Jamaican Sprint Legend Usain Bolt To Receive First US Statue

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News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Fri. July 14, 2023: Usain St. Leo Bolt, the renowned Jamaican-born triple Olympian, is set to receive his first statue in the United States this weekend, marking a significant milestone after a four-year journey filled with controversy and determination.

Located at the Ansin Sports Complex in the City of Miramar, Florida, the statue will be unveiled tomorrow, Saturday, July 15, 2023. Usain Bolt himself will be present for this momentous occasion, accompanied by Ato Bolton, a Trinidadian-born NBC announcer and four-time Olympic medalist, who will provide commentary throughout the event.

Created by acclaimed Jamaican artist and sculptor Basil Barrington Watson, the statue is a profound representation of Bolt’s incredible accomplishments and carries a powerful message of limitless possibilities. Entitled “Anything is Possible, No Limits,” it serves as a constant reminder to all who behold it. This artistic tribute aligns with the city’s vision of promoting art in public spaces and parks, demonstrating their commitment to cultivating a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

A statue of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt created by artist Diedel Kloever using scrap metal pictured in the courtyard of Kloever’s workshop in Rallenbueschen, Germany, 10 September 2015. Kloever used chunky pieces of iron collected at junkyards to create delicate art items under the motto ‘Menschen, Tiere, Korrosionen’ (lit. People, animals, corrosions). (Photo by Carmen Jaspersen/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Basil Barrington Watson’s previous work includes the first commissioned statue of Usain Bolt, titled “To the World,” crafted for the Jamaican government in 2017. The Vice Mayor of Miramar, Alexandra P. Davis, played a pivotal role in realizing this project, overcoming opposition and spearheading the statue’s erection. She expressed immense pride in being part of Miramar’s Art in Public Places initiative, stating on Facebook, “I am so proud of this moment as we will soon unveil a statue in honor of the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, who just happens to be Jamaican! I have worked over the last 4 years…to have this statue built right here in Miramar.”

The funding for this ambitious endeavor was primarily secured from developers, as part of the Art in Public Places fund, which requires developers to contribute if they are unable to provide artwork within their facilities. The statue’s cost is reportedly being paid in four installments.

To commemorate this historic occasion, the public is encouraged to register for attendance at the unveiling ceremony on Saturday, July 15th, starting at 10 a.m. Gates will open at 9 a.m., and registration can be completed at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usain-bolt-statue-grand-unveiling-tickets-429355623227.

In anticipation of the unveiling, a Fundraising Banquet & Silent Auction will be held this evening, July 14, 2023. The banquet, taking place at the Miramar Cultural Center on Civic Center Place, will commence at 7 p.m. The event aims to support both the Usain Bolt Foundation and Do the Right Thing, Inc. Attendees have the opportunity to purchase general admission tickets for $150, VIP tickets for $250 (including a Meet & Greet opportunity), or Limited Platinum VIP tickets for $500, granting exclusive seating with Usain Bolt himself. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/8543497/usain-bolt-fundraising-banquet-miramar-miramar-cultural-center-banquet-hall.

Hailing from Trelawny, Jamaica, Usain Bolt astounded the world with his unparalleled speed, setting multiple world records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 × 100 meters relay. As one of the most accomplished sprint runners in history, Bolt’s statue will not only celebrate his extraordinary achievements but also stand as a symbol of inspiration and a remarkable new landmark in the United States.

The Countdown Is On To Carnival In Toronto

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News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Fri. July 14, 2023: The countdown is on to next month’s annual Toronto Caribbean carnival, previously known as Caribana.

The city of Toronto launched the month-long lead up to 56th edition of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival this week at Nathan Phillips Square. Mischka Crichton, CEO of the Festival Management Committee, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s Carnival. “We are thrilled to be launching the 56th edition of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, where everyone can feel accepted and included,” said Crichton, highlighting the festival’s theme of “Diversity and Culture Live Here!”

A dressed-up reveler performs during the official launch ceremony of the 2023 Toronto Caribbean Carnival in Toronto, Canada, on July 11, 2023. The annual event kicked off here on Tuesday to showcase Caribbean music, costumes and culture through plenty of events until Aug. 7. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua via Getty Images)

The month-long celebration is packed with a series of vibrant events, culminating in the highly anticipated grand parade on August 5 along Lake Shore Boulevard. Spectators can expect a mesmerizing display of colorful costumes, energetic performances, and infectious Caribbean rhythms that will sweep the city.

Dressed-up revelers perform during the official launch ceremony of the 2023 Toronto Caribbean Carnival in Toronto, Canada, on July 11, 2023. The annual event kicked off here on Tuesday to showcase Caribbean music, costumes and culture through plenty of events until Aug. 7. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua via Getty Images)

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The festival calendar includes a range of captivating events designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean. From the Junior King and Queen Showcase at Scarborough Town Centre to the Junior Carnival Parade at Malvern Community Centre, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Other highlights include the OCPA Calypso Showcase at the Latvian Culture Centre, the King and Queen Showcase at Lamport Stadium, the Pan Alive Panorama at Lamport Stadium, and the Pan in de Park event at Malvern Recreation Centre/Malvern Park. As part of the festivities, visitors can also indulge in the TCC International Food Festival at Malvern Park.

A dressed-up reveler poses for photos during the official launch ceremony of the 2023 Toronto Caribbean Carnival in Toronto, Canada, on July 11, 2023. The annual event kicked off here on Tuesday to showcase Caribbean music, costumes and culture through plenty of events until Aug. 7. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua via Getty Images)

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival has become an integral part of the city’s identity, drawing attention not only for its cultural significance but also for its economic impact. While rising costs present challenges for the organizers, the City of Toronto has demonstrated its commitment to cultural festivals by providing significant funding. Additionally, the federal government has invested $1 million in support of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. With this assistance, the festival will continue to dazzle audiences and maintain its high standards.

As one the largest street festival in North America, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival has become a renowned symbol of unity and celebration. Its inclusive nature invites individuals from all walks of life to participate, watch the events, and support the rich Caribbean culture on display.

Adding another dimension of excitement, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival will collaborate with the Toronto Blue Jays for pregame activities and interactive experiences during the game, blending sports and cultural celebrations in a unique fusion.

Metrolinx, the official transportation partner, will also be part of the festivities by unveiling a Toronto Caribbean Carnival-themed double-decker GO bus, adding a touch of carnival magic to the city’s public transportation.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, infectious music, captivating dance, and rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. This month-long extravaganza promises to create unforgettable memories while honoring diversity and fostering cultural pride. Stay tuned for updates and surprises as the city counts down to the grand parade!

The month-long festival features a packed schedule of events is as follows:

July 16: Junior King and Queen Showcase at Scarborough Town Centre.
July 22: Junior Carnival Parade at Malvern Community Centre.
July 30: OCPA Calypso Showcase at Latvian Culture Centre.
Aug. 3: King and Queen Showcase at Lamport Stadium.
Aug. 4: Pan Alive Panorama at Lamport Stadium.
Aug. 6: Pan in de Park at Malvern Recreation Centre/Malvern Park.
Aug. 6: TCC International Food Festival at Malvern Park.

Caribbean Travel News And Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 14, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

Health officials in Trinidad and Tobago reported the first confirmed monkey pox on the island on July 11. The patient is a middle-aged man. Mpox is caused by a virus that belongs to the same family as the virus that causes smallpox.

Get ready to pay less in airport service charges if travelling to Barbados. The government has lowered the rate from US $35 to US $20. But it will only be in place until December 14th.

Delta Airlines will soon offer a new route between New York’s LGA Airport and Nassau, Bahamas. The flight will start on December 16th and depart LGA at 10:45 a.m. and arrive in Nassau at 2 p.m.

Dominica – not to be confused with the Dominican Republic – has been voted the number one Caribbean destination for the second year by readers of Travel + Leisure.

Caribbean Airlines is set to begin flights to St. Kitts from Trinidad & Tobago this July 29th. The airline will fly to Antigua and then to St. Kitts. An inaugural flight is set for July 24th.

Colombian low-cost carrier Wingo has launched a new nonstop route between Cali, Colombia and Aruba. The new flight kicked off last week and will continue through December 2023 and January 2024.

Get ready for Anguilla’s Summer Festival – a kaleidoscope of colour, festivities and boat racing events from July 23 – August 13, 2023. To get more details on joining the excitement, visit IvisitAnguilla.com

This week we found an all-inclusive deal from Dallas, Texas to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Book now on Southwest Jamaica and get a trip for two plus an all inclusive stay at Riu Palace Tropical Bay from Sunday, September 17, 2023 – Friday, September 22, 2023 for a total of $2,316. Book on Southwestvacations.com.

Response to World Health Organization Reviews of Aspartame

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News Americas, BRUSSELS, Belgium, July 13, 2023: In response to two World Health Organization (WHO) evaluations of aspartame, one of the most thoroughly researched ingredients in the world, released today, the International Sweeteners Association (ISA) applauds the WHO’s reaffirmation of aspartame’s safety by its leading scientific body responsible for evaluating the safety of food additives, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). These conclusions are consistent with the findings of over 90 global food safety agencies who have confirmed aspartame’s safety, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), that has reviewed aspartame twice, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“JECFA has once again reaffirmed aspartame’s safety after conducting a thorough, comprehensive and scientifically rigorous review” said ISA Secretary General Frances Hunt-Wood. “Aspartame, like all low/no calorie sweeteners, when used as part of a balanced diet, provides consumers with choice to reduce sugar intake, a critical public health objective.”

As part of its comprehensive assessment, reconfirming the safety of aspartame, JECFA examined IARC’s conclusions and found no concern for human health. Importantly, IARC is not a food safety body and its 2B classification does not consider intake levels nor actual risk, making an IARC review far less comprehensive than the thorough reviews conducted by food safety bodies like JECFA and potentially confusing for consumers.

To put this in context, IARC’s 2B classification puts aspartame in the same category as kimchi and other pickled vegetables. IARC would be the first to say that they don’t suggest people should stop using kimchi at meals.

As part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle, aspartame can be used to further public health objectives on sugar intake reduction and ultimately assist in weight and diabetes management, as well as with dental health.