Caribbean American Passport News Magazine - March 2019

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Mar/Apr 2019

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Women's

Holi in Bill Frederick Park

History Month

Growing out of a small-town school event in California, Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. The United States has observed it annually throughout the month of March since 1987, but prior to the 1970s, women’s history was virtually an unknown topic in the K-12 curriculum or in general public consciousness.

Throughout this month's issue of Caribbean American Passport News Magazine, you will see various articles highlighting CaribbeanAmerican women and their great contributions to our society in the fields of science, art, education, politics, and more.

Caribbean American Passport Team celebrate Phagwah in Orlando Bill Frederick Park on Turkey Lake Road in Orlando was once again filled with the colorful paint, powder, and joy that we know and love as Holi, or Phagwah.

Phagwah is a Hindu religious holiday observed in March to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Hindus traditionally wear white on Phagwah day and indulge in the throwing upon each other of a harmless liquid called abeer. Abeer is a red dye which symbolizes the blood of the tyrannical King Kiranya who in Hindu lore was ordered burnt alive by his son Prince Prahalad because of the suffering which his people endured at the hands of his father. Powder, perfume, and water are also thrown on family, friends and neighbors on this day by Hindus and non-Hindus alike in what is an amusing, good-natured and joyful celebration....Continued on Pg 10

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L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

SOCA, POLITICS, WORK, SLEEP, EAT, REPEAT These are such trying times. We live in Samuel J. Roberts, America and life is easy on the whole. So Publisher/Editor why does it feel so damn hard, so much of the time? I tried figuring out what to write about in this editorial but there was so much swirling around in my brain. Added to which is the pounding of soca songs that seem to honestly have taken over my brain to push out the politics. Help me! Between Soca and Politics...I hear too many voices in my head.

A day in my brain goes like this...wake up...stretch...How long I ain't see ya...di di dee dum dum. Ugh...Trump. Mueller Report....ugh Breakfast...Savannah Grass, de Savannah Grass. Crap Guenet get it together, you have client reports to do. You have to get out there today, you have meetings. She pack, all mi stuff in a garbage bag. Concentrate... Can't work from home...everyday.

Get it together. Di, di, dee dum, dum.

Just get ready to get out of here...Lord, I am so freaking pissed about the shooting of the Muslims in New Zealand, and look at how fast they banned assault rifles and wow, wish President Trump would learn some empathy from that President....ugh.

Stop thinking about it. Dese people obviously like the man they choose...ugh. With mi famalaylaylaylaylay.

And what the hell is going on in Guyana.

Absolute Majority...President Granger sick...ugh. Did Jagdeo know about this absolute majority thing...if so and he did know...he should be held accountable for what he is doing .

Guyana is being torn apart....ugh. Lord, why everybody seem to have so much complaints about APNU people now...I mean, they had to clean up the drug culture...but they should have really done it with more thought about how money would trickle down to the people. Isn't that what you have to do if you're managing an entire country...ugh. Why is everyone saying they're so remote...ugh.

Girl, focus on America...ugh. Pick up something, anything, Rum tell me to pick up something...omg...I hope to God, that they don't destroy the damn VIP when this song plays at Carnival.

Hmmm...gotta get that on video. Crap, what about in the wider field. I better check out what they doing at festivals when this song come on. Crap, we better schedule a cleaning crew before the venue start cleaning, or they gon charge us more for next year. Crap, Crap, Crap. Mr. Killa, how the hell you come up with this song...wait..what is this one. Oil it...oil it up, Oil it, Oil it up. Lordy, it's almost midnight...thank God, I'm working from home tomorrow.

I gotta get a reggae show going or I may lose my mind.

Reminder call from Jonathan to be on time for the meeting.

No, he is more subtle than that, general call with an end of call reminder about where we are meeting. Get to my first meeting, exactly on time...in the parking lot. Run the rest of the way. Pause, just before going in the door. Deep breath...Fama ...hell no...not now. Totally zoned in for as long as the meeting lasts.

Walk out the door...With mi famalaylaylaylaylay.

Should you desire to review past copies of the publicationgo to http://caribbeanamericanpassport.com and click on the 'Print Archive'.

Oops didn't answer the office...gotta call Sonia back. Hi Sonia, this is what I need you to work on today....30 mins of speaking later...I hope you wrote that all down. She did! Good! Hang up, call back please add this. Hang up, call back and this.

Oops just missed Sam's call. Call him back, after 30 mins of him giving me tasks, he didn't ask if I wrote it down...and I didn't. I really keep telling him to call Sonia, Aleia, Stepheny,, Natasha, Jay or Kadeem...why does he keep giving me the lists?

I'd better call and give Sonia, Aleia, Stephney, Natasha, Jay or Kadeem these tasks, before I forget. Call Sonia...hi hon, could you please let everyone know the following....30 mins later...I hope she got it all.

Editor & Publisher............................................................... Sam Roberts Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Graphic Design & Layout .................................................Samuel Roberts Contributing Writers: ............................................................ Tony Dyal ................................................................................................Ryan Davis .............................................................................................Sandra Fatmi ...............................................................................................Gail Seeram ...........................................................................................Sasha Watson ..........................................................................................Kamal Abdool Contributing Photographers ............ ...................................Ted Hollins ..................................................................................................Dilia Castillo .............................................. .......................................Nancy-Joe Brown Central Florida Distribution...................................................Roy Benn South Florida Distribution ...........................................Norman Williams NorthFlorida Distribution ......................................................Theo Jack Jr. Tampa Distribution ...........................................................Kadeem Roberts

Check in on clients...bliss...for the most part. Totally zoned in.

But then someone brings up politics...ugh. Didn't I tell them I have totally zoned off of all news and have even distanced myself from social media since the election of 2017...ugh.

And now...Jessie Smollett...ugh...What was he thinking...ugh.

1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 Office: 407-427-1800

Fax: 407-386-7925

Toll Free: 877-220-8315 For Media Information email: Publisher: sroberts@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Info: .Info@caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Copyright (C) 2016 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

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Guyana appeals court over turns opposition toppling of government for now In a stunning reversal of political fortunes, a Guyanese appeals court has overturned a late December opposition no confidence vote. That vote had toppled the Afro-Guyanesedominated coalition government ruling that the wrong formula had been used to determine the vote that ousted the administration and forced it into calling emergency general elections.

Two Afro-Guyanese judges, Judiciary Chancellor Yonette Cummings and Dawn Gregory, this past weekend ruled that lawmakers required 34 rather than 33 votes to form an absolute majority of the 65 seats in the assembly to topple the administration of retired army general David Granger. The third appeals Indo-Guyanese judge, Mr. Rishi Persaud, disagreed and ruled that the Indo-Guyanese-dominated opposition People’s Progressive Party had indeed succeeded in winning the no confidence motion when it had persuaded Indo-Guyanese government lawmaker Charrandass Persaud to switch sides and vote yes for the motion. Persaud fled to Canada hours after voting against his own government.

The yes vote had effectively brought down the government and plunged the Caribbean Community’s largest and richest member state into constitutionally unchartered and uncharted waters, perhaps temporarily saved now only by Friday’s 2-1 vote. But the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice is Guyana’s final judicial arbiter and will hear the appeal of the opposition sometime in the coming weeks.

including those related to the country becoming a major oil producer by the third quarter, financial bills for the elections and a slew of others whose passage were interrupted by the no confidence motion.

Still, neither the incumbent coalition grouping nor the PPP is making any political ‘bones’ that the 2020 elections campaign has begun in earnest. On Wednesday, March 27, close to 20 different cabinet ministers along with heads of state and para statal agencies sat under large tents at a city location across from the presidency to “meet and serve the people” at a one-stop public outreach. There citizens can get immediate solutions to problems they have complained about ad nausea. The traveling, mobile outreaches will move around the country as authorities put their foot on the pedal to ensure a second five year term with hundreds of millions of oil revenues looming.

The opposition on the other hand hopes that the final court will see to its arguments of 33 votes and push government back into naming a date for new elections, confident it will win a majority and return to government even as many of its senior leadership are before the courts on criminal corruption charges from 1992-2015.

The opposition, like Parliamentary Speaker Barton Scotland, verily believed that 33 votes had represented a simple and sufficient majority of the 65 sitting members but depending on which side you are on, the contention is that 32.5 is the real half of 65 and therefore the final figure has to be rounded up by adding one more, making it a clear and absolute majority of 34 rather than a simple majority of 33. That is what the regional court is being asked to pronounce on.

Had the judges not so ruled in a stunning outcome for the opposition, authorities were heading with breakneck speed to determine a date for fresh general elections as the law states that such new polls must be held within 90 dates of the Dec. 21 vote. The elections commission has proposed a date any time after late November of this year because it was caught by surprise by the vote, sparking credible allegations that it was siding with government to drag out the life of cabinet until close to its five-year mandate of around mid next year.

The temporary reprieve now means that parliament will be recalled to deal with a slew of outstanding legislation

Visionary Author, Ruby Mabry and Co-Authors of Broken Chains at The Bronze Kingdom. Missing two, Dawn Collins (NC) and Tyria D. Jones (TX). You were there in spirit.

Life’s obstacles can seem overwhelming. When you are struggling to deal with issues such as health problems, the death of loved ones, prejudice, domestic violence, depression and more. It can all be too easy to give up and allow yourself to be chained to your circumstances, but you can break your chains and overcome your obstacles.

8 Courageous Women sharing their stories of overcoming obstacles and living with purpose, on purpose.

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New Author Hortencia Owens A Cathartic Journey From Pain To Grace Abuse and pain are two words that no one wants to hear, but behind the veil of success and achievement, there is life. In Ms. Owens’ first book, she recounts decades of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, which is hidden deep in her soul.

The book is aptly titled “See My Glory Read My Story.” It takes courage and strength to reveal truth, and come out on the other side with an affirmation of love.

“We all have a light inside us, and we can relate and create. The lines may be sometimes blurred between facts and fiction. My story is fact.

Afraid of being judged, afraid of being talked about, afraid of not being liked, simply put just afraid. I am here to say do not let fear get in the way of inspiring others,” explains Ms. Owens.

This book is a hot page turner, and once you pick it up, you can’t put it down. Fighting Back is a prerequisite of being a woman of color, and when you are young, it is so easy to make the wrong decisions.

Sometimes you are fooled, and sometimes you are just not thinking.

This is a story of survival, hope, love, faith, and encouragement.

To learn more about Ms Owens’ story, go to her facebook page, and read the back cover. There are also informational links at: #newauthor, #HortenciaOwens, #newbook, #spirtual, and #theonpointmediagroup.

To order or purchase the book, contact Ms. Owens at aruba.native@yahoo.com or come to her book signing Saturday, March 23rd from 2 to 4pm at the Maitland Civic Center/Venue on the Lake, Rotary Room, 641 South Maitland Ave. Maitland Fl. 32751.

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Consul General and Honorary Chair of the Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF), Mr. R. Oliver Mair (2nd right) sharing a proud moment with newly elected Executive Board members and scholarship awardees at the recent Annual Women's Empowerment Conference and Scholarship Luncheon, last Saturday (Mar.23) at the Jungle Island, Miami. JWOF members also celebrated sixth (6th) anniversary since the inception of the organization, April 2013, and is continuing their mission of empowering women through mentorship, educationand personal development.

From left: scholarship awardees Mikala Uter (2019); Rachel Wildman (2016); Taylor Reid (2019); June Minto, JWOF newlyelected President; Brianna Murphy (2018); and Arlene Lewis Marr (newly elected Vice President. Jamaican Joy Spence, OD, CD, the first woman to achieve the position of Master Blender in the spirits industry, globally, engaged the over 200 audience with a story of outstanding accomplishment with much humor and humility. The audience also joined in discussions as they listened intently to several accomplished panelists who shared their experiences and insightson topics of TRANSFORMATION and MENTORING.

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THE LITTLE-KNOWN STORIES OF TWO REVOLUTIONARY CARIBBEAN WOMEN

By Amílcar Sanatan There is a ‘lost history’ of radical women and women’s organizing in the Caribbean for social and economic justice that changed our landscape for more than a century.

When we think of great leaders, we think of presidents, prime ministers and heads of revolutionary movements. In our collective memory, we sometimes forget the immense sacrifices of left organizers for social, economic and political change. Yet, not all revolutionaries and martyrs are equal.

Working class, non-white, activist, and left women from the Global South suffer from the greatest invisibility. There is a ‘lost history’ of radical women and women’s organizing in the Caribbean for social and economic justice that changed our landscape for more than a century.

In what will forever be remembered as the July 26 Movement, a young Fidel Castro led a failed attack against the Moncada army barracks in Santiago de Cuba in an attempt to inspire a national uprising against dictator Batista. While many of his comrades were slaughtered in the action, the passionate and idealistic Fidel, in 1954 wrote a lengthy critique of capitalism in the Isle of Pines prison, decrying the social and economic ills of Cuba under dictatorial rule instead of making a defense regarding the charges brought against him.

In a speech that has been remembered for one of its precious lines, “History will absolve me,” Fidel Castro joined the distinguished tradition of revolutionaries who defended themselves in court by advancing their radical political beliefs. One year before Fidel would be absolved by history, Claudia Jones, made her defense in a U.S. court challenging the imprisonment she faced because of her communist beliefs.

Claudia Jones was a prominent Caribbean radical organizer and thinker to communities in the U.S. and U.K. Jones combined Marxism-Leninism, decolonization, anti-imperialist and anti-sexist politics to make sense of the social and political situation of her day.

Carol Boyce Davies places Jones’ lifelong revolutionary work into the canon of left radicalism that has too widely been interpreted in androcentric terms.

Even though we can consider Claudia Jones a “female political and intellectual equivalent of C.L.R James, “her omission from historical narratives, including left scholarship and analysis, has served to undermine the urgent theorizing of questions concerning women in general and Black women in the First and Third Worlds.

In 1953, under the Smith Act in the U.S., Claudia Jones delivered a speech to the court at her trial for “subversive activities” aimed at overthrowing the U.S. government. She was sentenced to a year in jail, and afterward, was deported. Her speech to the court was one of rhetorical brilliance. In a section of her speech, she questions the logic of her sentencing through a series of questions that illustrate the irrationality and oppressive character of the charges brought against her.

She expresses her political beliefs against the war in Korea, against the alienation of workers under capitalism and her support for freedom of speech. She described the trial as a “trial of ideas.” Jones stands firm in her convictions fearlessly, “I say these things not with any idea that

what I say will influence your sentence of me. For, even with all the power your Honor holds, how can you decide to mete out justice for the only act to which I proudly plead guilty, and one, moreover, which by your own prior rulings constitutes no crime—that of holding Communist ideas” Before Fidel and his case against the economic and social misery of Cuba, before Claudia and her communist convictions, Elma Francois, a domestic worker and labor organizer, on sedition charges, defended herself. Francois was born in St. Vincent and migrated to Trinidad and Tobago as a worker in 1919. She began as a domestic worker.She expresses her political beliefs against the war in Korea, against the alienation of workers under capitalism and her support for freedom of speech. She described the trial as a “trial of ideas.” Jones stands firm in her convictions fearlessly, “I say these things not with any idea that what I say will influence your sentence of me. For, even with all the power your Honor holds, how can you decide to mete out justice for the only act to which I proudly plead guilty, and one, moreover, which by your own prior rulings constitutes no crime—that of holding Communist ideas” Before Fidel and his case against the economic and social misery of Cuba, before Claudia and her communist convictions, Elma Francois, a domestic worker and labor organizer, on sedition charges, defended herself. Francois was born in St. Vincent and migrated to Trinidad and Tobago as a worker in 1919. She began as a domestic worker.

Elma Francois was the first woman in the history of Trinidad and Tobago tried for sedition in 1938. During her self-defense, Francois outlined the outlook of the Negro Welfare Cultural and Social Association and its commitment to the development and empowerment of the oppressed ‘Negro people’ of the West Indies. She then drew on examples of international struggles and discerned what is most to her cause, she cited, for example, land struggles in Kenya and workers’ mobilizations in the U.K. More poignantly, she argued that workers are concerned with transforming their material conditions above all else, “I said that hundreds of workers were being placed in jail. I said that jail sentences and executions do not solve our problems. It is only by organized unity that we can … better our conditions … I said workers of the world were not prepared to fight in any way but for bread, peace and liberty.”

Unlike Claudia Jones, eventually, she was found not guilty.

The parallels among Francois, Jones and Fidel are as remarkable as they are unsurprising. All these revolutionaries on trial linked their causes to broader struggles of workers against exploitation of the ruling classes internationally and expressed their political beliefs fearlessly in defense of intellectual and political freedom. In this sense then, Claudia Jones and Elma Francois belong to a long radical tradition of revolutionary self-defense and are deserving of historical absolution.

Elma Francois of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (left)was the first person tried for sedition in Trinidad & Tobago – and she won her case. Claudia Jones (right), was tried in the USA for her communist ideas and sentenced to one year imprisonment, but she was also considered the ‘female politica equal to CLR James’.

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Orlando Carnival Downtown 2019 Mas Bands Fete Massterz: 407-432-7064 Carnival Fantasy: 678-392-7200 Lituation Mas: 321-460-9741 Unruly Nation: 321-594-3720 La Pasion Carnival Band: 407-580-1895 Sound Quest Band: 407-952-8840 Masfeters: 470-492-9978 Backyard Mas LLC: 718-772-6329 Highlander Mas: 646-387-1850 Unruly Mas Band: 407-917-7895 Carnival Unruly Nation: 321-594-3720 Krew: 407-234-2231 Orlando Carnival Inquiries: 407-427-1800

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Tourism in Jamaica Driving Economic Growth through Events and Experiential Activities Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica’s tourism industry has benefited tremendously from the recent staging of mega culinary and entertainment festivals.

In the month of March, Jamaica hosted its second annual Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival, the inaugural Jamaica Rum Festival as well as the muchanticipated Buju Banton Long Walk to Freedom concert.

Each event saw thousands of patrons, with many visiting from overseas. “I am very happy to announce that tourism arrivals have been impacted positively in March, from these mega-festivals. They provided an opportunity for us to broaden the market by bringing more people to the destination to meet a variety of passion points which embody the very best of our food, culture and music,” said Minister Bartlett. The Minister also noted that preliminary figures indicate that arrivals for Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport, last Friday, ahead of Buju Banton’s Long Walk to Freedom concert, show that 2,434 foreign nationals visited. This represents a 143% increase over the same period last year. The data from the Jamaica Tourist Board also shows that 7,389 foreign nationals arrived into Montego Bay on Friday, which is a 58% increase over the same day last year. “The arrivals over the weekend have been very strong and as an industry we are ecstatic.

Our focus on our core tourist arrivals remains on strong footing from our key source markets. Since the start of the year, as at yesterday we have receive 72,999 more visitors than last year overt the same period,” said the Minister.

Buju Banton Removes Infamous Homophobic Song from His Catalog Reggae icon Buju Banton banned his 1992 dancehall hit, “Boom Bye Bye,” from his music catalog, according to UrbanIslandz.com.

Although the Jamaican-born artist has not performed the song since 2007, the anti-LGBT song has been at the center of several debates on its language. On the recording, he raps “boom bye, bye inna batty bwoy head,” which translates to putting a bullet through a gay man’s head.

“In recent days there has been a great deal of press coverage about the song ‘Boom Bye Bye’ from my past which I long ago stopped performing and removed from any platform that I control or have influence over,” Banton said.

The song has been removed from streaming Tidal, Apple Music and Spotify.

“I recognize that the song has caused much pain to listeners, as well as to my fans, my family and myself. After all the adversity we’ve been through I am determined to put this song in the past and continue moving forward as an artist and as a man,” he continued. “I affirm once and for all that everyone has the right to live as they so choose. In the words of the great Dennis Brown, ‘Love and hate can never be friends.’ I welcome everyone to my shows in a spirit of peace and love. Please come join me in that same spirit.”

The song was written when Banton was a teen about a pedophile who had molested a young boy.

The reggae artist now wants to honor the lives of all people and understands how “Boom Bye, Bye” can be seen as advocating for the murder of a specific group. He denied feeling forced by the LGBTQ community for the progressive decision.

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Holi Festival & Indian Horizon of Florida

Indian Horizon of Florida Inc. was founded in 2003 and is

a Non-profit organization (501-C-3) promoting Arts and Culture with local talent, who have performed for us for many years in Central Florida area. We promote Diwali Mela, Orlando's largest and only Diwali celebration along with Indian heritage day And many other programs .

Our mission is to preserve the Indian culture and arts to the highest level with the cooperation of the community and the parents and student. For more information or to offer your support, please contact us at 321-662-1887

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Clermont Caribbean Jerk Festival Saturday May 4th

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Poet Janet Autherine Releases New Book in Celebration of National Poetry Month Poet, author, and publisher Janet Autherine celebrates National Poetry Month during April, with the release of her latest literary work Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul: Poems and Inspiration to Live and Love Harmoniously, available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle edition.

found on her website at www.JanetAutherine.com.

Autherine is available for media interviews, speaking engagements, and book signings.

To reach her directly, send an email message to: JanetAutherine@GrowIntoGreatness.com.

Inspired by her own personal journey, Autherine says she wrote this book to capture the love stories of women through poetry and create solidarity through common struggles. “It supports and empowers women who pour so much love into others that their spiritual, mental and physical jars are often empty,” she notes. Throughout the pages of the first section, “Wild Heart,” the reader is taken on a deep dive into self-discovery while navigating through strong feelings of inadequacy, brokenness, and rejection, a sentiment often experienced by women in search of unconditional love.

The second half of the book, “Peaceful Soul,” unveils a unique strength in reclaiming the heart through a practice of self-love, sisterhood, and expressed joy.

“Sometimes we have to create the perfect landing place in our soul,” notes the poet. “This collection of poems describes fundamental truths and balance for a heart filled with purpose, Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul is the yin and yang of love.”

Synopsis – The Art of Loving a Broken Vessel A broken vessel needs love the most | Repair it with gentle hands and a kind heart | Apply patience to the bumps and rough edges | Fill the vulnerable places with love | Turn its broken pieces into perfectly imperfect art | Treasure the masterpiece that you have restored “I wrote this book of poetry to inspire fierce passion, selflove, and a heart to enjoy the journey,” says Autherine.

Autherine has also authored the book, Growing into Greatness with God: 7 Paths to Greatness for Our Sons & Daughters, available on Amazon. The long-awaited book, Everything is Irie, an Island Girl’s Approach to Mindful Living, is expected to be released later this year.

The public is invited to attend the author’s book signing event Saturday, April 13, 2019, at 3:00 p.m., at Bronze Kingdom, Orlando Fashion Square Mall, 3201 E. Colonial Drive, M16, Orlando, Florida 32803.

About Janet Autherine, J.D. Janet Autherine is a poet, author, publisher, and attorney, originally from Jamaica and currently living in Central Florida with her three sons. As a book enthusiast and storyteller, she introduces readers to inspirational writings through her blogs and publishing company, Autherine Publishing. Autherine attended Pennsylvania State University, receiving an undergraduate degree in Labor Relations. She also graduated from Boston College Law School (JD) and the Georgetown Law Center (LL.M in Taxation). Autherine’s blog, Growing into Greatness, is described as growth through books, poetry, positivity and purpose, with a healthy dose of mindfulness and meditation. The author is also a proud introvert, sharing experiences through her blog, The Introvert Village.

Autherine’s blogs and writing project, Women Leaving Footprints in the Sand, a piece designed to celebrate the lives of women who are walking in their purpose, may be

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Carnival Fantasy Mas Band - Costumes

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In sickness or in health?

“Doctor Bell fell down the well And broke his collar bone, Doctors should attend the sick And leave the well alone.”

That would be great advice if doctors were able to easily determine who is sick and who is well, but while this sounds simple, it might not be all that straightforward, either to diagnose or treat.

Some are child’s play, as in the case where the panicking mother went to the doctor and said anxiously, “Doctor, doctor, my little boy has just swallowed a roll of film.”

The doctor, in complete control, advised calmly, “Well, let’s just wait and see if anything develops.”

Another complained that her daughter got heartburn every time she ate birthday cake.

The doctor suggested wisely, “Next time, take off the candles.”

Unfortunately, there are some issues that are more difficult to deal with.

FINDINGS CHANGED A few years ago, my doctor told me that my cholesterol level was too high and that I had to cut my cholesterol intake to reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke or high blood pressure.

However, a report in the British Medical Journal stated that reducing cholesterol increases the chances of death through fatal accidents, suicide and violence. A study in another journal, Lancet, reported a link between low cholesterol and increased incidence of depression among men over 70, although one critic said that being over 70 is enough reason to be depressed.

Even more cause for depression can be found in the case of a patient who went to the doctor to check on his cholesterol levels.

After the tests, the doctor told him, “I have good news for you. Your cholesterol has stayed the same. But the bad news is, the research findings have changed.”

FAT OR FIT If there is any situation that is worse than the cholesterol conflict in terms of health, it is the difference between ‘fat’ and ‘fit’.

Michael Forbes recently wrote in Huffpost that for 60 years, doctors and researchers have known two things that could have improved, or even saved, millions of lives.

The first is that diets do not work. Not just paleo or Atkins or Weight Watchers or Goop, but all diets. Since 1959, research has shown that 95 to 98 per cent of attempts to lose weight fail and that two-thirds of dieters gain back more than they lost.

The second big lesson is that weight and health are not perfect synonyms. Studies have found that anywhere from one-third to three-quarters of people classified as obese are metabolically healthy. They show no signs of elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance or high cholesterol.

Meanwhile, about a quarter of non-overweight people are what epidemiologists call ‘the lean unhealthy’.

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By Tony Deyal

FITNESS COUNTS A 2016 study that followed participants for an average of 19 years found that unfit skinny people were twice as likely to get diabetes as fit fat people.According to the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Texas, a study of 25,000 men for 20 years said that it is not fatness but fitness that counts. Thin people who don’t exercise are more at risk than fat people who do.

The head of the institute is quoted as saying that when researchers study obese people, they find illnesses they blame on fat. However, it is laziness (on the part of those who are studied, as well as those who study them) that is to blame. There is this slim man who told his doctor that he wasn’t able to do all the things around the house that he used to do. When the examination was complete, he said: “Now, Doc, I can take it. Tell me in plain English what is wrong with me.”

“Well, in plain English,” the doctor replied, “you’re just lazy.”

“Okay,” said the man. “Now give me the medical term so I can tell my wife.”

However, weight is not the only difference. While size is supposedly not everything, the research shows an enormous contradiction.

One study came up with the conclusion that women with a breast size of D cup scored approximately 10 IQ points higher than women with A or B cups. Implants didn’t count. However, statisticians assert that well-endowed women are viewed as less intelligent because men pay more attention to their cleavage than their conversation.

SPORTS AND SEX Another contradiction of sorts is about sports and sex.

Shape magazine claimed, “Muhammad Ali always abstained before hitting the ring. Even Plato said Olympic athletes should avoid sex before competition. But science suggests doing the deed won’t actually zap all that energy or be a distraction during the kick-off. In fact, an orgasm might help combat muscle pain for ladies, while a testosterone boost could even help build strength for men. (As if the act itself wasn’t reason to take part!).”

However, another study finds that whether you’re slim or large, big sports events can be bad for sex. Isis, a healthcare market research company, says that sales of erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra dipped during the World Cup in 2002.

Prescriptions dropped from about 25,000 a month to 13,000, proving that the men were getting high on sports and nothing else.

In unrelated news, a global survey in the British Journal of Science found that penile fracture is “not rare”. This proves that watching sports on television is not the only way to really break up a relationship.

Tony Deyal was last seen saying that if the contradictory research upsets you, take the doctor’s advice to the patient who kept repeating frantically, “I keep thinking I’m a clock! I keep thinking I’m a clock!” “Stay calm,” the doctor said. “There is no need to get yourself wound up.”

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Orlando Carnival Downtown 2019

CAFA Caribbean Fusion Festival

One of Orlando’s largest cultural spectacles Orlando Carnival Downtown - will take place once again over Memorial Day Weekend. On Sunday, May 26th join the annual celebration of Caribbean culture in the form of live performances, food, and a parade of Mas Bands through downtown Orlando.

On April 28, 2019 the Caribbean and Floridian Association - CAFA - will host their 28th Annual Caribbean Fusion Festival and free health fair at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Downtown, Kissimmee. This Annual Caribbean Spring Festival celebrates the diversity of Osceola County through Music, Food and Arts in the form of free, family friendly event.

The free parade runs along Church Street between the Amway and Camping World Stadium. The main event takes place on Tinker Field at Camping World Stadium, where live performances by the biggest Caribbean artists will be held.

Orlando Carnival Downtown features a variety of vendors as well as an array of food and drinks from all over the Caribbean.

This year, the Orlando Carnival Downtown team is excited to present ONE Carnival highlighting UNITY and DIVERSITY. The event runs from 12pm - 11pm. Advanced Admission is $20, with VIP tickets and packages available starting at $75.

Sponsorship positions and Business/Food Vendor booths are still available. Contact 407-427-1800 with inquiries.

The Caribbean is a distinctive blend of African, Indian, Asian, European and Hispanic Cultures and those rich cultures are alive in Osceola County. At the Caribbean Fusion Festival, you will relish in this diversity in one place as you take in the sounds of kompa, reggae, merengue, steelband and soca while enjoying the food and drinks of the Caribbean.

As you experience CAFA's Caribbean Fusion, be sure to visit the Free Health Fair, where health professionals provide screenings in all the vital areas of healthcare, as well as health and dental education. The health fair has become an integral part of the CAFA Fusion Festival and runs from 11am - 3pm.

CAFA is a 501 C-3 non-profit organization and has to raise funds to host the Festival.

Sponsors and vendors are key to creating this wonderful free family friendly festival.

Current sponsors of the event include Experience Kissimmee, City of Kissimmee, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Center State Bank and Caribbean American Passport News Magazine. Companies are invited to sponsor or to reserve a booth at this event. For more information on participating go to www.cafainc.org.

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Knock, Knock – Immigration at your door! Free Consultation

By Gail Seeram

During fiscal year 2017, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Immigration & Custom Enforcement removed or deported 226,119 individuals from the United States. Contact Immigration Lawyer Gail Seeram for a free consultation if you are in deportation.

Unfortunately, many individuals don’t know what to expect if Immigration comes knocking at their door due to an expired visa/ I-94, initiation of removal/deportation proceeding due to commission of a crime, or execution of a final order of removal/ deportation. Also, Immigration can visit your job and detained you at your worksite. Recently, Immigration has engaged in numerous worksite raids at corporations that hire a large number of immigrants.

6. Do Not Sign any Documents: The Immigration Officer will present numerous documents to you for your signature. DO NOT SIGN ANY DOCUMENTS. Simply write, “Refuse to Sign” in the signature block.

There have been numerous cases where immigrants sign documents not knowing that they are waiving a judicial hearing and choosing expedited removal/deportation. Once an attorney is retained to represent you, the attorney will review the documents and advise you of the legal ramifications of each document.

1. Be Respectful: Refer to the Immigration Officer as “Sir” or “Madam” or “Officer.” Though the Immigration Officer may not treat you with respect, you should show respect because the decisions regarding your detention, issuance of bond, or release initially rest in their hands.

7. Do Not Submit to Threats by Immigration Officer: I have heard stories of Immigration Officers making threatening remarks such as “If you don’t sign these documents or cooperate, we will hold you here for 6-9 months” or “If you hire an attorney, we will deport you tomorrow”. Do not believe these statements. Removal/deportation is a process and takes at least 2-3 months with a final order or removal/deportation. Immigration Officers don’t like to see you hire an attorney because you will be advised of reliefs and waivers that will allow you to remain in the U.S. Additionally, they know that when an attorney is involved, they must be on their best behavior because the attorney will not hesitate to speak with their supervisor or file a complaint against the Department of Homeland Security.

2. Get the name of the Immigration Officer: ask the officer for his/ her business card. If he/she is not willing to give you a business card, then casually ask for his/her name. Make a mental note or write down their name.

8. Exercise Right for Bond Hearing: The Immigration Officer will ask you if you want a hearing to determine bond – always answer, “Yes”.

Contact your family members and tell them to hire an immigration attorney to represent you at the hearing.

3. Ask the Immigration Officer where you are being taken: this is very important because in most states, Immigration has more than one detention center. As an immigration lawyer, I find it difficult to locate my clients when the family members cannot tell me where my client is being held. Sometimes, it takes 2-3 hours to call every detention center in the state to locate my client. Immigration is not always very helpful.

9. Be Patient: It is tough to be held in a detention center and to be away from your family. I always urge my clients to be patience with the process and don’t rush to give up and opt for removal/ deportation without a hearing. In most cases, my clients that are held in detention are eligible for some type of relief from removal/ deportation but we can only apply for such relief in immigration court. There is a 1-2 years backlog in the immigration court but when you are in detention center, your case can take 3-6 months.

So, what are the DO’S and DON’TS if Immigration comes knocking at your door or job?

4. While being processed-ask to use the phone: the first place Immigration will take you is to an office where you will be fingerprinted and photograph. They will also ask you questions about your status and family member and create a “Record of Proceeding”. Also, they will serve you with a “Notice to Appear,” which initiates the removal/deportation process. Politely ask the Immigration officer if you can use the phone to call your family member to let them know you are safe.

5. Inform family member where you are & name of Immigration Officer: Once you get to speak with your family member, give them the name of the detention center you will be taken to and the name of the Immigration officer. This information will be helpful to the immigration attorney hired to represent you.

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10. Inform Immigration Officer of Special Dietary Needs or Medical Conditions: If you have special dietary or food needs (such as vegetarian), make sure you inform the immigration officer so they can make the proper arrangements for your food. Also, if you have any medical conditions and require daily medicine, advise the immigration officer so they can have your family bring your medicine or make arrangements for you to have your medicine at the detention facility.

Remember, at the end of the day, though Immigration Officers try to make you feel that they are trying to help you, they are more concerned with their job security and showing statistically that the U.S. is safer due to increased removal/deportation.

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St. Thomas Welcomes Virgin Islands' First Little Free Library St. Thomas is now home to the Territory's first Little Free Library, an international neighborhood book exchange program that will give children and residents of all ages access to free reading material.

Earlier this month, the first Little Free Library was installed at the Havensight Mall near Smoking Rooster with the help of volunteers from the University of Alaska and Howard University. Volunteers worked with My Brother's Workshop (MBW) as part of their participation in the Department of Tourism's Purpose in Paradise voluntourism program, which matches visitors interested in contributing their time or resources with projects in need of assistance.

Made possible by philanthropic support from Carnival Corporation, Princess Cruises and Princess Cruises Community Foundation, "Little Free Libraries VI" will be a shared resource that aims to encourage and inspire not only a love of reading but also community engagement. The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) is managing the funds and overall implementation of the project.

"At Princess Cruises, we are reminded on a daily basis how interconnected we are with the communities and people around the world," said Karen Reich, Executive Director of Princess Cruises Community Foundation. "That's why we are thrilled to help bring the first Little Free Library to St. Thomas, which we hope will inspire a love of reading, spark creativity and foster community."

(Above) Tourism industry and community representatives at this month's unveiling.

(At Right) A young patron gets a glimpse of the Library's offerings.

(Below) The first Little Free Library in the U.S. Virgin Islands is unveiled.

Upon arrival, Princess Cruises' passengers eagerly donated gently used books. Within two hours of assembling the 'run off' donation box, donations exceeded 100 books.

In the coming months, volunteers will install approximately two dozen Little Libraries across St. Thomas and St. John. The project partners are also exploring additional funding and partnership opportunities to expand the project to St. Croix.

"We are excited to see our months of planning come to fruition," noted CFVI's Director of Grants and Programs, Anna Wheatley Scarbriel.

"When the Carnival and Princess teams approached us about supporting hurricane recovery, we knew we wanted to incorporate unique initiatives that would touch on some of our preexisting challenges, such as improving literacy and enriching the lives of our children and youth."

MBW Executive Director Jenny Hawkes noted: "Little Free Libraries is a program that the youth in our community will benefit from and MBW is happy to be a part of bringing this initiative to the VI!" In promoting the program, the Department of Tourism joins communitybased organizations in the Territory in seeking to meet a critical need of children throughout the Virgin Islands.

"We are honored to have the support of Carnival Corporation and Princess Cruises in bringing Little Free Libraries to the U.S. Virgin Islands and helping our young people gain much needed access to these resources," stated Commissioner Nominee Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

"The goals of the program align strongly with our vision for the Purpose in Paradise initiative," he added, while encouraging visitors and residents to visit the neighborhood locations and donate books.

The Territory's Little Free Libraries are started with preassembled kits and operate on the practice of "leave a book, take a book".

The world's largest book-sharing movement, Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization with more than 80,000 registered book-sharing boxes in 91 countries worldwide.

For more information about the national Little Free Library program, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

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