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This is a Podcast of the Jamaica & Caribbean Weekly News Summary for the week ending October 13, 2023 JAMAICA WEEKLY News Summary Podcast is brought to you by Jamaicans.com. For past Jamaica & Caribbean Weekly News Podcasts, please visit our archives.

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A new festival that will honor the best of the parish of Saint Elizabeth in Jamaica will be held at Jakes Hotel from November 10 to 12, 2023. The inaugural Treasure Beach Food, Rum, and Reggae Festival will feature the best of the parish’s food, drinks, and music. Authentic Jamaican mixologists will be featured, along with locally grown and prepared dishes representative of the South Coast farming region, and there will be live reggae performances as well. A special part of the program will feature Chef Eric Janson of the Black Fish restaurant in Cape Cod as a guest chef!

Food, Rum, and Reggae

Patrons will have the chance to sample and enjoy the artistry and unique flavors of the culinary delights of St Elizabeth, a thriving farming area located on Jamaica’s South Coast. Also on tap are cocktail demonstrations and tasting, all expertly curated by masters of mixology. In addition, patrons will be invited to tour some of the island’s locally famous country rum bars and the operations of world-renowned rum producers. No Jamaican festival would be complete without the welcome sounds and cultural richness of Jamaica’s authentic reggae music, and the festival in St Elizabeth will offer some of the best.

Jakes Hotel, Treasure Beach

Live Concert to Kickstart Festival

On the first night of the festival, Friday, November 10, 2023, the celebration will begin with a live concert featuring Richie Spice at Lovers Leap. The venue will open at 6 pm, and the concert starts at 9 pm. Guests will be able to partake in food and drink specials until the event ends at 2 am.

Celebrating “Jamaica’s Breadbasket”

On November 11, Saturday, festival visitors will have the opportunity to tour local farms and top rum producers. Excursions by boat to the Pelican Bar will be provided, as will excellent culinary adventures at Little Ochie and other participating venues. Demonstrations of cooking skills will be on view as local and visiting chefs showcase their expertise. And, of course, there will be music everywhere! A beach party at Jack Sprat will feature the latest run and food delights backgrounded by the sound of the sea and a top-quality sound system. On Saturday night from 8 pm to 2 am, there will be a live concert featuring Jesse Royal at Jack Sprat with tasty cuisine and flowing rum available to order.

Sports on Sunday

On Sunday, November 12, the festival will feature the Goat Curry Cricket Match and Luciano Concert at Breds Sports Park. The event will include visiting pepper shrimp vendors from Middle Quarters, a domino tournament, crafts for adults and kids, and cold drinks. DJ Ratty + Bones will be featured along with other entertainment.

Join the Saint Elizabeth Celebration

Everyone is invited to join in the three-day celebration of the South Coast parish’s unique culture, excellent cuisine, exceptional cocktails, and jamming reggae music at the inaugural Food, Rum + Reggae Festival at Calabash Bay, Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, Jamaica, from November 10 through 12, 2023.

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For more than 20 years, The Best of Jamaica has been a platform to celebrate the brilliance and creativity of our nation, all while embracing our distinct identity as “Out Of Many One People”. With that in mind, we invite you to take part in the Best of Jamaica survey! It should only take about 5 minutes to finish. Keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers. Let’s begin!

The post What is the Best of Jamaica in Your City? Best of Jamaica Survey 2023 appeared first on Jamaicans.com.

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a moment that can turn a person’s world upside down, bringing with it feelings of uncertainty and fear. However, it’s essential to understand that a diagnosis does not equate to a death sentence. Tamika Thompson, Jamaica’s youngest breast cancer survivor, offers invaluable advice and an empowering message to women facing this diagnosis. Tamika was first diagnosed at the tender age of 16 years old while she was attending high school. Years later, a vibrant and optimistic Tamika’s share tips to navigate this challenging journey.

Get Treatment

The moment you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, seeking prompt and appropriate treatment is crucial. In Jamaica, the Hope Institute located in Elleston Flats, Kingston 7, offers a range of services for Jamaicans diagnosed with breast cancer. If you wish to seek private care, there are also a number of cancer treatment centers across the island. Consulting with a team of healthcare professionals, which may include oncologists, surgeons, and radiologist should be your first step. They will guide you through the various treatment options available, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy. Each case is unique, and your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific circumstances. Adhering to your treatment plan diligently is the cornerstone of your journey towards recovery.

Allow Family and Friends to Support

You are not alone in this battle. Family and friends want to be there for you, offering their love, support, and practical assistance. Don’t hesitate to lean on them during this time. They can accompany you to appointments, help with household chores, provide emotional support, and be a shoulder to lean on when you need it most. Sharing your feelings and concerns with your loved ones can strengthen your bonds and provide a much-needed source of strength and comfort. Joining a support program can also be helpful for your mental health. Support organization, Jamaica Reach for Recovery meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 5-7 pm at Webster Memorial Church Hall in Kingston and via Zoom platform.

Exercise

While it may seem counterintuitive, maintaining a regular exercise routine can significantly impact your physical and emotional well-being during and after breast cancer treatment. Exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue, improve mood, enhance physical function, and boost overall quality of life. Engage in activities that you enjoy, whether it’s walking, yoga, swimming, or gentle strength training. Always consult with your healthcare team before starting any exercise regimen to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

Live Your Life to the Fullest

A breast cancer diagnosis should not define your entire life. Continue to pursue your passions, interests, and dreams. Engage in activities that bring you joy and provide a sense of purpose. Maintaining a sense of normalcy can be incredibly empowering and remind you that life is still worth living, even in the face of adversity. Set goals for yourself, both big and small, and celebrate each achievement along the way.

Have Faith

Maintaining a positive outlook and having faith in your body’s resilience is a powerful tool in your fight against breast cancer. Remember that countless individuals have overcome similar challenges and emerged stronger on the other side. Seek support from spiritual or religious communities if that resonates with you. Engage in practices that promote mindfulness, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, to cultivate a sense of inner peace and strength.

Breast Cancer is Not a Death Sentence

A breast cancer diagnosis is undeniably a challenging and emotionally charged experience, but it’s important to remember that there is hope, and recovery is possible. By taking these five essential steps – seeking treatment, leaning on your support network, prioritizing exercise, living life to the fullest, and having faith – you can navigate this journey with courage and resilience. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right approach, you can emerge from this experience stronger and more determined than ever before.

Photo – Tamika Thompson

The post Jamaica’s Youngest Breast Cancer Survivor Tamika Thompson Shares First 5 Must-Do’s When Diagnosed appeared first on Jamaicans.com.

Miami Carnival 2023 was a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, resonating with the pulsating rhythms of soca music. A thoughtful addition of the event lineup was Junior Carnival that allowed younger Caribbean revelers to join the festivities. They came out in their numbers at the Central Broward Regional Park. It was a pleasure to witness colorful costumes and floats, each narrating a story of the heritage of each child decorated in their own miniature splendor.

Here are some photo highlights captured by Artist Adrienne Chadwick for you to relive the moments.

Photo – Adrienne Chadwick

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