Cap newsmagazine jan 2014

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Best of Jamaica in Orlando 2013 Winners he results are in from our 2013 “Best of Jamaica in Orlando” survey conducted by our editors. What is the best Jamaican restaurant in Orlando? This and many other questions about Jamaican culture in Orlando are answered in the 2013 “Best of Jamaica in Orlando” results.

NEWS MAGAZINE

Caribbean American Passport now covers the Entire State of Florida!

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La Vie Wellness Center Opens to the Public

WHAT IS THE BEST JAMAICAN ANNUAL EVENT? • ‘The Jamaican Experience’ Showcase of Jamaican Goods, Products, Services & Businesses • Orlando Jerk Festival WHAT IS THE BEST JAMAICAN SOCIAL CLUB/ASSOCIATION? • Jamaican Cultural Connection Inc WHAT IS THE BEST LOCAL JAMAICAN BAKERY? • Caribbean Sunshine Bakery WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO BUY JAMAICAN GROCERIES? • Caribbean Super Center • Caribbean One Stop WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO PLAY DOMINOES? • Negril’s Jamaican Restaurant at Silver Star Rd. WHAT IS THE BEST LOCAL JAMAICAN RESTAURANT? • Taste of Jamaica • Caribbean Sunshine Bakery WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO MEET OTHER JAMAICANS? • ‘The Jamaican Experience’ Showcase of Jamaican Goods, Products, Services & Businesses • Orlando Jerk Festival

— Continued on page 21 —

See story on page 12

Caribbean Review 2013

By Peter Richards

arbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart won the political battle but loss the economic war in 2013.

His Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Kamla Persad Bissessar set a record by losing four political battles in a year, while Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell set another record by leading his New National Party (NNP) to a clean sweep of all 15 seats in the February general elections.

This was the second occasion he had achieved the feat within a decade.

St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas defied calls to debate a motion of no confidence in his administration for a year even though the matter reached the courts and in Nevis, the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) defeated the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) to take control of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) after a year of wrangling in the courts over the validity of the last elections.

Continued on page 8

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L I F E S T Y L E Sam Roberts, Publisher

January 2014 Volume 5 Number 1

appy New Year to you all. For those of you like me who are still wondering what happened to 2013, if you find out, please email me, because I’m still looking for answers. I do realize that we were tremendously busy last year, going from one event to the next building our business. The good part is that this year we started the year with the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Business due to our commitment to diversity and we received recognition from Jamaicans.com as the favorite Caribbean/Jamaican news outlet in Orlando. We sowed seeds last year with all that work that are bearing fruit this year. My wish for you for this new year is that you have the time to do better – whether it’s a desire to make more money, be more social, be more creative.

I wish you the best. Better than wishing though is doing. These are my thoughts on what I’ll be doing this year.

1. I’ve set weight-loss goals It’s one thing to say, “I want to lose weight.” This year I’ve already started being specific about how I am going to lose weight. Making a plan and then executing makes the difference between a dream and a goal. Make specific goals for yourself. They don’t have to be big; simply juicing two meals a day, or walking when you could drive is a good start.

Meet your goals in increments. My first goal is to lose weight by the Guyanese Ball in February, I have started to do that by consistently adding more vegetables and fruits into my diet every day. After that my next target is to get in summer ready shape for hitting the beach. After that one is done the next goal will be Miami Carnival ready by October. Instead of vowing to lose 30 pounds by July, I vow to lose 4 or 5 pounds each month. “The key to resolving this is being specific,” Melissa Burkley, an associate professor of social psychology at Oklahoma State University, “Making your resolution more concrete allows you to better monitor it. If you fall behind, you know.”

2. Get your finances in order the first step starts with knowing my numbers.

I have always been a big picture type of person. I want to know how much I need to bring in for us to be comfortable. Give me a goal and I’ll go for it. But not understanding your numbers in business means that you could be looking at revenues and not at hard cash or you could be looking at great cash flow but not a good profit margin. So you end up spending money you don’t have. Know your numbers and let them guide you.

3. Be more positive “Positive thinking doesn’t mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore life’s less pleasant situations,” the Mayo Clinic notes “Positive thinking just means that you approach the unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst.” Have you

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

heard about self fulfilling prophesies? I personally feel that when I put my mind on something, my subconscious works on achieving it whether I focus on it or not. Ever bought a car and then you started seeing only that car on the road? Be careful what you focus on. I choose to be positive!

5. Support local businesses Consumers hold power. Small businesses rely on them! Get to know the small business owners in your neighborhood and support their businesses. It’s a great way to get involved and build your community. We’re a small business and your support directly impacts our bottom line every month. The more support we have is the more content that we carry in the newspaper. Some people don’t realize it, but we have to pay for every page that we carry. So, if we don’t have the advertising to support those pages, then you will see a smaller newspaper coming your way that month. When you support us with an ad, you support connecting your community while advertising to an audience of 20,000 print copies, 10,000 email blast and our online copy of the paper that gets an additional 2500 readership per month. But you can also support us by liking our facebook page, supporting the events we sponsor, supporting our advertisers, subscribing to us or joining our email blast of weekly Caribbean events.

6. Be more honest Be honest with yourself. Be more honest with others. Just, be more honest! Don’t waste your time and the time of others in a false environment. It’s too much work and it’s not worth it.

Just take a moment to remember how fast 2013 flew. Resolve to live your best life in 2014, let people love you for exactly who you are. Live honestly and live your best life in 2014.

Distribution Points - we want to highlight your business on our website and on our social media pages. Please contact us to register your business as a monthly distribution point and get additional exposure for FREE! *WE'RE HIRING! CONTACT US TODAY!*

GGR Marketing & Public Relations 1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 407-427-1800 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com For Media Information email: capnewsmagazine@yahoo.com Should you desire to review past copies of the publication go to http://www.issuu.com/caribbeanamericanpassport and search for Caribbean American Passport News Magazine.

Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor ..........................................................................Natasha Solomon Graphic Design & Layout ..................................... Jan Longwell-Smiley Contributing Writers: ................................................... Rosemarie Roth ..................................................................................... Natasha Gittens ........................................................................................ .Karlyn Hylton ............................................................................................ Gail Seeram ........................................................................................ Kamal Abdool . .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell ................................................................................ Nouchelle Hastings Contributing Photographers ........................................... Dillia Castillo ..................................................................................... Ronald Williams ....................................................................................... Mark Bannister Distribution & Sales.................................................... ...Delroy Edwards Distribution.................................................................... Samuel Roberts ....................................................................................... Frank Ambrose Copyright (C) 2013 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

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Derrick Wallace vows to make affordable housing a priority, if elected how do you get an education? It’s a huge problem.”

By West Orlando News entral Florida community leaders, representatives of faith-based organizations, realtors and business leaders met Wednesday, to discuss the problem of homelessness and affordable housing solutions, at the home of Derrick Wallace, candidate for Orange County Commissioner, District 6.

According to the 2013 Council on Homelessness Report, while statewide there has been a 17% drop in homelessness in 2013 compared to the previous year, Orange County has seen an increase of 29% in its homeless population.

As a consequence, Wallace has made championing affordable housing through the promotion of tax incentives, mobilizing public/private funding and monitoring gentrification efforts in District 6, one of the priorities of his campaign.

“We need to be vigilant with the growing problem of homelessness in Orange County and call attention to this critical community issue,” said Wallace. “And that’s why my campaign is focusing on affordable housing solutions to help mitigate the problem.”

Noting the three-year waiting period for section 8 housing, on the one hand, and the relatively high cost of rental units on the other, Smith opined that, essentially there is “no affordable housing” taking place.

“The key to preventing homelessness is providing affordable housing and that’s where we are sorely lacking in Central Florida,” he said.

A diverse panel of Realtors, Community and Church Leaders were drawn together by Derrick Wallace, Candidate District 6 and Rosemarie Roth of New Beginnings to brainstorm ways to tackle the issue of homelessness.

Wallace added that, while government can help with solutions to the homeless challenge, the role of the private sector, nonprofits and faith-based organizations would be central in bringing about a long-term solution to the problem.

Steve Smith, Executive Director of New Beginnings, a faithbased non-profit organization in South Lake County, focusing on helping the homeless learn how to live responsible lives, also addressed the meeting. He shared the view that, while there may be a strengthening of the economy, for many people their economic and financial situation remains perilous.

“There are over 13,000 students who are currently homeless in Central Florida, most of whom live in hotel rooms,” said Smith, who serves on the Lake County Housing Board and the Governor’s Council on Homelessness. “Under these conditions,

Rosemarie Roth with Lillie McCloud of X Factor

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Smith also lamented the growing problem of hunger and homelessness among seniors. In Orlando, some 12,000 seniors are unable to feed themselves adequately and one in four kids goes hungry in Central Florida.

According to Smith, faith-based organizations, corporations and nonprofits have increasingly been stepping up to assist homeless populations, in view of constrained government budgets. ”We are trying to create jobs – and that’s wonderful. But let’s also deal with affordable housing so that people will have permanent places to live once they get a job,” he added.

Rosemarie Roth, Outreach Director at New Beginnings believes Wallace’s campaign priorities on jobs, affordable housing and expanded educational opportunities are spot on, in view of the challenges faced by District 6 residents.

“Mr. Wallace is a community developer – not just mortar and steel – who understands the needs of the people in the district,” said Roth, who has been providing community outreach services in the Central Florida area for more than 16 years. “I like his calm and steady leadership and his plan to include everyone – this is what we need at this time.”

The meeting was attended by Ting Wong, Mrs. United Nations; Dr. Ted Ridore, President of Cornerstone Christian Unity; Veronica Sprauve, M & V Cleaning Services; Sam and Guenet Roberts of Roberts & Roberts Management Company; Carlton “Fergie” Ferguson of Nationsway Capital Finance Corp., Rev. Linton Morris, Promise Land Realty and Jackie Richie -Caribbean Queen, among other participants.

Derrick Wallace, Candidate for District 6

Steve Smith

Scott’s First Official Act in 2014, Signing a Death Warrant

By Roger Caldwell

There is a large disparity based on race and socio-economic background, in the nation with prisoners on death row. Based on the national statistics on race, there are 1,341 (43%) white, 1307 (41%) black, 389 (12%) Latino, and the additional 4% other. Blacks only make up 13% of the population in the country, but on death row they make up 41% of the population.

In Florida, Blacks make up 36% of the death row population, and Scott is letting the country know with his first official act in 2014, that Florida will be focused on executions. “The entire nation and the civilized world is moving away from using the death penalty, and Florida is going in the wrong direction. It’s ix states in the last six years have gotten rid of a sad state of affairs and it bodes very ominously for 2014,” the death penalty. The numbers of executions are says Mark Elliot. down, and the numbers of death sentences are down in the world,” says Mark Elliot of Florid- Just recently, Darius Kimbrough was executed in Florida on ians for Alternatives to Death Penalty. In November 12, 2013, and there is speculation from the family America, there are 18 states that have out- that he was innocent. Mr. Kimbrough was related to Rev. Michael lawed death sentences, but not in Florida.

Kimbrough, the executive director of the Pine Hills Performing Arts Center, and based on his last discussion before he was exThere is something wrong in Florida, when the leader of the state wants to go down in Florida’s history as the governor who put the most citizens to death.

Even though, all around the nation there is a movement to lower executions, our governor is determined to increase the pace. In a sadistic and confusing manner, the governor be- ecuted; the pastor thought Mr. Kimbrough had been unfairly lieves he is doing the right thing, and saving Floridians money. treated. Mostly all the prisoners on death row are poor and received inferior representation from a public defender.

Shortly, Florida will become the third most populous state in the nation, and our governor is determined to make a name for the “It is both tragic and ironic that the state that sends the highest state, for sending the most people to the death chamber. In 2013, number of wrongfully convicted people to death now is speedGovernor Scott had seven executions, and in 2014, it appears ing up executions. Speeding up execution virtually guarantees that he wants to break Ex-Governor Bob Graham’s record of eight. that innocent people will be executed,” says Mark Elliot.

“

There is something wrong in Florida, when the leader of the state wants to go down in Florida’s history as the governor who put the most citizens to death.

At the present time in Florida, there are 403 prisoners on death row. This year 14 people were added to death row, and Ex-Governor Graham says the backlog continues to grow. Ex-Governor Graham’s philosophy is “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson calls Florida “an apartheid state” because poor people and minorities are treated unfairly in the state. There is something inhumane and perverted, when the governor makes his first official act for 2014, signing a death warrant.

Find Caribbean Restaurants, Plumbers, Events, Discount Coupons, Deals and Much More!

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Letters to My Lawyer™

By Sasha A. Watson

Dear Lawyer, I would like to inquire on the effect of legalization of marijuana on past convictions. I was convicted twice of possession of marijuana in 2002 in Florida, while a green card holder, and was subsequently deported as a result. In the event that marijuana becomes legal in Florida, will I be able to have my conviction overturned under the new law and possibly return to the US? Please help, Deported US Resident Dear Deported US Resident: Your letter raises questions: first, will a change in the marijuana laws affect past convictions and 2) if the convictions are vacated / thrown out will that affect my immigration case.

Unfortunately, the standard in the US is against retroactive changes to punishment of crimes. It is impermissible under the US constitution’s ex post facto and saving clause to impose more severe penalties for existing crimes. Likewise, many states have taken the position that it is also impermissible to decrease the penalty retroactively despite the change in the current law. In other words, it is widely accepted across the country that people who commit crimes are liable under the laws that exist at the time and that repealing penalties for crimes doesn’t affect past convictions or in some cases pending prosecutions for the same crimes.

Nonetheless, a state may have the option of enacting a companion law that expressly permits retroactive amelioration. None of the states that have decriminalized or legalized marijuana in the US have taken the step to enact ameliorative or curative companion legislation.

Florida’s decriminalization or legalization of marijuana and adoption of an ameliorative statute that would vacate your convictions under Florida law may not result in your removal case being overturned. Immigration laws punish not only conviction but also admission of facts sufficient to support an underlying crime. So depending on the record of conviction there may be sufficient admitted facts to support the charge, even if it is vacated in state court. Additionally, because the immigration system is based on federal law, it is still yet to be determined whether retroactive amelioration by a state will be recognized under the federal system which governs immigration.

Regards, Sasha Watson, Esq. HAWM, PLLC Please submit your letters to letters@hawmlaw.com. Each month a reader’s selection will be chosen for response This column is primarily for educational purposes as well as to give the reader general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide any legal advice whatsoever. By reading this column you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and writer/ publisher. This column should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney. This column is not published for advertising or solicitation purposes. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Letters to My Lawyer™ is a publication of Karlyn Hylton & Sasha Watson of Hylton, Adamson Watson, PLLC 120 E. Colonial Drive |Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-802-3223 | F: 407-377-1971 Email: letters@hawmlaw.com

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ImmigrationINFO

TM

Immigration News for Our Community Re-entry into the U.S. after Removal/Deportation

ship, illegal reentry after a prior deportation, security and foreign policy violation, and other miscellaneous violations of the U.S. laws.

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Gail@GailLaw.com 1-877-GAIL-LAW

@GailSeeram FREE In-Office Consultation FREE Live Chat – visit www.GailLaw.com e-entry into the United States once a person has been removed or deported from the United States is not an automatic process. Removal proceedings (formerly known as “deportation proceedings�) are used to determine whether a non-U.S. citizen, or permanent resident (green card holder) should be deported, that is, expelled from the United States. If no relief is available, removal or deportation proceedings can result in: (1) voluntary departure from the United States; (2) removal/deportation under Immigration & Custom Enforcement supervision; or (3) self-removal if you left the United States with an order of removal. Based on the grounds on which a person is removed or deported from the U.S., they may face a five year, ten year or lifetime ban from returning to the U.S. Additionally, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, if you remained unlawfully in the United States for more than six months but less than one year and you leave the U.S., then you face a three year ban to return to the U.S. If you remained unlawfully in the United States for more than one year and you leave the U.S., then you face a ten year ban to return to the U.S. A person may be placed in removal or deportation proceedings for the following reasons: (1) unlawfully present in the United States because the person overstayed on a visa or entered the U.S. illegally without inspection;

If a person was removed/deported from the U.S. or left the United States voluntarily after living in the United States illegally, then that person would be required to file a waiver AND an application for permission to reapply for admission into the United States.

Q: I was deported from the U.S. seven years ago but my U.S. citizen daughter filed for me and I have an interview at the Embassy. When do I file the waiver and/or application for re-entry?

A: Once you attend the immigrant visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate, the officer will advise you if and what type of waiver is required to be filed. The type of waiver that is required depends on the reason why you were deported.

The waiver and application for re-entry with required filing fees is no longer presented to the Embassy during the interview. Rather, is required to be filed in the United States. If the waiver application is approved, then you and the Embassy will be notified and the immigrant visa will be issued by the Embassy. If the waiver is denied, then you may appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen or reconsider the decision.

Our office has successfully handled many waiver cases and would be happy to customize a winning case strategy for your waiver application.

Q: How likely is it that my waiver and application for re-entry will be approved?

A: The U.S. Government will review the waiver packet and application for re-entry along with the supporting documents to determine whether the positive factors (immigrant rehabilitation, good character and extreme hardship evidence) outweigh the negative factors (reasons for deportation) in that particular case. Note, a winning waiver packet contains supporting documents and evidence to prove the extreme hardship in the following manner: strong family ties in the U.S., health or medical issues, education concerns, financial issues and country conditions in the native country.

(2) as a permanent resident (or green card holder) he or she committed a crime that under the U.S. immigration laws result in removal from the U.S.; (3) as a permanent resident (or green card holder) he or she abandoned their residency in the U.S. by extended stay outside the U.S.; or (4) as a permanent resident (or green card holder) he or she committed immigration violation, visa and/or passport fraud, alien smuggling, willful misrepresentation, false claim to U.S. citizen-

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Caribbean Review 2013 —Continued from page 1—

In Suriname, President Desi Bouterse dismissed calls to step down following the arrest of his son by United State law enforcement officials on drug trafficking and terrorist related charges. But during the year, President Bouterse fired his Finance Minister, Adelien Wijnerman, because of the slow progress achieved in clearing government’s payment arrears.

Since coming to office in 2010, Bouterse has replaced 10 ministers. His record is perhaps matched in the Caribbean only by Prime Minister Persad Bissessar, who accepted the resignation of her embattled national security minister Austin Jack Warner, only to see him successfully defend the Chaguanas West seat in a by-election and form his own political party.

In Belize, Prime Minister Dean Barrow sacked his junior minister of Immigration Elvin Penner based on the fact that he “did not discharge his responsibilities with either the due judgment and balance, or the scrupulous regard for appearances, which the Prime Minister demands for all his Ministers”. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit continued to enjoy his honeymoon and birth of his new born son by taunting the opposition, which elected a new leader in Lennox Linton, with the possibility of an early general election.

A Brazilian court gave the green light for former Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Michael Misick to be extradited to his homeland to face charges arising from a Commission of Inquiry into alleged corruption and maladministration during his tenure in office.

Yet politics did not dominate events in the Caribbean in 2013, economics did.

St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony summed up the economic situation perfectly when he said some Caribbean countries were refusing to face up to the impact of the global economic crisis on their countries. “The tragedy of the times is that we are in the throes of a major crisis like the Caribbean has never ever experienced before, but we are refusing to face the reality that confronts us and all of us are engaged in one form or another of self denial,” Anthony said, challenging his regional colleagues to be honest about the “hard and unusual decisions” that must be made because of difficult global economic conditions. “We don’t like frank talk. We don’t like open talk. We don’t like honest talk,” he added.

The Bermuda government laid it cards on the table by telling citizens that they should not expect the local economy to show much growth in 2013. “Overall, the Ministry of Finance anticipates that Bermuda’s GDP (gross domestic product) will be flat to negative 0.75 per cent in 2013,” it said.

socio-economic situation facing the Spice Isle.

The two essential building blocks of this new economy are fiscal and debt sustainability and the Grenada government has said it would present a strategy for the new economy in the first quarter of 2014.

But Mitchell insists the “Homegrown Programme” has been designed for Grenadians and was not a programme put together by the Washington-based IMF. Caribbean people have long equated job cut backs, decline in social services and a cut in government expenditure with the abbreviation, IMF. So when Barbadian voters kept with tradition and provided the incumbent Democratic Labour Party (DLP) a second consecutive term in power following a nerve jangling general elections in February, they would have been forgiven for linking the government’s announcement of public sector job cuts in December with a prescription ordered by the IMF as the DLP administration seeks to revive an ailing economy. Their position may have been strengthened by the IMF report on Barbados following its annual inspection of the state of the country’s economy in early December.

The Washington-based financial institution noted that the Central government debt had risen to 94 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by September 2013; the government’s deficit is expected to rise to 9.5 per cent of GDP in 2013/2014; the government wage bill rose to 10.3 per cent of GDP in 2012/13 – “the highest in the region”; and, most worryingly of all, international reserves had fallen to US$468 million at end-October.

Despite the gloomy picture, Barbadians had taken comfort in the words of Prime Minister Stuart that his administration had always taken the position that, as far as possible, resorting to layoffs would be “a kind of last option when every other option has failed”. Perhaps the first sign that all options had or were failing came when the government announced that it would no longer pay tuition fees for nationals studying at the University of the West Indies (UWI). The government’s message to students: free tertiary education was never intended to last forever.

Former prime minister Owen Arthur suggested that the government consider cutting back on Cabinet portfolios as well as social entitlement programmes, while Opposition Leader Mia Mottley declared the island was in crisis. “The decision to remove 3,000 public workers is the ultimate betrayal of the mandate of this government. We have heard over and over ministers say there will be no layoffs, there will be no sell offs before, during or after the election and the prime minister led the chorus,” she said, warning that the “storm is still coming” and that the measures being implemented would not stop the free fall of the Barbados economy.

The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago revised the economic growth for the oil rich twin island republic saying it was now projected to grow by 1.5 per cent this year as against earlier But despite the criticism, the government has found support predictions of 2.5 per cent for its plan of action. Head of the Barbados Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAB), David Simpson, said that apart from The test of Anthony’s frankness came early in the year when he the retrenchments, the government would still have to outline warned striking public servants that bowing to their demands for a plan to stimulate foreign exchange earnings and improve a 15 per cent salary increase would force the island into the clutches the economy. “I feel this is just the start,” he said. of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Public sector trade unions had rejected an offer of zero per cent increase and a one- If the Barbados situation was worrying, Jamaica has had a time payment of EC$1,000 (One EC dollar= US$0.37 cents). In the long relationship the IMF which continued in 2013. The isend, despite street demonstrations, the public sector unions signed land signed a four-year US$958 million External Fund Facility on the dotted line, accepting the government’s offer.

(EFF) with the IMF and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller urged Jamaicans to remain focused as the country goes through The nine-member Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) what is perhaps its most ambitious and far-reaching economic has long relied on mono crops as well as the tourism industry for transformation programme. She likened the economic reform heir economic fortunes. But the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean programme to working out a business plan, saying “I speak of Central Bank (ECCB), Sir Dwight Venner, said they needed, “to wake creating a profitable enterprise for all our citizens. I always speak up and smell the coffee” and realise that the global economic crisis of the importance of ‘balancing the books while balancing people’s had exposed and exacerbate structural issues that had been hid- lives. This requires, among other things, placing emphasis on den in the past. “Let us get sensible, there is the politics in all of poverty alleviation and eventual poverty eradication,” she added. that, but in the end you have to do the maths,” he told the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC), noting that the By year end, the IMF was making public a letter submitted by private sector had a significant role to play in the newly formed the Jamaica government with Kingston acknowledging that Economic Union of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States while economic growth remained weak and unemployment (OECS). Sir Dwight told the private sector officials “that’s the only “much too high” it was nonetheless confident that the benefits game in town” and pretending that ‘we can solve things without of the economic strategy now being implemented would “bedoing the math is going to be a very frustrating exercise”. It was a come increasingly evident over time”. message not lost on Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, who has a doctorate in Mathematics. He has had to present two The political configuration in the National Assembly in Guyana, national budgets to Parliament in 2013, stressing at all times the translated into economic problems for the Donald Ramotar development of what he calls “the new economy” to deal with the Continued on page 18

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Val Demings announces her candidacy for Mayor of Orange County he woman who was the first Woman to ever run Orlando’s police department, is planning to run for Orange County Mayor.

Val Demings made the official announcement of her candidacy at a gathering at Lake Eola on January 10th.

people in the community who urged her to run, to give them a voice.

“People who go to work every day, people who work hard and struggle just to keep a roof over their head and put food on the table, people whose income is below the poverty line,” said Demings.

West Orange News Online Editor Keith Longmore said “Val Demings and Derrick Wallace Offer Real Choices For West Side Voters”. Do not discount the the impact of Derrick Wallace and his candidacy for Orange County District 6. Mr. Wallace amd Ms. Demings present the best chances in years for African American voters locally.

Do not be fooled by the knee jerk, slap stick pontification: Obama was symbolic, and of course, Blacks would support him. But, here on Orlando’s West Side, there has been years of neglect. The folks in this part of the County, particularly the folks of color, just “If you manage 1,000 law enforcement don’t get the same treatment as every one employees and cut crime and corruption, else. If you see Black folks on the West Side I know we can make it,” said Demings. smiling in these coming months, just know, that they’re thinking, “hmmm, Derrick Wallace and Val Demings, At a reception after the event, Caribbean American Business this might make a difference for my children. “ Owner Nathan Chambers expressed his support for Val Demings to Caribbean American Passport Newspaper and sug- Members of the Caribbean community also speak highly of gested we start a Caribbean group for Val. We have learnt the Demings’ commitment to helping Caribbean community that Demings is currently $500,000.00 behind current Orange events even before they were running for office. ”It’s that comCounty Mayor Theresa Jacobs But Demings is just getting mitment that has earned them my vote” said Richard Yates, started raising campaign funds.

Past President of the Orlando Carnival Association. ”They take the time to listen to our issues and try to solve or help if they Demings said she believes she will have grassroots support from can, and that’s who and what I want as my Mayor.”

Demings was surrounded by supporters, including some Orange County firefighters, Orange County corrections officers and friends. After she was introduced by the president of the Community Business Association, Demings shared her story of how she, the daughter of a maid, worked her way up the ranks at the Orlando Police Department, ultimately becoming its first female police chief. She said she is the only police chief to cut city crime by 40 percent.

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T

Caribbean Christmas Battle of the Bands

he weather was perfect, the atmosphere just rights, the rum-cakes well spiced, the punch-o-cream sweetly flavored and the rhythmic sounds of the steelpan music created the exceptional Caribbean Christmas experience right here in Orlando on December 23rd. The rhythmic sensations of St John’s Episcopal Steelpan group and Orlando’s own Power Stars steelpan group could not have been better; the crowd was treated to an evening of musical challenges. The showcase of the night, while the two bands battles for ‘Best Band’, was the youth solo competition which put the two young gentlemen, Justin Wittingham of Power Stars and Brendon McConney of St John’s to face the judges and the crowd. It was a phenomenal performance by both young men and the judges were faced with the most difficult challenge of selecting just one.

The ‘Best Band’ trophy was awarded to St John’s Episcopal Church Steelpan group from Kissimmee while Justin Wittingham of Orlando Power Stars was awarded the ‘Best Youth Soloist’. This event was sponsored by the Caribbean American Passport News Magazine, Graham & Mills Attorneys at Law, Caribbean Airlines, Mr. & Mrs. Derrick Wallace, Carib Beer, Life Worth Living Pharmacy and PS Freight Systems.

This was the first annual Caribbean Christmas – Battle of the Bands, Parang and Toy Drive presented by the CAP Foundation. The management and staff of the Caribbean American Passport News Magazine and CAP Foundation would like to take this opportunity to thanks our sponsors, the judges, Leon Caldero, the steelpan groups and the supporters who came out to make this event a success.

PROFESSOR GT in the Biz for over 25 Years SPECIALIZING IN: • WALTZ • OLDIES • NEW SCHOOL • SOCA • CHUTNEY • REGGAE TOP 40 • R&B & SOUL CONTACT: 407.232.4102 or 917.830.PROF (7763) Mail to:Professorgt1@gmail.com or Professorgt1@gmail.com Professorgt1/twitter • Professorgt1/instagram

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Enjoy an Evening of Dinner & Dancing with Live Entertainment by Dave Martins & The Tradewinds

Sam: 407-810-6435 • Andy: 407-694-7497 • Vanessa: 407-325-5466 • Victor : 407-484-5692 11

La Vie Wellness Center Opens to the Public

By Paula Robinson

nations and fruit smoothies. I have never been to a wellness center that included cooking classes end food education. This received an invitation as a special guest to the LaVie Ex- will help me make sure I am able to make healthy lifestyle perience Grand Opening Event, December 19th 2014 to food choices. And the food was delicious! begin at 1pm. LaVie Experience is a 30,000 square foot facility featuring amenities such as a nutritional center, Next stop was the LaVie Experience Fitness and Rehab Center. weight loss clinic, anti-aging programs, massage thera- There we met the centers’ general manager and the fitness and pies , a wet spa, fitness and rehab studio, infusion suite rehab experts. They answered questions and spoke to us about the many group activity classes and fitness approaches they ofand a kitchen café. fer. I was particularly interested in the overall concept of healDriving over I remembered how traveling along Hiawassee ing from the inside out. Who knew that there were some breaththrough the Metro West area is always such a pleasure. You can ing techniques in the form of qi gong where the effects of relaxfeel a calmness passing the beautiful architecture, rolling green ation and calm were immediate! They gave Zumba and boot golf course and lush landscaping. As I pulled up to LaVie Experi- camp demonstrations and talked about some of the very difference there was a beautiful free standing building with a private ent aerobic classes we could join. They even have Break Dance entrance and great parking which made it so easy for me to en- and Hula Hooping classes! I am so motivated to try all of them! ter. Walking into the front doors I entered Life Worth Living Pharmacy, a state of the art compounding and retail pharmacy. A The last part of the tour was the LaVie Infusion Suite. I had pharmacy technician greeted me and we spoke about compound- never been in an infusion IV room before and was impressed ing, Pharmacist Consultations, and they even signed me up for with the very calming and relaxed atmosphere. We learned the Life Worth Living Prescription Member Discount Program. that LaVie offers both medical and nutritional infusions. You can get vitamin therapy cocktails, pre and post game treatThis was great; I was already saving money just by attending!! ments for the professional athlete, as well as intensive medical Walking through a set of double doors marked LaVie Experi- treatments. I remember seeing the Housewives of Miami gathence, I was surprised to see so many dignitaries and local ering together for a IV infusion party so I was thrilled that this

La Vie’s Acrobat Instuctor Pours Champagne for guests.

Paula & Kirk raise a toast to La Vie.

A toast is raised by Elizabeth Ayotunde to La Vie.

Jeremy Roberts, Sam Roberts and Drey Chennells

Mayor Buddy Dyer with Michael and Elizabeth Ayotunde.

A complimentary skin analysis is given to a guest.

celebraties. Even Buddy Dyer, Orlando’s Mayor was there to perform the ribbon cutting ceremony! Local TV and radio media crews were taking pictures and doing interviews. I felt so honored to have been invited! The owners, Michael and Elizabeth Ayotunde, were upfront along with the entire staff, shaking hands and greeting everyone. I was amazed by how beautiful the entrance and waiting room was with the plush furniture and huge chandeliers. When the Mayor finally cut the ribbon with photo flashes and cheering, the drinks were poured and the tours began.

was now available to me right here in Orlando.

We were walked through a long hallway with multiple spa rooms with new state of art equipment where my next stop was the LaVie Cuisine Kitchen and Cafe. There we met nutrition guru, Sandy Morias, who shared how to prepare healthy foods and drinks. We discussed balancing your PH levels with the proper diet and the benefits of their vegetable juice combi-

Since attending the party I have been back several times for facials and workouts. Next for me are healthy cooking classes!

I have never been to such a big and beautiful facility. LaVie Experience really understands the meaning of promoting good health both inside and out. No wonder their motto is come and …EXPERIENCE A LIFE WORTH LIVING!

The whole tour was so impressive!

The media come through photographing and filming the guests and the facility leading us back into the fitness center for the evening’s festivities to begin. The fitness studio transformed into a beautiful reception area for over 300 guests complete with an open bar and buffet. Champagne was poured to each quest by a LaVie acrobat instructor hanging from a big fabulous chandelier. Guenet Roberts of GGR Marketing and the entire We started at the reception desk where the very stylish recep- LaVie Experience team raised a toast and gave up appreciationist handed me a few LaVie Experience brochures. I was tion to everyone attending. An in house DJ began the music really excited about the types of services I would be able to and the party was on! Through the night we had great enterreceive at LaVie! Not only did they have traditional spa ser- tainment, great music, dancing and a wonderful performance vices such as facials and a variety of massage options, body from another LaVie acrobat instructor that did handstands and wraps and wet room services, they also have a medical doctor splits on top of stacked chairs reaching the ceiling twenty feet on staff. So now I can get help with weight loss, BHRT, anti- up. With VIP guests and celebrities everywhere I never wanted aging options and LaVie Experience can even provide me with to leave. In fact I didn’t until well after midnight. Everyone a full health assessment. WOW! had a fantastic time!

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t was one for the Caribbean histor y books this past December as for the first time in the history of NBC reality music show, The Voice, a Caribbean national took home the win and with it claimed a recording contract with Universal Music Group, a KIA car and US$100,000.

Tessanne Chin may be Jamaican but the entire Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora were crying with pride, much as she was Tuesday night, when she was announced as the winner of Season Five of the competition, after three months of grueling competition.

Wearing a stunning black and sequined gown for the final announcement, the Kingston resident who has now become a world-wide phenom, seemed visibly nervous and then shocked as Voice host Carson Daly announced she was the winner and her mother and husband rushed in to hug her amidst fireworks.

Proud coach Adam Levine beamed from ear to ear as he delivered the winner’s trophy on bended knees to Chin, who moments earlier had thanked him for his support as a coach and for being a shoulder to cry on.

“It’s been nothing but a joy to work with you,” she told her mentor moments before learning about her win. “You’ve been a shoulder to cry on, you’ve been a friend, you’ve been invested, you’ve been true. I love you, I trust you.”

It was only the second win for Levine in the history of the five-year show, after losing to Team Blake Shelton for the past three years.

Chin, who made the phrase “bread and butta” popular, was then forced to swallow her emotions and deliver the song that will become her first U.S. single live – “Tumbling Down” by Ryan Tedder of One Republic.

FANS REACT Her win sent her Caribbean fans into frenzy on Facebook and Twitter. For months, the Jamaican Diaspora had voted and organized for her and last night marked the culmination of an intense campaign for one of their own.

In Jamaica, hundreds gathered in Half Way Tree to celebrate even through they could not vote in the competition, while

on Twitter, top Jamaican singers and the world’s fastest man, were among those quick to offer up congratulations.

The man whom Chin once sang back-up vocals for, Sir Jimmy Cliff, Jimmy Cliff tweeted: “Like I said long time ago Tessanne Chin is THE VOICE! Congratulations #Tessanne, #thevoice, #jamaica.”

Dancehall’s Sean Paul via Instragram posted: “CONGRATS 2 U TESSY U DESERVE ALL THE SHINE!!! WE R SO PROUD OF U!!!

MAANY BLESSING!!!” while Hip Hop star Sean Kingston added: “Big up The Beautiful @Tessanne Wish u much success!!!!… you are killin it.. And Def Deserve it.. Thanks for making JAMAICA PROUD!” The man who encouraged Chin to audition, Grammy-winning singer, Shaggy, tweeted: “#TEAMTESSANNE@THEBESTESS@ NBCTHEVOICE, #HALFWAYTREEKIMGSTONJAMAICA TUN UP!!!”

While the world’s fastest man, Usain St. Leo Bolt, extended congrats to Chin before adding: “All we Jamaican do is win, win, win, win, no matter what.”

The win for Chin came following a phenomenal duet performance with legendary singer, Celine Dion earlier in the night as the show’s producers rolled out an evening of top entertainment with some of music’s top artists.

Chin looked right at home next to Dion, whom she had opened for before at Jamaica Jazz & Blues, as they sang ‘Love Can Move Mountains.’

OTHER WINNERS The second place winner was Jacquie Lee from Team Christina Aguilera while Will Champlin of Team Adam was third.

PERFORMANCES The finale performance included not only Dion, but also Neyo, One Republic, Alloe Black (with Will Champlin), Paramore (with Jacquie) and Lady Gaga, who teamed up with Aguilera for the night’s final performance. The top 20 contestants of The Voice season five were also reunited on the show.

And so marked an end to a great Season Five, with Season Six set to return in February 24 at 8 ET/PT with coaches Shakira and Usher along with Shelton and Levine.

JetBlue continues Caribbean Expansion with three daily flights to Haiti

he Toussaint Louverture International Airport will be tion to our network,” he added. served once daily from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and twice daily from Fort Port-au-Prince is JetBlue’s 82nd destination and its 24th destination internationally.

Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

JetBlue in December launched three daily flights to Port au “On behalf of both the Haitian Government and the Haitian Prince as the airline continues to expand into Latin America community in the U.S., I would like to welcome JetBlue to Haiti. Having worked closely with and the Caribbean. the airline to create and execute this opportunity, we hope that this The Toussaint Louverture Internais the beginning of a great and tional Airport will be served once daily fruitful cooperation, and we wish from New York’s John F. Kennedy InJetBlue all the success with these ternational Airport (JFK) and twice new routes,” said Charles A. daily from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Forbin, Consul General of the ReInternational Airport (FLL). public of Haiti in New York.

“We see great opportunities with “JetBlue’s new service to Port-auour new service to Port-au-Prince.

Prince demonstrates their commitWe look forward to bringing comment to our community and the petitive fares along with our awardgrowing Haitian population. We are winning service to Haiti,” said Dave honored to have the support of Barger, JetBlue’s president and CEO. JetBlue as the airport continues its “With one-third of our network serving the Caribbean and Latin growth to meet the demand of the traveling public,” said Kent G. America, we are very pleased to add this important destina- George, Director of Aviation, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport.

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“

ypically everyone agrees that services such as water, electricity, hospitals, and fire services are essential...given the importance of LIAT to the economies of the region, calls for this service to be listed as essential (are) not unreasonable.”

— Julie Reifer-Jones, Acting CEO, LIAT

“What’s happening with LIAT as it transitions from the aging Dash 8 fleet to the brand new ATR aircraft can only augur well for small hoteliers like us. The intra-regional market is very important to small hotels like ours. Regional airlines, from Cape Air to Seaborne and LIAT, help boost tourism and trade between the islands, and we are grateful for their efforts to improve lift while upgrading their customer service.”

— Azmina Mawani, General Manager, Comfort Inn San Juan

“We want to extend our appreciation to all of our past guests for making Mango Bay a success for 20 years. Our visitors are our top priority and we’re excited to offer them an upgraded beach in addition to the top notch customer service we’ve prided ourselves on since the property opened.”

— Peter Odle, Chairman, Mango Bay Hotel Group (Travel Agent) “I welcome the return of Premier (Michael) Misick to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the home that he loves, and to his family and friends, who have all been praying for his safe return. Premier Misick will be processed and I trust that through the will of God, fairness and justice will prevail and the Rule of Law will be executed in a manner that is fair, respectful and transparent as it upholds his basic Human Rights.”

— Dr. Rufus Ewing, Premier, T urks and Caicos Islands (Caribbean Journal)

“Spoon feeding in the long run teaches us “This is a crucial time for the Caribbean, as nothing but the shape of the spoon.” our hotels and destinations are battling for — E.M. Forster, British writer share of a global market. The good news for LIAT’s Julie Reifer-Jones Caribbean Marketplace 2014 is that we are “Quotable Caribbean” is compiled by Marketplace slightly ahead of 2013 registrations from supExcellence Corporation, a full-service, integrated plier companies, and we will have buyer companies in atten- marketing agency committed to excellence in the fields of public reladance from 16 countries. This strong showing indicates that there tions, marketing and media coaching. is a growing interest in the Caribbean vacation experience.”

— Jeff Vasser, Director General and CEO, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (Travel Weekly) “This conference is about demonstrating the power of (sports) tourism as a sustainable niche for the Caribbean. This is the first edition, but the objective is to travel around the Caribbean to demonstrate how (sports) tourism could contribute (to) tourism development - creating jobs, activities and opportunities for all.”

— Stéphan Carnier, Editor, CSport Magazine (Martinique) (Caribbean Journal)

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15

Caribbean-Briton director wins Golden Globes best motion picture

man of Caribbean heritage was front and center at Marcus Garvey is from the West Indies. And there’s this huge the Golden Globes this January, taking home the majority of my family living in the United States, so it’s a little night’s top honor. bit more complex than that. It’s not about me being a Brit; it’s about me being a part of that sort of diaspora.

Caribbean-Briton director Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave” was named best motion picture, drama at “My trajectory, as such, of being introduced to slavery was fairly the 71st annual immediate because my parGolden Globes awards on ents were from the West Sunday night, beating out Indies. And, you know, at “Captain Phillips,” “Gravity,” school there was reference to “Philomena” and “Rush.” It slavery but not much. So it’s was the lone award for the one of those things which I film at the Golden Globes. found out through my parents and obviously traveling McQueen’s historical biopic of back to the West Indies.”

Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free man abducted “12 Years A Slave” first deand sold into slavery, “12 buted at the Telluride Film Years a Slave” was long conFestival in August, and had sidered a front-runner in the its official premiere at the best picture Oscar race.

Toronto International Film Festival in September.

McQueen was born in West McQueen’s film, his third feaLondon to Grenadian and ture following “Hunger” and Trinidadian parents.

“Shame,” is favorite to win Best Picture at the Academy As he tells it: “My parents are Awards in March. from Grenada, my mother and father; you know, this is The Golden Globes, held at the place where Malcolm X’s the Beverly Hilton Hotel, are mother was born. My mother voted for by the Hollywood was born in Trinidad; the (L-R) Actors Lupita Nyong’o and Chiwetel Ejiofor, director Steve McQueen, Foreign Press Association and actors Sarah Paulson and Michael Fassbender, winners of Best Motion phrase ‘Black Power’ was Picture - Drama for ’12 Years a Slave,’ pose in the press room during the is one of Hollywood’s biggest born in Trinidad. Harry 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January nights, setting a marker for Belafonte is from Jamaica. 12, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) the Oscars in March.

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LEADING LADIES BEHIND THE SCENES AND ON THE FRONT LINE Welcome to my column on Leading Ladies behind the Scenes. Our column will introduce you to leading ladies who have branded their own recognition and blazed their own trails. These ladies work behind the scenes but manage the front line with high impact results. You might have heard their names or admired their work, but never met them up close and personal. Our column will give you the chance to meet these ladies so you can place a face with the name and their trendsetting work in our community, various organizations and in business. Thank you for celebrating their value with us.

Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”

Erica Crawford President CDP Orlando2014 Emerging Business Award Recipient

“

oney, you are my shining star don’t you go they never fulfill their gift. That’s what made me embrace away; wanna be right here where you are my gift. I was always good at graphic design but the light until my dying day.” came on and the game changed once I When the Manhattans embraced it as my gift” says Erica. It was wrote this hit song it was then she began to see herself as a promoreceived and enjoyed by tional and marketing expert and elevated many all over the world not only her outlook but the outlook of because the words were her clients. so deep. It became the adoptive expression of men and women when describing As a client of Crawford Design and one how they felt about their true love. who links opportunities to non-profits I admire Erica as the ‘vanguard’ that she is.

When I think of Erica Crawford and her Her work has built reputations of busidedication to the non-profit sector and her nesses throughout the country and in Braexpertise on presenting her clients in the zil and Haiti; she is the only choice for me highest light – I start to hum……you are because she is there for her clients giving my shining star, don’t you ever go away.

100% of her all.

Erica and I came to know each other in 2007. One of the cities influential CEO’s When I asked Erica what’s the immediate at the time was talking about the girl that goal of 2014 she said, “In 2014, I look forcould walk on water just about. I was imward to expanding staff and mentoring pressed even before meeting her. interns to achieve their greatness……..Our Mission is to help you succeed through inThinking back to how we met is almost novative graphic design, marketing and like watching the Jets and the Steelers play communication strategies and my immefootball and the score is 20-17. The Jets diate goal is to strengthen and make betErica Crawford doesn’t’ score a touchdown, now the teams ter what we already do great”. only hope is for a field goal. For the novice, Field goals are worth three points and often are the deciding plays in the last seconds of close games. They can be attempted from anywhere on the field on any down, but generally are kicked from inside the defense’s 45-yard line on fourth down. For a field goal to be “good”, the placekicker (or field goal kicker) must kick the ball through the goal-post uprights and over the crossbar. The defense tries to block the kick and stop the ball from reaching the goal post……. And the field goal is through the goal and the Jet’s beat the Steelers and I’m runnin’ like a gazelle screaming….. thank you Erica, thank you Erica.

This was what it was like when I met Erica Crawford. The same CEO had made a blanket of promises and was looking real good when he privately admitted to me that he could not deliver. I felt like Jerry the mouse with Tom the cat getting ready to swallow our heads. Then he said call Erica. Erica came through like the much needed field gold. It was then that I named her “Girl Wonder” as a matter of fact Girl What Do You Bring to the Table was co-produced by the expertise of Erica Crawford.

Your dream vacation awaits you!

Last week Erica Crawford was awarded the 2014 Emerging Business of the Year by the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida. What an awesome award and honor for a person who gives all - apart from respect and courtesy, ask nothing in return.

“One time I was listening to Joel Osteen and heard him say, sometimes people are gifted but they keep throwing it away because they say to themselves I’ve always been good at it, so

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Caribbean Review 2013 —Continued from page 8—

administration in 2013. Blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) after it failed to approve legislation to combat money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), the Guyana government watched helplessly as the opposition legislators used their one seat majority to block the multi-billion dollar Amaila Falls Hydro Power (AFHP) project.

tory for Myrie and Jamaica because it has validated her claims and that was indeed the objective. “The award of damages that was secondary and in fact her costs will be met by the amounts announced. This I think is a landmark judgement and the court has been very fair. Of course in any court the burden is on evidence and clearly the court deliberated long and hard and this I think is an extremely good outcome”.

Government described the opposition vote not to support measures aimed at raising the guarantee limit of loans for the de- The CCJ in its judgment held that CARICOM nationals were velopment of hydro-electricity in the country as a “travesty entitled to enter CARICOM member states “without harassment or the imposition of impediment” and to stay up to six months. against the people of Guyana”.

The right was derived from the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said that the passage of Hy- and a 2007 CARICOM Decision made at the Conference of dro-Electric Power (Amendment) Bill as well as the accompany- Heads of Government of CARICOM. The court found that the ing motion to increase the guarantee limit of loans, from GUY$1 right requires member states to give both “written reasons for billion to $150 billion (One Guyana dollar = US$0.01 cents) was the refusal” and to “advise them of their entitlement to access necessary to ensure the continued development of the country. meaningful judicial review.” The right can only be denied, the But the opposition was not impressed and stuck to their guns, court said, when the visitor is an “undesirable person” or “one indicating that local government reform bills were necessary. likely to become a charge on public funds.”

Dominica did not have that problem as it sought to further develop its geothermal energy potential in 2013. Roseau remained buoyant about the prospects of developing geothermal energy for local consumption after hosting a two-day international forum that provided an opportunity for stakeholders to re-commit themselves to the project. “One of the very important points that has come out of the two days of deliberation is that there is a reiteration of commitment and support by all stakeholders who were present for the geothermal project,” said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, whose administration has spent millions of dollars developing the sector over the past three years.

But less than two months after the court ruling, the issue of free movement flared up again after Trinidad and Tobago deported 13 Jamaican nationals. The issue led to calls for an economic boycott of Port of Spain and it took the intervention of the foreign ministers of both countries meeting in Kingston to bring about a resolution.

A ruling by the Constitutional Court in the Dominican Republic that had the effect of rendering stateless, thousands of Dominican nationals of Haitian descent was roundly condemned by regional and international agencies and CARICOM took the unprecedented decision to put on hold, Santo Domingo’s The economic problems of the Caribbean in 2013 provided yet application to join the 15-member regional bloc. By yearend, another opportunity for two of the world’s super powers, seek- the leaders of Haiti and the Dominican Republic were holding talks aimed at rectifying the situation, although it seemed the ing to consolidate their relationship with regional countries.

On the heels of a visit to Trinidad and Tobago by US Vice Presi- road ahead would not be an easy one. dent, Joe Biden, China’s President Xi Jingping came bearing a three billion US dollar concessionary facility gift for eight Car- Crime continued to have a serious effect on the socio-economic development of the region in 2013, as it has done over the past ibbean Community (CARICOM) countries. years. Regional governments have complained about spend“We did thank him for that very generous gesture. The three ing scarce resources on having to beef up security for their nabillion dollars are for infrastructure projects...in the region,” tionals. In Jamaica where more than 1,400 people were mursaid Prime Minister Persad Bissessar, who hosted the Chinese dered last year, National Security Minister Peter Bunting acknowledged that the fight against crime seemed to be a futile and the regional leaders. endeavour. “I am not embarrassed to say that right now as Biden had described his discussions with CARICOM leaders as Minister of National Security, I am going through a kind of a “frank and cordial” and pledged Washington’s assistance on a dark night of the soul,” he said, noting that despite the efforts wide range of issues affecting the socio-economic development of law enforcement authorities “yet so little headway, such slow of the 15-member regional grouping. Not to be outdone, Tai- headway is coming out in the statistics”. wan, which Beijing regards as a renegade province, pledged The opposition JLP demanded his resignation and by yearend support for its handful of Caribbean supporters. renewed the call as the murder toll increased. Murders continPresident Ma Ying-jeou, as he did in St. Vincent and the Grena- ued to be a major headache for countries like Trinidad and dines and St. Lucia, signed a joint communiqué with Prime Tobago, the Bahamas and Belize.

Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts-Nevis praising the Caribbean island for its friendship over 30 years and promising to Death continued to stalk the Caribbean as the year came to a lend assistance in areas such as climate change, renewable close. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia, heavy energy, tourism, education and infrastructural development. rains and winds associated with a slow moving low level trough was blamed for at least 14 deaths in the two islands. Prime The year 2013, will be remembered in the Caribbean for the ground Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that St. Vincent and the breaking judgement by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Jus- Grenadines would need “hundreds of millions of dollars” to tice (CCJ) as it relates to the free movement of Caribbean nationals fund the reconstruction effort, while in Dominica, which was across the region. Two years after claiming she had been denied also affected by the weather system, Prime Minister Skerrit put entry into Barbados and subjected to a humiliating experience by the cost at EC$45 million. Prime Minister Anthony described Immigration authorities, Jamaican Shanique Myrie received a sub- the situation in St. Lucia as a “humanitarian crisis” and that stantially lower figure than the one million Barbados (One BDS the cost of reconstruction would run into “tens of millions” dollar = US$0.50 cents) compensation she had sought. But the CCJ ruled that Bridgetown had breached her rights when she sought In 2013, the Caribbean lost a number of its personalities, inentry into the country. Myrie had alleged that when she travelled cluding Dame Hilda Bynoe, Grenada’s first-ever native head to Barbados on March 14, 2011 she was discriminated against be- of state, former president of the Barbados Senate, Sir Branford cause of her nationality, subjected to a body cavity search, detained Taitt, Alimenta Bishop, the mother of Grenada’s slain prime overnight in a cell and deported to Jamaica the following day. minister Maurice Bishop, broadcaster, cultural activist and muMyrie also claimed that she was subjected to derogatory remarks sicologist, Anthony “Tony” Laing of Jamaica, Justice Wendell by a Barbadian Immigration officer and asked the CCJ to deter- Kangaloo, a judge of the Appeal Court in Trinidad and Tobago mine the minimum standard of treatment applicable to CARICOM as well as media personalities Ferdinand Frampton, the former citizens moving around the region. On September 27 last year, Ja- general manager of the state-owned DBS radio in Dominica and Timothy Augustin James, the former St. Lucia corresponmaica was granted leave to intervene in the matter. dent for the Caribbean News Agency (CANA). The Caribbean Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago and also joined the rest of the world in saying farewell to the VenBarbados, Sharon Saunders, who was present in the court when ezuelan President Hugo Chavez who died from cancer on March the ruling was given, told the Caribbean Media Corporation 5 and nine months later, the South African anti-apartheid icon, (CMC) “my first reaction...is that in principle it has been a vic- Nelson Mandela, who died on December 5, at the age of 95.

18

A “King” for our day

By Rosemarie G. Roth

trary. He persevered and encouraged all people to work together instead of working against each other to cause a division bes we celebrate Martin Luther King Day I have to reflect tween the races. He taught that we would accomplish more by working together. on his legacy. His name speaks volumes The presentation of great magnitude as we give honor to of his messages the memory of his contribution to us. made him faHis name is distinctive and well recogmous because he nized by any age group. The name spoke them with “King” is placed at the rare but carries great conviction a surname of prominence because of the outstandand thus pering leadership he provided to African Americans suaded many and other races. Your name has the same power races to join in but it depends on what you choose to leave as the cause for your legacy. Let’s take a moment and look at unity through “The Man” who gave us so much. equality.

Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

King was awardMartin Luther King, Jr. was an American clergyman, ed the Presidenactivist, humanitarian, and leader in the AfricanAmerican Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his role in tial Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal postthe advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedi- humously. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. federal holiday in 1986. Hunence. —Wikipedia dreds of streets in the U.S. have Please reflect on the image been renamed in his honor.

Martin Luther King you see in the mirror the A memorial statue on the NaJr. was a distintional Mall was opened to the guished leader who next time you look at public in 2011. was respected and yourself. Is this the image loved for many reaof a wet cat or a king?

What does God sons. He dared to say about you? stand up against “I knew you before I formed the segregationist New International Version you in your mother’s womb. policies when he But you are a chosen people, a royal priestBefore you were born I set you was alive and hood, a holy nation, God’s special possesapart and appointed you as my showed great courprophet to the nations.” age when faced sion, that you may declare the praises of Jeremiah 1:5 NLV 1 Cor. 13: 12with challenges and him who called you out of darkness into 13 “For now we see in a mirror challengers. His rehis wonderful light. 2 Peter 2:9 dimly, but then face to face. ligious belief helped Now I know in part; then I shall him to keep the faith so he stood firmly when some of the crowd spoke against know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, his teachings and wanted to fight. As the leader of his time hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is King was not afraid to go against popular beliefs that were con- love.” Love for what you do for mankind.

25th annual ZORA! Festival to bring well-known actors to Central Florida

Lynn Whitfield and Avery Brooks to star in dramatic readings

By Adrienne Noel he ZORA! Festival celebrates its Silver Anniversary with a production featuring actors Lynn Whitfield and Avery Brooks. They will star in dramatic readings entitled “An Evening with Zora”. Artistic Director Elizabeth Van Dyke who received an AUDELCO award for her portrayal of Zora Neale Hurston, has developed the evening’s format.

This will take place at the Auditorium at the UCF Rosen Center of Hospitality Management on Friday January 31 at 8PM. Lynn Whitfield boasts a varied acting background. Whitfield appeared on television in Hill Street Blues, PBS’ American Playhouse Anthology Series and Cagney and Lacey, before working in film. She is known for her roles in the motion pictures “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate”, “Eve’s Bayou”, Madea’s Family Reunion, The Cheetah Girls and The Cheetah Girls 2.

Whitfield also received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or a Special, and an NAACP Image Award for her role as Josephine Baker in the eponymous HBO biopic.

Avery Brooks may be best known for his role as Captain Benjamin Sisko on the science fiction television series Star Trek Deep Space Nine. However Brooks’ past credits include the title role of Paul Robeson in various theatrical productions, and the titular character in the PBS’ American Playhouse production of “Half

Slave, Half Free: Solomon Northup’s Odyssey”. He serves as a Professor at Rutgers University, and done extensive work with the Smithsonian Institution’s Program in Black American Culture.

The ZORA! Festival celebrates the life and work of 20th century writer, folklorist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston; her hometown, Eatonville, the nation’s oldest incorporated African American municipality; and the cultural contributions people of African ancestry have made to the United States and the world. The mission of the Association to Preserve Eatonville Community (P.E.C.) is to enhance the resources of Eatonville, to educate the public about the town’s historic and cultural significance, and to use the community’s heritage and cultural vibrancy for its economic development.

The Presenting Sponsor for ZORA! Festival 2014 is Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. Major funding is also provided by these Community Partners: Florida Blue; Harper Collins Publishers, InGlur Inc, TeKontrol Inc., UCF, Office of the President; UCF College of Arts & Humanities, the Zora Neale Hurston Institute for Documentary Studies; and Visit Orlando.

The Festival schedule is available online at http:// www.zorafestival.org/. Information about individual events can also be obtained by following the Festival’s social media profiles on Facebook and Twitter, or by calling 407-647-3307.

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JungleVibes.TV Top 5 Video Picks

Valencia to Offer Tax Preparation Help

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alencia College accounting students and professors will be offering free tax help to the public on Saturdays during February, March and April at the college’s East Campus. The volunteer tax preparers are IRS-certified and trained.

The tax help is free and open to anyone, but preference will be given to senior citizens, the disabled and low-income individuals. The volunteer tax preparers will be e-filing (electronically filing returns) for free.

The tax sessions will be held on selected Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Building 7, rooms 113 and 117 on East Campus. The sessions will be held on Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 1, March 15, March 29, April 5 and April 12.

The college’s East Campus is located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando.

For more information about the East Campus tax preparation sessions, email wmartin@valenciacollege.edu or call 407-582-2849.

Those interested in getting tax help are asked to bring the following: • All W-2, W-2G and social security amounts • 1099s, 1099R, interest and dividend statements • Documentation to show other income • Total day-care costs and day-care provider’s tax ID number • Copy of last year’s return, if available • Social Security cards for you, your dependents and/or spouse • Driver’s license or photo ID for you and your spouse • Proof of bank account for direct deposit of refund (a voided check, for example) For the latest Valencia news, go to www.valenciacollege.edu/news

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Orlando Softball Cricket League 2014 Kick-Off

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Taste the Caribbean at the following Locations: Jacksonville Flavor Paradise Restaurant 6625 Argyle Forest Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32244 904-589-7138

rlando Softball Cricket League kicked off their 2014 season with their 1st Annual Seeram Memorial 10/10 Tournament sponsored by RNJ Tractors Inc. The season kick-off was held on January 12th at the Cricket fields at Caribbean Sunshine Bakery & Restaurant Vignetti Park on Adair Street in Ocoee. The one-day 10/10 tour4106 N. Main Street, Jacksonville FL 32206 nament saw team competing from as far away as Miami. The 904-355-0405 bonds of friendship and cooperation that have developed over time with South Florida and Orlando cricket teams will result in Sanford the remembrance of a devoted and dedicated giant of a man Mr. Montego Bay’s Caribbean Take Out Seeram Matadial. The tournament saw some great competition 1564 S. French Ave, Sanford FL 32771 (in the Winn Dixie Plaza) between both the local teams and the teams from South Florida.

407-320-0930

The executives of Orlando Softball Cricket League project that this will be a great annual tournament and will serve as a Orlando great memorial for one of their own. The games were played Taste of Jamaica 6406 N. Orange Blossom Trail, in the spirit of our deep appreciation for the stalwart support Orlando FL 32810 and commitment that was shown by Seeram in advocating, 407-289-5866 promoting, and stimulating the love and togetherness in establishing the cricket Culture we all so deeply longed for. It is To list your location here please contact Sam Roberts at their fervent hope, that this solemn/memorial occasion annu- 407-427-1800 or by email at capnewsmagazine@yahoo.com ally will serve to revive and propagate the true spirit of cricket in our new found land, and we all join in the hope and prayer that the Almighty grant the soul of Seeram peace and rest.

Best of Jamaica in Orlando 2013 Winners Continued from page 1 THE BEST LOCAL JAMAICAN/ CARIBBEAN NEWS OUTLET? • Caribbean American Passport WHO IS THE BEST LOCAL JAMAICAN RADIO PERSONALITY? • Candice Buchman THE BEST LOCAL JAMAICAN RADIO STATION? • WOKB 1680am WHO IS THE BEST LOCAL REGGAE ARTIST/BAND? • 506 Crew Reggae Band BEST WEBSITE FOR JAMAICANS LIVING IN THIS CITY? • Jamaican Cultural Connection Inc Read more: http://www.jamaicans.com/ bestofjamaica/orlandobest/ 2013Orlando_result.shtml#ixzz2qJpO8ylm

LET US PLAN YOUR CORPORATE EVENTS FOR YOU! We work with your budget to make your event special for you…and memorable for your guests.

To reserve your space on our party planning calendar Contact Noorie at 407-427-1800 for a free event consultation or capnewsmagazine@yahoo.com Let GGR Marketing & PR plan your Event!

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he decision to hire Rosemarie Roth as Outreach Director was not a difficult decision for Steve Smith, President at New Beginnings of Lake County, Inc., The vision of the New Beginnings organization is to empower people to live a responsible life. They do not disguise life misfortunes with a band aid but to see the cause and put a plan in action to prevent further interruption especially through temporary housing, counseling, work programs and food pantries.

ABC Children’s Aid USA-with chapters in Iceland, Pakistan, India, Africa and the Philippines with feeding stations for up to one thousand children per day in Manila. And Director for Community Services at Cornerstone Christian University, ACTS world relief and Alpha Point, Inc., with thirty plus volunteers they provide free weddings, monitor food and clothes distribution in the Central Florida area, New Jersey, Jamaica, and Haiti.

As Outreach Director she will work primarily in the field with business owners, churches, schools, nonNew Beginnings of Lake County is a faith based nonprofit organizations, civic organizations and the comfor-profit 501 © 3 that is committed to help restore the munity-at-large in raising awareness of New Beginlives of people who have lost their job and home, or nings’ presence. She will create outreaches with semithose faced with economic struggles and potential nars, workshops and conferences to build the orgahomelessness. Steve Smith and eleven business associnization to a level of a household recognition. The Rosemarie Roth ates saw the needs and a plan was put in place through goal is to connect with as many as possible so the New Beginnings in 2007 and they have grown to include residen- community can be enriched through the outreach programs. tial houses for male and female, two thrift shops, two homes for disabled veterans and their families and a Learning and Devel- With this assignment Rosemarie is asking local service providopment Center. After many meetings and deliberations about the ers, churches and interested groups to contact the office and be future of the organization the plan included an outreach director a part of the network of supporters. Each visionary partner so a job description was drafted and the search began and ended will participate in New Beginnings extensive marketing camwhen they found our own Rosemarie Roth. To say outreach one paigns and will be given V.I.P. recognition at all events through has to attach Rosemarie Roth’s name to it because she is a walk- booth space, verbally or printed materials. We congratulate New Beginnings for their wonderful community efforts and ing, talking and doing outreach connector. hope you partner with them.

Her community involvement to present covers The National Organ Transplant Organization as the first female president Rosemarie Roth can be reached at of a national transplant organization. During her tenor she (352)404-6946 was able to lobby to get “organ donor” on Florida Driver’s Li- (352)321-0932 cense and recognized when the one hundredth heart trans- lakeoutreach@newbeginningslake.org plant was done at Shands Hospital in Ocala. As Secretary for www.newbeginningslake.org

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