Caribbean American Passport News Magazine - June 2021

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Jun/Jul 2021

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President Biden's 4th of July Speech 'Our Independence From This Virus' "The Fourth of July is a sacred day in our country. A day of history, of hope, remembrance and resolve with promise and possibilities. Before me stands monuments of the greatest and the goodness of our nation— monuments of light and liberty.

There is a towering memorial to George Washington. The general who led our revolution, the president who set our nation on its course. There's a memorial to Thomas Jefferson, whose words about liberty and equality literally changed the world. And across the tidal basin from the Jefferson memorial, there stands Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his arms crossed, his eyes fixed ahead toward the promised land where equality is not only an aspiration but a reality.

Orlando Carnival led the reopening of Carnival events across the United They help define who we are. Guide States - and even the world - as the what we do. Remind us of the work first Carnival to take place since the that history has given us in our own inception of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to ensure a safe and time. controlled environment, the parade took place inside Orlando’s Festival Cont'd on pg 3 Park and capacity was limited to allow for social distancing. Attendees were

encouraged to wear masks if they were not fully vaccinated, in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Carnival activities were spread across three days, including Carnival on the Runway on Friday night, J’ouvert on Saturday morning, Back in Time Lime on Saturday night, and the traditional Carnival Parade and Festival on Sunday.

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L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts Owner/Publisher/Editor

President Biden's 4th of July Speech 'Our Independence From This Virus' Cont'd from pg 1 Samuel J. Roberts

Owner/Publisher/Editor

This year, the Fourth of July is a day of special celebration for we are emerging from the darkness of a year of pandemic and isolation, a year of pain, fear and heartbreaking loss. Just think back to where this nation was a year ago, think back to where you were a year ago and think about how far we've come.

As of tonight, that number is 603,018 people who have lost their lives. They're husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, grandparents, friends, neighbors, coworkers.

From silent streets to crowded parade routes, lined with people waving American flags. From empty stadiums and arenas to fans back in their seats, cheering together again.

From families pressing hands against a window, to grandparents hugging their grandchildren once again. We're back traveling again. We're back seeing each one another again. Businesses are opening and hiring again. We're seeing record job creation and record economic growth, the best in four decades, and I might add, the best in the world. Today all across this nation, we could say with confidence, America is coming back together.

We also remember all those who lost this year, that we lost and families lost to other causes of death and cruel twists of fate. They, too, left behind loved ones unable to grieve, or mourn, or find closure. Each of them meant the world to someone they left behind. Those of you who have been through all this, know that to heal you have to remember.

We commit to always remember them. That's what we'll do.

245 years ago we declared our independence from a distant king. Today we're closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus. That's not to say the battle against COVID-19 is over, we've got a lot more work to do.

But just as our declaration in 1776 was a call to action, not a reason for complacency, or a claim of victory, it was a call to action. The same is true today. Back then we had the power of an idea on our side, today we have the power of science.

Thanks to our heroic vaccine effort, we've gained the upper hand against this virus. We can live our lives, our kids can go back to school, our economy is roaring back. Don't get me wrong. COVID-19 has not been vanquished. We all know powerful variants have emerged like the Delta variant. But the best defense against these variants is to get vaccinated. My fellow Americans it is the most patriotic thing you can do. So please, if you have not gotten vaccinated, do it, do it now. For yourself. For your loved ones. For your community. For your country. You know, that is how we're going to stay ahead of these variants and protect the hard-won progress we've made.

We never again want to be where we were a year ago today. So today, while the virus hasn't been vanquished, we know this— it no longer controls our lives, it no longer paralyzes our nation. And it's within our power to make sure it never does again. For that, we can thank the scientists and researchers, the educators, and all the frontline and essential workers, like many of you here today who became the light to see us through the darkness.

I hope you know that you, the American people, have been part of one of the most remarkable achievements in American history. But in this moment of joy, we know that this day falls hard on all those who've lost a loved one.

Each day I carry a card in my pocket with my schedule on it.

On the back of that schedule on that card, I have the number of Americans who lost their lives to COVID.

I've long said America is unique. Unlike every other nation on Earth, we were founded on an idea. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all people are created equal endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And while we have never fully lived up to those words, we have never given up on them. They continue to animate us and they remind us at that our best, we as Americans believe.

We Americans, we believe in honesty and decency. And treating everyone with dignity and respect, giving everyone a fair shot, demonizing no one, giving hate no safe harbor, leaving no one behind."

Cont'd on pg 11

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

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

Publisher & Editor................................................................................... Sam Roberts Publisher ............................................................................. Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor & Contributing Writer................................................................Aleia Roberts Contributing Writers: ................................................................................ Tony Dyal Contributing Photographers ............ .......................................................Ted Hollins ....................................................................................................................Dillia Castillo Central Florida Distribution......................................................... .Danielle Browne South Florida Distribution .............................................................Norman Williams North Florida Distribution ...............................................................Kadeem Roberts Tampa Distribution ...................................................................................Julian Pina Copyright (C) 2016 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

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US States & Territories Harnessing the Economic Power of US-Taiwan Trade Relations

By Anthony Weeks, Managing Director of SEDI, Inc & USVI Special Economic Envoy to Taiwan & Asian-Pacific Region

Like all of the other 50 States and US Territories in the United States, the US Virgin Islands is subject to and a benefactor of the US Foreign Economic Bilateral and Trade Agreements. In June 2014 the US Virgin Islands Government was made aware of this Geo-Political and Economic Bilateral, Trade Relations Cooperation reality by the US and Department of State. The State Department wrote that "we encourage deepening of commercial and cultural exchanges with Taiwan, State and local governments are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the opportunities Taiwan offers. For decades, the Taiwan Relations Act and three U.S.-China joint communiqués have enabled our unofficial relationship with Taiwan to flourish, while the United States also maintains an official relationship with China.

Subsequently, on August 5, 2016 a joint correspondence by the US Department of State and US Department of Commerce issued a joint statement in affirmation.

"On behalf of the Departments of Commerce and State, we encourage you to consider helping all of us improve the United States' trade, investment, and tourism relationship with Taiwan. We have received many inquiries about how state and local governments can work with Taiwan, and we hope this letter will answer some of those questions for you".

Taiwan is the U.S.'s ninth-largest trading partner and seventh-largest market for agricultural exports. U.S.-Taiwan Trade Facts: In 2019, Taiwan’s GDP was an estimated $586.1 billion (current market exchange rates); real GDP was up by an estimated 2.7%; and the population was 24 million. (Source: IMF) U.S. goods and services trade with Taiwan totaled an estimated $103.9 billion in 2019. Exports were $42.3 billion; imports were $61.6 billion. The

U.S. goods and services trade deficit with Taiwan was $19.3 billion in 2019. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. exports of goods and services to Taiwan supported an estimated 208,000 jobs in 2015 (latest data available), with 130,000 jobs supported by goods exports and 79,000 jobs supported by services exports.

An example of how US States and US Territories are benefiting from the US-Taiwan Trade relat-ionship as trading partners: Recently, chipmaker TSMC, a Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co has a planned $12 billion semiconductor factory in Phoenix, Arizona. Under the agreement, TSMC will build a new factory and create 1,900 new full-time jobs to be phased in over a five-year period.

Construction would start in early 2021, with fact-ory production expected in 2024, providing $205 million in city funds for infrastructure such as roads and water improvements for a planned $12 billion semiconductor factory in the city. (Source: Reuters) TSMC is the world’s biggest contract chipmaker and manufactures semiconductors for Apple Inc, Qualcomm Inc and a range of other technology companies.

U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in Taiwan (stock) was $17.4 billion in 2019, a 4.8% increase from 2018.

U.S. FDI in Tai-wan is led by manufacturing, finance and insurance, and wholesale trade. Taiwan's FDI in the United States (stock) was $11.1 billion in 2019, up 5.6% from 2018. Taiwan's direct investment in the United States is led by manufacturing, wholesale trade, and depository institutions.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the highestprofile event dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States. This event provides an unparalleled signature opportunity to bring together companies from all Cont'd on pg 7

BBIF Florida Invests $9,985,000 in New Markets Tax Credits in HostDime BBIF supports NMTC projects located in economically distressed, high-minority population areas on the basis of job creation, job quality, job accessibility, the impact the project will have on the local community, and its alignment with the community’s development priorities. In addition, these projects must demonstrate that they will improve the quality of life for current residents.

As quoted on HostDime’s Website: “We are very excited and proud to bring such an impactful development to the Historic Town of Eatonville,” said Manny Vivar, HostDime President, and CEO. “The Town has been an instrumental partner in our efforts, and we kept the local community impact in mind as we designed this facility. Equally, we have a strong initiative to help and inspire our youth while creating more jobs. We are very proud that all our financial partners (Fifth Third Bank, BBIF, Mid-City CDE) saw our Hostdime will be constructing its $35 million headquarters on the Hungerford Property, a plot of land which has been vision, and we are grateful for everyone who made this a undeveloped for almost 50 years. This location is impactful reality. Thank you!” because it will serve as the only Tier IV public data center in Central Florida, allowing the company to be a significant The breakdown of how HostDime will use the 95,00 square interconnection axis for public cloud and fiber networks in the foot building is as follows: a three-floor wing dedicated to Southeastern United States and South America. Additionally, this new project will attract more investments and data operations, seven client-focused floors, a STEM lab and internet museum housed on the first floor, and the top developments into the Eatonville community. floor will double as a training center and conference space.

Financing for this project was made possible through Before the grand opening of the new facility, HostDime will investments from the federal New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) host a job fair to recruit talent from the nearby community. from BBIF and another community development lender, MidIt is expected that this project will create 102 full-time jobs, City CDE, as well as Fifth Third Bank and HostDime. with some of the positions being attainable to individuals “The Hostdime project is an important initiative for our who may only have a high school diploma. HostDime will Organization, for Hostdime, and the community of Eatonville, also provide the entire town of Eatonville with free 4G Withe oldest historically Black town in America,” said Duane Fi. Construction will be complete by the summer of 2022.

Lewis, BBIF COO. “This project will not only provide free WIFI to the entire town but is also providing free STEM Since 2014, BBIF has financed 20 projects and loan pools education in partnership with the local schools.” with its NMTC Allocations creating an economic impact of “Our investment into Hostdime,” Lewis explains, “is hel-ping $140.1 million. These projects have been able to aid in to bring about one of the largest-ever investments into this creating and retaining 2,705 jobs in Florida’s underserved historically underserved community, as well as fina-ncing a Global IT Minority led organization to create its headquarters communities. at home in Eatonville.”

Hostdime is a 100% minority-owned global data center provider. Manny Vivar, founder, CEO, and President of Global Operations, founded the international company in the historic town of Eatonville, Florida. Eatonville, located in the greater Orlando area, is most known due to it being the first town in the United States to be incorporated by African Americans. Over the years, HostDime has grown from operating one server to having over 200 servers in operation today.

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Caribbean Tax Havens Fret They’re at Risk from Global Crackdown Article courtesy of Bloomberg.com

The Caribbean will take years to recover from the global pandemic that wiped out tourism, its prime economic engine. Now a new storm threatens its offshore financial sector.

for Economic Co-operation and Development, another international forum of countries. And it may leave some jurisdictions relatively unscathed.

As some of the world’s largest economies mull plans to adopt a global minimum corporate tax, few places may suffer as much as the palm-fringed tax havens in the Caribbean.

Cayman Islands The Cayman Islands is home to some 100,000 corp-orations, and the financial sector that supports them represents about half the economy.

But the bulk of those corporations are considered regulated financial services -- including banks, investment vehicles and hedge funds -- that may be exempt under the global tax deal, though the details of exemptions are still being negotiated.

A global minimum tax “will not significantly impact Cayman’s leadership position,” said Jude Scott, the CEO of Cayman Finance, the association of financial service providers.

Even if the Caymans is unaffected by the G-20 plans, Zagaris says they and other zero-tax jurisdictions remain under intense scrutiny from global policy makers “who are trying to put them all out of business.”

With scant natural resources or big industry, much of the region’s economy depends on luring international business with rock-bottom rates.

Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, and Turks and Caicos charge no corporate income tax. Places like Puerto Rico, and Barbados have rates low enough to make them attractive.

Companies have some discretion over where they declare profits, especially from patents, brands and other intangible assets, and can slash their tax bills by moving revenues to subsidiaries in tax havens.

The Group of 20 nations, or G-20, wants to crack down on this.

Details are still being hammered out, but negotiators are considering requiring corporations pay a 15% tax regardless of where they’re incorporated. So a German company paying 0% in Bermuda would still owe an additional 15% back home. That would undermine the incentive for global companies to set up shop on storm-prone the Caribbean, said Bruce islands in Zagaris, an international tax lawyer in Washington, and a member of the Caribbean Policy Consortium.

The economic impact to the region “will be very substantial,” he said, “especially when they are coming out of the pandemic and their main sector, tourism, has been battered.”

The International Monetary Fund says the economy of the Caribbean won’t return to preCovid levels until 2025 -- later than most regions -- due to the “much slower than anticipated” recovery of travel and tourism.

Many of the loopholes that made the Caribbean synonymous with tax shelters have been shut in recent years. Even so, oil giant Royal Dutch Shell Plc. booked $21.5 billion in revenue thr-ough Bahamas in 2019, and $848 million in profit, on which it paid no tax, according to the company’s annual report. And in May, the Irish Times reported that a Dublin-based subsidiary of Microsoft Corp. used its Bermuda “tax residence” to book $314 billion in tax-free profit.

Microsoft said in reply to written questions that its organizational and tax structure “reflects our complex global business” and that it is “fully compliant with all local laws and regulations in the countries where we operate.”

The global tax plan still requires approval by the G-20 and members of the Organization

Puerto Rico Puerto Rico -- a U.S. territory of 3.3 million people -- has a notoriously feeble electrical grid and has been battered by hurricanes and earthquakes. Yet, thanks to its low corporate tax rates, it’s favored by pharmaceutical and aerospace companies.

Manufacturing represents about 50% of the island’s economy and 35% of local-government revenue.

Puerto Rico’s Secretary of Economic Development Manuel Cidre said a global minimum tax “would obviously be detrimental to Puerto Rico and other jurisdictions,” but it wouldn’t end competition for investment.

Cidre said the island would likely raise its rates to match the global minimum and then use the additional revenue to provide corporations other kinds of breaks.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Puerto Rico and other jurisdictions created incentives that target labor, energy, or other areas that would be enough to compensate for what was lost,” he said.

Some see the tax plan as a threat to national sovereignty. Caribbean Community General Secretary Irwin LaRocque told local television that wealthy nations shouldn’t be imposing their tax policy on the Caribbean.

Low taxes, he said, are one of the few ways the Caribbean can attract foreign investment -crucial after the region loaded up on debt to confront the pandemic.

Thirteen Caribbean nations now have debt-to-GDP ratios of more than 60%, and Barbados, Belize, Dominica and Suriname all have debt ratios that exceed 100%, according to the Caribbean Development Bank.

“We cannot grow ourselves out of our debt trap that we are in,” LaRocque said. “You need to have foreign investment coming in.

Without foreign investment we’re not going to make it.”

US States & Territories Harnessing the Economic Power of US-Taiwan Trade Relations

By Anthony Weeks, Managing Director of SEDI, Inc & USVI Special Economic Envoy to Taiwan & Asian-Pacific Region Cont'd from pg 4

ant role in the production of system products, establishing long-term relationships with big brand names worldwide, while its hightech industry stands as an indispensable part in the global supply chain. Taiwan is renowned for offering high production efficiency at low cost.

Moreover, Taiwanese firms’ high adaptability and quick delivery have attracted many global brand manufacturers to make Taiwanese firms their OEM partner. In terms of hot global industries, particularly in the information technology and The USVI Economic Development Authority (EDA) electronics sectors, Taiwan has long played a participates in the SelectUSA Investment Annual critical role". (Source:ECFA) Summit. At the 2018 annual SelectUSA Investment Summit this year in Washington D.C., trade officials and business representatives from Taiwan Taipei was a big winner at the 2021 IDC Smart represented the largest foreign delegation at the City Asia Pacific Awards (SCAPA), taking the Summit. Taiwanese companies were looking to awards in the categories of civic engagement and increase investment in the U.S. in areas of public health and social services, according to the petrochemicals, electronics, steel manufacturing, organizer, U.S.-headquartered International Data Its Taipei City Technologyrubber and plastics, along with biotech and opto- Corp. (IDC).

Assisted Pandemic Prevention Project earned the electronics. outstanding smart city award for public health and social services.

SCAPA2021 received over 250 "Taiwan is an international hub in the Asia-Pacific. public nominations and a total of 16 With Japan and South Korea to the north, the ten projects across the Asia-Pacific region got this ASEAN countries to the south, and the economically year's awards in 14 e-service categories, the IDC burgeoning Mainland China to the west, Taiwan is said in a statement on its official website. uniquely positioned to draw upon its neighbors’ key production capabilities and resources. The island state is also one of the most important transit Taiwan has been widely applauded for its centers connecting primary shipping lanes for Asia management of the pandemic, with one of the and North America and therefore enjoys convenient lowest per capita COVID-19 rates in the world access to the global markets. In the wake of inte- and life on the island largely returning to normal. rnational trends, the world’s economic center of gravity is shifting from West to East, the focus of economic activity moving from developed markets to Just 11 people have died from COVID-19 in Taiwan since the pandemic began, an impressive emerging. Separated only from each other by the feat considering the island never went into Taiwan Strait, Taiwan has all the advantages of lockdown. (Source; TheConversation). Taiwan being proximate to the world’s growth center. donated 50 million PPE's medical face mask worldwide to its friends and allies. The USVI Taiwan's manufacturing capabilities are the envy of received 20,000 medical face masks, which were the world. Since 1980, Taiwan has played an import- donated to the Juan F. Luis Hospital.

over the world, economic development organizations (EDO) from every corner of the nation, and other parties working to facilitate business investment in the United States. Featuring senior government officials, C-Suite business executives, and other thought leaders, each summit focuses on a timely theme related to the U.S. investment environment, industry trends, and new opportunities.

United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc.'s Grand Opening of their Solutions Center

On May 13th, 2021, the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. held a Grand Opening for their Solutions Center.

This Solutions Center will operate as a Hub for the foundation and its programming. This includes but is not limited to After-School Programming, Food Pantry/Distribution, STEAM Education, and other holistic resources for the positive development of the family.

Sandra Fatmi-Hall, Executive Director & Founder had a vision to empower families one community at a time.

This was accomplished through the work of the Board of Directors, partners, sponsors, and other contributors.

This was made possible by their many Partners, Sponsors, and other contributors. Namely, their Platinum Partners Dr. Trisha Bailey of Bailey's Pharmacy and Mrs. Zorida Pritipal-Manoo of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill Orlando.

United Foundation continues to fulfill their mission and vision in these uncertain times.

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GRAND OPENING OF LARA'S SHIPPING

Michelle Mohamed, owner of LARA'S SHIPPIN G, cuts the ribbon flanked by h er da ughters. M ichelle is a well known supporter of the Carib bean community a nd i nte nds to con tin ue that support as she builds her company.

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CARIB IN THE COMMUNITY From sponsoring Orlando Carnival to opening up their doors to celebrate Caribbean.

American Heritage Month at their brewery located in historical Cape Canaveral Florida. Florida Beer Company has changed its name to Carib Brewery USA. Moving forward, Carib Brewery USA plans to embrace the local charm and feel of the Space Coast, Cape Canaveral, Florida, and contribute in a number of ways to the arts, sports, and culture in the local community.

President Biden's 4th of July Speech 'Our Independence From This Virus' Cont 'd from pg 3

We lead by the power of our example, not the example of our power.

And we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves. We stand as a beacon to the world. It's a code, it's a code. A uniquely American code, it's who we are.

All of the service members and your families that are here tonight. All of you serving around the world, it's the greatest honor to serve as your commander in chief. Jill and I and our entire family, thank you for your service and sacrifice. Like so many military families, thinking of your loved ones who served, we think of our son Beau today. You're all part of a long chain of patriots who pledged their lives and their sacred honor in defense of this nation and democracy around the world. For freedom and fair play, for peace and security and opportunity. For the cause of justice, for the soul of America itself.

But the defense of all that we love doesn't fall on your shoulders alone.

It falls on every one of us, every American. Each day we are reminded there's nothing guaranteed about our democracy, nothing guaranteed about our way of life. We have to fight for it, defend it, earn it. Folks, it's up to all of us to protect the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The right to equal justice under the law. The right to vote and have that vote counted. The right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and know our children and grandchildren will be safe on this planet for generations to come. The right to rise in the world as far as your God-given talent can take you, unlimited by barriers of privilege or power.

One of the great gifts of the spirit of independence - think about this one of the great gifts is our capacity to see ourselves whole and see ourselves honestly—what we've got right, what we've got wrong. It's a measure of the greatness of America, and we are a great nation. We don't seek to bury the wrongs. We face it. We work to make it right.

You know, history tells us that when we stand together, when we unite in common cause, when we see ourselves not as Republicans or Democrats but as Americans, there is simply no limit to what we can achieve. None. Today we see the results of unity and purpose.

For together we are beating the virus. Together we are breathing life into our economy. Together we will rescue our people from division and despair. But together we must do it. Over the past year, we have lived through some of our darkest days. Now I truly believe we're about to see our brightest future.

Folks, this is a special nation, a great nation, and there is a timeless truth about America. The most powerful idea in the history of the world, in the hearts of the people of this country. It beats in all our hearts. No matter your race or ethnicity. No matter your gender identity or sexual orientation. No matter your disability, no matter your faith.

It beats in the hearts of rich and poor alike. It unites America. Whether your ancestors were native to this land or brought here forcibly and enslaved. Whether you were immigrants from generations back like my family who came from Ireland, or you are coming here today looking to build a better life for your family, like our fellow Americans I just swore in, in the White House two days ago. The American creed. We use that phrase, the American creed. Because we're all equal, created equal. It was written a long time ago.

But the genius is that every generation of Americans has expanded it wider and wider to include those who were excluded before. That's why it's never gathered dust in our history books, it's still alive today. Alive in our hearts, alive in the work of our hands. Alive not only in the history we read but in the history we are making.

My fellow Americans, now we are the guardians of that very idea of America. It is up to us to save it, to preserve it, to build on it. And I know we will. On this sacred day, I look out to those monuments on our National Mall, and beyond them into the hearts of our people across the land, I know this—it's never ever been a good bet to bet against America, never.

We just have to remember who we are. We are the United States of America. And there is nothing, nothing we can't do if we do it together.

Folks, happy Fourth of July America. God bless you all. And may God protect our troops.

A Dose of Truth: COVID-19 Vaccine Myths: The COVID-19 vaccine brings the promise of global relief from the pandemic. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of misinformation surrounding the vaccine and its development. Here are some myths and corresponding facts about the vaccine: Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe because it was developed so quickly.

Fact: Although it was developed in record time, the vaccine has gone through FDA’s rigorous process to meet all safety standards. No steps were skipped and no shortcuts were taken. The vaccine is proven safe and effective. In addition, the research behind the vaccines that use messenger-RNA (mRNA) has been going on for more than 30 years. This many years’ worth of established research has allowed these mRNA vaccinations to be ready at a faster speed.

Myth: I have already had COVID-19, so I do not need the vaccine.

Fact: If you have already had COVID-19, you should still get the vaccine after you have recovered from the illness and meet the criteria to discontinue isolation. We do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. It is possible, although rare, that you could be infected again. Current evidence suggests that natural immunity from an infection does not last as long as immunity from the vaccination.

Myth: I will become COVID-19 positive once I get the vaccine.

Fact: You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine because the vaccine contains no live coronavirus whatsoever.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine causes severe side effects.

Fact: Like all vaccines, severe side effects can occur, but these are extremely rare. The most reported side effects are similar to those experienced with other vaccines and include injection-site soreness, fatigue and body aches.

Experiencing these side effects means your immune system is responding to the vaccine and creating antibodies against COVID-19. Vaccine providers are observing people with a history of anaphylaxis for 30 minutes and all other individuals for 15 minutes after receiving the shot.

Myth: The vaccine is too new, and I am not comfortable with having anyone in my family take it.

Fact: The vaccines have been tested thoroughly and are safe. Currently the risk to you and your family of severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 infection is far greater than the risk of any of the rare undesired consequences from the vaccine. You should educate yourself with trustworthy and credible information from the CDC and your physician. Be wary of false and potentially harmful misinformation. Get the facts from reliable information sources and make an informed, educated decision for yourself.

Myth: The vaccine does not protect against the newer super spreader strains of the virus.

Fact: New variants of the virus that cause COVID-19 are spreading in the United States. Current data suggest that COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. offer protection against most variants.

However, some variants might cause illness in some people after they are fully vaccinated. One of the reasons for the push for vaccination is that the longer this virus is allowed to run through the population the more variants will arise. The sooner everyone is vaccinated, the sooner we will help stop the development of variants, possibly even Myth: COVID-19’s survival rate is high; therefore I do not need the vaccine. super variants.

Fact: Although the virus kills a higher percentage Myth: I do not need to get the vaccine because of our most vulnerable population (e.g., older and advances in medical care – such as plasma therapy those with underlying health issues), if you are and other treatments – have progressed, and not vaccinated you could still pass on the virus to someone who might be severely affected or die COVID-19 can easily be treated. from the virus. The virus has also killed Fact: Although medical experts have learned young, healthy people and children. At this point, more about COVID-19 and advancements in we still do not understand the possible long-term treatments have occurred, you still need to get the health issues that COVID-19 might cause to vaccine, which is the surest way to prevent anyone who has had the disease. contracting the virus. The benefits of new therapies have been modest, so the vaccine is by far the best strategy.

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A Dose of Truth: COVID-19 Vaccine Myths: What Orange County Residents Need to Know Myth: I can die from an allergic reaction to the vaccine.

Fact: There is a very remote chance the vaccine could cause an allergic reaction in some people within an hour of receiving the shot, but such reactions are likely to be mild and not lifethreatening. Vaccine providers observe people with a history of anaphylaxis for 30 minutes and all other individuals for 15 minutes after receiving the shot. The vaccines have been successfully given to millions of individuals in the United States and around the world.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine includes a microchip tracking device.

Fact: An inaccurate video circulating on social media falsely claims that vaccines for COVID-19 have a microchip that “tracks the location of the patient.” There is no microchip in the vaccine.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility in women.

Fact: There is simply no evidence or even a credible theory to come to this conclusion.

Much of this misinformation is spread via inaccurate information on social media.

Myth: I received the flu vaccine, so I do not need the COVID-19 vaccine.

Fact: False.

The flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine are completely different vaccines, and must be administered separately.

Myth: If a COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses, I only really need one dose.

Fact: False. You need both doses, if required by that particular vaccine, for full immunity. The first dose, depending on the brand, only provides partial protection.

Myth: The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) vaccination site at the Convention Center is throwing away unused vaccine doses at the end of the day.

Fact: The Florida Department of Health in Orange County carefully plans the number of vaccines drawn and ready for residents to be vaccinated so none will be discarded.

The staff monitors the schedule each day and double checks the number of vaccine doses that are drawn.

It has been a very successful approach. However, if there are any remaining doses and no patients are at the drive-through at the end of a shift, the doses are put into the arms of DOH-Orange staff. Some doses have had to be discarded, but that is due to issues with damaged needles and it has been a minimal problem. DOH-Orange requests that no one show up at the site for “extra” doses at the end of the day as this is an appointment-only site.

For more information, visit ocfl.net/vaccine.

NorthStar First Properties, LLC.

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UP THE DOWN STAIRCASE I TONY DEYAL Life has its ups and downs. Sometimes, you remain awake and have the only thing worse than a dog day afternoon - a dog night of the soul. That is when you need a laugh or two.

Comedian Rodney Dangerfield's way of dealing with it was to joke, "With my dog I don't get no respect. He keeps barking at the front door. He don't want to go out. He wants me to leave.” In fact, like him, the way my luck is running, if I was a politician I would be honest.

One of my colleagues, who found out she had COVID, sent me a note at two this morning about an event our group is planning. In closing, she added that it seems the pandemic brings on insomnia. My response, at four in the morning, and after having read three newspapers online, checked my Facebook page and the cricket news was, “Given the option, it is better to suffer from insomnia.” The next thing I knew was that I was looking for a quote from comedian Woody Allen which I thought was appropriate but wanted to make sure I got it right, “I'm not afraid to die, I just don't want to be there when it happens.” Then, knowing that the event we were discussing is more than two weeks away, I went searching for another Woody Allen quote, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”

WINSFORD "JOKER' DEVINE That did it for me, especially when the next quip in my Woody Allen collection was, “I don't want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying.” I had just read the account of the service held for the great calypso composer, Winsford “Joker” Devine, and realised that he was, like me, born in mid-August except his birth year was 1943 and mine is 1945. I started to think about the meaning of life since, after the event, I doubt that I would be able spend any time wondering about the meaning of death. I like what Charles Schulz, the creator of Charlie Brown, Snoopy the dog and Woodstock the bird said, “Life is like an onion: You peel it off, one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.” Or, like Charlie Brown, you get tied up and totally entangled in the “Kite-eating tree”.

THE MEANING OF LIFE I didn’t want to be like the man who boasted about how he found the meaning of life. “I jumped off a cliff,” he explained, “And then it hit me.” In my case, I found it in the dictionary but that didn’t help. I eventually discovered something by American literature professor, Joseph Campbell, but after thinking about it for a while, I realised that I could not really put it into practice, “Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.” For the second time, working on the same column, that did it for me again. I resorted to my comfort zone. Humour. My first stop was, once more, Woody Allen, since he had more answers than I had questions.

Woody, concerned about not just the meaning but the basic fact of life, wondered, “What if nothing exists and we’re all in somebody’s dream?” However, taking no chances he added, “I don’t believe in the afterlife although I am bringing a change of underwear.” He questions the language, “Why are our days numbered and not, say, lettered?” Then he goes to the good news, “On the plus side, death is one of the few things that can be done as easily as lying down.” He jokes, “Man consists of two parts, his mind and his body, only the body has more fun.” One good thing though

is that he never loses himself in wondering and pondering too much about life and death.

Speaking about Hollywood he says, “In Beverley Hills, they don’t throw their garbage away. They make it into television shows.” From a lifetime of knowledge, he tells us, “Sex without love is a meaningless experience, but as far as meaningless experiences go it’s pretty damn good.” The one I like is, “I’m such a good lover because I practice a lot on my own.” You’ve got to hand it to him.

TAKE MY WIFE, PLEASE Now I was on a roll and needed to clear the temporary depression. I moved from Woody to the greatest mood-lifter of all time, Rodney Dangerfield. His “No Respect” album, based on his catchphrase “I don’t get no respect” won him an Emmy. His wife was a favourite theme He quipped, “With my wife I don’t get no respect. I made a toast on her birthday to ‘the best woman a man ever had.’ The waiter joined me.” Among the best of the others are, “When we got married my wife told me I was one in a million. I found out she was right!” and “During sex my wife always wants to talk to me. Just the other night she called me from a hotel.” One of my favourites is, “My wife’s jealously is getting ridiculous. The other day she looked at my calendar and wanted to know who May was.” His “no respect” tagline was not restricted to his wife- his parents, doctor and even his dog were food for comedy. In fact, most laughs came from jokes like: “When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.” and “When I was a kid I got no respect. The time I was kidnapped and the kidnappers sent my parents a note. They said, ‘We want five thousand dollars or you’ll see your kid again.” His psychiatrist was also a target, “I told him, ‘Doc, I keep thinking I'm a dog.’ He told me to get off his couch.”

EMO THE MERRIER At this point, having given Dangerfield all the respect for his not being respected, I decided to go to a little brain teasing to make me think beyond COVID and death. I decided to end with Emo Phillips, the comedian Jay Leno considered one of the best joke writers in America and the U.K. Guardian praised highly saying, “His jokes are more perfectly constructed and his personality more compelling than anyone else’s.”

Here’s a few for the off-beat, road-less- travelled souls like me. “I discovered my wife in bed with another man and I was crushed. So I said, ‘Get off me you two!’” “A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.” “I got some new underwear the other day.

Well, new to me.” One of my favourites is, “I ran three miles today…finally I said, ‘Lady, take your purse.’” In many ways, this last one, so very much like Woody Allen, took me back to where I started, “My classmates would copulate with anything that moved, but I never saw any reason to limit myself.”

Tony Deyal, in a much better mood, was last seen trying to answer two of comedian Steven Wright’s questions, “If you shoot at mimes, should you use a silencer?” and “What's another word for Thesaurus?”

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