Caribbean American Passport December 2013

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NEWS MAGAZINE

Powerful Ebony Woman “Trini is Facebook Executive”

By Maxine Williams Story as told to Lorraine Waldropt-Ferguson

“

ust try a ting”, in Trini parlance, in other words, assume no limit to your potential to overcome obstacles and give every challenge your best shot — this has always been my life philosophy. It is one of the reasons why I have reached where I am today. As I reflect on my achievements — capturing a spot amongst Ebony magazine’s elite Power 100 — the 100 most powerful African-Americans — my belief that effort and risk can lead to reward has never waned.

An island woman with versatile ambition, in view of all my occupational escapades, the only common thread in all my professional choices is that I try to do what inspires me and strive for excellence in whatever I choose to do.

My journey began in my beloved Trinidad and Tobago. Born and bred in Woodbrook, Trinidad, music and mas were always in my DNA. I remember going to sleep at night and putting a pillow over my head to sleep during the Carnival season when the

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Parade of Nations to pay tribute to MLK and Nelson Mandela legacy Says Florida Civil Rights Association

“The City of Kissimmee is ready to make history with first MLK Holiday Parade and we’re accepting applications for this historic celebration,” Civil Rights Group says.

Recently, over 100 world leaders, including US President Barack Obama descended on South Africa to honor the life and legacy of

See story on page 6

First medical marijuana company established in Jamaica amaica has launched its first medi- bia - has been shown to be an effective treatcal marijuana company with ment for the symptoms and side effects associated with HIV/AIDS, Cancer, Hepatiprominent retis C, PTSD, MS and other neuromuscular searcher Professor disorders, Glaucoma, and chronic pain.

Henry Lowe urging the authorities Lowe, who is the exto take full advanecutive chairman of tage of the drug’s meBiotech research and dicinal components for Development Institute, commercial purposes. said it would be unfortunate if Jamaica lost Marijuana - legal as medicine under state out to a booming multibillion-dollar induslaw in 19 states and the District of Colum- try in Europe, Canada and the United States.

Continued on page 16

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

3 Years Old and Enjoying Every Second!

t’s December 2013, the year is ending and we will soon welcome in the 2014. As the years go by and our lives continue to evolve we must take the time to reflect on the lives we’ve touched, the friends we’ve made and the overall impact we’re having on the lives of our family, our friends, our associates and our fellow citizens.

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

ubscribe to Caribbean American Passport News Magazine today.

Get the news delivered directly to your door each month!

For a limited time we are offering a one year subscription to CAP News Magazine at $25.00. This will also provide you with discounted admission to events, coupons for shopping at your favorite stores as well as updates on caribbean events coming up in our community.

How will you be remembered? What mark would you have left on the world after you have left this world in the physical sense of life? Have you been the best person you can be? Have you been the best brother or sister or daughter or son……etc? Have you done the best you can for yourself? Are you currently the best you can be? Are you in the best of health? There are so many questions we can ask ourselves and as the year comes to an end we must stop and reflect so that we can make the necessary changes as we move forward into the new year.

This school year give the gift of a subscription to CAP NewsMagazine to someone and we will personalize a card to them from you in that gift package.

As a father, a husband, a son, a brother, a friend and as an associate there are many things that I can improve on and there are many changes that I need to make, after-all I’m not perfect, or maybe I am (smile) but in all the roles listed above it is my responsibility to try to be the best I can be and it is my commitment to try to be the best I can be in every category listed above and the many others not listed.

State _____ City _____________________________ Zip _______ ______

As many of us stop to reflect on our lives and the many, or the few, things that we need to change to improve ourselves and our lives in 2014, remember the world’s greatest adventure and the world’s simplest task all require the same thing…..that first step. While we reflect on our lives and we look at the big picture items, the finances, our health, our education and….. and…..and…..; please stop along the way and be thankful for the simple things that we take for granted; we’re alive, we have family and we have friends……..in some cases our friends are our family and our family are our friends…either way let us be thankful and let us all start our new year with a focus on taking the first step. I’ll try to create a top 6 priority list: 1. God………always keep God in your thoughts and you will always be guided well.

2. Self……….always think of self first, this might sound wrong but think about it, self – would I like if this was done to me, self – is this how I would want to be treated, self…..am I taking care of myself so that I may be here to take care of others.

3. Family/Friends…….am I being the best family/friend I can be 4. Charity………if I have a lot or a little, there will always be people out there with less …..give and you will receive.

5. Finances……..the more I have, the more I can give, the greater the impact I can have on others in need and the more people I can impact.

6. Happiness……smile, be happy, think positive thoughts and share a happy/positive greeting with all; you just never know when that simple smile, or hug can make a difference in the life of someone else.

Merry Christmas to you and your family and may the New Year bring you all the blessings and great things that you both need and want……Happy New Year from our Caribbean American Passport family to yours.

— Sam Roberts

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Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor ..........................................................................Natasha Solomon Graphic Design & Layout ..................................... Jan Longwell-Smiley Contributing Writers: ................................................... Rosemarie Roth ..................................................................................... Natasha Gittens ........................................................................................ .Karlyn Hylton ............................................................................................ Gail Seeram ........................................................................................ Kamal Abdool . .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell ................................................................................ Nouchelle Hastings Contributing Photographers ........................................... Dillia Castillo ..................................................................................... Ronald Williams ....................................................................................... Mark Bannister Distribution & Sales.................................................... ...Delroy Edwards Distribution.................................................................... Samuel Roberts .......................................................................................

Frank Ambrose Copyright (C) 2013 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

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The Dominican Republic vs Haiti A dispute with an uncertain outcome

ar from moving towards a resolution, the interregional dispute over a Constitutional Court ruling in the Dominican Republic has become polarized, with CARICOM, the Dominican Republic and Haiti taking seemingly entrenched and antagonistic positions.

Caracas. He did so, on the basis that it was felt that Haiti, by actively seeking and agreeing to a strongly worded statement produced by the CARICOM Bureau on November 26th, had effectively broken the word and spirit of what had been agreed with Venezuelan support.

It had widely been expected that, with the help of Venezuelan mediation, a basis had been agreed on which to begin to address a tense situation that could make stateless large numbers of undocumented individuals mainly of Haitian origin living in the Dominican Republic; the precise number is disputed.

“We feel that (by doing so) the Haitian government has broken the agreement that we signed last week, in which a process of dialogue was prioritized by the two countries in order to seek solutions for any issues on our common agenda. Haiti has preferred to take another road,” Mr. Montalvo said.

At the CARICOM Bureau meeting, which brought together Trinidad’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad Bissessar; her St Vincent counterpart, Dr Ralph Gonsalves; the President of Haiti, Michel Martelly; plus the CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin la Rocque, it was agreed to defer consideration of the Dominican application for membership of CARICOM, where it currently has observer status.

On November 21st, agreement was reached to prioritize a dialogue between the two states and to de-emphasize the increasingly damaging regional and international debate over the issue.

However, this collapsed within days of having been agreed when on November 27th, the Dominican government decided to put an end, ‘for the time being,’ to the planned discussions on the basis that Haiti had reneged on its commitment to prioritize dialogue.

On that date, the Dominican Minister of the Presidency, Gustavo Montalvo, announced his government’s decision not to attend a follow up meeting scheduled for November 30th in

In a statement, CARICOM condemned ‘the abhorrent and discriminatory ruling of September 23, 2013, of the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic on nationality which retroactively strips tens of thousands of Dominicans, mostly of Haitian descent, of citizenship rendering them stateless and with

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Caribbean leaders pause to Remember Nelson Mandela

he boy born into the Madiba clan in Mvezo, a small village not far from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, on July 18, 1918, turned into a man that the world paused to remember Thursday as news of his death quickly made its way around the globe. At 95 years old, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela joined the ancestors, leaving the world united in mourning – black and white, rich and poor, old and young, and definitely Caribbean and Latin American.

Singer Pitbull, who is of Puerto Rican descent tweeted: “RIP Nelson Mandela. You are now truly free. God Bless and enjoy the heavens. Tell Celia Cruz hello for me and azucaaaaarrrr” while Brazilian football legend Pele declared: “He was a friend and a companion in the popular fight and the fight for world peace.”

Mandela led South Africa’s transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison. He had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital.

Twitter, the technology that Mandela managed to see in his life time, became the place for fans of all walks of life, includ- In a statement on South African national television President ing celebrities from the Latin Jacob Zuma said the Nobel America and Caribbean rePrize winner had “departed” gions to voice their emotions. and was at peace at 9 p.m.

South Africa time Thursday.

CELEBRITIES WEIGH IN CARIBBEAN/LATIN “Today the world lost one of GOVERNMENTS it’s greatest leaders. Rest in peace Mandela,” tweeted Heads of state across the CarMexican American actress Eva ibbean and Latin America also Langoria. offered up condolences.

Bajan singer Rihanna took to In Venezuela, President Twitter soon after to write: Nicolas Maduro declared three “#NelsonMandela you made days of national mourning. your people proud!! We’ll always love you for it! One of the “Nine months since the passing greatest men who’s ever of our comandante (Hugo lived!!!” while Trinidad-born Chavez), another giant of the rapper Nicki Minaj stated: “A people of the world passed away complete and fulfilled life of a King. We could never repay you today. Madiba you will live forever!” Maduro said on Twitter. for your dedicated, passionate fight against injustice. We enjoy the very liberties you gave your freedom for. Your legacy Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in an official statement, will never die. Thank you, and may God bless your soul.” expressed her condolences to Mandela’s family and all South Africans, saying Brazil treasures the memory of the great leader, Jamaican dance hall star, Sean Paul called Mandela “an amaz- who helped abolish South Africa’s apartheid system. ing inspiration” while Actress Zoe Saldana, of Dominican ancestry added: “An Angel has left this earth today. Mandela’s example “will guide all those who fight for social #RIPNelsonMandela. An inspirational force that left behind justice and for peace in the world,” said Rousseff. “His fight lessons we should practice everyday.”

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Tribute to MLK and Nelson Mandela legacy — Continued from page 1 —

global civil rights icon, former South African President Nelson Mandela, who passed away at the age of 95.

The Florida Civil Rights Association, Caribbean American Passport and other community partners are planning to turn Downtown Kissimmee into a “Mini-United Nations” for the first annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade and Cultural Festival on Monday, January 20, 2014, said J. Willie David, III, President of the Florida Civil Rights Association, one of the event organizers. We want the international community to join Central Florida residents as we pay special tribute to both civil rights icons, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela, David said.

We are sending out special invitations to foreign diplomats (Consuls, Ambassadors, Ministers, Prime Ministers and Presidents) abroad as well as the United States to participate in the City of Kissimmee first ever MLK holiday parade, (honoring Dr. King’s national holiday), explained David. South African diplomats and African nationals in the United States, especially in Florida are high on my invite list, stated David. Kissimmee-Osceola County is a culturally diverse community and a great location for this historic celebration.

Dr. King and President Mandela were champions for peace, human equality and freedom, said David. These civil rights icons inspired world leaders of the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation and respect for all people, David added. As a civil rights activist for over ten years, I have treasured the lessons from both MLK and Mandela life and their desire to make the United States and South Africa better nations for people of color,” David said.

“Without a doubt MLK and Nelson Mandela are among the greatest human beings in the history of humanity,” David expressed. Now, it’s our time to carry the torch of peace, equality and freedom for the next generation, stated David.

The Florida Civil Rights Association is accepting applications for the Kissimmee MLK Parade. The MLK event is a great opportunity for sponsors (businesses and media) and vendors (merchandise, food, and information) to support. Applications can be downloaded through the Florida Civil Rights Association’s website: www. fcranews.com/event. html Parade Entry Deadline: Tuesday, January 7, 2014. In addition to the parade, the parade committee will also host a cultural heritage festival at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, on the same day. We expect thousands to attend, and the admission to the festival is FREE! For more information, please contact FCRA State Office at info@fcranews.com or (407) 272-9254.

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Governor Scott Tries to Fix a Problem that Never Existed Supervisors of Elections offices, and it is unclear why the state would seek this change –particular when it has not been solicited by local SOEs,” says Deirdra Macnab, President of The League of Women Voters of Florida.

By Roger Caldwell

he State of Florida has a terrible record and reputation when it comes to voting. In the election of 2012, it took the Supervisors of Elections and the Secretary of the State three days to complete counting the ballots. It was extremely embarrassing to the state on a national and local level, and an example of a dysfunctional system with no leadership.

In 2000, Ex-Governor Jeb Bush helped his brother Ex-President George Bush win the election, even though there were many counting and voting irregularities. There were three counties that Gore requested be counted by hand, and in Palm Beach a large number of ballots were spoiled. There was also a purge of voting rolls where 96,000 African American voters were identified as felons, and were turned away at the polls.

Governor Scott is always saying that his job is to protect the integrity of the voting system in Florida, but it appears that count irregularities come from the state leadership of the election. There is always a pattern of confusion or corruption, when it comes to Florida’s voting system.

“Just before Thanksgiving, Secretary Detzner issued an unwarranted directive which no Florida voter will be thankful for. In a state where voting by mail has become increasing popular, it is unreasonable to restrict ballot drop-off locations to just

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As a result of this directive several elections supervisors have criticized the state’s position, and many political office holders are claiming that our governor is making it harder to vote.

Other political pundits and liberal advocates are questioning the timing of this directive, because there is a special election on March 11, in Pinellas County. The directive says if a voter returns a completed ballot in person instead of by mail, it can only be returned to an election supervisor office.

In the 2012 election in Pinellas County, there were 250,000 absentee ballots, because the county Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark has emphasized the convenience of this system. During this election there were 14 drop-off sites such as public libraries, tax collector branch offices, and other places.

With this new change in absentee ballots, it has been estimated that there would be a low turnout, and this would likely favor the Republicans.

None of the Supervisors of Elections received an early notice, or a meeting that the state would change the way absentee ballots would be handled. The state’s election supervisors are still upset over the sloppy effort Scott’s Secretary of the State managed last year’s purge of noncitizens form the rolls. The purge started with 182,000 voters that were alleged to be illegal, which was cut to 2,600, and on Election Day there were only 192.

The state election supervisors know what they are doing, and the absentee ballot system is working. There is no reason to fix something when it is not broken. Instead, the supervisors of elections and the citizens of the state need to help Scott and his administration, so they can run an efficient election and not embarrass the state again.

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ImmigrationINFO

TM

Immigration News for Our Community

Illegal Family Members of U.S. Military Personnel May Adjust Status in U.S.

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

STEP 1: Determine Eligibility Remember, the decision whether to grant parole in place under INA£ 212(d)(5)(A) is discretionary (on a case-by-case basis, looking at “urgent humanitarian reasons ”). The applicant must be a spouse, child or parent of an Active Duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces, an individual in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve or an individual who previously served in the U.S. Armed Forces or the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.

Absent a criminal conviction or other serious adverse factors, parole in place would generally be an appropriate exercise of discretion for such an individual. If USCIS decides to grant panew initiative has been launched to assist illegal aliens role in place, the parole should be authorized in one-year inwho are present without admission or parole and who crements, with re-parole as appropriate. are spouses, children and parents of those serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, in the Selected To request parole, the alien must submit to the director of the Reserve of the Ready Reserve or who previously USCIS office with jurisdiction over the alien’s place of residence: served in the U.S. Armed Forces or Selected Reserve (1) Completed Application for Travel Document; of the Ready Reserve.

(2) Evidence of the family relationship; In an effort to demonstrate its commitment to assisting mili- (3) Evidence that the alien’s family member is an Active Duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces, individual in the Selected tary families, the Department of Homeland Security will Reserve of the Ready Reserve or an individual who previuse a discretionary tool called “parole in place” to help military dependents sec u re p e r m a nent immigration status in ously served in the U.S. Armed Forces or the Selected Rethe United States as soon as possible. Although it is most serve or the Ready Reserve such as a photocopy of both the frequently used to permit an illegal alien who is outside front and back of the service member’s military identificathe United States to come into U.S. territory, parole may tion card (DD Form 1173); also be granted to aliens who is already physically present in the U.S. without inspection or admission (sometimes (4) Two identical, color, passport style photographs; and called “parole in place”). The basic authority for parole in (5) Evidence of any additional favorable discretionary factors that the requestor wishes considered. place is INA£ 212(d)(5)(A), which expressly grants discretion to parole “any alien applying for admission to the STEP 2: Apply for Adjustment of Status United States.”

Once you have obtained approval of your parole in place, you The grant of “parole in place” allows illegal aliens who en- can proceed with filing a visa petition (signed by the U.S. cititered the U.S. without inspection or illegal aliens subject to zen) and adjustment of status application, all at the same time. the 3 years and 10 years ban for unlawful presence to ad- It is advised that you seek the advise of an experienced immijustment status in the United States without having to leave gration lawyer when pursuing this new process of obtaining the United States. Also, there is no requirement to file a “parole in place” in order to seek adjustment of status in the waiver in or outside the United States. The illegal alien must United States as a family member of military personnel. not have criminal convictions of any other grounds of inadmissibility besides the two mentioned grounds mentioned For more information, email Gail@GailLaw.com or call 1-877-GAILLAW or 407-292-7730 and ask about a FREE consultation. in this paragraph.

@GailSeeram

...the Department of Homeland Security will use a discretionary tool called “parole in place” to help military dependents secure permanent immigration status...

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Letters to My Lawyer™

By Karlyn Hylton

Dear Lawyer, I am a student at The University of Central Florida, and it’s common for students to be pulled over on the weekends for DUI stops. However, this past weekend I was pulled over, and asked to step out of the vehicle so that myself, and my automobile could be searched. I had not been drinking, nor was I speeding so I was a bit taken back by the police officer’s actions. After asking him numerous times what I was being stopped for, or if I was being detained, the officer completed his search, and sent me on my way without a response. I feel like my rights were violated. What can I do to protect myself in future instances as such?

Please help, Scared Student Dear Scared Student, It is important that if ever faced with a similar situation that you remain calm as to not draw any unwanted attention to yourself. If an officer requests that you pull over, do so in a safe area, as soon as possible.

When approached at your vehicle keep your hands in plain view, preferably on the steering wheel to not make the officer suspicious of any activity that can’t be seen. Try to avoid confrontational conversation with the officer, and remain in the vehicle unless asked otherwise.

The 4th Amendment protects your right to refuse search requests.

You have the right to say no to a search that an officer has requested.

If he is persistent continue by stating “I am not resisting however I do not consent to this search”, at that point be sure to collect the officers, name, and badge number. Also be sure to ask the officer “Am I free to go”, to clarify that you are not voluntarily staying there to engage in conversation.

Police officers need probable cause to search your vehicle meaning, concrete facts or evidence to believe you’re involved in criminal activity. Without evidence of illegal activity, an officer cannot search your vehicle. I hope this helps if you are ever to face a situation like this again the future.

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

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

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Powerful Ebony Woman “Trini is Facebook Executive” —Continued from page 1—

small pan band two houses up was practising and Stephen Lee life journey was being charted not only by my own drive to Heung and his people were welding a big mas two houses in succeed but also, by positive people and positive influences. the next direction. How I wish I had that problem now!

Upon the heels of Oxford, I began my occupational path workA clear case of déjà vu for my homeland, my most trea- ing in a number of different capacities including practising sured memories were in my twin island republic. I attended law in Trinidad with the most brilliant attorneys in the world two outstanding institutions- Maria Regina Primary School — they took chances on me and I gave them my all in return. and then St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain. As a child, I taught law at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus; I was an on-air commentator, host and actress; a human rights coordinator comprehension was my most valuable subject. Learning and a diversity professional. So many different walks, while how to think sounds simple but requires so much practice some called it “spreading yourself too thin”, I called it diverand investment from others. To receive information, pro- sity, living up to my fullest potential. My strategy was to work cess it, analyse it, prioritise it and connect it with impar- with people who I respected and could learn from and this tiality, to other aspects of life or areas of understanding, is tactic was my rocket to greater frontiers. Which brings me to a skill that I have always rated very highly. Indeed, my life lesson three — being at the starting point of a learning foundation was set in hard stone through my local educa- curve is the most exciting place to be and each time you step tion system. It was a system where you needed to learn from up your game to meet or pass the bar of excellence, you earn your mistakes and keep moving if you were going to take your reward. advantage of the best that it had to offer. My friends and I still joke to this day about Sister Mary Margaret and how Today, I am now the Global Head of Diversity at Facebook. In she would give you one look that said, “It’s on now!” Up to this role, I develop strategies to harness the unlimited potenthis day I am a big fan of challenging children to achieve tial of Facebook’s talent. The people who use Facebook are more excellence and think creatively while setting boundaries than 1.19 billion in number and as diverse a group as you that ensure respectful behaviour. could possibly imagine. Bringing peoples and cultures together and sharing world diversity — my mission at Facebook is not The good old school days and so many other good recollec- separate to my life mission. I love learning about people and tions of my childhood in T&T — roller skating through listening to their life stories — what motivates them, inspires Woodbrook with neighbourhood friends, eating $2.25 roti from them, reduces them and challenges them. Personal stories are Elsie and Nursie at the corner of Ariapita Avenue with my fascinating. Amidst my law stints, I always found time to do brother and going to school Mayfairs and “Sunday School” in interviews of various people on camera for TV and special West Mall. Whilst my pivotal start was in Trinbago, my jour- projects. I still try to incorporate this passion through a perney continued through new places and new experiences which sonal project called Past, Present and Personal to record the taught me valuable lessons for life. extraordinary lives of ordinary people.

...I learned a vital life lesson — when navigating unfamiliar waters find mentors who you could trust to give you the support you need to find your way.

When I left Trinidad for the US at the tender age of 16, my inner voice echoed that a liberal arts education was more suited to my broad interests than the narrower specialisation of other systems. This interest and my zeal to learn were my tickets to Yale University not my best orange cotton skirt which I selectively wore for the interview. Yale. It was where I learned a vital life lesson — when navigating unfamiliar waters find mentors who you could trust to give you the support you need to find your way.

Extraordinary without a doubt, this phenomenon we call life.

With regards to my own life story, I feel accomplished and grateful for being named in Ebony’s Power 100 but most of

Today, I am now the Global Head of Diversity at Facebook. In this role, I develop strategies to harness the unlimited potential of Facebook’s talent.

all pride overcomes me to be a Trinbagonian. I still cover Carnival events in Trinidad — relaying the energy of the moment to people who can’t be there in person. But undoubtedly, there is nothing like being in the middle of the crowd at a Carnival event and feeling the collective energy raise us all I remember after I got my first report card, I asked a third up to the sky. Something similar to the feeling you get when year student if my grades were in line with what most people you “just try a ting” and you get your well-deserved rewards were getting. I had two Bs, a B+ and an A-. He looked at after hard work and determination. them and told me frankly that most people were getting As and that it wasn’t that hard to do. The bar was higher than About Maxine Williams I had hit and it was on me to step it up. From that moment forward, I was determined to get nothing less than an A. Maxine Williams is the Global Head of Diversity at Facebook. Prior This wasn’t personal, it was business. And so after Yale, I to Facebook, she served as the Director of Diversity for a global law won the Rhodes Scholarship and went to study law at Ox- firm. A graduate of Yale University, she received her law degree with ford University. If it weren’t for my Guyanese/Bajan friend first class honours from Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes who had also won a scholarship I would would have never Scholar. As an attorney, she has represented clients in criminal, civil known about the golden “Rhodes” which many Americans and industrial courts in both her native Trinidad and in the UK at were groomed for from the time they could read. With this the Privy Council. She has worked with multiple international seed of ambition planted in my mind, my thinking went organisations on development and human rights issues and has beyond the daunting premonition of studying and all- had a parallel career as a broadcast journalist and on-air presenter. nighters! My whole approach to life changed at Oxford. Life lesson take two — surround yourself with people who want Recently, Williams was named by Ebony magazine among the 100 the best for themselves and for humankind. The map of my most powerful African-Americans.

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What Orlando must do: Housing First!

By Jonathan Sebastien Blount

certainly think it noteworthy that the Orlando Magic are continuing their erstwhile tradition of ser ving meals at Thanksgiving to the Coalition for the Homeless. Might we ask that they consider extending their leadership to not just giving them a fish, but lead in helping them to build a pond?

The recent ‘Impact on Homelessness’ breakfast revealed that Orlando is number 2 in the nation in homelessness for cities its size.

Jonathan Sebastian Blount

I was impressed with the program especially when a city hall employee masqueraded as the homeless person she used to be.

She asked that we all offer the helping hands that were offered to her that led to her self-sufficiency and independence.

The National Directors noted that the solution begins with “Housing First.” I have witnessed the Mayor, Commissioners, Faith based institutions, businesses, law enforcement and social organizations come together and resolve any issue that they prioritize. Any proposal or initiative that they want - THEY DO. They find a way, they find the money.

together, huddled against the chill of the night. Their shopping carts and all their belongings carted with them. I emptied my pockets and gave them all the money I had on me. I believe sometimes, there is a greater value in giving directly than to an organized institution. Bishop Wiggins and Steve Hogan have demonstrated this and warned against toxic charity.

As was pointed out at the Impact breakfast, remove the restrictions, barriers, filters and intake rejections. Give to them, minister to them, help them. It does not matter that they may be ex this or that. They need permanent hope and help. Some say: “Oh they will just go and buy liquor or drugs.” Verily, I say unto thee, if you were in their situation of hopelessness and helplessness - you might self medicate to try to cope too.

Beautiful St James Church stands pristine across the street. The contrast of the City, ever so beautiful against the destitute not so beautiful, is a stark contrast.

Dr Phillips Charities owns many empty properties in industrial areas. So do many other landholders. If it was the will of The Partnership to eliminate this eyesore and human tragedy in collaboration with the WILL of the city leadership - it would be done, not after the research report due in February but NOW. Done as a gift to the least of us as an example of WHAT JESUS DID, not just what he would do in celebration of his light and love for Christmas.

Orlando Magic’s Jameer Nelson (right) and Maurice Harkless (left) serving meals at the Coalition for the Homeless. Photo by Gary Bassing.

After viewing the beautiful new art downtown at Lake Eola, I had occasion to walk from Magnolia to Orange Avenue along Robinson Street. I was brought to tears at the 15 to 18 or more people who lined the building that houses FED EX. They were sleeping in the doorways, bundled

DO. HOUSING FIRST!

I have been castigated, vilified, ostracized, jailed, attacked, isolated and contracts put on my life for speaking out here in Orlando against oversights and neglect of the voiceless. I guess, I will never learn to just shut up , stay out of trouble and go along to get along, when I believe in my heart that THIS IS WHAT CHRIST WOULD

Jonathan Sebastian Blount is an Advocate for The Fifth Estate. He can be reached at 202-997-7574 or jonathanpsc@yahoo.com

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

Sam: 407-810-6435 • Andy: 407-694-7497 • Vanessa: 407-325-5466 • Victor : 407-484-5692 14

Honor Martin Luther King By Supporting His Causes

15

First medical marijuana company established in Jamaica — Continued from page 1 —

“Canada’s hemp industry values US$2 bil- “In the end, our Caribbean would consume lion yearly,” he said at the launch of MediCanja on Tues- the medical/health, cosmetic and other products derived from day night. marijuana, legally grown and produced, in the USA,” he said.

Earlier this year, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders Lowe said a recent survey had shown that 87 per cent of Ja- discussed the decriminalization of marijuana for medicinal maicans want medical marijuana (ganja) to be developed, purposes after St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister adding “Jamaicans don’t only want it to be developed, they Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had called for a “reasoned” debate on want the government to get behind it and make it happen”. the issue.

He told the ceremony that Jamaica was the first country in the world to develop a commercial product from ganja – Canasol - used to treat glaucoma.

“Why should we sit back and allow other people to take over?” Lowe asked, saying he would conduct clinical research to extract the components of hemp that can cure a variety of illnesses.

Lowe said he also intends to develop a strain of the plant which is less potent in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the component of the marijuana plant that provides the ‘high’ for smokers and the reason marijuana is banned.

CARICOM chairman and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar said a decision had been taken to have the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat conduct further research on the medical and legal implications of decriminalising marijuana.

She said further, the National Drug Council in Trinidad and Tobago had developed a concept paper on the issue and that would be sent to the Guyana-based Secretariat.

“The decision is no decision on that issue (decriminalising marijuana) except to say much further discussions, much more consultations in each other country will take place before a report is presented in February next year,” when the regional “We have developed a method to isolate the non-psychoactive leaders meet for their inter-sessional summit, Persad Bissessar compounds,” said Lowe, who has gained worldwide attention said. for his cancer research.

Gonsalves, who said that he believes the region should discuss The female ganja plant is grown for smoking purposes. the matter in a “sensible focussed, non-hysterical manner, earlier this week said his government had no plan to bring legisThe male plant is called hemp and has a variety of industrial lation for medical marijuana to Parliament. and medicinal uses. The plant can be used to produce fabric, rope, canvas, wax, and paper, while the seeds contain the high- “This is a matter which we will work through the framework of est form of protein in the plant kingdom and can be used to CARICOM. And hopefully, we will have a big discussion on make oils, butter and fuel, among other products. this,” he told Parliament in response to a question from Opposition legislator Linton Lewis.

He warned that smoking the plant has health and psychological risks and that his company had no plans to break any lo- Read more: http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/business/ cal or international law.

1088869.html#ixzz2nbMzgt8Y

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ll over the world, people get together with friends and family to celebrate Christmas. They exchange gifts, and invite one another to their homes for parties, lunches or dinners, signifying the trademark Christmas message of peace and goodwill. In the Caribbean, this message is no different, and whether they’re based at home in the region or abroad, Caribbean people find a way to add their special touch to the festivities.

For example, in St Vincent and the Grenadines, there is the Nine Mornings Festival.

For nine days before Christmas (excluding Sundays), they get up in the wee hours of the morning and participate in church services, fetes, go to the beach and/ or head into Kingstown where there are organized competitions in the form of singing, recitals, and other fun competitions. There is also a carol competition hosted by the National Broadcasting Corporation that attracts thousands. The format is such that you sing a traditional song and then do your own creation to the tune of any popular song.

There are also string bands playing music on the streets, Police bands playing music in communities throughout the island, community singing and the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Sam Roberts, President of the local Guyanese Associations says “There is no Christmas like a Guyana Christmas. I would also

add that the Christmas of my childhood in Guyana cannot be replicated anywhere else. Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. The entire Country prepares weeks in advance. Government workers including civil servants, police and army officials expect their traditional bonuses and salary increases. Children are at home from school for their Christmas Holidays. Flights are jammed up as many Guyanese abroad head home. Christmastime is the time that I miss Guyana the most.”

Generally, music plays a huge role in making Christmas, well, Christmas.

Throughout the region, one can hear traditional carols, many of which originate from America. However there are Christmas carols that are sung to a reggae or soca beat. In Trinidad and Tobago, Christmas brings out the country’s Spanish heritage with Parang. Parang music is an indigenous sound that has Latin rhythms and is sung in Spanish and fills the airwaves. Soca parang is also another spinoff from the Parang. “In Trinidad, Christmas is the time when the Spanish cultural influences really come out,” says Trinidadian, Maria Sampson. “ From parang music and foods like pastelles, several of the Spanish influences help to make a Trini Christmas unique. “

— Continued on page 22 —

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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Announces Centennial Founders Day Gala at Rosen Plaza Hotel he distinguished Brothers of the Gamma Delta Sigma Chapter and Iota Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. would like to cordially invite you to attend our centennial celebration. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc has dedicated 100 years to uplifting men in brotherhood, scholastic excellence and demanding higher ideals in support of service to our communities.

evening at B.B. Kings Restaurant & Blues Club. Tickets for this event can be purchased separately.

Saturday January 11th 2014 we will host the Centennial Gala at the Rosen Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom. This historic event will start off with a Cocktail Reception beginning at 7:00pm, with the Gala starting promptly at 8:00pm.

This black tie event will truly be one to remember While this memorable event will be celebrated with the broadcasting of the keynote speakers and special presentations from Washington DC by siall over the world, one of the biggest regional celmulcast. Actor and social activist, Malik Yoba will ebrations will be taking place in Orlando, Florida. serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event, with This weekend will be filled with business and hisCivil Right Icon Harry Belafonte delivering the keytory with the Southern Regional conferences taknote address. The simulcasts will also have presening place along with the 100 year celebration events. tations by a host of guest including Former President The Celebration will commence on January 9th with William Clinton, Mary Breaux, International President of the final collections for the 10th Annual Jacket Project. A community service project that donates jackets and clothing to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and many more. youth in need in the Orlando community and surrounding areas. This year the fraternity hopes to collect enough clothing to This is a once in lifetime event that you do not want to miss, please join the Gamma Delta Sigma Chapter and the Iota Rho assist 1,000 children.

Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc as we witness this moOn January 10th 2014 the presentation for the Jacket Project ment in time. Tickets for this unforgettable night are on sale now! will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel at 5:00 pm immediately For more information and to purchase tickets please log onto following the presentation Guests are invited to a special www.orlandosigmas.com. or contact Ruben Grant 321-229-2039

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

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

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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?”

Message from Leading Ladies Columnist Nouchelle Hastings December 1999 was the 12th month of that year.

It began on a Wednesday and ended 31 days later on a Friday. It was the last month of the 1990s decade. It was also the month that I would enter into what some would call the Twilight Zone.

We attended at the time a church called Faith Fellowship Family Church. I was a prominent and popular member. I had status if you will. I was the WE CARE Minister and did a most excellent job with full consistency; I was also the choir director who gave it all I had every time we ministered. I was a fundraiser brought lots of money into the ministry from movers and shakers in the community. And yet people referred to me as crazy, bugged out NY’r, etc. Our church was known for having the best conferences and the most trained and developed leaders - yes! Several big names would come through to minister but two in particular I reflect on. One ministered to me about my heart (well many did) but this particular message was that the heart I had was given to me by God. “Nothing you do can change your heart because it’s not yours to change - God birthed you this way. You will do amazing things and reap divine favor because your heart is the heart of God, so please stop allowing others who don’t have the same heart to speak into your spirit.....for you are not weird, you are not crazy, you are brilliant and favored by God and you can do what others only imagine”.

The next prophetic word came from Prophet Dixon in the same month of December 1999. “God says that everything and everyone that has ever come against you, He is going to come against them. You tell everyone your business because you think they are your friends.

They are not your friends; they want to get to you so they can get thru you. There are many who sit here today but not many as holy as you because you understand and you love unconditionally. Your heart is pure before God. God says I’m going to take you from this place and cause you to be relocated. I’m going to break your heart and then I’m going to heal your heart. I’m going to bring you unto myself. And I’m going to bond you with hearts of those that I have chosen for you”.

Those two words are the only thing I remember from 1999 to 2000 (Y2K) apart from everything else that I don’t remember but have forgotten that I don’t remember.

At Christmas 1999 the unthinkable happened when I had a fatal accident on I-95 in the state of VA. With every major bone on my right side broken, head injury and spinal injury I lay mangled on a cold road. Cell phones were not the magnitude of what they are today but had that been the case it would be of no use to a mangled person. As God would have it a nurse traveling from NJ witnessed the accident and she wrapped me in a garnet and gold blanket. (My birthstone is Garnet). I have the blanket until this day.

As a child when I would watch the news I would hear of families who took vacation and died in accidents. My prayer would always be for them and their families. I felt how awful to die alone.

I always said within Father please don’t let me die like this.

So on this night and crest of a new day at midnight a cry was made. I can still hear my voice and feel the cold ground saying Jesus and I can feel my own breath and then I can feel the peace of death - it was the most warming and indescribable feeling. I remember meeting a man who came before me when I was in the field lying on mounds of white willow and whey. I now know him to be Father John Jackson, the Episcopalian Father on call who was beckoned to provide me my last rights and prayer. Father Jackson who was filled with the spirit was the one to inform my surgeons and hospital staff that “She shall not die but live and declare the work of the Lord” ...... Father Jackson who then stood between me and death and prayed the prayer of covering until all realized that life was still in my lifeless and non-responsive body.

There is so much more to this story and several others to share about but I feel that I’m supposed to move forward to a certain point. Each December I live a life of turmoil trying to recall what happened to me, how it happened and why. Each December I sent my baby son away to enjoy the holidays with others so he (who loves to receive stuff) didn’t experience my agony. Each December I work and volunteer at many venues thinking as I always have if you overdo doing good, that I would be rewarded with memory and being accepted. My memory is affected still today and on any day without notice a migraine can wipe out events of a day or a week. And so I take pictures often and I share with people so I can always make a current memory. Each day I look in the mirror and ask myself what did you look like before? I know what people say but I cannot remember. I remember my auntie Gloria Cullum praying and rubbing my face and saying you are going to be better.

I remember my son wanting to run from me because he said I was yucky. I remember my brother Terry saying baby girl you are beautiful but I can’t remember what I look like and each December I try and I try and I cry but I see only a figure that seems strange in the mirror. For years my friend Amelia Powlett protected me from many hurts. She would cook, clean and admire me. She would have notes, reminders phone numbers OMG in case it got too crazy and I would finally break down because I couldn’t remember. My mother managed her life and my life because she had to keep me going and encouraged. God bless them for their unwavering love.

God in His wisdom has given me the most dapper husband who cares beyond his own life for me. He gave me a new term for my final status of facial scarring “Beauty Marks” but he gets no rest during this month. My nights are filled with dreams of events and he always makes sure that he calms my racing heart.

The details, the details (five surgeries, transposing numbers are only a few but I know there is a reason that I am to share this private moment in my life during this final segment of the 2013 article. Even as I sit here with a splitting headache writing this article, I know there is a heart that this openness is speaking expressly to. No matter what the state of your current condition is if you have life you have hope. Take it from someone who has lived through what seemed like an impossible feat.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday from a leading lady who is filled with joy, Shalom.

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The Dominican Republic vs Haiti A dispute with an uncertain outcome —Continued from page 4— no recourse to appeal.’

vene in matters of national sovereignty or touching the Dominican constitution.

The CARICOM Bureau also indicated that CARICOM would review its relationship with the Dominican Republic in other That said, the Dominican case was initially not well explained fora including CARIFORUM (CARICOM plus the Dominican until its Ambassador in Washington provided a detailed comRepublic, a construct largely related to mentary separating fact from fiction. the Economic Partnership Agreement While the absence of any detailed rewith Europe); CELAC, the new politibuttal up to that point may have been cal grouping which brings together all because its Foreign Minister had been of the nations of the Americas other hospitalized, it enabled international than the US and Canada; and in the NGOs to capture opinion.

Organization of American States (OAS), which includes all nations of What happens next is far from clear. the Americas but in which Cuba does Although the Dominican Republic not participate. has previously suggested that it has no desire to be isolated within the reSince then, in an effort to try to address gion in which it is located, it is likely the impact of the Constitutional Court that the emotional aspect of the rift ruling which cannot be appealed, Presiwill last, even if a basis can be found dent Medina has signed a Decree that establishes the terms and conditions for the legalization of all foreigners living in the Dominican Republic with irregular status. The measure aims to simplify and expedite procedures and sets out what foreigners living in the country must demonstrate to regularize their situation. The Medina administration also announced that in the coming weeks it would publish a bill establishing a basis for special naturalization that will be sent to Congress.

What is less well known is that the Dominican President’s position has come under pressure from within from ultra nationalist groups such as the National Network for Defense for a mediated settlement. of Sovereignty which is critical of outsiders seeking to interThis has significant implications for regional integration and in relation to trade agreements with external partners if, for example, the construct of CARIFORUM were to cease, or if achieving any future consensus on hemispheric or international issues were to become hostage to an inter-regional dispute of the kind that has emerged.

The problem is that it is hard to see how CARICOM, having backed Haiti on the basis of morality, will in future be able to repair what was already for almost all but a few trade negotiators, investors and traders, a distant relationship with the Dominican Republic; matters not helped by the fact that the media in the Anglophone and Hispanic Caribbean have little ability to report on the nuance of what is happening in each other’s part of the region.

The reality is that few in the Anglophone Caribbean know the Dominican Republic, understand its history, know much about its internal politics, have thought much about what it is to have a land border with the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, have shown any interest in understanding the Dominican electorate’s fears, or even know of the role being played by the Republic’s xenophobic ultra-nationalists.

Much the same holds true in reverse. Efforts by the Dominican Republic to improve relations with the countries of CARICOM have been sporadic at best; there is little investment or trade with CARICOM other than in relation to Trinidad; much of the negative thinking about the Anglophone Caribbean from the days of President Balaguer and before remains; and there is a broader, deep rooted culturally based failure to try to understand CARICOM and its history.

This is not to take one side or another, or to minimize the ways in which Haitians have been treated including within their own country, but to attempt to take a longer view and to suggest that this dispute has broader, hard to predict consequences for both the Caribbean and Latin America. david.jessop@caribbean-council.org.

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Barbados Prime Minister’s Message for 47th Anniversary of Independence

Fellow Barbadians,

Our economy depends primarily on Tourism, International Business and Financial Services and Foreign Direct Investment for its am pleased once again to salute you as we celebrate the sustenance. It is foreign exchange and taxes earned from these 47th Anniversary of our nation’s independence. Of this sectors that enable Barbados to meet the needs of its citizens. achievement we should be immensely proud since the road to this As a result of the still continuing downmilestone was not easy. The strength turn, there has been a fall-off in demand of the national character has been for the services which we export. As extested frequently over the years but ports these services have to be sold in the we have always satisfied the requiremarkets of our principal trading partners, ments of those tests. the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada and countries in the Just about ten (10) months ago BarbadiCARICOM region. Unfortunately, ecoans once again demonstrated to the world nomic performance in these countries conour maturity as a people when peacefully tinues to be sluggish. and with decorum we came through yet another general election in which our Barbadians have had to meet this kind of people exercised the free choice of their serious challenge head-on before. We faced government. There are many nations older it between 1973-1975 during the first oil than ours in which democratic procedures crisis; we faced it in the early 1980?s; we are still trying to find a comfortable place. faced it in the early 1990?s; and we faced it again between 2001 and 2003 in the wake The forty seventh anniversary of our indeof the 9/11 events in the United States of pendence comes at a time of great chalAmerica. In two of those instances, under lenge for Barbados. Ever since the last two different administrations, Barbados Barbados Prime Minister quarter of 2007, the world has been in the even had to have recourse to the Internagrip of its worst downturn in 100 years. That downturn had its tional Monetary Fund. beginning in the richest and most powerful country on this planet – the United States of America, and, with the passage of Barbadians were severely tested on all of those occasions. As a time, spread to nearly every corner of the globe. The countries nation, we emerged from these challenges with the national of the Caribbean, mostly small island developing countries, character strengthened and intact. We did not allow Barbados were not spared. The world has not yet been able to recover then to descend into destructive and suicidal disharmony. We from the effects of this stubborn downturn and Barbados, like came together as a people across partisan, racial, class, and most other countries, continues to be negatively affected.

— Continued on page 25 —

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Caribbean Christmas Traditions,

Continued from page 17

In Barbados, you’ll hear about jug-jug (a dish made from ham, Jamaican Francis Wade says that a key part of a Caribbean guinea corn flour and peas). In Trinidad, pastelles and ponche Christmas is that members of the diaspora “come back to visit de crème. and spend time, so the social scene is quite active.” After living abroad himself for nearly twenty years, he feels that in the US As expected, Christmas is a time of excitement with increased there is less of a connection between people who aren’t family, social events and parties. and that the social side of the Christmas festivities is small compared to the Caribbean.

“In Jamaica, people say it’s our Carnival,” says Francis Wade. We also have a few traditions like Christmas morning market, and Caribbean Americans integrate the culture of their adopted Jonkonnu (a little like Ole Mas). The Christmas spirit starts to set in home with that of their homeland: from late October going into November. Tourists from the more temperate areas love the Caribbean as a warm alternative to the Joshua Rush says “When I first came to America, I couldn’t get winter season, but you might hear a few locals talk of it being into the Christmas spirit and I didn’t know why. It wasn’t that “cool” or “cold”. This “cool” is a sure sign that Christmas is com- there wasn’t any rum cake and sorrel or any of the traditional ing. The Christmas breeze starts with a cool wind from the North. Jamaican dishes; it was the music. The feeling continued for a few more years until one year our church incorporated the song, A sure sign of Christmas is of course the Barrels that start arriv- “The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy” and that did it for me. It ing from North America! People start talking about plans to finally felt like Christmas.” fly to Trinidad for bargain hunting, the nights get cooler and the days longer, carols play on the radio, stores begin to entice The Christmas feeling in my home is quite different from the people with offers, banks and other financial institutions pro- Christmases I had in Jamaica. Home has become for me a metamote Christmas loans, the string bands begin to make their phor for the important relationships in my life. So it doesn’t matmusic on the streets of Kingstown, and the place just gets busier. ter where I am. As long as I am surrounded my wife, children and It’s a joyous time for the most part. It’s very community-ori- extended family, I am a happy man. That said, I will confess that ented with people still taking time out to spend time with I will always miss the hills that surround Mona Heights where I neighbours. Lately, we have been lighting up our homes in a grew up and the physical aspects of being in Kingston when the big way – so much so that there are competitions for the best cool Christmas breeze came tumbling down the hillsides. lit house.

According to Joanne - a Trinidadian living in Miami – Christ“In Barbados, Christmas is a time for family,” says Bajan, Win- mas abroad isn’t nearly as festive: ston Downer, “The major town centers are all lit up and people drive around to admire each others’ decorations. It’s also a time I grew up in a big family, so when the season hit, it seemed like the for food and parties, with popular dishes such as jug-jug, sweet air was filled with parang music and who wasn’t helping to paint potato pie and ham on all menus. Late night shopping in the house or put up the Christmas tree had to help make pastelles, Bridgetown begins and everywhere people are ponche de crème, or sorrel. Now I live with my painting and cleaning their homes. The thing is American husband abroad, and we’re learning we try to be patriotic and wait till December 1, how to blend our traditions. My husband seems to since our Independence Day is November 30th, enjoy traditional parang, like Daisy Voisin, but but the stores put up their Christmas decorations Americans don’t get the subtleties of Sprangalang’s mid-November, and carols begin playing around “Bring Drinks,” for example. I enjoy my Christthat time too, so you can never begin sprucing up mases abroad a lot as well, but I definitely still beyour home early enough.” lieve that Trini Christmas is the best!

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MERRY CHRISTMAS, JULIO! A Blog by Oliver R. Phillips

PR is my favorite radio station. In March of 2008, the station aired a segment of Story Corps, which is a program that records Americans talking about their lives. The hero of the story was Julio Diaz, a 31-yearold Bronx, New York resident. I thought I would share Julio’s story because so often Christmas is about receiving. Julio’s story is about giving – of himself.

Julio Diaz is a social worker who takes a long subway commute home in the Bronx, but customarily takes the penultimate stop so he can eat at his favorite diner. On this particularly cold winter night, as Diaz stepped off the platform he was accosted by a young man with knife in hand, demanding his money. Diaz instinctively handed over his wallet, hoping to bring a quick end to the confrontation.

“No, I just eat here a lot,” says Diaz.

He said, “But you’re even nice to the dishwasher.”

“Well, haven’t you been taught you should be nice to everybody?” asks Julio lovingly. The young man answers, “Yeah, but I didn’t think people actually behaved that way.”

The bill finally came and Julio does not have his wallet, so he looks at his guest and says, “Look, I guess you’re gonna have to pay for this bill ‘cause you have my money and I can’t pay for this, so if you give me my wallet back, I’ll gladly treat you.”

As Julio tells the story, he says the young man didn’t even think about it, “Yeah, okay, here you go.”

So Julio gets his wallet back, pays for the meals, and offers the young man $20. In return for the money, Julio asks for the He begins to walk away, but calls out to the young man, “Hey, knife, which was willingly turned over to him. wait a minute, you forgot something. If you’re gonna be robbing people for the rest of the night you might as well take my I wished NPR had given a sequel to this story, because Julio Diaz is a very special person, in my book. His actions are not coat to keep you warm.” what I would recommend to anyone reading this blog; but at The assailant takes the coat, but the look on his face tells Diaz least, Julio was willing to heed Jesus’ command, to give the that a conversation is intruding into this event. The young man cloak to those who ask of a coat, “If someone wants to sue you in court and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. If asks, “What’s going on here? Why are you doing this?” someone forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two Julio responds, “Well, I don’t know, man, if you’re willing to miles. If a person asks you for something, give it to him. Don’t risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must re- refuse to give to someone who wants to borrow from you.” ally need the money. I mean all I wanted to do was go get Merry Christmas, Julio! My prayer is that there might be many, dinner and if you really want to join me, hey, you’re more who this Christmas, might be inspired and blessed by your story than welcome.” The invitation is accepted and Diaz and the of heroism, bravery, and Christlikeness. young man enter the diner.

Emmanuel, Christ with us!

While dining, the other customers, not aware of the weird circumstances surrounding Julio’s dining experience, occasion- SHALOM ally pass by the table to say hello to him, for he is just a regular guy. Even the owner, the chef, and the dishwashers stop Oliver, Lead Connector 407-600-7620 by to fraternize.

Lake Como Web site The kid observes, “Man, you know everybody here. Do you Culture Trumps Religion, Every Time Connexion Empowerment Center own this place?”

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EXPUNGE

By Rosemarie G. Roth

ou may be wondering: what does expunge have to do with Christmas? I am glad you asked but I won’t answer this until the end of the article. May is in up roar because they have Xed out Christ out of Christmas.

Actually, “It turns out Xmas is not a non-religious version of Christmas”. The “X” is actually indicating the Greek letter “chi”, Which is short for the Greek, meaning “Christ”. So “Xmas” and “Christmas” are equivalent in every way except their lettering. http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2011/12/the-x-inxmas-doesnt-take-the-christ-out-of-christmas/ Let us take a quick look on what other religions celebrate during this season:

I feel a sense of respect to all those who will take the time to celebrate “something” and also respect others as they take this time as a time of reflections with family and friends. I don’t want anyone to be afraid of discussing the Jewish faith when we address Hanukkah. And we shouldn’t dismiss Muslims when

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ex·punge

Erase or remove completely (something unwanted or unpleasant).

Erase, remove, delete, rub out, wipe out, efface, cross out, strike out, blot out destroy, obliterate, scratch, eradicate, eliminate….

the annual pilgrimage to Mecca is held during December. In fact, we can all learn from one another and since this season is build around food we can share a meal.

For those of you who do not have a holiday to celebrate here is the perfect Bible verse to you as my holiday gift: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 The hope of constant companion with this counselor, a Father and also prince of peace gives me confidence to celebrate the birth of this child call Emanuel no matter the season, the day or the month because He will always be with us.

During this season please do not be consumed with the feeling that you have to give your children everything wrapped up under the Christmas tree.

How about showing love to your children, your sick parents, a lonely neighbor or a lost homeless person? You will fill that emptiness and sadness and you will experience newness in your life. Please join me this season with clothes, can goods, baked goods or a hot drink right in our neighborhood and watch the faces of despair reflects appreciation.

Let us expunge “over spending”, waste, greed, hatred, wipe out fear, X out ignorance and embrace this season with “Good will” and “Cheer”.

Would you like to Expunge a criminal background? Call C. Todd Smith @ 407-841-8294 Or you can call me at 352-321-0932 to feed the homeless.

Barbados Prime Minister’s Message for 47th Anniversary of Independence —Continued from page 21—

every other kind of divide and stood up for Barbados as a na- that we would have to face daunting challenges and make tion. We prevailed. difficult choices.

The present challenges require a similar response from all of us. If we try to meet our challenges individually and separately, we are foredoomed to perish together. A united response is called for in our present circumstances. No other kind of response will meet the needs of this moment.

But we trusted our faith and our resilience to help us to answer the summons of history when it has called on us to stand up for Barbados.

The unique circumstances in which we have been living for the last six (6) years call on us, not to see what else we can take from Barbados is a priceless gem worthy of our unstinting coop- the nation, but what else we can give back to it. Independence eration and effort. To ensure its continmeans freedom, but freedom does not ued viability, we must place nation bemean the liberty to do what we want. It fore self. The downgrade of our credit means the power to do what we ought, in rating, which relates to our ability to borthe national interest. row money, is not a downgrade of Barbados or of Barbadians. According to the Fellow Barbadians, as we celebrate the United Nations Human Development In47th anniversary of our nationhood, let dex we are still the number one country us remind ourselves that the last kind freein Latin America and the Caribbean, dom we can afford at this time, is freeand we still rank at number three in the dom from responsibility.

Americas behind only the United States of America and Canada. Barbados still Let us rise responsibly to the challenges leads even richer and more developed now facing Barbados, steel ourselves for countries in the areas of transparency the sacrifices that lie ahead, and determine and in relative freedom from the that Barbados will continue in the future stranglehold of corruption. We are still one of the most stable to be the great nation it has been for the last 47 years. Together democracies in the world. We are still one of the most literate let us undertake the restructuring and transformation that are countries in the world. We are still viewed as a slice of para- necessary for our survival, even as we continue to cling to our dise by the overwhelming majority of people who come to core values. our shores whether to holiday or to invest.

I should like once again to thank members of the Social PartOur present challenges represent a moment in time. Worri- nership, and the nation in general, for their support and coopsome though these challenges may be, let us not mistake what eration over the past year. is a moment in time for eternity.

May yours be a happy and reflective Independence and may Independence has never promised to be easy. We always knew God bless our nation as He continues to guide us on our way.

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Caribbean leaders pause to Remember Nelson Mandela —Continued from page 5—

became a paradigm not only for the African continent but also suddenly enveloped not only his native South Africa but the for all those who fight for justice, freedom and equality.” world of which he was so unique and so distinguished a citizen,” added Stuart.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) too joined world leaders in paying tribute to Mandela, who served 27 years in prison IN THE U.S. for his opposition to the segregationist regime in South Africa, and then went on to become the nation’s first black president. U.S. President Barack Obama signed a proclamation directing all flags be lowered to half-staff beginning immediately and CARICOM chairman and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minis- until sunset Monday, December 9th ter Kamla Persad Bissessar, said the world has lost a freedom fighter and statesman.

“Today he’s gone home, and we’ve lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that “The world has lost democracy’s most loyal friend and advo- any of us will share time with on this earth,” U.S. President Barack Obama said.

“Today he’s gone home, and we’ve lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this earth.”

cate. Nelson Mandela was the 20th century’s icon of freedom and liberty. He inspired us to believe that no obstacle is too large; no walk is too long, and no enemy of freedom is so powerful, that we should ever consider giving in,” she stated, adding that he will forever be remembered as a man who fought for freedom and won it for millions around the world.

In St. Kitts-Nevis, Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas said “the name of Nelson Mandela will live throughout the ages.”

The U.N. Security Council in New York was in session when the ambassadors received news of Mandela’s death. They stopped their meeting and stood for a minute’s silence.

“Nelson Mandela was a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration,” U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told reporters. “Nelson Mandela showed what is possible for our world and within each one of us if we believe, dream and work together for justice and humanity.”

While New York City’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg called Mandela “a global icon who broke the back of apartheid in South Africa and inspired generations of people around the world with his spirit of resolve and reconciliation.”

“Through this, he gave to leaders everywhere a governance model worthy of emulation. And from this, the people of the new, demo- “He devoted his life to building a more just, equal and comcratic South Africa have benefited greatly,” he added. passionate world, and we are all better for it,” he added, noting flags at City Hall will be lowered to half-staff as well.

In Jamaica, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller was quoted on Twitter as saying: “#Mandela devoted his life to the ideal And just like that, Mandela’s words took on new life and served that the dignity of the human person was a God given right.” as a poignant reminder to those across the world to take a closer look at the lives they live.

Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart said that the “world is now a poorer and darker place for his passing.”

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived,” he once said. “It is what difference we have made to the lives “We in Barbados share the grief and sense of loss which has of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

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