CAP NewsMagazine June 2012

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Caribbean Honors Awards Keynote Speaker Susan Taylor says, “The Village Is on Fire”

By Roger Caldwell

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n Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the Majestic Event Center, The Caribbean

American Passport News Magazine and Greater Orlando Cares presented the community with a phenomenal program entitled “Caribbean Honors.” This program was a merging and a

CALL FOR ACTION!

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any people are still not aware that Caribbean American Heritage Month is celebrated in honor of the bill that was signed recognizing the achievements of the Caribbean American Community. This bill was signed 7 ago years and across the country there have been efforts to celebrate the accomplishments of the Caribbean Community during June. People like Cicely Tyson, Gen. Colin Powell, Sir Sidney Poitier, Jean Bap-tiste du Sable, Jim Russ-worm, Claude McKay, Malcolm X, Gov. David Patterson, Hon. Shirley Chisholm, Dr. Muriel Pettioni have made an impact on the fabric of American society.

This month of June we encourage you to shop Caribbean, visit Caribbean, join an organization or chamber that is supporting caribbean efforts. You can and will make a difference, if you try. If you can sponsor an event -do so, talk to your company about the impact of the

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Caribbean Heritage Month Blasts off in Orlando!

City Hall Welcomes Our Caribbean Community with Historic Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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riday June 1st marked the first day of the 7th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Month. Mayor Buddy Dyer in one of his proclamations about Caribbean American Heritage Month stated “…the Congress of the United States designated the month of June to be observed as “CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH”; and the President of the United States signed into law the bill to observe this annual celebration; and today, we celebrate and extol the gifts that all peoples of Caribbean descent have bestowed upon our

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Buy Combo tickets for Culturama "Mello-Go-Roun" & The Jamaican American Association's Ball Celebrating Jamaica's 50th Independence Anniversary

Saturday July 28th Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando, Fl. 32819

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L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

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e’re in the middle of June and as usual it’s a whirl of tween the kick off reception and getting ready for the Caribbean - oh my goodness the children are home - what do Business Expo and CAHM Festival later this month. In the we do with them? June is also the middle middle of all of that we had of the year and a great time for us to take stock of client mixers, chamber mixour lives. Are we where we want to be? Have we ers, I was appointed President done what we set out to do this year? What could of the Caribbean American we do for the next six months to make our lives Chamber of Commerce of better? That’s my June, each and every year.

Florida. We did three Meet the Candidate Mixers and coWhen you factor in Caribbean American Heritage ordinated a fundraiser at our Month and the celebrations every week, I barely home for Mayor Buddy have time to think but I have to make the time to Dyer. It’s been a wonderful 6 meditate in the middle of the chaos. Whether that’s months. During that time, when I’m driving in the car - without music or the Sam lost his job, due to phone as a distraction or whether it’s getting up downsizing at his company, an hour earlier than anyone else in the house to luckily we had a position of just enjoy peace before the storm. It’s important CEO that he could fill - ( payto have that quiet time for yourself. ment is a whole other negotiation though).

This year has been a blessing in many ways. We started the year with 10,000 print copies and an The one thing that people email blast to 5000 people, we expect to increase ask me all the time is how that figure in September of this year. We opened we do what we do - how we our new office late in November, just in time for all make it all happen. The of our plans for this new year. The Caribbean & truth is that we have a lot of American community turned out for our largest support from a great family event of the year, more than 600 people at the base, great staff and volunGrand Opening of Majestic Event Center in Januteers that we can count on, ary. We continued that momentum with Chairnot to mention a very suping the Guyanese Independence Ball, at the Rosen portive Caribbean CommuCenter in February, then on to marketing Caribnity. When we take a bean Fusion Festival in Kissimmee April after which minute or two in the chaos we leapt into preparing for Caribbean American Heritage Month to enjoy our family, we truly enjoy those moments. This during which we did our first Caribbean Honors Awards in be- month, I was featured on the cover of Ryse magazine, as one of the people on the RYSE in Orlando. At that shoot I had my nephew waiting for me to take home to babysit for the night. The joy I felt after the photoshoot when I had to run after him to get my phone was captured by the photographer and is featured below. In all of the hype, I can safely say that the best times are when I get my children together to watch a movie, or when my parents ensure that we sit down to eat dinner in the evening and talk, talk, talk or when my nephew pumps his hands in excitement when he sees me approaching. The best times this year are the rare ones when I get to laugh about the past with a few friends on the phone or meet my girlfriends for dinner and laugh uncontrollably about nothing. As I take a moment to reflect on the past 6 months, I like where we are, but I look forward to carving out more moments for family, friends and fun. So don’t call us in July, call the office - my family has a date for a road trip to California.

Donna, our Office Manager, is taking all calls 407-427-1800.

GGR Marketing & Public Relations 1230 Hillcrest Street, Suite 101 • Orlando, FL 32803 407-427-1800 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com For Media Information email: capnewsmagazine@yahoo.com

For retail locations where you could buy your copy of the magazine go to http://www.rysemagazine.com/

Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor ............................................................................. Audrey Johnson Contributing Writers: ..................................................... Natasha Gittens ........................................................................................ .Lyma Dunbar . .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell ................................................................................ Nouchelle Hastings Contributing Photographers ....................................... Nancy Jo Brown Distribution.................................................................... Samuel Roberts Copyright (C) 2010 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

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Presidential Proclamation Caribbean-American Heritage Month

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ur Nation is linked to the Caribbean by our geography as well as our shared past and common aspirations. During National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we pay tribute to the diverse cultures and immeasurable contributions of all Americans who trace their heritage to the Caribbean.

Throughout our history, immigrants from Caribbean countries have come to our shores seeking better lives and opportunities. Others were brought against their will in the bonds of slavery. All have strived to ensure their children could achieve something greater and have preserved the promise of America for future generations.

diverse community that encompasses many nationalities and languages. They have become leaders in every sector of American life while maintaining the varied traditions of their countries of origin.

Caribbean Americans enrich our national character and strengthen the fabric of our culture, and we are proud they are part of the American family.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2010 as National CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the history and culture of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

During the month of June, we also honor the bonds of friendship between the United States and Caribbean IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I countries. This year’s devashave hereunto set my hand tating earthquake in Haiti this twenty-eighth day of has brought untold grief to May, in the year of our Lord the Haitian-American community, many who continue to two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States mourn the loss of loved ones as they help rebuild their home- of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. land. These families and individuals remain in our thoughts and prayers. The United States has proudly played a leading role in the international response to this crisis, which included vital contributions from countries throughout the Caribbean.

As Haiti recovers, we will remain a steady and reliable partner. BARACK OBAMA This month, we celebrate the triumph of Caribbean Americans, a

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ImmigrationTALK

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U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether ineffective assistance to counsel argument viable for convictions before 2010

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

The change affects filings for Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility; Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal; and Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, (if filed after a denial of a Form I-601 or Form I-212).

The advantages of using a USCIS lockbox are (a) the applicant can avoid a second trip to the consulate/embassy to file the waiver after the consular interview takes place, (b) consulateby-consulate variations in filing requirements are eliminated, reviously, applicants for immigrant visas outside the (c) delays in forwarding cases from the consulate to USCIS are United States filed Form I-601 or Form I-212 with sup- eliminated, (d) the applicant will get a receipt notice and can porting evidence at a U.S. Embassy or consulate if a con- take advantage of online case status updates and instant email sular officer found the individual inadmissible for a reason that notification when there is a change in case status, such as an approval, and (e) there will be an expected increase in consismay be waived. tency in the standard for approval.

Beginning June 4, 2012, individuals abroad who have applied for certain visas and have been found ineligible by a U.S. Con- In practice, once you attend your interview and you are found sular Officer or U.S. Embassy, will be able to mail requests to inadmissible to the U.S. and your pending petition is denied, waive certain grounds of inadmissibility directly to a U.S. Citi- then the applicable waiver, supporting evidence and filing fees zenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Lockbox facility (in are sent to the USCIS lockbox in the U.S. (not to the U.S. Emthe U.S.). This change affects where individuals abroad, who bassy). The Nebraska Service Center (NSC) will now be adjuhave been found inadmissible for an immigrant visa or a non- dicating or making a decision on these waivers. If USCIS/NSC approves the waiver, then USCIS has to notify the consulate immigrant K or V visa, must send their waiver applications. and the consulate has to get the immigrant visa into the Currently, applicants experience processing times from one- applicant’s passport. The whole process from filing the applimonth to more than a year depending on which Embassy or cation to getting the visa in the passport (if approved) is more Consulate accepted their waiver. This centralization of filing the likely to be 6-9 months. waivers with USCIS in the U.S. will provide customers with faster and more efficient application processing and consistent adju- Note, this is a new process and until it is fully implemented, we dication. It is part of a broader agency effort to transition to cannot be convinced that the processing times are better than domestic filing and adjudication; it does not reflect a change in those previously given at the U.S. Embassy. Again, this new policy or the standards by which the applications are adjudi- process is only available to visa applicants OUTSIDE the United cated. Individuals filing waiver applications with a USCIS States seeking a waiver for a denied petition based on a ground Lockbox will now be able to track the status of their case online. of inadmissibility.

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ubscribe to Caribbean American Passport News Magazine today.

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Machel Montano Fever hit Orlando at Soiree

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arnival Weekend, Soiree held the fete of the weekend with Machel Montano and the entire HD Crew. It reminded me that Soca is a unifying force in the Caribbean and with Machel Montano leading the way, people would be willing to jump all night with him. He is the pied piper of the Caribbean. Soiree hosted a fantastic fete with an indoor/outdoor style, multiple video screens and a performer who gave it his all. Caribbean Airlines was one of the sponsors of the evening and Machel gave away tickets to a performer who wowed everyone with her performance that evening.

Elegant Atmosphere and Superb Food

Last month CAP Newsmagazine inadvertently left out that Lyma Dunbar wrote the Machel Montano piece based on her experience performing and watching him grow in performances from a child to an adult.

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June 23rd CAHM Business Expo & Job Fair Majestic Event Center 801 N. John Young Parkway Orlando, FL 32801 10:00am - 4:00pm June 23rd Gospel Extravaganza Featuring Judith Gayle at Hope Church of Orlando 3032 Monte Carlo Trail Orlando, FL 32805 6:00pm June 24th CAHM Festival at Lake Eola 195 N Rosalind Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 12:00pm - 8:00pm June 30th Cricket West Indies vs. New Zealand Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium 3700 N.W. 11th Place Lauderhill, FL 33311 June 30th Trinidad & Tobago Back In Time Dance Shipwreck 2141 West Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32804 8:00 pm - Until???

July 7th CAHM/CMWP 5K Family Walk-Run Baldwin Park 4990 New Broad St. Orlando, FL 32814 7:30am - 10:30am

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Are Governor Scott’s 5 Trade Missions Helping Florida? says Dan Krassner director of Integrity Florida.

By Roger Caldwell

Integrity Florida is a watchdog organization in the state, who is accusing Enterprise Florida with conflicts of interest and secrecy.

Last year, the Times/Herald reported on state data showing Florida has signed incentives contracts worth $1.7 billion since 1995, with businesses promising to create 225,000 jobs. In reality, the companies created only about a third of those jobs, and the question becomes, “What happened to all the money?”

Florida lawmakers are beginning to ask for more information, and Enterprise Florida released a report, but the numbers were hen I first heard that Governor Scott had taken 5 not clear. With the appointment of a new President, Gary international trips around the world, I got nervous. Swoope from Mississippi Development Authority, Enterprise With Florida cutting back on everything, I thought, Florida is considering a number of reforms. They are expecting who is paying for these trips? I knew that these trips were ex- to create a website to list the incentives that have been paid pensive, and there was no way that the Florida Legislature out and potentially providing more information to the public about its meetings. would approve funding for these trips.

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As I did my research, I found out that Enterprise Florida pays the bills for these trips. There also is a charge to the different companies that go on the trips, and their cost is $1,000 per person to register, plus travel and lodging. Now I was feeling pretty good, because I felt that Enterprise Florida was the economic development organization for the State of Florida, and the financing of these trips were not being funded by tax payer’s money.

Governor Scott, who is an appointed member on the Enterprise board, and on the executive committee said, “Transparency is key, but confidentiality is a crucial part of the business world.”

The governor has taken 5 international trade missions to Panama, Israel, Brazil, Canada, and this month he has gone to Spain.

Essentially, the governor takes a delegation of business leaders and political leaders, and they have discussions with the poBut then I realized that Enterprise Florida was a public-private litical leaders of that particular country, and try to entice their partnership, and they will receive $16 million dollars from the companies to do business in Florida. It is very difficult to estabFlorida Legislature. This state organization has also funneled lish if these missions are benefiting Floridians, and if foreign millions dollars of taxpayer’s money into private businesses, companies reinvest their profits back in the state of Florida. and the information is kept secret from the public.

Many minority organizations believe that a portion of the There is a 61 member board and many of the companies that money spent on incentive packages, should be directed to low seat on the board have benefited from the large incentive pack- income communities. Florida needs to invest at home and proages. “These board seats are occupied by the state’s largest com- vide start-up capital for innovative companies and organizapanies, and can be purchased for $50,000 a pop and more,” tions in their own communities.

Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce West Volusia

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Anancy Festival in Orlando well received

he Anancy Festival in Orlando was well received by the dren however, that one never usually gets away with being audience which was comprised of both young and old ‘conniving’ especially, with Caribbean parents in charge. She attendees ranging greatly in age groups. advised them that ‘just like Anancy, they wouldn’t get away with it’.

Everyone appreciated the viewing of ‘Anancy & Baldhead Chicky’, an animated film produced by Lukkee Chong and Max Marsha Wilson who shared upbeat and very humorous origiEarle which portrayed Anancy up to his ‘tricks’ as usual, fol- nal Jamaican poetry was a definite hit as well. Bountiful laughlowed by the ‘Itsy Bitsy’ Spider Fingerplay which was done by ter filled the room at her performances.

Sandy Isaacs to keep the young children actively engaged.

David Mullings spoke about the ‘Crayons Count’ initiative as The ‘Anancy Story’ read by Jennifer Copeland who additionally the children utilized their crayons to create a ‘Colorful Anancy’ performed renditions of Miss. Lou in typical fashion while decked of their own. The point was well made about the need for evout in her ‘Jamaican checkered bandana outfit’ brought about eryday school supplies throughout Jamaica’s Basic Schools as giggles as well as full laughter from the appreciative audience. what our children take for granted, others have such a strong need for in some school settings.

Laughter also filled the room when young Gabriel (son of Anabella Seaga-Mian) shared his unique version of how he David Taylor (Young Entrepreneur) addressed the audience and would be a ‘trickster’ like Anancy to get his wish for a long shared tips on growing up ‘Jamaican’ along with Candice hoped for toy by ‘hiding all his toys away so that it would seem Buchanan who spoke about her background and her days as a like he had none and his family would feel sorry for him and TV Show Host in Jamaica with the current focus of school with buy him the toy he had been wanting’. It was apparent that a major in Film Production. he really grasped the perspective as to just how clever Anancy tries to be in the stories.

Everyone stepped back in time when a brief clip from ‘A Tribute to the Jamaican Folk Singers’ was shown with Olive Lewin Simone Vranov-Brown who is 19yrs old and in the Pro-Tennis and other members of the Jamaican Folk Singers speaking Circuit, shared her abstract artwork entitled ‘Anancy - The Jug- about their experiences with the coming together of the group. gler’ for all to see. It served as a great visual aid especially for We were able to see our very own Clover Batts on screen (who some of the younger children present who sought to incorpo- is very much missed in the Orlando community since her rerate her version into their individual drawings when asked to turn to live in beloved Jamaica) as part of the group on screen create an Anancy picture of their own. The children were very singing along with the rest of the members in the very early pleased with their pictures which they proudly showcased to beginning of the group. Dave Lewin and his daughter Tanya the audience as a group line-up. were recognized in the audience as family members to Olive Lewin (Founder of Jamaican Folk Singers).

The children were also thrilled when Shana Simpson (Miss.

Orlando Caribbean) spent time talking with them about grow- The event wrapped up with the added bonus of Steve Higgins ing up in Jamaica and her fond memories of hearing numer- of Dem’ 3 Jamaican Tenors performing to top the afternoon ous ‘Anancy Stories’. She took the time to also remind the chil- off and swooning the audience!

Jamaican Poet Marsha Wilson at Anancy Festival

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Actress Vivica A. Fox to appear at the Central Florida Black Expo

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xpo organizers confirmed that actress and TV producer VIVICA A. FOX is scheduled to appear at the first annual Central Florida Black Expo at the Orange County Convention Center. The expo will run on June 29 and 30 in Orlando.

Ms Fox has had a long career entertaining audiences on both the large and small screen. She first started acting professionally in soap operas such as “Generations”, “Days of Our Lives” and “The Young and the Restless”.

Her debut in the films “Independence Day” and in “Set It Off”, put her solidly on the map as a movie actress. Her movie credits include favorites such as “Booty Call”, “Batman & Robin” and “Kill Bill: Vol. 1”. She earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of “Maxine” in the 1997 motion picture “Soul Food”, which netted her MTV Movie Award and NAACP Image Award nominations.

band “SLAVE”, best remembered for their hits “Slide”, “Just A Touch Of Love” and “Watching You”.

Members of the R&B Band and producers “FULL FORCE” will appear in the Author’s Pavilion to promote and autograph their brand new book “Not Just A House Party”. Proceeds go to The Paul Anthony Live Life, Give Life Foundation. Celebrity appearances are subject to change.

With a Senior Lifestyle Pavilion, and a Children’s Pavilion, a Health and Wellness Fair within the expo, and a vendors forum, the expo promises to provide something for every member of the family.

More celebrity acts are being confirmed every week, so visit the website www.cfblackexpo. org for the latest information about the Central Florida Black Expo, and to buy tickets today.

Attendees at the Central Florida Black Expo will also be able to meet another member Between June 15 and June 20, the first 5 ticket purof the Soul Food cast, DARRIN chasers each day will receive an invitation to attend HENSON. Mr Henson is likely a special Meet and Greet session with the expo celebto charm the ladies as he reads rities. Visit www.cfblackexpo.org for more details. For poetry from his latest book, more information about the expo, sponsorship op“Intimate Thoughts”. Fans will portunities or vendor booths, call 407-674-2626. have the opportunity to “Win Dinner With Darrin” when they visit the expo’s Facebook fan page atfacebook.com/ The Central Florida Black Expo is a program of U.S.A. Crown PagCentralFloridaBlackExpo. eant Systems, Inc., a statewide, educational 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization based in Orlando, Florida, that provides opportuniOther celebrities scheduled to appear include Danny Webster’s funk ties for African-American women who want to better their lives.

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Frame by Frame to capture St. Kitts Music Festival

INGSTON, Jamaica (June 12, 2012) - The selection of top Caribbean video production company Frame by Frame Productions to handle the video requirements for this month’s 16th St. Kitts Music Festival is being hailed by a former Caribbean cabinet minister.

video vignettes on the history, culture and people of the twinisland nation.

Festival chairman Faron Lawrence said the Caribbean company was brought back on board this year for a fresh injection of video production ideas. “We are pleased to welcome back Former St. Lucia Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Allen the video quality and overall high reliability standards that Chastanet, co-founder of the renowned St. Lucia Jazz festival, we know we can expect from Frame by Frame,” he added. said the selection of Frame by Set for June 28 to 30, 2012, this Frame “was an inspired choice.” year’s festival line-up features Toni Braxton, Roberta Flack, The special skills of the JamaiDamian “Jr. Gong” Marley, can video experts Lukkee Morgan Heritage, Courtney Chong and Max Earle meant Pine, Machel Montano, SpecSt. Kitts and Nevis would trum Band, krosfyah, among “surely benefit from the deciother local, regional and intersion,” predicted Chastanet. national music acts.

“We need to integrate first world Frame by Frame will manage Caribbean talent into global video screen projections each Caribbean marketing camnight and produce a 30paigns,” asserted Chastanet, minute television special on now a tourism consultant and the 16th edition of the festival. regional vice president of the The company will collaborate Caribbean Hotel and Tourism with the Miami-based MidAssociation (CHTA). town Video Rentals which has The Frame by Frame team: (from left) Producer/Director Lukkee designed a custom system of Frame by Frame, which for Chong, Director of Productions Diba Mohammed, and Max Earle, video equipment to meet intermore than a decade has proCreative Director. Photograph available at: www.tinyurl.com/fxfteam national specifications and enduced Air Jamaica’s in-flight video programming as well as Caribbean specials on the now thrall festival audiences. defunct BET J channel, returns to the St. Kitts event.

Frame by Frame has provided similar services for major music The company took a six-year absence after it was first com- festivals in Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and missioned to produce a television special and about a dozen St. Lucia.

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23 Years! ‘Dudus’ gets maximum sentence in New York court Anger, shock, tears in Tivoli

By Jamaica Observer

stand here and say I have done no wrong, but I am not guilty of the things I have been accused of. I don’t know these witIVOLI Gardens residents reacted with shock, anger and nesses; I have never seen nor met Anthony Brown before he tears to the news that Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke was testified two weeks ago. They seem to know more about me slapped with the maximum 23-year prison term in a than I know about me.” He then asked the judge to use his Manhattan, New York, federal court last week after pleading discretion. And while he said he was not surprised at the sentence, Rosen said he was guilty last August to rackdisappointed. “We aleteering charges in the ready knew what to exUnited States. The resipect under the plea bardents of the West Kingston gaining agreement,” he enclave where the consaid. Coke’s family memvicted gang leader was bers and supporters, led based called the sentence by his Aunt Angella Jack“harsh” and an “injustice”. son and cousin Tanio Jackson, who gave him Sticking to the sentencing full support, also exguidelines under a plea pressed disappointment bargaining arrangement at the long sentence. reached between Coke’s defence team and prosA number of Tivoli resiecutors last August, Judge dents with whom the JaRobert P Patterson immaica Observer spoke last posed the maximum senweek said a more approtence, despite last-minute priate sentence would pleas for leniency by Coke have been between 10 himself and his attorney and 15 years. “We no say Stephen H Rosen.

Patterson also turned down a request to have Coke’s sentences he’s perfect, but God Almighty, it too harsh!” said one among on conspiracy to traffic drugs and firearms — for which he will a group of women gathered to discuss the sentencing of their serve the maximum 20 years — and conspiracy to assault, for former ‘don’. According to the women, crimes have become which he was sentenced to three years, run concurrently. In- rampant in the community since Coke’s extradition to the stead, the sentences are to run consecutively. Coke has 14 United States two years ago and will only get worse. The women days to appeal, but in an interview after the sentencing, Rosen spoke about the rape of a young girl recently and robberies in said “there are no plans to appeal because of the limited scope the community. These things, they said, could not have happened when Coke was around. A woman who said that she to do so under the plea bargain arrangement”. would be leaving the community now that Coke will not be In imposing the sentence, the judge said he took several issues returning any time soon, added “The judge should have helped into consideration, including the damning evidence by two him out with a five-year [sentence]”. “Dudus, we love you,” prosecution witnesses last month. He said the evidence was one woman shouted repeatedly, while another encouraged corroborated and credible. Judge Patterson told the court that Coke to pray and trust God to set him free. he also took into consideration Coke’s violent control over residents of Tivoli Gardens, which he said included harsh punish- The women, despite speaking out, did not want their pictures ment for persons who went against his rule, as well as the fact taken and declined to give their names, even as they defended that he admitted to many of the crimes for which evidence was Coke, the man they called their president and a provider for presented against him. Judge Patterson also commented at the less fortunate in the tough West Kingston community. length about Coke’s association with the Tivoli-based Presiden- Meanwhile, in a section of Tivoli called ‘Rasta City’, several tial Click Organisation, saying he took into consideration “the people expressed displeasure with the 23-year sentence given defendant’s benevolence and charitable work in Tivoli”, as well to their former ‘boss’. They, however, hid in their faces from as a number of letters from the West Kingston community and the news cameras as they ranted about the long prison term.

However, one man who did not bother to hide from the camfrom New York in support of and against Coke. era as he stood on the first floor of an apartment building, said When he was asked by the judge if he had anything to say, the sentence was too harsh. “That is wickedness; the boss don’t Coke stood and thanked his followers for their support. Of his do anything to get 23 years; that’s not fair. Prezi don’t get no accusers, the former strongman said in a soft voice: “I can’t justice!” the man shouted.

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New Site, New Look. Post your Events & your Business for Free on CaribbeanFinder.com

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The Honors Awards by Caribbean American Passport News Magazine & Greater Orlando Cares

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The Honors Awards by Caribbean American Passport News Magazine & Greater Orlando Cares

Photos sponsored by Marketing Minds at Work.

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By Paul Ram saywack

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Indian Arrival Day

undreds of people gathered at Citrus Bowl, in Orlando Florida to celebrate “Indian Arrival Day�. Also in attendance was the consul general of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Anil Ram nanan, Consul from India, Mr. Matta and many others.

decided to stay as it were their new promised land in which they stayed to seek opportunity.

Today we can look back and be thankful for the sacrifices that they have made and the foundation they built. Today we see many immigrants of East Indian origin that settled in the West Indies and throughout the world as scientists, mathematicians physicians, engineers, journalists, broadcasters, lawyers, teachThe event featured a museum with replicas of some of the tools ers, principals, musicians, medical professionals and politicians that our foreparents brought to the West Indies and a display just to name a few. of our rich Indian Culturalthrough songs and dances.

Today in Orlando, there are two politicians both of East Indian Between May 5th, 1838 and May 30th, 1845 the first set of origin and sons of Indian immigrants, Mr. Ricky Singh whom immigrants came to the Western world from India . The ma- is running for Orange County appraiser and Mr. Naipaul jority of our ancestors came from the State of Bihar, Uttar Seegolam running for Congress. I am extremely proud of each Pradesh, Punjab, Madras and a few from other parts of and every one of you that came to celebrate this wonderful India. This jour ney was in search of hope and for a new life event. I am also, enormously grateful to the organizers espeas was promised by the British; many came as indentured la- cially, Mr. Sam Raghoonanan for spearheading this 12th anborers and servants. Despite the various trials and tribulations nual Indian arrival day here in Orlando . Let’s keep building our ancestors worked hard while maintaining strong faith, ton his foundation and work together for a bigger and better patience and vision. While a few hundreds went back many celebration next year.

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Caribbean Heritage Month Blasts off in Orlando!

— Continued from page 1 —

City, State and Nation, we are truly honored to recognize those who have contributed to the growth, development and cultural diversity of our beautiful City while promoting the heritage and culture of their native countries; and The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida and the “Heads of Caribbean Organizations of Central Florida” is actively involved in, and promotes, economic development, cultural awareness, responsible and law abiding citizenship among its member organizations and the community in general."

guests – CAHM thanks the community for showing up in numbers to demonstrate our unity as the Heads of the Caribbean.

June 2nd – The events continued on the night of June 2nd.

CAHM/CADVA (Caribbean American Domestic Violence) movie.

‘A Jasmine for A Gardener’ premier at AMC West Oaks. This movie was filmed on location in Guyana with an all Guyanese cast. Over 200 patrons attended the premiere and they were awed by the artwork, the food and the preshow events. Due to popular demands, this there will be another showing later this year. Visit www.cadva.org for upcoming events.

This June we started celebrations on the 1st at the City of Orlando where we welcomed and recognized the Caribbean Community at the historic ribbon cutting at Orlando City Hall. Caribbean June 6th - CAHM supported The Association had a table to disCaribbean Community Awards play their material and food and Ceremony presented by Greater were given the opportunity to adOrlando CARES and CAP News dress the attendees and talk Magazine hosted by Susan Tayabout their Association and what lor. The Caribbean community they bring to the community. It recognized several prominent was refreshing to hear how each association is participating in members both within and outside of our community who have our community by providing service work and fundraising to help worked effortlessly towards bringing change and recognition those less fortunate here and in their home country. to their associations. This event was a standing room only one at the Majestic Banquet Hall. Through the thunderstorm, rain June 2nd - CAHM Kick-Off Reception at Majestic Banquet Hall and thunder the crowd came out to listen to the inspirational was very well attended by sponsors of this month’s event. Each words of Susan Taylor. Susan L. Taylor has served as editor-inAssociation and members was recognized and given an oppor- chief of Essence from 1981 through 2000. In 1994, American tunity to present remarks to all attendees, sponsors and invited — Continued on page 29 —

Caribbean Honors Awards — Continued from page 1 —

collaborative effort of the Caribbean and American community featuring the keynote speaker Susan Taylor, the Editor Emeritus of Essence Magazine, and Founder of National Cares Mentoring Movement.

The hosts of the evening were Samuel & Guenet Roberts, owners of Roberts and Roberts Management Company and Group of Companies - which includes GGR Marketing and Caribbean American Passport News Magazine, Darrell Butler and Nouchelle Hastings, Founders of Greater Orlando Cares Mentoring Movement, and Creig Camacho. The program started with the talented Alvin Bell singing “Wake up Everybody” and that was the message and goal throughout the entire evening.

There were 19 individuals who received Honoree Awards at the event for their contributions to the quality of life in Orlando and Central Florida. They were as follows: 1) Mustapha Baksh, 2) Dick Batchelor, 3) Earline Holmes-Blumhagen, 4) Lucas Boyce, 5) Ryvan Campbell, 6) Erica Crawford, 7) Adonal Foyle, 8) Dr. Marie Francois, 9) Dennis Hall, 10) Andy King, 11) Reginald McGill, 12) Leo Mendez, 13) Selwyn Mahabir, 14) Mark NeJame, 15) Tito Pina, 16) Ronita Sanders, 17) Zita Steglich-Ross, 18) Wilfred Thomas, and 19) Tyrone Young. There were also two phenomenal ladies, Carol Singh and Pamela Martin, who received the Community Legends Award.

Once the awards were completed Reggie McGill presented Susan Taylor with the key to the city. One Caribbean Passport reader made a presentation on behalf of her great aunt who sent greetings with her neice after reading about Susan’s visit to Orlando. That aunt had come over from Trinidad & Tobago on the same boat as Susan’s grandmother. Kaye Chung of Caribbean Airlines then presented Susan with two airline tickets to the Caribbean to rediscover her roots in Trinidad, St. Kitts and Barbados where her family comes from. Nouchelle Hastings gave a formal introduction of the featured speaker Susan Taylor, and how her column, “In the Spirit” had made a difference in her life.

Ms. Taylor began her inspirational speech by telling the audience, “ the village is on fire and the children are screaming for

our help. It is our moral responsibility for our children, and those who came before us.” She then told a story of a visit to Orlando, a couple of years ago that changed her life forever.

Ms. Taylor was giving a speech in Orlando, and she went for a walk early in the morning and ended up in The Parramore community. As she was walking, there was a group of 7 young men playing loud music, and she stopped to say hello, and ask them some questions about their life. One of the young men talked to her and told her they were getting ready to smoke a blunt.

His name was Damien, and he had been shot, he had been to jail, and he was a business man. From that experience she began to understand that we must go into our community and grab our children and young people, because the devastation in our community is on our watch. She gave Damien her card, and she communicated with his mother, but they were not able to stay in contact.

From that experience and countless others Ms Taylor founded the National Cares Mentoring Movement, which is dedicated to recruiting mentors to help guide struggling children to academic and social success. The organization will also take on the responsibility to close the huge gap between the relatively few Black mentors and millions of our vulnerable children within the underserved populations.

As Ms. Taylor came to the end of her speech she took the time to put on her teaching hat, and she told the audience her secret to get peace in our hearts, and in our life. Every morning she takes 10 minutes of quiet time, and she exercises for 20 minutes. “Learn to love you, because love is a magnet,” says Ms. Taylor.

The Caribbean Honors event was a smashing success and everyone left feeling more motivated and inspired to do more in the community. We all have a responsibility to keep our community connected and make a better world to secure the next generation. For more information on Caribbean Passport News Magazine, call 407-421-8118, and for more information on Greater Orlando Cares Mentoring Movement contact Orlando@caresmentoring.org.

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Every Child Makes A Difference

By Dharmendra Ramdehal

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Valedictorian of Ocoee High, Class of 2012

By Dharmendra Ramdehal

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ongratulations to Neela Balkaran, a talented, motivated, responsible, and dedicated young lady, the Valedictorian of 2012 Class, Ocoee High School. Neela was born in Montreal , Canada to Indo Guyanese parents, Nanda and Shyam Balkaran who migrated to the United States when Neela was five years old.

She is the eldest of three children raised in a home rich in their practices of Indian culture, traditions, and religion.

Her strong family structure served as a foundation for Neela to pursue her academic dreams in mathematics and science and hone her artistic Neela Balkaran skills in music. She enjoys playing the piano, clarinet Avina has a deep passion for and studies Indian Classical music with sister and cousins at the arts as she has for life Bharati Vidya Sanstaan Music under the tutelage of guruji Serbi and people. She is a ballerina of seven years with the Adesh Goberdhan.

Ballet Academy of Central Florida, and was a cast During high school, Neela volunteered at the Orlando Science member in their annual pro- Center Summer Camp, Invisible Children Organizations and duction of The Nutcracker assisted middle school musicians, tutored mathematics, and Avina Harry for six seasons. She cur- science. She was president of the National Honor Society of rently studies cultural Indo/ Ocoee High, Model United Nations, member of the Marching Caribbean dances with Maya’s Dance School with Romeco Band and Section Leader, member of the Science National Kissoonauth and Indian classical and pop vocals at Nirvana Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Computer Programming Music under the tutelage of Guruji Dharmendra Ramdehal.

As an oboist and a member of the WPS band, Avina was Team Co-captain. Additionally, she received numerous selected to perform at Emory University in Atlanta; at the achievement awards and recognition including National CenMeritas Music Festival in Houston, Texas; in an open ter for Women & Information Technology national semifinalconcert at the Galaxy Theatre at Walt Disney World; and ist, and winner of IBM Master Mainframe Competition from with the Orlando Concert Band at St. Luke’s Church.

2009-2011, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Neela graduated with honors, valedictorian of her class, and received mulAvina continues to participate in many community service tiple scholarships offer from prestigious institutions such as projects, including food drives, toy drives for underprivileged Carnegie Mellon and UCF. She has decided to stay at home kids; earning her the Girl Scouts Bronze Award, American Heart and will be attending UCF while she continues to develop her Association, March of Dimes and the ASPCA. Additionally, she finds the time to volunteer at Central Florida Medical and passion for music and serve the Central Florida community. vina Harry is a ninth Grader at Windermere Preparatory School. Her favorite subject is English because she loves to read and write. Avina has maintained a GPA of 4.0, Magna Cum Laude, earning her a place on the Headmaster’s list for the past four years. I was honored to attend her 7th Grade, award ceremony where she received the Veritas Award, one of the grade’s top three academic honors of WPS. The collage of academic and artistic achievements seems endless for wonder woman. She has been a member of the Duke University Talent Identification Program since fourth grade. In 2006, Avina was honored as a Disney Dreamer and Doer for exemplifying the four Disney criteria - connecting with adults, constructive use of free time, character development and compassion. She is currently President of the WPS chapter of the National Junior Classical League (Latin honor society), and the Treasurer of Middle School Student Government, a member of National Junior Honor Society, a member of Girl Scouts (Troop 2060) for five years, and recently a NSHSS Ambassador of the 2011-2012 academic year.

Chiropractic Center, and Avian Reconditioning Center, Avina was recipient of the Every Child Makes a Difference Award 2012 in category ages 16 thru 20. Congratulations to an amazing child, who makes a difference.

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Salute To All Central Florida Caribbean American Communities

Upcoming Elections of GHACC Board

As we single-mindedly move forward to seeing a united Haitian American community in Central Florida, GHACC will hold In honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, the Greater elections for a new board of directors this July. Those truly Haitian American Chamber of Commerce extends greetings to interested in making a difference to our future are encouraged all of our brothers and Sisters of the Caribbean. to participate in this process.

GHACC is proud to be part of this community and extends a GHACC is looking to fill the following executive board heartfelt wish that through the celebration of our common positions: heritage we may truly be united as one people living in Central Florida and beyond.

Vice President/Vice Chairman Happy CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH to one Secretary and all.

Chair, Fundraising Committee

A Challenge to all Haitians in Central Florida It is generally a consensus that the majority of Haitians living in Central Florida feels that it is hopeless to unite the Haitian community. As a newly arrived member of the community, I cannot help but wonder whether or not they are right. However, there is still some hope that we can still come together in a way that would make Louverture, Dessalines, Christophe and all of our forefathers proud!!!

Chair, Event Planning Committee Chair, Business Development Committee Along with these executive positions, GHACC is also looking to fill certain director positions. Please submit your nomination, a summary of your nominee’s bio or what he/she has done in Central Florida and his/her vision for our community. A nomination form is available on our website for your convenience. Deadline for your submission is June 30, 2012. Elections will take place during our general assembly meeting set for July 26, 2012. GHACC will announce its election results in the August issue of CAP News Magazine.

The reality is that until we start to collaborate, we will never truly be able to achieve the successes that all others are achieving. The key to becoming a recognized community is through working as one. Yes, it is true the individual entrepreneur will accomplish a lot on his own, that the churches will continue to flourish in Central Florida, and that the professionals will reach a decent level of comfort. However, the less accomplished individual will continue to struggle if we do not extend our collective hands together to uphold them. We can write articles after articles pleading, urging and encouraging every one of In conjunction with working together as one group, we have us to unite until there is nothing left to write, it will all fall on been looking into ways to determine how many Haitian deaf ears if no one is willing to do what it takes.

Americans reside in Central Florida. This calls for a census of Haitian nationals ONLY. We know we number at a miniIt is becoming urgent to work as one voice. Otherwise, our mum 100,000 give or take a few. We need exact numbers. young children will either suffer for it if we do not; or they can With this information, GHACC will be able to spearhead gain from it, if we do. As it stands, a great many number of programs that will benefit the community at large and each our youth are in county jail for having committed some crime. one of us in ways we cannot fathom individually. GHACC There are a number of resources available to everyone, of evis looking for someone who has worked on census, espeery origin, but only as one voice can we demonstrate our needs. cially someone who can manage CSPro 4.1 the census softTHE CHALLENGE TO YOURSELF: Can you set aside your own ware to help with this effort. If you are interested, please personal feelings or interests and commit to working together contact us at: 877-442-3110, Ext. 102 or via e-mail to as a team in order to put your community on the map? info@ghacc.org.

CURRENT PROJECT: Census of Central Florida Haitians

GHACC’S CHALLENGE TO YOU: Can the Haitian community of Central Florida unite in the way envisioned by our forefathers? It really is not all that hard to do. Start by registering with GHACC as a Haitian national living in Central Florida.

That is all you need to do right now.

There has already been a meeting of some 20-30 leaders from the community during which approximately 90% committed to working together. This was a successful first response to a call for unification. How about the rest of the community leaders? Where are you? When will you?

For more information, please contact GHACC at 877-442-3110, Ext. 102 or send us an email inquiry at info@ghacc.org.

We ask that each of you submit your information to GHACC. We are looking for names and the number in your family. Your name is needed only to avoid duplication of entries in order to ensure accuracy in our headcount. Your information is entered in absolute confidentiality and will not to be released to anyone for any purpose. With the census results, we can start assessing the needs of the community and plan for each systematically. We therefore encourage you to register your information such as name, how many in your family along with age of each family member, and zip code with GHACC. Once you are in our database, should you ever need assistance with an issue, we can direct you to the organization that handles your specific need.

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The Great Debate:

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Chicken Curry vs Curry Chicken

o matter how close the people of two ably help the person who orders the dish from a menu get a neighboring na-tions resemble each better idea what they’re actually going to get. But I’m not going other in appearance, customs, and to do any of the above, because I’d rather let people continue culture, there is always something that gives arguing about it. While I’m a firm believer in studying history, them a reason to argue, fight, and in the most and learning about people’s customs, I also think it’s healthy terrible cases, gives them a reason to make fun for nations to have their rivalries, competitions, and most of each other. Test this theory out. Ask someone from importantly, our reasons to make fun of each other. With one nation, what they think about their neighboring that said, it’s Chicken Curry! nation and I’ll bet Mat’s gold chain that 9 times out of 10, you’ll find someone with something negative to Ameer Bacchus’ comic, featuring Indo-Guyanese todsay. Ask the Irish what they think of the English, the dlers, Mat and his cousins Bhaggie and Bushhead, made Colombians what they think of Venezuelans, or its way into the Caribbean American Passport FebAmericans what they think of Canadians. Put Chiruary 2012 issue. nese Kung fu up against Japanese Karate, ask the French how they stack up against Italy in football, or Hotpeppasauce.net was recently launched where you ask which Mediterranean nation makes the best Baklava, can check out more of his comics, illustrations, t-shirts, and you’ll be quick to catch my drift. Some of these and other projects that celebrate the history, culture, and customs of arguments and feuds are drenched in historical Caribbean people. malevolence, while others are completely asinine.

None more ridiculous, in my opinion, than the argument between Trinidadians and Guyanese people over whether it’s correct to say “Curry Chicken” rather than “Chicken Curry.” If I felt like proving one nation right, I could dig into history explaining how this difference of opinion came about. I could go over the dish’s origin, what it would have been called in it’s native dialect, and then go on to discuss how the dish’s name would have changed in translation from hindi to english.

Then, I could compare that with how it would have been named in the culinary world. And if I was feeling extremely academic, I could go on to discuss how the dish varies from region to region, and why calling it one name versus the other would prob-

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f your primary residence was involved in a foreclosure process between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, you may qualify for a free Independent Foreclosure Review.

CALL FOR ACTION!

The Independent Foreclosure Review will determine whether — Continued from page 1 — individual borrowers suffered financial injury and should reCaribbean community in Central Florida. Take a friend to eat ceive compensation or other remedy because of errors or other at a caribbean restaurant, support the activities going on this problems during their home foreclosure process. month. Become a citizen, register to vote. Your impact can be felt in many ways large and small. Step up and ACT. We're at If you believe you are eligible to participate in the program, a pivotal point where we need to show our vibrant numbers you may complete and submit a Request for Review Form. For and impact in Central Florida. If your non-profit is not a memmore information please go to: www.independentforeclosurere ber of the Heads of Caribbean Organizations, then find out view.com/ All Requests for Review Forms must be submitted more and join today. June is the month for you to ACT Caribonline or postmarked no later than July 31, 2012. bean people. It's your month, make it count!

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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?”

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Talitha Vickers

alitha Vickers is an award-winning journalist with a passion for spotlighting issues that positively enhance the lives of others. With over a decade of experience as an Anchor and Reporter, she has had the pleasure of conveying community issues and the personal stories of viewers across the nation.

Her experience in covering Presidential elections, investigative reports, health related developments, education, breaking news and celebrity interviews has allowed her to connect with viewers beyond the television screen. Her peers have taken note and recognized her with several awards including an Emmy nomination and an Associated Press Award for Outstanding Spot News Coverage.

Weekend Anchor at WOFL-TV. After nine months in that role she became one of the morning anchors for that station. Talitha is proud to have the opportunity to work among the best at WESH, which has a proven track record for longevity and a longstanding reputation in the community.

With Central Florida as her permanent home she is always digging for fresh story ideas and opportunities to connect with viewers on both sides of the screen. When she is not reporting, you can find Talitha participating in school projects, mentoring programs, community service and philanthropic work. Aside from being the Mistress of Ceremonies at numerous galas, premieres, charity events, and festivals what she enjoys most is giving back to the community by educating and mentoring children. Talitha spends time volunteering with local Boys and Girls Clubs, Stand Up for Autism events, Hosting The Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) and Hope Now’s Annual Back to School Event and Health Fair. Talitha is also a member of the Central Florida Association of Black Journalists. When she has a moment to spare you’ll find Talitha running (Track and Field All East Collegiate Performer / Cross Country ), reading, playing tennis, canoeing, fishing, shopping or nursing a Nintendo Wii Sports injury.

The native New Yorker began her career as a field producer with WWOR-TV My9News covering the tri-state area. Talitha’s experience in the Big Apple prepared her for her next roll as a “onewoman-band” where she shot her own video, edited and produced reports for News 12 The Bronx. The kickoff to her journey South began with an opportunity to become a bureau chief reporter and fill-in anchor with CBS WBOC-TV in Maryland. While on the Eastern shore she became very involved and known for her community service projects for local charities and schools.

Three years later, Talitha landed a role as an anchor/reporter with WCCB-TV in Charlotte North Carolina where she continued to highlight community issues through exclusive reports. A career opportunity for her husband relocated them to Orlando Florida. Although she’s one of the newer kids on the block at WESH 2-News, Talitha is not new to the market. In the fall of If you have a story idea or a community event feel free to e2009, she began reporting in Central Florida and became the mail Talitha at tvickers@hearst.com

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Emerging from the Sanford Tragedy: Your Civil Rights . . . and Beyond!

order for an arrest to be effectuated, you need not be handcuffed or have force used against you. If you are not free to leave, then you are under arrest. Thus, ask the officer, and if

By Shahzad Ahmed, he or she states that you are free to leave, then you may leave.

Attorney at Law If the officer does not permit you to leave, then you are under arrest. (As a side note, it is important to not run, or argue, or n June 7, 2012, the Car- resist.) Beyond giving your name, you do not have to provide ibbean American Pass- any more information; you have the right to remain silent. port (CAP) and Greater Or- You also have a right to a lawyer. lando CARES, held “A Night of Healing� forum in order for There are many other rights that you have. In order to learn our diverse community to more, contact an attorney who deals with this area of the law. come together and take part in a constructive dialogue fol- Profiling Is Real lowing the Trayvon Martin tragedy. CAP and CARES com- Although Trayvon Martin’s killer was not a law enforcement ofmendably put together an im- ficer, and although we are not absolutely certain whether he was pressive group of panelists, in motivated by racial profiling, we should still use this incident to reflect upon our Civil Rights. Uncluding Commissioner Mark McCarty, Dr. Falecia Williams, fortunately, although there are many good officers, there are those Reverand DaRon Dixon, Police that practice bias. The reality is that Chief Richard Myers, Publisher profiling by law enforcement officGuenet Gittens-Roberts, Nouchelle ers happens every day. It happens Hastings and Community activist on the account of race, nationality Christiana Dillard, and two attorneys, Ernest DeLoach, Jr., and myand religion. It happens to AfricanAmericans, to Caribbeans, to Hisself, Shahzad Ahmed. panics and to others. After 9/11, Arabs and Muslims have faced a I was assigned the task of speaking large share of their own profiling, about what our Civil Rights are and whether it is while flying, driving or to counsel what steps we can take if those rights are violated. As an imjust walking down the street. migration lawyer who represents inHealing from Profiling dividuals from diverse backgrounds, I regularly counsel clients who have Given the reality of profiling, a experienced profiling or discriminabroader strategy is needed which tion. It is in this role that I advise individuals about their civil rights. goes beyond knowing your Civil Rights. Because, although one may know his rights and jump through However, at the end of the semithe legal hoops that the officer nar, I felt that I needed to go bethrows at him, this does not erase yond my discussion of the legal tips the scar left from the moral wrong and also discuss further constructive steps that should be taken todone by the officer. Therefore, what more can one do to find closure afward healing after encountering ter being a victim of profiling? profiling. So I will do so here.

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Recognizing the Good

First, it is important not to challenge the police misconduct on the street. Do not argue, resist or get Ironically, many of my clients themselves have come to the into any altercation with the officer.

United States from countries where discrimination is prevalent.

Many of them have escaped persecution by their own govern- Second, note the name of the officer. Also get the names and ment. Several of them have been tortured. Some had family phone numbers of any witnesses. Then make a written account members killed by their own government. It is not uncommon of what transpired. Then contact the law enforcement agency for governments to permit discrimination on the account of race, and file a complaint with its internal affairs unit. Be sure to religion, nationality or gender, thereby permitting legalized dis- follow through to ensure that the complaint is being reviewed. crimination and profiling.

Third, contact your community-based organizations, whether it is The United States of America specifically prohibits such type of dis- your church or other group. Meet with your community leaders. crimination and profiling. Admittedly, we are on a journey to per- Organize a press conference to discuss the situation. Your public fecting our union and our liberties, but compared to most of the discussion in an organized forum will lead to a greater awareness other nations on this planet, ours offers more security and freedom. for the agency to train its officers better. It will also help your fellow community members to learn from the incident. And it will proMoreover, it is important to note that there are many good law vide you with a constructive outlet to relieve your pain. enforcement officers who are working hard to protect us and our community. Accordingly, we want to support our law enforce- Last, do not delay your follow up. Profiling should be dealt ment and cooperate so that our communities can be made safer. with immediately, not when it is convenient. Take these steps while the incident is fresh in your memory, and the evidence and witnesses are still available.

Knowing your Civil Rights However, our cooperation with law enforcement does not have to come at the price of our civil liberties. There is a balance.

The U.S. Constitution limits the government from overreaching into our persons, homes, cars and other effects so that our freedoms and liberties are not impinged. Therefore, it is critical for all of us to know what our Civil Rights are.

For example, if you are questioned by law enforcement, it is first important to determine whether you are under arrest. In

In sum, the CAP Team and GO CARES are providing much needed leadership following the tragedy in Sanford. No one believes that they have all the answers, nor do they claim to.

Profiling leaves a serious scar, and my legal tips on Civil Rights, though relevant in dealing with the incident as it happens, cannot resolve this problem. However, having an open dialogue with the relevant agencies, and making organized and concerted efforts in conjunction with your community leaders may help to bring some healing.

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CARAMVITA Annual Tea Party & Fashion Show

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Donna Ramsammy-James wows with her collection

ARAMVITA, the Caribbean American Association of Solivita, drew a full house on Saturday 19 May 2012 as its Annual Tea Party and Fashion Show displayed what the cognoscenti described as “stunning” in their evaluation of “Caribbean Footprints” the fashion segment featuring the creations of internationally renowned Guyanese designer, Donna Ramsammy James.

The evening’s entertainment started with a hat contest displaying the varied creations of club members. Then some light jazz singing by visiting Trinidadian Patti Rogers preceded the fashion display by 13 models including 9 lively Solivita seniors. “Caribbean Footprints” was a celebration of the contribution of the Caribbean Diaspora to their adopted countries and communities, as evidenced at Solivita. This brought into sharp focus the creativity and expertise of the designer who in addition to being from Guyana and raised with Caribbean culture, lived and worked in East Africa for some 12 years. Consequently, she created and selectively marketed an exclusive line of elegant ladies’ and men’s wear designed to express “the softness of Asia, the depth of Africa, and the color of the Caribbean” Donna Ramsammy James. Donna described the concept as “a synthesis of tradition, inspiration and creativity; a unique line of art displayed through fashion, choreography, music and mime”. The common thread running through her collections; thirteen to date, is the SHAPE 2000 tradition of ethnic fusion, art through fashion, tradi-

tional cultural styles, dress, motifs, and notions. The designer brought 4 of her models - Joanne Joseph, Sadia Ali, Vedika Basiram and Chantal Boodhoo-Sahid, to Solivita for the event. Couples Joan and Wale Omawale, Sharon and Roosevelt Thomas, and Sonia and Jacques Weaver were among the intrepid Solivita seniors who modeled many of Donna’s creations at the CARAMVITA Annual Tea Party & Fashion Show. Also joining in the display of clothing, dancing and traditional modeling on the Solivita Starlite Ballroom stage and catwalk were CARAMVITA President, Ann Branford and members Valerie Deal and Leonor San-Roman. The ballroom and the 32 tea tables were beautifully set and decorated by club members with creative assistance and guidance from Cynthia Bailey. This was the first showing of Donna’s work in Central Florida. Shape 2000 showings have been held in New York, Kenya, Canada, Anguilla, London, Barbados and Jamaica. After Florida, Donna moves on to London, UK for her next presentation in mid-June.

Solivita, located in Poinciana, Polk County, boasts the flagship active adult community of AV Homes (formerly Avatar Holdings). Within the community, CARAMVITA aims to provide a medium for persons of Caribbean descent to celebrate their common heritage and culture, to promote that culture and enhance understanding of the people and lifestyles of the region.

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BRYAN AND GARY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING A PUBLIC FORUM FOR SOME OF THE MOST PROVACATIVE AND THOUGHT PROVOKING TOPICS THAT DEAL WITH EVERYDAY LIFE. HERE’S A LETTER THAT ASKED: DOES THE ENDS TRULY JUSTIFY THE MEANS? BRYAN: Just when I thought we had heard it all…Gary listen band, the first thing he’s going to this letter: to UNDERSTAND is that he needs to give her a RHAATID Dear Bryan and Gary, LICK UPSIDE HER HEAD. GARY: And maybe that’s true, My husband and I have always wanted kids and for a while we were but which man would be in a really trying, but for whatever reason it never happened. When the situation like this and not market crashed a few years ago, things got really hard for our fam- want to know how his bills are ily. I lost my job, my husband’s hours got reduced and with all of our being paid. This guy must bills, we couldn’t even afford to live paycheck to paycheck. Things have suspected something, so got so bad that we had to ask my parents for HELP. We had to apply that is why I suggested that she for food stamps, financial assistance, and unemployment. In addi- tell him. tion, we also asked our church members to pray for us. It was a very BRYAN: OK, I give that to you, dark, embarrassing and shameful time in our lives. but if you were the husband Bryan would you want to know?

But as if that wasn’t bad enough. I recently found out that I am preg- GARY: OF COURSE, I nant and my husband is as excited as he can be. The truth is, the wouldn’t just want to know….I would NEED TO KNOW baby may not be his. When our mortgage went into foreclosure last so that I could decide what I NEED TO DO. I would need year and we had nowhere to turn, my ex came through for me and to decide if I want to be with a woman that would do this made the payment. I didn’t want to me. to accept the help, but my family BRYAN: Not to you, for you. For her family, for her way of life. needed me. The problem is, the Doesn’t that matter, or is that the real question that’s being only payment my ex wanted in re- asked here. Don’t the ends justify the means. turn was me. My Back was against GARY: In this case, HELL to the NO. I don’t care what the the wall, so I took his offer and reason, I don’t care if I have to live in a shelter. I don’t care have been secretly having sex with what was going through her mind at the time. I just don’t him and trying to get my family care. How could she just up and UNLOCK the GATE, when back on track, at the same time. it took me so long to MASTER THE KEY. But now everything is out of con- BRYAN: I hear you man, but it’s for that reason why I probably trol. I am 6 weeks pregnant and it wouldn’t want to know. I can understand why some men would might not be my husbands. What want to know, but not me. I would rather live the lie and live, should I do? How can I tell my hus- than hear the truth and commit murder.

Gary band what I have done? Should I GARY: You’re crazy man. tell him at all? I did what I had to do, but things weren’t suppose to BRYAN: OK Mr. MASTER KEY, I’m the crazy one. All I know is happen this way. I need HELP. that it would hurt me more to know that someone I LOVE and TRUST and CARED FOR, would betray me like that. And I think Signed....SCREWED!!!! that is what would drive me insane and cause me to want to hurt this person.

GARY: Bwoy she is SCREWED in more ways than one. It’s GARY: So your advice would be to keep her mouth shut and not just whether or not she should tell him, but also whether maybe it will work itself out.Is it ever or not he would want to know. Trust me Bryan, this one is BRYAN: YEP. tough. What would you tell her to do?

GARY: Well I say SPEAK THE TRUTH, SPEAK IT EVER, BRYAN: Dis one rough fi true…I guess it all depends on which COST IT WHAT IT WILL. But we want to know what our angle I was coming from. readers think. DOES THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS IN GARY: What do you mean which angle?

THIS SITUATION? BRYAN: Well if I were her pastor, I would tell her to PRAY to GOD that her husband don’t find out. I would also tell her to LIFE IS A JOURNEY THAT’S FULL OF UPS AND get her affairs in order and confess her sins so she can make DOWNS, TWISTS AND TURNS, SUCCESSES way to be entered into the kingdom.

AND FAILURES, AND A LOT OF THINGS IN GARY: LOL, Man it sounds like you are trying to get her BETWEEN. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF FACED ready for the pearly gates?

BRYAN: Well, in a sense…Yes! Now if I were her friend, I WITH THIS DECISION? E-MAIL US AT would tell her to keep her trap shut. As a matter of fact I BACK2BASICLIVE@GMAIL.COM . wouldn’t even want her to tell me if I were her friend, because the minute we fall out….I’M TELLING EVERYBODY, DAT DI BWOY IS A JACKET. GARY: Some friend you are.

BRYAN: Well why don’t you tell me Mr. Gary, what would you tell her to do?

GARY: Well the right thing to do is to tell her husband what she did, and why she did it, and if he is a REAL TUNE IN EVERY SATURDAY FROM 5PM-7PM MAN….I’m sure he would understand.

ON YOUR RADIO OR LISTEN TO US BRYAN: LOL, LOL, LOL….Man I think you living in fantasy LIVE ON WWW.WOKBRADIO.COM land. Any how this lady opens her mouth and tells her hus-

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www.caccfl.com

Caribbean Chamber of Commerce Caribbean Heritage Month Blasts off in Orlando! — Continued from page 19 —

Libraries referred to Taylor as "the most influential black woman in journalism today. She was given the opportunity to reconnect to her Trinidadian, St. Kitts and Barbadian roots with a free ticket from Caribbean Airlines to visit the Caribbean.

Still to come are the celebrations on June 23rd - CAHM Business Expo and Job Fair at Majestic Banquet Hall - you are all invited to purchase a booth ($200) to showcase your products and services to the Greater Orlando community. There will be Business Seminars and presentation by Chamber members From 4pm 5pm we will have a Speed Networking session with politicians, economic development offices and so much more. There will be sneak preview of Lyma Dunbar's Straight out of Florida's documentary of Caribbean Businesses in Central Florida. It was produced over a year ago and will be ready for mass distribution after June. One lucky business will win the opportunity to spotlight their business in the 2012 Chamber Business Resource Directory. You'll have an opportunity to register your business in the Journal that we go to print with the end of July. Register to attend, take a booth or encourage your friends and family to attend - you can play a part in Caribbean American Heritage Month. You can draw attention to the amazing progress made by the Caribbean Business Community in Central Florida.

The event start at 10:00am and ends at 8:00pm with the cultural presentations and bands starting from 2:00pm. Enjoy a variety of food from across the Caribbean Community - Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana, Haiti and much more. Enjoy steelband music, live dragon dance performances, bollywood and chutney styled dancing, tassa drumming, african drumming and queh queh dance performances. Bring out the entire family, bring out all of your friends and if it rains - bring an umbrella - we'll have lots of tents in case, but rain or shineSunday is for showing our strength as a community...BRING EVERYBODY YOU CAN!!! DO YOUR PART LARGE OR SMALL AND WE WIN AS A COMMUNITY.

For more information go to www.caccfgrowthexpo.eventbrite.com On June 24th all roads lead to the CAHM Festival at Lake Eola, Downtown Orlando - This is our Showcase event and you can expect Cultural presentations that portray our unique Island Culture and Heritage. Associations are invited to purchase a booth ($200) to showcase their mission, their activities, and their membership to the Greater Central Florida community.

CACCF Members out supporting Jasmine for a Gardener

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O

“A new assignment”

n the morning of June 3, 2012 Orlando was buzzing with the news that “Lieutenant Stitchie” was going to be in town to receive a honorary doctorate degree and that Peter Daley from Caribbean Sunshine Bakery was to be a recipient of an honorary doctorate as well. At the same event Pastor Paul Black was to be ordained as Bishop in the same service. For many this was a new concept to combine two distinctively different services into one.

The event was titled “A new assignment” with the recipients of the new titles being challenged to embrace the new responsibilities that were to follow.

How does one get an honorary doctorate degree? A person is nominated to a committee, and then the committee reviews the person’s educational and personal background for enough evidence to support the nomination. Usually the candidate has the equivalent education or twenty years experience in their field of work. Then the committee members are placed with the burden to make the right decision especially from Phil. 2:3 "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."

History was made when an honorary doctorate was conferred upon Cleve “Lieutenant Stitchie” Laing for his contribution to gospel reggae music and Peter Daley, Founder of Caribbean Sunshine Bakery for his contribution to Orange County Public Schools and the community.

“Lt. Stitchie” is a native of Jamaica , West Indies with his music being heard around the world, he is also a trained teacher in Jamaica . This honor was conferred upon him by Cornerstone Christian University in Orlando , Florida . “Lt. Stitchie” as he is so fondly called, was called out from the audience by Rosemarie Roth. Her recommendation referred to his music as the most outstanding representation of reggae music in gospel form. He is the first artist crossing from secular to religious music to receive such an honor. What does this say to us? Most artists cross over from religious music to secular to get fame and fortune but “Lt. Stitichie” went in the opposite by choosing a “good name” over wealth. A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold. Proverbs 21:1 New American Standard Bible Peter Daley of Caribbean Sunshine Bakery, was the recipient of the other honorable degree. He is the son of Loxley and Mildred Daley of Spanish Town , Jamaica . He migrated to the US thirty-three years ago with his family and resided in Miami for fourteen years. In school he studied aeronautical engineering until he received his degree and obtained a private pilot's license. Shortly afterwards, he moved to Orlando in order to pursue a different career path when an unexpected opportunity presented itself. Over the past twenty years he has established himself as a successful entrepreneur by bringing awareness to the Jamaican culture and cuisine through

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the expansion of his business and as a partner in education with the Orange County Public Schools. He has received the "Outstanding Partner in Education" for the North Learning Community through the Orange County School System and he has been an avid supporter of the local churches and civic organizations by providing his time, expertise and tangible donations. He is a dedicated family man with three sons and a loving wife of seventeen years. His eldest son graduated with highest honors from high school this year.

What is an ordination?

In general religious use, ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart as clergy to perform various religious rites and ceremonies. The process and ceremonies of ordination itself varies by religion and denomination. One who is in preparation for, or who is undergoing the process of, ordination is sometimes called an ordinand. The liturgy used at an ordination is sometimes referred to as an ordinal.

The word may also mean to command or decree, bring forth order, and thus harmony among the “Body of Christ”. The ordained persons are presented to the church and designated workers who will function is the office they were called minister.

Paul Anthony Black, Pastor and Overseer for the Five Fold Ministries and the Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic ( St. Ann , Jamaica ) is a servant of God who is committed to building, nurturing and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was born in Alexandria , St. Ann to Mr. Solomon Black (deceased) and Imo Black (Mom who was present). His parents could see the hand of God on his life from a young child. His mother fondly remembered him sharing Christ to his friends and the congregation as young as twelve years old. His mother smiled as she recounted her son’s duties at the church as a Sunday school teacher, a youth president and taking the role as a leader in the men’s group. She was particularly reflective when she mentioned his first ordination as an evangelist at age twenty-two. Bishop Paul Black is married to Claudette Black and has three children. As a husband, a father, a pastor and now a Bishop he is ready for this “new assignment.”

Claudette Bailey, Bridgett Norvell, Jacqueline Ritchie and Ivanah Thomas were also recognized as ministers to “H.I.S. Team” (Helps, Inspiration and Servants of the Most High God) The “New Assignment” is to Declare God’s authority in our lives, His presence in our churches, His presence in our families, His presence in our heritage, His presence in our education and His presence in our business. I believe God is speaking louder than ever for us to share the “good news” of salvation to a hurting world. Bishop T.D. Jakes says it best, “he is just a beggar telling another beggar where he found bread”.

Orlando Carnival

25 years ago, Johnson Gilbert had a vision to bring carnival to Orlando, with four other people, (Mark Modeste, Gloria Chandler, Tina Stubbs and one other person), he created a “big carnival party” in the Fairgrounds on Memorial Day Weekend, 1987.

It got a little larger… and today, Orlando Carnival is known all over the world.

During the course of the years, several presidents (Joseph Perkins, Johnson Gilbert, Gloria Chandler, Junior Pouchet, Julia O’Connor, Shirlane Hendrickson, Allan Harris, Richard Yates, Carlos Francois and Mervyn Johnson) have shared the “hot seat.”

For more information on Orlando Carnival go to http://www.orlandocarnival.net/ .

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