Caribbean american passport news magazine march 2016

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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Jamaica Labour Party Wins 2016 General Election

Profile of A Women 2016 Ann-Marie Campbell, a graduate of Georgia State University with a degree in philosophy and an MBA is now the new head of USA Home Depot stores. She started her career with Home Depot in 1985 as a cashier and is now the ‘Top Dog’ at Home Depot.

Home Depot is replacing its executive in charge of U.S. stores, veteran Marc Powers, with another longtime employee who rose through the ranks. Home Depot told their over 2000 employees that Ann-Marie Campbell, now 50, will replace Powers, 54, as executive vice president of Home Depot’s U.S. stores on Feb. 1.

Campbell has been president of the chain’s southern division, which includes about 690 stores in 15 states plus Puerto Rico and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. ...continued on page 7

Continued on page 7

Legends of the West Indies

See story & more photos on page 5

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L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

Political Perspective 2016 by Kamal Abdool This month's Editorial comes courtesy of Kamal Abdool, Writer of Kamal's Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor Corner.

We got this article from him and it summed up as he usually does our mood about current affairs......Kamal wrote "Republican presidential candidates keep singing the same song. America is going to hell, the military is being decimated and they will make America great again. You wonder if Americans really believe the rhetoric. Last Labor Day weekend we hosted a party in Delray Beach with about four hundred attending. I know at least fifty South Florida residents who could not make it because they were visiting the Caribbean, attending Labor Day events in New York or were on a Cruise. Americans in Florida are working, making money and enjoying life.

I personally know hundreds and hundreds of people.

However, I do not know any individual who's healthy and cannot get a job or earn money working for themselves.

You may not get your dream job, a high paying job with benefits but you can get a job or secure earnings to put food on the table. I can recall when I first emigrated to Florida, I took a $5.25 hour job at the Winn Dixie's seafood counter. Until I started at the seafood counter, I did not know how to scale a fish or worse did not know you had to.

I did what I had to do including getting a second job as a parts delivery driver to support my family.

Look at some basic economic figures under President Obama. For the second consecutive year a 2.4% growth rate. Unemployment down to 4.9% and in 2014 Uncle Sam gave the rest of the world 741 Billion and another 758 Billion in 2015. Republicans love to beat their chest and shout like Tarzan that they want to take back America. Do you want to go back to the 2008 economy under President Bush? Ever wondered if only President Obama had succeeded President Clinton.

Republicans love to brag they'll repeal Obamacare and then remain silent on an alternative. Sure improvements can be and will be made in the future. Social Security and Medicare has had its share of improvements including a prescription drugs benefit plan. The United States Constitution allows for adjustments and improvements.

Its called Amendments to the Constitution.

Senator Sanders has called for Medicare for all. Keeping the info simple, the Medicare Tax is 2.90 percent paid equally by employer and employee. When qualified for Medicare at age 65 most people pay zero for Part A and Part D and $121.80 for Part B. Part A covers your Hospital and Nursing Home stay, Part B covers Doctors and Medical Services and Part D your Prescription Drugs.

For working Americans under 65 I'll love to see the following amendments to the Affordable Care Act. Firstly encourage private insurance with privately run companies, employer based or individual plans. Allow supply and demand to control costs and remove all artificial State lines.

The Government has to demand only two things, an insurance company cannot drop a member who developed health challenges and they must cover birth control benefits for women. Secondly, insurance companies cannot be forced to take members with pre-existing conditions. This exemption will go a long way to reduce healthcare premiums.

Medicaid will assist with premiums and copayments for the poor and unemployed. A Helping Hand not a Handout."

From now until Elections in November, you will see a lot of content from us meant to educate and clarify issues that we hear from the Candidates running for office. We want to remind you of the importance of your vote. Especially at a time when bigotry and blame on immigrants is the theme for some of the candidates. Some of you may not be able to vote, but you can encourage 10 others to vote, hold their hands, drive them to get registered, drive them to the polls and then sigh that you did your best, because simply put the stakes for the future of this country are too high.

1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 Office: 407-427-1800 Fax: 407-386-7925 Toll Free: 877-220-8315 For Media Information email: Publisher: sroberts@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Sales: sales@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Info: .Info@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Should you desire to review past copies of the publication go to http://caribbeanamericanpassport.com and click on the

'Print Archive' Tap.

Editor & Publisher ............................................................... Sam Roberts Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Graphic Design & Layout ..................................... Jan Longwell-Smiley Contributing Writers: ............................................................ Tony Dyal .......................................................................................... Sandra Fatmi ...................................................................................... Rosemarie Roth ............................................................................................ Gail Seeram ........................................................................................Sasha Watson ........................................................................................ Kamal Abdool Contributing Photographers ............ .................................Ted Hollins ...................................................................Nancy Jo Brown/106FOTO .......................................................................................... Sandra Fatmi .............................................. ..............................................Brion Price Central Florida Distribution...................................................Roy Benn South Florida Distribution ........................................Norman Williams North Florida Distribution ...................................................Theo Jack Jr. Copyright (C) 2010 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

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Letters to My Lawyer™ 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-cliet relationship between you and writer/ pub-lisher. 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.

By Sasha Watson, Esq. Dear Lawyer, I have been in the US for the past 3 years on a student visa. I have one year of college left and would like to stay and work and live in the US after I complete my degree. I have been told that all students are entitled to 1 year of employment after they complete college, but I am not sure about the process and what to do after that 1 year is complete. Please let me know what are my options.

With Regards, Future Collge Graduate Dear Future College Graduate: Congratulations on your accomplishments so far. There are several options available to students who complete their studies in the US and who are otherwise in lawful status. The most common of these is the H visa. Generally, all student visa (F1) holders are entitled to twelve months from the date of graduation for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or twenty nine months OPT if your degree is in the sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields. OPT allows you to lawfully obtain post graduate employment and is not limited to your field of study. You do not need a job offer to apply

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for OPT. However, it will not be extended beyond the stated period granted.

In addition to OPT, as a recent graduate you may be eligible for one of the various nonimmigrant temporary worker visas in the H visa category. The H visa category offers several different options. However, in most cases, you will need an employer to sponsor this visa on your behalf. Your employer will be required to meet certain requirements before you can actually start working in this visa category. Namely, they are required to conduct a labor market test to determine that there are no suitable, willing and able US workers for the job and must receive certification from the Department of Labor as proof that they have properly conducted the labor market test and that they will be paying a prevailing wage. H visas have a 6 year life cycle. Thereafter, you will either need to leave the US, change status to another nonimmigrant category or to an immigrant (green card category).

The system was designed to allow students with some post graduate options and to help fill gaps in the US workforce with US educated foreigners. However, the process can be quite complex. You or any employer seeking to sponsor you should consult with competent legal counsel to fully discuss your options.

Please submit your letters to letters@hawmlaw.com. Each month a reader’s letter will be chosen for response.

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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

The Legends of West Indies Cricket..Cont. from page 1.

The Lawrence Rowe Legendary Cricket Foundation (LRLCF) event this weekend was superb on every level, having the likes of Courtney Walsh, Brian Lara, Rohan Kanhai, Desmond Haynes, Joel Garner, and many others together in South Florida for the entire weekend was definitely epic.

The weekend started with a 'meet and gree't affair with an intimate group at the Ft. Lauderdale, Marriott North Hotel with the Legends themselves, the Sponsors, the Media and close friends. We heard from our major Sponsor Exit Realty whose Representative was Mr. Greg Richards, a representative from the major sponsor Exit Realty, epressed how much of an honor it is for them to align themselves with LRLCF for the Rowe's Mission of the Heart, which gives back to Legends who aren't doing well internationally and keeps the love of cricket alive in south Florida. We also heard from Ms. Kaye Chung, who represents Caribbean Airlines, the Exclusive Airline for the Legends Weekend; Ms. Hazel Maragh from Grace /Western Union, who once again did not disappoint with her humor as she expressed the importance for Grace / Western Union’s involvement in supporting such a worthy cause.

The Gala dinner was deemed excellent. Keynote speaker, Mr. Brian Lara captivated the audience with stories of the legends on and off the field and the importance of keeping the sport alive. Mr. Desmond Haynes performed a rousing rendition of the international entertainer, Beres Hammond, as he and Soliel Rowe rocked the house with confidence and brought the audience to their feet.

Spirit of Excellence Events did not disappoint with their signature presentation bringing back creative memories of all 18 Legends in their glory days. Also paying tribute to fallen leg-

ends in 2015 as the crowd partake in a moment of silence to remember Richard "Danny Germs" Austin, Basil Williams and Stephen Camacho.

The Legends did not disappoint at the game on Sunday as they effortlessly displayed their skills and experience in bowling out the U. S. Cavaliers for 125 for 7 in 20 overs. The Legends scored 131 for 2 in 18.4 overs, Ramnaresh Sarwan (70- 4 fours, 5 sixes) not out and Brian Lara (24 - 5 fours) not out.

Commissioner Dale Holness, Sir Lawrence Rowe and Brian Lara

Commissioner Dale Holness presented the Key to the County to Mr. Brian Lara and a Proclamation from the County to Mr. Rohan Khanai during the half time show.

Mrs. Audrey Rowe President of the Foundation partnering with "the Girl Power" Tania A. , Stacy Rose and Producer Mr. Jeremiah Campbell from W.A.V.S. spearheaded the new addition to this years event "high tea on the green" designed to attract the ladies to come out and bring back the authenticity to this classic Sport.

Courtney Walsh and Sir Lawrence Rowe presenting the winning trophy

Mr. Lawrence Rowe, expressed a special thank you to Mr. Brian Lara, Mr. Courtney Walsh, Mr. Rohan Khanai and all the other Legends who came to support by giving their time from their busy schedule. "In addition I want to thank all the sponsors for their contribution in making this years event a success" said Mr. Rowe. "I believed our patrons were pleased with their experience over the weekend as we provided two unique games starting with ACCL Newberry Champions from Central Florida VS South Florida 11 team. It was very affordable for everyone on all levels and on behalf of Audrey and myself, we want to thank all the patrons who came out this year in support of cricket and our foundation " Said Mr. Lawrence Rowe, Organizer of the event. (Article by Dex Donaldson)

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UP Development, Orlando Fashion Square Mall, Embrace and Work to Strengthen Orlando Community - by Mellissa Thomas idden Beach Experience’s “Unwrapped LIVE! TM” event rocked the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (DPAC) in Downtown Orlando in the majestic Walt Disney Theater.

The free music experience fused R&B, Latin, soul, hip-hop and jazz, and garnered an equally eclectic audience.

The star-studded lineup included Grammy®-nominated percussionist and vocalist Sheila E., award-winning composer and vibraphone player Roy Ayers, acclaimed violinist Karen Briggs, Grammy® award-winning producer and bass player Andrew Gouché, Grammy® award-winning drummer Brian Collier, internationally-celebrated guitarist Yohei Nakamura, keyboardist Chris Turner, turntable legend DJ OG One, and international recording group FarYoung. The event’s sponsors were UP Development, Florida Blue, Highwinds, Downtown Development Board, Orange County Public Schools, and the Orlando Magic. But for UP Development and DPAC, the concert was not enough. The respective teams put their heads together and expanded a single-night concert into a full-scale community event.

On Friday, March 11, the concert’s stars, as well as Hidden Beach CEO Steve McKeever, toured Orlando, including Orange County Public Schools Oak Ridge High School, Jones High School, and Evans High School. The performers spoke to the students about music and their personal experiences in the industry, and answered the students’ questions. McKeever was blown away. “Friday was remarkable,” he told CAP. “These were some of the most enthusiastic kids I’ve ever seen, and all of the artists were moved.” He noted that the reception was so warm that some artists had to literally be pulled off the stage so that the group could move on to the next scheduled school visit.

In addition to meeting the stars on Friday, students also got the chance to watch the stars prepare for Saturday’s concert—sound checks, rehearsals, and all, and enjoyed a dinner before attending the 7:30 p.m. show. On Sunday, UP Development took students on tours through Orlando to support economic development acceleration of the urban community.

Drive for Excellence = Inclusion = Stronger Community The success of “Unwrapped LIVE!TM” is a testament to a unified commitment to foster inclusion on the part of Hidden Beach, UP Development—the real estate company that owns Orlando Fashion Square—and DPAC. According to McKeever, there were some twelve thousand inquiries for the concert. The ticket purchase window closed early on, requiring a second show to be added, and both audiences were delighted. “It was a very diverse crowd, very well-dressed,” McKeever noted. “People of all ages across the board had a really good time.” He said that roughly 95-98% of the audience was hearing—and enjoying—Unwrapped for the very first time.

DPAC President and CEO Katherine Ramsberger, UP Development Principal Scott Fish and his son and company partner Jordan Fish, and others met with McKeever in California and invited him to come to Orlando, which McKeever said he wasn’t familiar with outside of Tom Joyner’s

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Fantastic Voyage. The group encouraged him of the major opportunity available in Orlando due to its increasingly more diverse population.

When the group witnessed a small Unwrapped performance at a restaurant, they all agreed that it would be a perfect fit for DPAC’s Arts for Every Life initiative and for Downtown Orlando. One in the group presented McKeever with a challenging question: Why is it that people get all dressed up to listen to music from two hundred years ago that was made in Europe, when African Americans have made some of the most amazing music right here?

That question got him thinking and he reached out to his neighbor Jordan for help in setting up the Orlando event.

Within three minutes, Scott Fish was on the phone with McKeever discussing what he wanted to do, and Scott said, “I’m in.” Which meant he'll put up the first $25,000.

According to McKeever, once UP Development and DPAC got involved, Ramsberger garnered the other sponsors, including the Downtown Development Board.

Fish’s Franklin, Tennessee-based UP Development, which purchased Orlando Fashion Square from Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) in February 2013, has a penchant for buying properties in difficult positions.

In his three years at the Orlando Fashion Square helm, the mall has been revitalized. The second floor is now all but a haven for younger consumers and families with the addition of the StrikeOuts bowling alley and arcade, and the mall is now crime-free. Orlando Fashion Square has made history in Orlando as the first mall to be honored as Citizen of the Year. “There isn’t a deal that can’t be fixed,” Scott Fish believes. “You just have to want to fix it.”

McKeever spoke to Scott Fish’s sense of excellence. “He’s the kind of guy that will see somebody with sagging pants and actually go pull them up.” He added that Fish has a high standard for everyone around him and truly believes “it takes village.” Fish continues to support youth groups in Tennessee in addition to his work in the Orlando community and continues his ambitions for diversity and inclusion with Orlando Fashion Square. Fashion Square Mall is now the new home Caribbean American Passport Heritage (CAPH) Center on the second floor. The CAPH office serves as a Caribbean resource center, learn more about the Caribbean, and for tourists ready to learn more about the CARICOM region. Furthermore, Fish has established deals to not only build a hotel in the mall, but bring affordable housing to the property as well.

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Jamaica Labor Party Wins 2016 General Elections

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INGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labor Party was a short while ago declared the winner of the 2016 general election, after claiming 33 of the 63 constituency seats. The Laborites will now form Jamaica’s new Government, after the People’s National Party only managed to win 30 constituency seats.

Andrew Holness’ Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) clung on to its razor-thin majority and its hold on the next government as the St Thomas Western constituency remained in the green column in a nail-biting finish to Monday night’s final recount at the Electoral Office of Jamaica's headquarters at Duke Street, Kingston.

to start Wednesday.Holness, the prime ministerdesignate, could be sworn in by Thursday and start shaping his Cabinet if the PNP does not request magisterial recounts in any of the seats the JLP won.

Portia Simpson Miller, who was prime minister from 2006-7 and has been the current office holder since 2012, had announced the polls on January 31, expecting her reelection to coincide with her 10th anniversary as president of the PNP.

The JLP’s James Robertson has overcome Marsha Francis of the People’s National Party (PNP) by 457 votes. In the preliminary count last Thursday, Robertson had tallied 9,590 votes to Francis’ 9,209, a difference of 381. Monday night's news brought a climax to a stop-start election campaign that dragged on for nearly six months.

The weekend had been laced with anxiety for party officials and supporters, with political observers casting doubt on the viability of a government with the smallest majority in Jamaican history. The narrow 32-31 majority could be a legislative nightmare for the Holness administration, with key constitutional overhauls requiring two-thirds majorities.

The JLP had preliminarily won the vote 33-30 on election night, February 25, but a routine recount saw the balance shifted on Saturday night with the PNP’s Winston Green reclaiming the St Mary South Eastern seat by nine votes. He had initially lost out to the JLP’s Norman Dunn by 127 votes.

That seat will be subjected to a magisterial recount scheduled

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Women's History Month - 'Profile of A Woman'

ast year, Campbell told The Atlanta JournalConstitution that she learned much of what she knows about business from her grandmother in Jamaica, who didn’t finish high school but turned a roadside business into a multimillion-dollar company. “I learned a lot about commitment to family and commitment to winning. She had very high standards,” said Campbell in an interview. AnnMarie Campbell has been in her job as executive vice president of Home Depot’s U.S. stores since the beginning of February, 2016. In her new post, Campbell oversees almost 400,000 employees in 2,000 stores. She replaced veteran exec Marc Powers in mid-January.

In 2014, Campbell was named to Fortune’s list of the “40 Most Powerful Women in Business.” Before being named to her new position.

This a story of true commitment, focus and determination.

We are proud to recognize and showcase Ann-Marie Campbell as our 2016 Women’s History Month ‘Profile of a Woman’.

Congratulations Ann-Marie Campbell 2016 - 'Profile of A Woman'

Ann-Marie Campbell - Home Depot VP of All U.S Stores

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AMONG THE DISBELIEVERS

By Tony Deyal car was involved in an accident on a city street close to In the final press conference before he dropped out, Hart the offices of the daily newspapers. A large crowd was asked by Washington Post journalist Paul Taylor gathered. Realising that it might make a good story, an whether he believed adultery to be immoral. Hart said he investigative journalist tried to push through the crowd but did. When asked if he, Hart, had ever committed could not get near the scene. Being a very clever person, one adultery he stammered for a moment and then insisted, who ran rings around all politicians, she started shouting “I don’t have loudly, "Let me through! Let me through! I am the victim’s to answer that.” However, a few weeks later, People daughter." The crowd made way for her. Lying in front of the magazine turned the tables by asking the same questions of several journalists. According to IF NO NEWS, SEND car was a donkey.

This did not happen but in a way it is symbolic of the RUMORS (Stephen Bates), People went to Taylor first. decreasing credibility of journalism and the declining image He said he did consider adultery immoral but his reply to of journalists, not just in the Caribbean but in the US and whether he had ever committed adultery was, “The Britain as well. One of the issues is perceived bias. In the US, answer to the second question is ‘None of your business’ 72% of the people polled on whether the media are impartial which is the answer to that question except in the most agreed that “Most news sources today are biased in their extraordinary circumstances.” Mike Wallace of 6o coverage.” In Britain, 16% of Britons trust politicians to tell Minutes said, “Oh, Jesus, I’ll get back to you” and later the truth compared with 22% trusting journalists and estate responded, “I just turned 69, and I’m very flattered by the question.” the second question. Ted Koppel of ABC’s agents and 31% who trust bankers. Doctors remain the most Nightline answered, “Not only trusted profession of all. An will I not answer that question, I American Gallup poll found that won’t even tell you how I vote.”

Americans' confidence in the media Hot-shot journalist, Connie has slowly eroded from a high of Chung, quipped, “If this is a 55% in 1998 to 40% in 2015. shoe on the other foot question, Harvard University’s Institute of I think I have a run in my Politics found that among adults stocking.” Everybody ducked aged 18-29 just 12 percent believe the question. Nobody gave a the media "do the right thing." straight answer but expected Eighty-eight (88) percent said they other people to. I wonder how “sometimes” or “never” trust the many journalists in our regional media and just 2 percent of 18-29 media houses will give a straight year olds said they trust the media answer to to do the right thing "all of the time" 39 percent said the media “never” do the right thing. Put it this way, when it comes to media credibility, not just the writing but the right thing is on the wall and falling.

There was a time when only the intellectual and political elites distrusted the media. Oscar Wilde said, “By giving us the opinions of the uneducated, journalism keeps us in touch with the ignorance of the community.” American journalist, Hunter Thompson (Gonzo Journalism), was more brutal, “As far as I'm concerned, it's a damned shame that a field as potentially dynamic and vital as journalism should be overrun with dullards, bums, and hacks, hag-ridden with myopia, apathy, and complacence, and generally stuck in a bog of stagnant mediocrity.” Ronald Raegan simply said, “Sons of bitches.” Is this why media credibility is plummeting?

One of the reasons is the prevalence of double standards within the media. With the Presidential hopefuls in the US engaged in debates and primaries, now is a good time to look at a classic example, Gary Hart. On May 8, 1987 Gary Hart, the Democratic front runner in the Presidential nomination, dropped out because a stake-out team from the Miami Herald reported on May 3 that they had seen Hart and a Miami model, Dona Rice, enter his Washington town-house together and nobody left during the night. Hart claimed Miss Rice had left through a back door but the constant pressure made him shut down his campaign and he was unable to kick-start it again. Hart commented, “We’re all going to have to seriously question the system for selecting our national leaders, for it reduces the press of this nation to hunters and presidential candidates to being hunted.”

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In 1974, I graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Journalism from Carleton University in Ottawa and returned to Trinidad believing that I would get into the news business and make a difference. I could not get a job. The newspaper editors told me that I was “overqualified” meaning that they could get someone with maybe English and Shorthand and since this is how they started, investing in a journalism graduate was neither profitable nor comfortable. Recently, in stories concerning me, one journalist wrote that she had tried to contact me several times. It was a lie. There was one call from the newspaper’s switchboard and no message.

Other journalists wrote about my role in a project but never spoke to me or got my side of the story. I know that we are 42 years beyond 1974 but there are some things that should still matter – balance, fairness, all sides of the story, and most of all, truth. But if you complain, according to Donald Jones of the Kansas City Star and Times, this is what happens. “You get a quart of sour milk at your local grocery store…take it back to the checkout counter and say the milk is sour and the guy will say to you either “Get a new quart” or “Here’s your money back.” The equivalent of taking a quart of sour milk back to a newspaper is you’re lucky if they don’t pour it on your head…” *Tony Deyal was last seen advising all new Government leaders in Jamaica and elsewhere that if you revealed your best moments and innermost thoughts to journalists, don’t be surprised when they are interested in your worst misfortunes and darkest deeds.

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ImmigrationINFO

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Immigration News For Our Community Abused Women & Children can Self-Petition – One Woman Shares her Story…

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

@GailSeeram FREE In-Office Consultation FREE Live Chat www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com As March is Woman’s History Month, it is appropriate to celebrate the contributions made by women and bring awareness to programs that benefit women. One such program was created under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which grants victims of abuse legal status in the United States. VAWA benefits both women and men who are victims of abuse.

submitted to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services with the required documents and proof of battery or extreme cruelty. Second, if the petition is approved, then you must submit an application for adjustment of status. Note, you must provide proof of lawful admission into the United States or eligibility under an exception such as INA Sec. 245(i). In general, the processing time for the battered spouse of a U.S. citizen is about six to nine months and about three to four years for the battered spouse of a lawful permanent resident.

Why is the processing time longer for a battered spouse of a lawful permanent resident? Under the laws, a visa is immediately available for the spouse of a U.S. citizen, therefore, adjustment of status can take 3-4 months after approval of the battered spouse petition. However, the spouse of a lawful permanent resident is a 2A preference category and the backlog for a visa can be 3-5 years after approval of the battered spouse petition.

However, most of the cases processed under VAWA involve women and children who were victims of abuse. In general, if you are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), have no legal status in the U.S. and are a victim of abuse, then you can self-petition for lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. For many immigrant victims of domestic violence, battery and extreme cruelty, the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members who would submit their applications will threaten to withhold legal immigration sponsorship as a tool of abuse.

The purpose of the VAWA program is to allow victims the opportunity to “self-petition” or independently seek legal immigration status in the U.S. Do I have to be legally married or live with my abusive spouse in order to self-petition? It is not required that you live with your abusive spouse. However, the general rule is that you must be legally married to the abusive spouse when the self-petition is filed. In the situation where you are divorced from your abusive spouse, then you must meet one of the following exceptions in order to self-petition: (1) you believed you were legally married to your abusive spouse but the marriage is not legitimate solely because of the bigamy of your abusive spouse; or (2) your abusive spouse died within 2 years of filing the petition; or (3) your abusive spouse lost or renounce his citizenship or lawful resident status due to an incident of domestic violence; or (4) your marriage to your abusive spouse was terminated within the 2 years prior to filing of the petition, and there is a connection between the termination of the marriage and the battery or extreme cruelty. Note, after your petition has been filed, legal termination of the marriage will not usually affect the status of your petition.

How long is the processing time if I self-petition as a battered spouse? If you file a self-petition under VAWA, then you must go through a two-step process. First, a Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant must be

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For more information, contact Gail Law Firm: Email: Gail@GailLaw.com Phone: 1-877-GAIL-LAW or 407-292-7730 www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com FREE in-office consultation – FREE Live Chat Copyright © Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2016. All Rights Reserved.

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9 Mile Music Festival 2016

Photos by Gail Zucker (for the full article and more pictures visit our website - www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com) & Stone Face

ANNIE'S ROTI SHOP OPENING

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! ! !

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Black History Month Activities Activities presented in partnership with Caribbean American Passport Foundation, Fierce Marketing, the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida & United Foundation of Central Florida

SPECIAL THANK TO OUR SPONSORS

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Florida Caribbean Students Association Conference

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To Host Your Own Program or to Advertise On www.CAPRadio98.com Call # 1877-22092315

Community Notice Educational Resource & Health Fair Solid Rock Church of God 1904 Michigan Ave Kissimmee, Fl. 34744 on Saturday April 9, 2016 from 11:00am – 4:00pm free admission & parking

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Wil Haygood at Valencia College West Campus.

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efore the movie the “Butler,” there was the book of the same title. On February 18, 2016, the Division of Fine Arts & Humanities on Valencia College west campus hosted Mr. Wil Haygood, author of the above mentioned book, as their special guest for their spring 2016 Convocation.

After a light luncheon with invited guests, Mr. Haygood participated in two events. The first was his riveting story telling of how he was inspired to write this book, the tedious research in finding someone of African American Mr. Desmond Duncan and Mr. Wil Haygood at Valencia College West descent that worked in the White House during the Campus during the panel discussion tenure of several presidents, before the election of the first African American in 2008, President Barack Obama. The quantity and quality of private information shared between presidents, their staffs and guests in the White House that the butler was privileged to was intriguing. Members of the panel discussion included: Professor Carmen Laguer Diaz - Antropology, Ms. Doreen Wilson - Sociology, Jonathan Knuckey - Political Science and Ms. Melonie Sexton - Psychology

The second event, co-hosted by the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences, was a panel discussion on “History, Race & Culture.” Over the past year, Valencia’s Peace and Justice Institute conducted several workshops and seminars providing attendees with information and tools to navigate the murky waters of “racism.” But the panel discussion, on which Mr. Haygood participated, as a journalist and social commentator on some of the controversial issues of our times, approached the subject from a more academic disciplinary perspective included were professors from anthropology, sociology, political science, and psychology.

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Chutney Soca Brass 2016

Photography by Krystal Klear Moments

9 Mile Music Festival Continued from page 12 The 23rd Annual 9 Mile Music Festival venue returned once again to Virginia Key Beach Park, a larger and beautiful beach side park, that sits on an 82 acre barrier island in Biscayne Bay, just south of Downtown Miami. It began as a labor of love by Bob Marley’s mother, Cedella Marley Booker, and is responsible for collecting over 2 million canned goods over its 22 year span. Four canned

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goods are required for collection along with the purchase price for admission. They are distributed Mother Booker’s son Richard and his partner Sharien, have created the formula fin Miami for a overwhelming turnout of over 12,000 patrons for 2016.

Article by Gail Zucker

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Black Owned Media in Florida Must Organize and Work Together

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n the 2016 Florida political campaign, there are millions of advertising dollars available to Black owned media companies if the candidates understand the benefits of the Black market. At the present time, the Republicans in Florida control the legislature, the governorships and the administration. With more Democrats on the voter rolls in the state, it makes no sense the GOP controls everything.

During the 2008 and 2012 presidential campaign, President Obama won the state both times with a Republican governor, and it proves that moderates, women, and minorities can change the color of a state from red to blue. In order to make this happen in 2016, the Democratic Party in Florida must have strong leadership, and be totally committed to win.

Allison Tant is the Chairperson of the Democratic Party, and in

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2014, many of the Black candidates running for office felt they received no support from the leadership.

Thaddeus Hamilton, a Black man ran for Commissioner of Agriculture in Florida received over 2.3 million votes, and never received any financial support from the Florida Democratic Party. He was left off the first statewide Democratic candidate ballot box sheet, and many thought it was not a mistake.

Racism in Florida politics is a reality in both parties, but over 95% of Black voters are Democratic. There are two Black owned media associations in Florida, and they must work together. They must develop a united front with a plan to take to the national and statewide Democratic Party.

The Florida Association of Black Owned Media Inc. celebrating its 10th year in December 2015 and the newly formed Black Owned Media Alliance in southern Florida are the two Black owned media associations in Florida. African Americans make up 16 percent of the Florida population, and 2.5 million Blacks are registered to vote in 2016. These Black media organizations should be helping to organize and register another 250,000 Black voters for the 2016 election.

In order to make this happen, the Democratic Party should be spending money with the Black media to educate the Black community in Florida about the different elections, and what they mean. In this critical election year, the Black owned media groups in Florida must collaborate and put pressure on the national and local Democratic Party to not ignore our vote and community.

But, at this time, there are too many Black organizations in Florida such as the Urban League, the NAACP, Nation of Islam, and the Black Churches appear lethargic and not excited about the election.

They are not mobilizing and educating our community, and the Black media is not endorsing candidates and holding them accountable to their promises and platforms. As local candidates see the Black media more engaged in the voting process, they will spend more advertising dollars with the Black media in Florida.

Eric Knowles president of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce stated, “That only 3 percent or $2.24 billion out of $75 billions spent on television, magazines, newspapers, and radio advertising was spent on media focused specifically on Black audience. Knowles said, “One reason they don’t care about us is because we’re going to spend our money in their businesses anyway.”

Many of the leaders in the Black owned media groups are beginning to talk about boycotting, if the major advertisers do not spend more advertising dollars in our communities. Black owned media in Florida for the first time are joining forces and are reaching out to the advertising community to get a larger piece of pie as a united front. The same should be done with the Democratic Party, locally and nationally.

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SPICES FOR FLAVOR, ZEST and HEALTHY MEALS Spice up your kitchen and add some sizzle to your meals.

Spices are part of roots, bark, seeds and fruit of plants. You can add spices for both culinary enjoyment and health. Even the smallest amount of spice can transform the taste of your food from bland to delicious with no extra calories.

Here are some of my favorite spices: Cinnamon

One of the world's oldest spice. Cinnamon has a sweet flavor and can be added to smoothies, desserts, quinoa or rice.

Cinnamon also makes a wonderful tea.

Turmeric

Turmeric has a slightly bitter taste. It is traditionally used in Indian recipes and Jamaican curry dishes. Turmeric can be combined with honey and ginger to make tea. You can also add turmeric to your stir-fry vegetables.

Ginger Ginger has a mellow sweetness, and it works well in conjunction with other flavors. Ginger can be added to your smoothies and your stir-fry vegetables as well.

For information about the class call 407-730-3048 or visit www.vegantuneupcafe.com Jamaican-Born Sandi Morais has a BA degree from Florida International

Uni-versity. She is the author of Recipe for Life vegan/vegetarian cook book. Sandi has been featured in local and national magazines. Sandi teaches a vegan cooking class at La Vie Wellness Spa www.lavieexperience.com To order Recipe for Life vegan/vegetarian cook book visit www.sandimorais.net

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Fit Like A Ras

By Jeremy Roberts - NASM

GT Dread is an NASM-CPT, who competes in Masters Track, Field Hockey and Weightlifting. He can be contacted at fitlikearas@gmail.com

Flexibility....stretch, bend, squat....

Being flexible is an important part of yuh fitness regime. It don’t directly help yuh fuh Look Good Naked (LGN), but it got odda benefits dat contribute to dat goal. Fuh one ting, being able fih move yuh joints through a full range of motion allows you to make the muscle do extra wuk wid each rep. Fuh anodda, yuh less likely to get an injury.

But how do we become flexible? Are there some muscles that need to be stretchable to a greater extent than others? How much stretchability does a muscle need? Can we measure the ability of the muscle to stretch?

reduces power output in the targeted muscle group for 30 to 45minutes. Most Olympic and other high level athletes will not be seen doing any static stretching just prior to their events, or even just prior to any training that involves power movements.

Any a dem could wuk fuh you. Jus follow las’ week advice an be consistent. Mobility focuses more on movement, so it better prepares you for life in general.

You will be able to squat more deeply, start lower in de deadlif’, move more easily through the bench press and

Fuh de most part, I tend to prefer to focus on mobility rather than flexibility. De difference is dat mobility does focus on joints, while flexibility does focus on muscles. It easier to focus on joints, since is less a dem fuh deal wid. Still, making the muscles go through some stretching is always a good idea, especially for the injury prevention aspect.

So, dealin’ wid stretching fus, how do we do dis? Mos’ people know de ol’ school way: touch yuh toes, or sit an lean forward, and hold de furthest stretch position you can.

The technical term is “static stretching”. It basically mean holding a stable stretch position for a period of time, like about 30 to 60 seconds.

The newer concept is called dynamic stretching, where you don’t hold the position for longer than 10 seconds. Within this alternative, you can alsodo Active Isolated (AI) stretching, where you contract the opposing muscle group while simultaneaously attempt to move the targeted muscle past its comfort point.

De place fuh static stretching is part of an ongoing program to get muscles able to flex and contract fully. It should be done on its own, and not prior to weight training, or any power requiring sport. Current research suggests that static stretching

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shoulder press and pull ups. On a daily basis, I would recommend that you do mobility drills. Ah won’t go into what exactly yuh need to do, but if yuh search “mobility drills” in yuh favorite search engine, yuh gon get a ton a links.

GT Dread is an NASM-CPT, who competes in Masters Track, Field Hockey and Weightlifting. He can be contacted at fitlikearas@gmail.comtinued from pg 15

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