It's not uncommon to find an article discussing whatever issue or commemoration a particular month is dedicated to recognizing in each monthly issue of Caribbean American Passport News Magazine. As we transitionfromApriltoMay,wewantto bring attention to two lesser known facts - that April is National Stress AwarenessMonthandMayisNational MentalHealthAwarenessMonth.
So,howdoesstressaffectourmental health and how can we combat it in positive,healthyways?
Stress is something everyone experiences.Despitebeingunpleasant, stressinitselfisnotanillness.But...
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Springtime Means Caribbean Fusion festival:
CAFA Turns 35 and Central Florida Celebrates SpringhasarrivedinCentralFlorida, and with it comes the return of a beloved tradition: the Caribbean Fusion Festival, hosted by the CaribbeanandFloridianAssociation, Inc.
Nowinits35thyear,CAFAstandsas one of Central Florida’s most enduring Caribbean cultural institutions. Since its founding, the nonprofit organization has created space for cultural celebration, community support, and intergenerationalconnection.
long before multcultural festivals became trendy, each spring, families from across the region gather at Kissimmee Lakefront Park for CaribbeanFusionafree,family-friendly event that brings together the rich sights, sounds, and tastes of the Caribbeandiaspora.
For many, this festival is more than a day of entertainment it’s a family reunion.Childrenwhodancedbarefoot inthegrassnowreturnwithkidsoftheir ownandcontinuingthetradition.
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Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor
Stronger Together:
Celebrating 20 Years of Caribbean American Heritage Month & 35 Years of CAFA’s Community Impact
Every year, Central Florida's celebration of Caribbean culture begins with the splash of color and community that is our Holi- Phagwah Festival, hosted by Indian Horizon of Florida
It’s more than a springtime tradition, it’s the kickoff to a season of unity and pride within the Caribbean-American community.
Next comes the Caribbean Fusion Festival, proudly presented by CAFAthe Caribbean and Floridian Association, Inc This year is extra special as CAFA marks 35 years of service, celebration, and cultural stewardship in the heart of Kissimmee Their growth, like so many of our community institutions, has only been possible because of passionate people working behind the scenes, year after year
But the truth is, they need more than just admiration, they need your action
If we dream of a more connected, empowered, and recognized Caribbean-American community, we must move beyond wishing We must show up, support, and stand beside those doing the heavy lifting A simple act like sharing a flyer, purchasing a ticket, or becoming a sponsor can go a long way Our community organizations run on love, but they also need resources and respect
Too often, those giving the most face the harshest criticism from the sidelines Or worse, they’re undermined by division and ego We’ve seen it firsthand last year with challenges around Orlando Carnival This year, we’re proud to say that the Carnival community is rising above and working in unison
Unfortunately, the same can’t yet be said for some of our Caribbean American Heritage Month events. Despite our best efforts to keep the Kickoff Ribbon Cutting and CAHM Festival free and collaborative, it’s been hard. We believe in building, not breaking. And we’re speaking up because we have to work together and prioritize community
Let’s call for an end to the sabotage and the divisiveness Let’s uplift, not undercut The work we do, myself and Sam, and so many others, has never been about personal gain It’s about progress It’s about pride It’s about all of us
This year marks 20 years since the United States first officially recognized June as Caribbean American Heritage Month That’s two decades of acknowledging the deep contributions of Caribbean people to this country But can we truly say we’ve moved as one community in that time?
Since the early days, we’ve been deeply involved from working with the Caribbean American Business Expo to launching the first Caribbean
American Heritage Month Festival in 2010 at Coco Key Resort
We’ve been at Lake Eola, Fashion Square Mall, and everywhere in between Rain or shine, we’ve celebrated the richness and diversity of our Caribbean heritage with music, food, and pride
We’ve built something beautiful but we didn’t do it alone. And we can’t keep it going without you So we ask you: Are you proud of our progress? Are you contributing to our collective future? Because the reality is no one else will build this for us We must build it together
Let’s remember: we’re not divided by race, religion, or politics We’re only divided by water. Our shared culture, spirit, and resilience unite us and it's time we act like it Meet the organizations shaping our future Find your place, your people, and your purpose When you find a group that speaks to your soul, support them Help them grow before you critique their climb Our reward has been the many bonds we’ve built and the community we’ve helped to strengthen We hope you find your reward, too This year, let’s honor our past and show up for our future together
Finding Joy in Multigenerational Living — and Strength for the Storm Ahead
As the world braces for economic uncertainty rising inflation, job market volatility, and housing pressures, Caribbean families have a built-in blueprint for resilience: multigenerational living It’s a cultural norm that’s been passed down for generations, and now, it may also be one of our smartest economic strategies
But beyond survival, there’s an opportunity here to reframe the experience, not as a burden, but as a shared strength. If done intentionally, multigenerational households can thrive It takes honest communication, clear roles, and a collective mindset where every generation contributes, not just exists under one roof.
Living Together, Weathering Together
In the Caribbean, multigenerational homes have long been a necessity, shaped by economic realities and a strong sense of family Now, with global financial uncertainty looming, these households can offer something many single-family setups can’t: stability
Pooling resources; income, caregiving, food, housing creates breathing room. A young adult living at home saves on rent A grandparent provides childcare, reducing outside expenses An employed parent helps cover utility bills or groceries It’s not about one person carrying the load, it’s about everyone lifting together
Redefining Roles, Not Reinforcing Stress
What makes the difference between thriving and merely surviving in this setup? Purpose Every generation needs to have a role, and every role needs to be respected.
Elders bring wisdom, routines, and often practical support like cooking, supervising homework, or keeping traditions alive.
Middle generations often serve as the financial anchors, working jobs, managing bills, and handling logistics. But they shouldn't be left to burnout
Younger adults might not contribute as much financially, but they can pitch in with household duties, digital tasks, or helping raise younger siblings or cousins
When roles are acknowledged and balanced, resentment doesn’t grow, respect does.
The key is not to frame multigenerational living as “what we’re stuck with” but “what we get to build together.” That mindset shift opens the door to joy:
Shared meals and laughter. In tough times, communal joy becomes an act of defiance
Cross-generational learning. Elders learn tech from the youth Youth learn patience and culture from the elders.
Emotional support Economic stress is easier to manage when you’re not going through it alone.
�� Future-Proofing the Family
If economic upheaval does arrive, and signs point to some level of it, multigenerational living can become a tool not just for survival, but for future-building Families can plan together: saving for collective goals, starting small businesses, investing in home improvements that support privacy and comfort for everyone
It requires intention Clear boundaries Open dialogue But when every generation buys in emotionally and practically, the home becomes more than shelter It becomes a strategy.
Multigenerational living isn’t just a cultural holdover from the pas, it’s a future-ready model for resilience Done right, it’s not about losing independence. It’s about gaining community
And in a world that often feels unstable, that kind of grounded joy is a power move.
�� From Burden to Blessing
National Stress Awareness Month
there are connections between stress and mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Research into stress - its causes, effects on the body and its links to mental health - is vital. The more we understand stress, the better we can tackle it. Chronic stress increases the risk of developing depression and anxiety in some people. The precise mechanisms of how stress is linked to mental ill-health are being uncovered
Scientists found that the earliest response to stress happens in the brain within seconds of perceiving a ‘stressor’ Chemicals which signal between nerve cells (neurotransmitters) are released These include serotonin and adrenaline Following this, stress hormones are released, which particularly affect areas of the brain key for memory and regulating emotions Repeated stress changes how well these systems are able to control the stress response.
Researchers are also investigating how these systems are involved in anxiety and depression, suggesting a biochemical link between stress and mental illness. Recent studies have shown that long-term stress can change the structure of the brain, especially in areas supporting learning and memory It can affect both nerve cells (grey matter) and the connections between them (white matter) It is possible these changes, along with other factors, can increase the likelihood of developing mental illness
Another link between stress and mental health is the immune system During the stress response, the immune system is activated, helping to keep us safe But chronic stress and prolonged activation of the immune system could negatively affect how the brain functions A prolonged activation of the immune system is also linked to depression Researchers are working to understand how this activation can lead to depression and other types of mental illness in some people. About 30% of people with depression have increased immune activity in the body.
Here are simple ways to fight stress:
Exercise You’ve probably heard this one before, and even though it’s probably not exactly what you want to do when you’re feeling stressed (because laying on the couch and watching movies sounds more appealing), exercising gets endorphins pumping through your brain, which triggers a happy feeling Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones like cortisol, and releases chemicals that make you feel more at peace
Natural Remedies Think about taking natural supplements to help you feel more at ease. Natural remedies like lemon balm, omega-3 fatty acids, ashwagandha, green tea, and essential oils are very helpful.
Create a relaxing atmosphere Light a candle or turn on the oil diffusers, put on some soft, soothing music and dim the lights Take a deep breath and count your blessings Caffeine intake reduction can help (even though it’s tough to kick the coffee!) because caffeine tends to make us jittery, which can cause stress and anxiety
Use your loved ones Spend time laughing with friends and family Let yourself have a good time and get your mind off the busyness of the real world.
Practice mindfulness or meditation. Just five minutes of mindful breathing or guided meditation can reduce anxiety and bring you back to center. Apps like Calm or Headspace make it easy to get started, and all you need is a quiet spot and an open mind
Get outside Sometimes the best therapy is fresh air and sunshine Whether it's a walk in the park, a beach day, or just sitting in your backyard, nature has a calming effect that resets your mental state and helps you feel grounded
Pantastic Steelpan Jamboree: The Sound of Carnival Begins with Steelpan
There’s something magical about the sound of steelpan echoing through the streets, it’s a sound that instantly transportsyoutotheCaribbean.Thisyear,thatsoundwill takecenterstageinDowntownOrlandowiththedebutof Pantastic-SteelpanJamboree,thenewesteventpresented bytheOrlandoCarnivalDowntownteam.
SetinthescenicLuminaryGreenPark,Pantasticisafree event celebrating the steelpan, an instrument born in Trinidad and Tobago, but beloved across the entire Caribbeandiaspora Theeventfeaturessixsteelorchestras fromacrossFloridaandbeyond,eachbringingtheirunique energytoaculturalshowcasedesignedtosparkpride,joy, andnostalgia
Thesetting,LuminaryGreenParkintheheartofDowntown Orlando,addstotheappeal Withitswideopenspace,urban skyline, and welcoming vibe, the park becomes a perfect backdropforthisculturalimmersion
Much like Panorama in Trinidad, Pantastic is a full-scale musicalexperience.Thisisn'tjustbackgroundmusic,thisis themainevent.Steelpan,oncecreatedfromoildrumsand steeped in resistance, has evolved into an international symbolofCaribbeancreativityAndnow,it’sbeingcelebrated inabigwayrighthereinOrlando Performingthisyearare:
WhilePantasticisnewtotheCarnivalweekend,italready feels like something timeless. It's a reminder of where CaribbeanCarnivalcomesfromandapromiseofwhereitcan go.Asthesunsetsandthepansringoutintotheeveningsky, onethingbecomesclear:thebeatofCarnivalstartshere
Caribbean Fusion Festival 2025 Unveils Entertainment for 35th Anniversary Celebration
Get ready for a cultural explosion of rhythm, talent, and highenergy performances as the 2025 Caribbean Fusion Festival announces its dynamic entertainment lineup! Hosted by the Caribbean and Floridian Association, Inc (CAFA), the festival will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 12 PM to 7 PM at the scenic Kissimmee Lakefront Park, and this year promises to be one of the most exciting yet as CAFA celebrates its 35th Anniversary
Festivalgoers can look forward to a non-stop day of music, dance, and culture hosted by the ever-charismatic Creig Camacho, who returns as this year’s MC and Host
�� Main Stage Highlights Include:
�� Anthony on Steel Pan - bringing the sweet, melodic sounds of the islands with his captivating steel pan performances.
��DJ Code Red – Keeping the energy high with Caribbean beats, international hits, and crowd favorites
��Adrianna Clarke – Daughter of the late “Bunny Rugs” of the famous Reggae Group, Third World ” A rising star whose vocals blend soul and Caribbean flair
�� Natty Ramoutar – A fan favorite known for delivering powerful chutney and soca vibes
��Latin Duo Nfusion – Infusing Latin rhythms into the mix for a true fusion experience.
�� Nritya Rupa Dance School – Showcasing elegant and traditional Indian dance performances
��Caribbean Groove Band – Laying down feel-good island rhythms to get the whole crowd dancing
�� Flava Dance Troup – Igniting the stage with colorful costumes and dynamic choreography
�� Damage Band – Bringing a bold, live Caribbean sound (Zouk/Bouyon) to close out the evening with high-octane vibes
And that’s just the beginning, more surprise performances and guest appearances are expected throughout the day! This year’s lineup truly captures the spirit of Caribbean Fusion,” said Andy King, President of CAFA, “It’s a reflection of our mission to unite the community through culture, music, and celebration.”
The Caribbean Fusion Festival is free and open to the public In addition to entertainment, the event features Caribbean cuisine, artisan vendors, cultural exhibits, a Kids Zone, and health & wellness resources All proceeds benefit CAFA’s community programs, including scholarships, senior services, hurricane relief, and health initiatives in Central Florida
Come for the culture Stay for the vibes
�� Kissimmee Lakefront Park
�� Sunday, April 27, 2025 | 12 PM – 7 PM
�� Admission is FREE
How to Stand Out in an AI-Powered World
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Get Paid as a Caregiver for a Family Member: What You Need to Know.
Caring for a family member is an act of love, sacrifice, and dedication Whether it’s an aging parent, a spouse with a disability, or a child with special needs, family caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of their loved ones. But caregiving can also be financially challenging, especially if it requires reducing work hours or leaving a job entirely
The good news is that some government programs and private resources can provide financial support for family caregivers. If you’re currently providing care for a loved one, here’s how you may be able to get paid for the work you do
Become a Paid Caregiver Through Medicaid: One of the most common ways to receive financial compensation as a caregiver is through a state Medicaid program. Many states have consumerdirected personal assistance programs, which allow people with disabilities to
hire a family member or friend as a paid caregiver If your loved one already receives Medicaid benefits, check with your state’s Medicaid office to see if they qualify for a home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver or a self-directed care program. These programs typically cover services such as:
Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
Medication management
Meal preparation and feeding assistance
Light housekeeping
Transportation to medical appointments
Each state has different rules and payment rates, so it’s important to research your state’s specific guidelines Some states even allow family members to become legally employed caregivers through Medicaid-funded home care agencies.
Caring for a Family Member Who Is Not Eligible for Medicaid If your loved one does not qualify for Medicaid, other financial assistance options may still be available.
Taking Care of Family — Strategies for Making Caregiving Work
In Caribbean families, taking care of our own isn’t just a choice it’s part of who we are. We step up for our elders, care for relatives who are ill, and make sure no one gets left behind.
But caregiving takes a toll financially, emotionally, and physically. What many Caribbean-Americans don’t realize is that there are programs and benefits, especially in the U S , that can support you and even pay you for the care you're already providing
If you're caring for a parent, grandparent, or veteran in your family, here’s how to take care of them and make the system work for you, too
1. Check Long-Term Care Insurance for Caregiver Pay
If your loved one has long-term care insurance, it may include a benefit that allows family members to be paid for caregiving. Some policies even reimburse you directly for helping with daily needs like bathing, cooking, and mobility.
But these rules vary Some insurers require that you register through a home care agency or complete training The first step is to call the insurance provider and ask: “Can a family member be paid for providing care?” Don’t assume the answer is no ask, push, and advocate
2 Use Paid Family Leave (If You’re
in the Right State)
Several states including New York and California, where many Caribbean-Americans live offer paid family leave. This lets you take time off work to care for a seriously ill loved one and still get a portion of your paycheck. For example, New York allows up to 12 weeks off with about two-thirds of your pay. If you’re working and also trying to manage care, this benefit can give you breathing room without losing your income Ask your HR department or check your state’s labor website for how to apply
3 Veteran Benefits: Get Paid to Care for a Veteran in Your Family
If your parent or spouse served in the military, don’t overlook veteran care programs. The Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services program gives qualified veterans a flexible budget to hire caregivers and yes, that can include family. A counselor helps set up a care plan, and then your loved one decides how to use their care funds, often choosing a trusted family member over a stranger.
Another powerful benefit is Aid and Attendance (A&A) a monthly payment for veterans or their surviving spouses who need help with everyday tasks This money can legally be used to pay you, the caregiver, for your time and work
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The Power of $50 VISITUS
Never
the Twain... By Tony Deyal
"Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry " Mark Twain
I once eschewed buses and taxis and traveled to school by rail. In this context, and this alone, you can say that I was well trained During that time, I fell in love with the works of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, notably “Tom Sawyer,” “Huckleberry Finn,” and “Pudd’nhead Wilson ” This means that I was also well Twained, so well twained in fact that I know that “the difference between the right word and the almost-right word is the difference between the lightning and the lightning-bug ” Clemens is best known as the American Humorist “Mark Twain ” Twain was a character in every sense of the word and words that I love like, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow,” “If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat,”; and “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” It did matter when after walking 130 miles to Virgina City, Nevada, he said, “My name is Clemens, and I’ve come to write for this paper ” It is only when he finally stuck to being a professional writer, he took the pseudonym “Mark Twain” from the term used by river-men for water that was just barely deep enough for safe navigation.
Another great writer, Rudyard Kipling, in his “Ballad of East and West” had written, “East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet.” He was wrong. Twain and I met many, many years later in Bermuda While I was neither East nor West but a total West Indian Caribbean man, the meeting with Twain, while defying Kipling and logic, was preordained. Most of my friends and readers laughed when I claimed that I met Mr Twain After all, he had died in 1910 when I was not even a gleam in my father’s eye but as Twain had said long before he died, “Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities, truth isn’t ” I told those who doubted me that Nat King Cole sang along with his daughter in 1991 although he had died in 1965 and what they did was “Unforgettable ” So, who is me? Especially with the Twain coming down the track In fact, as I will be 80 years old three months from now, he and I are together again for the benefit of our friends and readers As he told me, “The fear of death follows the fear of life. A man who lives full is prepared to die at any time ” In fact, meeting Mr. Twain again is more than enough.
I went to Bermuda to attend a meeting of Caribbean Statisticians While my arrival was not entirely propitious, my stay was much better. The warmth of the people should not be judged by either their Immigration Department or foreign hoteliers. Most Bermudans have Caribbean roots, and we get along brilliantly It is why I felt I could pull the legs of the participants a bit by introducing my presentation with a quote from Mark Twain, “Statistics are like ladies of the night Once you get them down you can do anything with them.” Of course, I was careful to point out that I was merely quoting Mr. Twain because the subjects under consideration were outside the range of my personal experience
What I did recall, without remarking on it, was that Twain expressed this same thought more conservatively In his autobiography, he wrote, “Figures often beguile me, particularly when I have the arranging of them myself;
in which case the remark attributed to Disraeli would often apply with justice and force: ‘There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics " He also said, “Facts are stubborn, but statistics are more pliable " Then he made it clear that many people used statistics the way a drunken man uses a lamppost- for support rather than illumination For illumination, I once more share my meeting with Mark Twain on a bench in the lobby of the hotel It was dark and I saw this old bewhiskered gentleman of bronze complexion seated there. “Nice tan,” I thought. I had almost stepped on his booted foot, and I said, “Excuse me, sir ” The lack of any response was not due to anger. Mr. Twain had kept his composure because of his composition That had nothing to do with whether he essayed a reply or not. It was because he was made entirely of bronze As I looked at the threepiece suit in which he was cast, I remembered his witticisms,
“Clothes make the man Naked people have little or no influence in society,” and “Strip the human race absolutely naked and it would be a real democracy ” Just meeting the statue made me feel that my visit to Bermuda was unforgettable However, I started wondering about Twain himself. While the statue was meant to display Twain’s love for Bermuda (“keep Paradise, give me Bermuda”), the ostentatious display was more consistent with his view that “in the country of the blind the one-eyed man would probably be in a circus ”
I figured that putting him on show was something that came from a group he totally despised- POLITICIANS! “Suppose you were an idiot And suppose you were a member of Congress But I repeat myself,” he wrote He also said, “The political and commercial morals of the United States are not merely food for laughter, they are an entire banquet," and “It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress " He even seemed to be prescient about present day American politics, “Next the statesmen will invent cheap lies, putting the blame upon the nation that is attacked, and every man will be glad of those conscience-soothing falsities, and will diligently study them, and refuse to examine any refutations of them; and thus he will by and by convince himself that the war is just, and will thank God for the better sleep he enjoys after this process of grotesque self-deception " With several countries of the Caribbean about to hold their national elections, I might take a Twain to nowhere
This is why I was so happy meeting the great Twain He was at the same time both a cynic, and an optimist. "I have no color prejudices nor caste prejudices nor creed prejudices,” he said sincerely “All I care to know is that a man is a human being, and that is enough for me; he can't be any worse ”
* Tony Deyal was last seen in Bermuda lamenting the high markup on books there and throughout the Caribbean He quoted Twain who wrote in The Prince and the Pauper, “When I am king, they shall not have bread and shelter only, but also teachings out of books, for a full belly is little worth where the mind is starved.”
Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910),[1] known by the pen name Mark Twain,
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