Jamaican Men of Florida elects President Kennedy and a New Leadership Team

President Peter Kennedy

The Jamaican Men of Florida (JMOF) elects Pete A. Kennedy, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida. (March 7, 2023) – Jamaican Men of Florida, on February 21, 2023, voted and elected Pete A. Kennedy the new president of their organization. Kennedy is President and CEO of EMYLL LLC.

Kennedy is a passionate leader of men who loves Jamaica and the Jamaican community in the Diaspora. He brings a fresh perspective and what seems to be unlimited energy to the presidency.

A leadership expert, best-selling author, and a man of exemplary character. He is a native of the island of Jamaica, and a past student at Kingston College. His expertise dovetails nicely with the JMOF’s mission, in that his business focuses on the personal and professional development of individuals of all ages. Prior to starting his own business, Pete gained his experience and background from various industries working for Fortune 500 companies such as T-Mobile & Wells Fargo Bank NA., including aviation and hospitality as a Learning & Development leader. As head of EMYLL, Pete’s role focuses on helping organizations thrive through leadership solutions; he is known as the “Leadership Doctor.”

Pete earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems (CIS), and a master’s in educational leadership both from DeVry University. He is a member of the John Maxwell Leadership Team, former secretary of Jamaican Men of Florida (JMOF), and membership manager for the Black Professional Networks (BPN) in Miami, FL. Pete recently authored and release the international best-seller, ‘When a man loves – A Lifestyle & Leadership Most Men Will Never Experience,’ ranking top 6 in four countries, USA, Canada, Australia & Germany. For his role as a community servant, June 20^th was designated by the Broward County Commission as Pete Kennedy Day.  Pete shares two boys with his wife Jillian.

The additional members of the executive leadership team that were elected and installed are: Kirk M. Lawrence, Vice President, Cian Campbell, Executive Secretary and Derrick Monroe serving his second term as Treasurer. Elected to our Board of Directors are:

David Muir – Board Director & Membership Chair

Jason Walker – Board Director & Marketing/Public Relations Chair

Jermain Morgan – Board Director & Special Projects Chair

Easton Harrison – Board Director & NextGen Chair

Pastor Powell – Board Director & Chaplain

OPEN – Board Director & Legal Advisor

Dr. Rupert Francis – President Emeritus

Dr. Allan Cunningham – JMOF Founder, Lifetime Member, and Honorary Board Member

Hon. Peter Gracey – Honorary Chair

About Jamaican Men of Florida 
Jamaican Men of Florida is men’s organization whose mission is “to empower, transform, and impact communities across generations inspired by the culture, identity, and the personal and professional excellence of men of Jamaican descent.” The organization was founded by Dr. Allan Cunningham. Dr Cunningham invited a small group of likeminded Jamaican men in the spring of 2020 to be on his first board. For more information, visit www.jmoflorida.com.

Media Contact:
Jason Walker, Marketing and Public Relations
jasoncommunityfl@gmail.com

‪(404) 507-2465

Jamaican Diaspora Champions named. David Mullings and Xavier Murphy lead the way!

Miami, FL, USA June 2021

David Mullings the innovative & charismatic CEO of the Miami Based Blue Mahoe Capital (www.bluemahoecapital.com) and Xavier Murphy the outgoing founder of the most popular Jamaican website on the internet http://www.jamaicans.com have been named with others as the champions of the Jamaican Diaspora for 2021. The champions who have been voted by members from the millions of those in the Diaspora, are very deserving of this title

After hundreds of nominations and thousands of votes, the Nominees with the most votes by sector were awarded and twelve have emerged as the Jamaica Diaspora Champions 2021:

• The Jamaica Diaspora Champion in Agriculture and Climate Resilience is Yaad Market, founded by Steve Mcdonald.
• The Jamaica Diaspora Champion in Art and Culture is Miramar Commissioner, Alexandra P. Davis
• The Jamaica Diaspora Champion in Community Development is Keri-Ann Knight
• The Jamaica Diaspora Champion Community Development Organization is the Association of Jamaican Nationals in France, accepted by current President, Oneil Madden
• The Jamaica Diaspora Champion in Education is Dr. Beverly E Rowe-Mullings
• The Jamaica Diaspora Champion Alumni Association is Immaculate Conception High School Alumnae Association – NY Chapter, accepted by current President, Karen Wilson-Robinson
• The Jamaica Diaspora Champion in Faith Based Leadership is Bishop Michael A. Hutchinson
• The Jamaica Diaspora Champion in  Health and Mental Health is Sylvanus Thompson
• The Jamaica Diaspora Champion in  Legal Sector Support and Immigration is Latangie A. William
• The Jamaica Diaspora Champion in  Media is Xavier Murphy
• The Jamaica Diaspora Champion in  Technology and Entrepreneurship is David P. A. Mullings
• The Jamaica Diaspora Champion in  Taskforce Leadership is Dr. Beverly Gordon

It was very competitive, in many cases only a handful of votes separated the winners. Special mention to those who also received the second-highest number of votes:  Trees That Feed Foundation, Susan “Dr Sue” Davis, Dr. Binzie Roy Davidson, Michelle McKenzie-Dolly and Charles Matthews Jr. as well as the remaining 60 final nominees.  The profiles of the winners and all honorably mentioned nominees can be viewed on www.jdafca.org.

The Jamaica Diaspora and Friends Champion Awards (JDAFCA) is the first global and virtual Jamaica Diaspora peer award with completely open and online nominations and voting. It was created to recognize individuals, organizations, and friends in the Diaspora who make exceptional contributions to the development of Jamaica. JDAFCA was launched in 2017 at the 7th Biennial Diaspora Conference and honors hardworking volunteers, all those unsung heroes, who give freely in service to the growth of Jamaica’s national development, Her culture, economy, people, and communities.

JDAFCA Sponsor, GraceKennedy Group, extended congratulations to the winners. Senator Don Wehby, Group Chief Executive Officer stated “GraceKennedy is a proud supporter of the Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network and sponsor of the Jamaica Diaspora and Friends Champion Awards (JDAFCA). We are happy to know that notwithstanding the challenges which continue to be presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the JDTAN has found new ways to continue its important work to recognize individuals and organizations in the Diaspora and friends of Jamaica who make exceptional contributions to the development of our country. Congratulations to all the JDAFCA nominees for the amazing work you are doing in this regard, and for everything you do for Jamaica, land we love. I encourage all Jamaicans overseas to become Diaspora Champions in their own right, by doing what you can to help our country rebuild coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

JDTAN Chairman, Leo Gilling, added, “Congratulations to all the Champions! JDTAN’s aim was to present an award to the Diaspora, in which no one person or committee but the community, the general public nominates and votes for those candidates based on their accomplishments in Jamaica, their community, and across the Diaspora. I am encouraged by the massive response during the nomination and voting process. Thank you for supporting these Champions and making JDAFCA a success.”

Kimone Gooden, JDAFCA Chair and JDTAN Operations Officer commented: “The 2021 Jamaica Diaspora Champions are a true example of service and commitment to our beloved homeland. I am blown away by the work of all the nominees as well as the winners. They are great models of the extraordinary work that ordinary Jamaicans do in service to Jamaica every day. They are  truly inspiring.”  She also thanked sponsors: Grace Kennedy, Union of Jamaican Alumni Association (UJAA), Fanger Law Firm, Compass Consulting and Training Solutions, and Media Partners:  Dervan Malcolm, host of Diaspora Live Online on Power 106,  South Florida Caribbean News, Jamaicans.com, Caribbean National Weekly News and Carib Press. With special thanks to the JDAFCA Awards Committee for all their hard work behind the scenes: Event Chair, Tashaka Wynter as well as Antonette Brown, Rachel Dolcine, Karlene Largie, Roymane Robinson, and Lesleyann Samuel.

The public can watch the Jamaica Diaspora Champions 2021 accept their awards on Diaspora Day, Wednesday, June 16 at 7 PM US ET on Jamaicans.com’s Facebook page: @onelovejamaica. The virtual awards presentation will include Master of Ceremonies, Professor Neville Ying; a stalwart in the Jamaica Diaspora Movement, and the first Jamaica Diaspora Champion. As well as entertainment by Papa Michigan and Dr. Sue. The replay of the virtual ceremony will also be available on www.jdafaca.org along with the profiles of the Champions and all the final Nominees.

The Jamaica Diaspora and Friends Champion Awards (JDAFCA) is presented by the Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN.) JDTAN is a network of sectoral focused Taskforces with members across 23 countries. Taskforces have been operating for the past seven years as a collaborative approach to engage and mobilize the Diaspora to join forces and support Jamaica’s national development.

CARIBBEAN SPORT AND ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT TO BE SHOWCASED IN ONLINE FILM FESTIVAL

• Hosted by RealVibez

Miami, FLORIDA – Caribbean content remains one of the most sought after globally yet remains largely untapped. That is the basis by which, RealVibez, the entertainment subsidiary of Blue Mahoe Capital, will launch its inaugural online Film Festival, to take place this August.

A move that can be described as innovative in keeping with its parent company Blue Mahoe Capital; RealVibez in a pioneering move, will hand hold Caribbean filmmakers to create a series of sport/entertainment films geared at bringing additional global attention to the region.

The novelty of placing characters in stories flying/sailing to the Caribbean for a vacation will now have its own real-life imagery and scenes with its own talent showcased to the world.

Already known for globally successful athletes (in several sporting disciplines), artistes and artists; “film can become a source of excellence from Tropical Paradise,” according to Carole Beckford, SVP, Blue Mahoe Capital.

The former Film Commissioner of Jamaica thinks the timing is right as with the current pandemic, creatives have been bursting at the seams with great ideas. “Now is the time to bring the filmmakers out,” she noted.

The online festival will showcase:

• A reception
• Film screenings
• Panel Discussions
• Awards Ceremony
• B2B meetings with Film and Content Officials for additional exposure and distribution or even further development of films

The RealVibez team will announce, as part of its planning and implementation

• An Ambassador for the Festival
• An Advisory Team
• An organizing committee
• And closer to the actual festival, a panel of judges

The festival is slated for the last week in August to close with the Awards ceremony on Friday, August 27.

Early entries are set to be in by Friday, July 30. Application fees start at US$50. Films should not be more than 11 minutes or less than seven minutes. The storyline should be placed in the Caribbean in the areas of sport and/or entertainment to include music, dance, theatre, art or publishing. 

Categories:

1. Feature
2. Documentary
3. Narration
4. Musical

Stories could be Fiction or Non-Fiction

Films must be produced, directed, edited, or written by a Caribbean national living on any of the islands/countries. The production teams may include ONLY one other Caribbean national based outside of the region. Films submitted, may only have been entered in one other film festival within no further back than August 31, 2019.

If there is a film in another language, they must have English subtitles or dubbed in English. At least one member of the team will be required to participate in an online Festival to be hosted by RealVibez.

More information to be gleaned at https://bluemahoecapital.com/realvibez2021/

Really interesting conversation on BIBLE, marriage & polygamy

What do you think? Comment below

This discussion was curated by Lisa Victoria Fields and the Jude 3 project. More of this video along with other Jude 3 Project & videos https://youtu.be/cFSqFp2wUMg

Blue Mahoe Capital Donates JMD$250,000 To Jamaica Cancer Society Relay For Life

Miami-based investment firm Blue Mahoe Capital Partners Inc. has donated to support Jamaica Cancer Society’s Virtual Relay For Life

Miami, FL – September 18, 2020

Blue Mahoe Capital, a privately-held investment firm building a portfolio of public and private equities across the Caribbean and USA with a heavy focus on Jamaica joins the fight against Cancer by donating JMD$250,000 to support the work of the Jamaica Cancer Society and their Virtual Relay For Life which will be broadcast online on Sunday, October 18, 2020.

The COVID-19 global pandemic forced the non-profit to overhaul their approach to fundraising this year. David Mullings, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Blue Mahoe Capital, was approached to assist with planning the streaming event and online marketing, having previously started a technology company with his brother in 2002 that became the largest platform for Caribbean music videos on the web and now owns a small film and equipment rental company in Jamaica.

“My father, Dr. Anthony Mullings, served on the board of the Jamaica Cancer Society from 1984 to 2012 so I grew up attending Relay For Life and understanding the importance of Cancer awareness. I simply could not say no to supporting such an important cause because three of our team members have dealt with Cancer and we Jamaicans in the diaspora can play a role in supporting reputable NGOs like the Jamaica Cancer Society” – said David Mullings.

Mrs. Marie Powell, Chairman of Relay For Life  said,  “ The Jamaica Cancer Society will rely  heavily on the support of the  Diaspora in order to make Relay For life a success.” I also  invite  the public to visit www.JCS.Live,  and the Citizens For Citizens  Fund platform to donate.

Mr. Mullings also introduced the Jamaica Cancer Society to the Citizens For Citizens Fund, a non-profit founded by Melissa Powell and making funding projects in Jamaica easier and they are facilitating online donations.

The Virtual Relay For Life will stream on Sunday, October 18, 2020,  during the hours of  4:00p.m  to 6:00p.m EST at Facebook.com,  https://www.facebook.com/jamaicacancersociety/,  YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/TheJCSociety/  and Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/jamaicacancersociety876/.

 

About Blue Mahoe Capital Partners

Blue Mahoe Capital Partners Inc. is a Miami-based privately-held investment firm focused on giving investors easy access to the emerging economies of the Caribbean and the quality companies overlooked by too many investors. It is a majority Black-owned business founded by David P.A. Mullings with plans to eventually go public on a major US stock exchange. The company invests in Caribbean companies and companies with the potential for heavy exposure to the Caribbean. It currently has a portfolio of public equities and owns a 5% stake in a Jamaican-based technology company. The company is in the growth phase and is now rolling out it’s US property fund and it’s Caribbean impact fund.

 

About Jamaica Cancer Society

The Jamaica Cancer Society is a non- profit, nongovernmental organization which was established in 1955. This year marks the Society’s 65^th anniversary in service and dedication to the people of Jamaica in the fight against cancer.   The Society has its head office in Kingston and two branches, located in the parishes of St. Ann and St. Elizabeth. Through its cadre of volunteer doctors, screening partners, government agencies and nurses, the Society can execute its mobile screening programmes, which includes, screening for breast, prostate and cervical cancer across the island of Jamaica.      A total of 20,000 Jamaicans benefitted from the services of the Jamaica Cancer Society in 2019.  Through its major fundraiser, Relay For Life the Society has been able to assist newly diagnosed cancer  patients with small grants from its Patient Support Funds.    Annually a percentage of the funds raised from Relay For Life is donated to the America Cancer Society to assist with global efforts in  cancer research.

 

Press Contacts

 

Jason Walker

Blue Mahoe Capital Partners Inc.

1111 Brickell Ave. Floor 10

Miami, FL 33131

T: 1-844-342-6631 Ext. 5

E: press@bluemahoecapital.com

Shullian Brown (Miss)

Fundraising & Public Relations Officer

Jamaica Cancer Society

16 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5

Kingston, Jamaica

E:jacancer@cwjamaica.com/jcsinfo3@cwjamaica.com

Tele: (876)927-4265

Jamaica’s Raheem Sterling wins Footballer of the year awards

Jamaica’s Raheem Sterling has been voted the 2019 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association, less than a day after his peers voted him the PFA young player of the year.

Sterling has scored 29 goals for Manchester City and England this season, including a hat-trick for England in the opening Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czech Republic, while also helping England’s squad reach this summer’s Nations League finals in Portugal.

The awards also reflect Raheem’s courage to challenge preconceptions and fight racism, which will leave a legacy not just for future generations in football but society as a whole. As a black immigrant in England, Raheem has been the subject of many racist and xenophobic attacks along with being exposed to many victims of such attacks.

He has faced these attacks and played Football with class, grace & bravery. The Jamaican footballer has become an inspiration while playing great football. The Jamaican who now lives in England plays for the English national team and Manchester City.

Dalton Harris Wins X-Factor UK & creates History.

 

Dalton Harris has created history. Dalton Harris has won the X Factor UK becoming the 1st ever Jamaican and Caribbean artist to achieve this feat. Harris dominated throughout the competition, with effortless skill, amazing talent and humility.

Dalton Harris’ unique voice belted out amazing performances of hard to sing songs, in what seemed to be, easily week after week and topped the competition each time. The judges were in total disbelief that such a talent had not already been a worldwide star.

In Harris’ home country, Jamaica, Harris had already broken a record by being the youngest person to win Jamaica’s music competition, Rising Stars. Harris won the competition at the age of 16. Unfortunately, he did not see much success after that great victory. Harris had lived a life of poverty and alleged child abuse up to this point, he had been left to fend on his own at the age of 15.

Legendary producer Donovan Germaine (who managed or produced such legends as Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, & Buju Banton) took Harris under his wing, helped him to finish high school and mentored Harris into becoming a better vocalist. Germaine had produced several songs with Harris, yet the sales of such music were not strong.

At age 24, Dalton Harris was auditioning on the X-Factor, and the rest is history. Harris had some of his family, friends and his mentor Germaine in attendance at the final. As his humility showed throughout once his name was called as the winner, he was clearly still in a state of disbelief.

Pandimion was created at the event, in Jamaica, and around the world! Social Media lit up. Celebrities from all over were congratulating Dalton.

Jamaican superstar singer and Princess of Reggae, Nadine Sutherland (who had also been one of the judges on Jamaica’s Rising Star when Dalton won that competition) stated, “to be a small part of Dalton’s journey is indeed an honor. From his entrance and then subsequent winning of the Rising Stars talent competition, where I was a panelist judge alongside Clyde Mackenzie and Anthony Miller, it was obvious that he was very gifted. To see this gift blossom and develop into him winning the international talent contest XFactor 2018 is incredible. His journey so far is an inspirational story of challenges and victories and is befitting to be on the big screen. My joy for him is indescribable.”

The Royal family was also represented by the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson who gushed, “Congratulations @harrisdalton you are a true superstar. I knew you could do it. You were superb this weekend and I am so proud of you!”

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared, “Congratulations to our Dalton Harris @harrisdalton! Winner of the XFactor. The entire Jamaica is proud of you. Your phenomenal talent is now unleashed on the world.”

Yes, Dalton, we are all proud of you!

 

 

 

Dalton Harris looks to become the 1st Jamaican and Caribbean artist to win X-Factor

In the Final Saturday, after two performances, Dalton Harris, the amazing and inspirational story of an artist coming out of nowhere and impressing the world, takes another step to winning the popular music competition. If Dalton Harris wins he will become the 1st Jamaican and 1st Caribbean to ever win the competition.

Even if he does not win, he has made the biggest impression on this year’s competition and is now one of the most memorable performers that has ever performed. Dalton, coming from poverty, child abuse and having to fend for himself from the age of 15, was discovered by veteran producer Donovan Germaine who took him under his wings and recorded some songs with.

Although Harris won Jamaica’s premiere talent competition “Rising Stars”, he did not see the success of any kind. Germaine made sure he finished high school and much was not heard from Harris on the scene until he auditioned for the X-Factor. He has been the best week by week, creating fans throughout UK, Jamaica, the Jamaican Diaspora and the world. He has shown incredible humility and effortless skill throughout the competition. The judges gush over him amazed that such talent had not already been discovered and showcased across the world.

Dalton has shown that he deserves to be a star in entertainment. Sunday, Dalton Harris could create history.

MIAMI BROWARD CARNIVAL IS RIGHT ON TIME

MIAMI BROWARD CARNIVAL IS RIGHT ON TIME

Jennifer Lovell from NY masquerader for Dingolay mas band

Jason Walker

Carnival, the largest physical manifestation of Caribbean culture that has been exported worldwide, is happening in South Florida again. The Miami Broward One Carnival will happen Sunday the 7^th of October in 2018. The timing of the Carnival is perfect with the backdrop of the USA having issues with the immigrant population (which over 90% of the US population is either born outside of the US or is the descendant of someone born outside of the country) and the current political power structure.

Carnival does directly represent the 35 countries of the Caribbean that has spawned this amazing festival, yet Carnival has cultural elements from all over the globe and deriving from the continent of Africa, it is an event that finds a way to bring unity with diversity.

Carnival is an explosion of music, food, costumes and various aspects of culture, the best that the melting pot of the Caribbean offers. It engages family of all ages and communities and people from all walks of life. The patrons will be exposed to costume bands, music bands, steel pan bands, the diverse food along with a worldwide connection and sense of excitement and bliss.

The Carnival could not come at a better time. We all need a moment of community that is filled with joy and peace. A day where all cares are thrown to the wind and we lose ourselves in our best selves. On this day we will partake of the euphoria that has been handed down from generation to generation and has sparked creativity, connectivity and ecstasy.

The Miami Broward One Carnival will have all the activities spoken of and culminate with a concert of some of Soca’s best artists. The concert is headlined by Kes the Band, Patrice Roberts and Ricardo Drue. Here is a small Q&A we had with Ricardo Drue to give us more of an opportunity to learn more about him.

 

Questions for Ricardo Drue

JW: For those that don’t know who Ricardo Drue is, describe yourself.

RD: Ricardo Drue is a son the Caribbean, born in Antigua Raised in Trinidad and currently living in Florida. I think I’m probably one of the most goofy and weird artiste you’ll ever meet. I enjoy entertaining people and I am forever grateful for every opportunity that I get to perform for the masses. Every chance I get to perform is a chance to help someone get away from whatever bad they may be going through.

JW: If you could write your own headline, what would it be?

RD: Ricardo Drue A man who changed the World with Music/Soca

JW: You have been in the music game for a very long time. What are your tips on staying relevant?

RD: Staying as connected to the industry as much as you can, which includes educating yourself on the ins and outs of the game. This industry changes very fast, and if you not attentive enough you can get lost very quickly

JW: What are you grateful for in your life?

RD: Life itself, just the fact I’m able to wake every day is a blessing. I am also grateful for my Family, i am nothing without them.

JW: When did you know you wanted to take music seriously?

RD: At the age of 5, I knew I was going to do something with music, I wasn’t sure what it was but I knew it was music.

JW: What is one of your favorite projects you have worked on or songs you have done?

RD: Favorite project to date with have to be iD “(stamp you name)”. With this song i learned how to bring true emotion out of my audience.

JW: What kind of stuff did you grow up listening to?

RD: R&B, Pop, Calypso and Country (lol I know).

JW: Who are some of your music heroes?

RD: BoyzII Men, Bob Marley, Bunji Garlin, Ronnie Macintosh, Micheal Jackson & Neyo

JW: In your musical journey so far, what are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned?

RD: Always be humble, you never know when you are going to be down, The same people you treat badly on your way up, is the same people you will meet on your way down!

JW: What is next for you?

RD: We have expanded the iDnation, and now in addition to music we are also doing events around the world, For example we have “Druesday” in Antigua, and we also have Adventure Island ( wed oct 3rd 2018) for Miami Carnival and so much more.

ATLANTA REGGAE IN THE PARK: JASON SKYWALKER RETURNS

ATLANTA REGGAE IN THE PARK: JASON SKYWALKER RETURNS

COME CELEBRATE THE 5TH ANNUAL REGGAE IN THE PARK!

11TH of August 2018
at Perkerson Park, Atlanta GA

music by Changez Sound & more