evidence of individuals suffering epilepsy in ancient history attributed it to spiritual or demonic possession. In fact, Hippocrates, the great Roman medical practitioner, shunned the notion that it was a supernatural phenomenon and believed that it derived from the brain, had hereditary aspects, and that how it presented itself in childhood also determined how it affected the rest of the individual’s life. Unfortunately, Hippocrates wasn’t believed until well into the 17th century, when the notion that it wasn’t demonic or spiritual possession finally subsided. But, the stigma associated with it continues to this day. One of the goals of National Epilepsy Awareness Month is to separate the disease from its historical and false reputations. Many countries still believe that it’s a sign of spiritual possession and, until 1980, individuals suffering from epilepsy weren’t allowed to marry in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), Sometimes we can prevent epilepsy. Prevent traumatic brain injuries Brain injuries are a frequent cause of epilepsy. Make sure you are riding safely in cars, using seatbelts, and on bikes, using helmets. If injury does happen, because avoiding such things are sometimes impossible, taking good care of the injury may help reduce the possibility of flaring up the disease. Lower the chances of stroke and heart disease These include eating well, exercising, and not smoking. These health actions may prevent epilepsy later in life. Get vaccinated Immunizations also lower your chances of contracting the disease as well. Wash your hand and prepare food safely An infection called cysticercosis is the most common cause of epilepsy world-wide. It is caused by a parasite and it is prevented through good hygiene and food preparation practices. Health screening and early treatment for cysticercosis can prevent epilepsy. Stay healthy during your pregnancy Some problems during pregnancy and childbirth can lead to epilepsy. Follow a prenatal care plan with your health care provider, like your doctor or nurse, to keep you and your baby healthy. Epilepsy is usually treated by medications and in some cases by surgery, devices, or dietary changes. Many organizations stand with you and will help in any way they can (financially, psychologically, etc.) as you fight to normalize the return of your seizure…

read more

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

 1024 736 Island TV
0

November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In our Caribbean communities, it seems as though diabetes is rampant throughout our people. In every village, there is either someone in our immediate families or friends we know of who have the disease. That is why we believe joining the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH) in spreading awareness will do our community some good. We would like to note that there are two different types of the disease. Type 1, you are born with. Type 2, you are the cause of (based on how you treat yourself).  About 1:5 people who have diabetes are unaware that they even have the disease at all. It very important to catch diabetes early. Overtime, high blood glucose damages the blood vessels, which can damage the organs that these vessels supply. As one would assume, this can lead to a variety of health complications. That is why you don’t normally hear of people dying directly from diabetes, you hear they died from a failure of “x, y, z”. But, as you now see, that started because of their diabetes. Not to sound like every Doctor you’ve ever visited but, being overweight and living a lifestyle with a lack of exercise is no good for you. Those two specific risk facts are the leading causes of type 2 diabetes. Like many things, family history of the disease makes you more susceptible to contracting it where other may not be. It is helpful, if the resources are present for you, to figure out what health issues many people in your specific blood line have consistently had, just so you are aware. Even if the resources aren’t available (you are not a part of a close family to be able to get the information, nobody really paid attention, etc.), you can take blood tests to get a panel screening of your entire DNA make up. Just as murphy’s law states, “anything that can go wrong will go wrong”, if it is in your cards to attract this disease, you will. Life continues (on a healthier route), because now we are learning how to live with diabetes. Naturally, when people are faced with a problem that they are not sure how to solve yet, the solution seems so out of reach. In this scenario, that is not the case. Living a life with diabetes but outside of regular hospital trips is possible. You can live with this disease and never feel the negative side effects of it if you want. That “if you want” is an ode to moderation and being dedicated to seeing your health thrive. That’s eating a more balanced diet, only having your favorite treats once in a blue moon and trying out a new activity you make like to get your body moving. The best thing is…

read more
Haitian Music

Top 5 Chart Toppers: Island vs Island

 1024 683 Island TV
0

For an artist, “making it” in their hometown is a huge accomplishment but making it overseas is where the true success lies. This month, instead of picking a specific island to focus on, we will focus on them all to figure out which area of the Caribbean has the United States rocking the hardest, the history of how that style came to be and the journey it took to make it over. Jamaica Reggae originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and quickly emerged as the country’s dominant music. By the 1970s it had become an international style that was particularly popular in Britain, the United States and Africa. It was widely perceived as a voice of the oppressed. Reggae was later embraced in the United States largely through the work of Marley—both directly and indirectly (the latter as a result of Eric Clapton’s popular cover version of Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” in 1974). The dancehall DJs of the 1980s and ’90s who refined the practice of “toasting” (rapping over instrumental tracks) were spare headers to reggae’s politicization of music. By doing so, these DJs extended the market for reggae into the African American community. Trinidad & Tobago Originating in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1970s, Soca music combines funk, soul, and calypso to create a style of music that’s both soulful and catchy. Credited with the inspiration for Soca is Trinidadian-native Garfield Blackman, who combined traditional calypso music with Indo-Caribbean music in the 1960s, a fusion that led to the Soca style nearly a decade later. The grooves migrated to the states as the people did. One person put on another and Soca became widespread. Haiti ‘Haiti’s national music,’ compas (also known by the French as compas direct and as konpa dirèk [or simply konpa] by Creole speakers. The botched spelling “kompa” is a result of a phonetic misunderstanding between French and Haitian Creole). Often described as a “modern merengue,” compas is wildly popular throughout the entirety of the Caribbean; though because of Nemours Jean Baptiste’s musical contributions to the genre, compas direct is normally seen as rooted in Haiti. Today, kompa’s impact is far-reaching and felt all throughout both the Caribbean nations and the rest of the world. Barbados Calypso music’s history traces all the way back to the 1700s and continues to be seen as a way of projecting the voice of African, French, and Caribbean peoples around the world. The Calypso style of music incorporates many different instruments as well as vocals to create a harmonized melody, with soulful intonations similar to those of the African spirituals sung during the days of African slavery. In fact, along with Reggae, Calypso music has always been identified as the music of the oppressed – in the 18th century, it was performed by the slaves of French planters in the French Antilles. Which of the following Caribbean grooves do you move to? Did you know its origin?

read more

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 1024 596 Island TV
1

October means very different things to people depending on who you ask. Some are excited for the leaves and temperatures of the air changing, some love the spooky vibes that Halloween brings, but it is also a time of awareness for breast cancer. All month long, survivors and supporters wear pink to celebrate those who have been affected, remember those who did not win the battle and shed light on the disease as a whole. The information being shared is not to scare you, but to bring our little piece of awareness into your home so you or someone you love will not be so strongly shaken by breast cancer. Although we wear pink during October, the following information should be kept with you all year long! Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. Though alarming to hear the words “you have breast cancer”, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, when detected at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Some early detection good habits include: [vc_message message_box_color=”grey”]Paying attention to the symptoms and signs: A change in how the breast or nipple feels A change in the breast or nipple appearance Any nipple discharge (clear or bloody) [/vc_message][vc_message message_box_color=”grey”]Be sensitive to the sign of any breast pain: As women, we become desensitized to discomfort because we brush off any weird aches and pains as our menstrual cycle just preparing our body for its arrival, but not this time. It is very important to be extra sensitive about pain in areas like the breast because it can be a sign of breast cancer and, if caught early, can save your life.[/vc_message][vc_message message_box_color=”grey”]Perform self-examinations: Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider. Some lumps may just be breast cysts, which are still important to check because the different between a cyst and a cancer cell cannot be dedicated by the naked eye.[/vc_message][vc_message message_box_color=”grey”]Stay up-to-date with breast exams (as previously stated): A mammogram is an x-ray that allows a qualified specialist to examine the breast tissue for any suspicious areas. Women 40 and older should have mammograms every 1 or 2 years. Women who are younger than 40 and have risk factors for breast cancer should ask their healthcare professional whether mammograms are advisable and how often to have them. Women who have no symptoms and no known risks for breast cancer should have regularly scheduled mammograms to help detect potential breast cancer at the earliest possible time. [/vc_message][vc_message message_box_color=”grey”]Instill healthy eating habits: These acts will not completely prevent cancer, but it will help reduce your risks: Maintain healthy weight Stay…

read more

U.N. Withdraws from Haiti

 1024 652 Island TV
0

As we know, Haiti is experiencing one of its worst social, political and economic meltdowns in years. The United Nations (U.N.), driven most by initial pressure from the United Kingdom with the United States and others supporting, is exiting after 15 years. The U.N. began withdrawing military soldiers in 2017 with the closure of its U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti (known by its French acronym MINUSTAH). MINUSTAH has helped the Police Nationale d’Haiti to restore control of many neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince once controlled by gangs. A smaller Mission, MINUJUSTH, followed on 16 October 2017, composed of police and civilian staff. MINUJUSTH will assist the Government of Haiti to develop the Haitian National Police (HNP); to strengthen Haiti’s rule of law institutions, including the justice and prisons; and to promote and protect human rights. The overall efforts of the U.N. family in Haiti, including MINUJUSTH and the UN Country Team, will be guided by a longer term, common vision under the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, as peacekeeping gradually gives way to development priorities. For decades, the UN has stood with the Haitian people, supporting them in their quest for democracy, stability, security and the strengthening of their institutions and responding to many humanitarian disasters (helping to rebuild the nation after the tragic earthquake of 2010 and after Hurricane Matthew in 2016). The security situation in Haiti has vastly improved since the Mission’s establishment in 2004: kidnappings are down by over 95% and rates of homicides are among the lowest since 2013. The U.N.’s decision came as the political gridlock between Moïse and his opponents went into a fourth week with businesses and schools still shuttered, and Haitians unable to leave home due to the protests and burning tires and barricades cutting off cities. While urging all sides to talk, the U.N. has also found itself thrust in a political melee. Thousands of protesters recently marched to the U.N. headquarters in Port-au-Prince to demand that it stop supporting Moïse, who faced a fraud-plagued presidential vote only to be accused of corruption and mismanagement during his 32 months in the presidency. But for all the success the U.N. points to, critics highlight its failures. They look no further than present day Haiti, where after the U.N.’s last foreign police unit, 130 officers from Senegal, left on Sept. 30, local police officers have had their stations and cars set on fire, and guns taken by protesters. But the U.N., which has failed to get to the root of the dysfunction due to sovereignty concerns, isn’t totally to blame. Haiti had five different governments during the U.N.’s 15-year presence, and all failed to transform Haitian society. While Haiti was dysfunctional 15 years ago, many problems have worsened. Today, nothing works — not the courts, not schools, not government ministries.

read more

Trouble in Trinidad

 1024 739 Island TV
0

Police announced that they rescued 65 men and four women from the Transformed Life Ministry (TLM) Rehabilitation Centre in Arouca, Trinidad, during a sting operation early this week. The victims were ranged in ages from 20 to their 60s and most of them were found “in cages and some handcuffs. Local police described the conditions as “slavery” in the largest human trafficking ring in the country. Some of them say they have been tor­tured. It is such a big­ger pic­ture with prof­it be­ing made out of this. Some believe fam­i­ly mem­bers de­lib­er­ate­ly send­ing their loved ones there and were extract­ing the prof­its from the fam­i­lies. Human trafficking, according to the U.S. department of Homeland Security, involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide annually, including in the U.S. A member of the ministry speaking on condition of anonymity to the T&T Guardian denied that the people found at the facility were being trafficked and noted that the centre is simply a re­ha­bil­i­ta­tion home for people who want to come out of drug ad­dic­tion. [vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-quote-left”]It is not hu­man traf­fick­ing. It is a re­hab so the pas­tor have the place gat­ed to prevent them from run­ning   away. These peo­ple’s par­ents sign con­tracts and agree. They al­so view the places. … So why would fam­i­ly put their love one there if they saw it? Nobody there is in chains, etc., they are ly­ing. God hear me it is a lie, “the ministry mem­ber said.[/vc_message] In the days following, it was still unclear how the victims were being used for profit, but officers said the “barbaric” scene they encountered at the ministry showed evidence that the victims were being tortured. [vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-quote-left”]Per­sons are seen in cages, hand­cuffed … per­sons were be­ing tor­tured. We saw tasers and ba­tons … and again this is a sit­u­a­tion of vir­tu­al mod­ern day slav­ery,” said officer Griffith.[/vc_message] At least six people have already been arrested in connection with the ministry which promised to use the Gospel and expert training to “serve male ex-prisoners and deportees by providing safe transitional housing, developmental and rehabilitation programmers, to promote healthy reintegration into society.” The ministry was founded 19 years ago by pastor and ex-convict, Glen Awong, who said he was called to serve while doing a seven-year stint at the local Golden Grove Prison. [vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-quote-left”]Despite adverse conditions and lack of resources, Glen ministered to the spiritual needs of the prisoners with a strong desire to impart the new found grace and message of God’s redeeming and restoration powers, that can change the ‘worst’ individual and remove the stains left behind from a life without God,” the ministry said.[/vc_message] Awong’s work in the prison with other inmates attracted the attention of prison officials and it earned him early release from prison for good behavior. He continued visiting with inmates after his release and conducted Bible classes with other former inmates until they…

read more

Hair Hacks You’ll Love

 1024 677 Island TV
0

Whether we know it’s just time for a wash or a style we spent hours on didn’t come out right, in the land of hair, not every day is a beautiful day in paradise. We struggle to fit our hair under turbans and hats or slick an afro puff up which, in some cases, end up doing more harm than good because of the conditions we are putting our hair through as the only thought on our minds is getting out the door looking decent. We have found these two holy grail “hair hacks” perfect for bad hair days that will love your hair just as much as you’ll love your look and the convenience. Beautifully Warm Beautifully Warm is a family-run business, committed to promoting affordable and fashionable outerwear clothing and accessories. Mission Statement: We believe that in today’s world all women can preserve the integrity of their hair and look good doing so, no matter the age. Our product can support your needs from day into night with either outerwear winter hats, summer hats and hair scarfs or bonnets for bedtime. We also have new lines of products and styles being designed to fit your desired style. Their Story: One morning as we were getting ready for church, I watched my wife carefully detangle and style my daughter’s naturally curly hair; nothing different from any other early Sunday morning. As usual, my wife bribed 2-year-old Amelia with snacks and her favorite cartoon “Peppa Pig” to keep her still. Twenty minutes later my wife was finished styling Amelia’s hair; It was magnificent, in my opinion, and embodied the Nubian princess that she is.  As we walked out the door, the cold winters morning air welcomed us. I grabbed Amelia’s winter hat and put it on her head and of course the hairstyle was ruined…. again. Choosing between being warm or having neat hair wasn’t much of a consideration. The obvious choice was to keep my daughter protected from the harsh, cold air. That’s when it hit me, why should she have to choose between being warm or having nicely, neat styled hair? All she needed was a satin lined hat to keep her hair moisturized and frizz free. However, finding a hat like that for a toddler was nearly impossible and hence Beautifully Warm products was born! Culture Cap The cap gives you the ability to fit some or all of your hair through the stretchy band, giving the illusion of your hair effortlessly sticking out the back. [vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/VLvLWt52oq8″ title=”Culture Cap Promo”] Newow Headwear Their Story: We started offering Luxury trendy African inspired fashion & accessories at affordable prices. All our garments are made with unique premium fabric. We have a commitment to ourselves that we’ll keep bringing elegant head wraps for our customers because in the end elegance is only beauty that never fades. The nice thing about these wraps is that the base of it is built like a bonnet. Instead of struggling to find the…

read more
Haitian Music

Top 5 Chart Toppers: Haiti

 1024 683 Island TV
0

It is no secret that we all, especially being Caribbean, love to rock to any beat we hear. There is always a new artist to explore, new dance to learn or something in equivalent surrounding music that fills us with joy every day. For this rendition of “Top 5 Chart Toppers”, we head to Haiti to explore, new and old, which artists are receiving the most streams by listeners. Emeline Michel Reigning queen of Haitian song Emeline Michel covers a lot of ground, writing songs that draw upon Haitian compas, twoubadou and rara as well as jazz, rock, pop, bossa nova and samba. Whichever direction Michel goes, her voice is clear and forceful as she dramatically imparts her political lyrics in Haitian Creole and French, offering up messages about AIDS, social justice and peace. While the singer has released a handful of albums as imports over a 15-year career, Rasin Kreyol, her Times Square records debut, is a standout that should help U.S. audiences catch up with the French speaking world that already adores her. Jephté Gillaume Guillaume is a Haitian-born DJ, bassist, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Brooklyn whose signature Haitian folk song infused house music was signed and promoted by the New York-based Spiritual Life Music brand. His Tèt Kale sound combines acoustic grooves with electronica. Carimi Hours and hours at the studio in the hopes of creating a new sound, one that was uncommon in the music industry at the time, the band found themselves putting on paper some profound, socially shared lyrics that encompassed the disorders of their native land. Instantly, Carimi became a household name. They are known as one of the first younger generation digital bands to put out music that reflected upon the political pressures and the deteriorating security of Haiti. They had mass appeal to the Haitian diaspora who fled the country and through their allure lyrically, musically and sex appeal for the ladies, Carimi had thrived throughout the years. Originated with 6, then had 9, before splitting up. They included: Carlo Vieux: keyboard voice/leader Richard Cavé: keyboard voice/leader Michael Guirand: voice/leader Glenny Benoit: bass guitar Stanley Jean: tanbou Jean-Marie: conga Noldy Cadet: bass Marc C. Widmack: conga Alex Thebaud: percussion, voice Boukman Eksperyans Boukman Eksperyans is a mizik rasin band from the city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The band derives its name from Dutty Boukman, a vodou priest who led a religious ceremony in 1791 that is widely considered the start of the Haitian Revolution. The other half of the band’s name, “Eksperyans”, is the Kréyòl word for “experience”, and was inspired by the band’s appreciation of the music of Jimi Hendrix. The band was at the height of its popularity in 1991 when the presidency of Jean Bertrand Aristide was overthrown in a military coup d’etat. Like many other artists and performers, Boukman Eksperyans fled the country to live in exile. During their time abroad, the band performed and spoke out against the military dictatorship of Raoul Cédras. In 1994, after Aristide…

read more

Express Yourself

 1024 774 Island TV
0

“Therapy isn’t for everyone. Find your path to peace. Maybe it is in creativity.” Watch a child, and more than likely no matter what they are doing, when a set of crayons or tubes of paint are lying around, they will make magic happen. Maybe not anything worth hanging on the fridge but still “magic” in their own right. We have a lot to learn from children. We say that because the arts are a form of healing and the most magical thing about it is the many forms it can be expressed in. If drawing and painting isn’t your cup of tea, then find another flavor. Dance, poetry, design and anything else that you deem as creativity are all forms of expression that can be used to heal. In doing so, most times without even noticing it in the moment, we heal the mind, body and soul just by tapping into the things we love. Pick up a pen and write, a brush and paint, thread your needle and sew, whatever it takes to express yourself. The benefits of allowing oneself time to be creative can be surprising for some. We become better problem solvers, connect with our communities and ourselves, practice freedom and relieve ourselves of stress. All the things that make us shine as we move through this life. People, just like these very talented Caribbean artists we will highlight, have turned to the arts to heal whether from trauma, to gain clarity or whatever their driving force may have been. Nonetheless, they are now better and more whole, and we want you to feel the same. NIKI LOPEZ Panamanian, Jamaican and Cuban decent Lopez used art to survive the 14 challenging years she spent in a cult.  Her signature mask Healing from Within is the first work in which she dealt with mending these wounds. She says, “This is about the work I’ve done from the inside. This is when I really started to shift my life.”. NZINGAH ONIWOSAN Haitian decent As a child, Oniwosan was physically and emotionally abused by her mother, who suffers from a mental illness, and was molested by a close family friend. Despite being forbidden to dance by her religion growing up, today she dances passionately in celebration of her freedom from the emotional bondage in her adolescence. [vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/nmS1BEj-4zo” align=”center”] CHASTITY PASCOE Jamaican and Bahamian decent Pascoe held on to trauma related to racism and misogyny constantly being present in the day-to-day lives of black people and women in America. For her piece Together she lay on the floor and created a cast of her body, then duplicated it to look like two bodies sleeping far apart, covered with separate pieces of fabric. She says, “This piece allows me to share trauma and be present to trauma”. If you may feel the arts are your calling, explore it. You may open the doors to a brand new version of you just waiting to be introduced to the world.

read more
Health is Wealth

Health is Wealth

 729 414 Island TV
0

[vc_tta_pageable] Section 1 We all can agree that keeping the state of our overall health in check is vital to our survival. Many of us also agree–if we aren’t already–that we don’t want to be filling endless amounts of prescriptions at the pharmacy each month. Speaking of, have you ever noticed all the side effects that come with these pills? Trying to cure one thing seems like the leading cause to the next these days, doesn’t it? If you were told you could knock out many, if not practically all, of your medical concerns by turning to natural remedies from home, would you be interested in learning what those said remedies are? Well, today is your lucky day. Join us as we dive deep into remedies outside of the pharmacy that will have you feeling better so much quicker. [vc_message message_box_style=”3d” style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-handshake-o”]Meditation The most well-known effect of meditation is stress relief but there is way more benefits of the action than you may realize: Promotes emotional health Enhances self-awareness Fights addictions Reduces age related memory loss Lengthens attention span Lowers blood pressure and risk of contracting common diseases [/vc_message][vc_message message_box_style=”3d” style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-handshake-o”]Tea Tree Oil Better known as the skin whisperer being so popular treating acne because of: Anti-inflammatory benefits (*it is thought to calm redness, swelling and inflammation) Anti-viral Antifungal (*can help cure athlete’s foot, contact dermatitis or head lice) [/vc_message][vc_message message_box_style=”3d” style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-handshake-o”]Turmeric & Ginger One pot of curry a day truly could keep the doctors away. This combination: Acts as an inflammation killer, which will also lead to the reduction of pain in the body Decrease nausea Support immune function [/vc_message][vc_message message_box_style=”3d” style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-handshake-o”]Black Cumin Seed Oil This oil can be digested orally with a dropper (in pill form or rubbed directly on to the skin): Allergies/Asthma (*if diffused properly) Skin benefits – rashes/psoriasis Digestion Inhibit growth of cancer cells Combat fungus [/vc_message] [vc_message message_box_style=”3d” style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-handshake-o”]Dark Leafy Greens Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, cabbage, beetroot, watercress, romaine lettuce, and arugula. Supports optimal gut health Makes your skin glow Supports bone health Relieves stress Supports healthy aging Improves inflammation Supports immune system [/vc_message][vc_message message_box_style=”3d” style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-handshake-o”]Magnesium  The following health benefits have been associated with Magnesium: Bone health Diabetes Heart health Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) [/vc_message][vc_message message_box_style=”3d” style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-handshake-o”]Salmon Not only does it taste great but it: Improves cardiovascular health Repairs damaged tissues Builds cognitive intelligence Assists in proper thyroid function [/vc_message][vc_message message_box_style=”3d” style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-handshake-o”]Peppermint We are talking about the leaf or the extracted oil (not traditional candy canes and breath mints): Eases digestive upsets Helps relieve headaches and migraines Relieves clogged sinuses Improves energy Fights bacterial infections Improves sleep (some peppermint tea before bed could be the answer to a wonderful night’s rest) [/vc_message] Let us know if there are any other natural remedies that you or someone you know have taken and seen some serious results. If you know of…

read more

To Our Men: It’s Okay Not To Be Okay

 1024 731 Island TV
0

Sadly enough, in our culture (both African American and Caribbean), open dialogue in homes regarding mental health is little to none. We want to take a moment to open that dialogue, specifically to our men, because it is okay not to be okay. Let’s start off with some pretty universal realizations: Women are twice as likely as men to experience major depression, yet women are one fourth as likely as men to take their own lives. (Most) men value independence and they look at acknowledging a need for help as weakness and avoid it. (Most) women value interdependence, and they consult friends and readily accept help. Generally, the factors that protect women from suicide are the reason men feel inclined to choose a path of suicide. That says a lot about the effectiveness of open dialogue that, unfortunately, many of us are not used to. As a people we collectively look to the earth for so many of our remedies. Grandma would go out into her yard and pick those leaves for that awful tea that would magically make us feel like our old self again (after we stopped gagging over the taste). We only ate things that were planted in our yard. The animals we killed were those that we raised. All of this shows how one we were with our surroundings. We still did not realize we were neglecting the most important part of our diet, our mind. It is safe to say that from early years our people were taught to be silenced. From slave masters, to people in office, to bad bosses. We unconsciously took that home with us. We silence the weak with unhelpful mantras, we shut people out who appeared broken and the worst thing … we raised boys to grow into men who felt showcasing emotion made them weak. Now we, still unconsciously, created a culture of men who hide in their darkest shadows and we’ve given them no clear pathway out. We are the only ones who have the power to change that narrative. That includes being accepting of a young man expressing himself, allowing grown men to tap back into traumas that formed them into the dark thinker that they may be today and to give them time to allow themselves to change their perspectives. This is not a role for the impatient to take on, and it is okay to come to terms with the fact that you may be (impatient that is), because these things take real dedication and a whole lot of time like breaking any bad habit does. But it is so worth it to have one less man lost from the acts of suicide. Therapists are necessary, even in a completely “normal” situation, it is nice to sit down and talk through the happenings of your life with someone. As the man, learning to accept that not everything is a gab at your ego but a chance to grow is fundamental. Allowing yourself to feel is…

read more

Do You Know Your History?

 1024 807 Island TV
0

We all have our own unique “Coming to America” story. This time around, we thought tracing back the majority of Caribbean’s migration process would serve as a, maybe new or maybe old, but definitely pretty interesting family history lesson. Before many of us picked up from our respective islands and moved to the States, select members of our families inhabited Europe (mostly England). This started to become popular as families grew in size and in age. Heads of the household knew more money was needed to feed mouths, put clothes on backs, shoes on feet and, of course, for school. As a result, in most cases, the father of the home and one or two of his sons would journey to Europe to earn a keep that would be sent back to their island to help their families afford the necessities and accomplish goals set. The journey of Afro-Caribbean people to the United States started long before then when enslaved Barbadians were taken by their British owners to South Carolina during the seventeenth century. That first involuntary migration was followed by a large wave of people from the British West Indies at the turn of the twentieth century. A third wave of immigrants arrived between 1930 and 1965, and a fourth movement is still going on today. Times of Enslavement One estimate puts the ratio of Caribbean to African slaves at three to one between 1715 and 1730; the largest number coming from Jamaica, followed by Africa, Barbados, and Antigua. Caribbean immigration to the United States was relatively small during the early nineteenth century but it grew significantly after the Civil War. The population, which was almost 100% Caribbean in origin, increased from four thousand to more than twenty thousand during the years of 1850 and 1900. Leaving Our Home The significant growth of the Caribbean community in the United States at the turn of the twentieth century is easily explained by the increasing economic hardship in the British West Indies and the simultaneous expansion of the U.S. economy due to its newly high wages and growing employment opportunities. It was this wave that laid the groundwork for the new age of the working Afro-Caribbean life in New York City and throughout the nation. It has been estimated that by the 1930s a third of New York’s black professionals; including doctors, dentists, and lawyers came from the ranks of Caribbean migrants, a figure well in excess of the group’s share of the city’s black population. Look How Far We Have Come Today, there are between 2.6 and 3 million Caribbean people (of all races) in the United States, or 1 percent of the total population. More than 72 percent of Afro-Caribbean people are foreign-born, and they represent 4.6 percent of the black population. Entrepreneurs continue to flourish in the community, and the 2000 census shows that the median household income of Afro-Caribbean people is $40,000. From the early days of Caribbean immigration, West Indian music, including soca, calypso, and reggae,…

read more

No Money? No Problem!

 1024 683 Island TV
0

More and more people are working full-time jobs while also working a side hustle. For those who may not know, a side hustle is a job that you can work on top of your full-time job. It is a flexible second job that brings in money, but it is also typically something that you are passionate about, that you don’t get to pursue in your main job. In between jobs? Awaiting citizenship? Are you just not making enough at your current 9-5 so you are in search for ways to make more? Let’s tap into our stereotype (“Caribbean’s constantly have 10+ jobs”), the one and only time it may be okay to do so and get to work. Here is a list of some (maybe surprising) side hustles that you could try or recommend someone you know to try: [vc_message style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-check”]Driving If you’re free mornings, nights, or weekends, you can earn extra cash driving your fellow citizens around. Sign up with Lyft or Uber to get started. Both companies offer “Destination Mode”, which basically allows you to earn money on your regular morning and evening commute by telling the app which direction you’re headed and only accepting riders along your route.[/vc_message][vc_message style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-check”]Notary Public Service Notary certification is granted by the state and the cost is generally less than $100. Once you’re certified, you can charge your own fee to notarize documents.[/vc_message][vc_message style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-check”] Customer Reviews Many companies use customer reviews to get feedback on new products. Respondent is a cool service that facilitates those interviews that take place both in-person and online (you can do this from home; just look for the ones that say “remote”). The average compensation is $140 an hour![/vc_message][vc_message style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-check”]Online Surveys Going hand-in with Respondent, you can also do online surveys. This is an easy way to supplement your income and you can do them in your downtime (waiting in line, watching TV, etc.). Here are some survey sites to check out: Springboard America Survey Junkie Swagbucks Prize Rebel InboxDollars Opinion Outpost CashCrate [/vc_message][vc_message style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-check”]Virtual Assistant Service Virtual assistants (VA) provide administrative support to clients from their home office. If that sounds like a fun side hustle you can set up shop on your own or jump on board with an established VA company like BELAY or Fancy Hands.[/vc_message][vc_message style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-check”]Teaching English Online Teaching English to young students in China via video chat with VIPKid. If you’re eligible to work in the US or Canada, a bachelor’s degree and a year of educational experience are the only prerequisites.[/vc_message][vc_message style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-check”]Airbnb If you have extra room in your house, you can earn money renting it out to visitors on Airbnb.com. With a little bit of traction, you could even cover your entire rent or mortgage by hosting guests on Airbnb.[/vc_message][vc_message style=”square” message_box_color=”grey” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-check”]Baking/Cooking Start a catering business from home. You can choose to deliver, have your customers come to you,…

read more
  • 1
  • 2