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Every year, Emancipation Day is observed across the United States and around the world as a moment of remembrance, reflection, and celebration. At its heart, the observance honors the abolition of slavery and the generations who endured unimaginable suffering while also paying tribute to their resilience, cultural legacy, and the ongoingfightforjusticeandequality.
In the U.S., Emancipation Day commemorations vary by state and community. For example, April 16 is celebrated in Washington, D.C., marking the 1862 act signed by President Abraham Lincoln that freed over 3,000 enslaved persons in the capital months before the Emancipation Proclamation. Similarly, Juneteenth—June 19, 1865 —recognizes the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Proclamation. Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, representing the broader significance of emancipation inAmericanhistory.
These observances serve not only as reminders of freedom but also as a call to acknowledge the systemic struggles that followed, including segregation, discrimination, and inequitiesthatpersisttothisday.
Beyond the U.S., Emancipation Day is deeply rooted in the histories of countriesshapedbythetransatlantic slavetrade.....cont'donpg.#5
Rum,Freedom,andLegacy
The
GifttotheWorld
Rit is a living reminder of history,resilience, and culture. Born in the Caribbean during the era of slavery, rum’s story is inseparable from the struggles and triumphs of the people who cultivated sugarcane fields under brutal conditions. Today, what was once a symbol of exploitation has become a symbol of heritage, artistry, and emancipation, which is celebrated worldwideasoneofthefinestspirits.
Rum originated in the 17th century, when enslaved Africans, forced to laboronsugarplantations,discovered
the waste product of sugar refining, could be fermented and distilled into a potent drink. Plantation owners turned rum into an export commodity, fueling the “triangular trade” between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. For generations, the spirit was tied to oppression,servingascurrencyinthe slave trade and as part of the daily rationsgiventoenslavedworkers.
Yet, even in the shadow of bondage, rum also became a quiet emblem of resistance.Enslavedpeoplepreserved fragmentsoftheirtraditionsthrough music, food, and the very born of theirlabor..Cont'donPage5
Caribbean’s
SamuelJ.Roberts, Publisher/Editor
GuenetGittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor
TheDivineRhythmofTiming,Faith,Belief,andDestiny
Lifehasawayoftestingusinwayswe neverexpect.Wesetoutonapathwithavisioninourhearts,a dreamwebelievein,andapurposewearedeterminedtofulfill. But along life's journey, the road is rarely straight or easy. Obstacles appear, doubts creep in, and the weight of uncertaintypressesonus.
It is in these moments that we learn one of life’s greatest lessons:obstaclesarenotalwaysbarriersmeanttostopus,they areoftentestsofourfaith,testofourcommitment,designedto strengthenourvisionforthelongrun.
Whenwecarryavision,whetherforourfamilies,ourcareers, ourcommunities,orourselves,itbecomesaguidinglight.But holdingontothatlightisnoteasywhenstormsrisearoundus. Challenges can make us question whether we are on the right pathatall.
Wewonder,isthisreallymeantforus?Arewepushingagainst something that isn’t supposed to happen? Yet often, the very difficultiesweencounterarenotsignstogiveupbutreminders totrusttheprocess.
Faith teaches us that even when the way seems blocked, the visionplantedwithinuswasnotplacedtherebyaccident.
Attimes,itfeelsasthougheverythingwehopedforisdelayed ordenied.Butdelayisnotdenial,itispreparation.Timingisan invisible thread woven into the fabric of destiny. The opportunitiesthatpassusbymaynothavebeenourstobegin with, and the ones that return to us often do so at the exact momentwearereadytoreceivethem.
We may not understand it while we’re in the middle of the struggle, but when we look back, we realize that the setbacks wereactuallysetupsforsomethinggreater.
Therearemomentsalongthispathwhentheevidenceofdivine intervention becomes undeniable. At our lowest points, when doubtisloudestandhopeishardesttohold,somethingshifts. A person enters our lives with encouragement. A door opens thatwedidn’tevenknowexisted.Achanceencounterleadsto opportunity.
These are not coincidences. They are reminders of a higher power,adivinehandguidingus,testingus,andstrengthening us. They are whispers from God, 'Stay the course.' 'Keep the faith'.'Donotlosesightofyourvision'.
Perhaps the hardest part of the journey is when faith collides withfear.Whenresourcesarescarce,whenthepathisunclear, when the vision seems too far away, when the rains and lightningpourdown,itisthenthatfaithmattersmost.
Faithdoesnoterasethechallenge;itempowersustowalk through it. Faith is not about ignoring doubt; it is about choosing to believe in spite of it. It is what gives us the couragetotakethenextstep,evenwhenwecannotseethe fullroadahead.
Destiny is not revealed in comfort but in perseverance. It is shaped in the choices we make when the odds seem against us. And it is confirmed when, despite everything, wefindthattherightopportunities,therightpeople,and the right timing align in ways we could never have orchestratedourselves.
The vision we carry was given to us for a reason. The obstacleswefacearetheretotesthowdeeplywebelievein it.AndthemomentsofbreakthroughareproofthatGodis present,guidingustowardourdestiny.
Whendoubtorchallengesarise,remember:obstaclesmay besteppingstones,anddelaysmaybepreparationforthe rightmoment.Trustthevision,trustthetiming,andtrust God’s guidance. Even in darkness, the right people, opportunities, and doors will come, if you hold the path andkeepthefaith.
1969AlafayaTrail•Orlando,FL32828
Office:407-427-1800 Fax:407-386-7925
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ForMediaInformationemail:Publisher: sroberts@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Info:.Info@caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Shouldyoudesiretoreviewpastcopiesofthepublicationgoto
http://caribbeanamericanpassport.comandclickonthe'PrintArchive'.
SamRoberts
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Publisher...........................................................
GuenetGittens-Roberts
SamuelRoberts
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ContributingWriters:............................................................
TonyDyal
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DiliaCastillo
IsraelTorres
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2016
Copyright(C) GGRMarketing&PublicRelations.Allrightsreserved.
REALESTATE WITHKADEEM
APlan-FirstApproachtoRealEstateSuccesswithKadeemRoberts
In a fast-moving Central Florida market, where homes can move in days and multiple offers are the norm, KadeemRobertsstandsoutforhisstraightforward,planfirst approach. Based in Orlando, Roberts has built a reputationforguidingfirst-timebuyers,growingfamilies, and investors through the region's competitive landscape withclarity,consistency,andconfidence.
Rather than chasing listings without direction, Roberts begins every client relationship with a discovery conversation.Thisinitialstepensuresthatabuyer’sgoals, budget,timeline,andlifestyleneeds,aretranslatedintoa practical,personalizedroadmap.Whetherit’sfindingthe right school district, shortening a daily commute, or identifying properties with strong rental potential, Robertskeepstheplancenteredonwhatmattersmost.
Once goals are clear, Roberts leverages his deep knowledgeoftheCentralFloridamarkettostreamlinethe searchprocess.Clientsreceivecuratedpropertyselections that match their criteria, targeted showings that respect their time, and data-driven pricing guidance to avoid costly missteps. His commitment to consistent communication means clients are never left wondering
aboutnextstepsormarketshifts.
But Roberts’ value doesn’t stop at the closing table. Withalong-termfocus,hepreparesclientsnotonlyto buywiselybutalsotoownwellandbuildlastingvalue.
From budgeting for hidden costs to anticipating future resale or rental opportunities, his approach is rooted in creatingsecurityandsustainabilityforeveryhouseholdhe serves.
TipsforBuyersfromKadeemRoberts-
- Get pre-approved early. A pre-approval letter strengthens your offer and sets a clear budget ceiling beforeyoustepintoyourfirstshowing.
-Define priorities. Separate must-haves from nice-tohaves. In a fast-moving market, clarity allows you to act decisivelywhentherighthomeappears.
-Planbeyondthepurchase.Budgetnotjustforthedown paymentbutalsoforinspections,insurance,andreserves. Ahomeshouldbeasourceofstability,notstrain.
-Stay patient but ready. The best opportunities often come at unexpected moments. With a clear plan, you’ll be ready to move quickly when the right home comes along.
“ForRoberts,realestateisaboutmorethantransactions —it’s about trust, care, and helping buyers in Central Floridabuildastrongfoundationforthefuture.”
By Israel Torres
EmancipationDay-AGlobalCelebrationCelebration
Nations across the Caribbean—including Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, and Jamaica—celebrate August 1 as Emancipation Day, marking the 1834 AbolitionofSlaveryActthroughouttheBritishEmpire.
In Canada, August 1 is recognized as Emancipation Day nationwide, reflecting the country’s role as both a site of enslavement and a refuge through the Underground Railroad. Across Latin America and Africa, communities alsohonorabolitionmilestoneswithfestivals,lectures,and cultural ceremonies that highlight the contributions of Africandescendants.
The celebration of Emancipation Day is not only about history, it is about identity, culture, and progress. It providesanopportunitytoteachfuturegenerationsabout the realities of slavery ensures that its lessons are not forgotten.
Celebratetheculture,themusic,dance,food,andartfrom African and Caribbean traditions highlight the creativity andresilienceofpeopleofAfricandescent.
As the world continues to wrestle with questions of justice and inclusion, Emancipation Day stands as a powerfulreminder,thefreedomgainedbyourancestors isbothagiftandaresponsibility,acalltobuildsocieties thattrulyhonorthedignityofeveryhumanbeing.
EmancipationDayisultimatelyaboutmorethantheend ofslavery,itisaboutthebeginningoffreedom,thebirth of cultural resilience, and the enduring pursuit of equality. Whether observed in Florida, Washington, Kingston,Guyana,PortofSpain,Toronto,orelsewhere, thedaybindscommunitiestogetheracrossborders.
Emancipation Day reminds us that the fight for equality is ongoing, urging societies to confront racism, discrimination,andinequalitywherevertheyexist.
The global observance underscores that freedom and humandignityareuniversalvalues.
Rum,Freedom,andLegacy
The
Caribbean’sGifttotheWorld...Cont'dfrompage1
EmancipationintheCaribbeanduringthe19thcenturydid not erase the painful history of sugar and rum, but it transformed its meaning. Over time, rum shifted from beingasymbolofoppressiontooneofidentityandcultural pride.Today,itisliftedintoastsduringCarnival,pouredat weddings, and sipped in remembrance of ancestors who enduredandovercame.
Rum, once forged in suffering, now celebrates survival, creativity,andfreedom.
MountGay(Barbados)
Theworld’soldestrumdistillery,foundedin1703,tellsthe story of both colonial wealth and modern heritage. Its smooth, caramel-rich flavor embodies centuries of craftsmanshipfromthebirthplaceofrum.
AppletonEstate(Jamaica)
Known for its bold character and tropical fruit notes, Appleton reflects Jamaica’s strength and resilience. Each bottle is a blend of artistry and authenticity tied deeply to theisland’sspiritofindependence.
ElDorado(Guyana)
Distilledinhistoricwoodenstills,ElDorado’srich,layered rumsarelegaciesofGuyana’ssugarcanepast.Today,they
aresymbolsoftransformation,fromhardshiptomastery.
RonBarceló(DominicanRepublic)
Barceló’s approachable style reflects the island’s vibrant lifestyle.Oncetiedtothecolonialsugartrade,Dominican rum is now celebrated as a marker of national pride and culturalheritage.
Rum is not just an export or a cocktail ingredient—it is cultural memory in liquid form. To sip rum is to taste history: the toil of enslaved ancestors, the resilience of freedgenerations,andthejoyofculturalsurvival.Today, it drives tourism, strengthens Caribbean economies, and acts as a global ambassador for the islands’ spirit of freedom.
From its dark roots in slavery to its bright role in celebrations of emancipation, rum embodies the Caribbeanjourneyfrombondagetofreedom.Itisastory of transformation—molasses to spirit, suffering to survival,oppressiontopride.
ToraiseaglassofCaribbeanrumisnotonlytoenjoyone of the world’s finest spirits, but also to honor a legacy of struggle,endurance,andtriumph.
TIMBER!!!Whoisheldresponsible?
byIsraelTorres
Who’sresponsiblewhenaneighbor’streedamagesyourhomeinFlorida?
In Florida, determining liability when a neighbor’s tree falls onto your property depends on several factors, including the tree’s condition and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Under what is commonly known as the “Massachusetts Rule,” property owners are responsible for maintainingthehealthandsafetyoftheirowntrees.
Ifatreewashealthyandshowednosignsofbeinga hazard,thehomeownerfromwhosepropertyitfell is typically not held liable for damages, even if the tree landed on a neighbor’s house. However, if the treewasdead,diseased,orotherwiseposedaknown risk, the owner of the tree could be found responsiblefortheresultingdamage.
Experts recommend documenting any potentially hazardous trees near property lines and addressing concerns with neighbors in writing to avoid costly disputes.
Intheaftermathoftherecenthurricane,PineHills resident Mr. Smith has emerged as a voice of concernandactionwithinhisneighborhood.When amassivetreefromanearbypropertycame
“Icouldn’tjustsitbackanddonothing,”Mr.Smith told us during an interview at his home. “People were suffering—no electricity, homes damaged. I had to step in and talk to everyone about preventingthisfromhappeningagain.”
Mr. Smith explained that he has since spoken to affected neighbors and addressed the issue with those responsible for maintaining potentially hazardous trees. His message is clear: accountabilitymatters.
“We can’t ignore diseased or damaged trees,” he saidfirmly.“Evenasmallbranchcancauseserious damage—it can cost families money, time, and sometimesevencauseinjury.Wehavetotakethis seriouslybeforeanotherstormhits.”
As the community continues to rebuild, Mr. Smith’seffortsserveasareminderthatprevention and responsibility can save not only property but lives. crashingdown,itleftthecommunitywithoutpower for over a week and caused significant damage to twoneighboringhomes.
TheSeaweedatOurShoreline
ByLesleyCorreia
HowtheSargassumCrisisIsReshapingtheCaribbean—andFlorida
Massive mats of sargassum seaweed are fouling beaches from the Caribbean to Florida, threatening tourism and strainingcoastalcommunities.InJulyalone,USFscientists estimated 38 million metric tons of the seaweed stretched acrosstheAtlantic.
The“GreatAtlanticSargassumBelt”hasbeentrackedsince 2011, fueled by warming seas, shifting currents, and riverborne nutrients. No single cause explains today’s record blooms,buttheimpactsareclear.
Forbeachdestinations,dailyremovaliscostly.InMexico’s Quintana Roo, cleanup runs up to $1.1 million per kilometer each year. To minimize damage, many communitiesaremixingsolutions:offshorebooms,manual collection, and pilot projects that recycle sargassum into fertilizer,biogas,orevenbuildingmaterials.
Atsea,sargassumiscriticalhabitat.Onshore,itdecomposes into gases like hydrogen sulfide that can irritate lungs and eyes, especially for vulnerable groups. Officials advise stayingupwindoflargepiles.
From Barbados to Broward, the response is evolving: forecastearly,cleancarefully,repurposewaste,andkeepthe public informed. For tourism-dependent economies, balancingresilience,health,andinnovationisnowessential
tokeepingbeachesopen—andlivelihoodssecure.
NationalFoodoftheCaribbean—AugustFeature
Each month we spotlight a national dish that carries history on the plate. August belongs to Anguilla, Grenada, and Jamaica, three places where late-summer celebrations meet flavorsthattravelfromkitchentoparaderoute.
Anguilla—PigeonPeas&Rice(oftenwithfish)
This is a comforting staple built on pigeon peas simmered with aromatics (thyme, onion, pepper), gently colored with tomato,andfoldedintorice,oftenplatedwithfriedorstewed fish. It’s the island’s official national food and a mainstay at familytablesandbeachsidecookoutsalike
Pigeon peas grew in the Caribbean long before European settlement, while rice arrived via colonial trade. Anguilla’s national dish marries those two threads, Old World grain with an indigenous legume, seasoned to local taste. Bacon is alsotheMagic.
The Anguilla Summer Festival peaks from late July into August with August Monday boat races, J’ouvert, and the Grande Parade of Troupes, prime time for communal meals and“peasandrice”tofuelrevelers.AnguillaSummerFestival AlegreAnguilla.
Oil-Down is Grenada’s beloved one-pot stew of breadfruit, salted meat or chicken, dumplings, callaloo, and othervegetables, slowly cooked in coconut milk, herbs, and spices until the liquid “oils down.” Beyond taste, it’s an occasion, neighbors gather around the pot, and the dish doubles as asocialevent.
On the “Spice Isle,” culinary identity is inseparable from nutmeg, turmeric, and other seasonings that perfume the pot. Oil Down’s roots stretch through plantation-era thrift and community “cook-ups,” evolving into a marker of Grenadianhospitalityandpride.
ByWendyRoberts
August is Spicemas, the country’s signature carnival. From traditional Jab Jab portrayals to Monday Night Mas, the streets are alive, and Oil Down is never far from the celebration. ofSpicemas.
Jamaica—Ackee&Saltfish
Jamaica’s national classic pairs buttery ackee (the nationalfruit) with sautéed salted cod, onions, tomato, Scotch bonnet, and thyme, often served with fried dumplings, breadfruit, orgreenbanana.
Ackee came to the Caribbean from West Africa in the 18thcentury,saltfisharrivedasapreservedprotein in the Atlantic trade. In Jamaican kitchens, the two became inseparable, an everyday dish elevated to cultural emblem. (Note: ackee must be fully ripened andproperlyprepared.)
In the Jamaican calendar August turns on Emancipation Day (August 1) and Independence Day (August 6), a season of reflection and celebration often called “Emancipendence.” Street fêtes, family gatherings, and official events make August a natural moment for national flavors, which makesAckeeandSaltfishcomealiveevenmoreduring themonthofAugust.
JoinusnextmonthfortheamazingdishesoftheCaribbean aswebringourmonthfeature"NationalFoodofthe Caribbean.
Grenada—OilDown
PeaceofMindatJust$40aMonth:
HomeCare360’sSupportSubscriptionIsChangingtheWayWeCareforSeniors
When it comes to supporting our aging loved ones, or anyonewhosimplyneedsanextrahand,HomeCare360.net offersapractical,affordable,andpersonalizedsolution.
At the heart of their offerings is the Support Subscription Plan,startingatjust$40/month.Designedwithseniors,busy individuals, and those with limited mobility in mind, this plan provides access to essential services that help with everydaytasks,those“smalljobs”thatmakeabigdifference. Fromlightbulbchangesandbasiclawncarecoordinationto routinehomesafetychecksandcheck-incalls,the$40plan bringspeaceofmindwithoutbreakingthebank.
This isn’t home care in the traditional sense, it’s a modern support system that fills in the gaps, helping seniors live independentlyandcomfortablywhileeasingtheburdenon
Clients can bundle services, like lawn care, pool maintenance, roof checks, and home repair, to receive discounted rates. These custom packages allow families to tailor support to their unique needs while keeping costs under control. It’s flexible, it’s affordable, and it’s built around the idea that care should fit your lifestyle, nottheotherwayaround.
PremiumPackage=HandymanIncluded Needalittlemorehelparoundthehouse?ThePremium Package includes Handyman Services, perfect for tackling those nagging home projects or minor repairs that often get overlooked. Whether it's patching a wall, fixing a door, or helping install safety rails, HomeCare360’strustedprofessionalsarereadytohelp.
SENIORLIVING
ASUPPLEMENTCOURTESYOFWELLCARE
GetPaidasaCaregiverforaFamily Member:WhatYouNeedtoKnow.
Caringforafamilymemberisanactoflove, sacrifice,anddedication.Whetherit’sanaging parent,aspousewithadisability,orachildwith specialneeds,familycaregiversplayacrucial roleinensuringthewell-beingoftheirloved ones.Butcaregivingcanalsobefinancially challenging,especiallyifitrequiresreducing workhoursorleavingajobentirely.
Thegoodnewsisthatsomegovernment programsandprivateresourcescanprovide financialsupportforfamilycaregivers.Ifyou’re currentlyprovidingcareforalovedone,here’s howyoumaybeabletogetpaidfortheworkyou do.
Become a Paid Caregiver Through Medicaid: One of the most common ways to receive financial compensation as a caregiver is through a state Medicaid program. Many states have consumerdirectedpersonalassistanceprograms,whichallow peoplewithdisabilitiesto
hireafamilymemberorfriendasapaidcaregiver.If your loved one already receives Medicaid benefits, check with your state’s Medicaid office to see if they qualify for a home and community-based services (HCBS)waiveroraself-directedcareprogram.These programstypicallycoverservicessuchas:
Personalcare(bathing,dressing,grooming)
Medicationmanagement
Mealpreparationandfeedingassistance
Lighthousekeeping Transportationtomedicalappointments
Eachstatehasdifferentrulesandpaymentrates,so it’simportanttoresearchyourstate’sspecific guidelines.Somestatesevenallowfamilymembers tobecomelegallyemployedcaregiversthrough Medicaid-fundedhomecareagencies.
Caring for a Family Member Who Is Not Eligible for Medicaid. If your loved one does not qualify for Medicaid, other financial assistance options may still beavailable.
TakingCareofFamily— StrategiesforMakingCaregivingWork
InCaribbeanfamilies,takingcareofourownisn’tjust achoice—it’spartofwhoweare.Westepupforour elders,careforrelativeswhoareill,andmakesureno onegetsleftbehind.
But caregiving takes a toll — financially, emotionally, andphysically.WhatmanyCaribbean-Americansdon’t realize is that there are programs and benefits, especiallyintheU.S.,thatcansupportyouandeven payyouforthecareyou'realreadyproviding.
Ifyou'recaringforaparent,grandparent,orveteranin your family, here’s how to take care of them — and makethesystemworkforyou,too.
1.CheckLong-TermCareInsuranceforCaregiverPay
Ifyourlovedonehaslong-termcareinsurance,itmay include a benefit that allows family members to be paidforcaregiving.Somepoliciesevenreimburseyou directly for helping with daily needs like bathing, cooking,andmobility.
But these rules vary. Some insurers require that you register through a home care agency or complete training.Thefirststepistocalltheinsuranceprovider andask:“Canafamilymemberbepaidforproviding care?”Don’tassumetheanswerisno—ask,push,and advocate.
2.UsePaidFamilyLeave(IfYou’reintheRightState)
Several states — including New York and California, where many Caribbean-Americans live — offer paid familyleave.Thisletsyoutaketimeoffworktocarefor aseriouslyilllovedoneandstillgetaportionofyour paycheck. For example, New York allows up to 12 weeks off with about two-thirds of your pay. If you’re workingandalsotryingtomanagecare,thisbenefitcan give you breathing room without losing your income. Ask your HR department or check your state’s labor websiteforhowtoapply.
3.Veteran Benefits: Get Paid to Care for a Veteran in YourFamily
If your parent or spouse served in the military, don’t overlookveterancareprograms. TheVeteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services program gives qualifiedveteransaflexiblebudgettohirecaregivers— andyes,thatcanincludefamily.Acounselorhelpsset upacareplan,andthenyourlovedonedecideshowto use their care funds, often choosing a trusted family memberoverastranger.
AnotherpowerfulbenefitisAidandAttendance(A&A)— a monthly payment for veterans or their surviving spouses who need help with everyday tasks. This moneycanlegallybeusedtopayyou,thecaregiver,for yourtimeandwork.
LAUGHTERISTHEBESTFORLEARNING(ANDLIMING)
Themixofhumourandhard-corejournalismhelpswritersto getasenseofwhatandwhyitisimportant.Howmanyjokesin a column is the problem. For me, it is the subject that people think about. For example, “What type of blood does a proofreaderhave?”TypeO.“Whydon’tescapedconvictsmake goodwriters,”Becausetheyneverfinishtheirsentences.OneI like as really funny is, “A good line edit is its own reword.” Here’s another, “I once asked this literary agent what writing paid the best, and he said, “ransom notes”. And one of my favorites, “What do you call a writer who doesn’t follow the rules of sentence structure?” A rebel without a clause. This is also a nice mix, “Why are writers always cold?” They’re surroundedbydrafts.
Here’safewmoretogiveusasenseofwhatthewritersabout writerslike.Thisoneishowbesttounderstandthedifference between the two types, “A hungry lion roamed through the junglelookingforhisnextmealwhenhecameupontwomen.
One man was sitting under a tree reading a book. The other man was writing in a notebook. The lion quickly pounced on themanreadingthebookanddevouredhim.Eventhekingof thejungleknowsthatreadersdigestandwriter'scramp.”Right now,I’mgoinganothermix,“Whatdoyougetwhenyoucross awriterwithadeadline?Areallycleanhouse!”BorisSpassky, theRussiangrand-master,wasonceaskedbyareporter,“What do you get when you cross a writer with a deadline?” He replied,“Areallycleanhouse.”Andtoendit,“Apun,aplayon words,andalimerickwalkintoabar.Nojoke.”
Oneofthewriters,ErnestHemingway,wasagreatwriterand spokeasareaderwith,“Thereisnofriendasloyalasabook.” and “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriterandbleed.”SomeofthegreatUSwriters,hadsome things to say and jokes to play. First was Golda Meir, Israel's firstandonlyfemaleheadandPrimeMinisterofgovernment, GoldMeir,with,“Don'tbesohumble-youarenotthatgreat.” American Humorist, Mark Twain, was beyond humble to tell someone, “I did not attend his funeral, but sent a nice letter sayingIapprovedofit.”ThegreatEllenDeGenereswhooften said,“Seriously...I’mKidding”toldeveryone,“Acceptwhoyou are. Unless you’re a serial killer.” Jerry Seinfeld, the American stand-up comedian asked the question, ““If a book about failuresdoesn'tsell,isitasuccess?”andthegreatWillRogers, “Never miss a good chance to shut up.” Bill Cosby, the humorist, told them all, “A word to the wise aren't necessary, it'sthestupidoneswhoneedadvice.”
AsIheadtowardmy80thbirthdayonAugust10,Ihavebeen tryingreallyhardforseveralyearsnowtogetafewwritersand columniststogethelptodothemixofhardcoreandhumour. However, this has not happened. I was lucky to find a female writerwhocanlaughasmuchas,ormore,thanme.Hername is Debbie Matthews. She was born laughing, thinking, writing, writing. reading and learning. Her most recent work includes theshortstory,“TeetFromTeet”whichwasshortlistedforthe CommonwealthShortStoryPrizein2023.Thisishowitwent:
In June 2016 there was a report in the Trinidad Express headlined “There is A Bull Walking Around the City” which presented the incredulous eyewitness account of a Brother H. Hesworethatat5.00amabullsauntereddownthehillfromthe RazaYogaCentrewherehelives(BrotherH,theanimal,wasa visitor) only for him (the animal, not Brother H) to meander peacefullythroughtheearlymorningtrafficonPointe-a-Pierre Roadandwasoutorsightby6.00a.m.
...byTonyDeyal
Three things suggest that the bull’s visit to the yoga centrewasasuccessfulone:
1.Takinganhourtowalkdownahill,howeversteep, isthemarkofoneindeepmediation.
2.Hewasapparentlyunbotheredbytheearlymaxi/taxi drivers hustling for near somnambulist passengers, eager to pull their trips through thick morning traffic. Traipsing through without saving moo? In Sando? Surelyonlyzencanguaranteethat!
3, By the end of the article, Brother H was calling the hug a bison. To transcend is to transform! Nirvana is suchafunnythingeh.Youneverarewhatupexpectto bewhenyouarrivethere.
Evencuriouser,accordingtothisnewsstory,thebull come bison was only seen by Brother H. The mayor, whencontactedbytheExpress,couldnotreadilyattest that his burgess (who happened to be an enlightened beastofburden)existed.TodateIdonotbelievefora minute that this "bul/ison" was an apparition- as was MarleytoScroogeanundigestedbitofbeef,violentor culinary.BrotherHsawwhathesaw.
Noneofusshouldactasthoughabullwhereweleast expected it to be in that strange of an occurrence in Trinidad. We are all wary of letting them into China shops, and we know that when they are raging, they might throw the odd teacup. Perhaps this work "bul/ ison was heading to City Hall to (and have a polite word with the persons selling liberally (and quite literally)hisstockintradetoallthathaveearstohear butnotenoughsagacitytosiftsensefromsand.Todo businessatanygovernmentofficeyouhavetogetthere well before it opens, and the animal’s rate of walking hewouldhavegottentherefromPointe-a-PierreRoad intimetolineuponthePromenadeto,assoonasthe doorsopenedat8.00a.m.,eitherwaittobeheard,orto depositfreshweighttobeused.
The following day another Express headline announced: “The Bull Has Left the CITY.” The mayor municipal police, and representatives of the public healthdepartmentallscouredSando’sstreets,andthey couldfindnotraceofBrotherH’sbull.Didweallmiss his final ascension? Is he on his way to Parliament to acceptanoffertocontinueusinghisoffal?Royaltiesare indeed owed, if the browning tips of the tongues of mostwhoarerootedthereanyindicationofusage.
Losing a bull in a city is serious thing: so much is at stake! If you see him walking purposefully along, say namaste to wish him peace as he goes along his journeyto...
*Tony Deyal always knew that a “bull” was a four-letter word!
