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News

Welcome to Kayifi's News page. In this page, you will find announcements, Agents of the month, upcoming Webinars, acknowledgement of the month for countries, and new agents that we welcome.

Kayifi News

Mar 2022

Kayifi Outreach is coming Soon! At Kayifi, we recognize the importance of Caribbean youth as a pillar of the future of the islands. We are excited to introduce a new program: Kayifi Outreach, aimed at giving Caribbean youth knowledge, resources, and tools integral to their success. Check out the following links for more information!

Welcome to Kayifi Outreach! (blog)

Introductory Video (includes signup form)

Facebook Group

Aug 2021

Great News Everyone! We are always looking for new ways to improve Kayifi and keep the listings fresh! For all buyers and tenants, we want you to be able to find what you are looking for.

For all sellers, real estate agents, brokers, and landlords we want you to get many inquiries on your listings. Please edit your existing properties to reflect the date that your verbal or written contract to sell or rent expires. When you enter new properties, please add the date in there too. By default, all properties will expire in 120 days from the date of entry. But don’t worry, you will receive an email notification with easy access to update 1 week prior to the expiration date.

Let’s stay fresh! Kayifi is Your Caribbean Connection!

Apr 2021

As you may have noticed, we have changed the layout of our homepage and the functionality of our property search to make finding your perfect Caribbean home even easier! If you have any problems, questions, or feedback on the new look, click here to contact us. Thank you for using Kayifi!

Mar 2021

Coming Soon! Kayifi Vacation Rentals. List your short-term and vacation rental properties. Contact us for more information and to be updated!

Tutorials Section

We have added tutorials to our Youtube page, to find out how to register, how to upload profile and property pictures click the link below https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8TgI-NstRIS0ehKlby2Bg

Caribbean News

Guyana's 58th Independence Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony 

On Friday, June 14, East Orange City Hall Plaza was adorned with the vibrant colors of the Golden Arrowhead flag of Guyana. Lady Ira Lewis, the president and founder of the Guyana American Heritage Foundation (GAHF), organized this festive occasion to commemorate Guyana's 58th Independence Anniversary. The event honored several nationals for their outstanding contributions to the community. 

Honoring Achievements and Contributions 

New Jersey's youngest State Senator, Britnee Timberlake, representing the 34th Legislative District, played a vital role in the ceremony. She presented First Deputy Commissioner Tania I. Kinsella with a State of NJ Resolution. Kinsella was also honored with the Danny Glover Power of Dream Award and the GAHF Trailblazer Award. 

Trail Blazer Awards were also given to Bibi Alli (Power of the Soil), Doris Rodney (Hills Restaurant), Monica Sanchez (Miss Caricom), and Ya-G International Caterers. The Community Service Award was presented to Pandit Vishadarr and MGM Services Group's Levi Langeller. 

Special Senate Resolutions recognized the efforts of Lady Ira Lewis, Tangerine Clarke from Caribbean Life, Molly Etwaroo from New York City Hall, and other GAHF members. 

Remarks from Mayor Ted R. Green 

Ted R. Green, the Mayor of East Orange and a long-time supporter of the Guyanese diaspora, welcomed attendees to City Hall Plaza and expressed his gratitude for the community's contributions to the city.  

"Guyanese are a part of the melting pot here. We thank them for being a part of the government, the police and fire departments, the board of education, and hospitals. All of you are a part of this city, and as the mayor, I am very grateful for that," he said. 

Senator Timberlake's Tribute to the Guyanese Community 

Senator Timberlake, who has served five years in the General Assembly, highlighted the significant Guyanese population in East Orange. "East Orange has one of the highest populations of people from the beautiful land of Guyana, and we are so grateful and so proud of them," she said. 

First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella's Reflections 

First Deputy Commissioner Tania I. Kinsella spoke passionately about her upbringing by a strong Guyanese mother and the impact it had on her career. In her Instagram post, she noted,  

"On Flag Day in New Jersey, we raise the Guyana flag as a symbol of unity and pride for Guyana’s 58th Independence Flag Ceremony." 

Kinsella expressed gratitude for receiving the Resolution Award from the State of New Jersey, highlighting the importance of culture, diversity, and community improvement. 

Special Guests and Messages 

Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore invited Mayor Ted Green to become an honorary Georgetown citizen and visit Guyana. "When he visits the city of Georgetown, he will receive the key to the city," Mentore said. 

Dr. Terrence Blackman, dean of The School of Science and Health Technology at Medgar Evers College, delivered a keynote message urging leaders to focus on unity and inclusivity. "We must challenge our leaders to move beyond narrow lenses. It is time to see a larger Guyanese tribe," he emphasized. 

Looking to the Future 

Guyana is celebrating its 58th Anniversary of Independence with reflections on progress and commitments to further development. President Irfaan Ali highlighted improvements in life expectancy, reduced child and maternal mortality rates, and the country's growing regional and international presence. 

Addressing a flag-raising ceremony, President Ali emphasized the ongoing efforts to build a resilient, strong, and sustainable Guyana. 

Celebrating Independence  

The Independence Anniversary celebration at East Orange City Hall was a testament to the Guyanese community's unity, pride, and contributions. With heartfelt speeches, special awards, and lively entertainment, the event honored the past while looking forward to a bright and prosperous future for Guyana. 

CITED: www.caribbeanlife.com, caribbean.loopnews.com, www.hgptv.com 

See more articles

Carribean Acknowledgement

US Virgin Islands

Learning About the US Virgin Islands 

The US Virgin Islands are officially known as the Virgin Islands of the United States. They are a group of Caribbean islands considered a territory of the United States and located in the Leeward Islands. The main islands belonging to this group are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. However, an additional 50 smaller islands and cays surround them. 

Here, there are jewel-toned waters, rare wildlife, and welcoming residents greeting visitors with contagious smiles. The endless adventures range from kayaking tours and underwater exploration to fascinating historical sites and lounging on pristine beaches. 

History of the US Virgin Islands 

The original residents of the US Virgin Islands were the Caribs, Ciboney, and Arawaks. Like most Caribbean islands, the native people disappeared shortly after Christopher Columbus visited in 1493. However, Columbus and his crew weren't solely responsible for the end of these peaceful and skilled tribes. England, France, Holland, and Denmark also attempted to settle the islands. 

Until 1733, the French successfully claimed St. Croix after overtaking the previous Spanish inhabitants. St. Johns and St. Thomas were colonized by Denmark. They thrived in plantation agriculture during the late 1600s and the early 1700s. Eventually, the Danish bought the third island from France, and the region became known as the Danish West Indies. 

Enslaved people were forced to work long and exhausting days on the plantations. Thousands of enslaved people were set free at the rebellion in St. Croix, but far more remained the colonists' property. Finally, slavery was abolished in 1848. Following this turning point in the islands' history was a collapse of the fragile economy. The next few years were a challenging time for the islands' residents, characterized by several devastating natural disasters and a struggling economy. 

In 1917, the USA purchased St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, which became the US Virgin Islands. The United States improved the declining economy by establishing a tourism industry, which wasn't too difficult with all the islands offered to visitors. Today, the US Virgin Islands is known worldwide as a famous vacation destination. 

Culture in the US Virgin Islands 

The unique culture of the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful blend of Caribbean and American customs, events, values, and arts. For instance, the music you may hear at restaurants and other establishments could be anything from reggae and calypso to blues and American pop.   

The friendly people in the US Virgin Islands are primarily of African or European descent. However, you'll quickly observe that the diverse population comprises Americans, Hispanics, and people from modern-day Europe, too. Most residents speak, write, and read-only English with a distinctive accent. 

A significant part of the culture in the US Virgin Islands is the people's dedication to religions, like Baptist and Catholic Christianity. But they also mix traditional Caribbean values into their practice, like superstitions and stories passed from generation to generation. 

The cuisine for these islands is primarily based on seafood, like many other Caribbean nations. If you're taking a trip to this stunning destination, enjoy the national dish, Fish and Fungi. This unique combination of foods dates back to when Denmark ruled the lands. Hefty portions of fish are served with tender dumplings made from salted cornmeal, shortening, and water.It’s a culinary adventure you’ll not soon forget. 

 

CITED: Wikipedia.org, Visitusvi.com, Vinow.com 

Sunni Baerwalde

Author

Written by: Sunni Baerwalde