The only black man on board the Titanic was a Haitian so who better to portray him than Haitian actor Max Desir in Titanic the Musical, which opened in Nashville last April. In the play, Desir plays Joseph Laroche.     “Once [the producer] said he was Haitian, I was on board,” Desir said. “I was just so intrigued! I had no idea that there was a Haitian on board.” After seeing Desir’s previous work, producer LaTonya Turner offered Desir the role, sensing he was the right fit for the character.     Desir dived into research and felt a close connection to Laroche, who left Haiti at the age of 15 in hopes of getting an education in France to become an engineer. Like Laroche, Desir left Haiti at the age of 16 to unite with his mother in New York where he attended Prospect Heights High School before continuing to CUNY York College and receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology.   “It was one of the best decisions for my acting career,” Desir said about his role in the Titanic the Musical. “It really buzzed a lot of lights around me…it’s interesting I’ve been in the game for … read more

JAMAICA 50 Years and growing.This year Jamaica celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence with celebrations in Jamaica and across the diaspora.In New York City there will be a gala commemorative celebration on August 4th hosted by internationally renowned Jamaican comedian Oliver Samuels at the Roberto Clemente State Park, Bronx.     The Park will come alive with a true taste of Jamaica with great food, musical and dance performances, cultural workshops and craft displays. Website: http://jamaica50anniversary.com   TRINIDAD True Trini Flavor. Trinidad and Tobago plays host to an International Culinary Festival on October 29th -30th at the Jean Pierre Complex and Hasley Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain. “Trini” chefs will be whipping up culinary delights as they do duel with internationally celebrated chefs. A mouth-watering outcome is expected and patrons will be the true winners as they will the samplers of the many sumptuous gourmet dishes and local favorites prepared by the chefs. Live cooking demonstrations, workshops and informative panel discussions are also on the menu. Website: http://www.tdc.co.tt/media/?id=pr163   BARBADOS A Bajan Carnival. Kadooment, celebrated on August 6th, is unlike any other carnival in the Caribbean. The Grand finale of “Crop Over” season which marks the end of the sugar … read more

The State Department is looking for businesses! Have what it takes?     This is a great opportunity for Haitian-Americans seeking funding for entrepreneurial projects in Haiti:   On Tuesday, June 12th from 6-8pm in the court room of Brooklyn Borough Hall (209 Joralemon Street Brooklyn, NY 11201), the State Department, along with partner IDB, will introduce to NYC the Caribbean Idea Marketplace (CIM).   The CIM is a business competition platform that encourages local and Diaspora entrepreneurs to forge partnerships around innovative projects that will generate employment and economic opportunities in the Caribbean region by providing US$100,000 grant funding for winning projects.   Attend and encourage your networks to attend as the State Department promises this to be a different type and level of engagement with the Caribbean community.   This opportunity is NOT LIMITED to Haitian Americans in New York State   For more information visit here   For more information on the upcoming meeting, visit here

Chef Ron Duprat may be most recognized as a fierce “cheftestant” on the sixth season of Bravo TV’s Emmy nominated hit show “Top Chef: Las Vegas.” Though he’s cooked for famous faces like Beyonce and Haiti’s President Michel Martelly, his culinary journey began in a modest kitchen at his grandmother’s home in Haiti. The love of food led him to the states where he studied at the Culinary Institute of America. The Chef is now heading back home to Haiti and he’s inviting food lovers to join him on this culinary adventure.     In August, Duprat is inviting guests to tour four regions of Haiti to learn about native dishes through cooking demonstrations, classes and of course, plenty of tasty samplings. Click on the image at left for more information.   About Chef Ron Duprat Duprat has received many accolades over the years including the 2008 & 2009 AAA Four Diamond Award. He’s appeared as a guest on Good Morning Florida and has traveled the country cooking for celebrities like Beyonce, Usher, Jason Derulo and Haiti’s President Michel Martelly and Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe. His holiday butternut squash dish was even noted as one of Oprah’s favorite holiday recipes. … read more