Caribbean american passport news magazine april 2015

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Grace Kennedy Foods (USA) pledges support to Florida Caribbean Students Association raceKennedy has elevated its annual investment and partnership with the Florida Caribbean Students Association (FCSA) by supporting its 41st Leadership Conference. The Leadership Conference was held at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida on April 1012, 2015, under the theme, ““As Separate as the Fingers; But as one as the Hand”. Grace Foods was the leading corporate sponsor at the event, which is the premier event for college students of Caribbean descent from across the State of Florida and the United States. Students participated in a series of professional and leadership development workshops, cultural showcases and civic engagement.

Students were also provided with information on Grace Kennedy’s ‘Birthright’ Program 2015, which was restarted after a six year hiatus. The ‘Birthright’ Program is administered by

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President Obama visits Jamaica resident Barack Obama makes historic trip to the Caribbean island of Jamaica. Air Force One touching down at the Norman Manley International Airport at 7:31 p.m.

President Obama was greeted with a familiar hug by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, the two greeted each other like old friends.

President Obama made it a priority to visit the Museum of the Legend Bob Marley.

President Obama took an unannounced visit to the Bob Marley Museum which took

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Miami Broward Carnival signs alliance with Antigua & Barbuda Festival Commission Antigua Delegation Sam Roberts, Cliff Williams, Chairman Antigua Festival Commission; Vaughn Walter, Antigua and Barbuda Director of Culture; Dennis Barton from Antigua; Dallas Michael, Director Miami Broward Carnival; GR; Bruno Richards, CEO Bruno’s Bakery; John Beckford Vice-Chair Miami Broward Carnival; Roger Perry, Marketing Director Antigua Festival Commission and Carnival

See story on page 18

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

Preparing the Next Generation

s we go through our lives working hard at our careers and trying to find that balance between quality time with the family, professional responsibility, social networking and working our jobs. It is important to remember that we all have a responsibility to the next generation. Our responsibilities to the next generation include the following items: * Providing a strong foundation (financial, moral & ethical) * Environmental conscientiousness * Personal accountability * Time management * Family obligation Responsibility to the next generation is not limited to your children or your nieces or nephews (or for the older folks out there -your grand-children or even great grand-children) but rather the next generation as a whole. As Caribbean Americans we understand what a ‘cut-ass’ means and that you can get one from your mother, grand-mother, aunt, uncle or in some cases even a neighbor or close family friend. We understand the meaning of addressing our elders as ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ or ‘Uncle’ or ‘Aunt’ and this simple act establishes within our children or the next generation the simple aspect of showing respect. We could not call our Aunt’s or Uncle’s by their first names or even friends of our parents were addressed as Uncle or Aunt. I remember when my kids were younger and having them address our close friends as Aunty Carol or Aunty Vanessa; they would have this perturbed look on their faces and say “but Daddy (or Mommy) they’re not my Aunts or Uncles?” However with time some of their childhood friends have now grownup to calling me “Uncle Sammy”; by-the-way, that’s not for everybody to call me….just saying!!

Providing that vital foundation of morality and ethics is, in my opinion, more important than the financial foundation. A person who lacks the correct morality and ethical standards and or understanding can lose their financial foundation with the simplest of mistakes made in moral judgement and personal ethics.

Environmental conscientiousness is deep, really deep; we need to teach the next generation the importance of conservation; water is a non-renewable environmental resource – waste not, want not. Take a personal interest in making sure that you reduce your individual carbon foot-print, only through these steps will you be providing all of the benefits of this beautiful world to the generations that follow. How many of the birds, animals, and mammals or even trees or plans that we grew up knowing or hearing about are still in existence today?

The above also overlaps into personal responsibility; it is our individual and personal responsibility to conserve water, reduce our carbon footprint and protect our environment. However, personal responsibility does include many other things.

As teenagers growing up in the Caribbean, sorry but even younger than teenagers, we had savings accounts, we were sent to the corner store or to the market with cash to buy groceries or drinks (not alcohol – ok sometimes alcohol) for our parents, uncles and aunts; we had to do the math and make

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

sure we had enough money to bring back change (we didn’t always have to give them back the change) and account for what we spent. We sometimes worked in our family businesses or on project with our parents, aunts or uncles; or we had our specific weekly chores that simply had to be done by a certain time. Those simple but practical acts and or opportunities helped us develop as young adults and therefore gave us the understanding and exposure at an early age.

Time Management, I’ll simply quote the last stanza of “IF” by Rudyard Kipling – “If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds of distance run, yours is the earth and everything that’s in it and what’s more, you’ll be a man my son”.

Simply put, ‘Time’ is like water, it’s a non-renewable resource.

Make use of the time we have, live your life to the best of your ability, give with passion, forgive with understanding and love with all you’ve got – God will take care of everything else.

Family obligation; I saved the best for last. This is my personal understanding of family (and sometimes even friends); we are responsible for our family from cradle to grave. It’s that simple; I tell my children daily, or as often as necessary, I’m your father for the rest of your life, it doesn’t end when you turn 18 or 21 or 35 or whatever age; I will always be your father and your mother will always be your mother, whether you have a husband, wife or two of each. I will always, do my best to, be respectful to my parents, I will always be there for my parents and I don’t expect anything different from my children. My friends are just like my family, I really don’t necessarily treat them any different (which could be good and bad). Friendship is the foundation of almost every relationship. Marriages work when your spouse has become your best friend and there is open communication. I have built my life based on friendships and strong relationships; luckily my wife has a similar view of life and our responsibility to family and friends.

GGR Marketing & Public Relations 1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 Office: 407-427-1800 Fax: 407-386-7925 Toll Free: 877-220-8315 407-427-1800 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com For Media Information email: capnewsmagazine@yahoo.com 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://www.issuu.com/caribbeanamericanpassport and search for Caribbean American Passport News Magazine.

Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor & Publisher ............................................................... Sam Roberts Graphic Design & Layout ..................................... Jan Longwell-Smiley Contributing Writers: ................................................... Rosemarie Roth ..................................................................................... Natasha Gittens ........................................................................................ .Karlyn Hylton ............................................................................................ Gail Seeram ........................................................................................ Kamal Abdool . .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell ................................................................................ Nouchelle Hastings Contributing Photographers ............ ....................................Ted Hollins .......................................................................................... Allie Braswell .......................................................................................... Sandra Fatmi ...................................................................................... Melissa Thomas ........................................... ............................................Willie David III ................................................ ............................................Sam Roberts ..................................................................................... Ronald Williams ............................................................................................. Gail Zucker .................................................................................................... Ray Ali Distribution & Sales.................................................... ... Delroy Edwards Distribution ............................................................................. Roy Benn South Florida Distribution ............................................. Delroy Edwards Copyright (C) 2014 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

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Letters to My Lawyer™ DO’S & DON’TS TO BECOME U.S. CITIZEN

travel. Unfortunately, as a green card holder you will still need a passport to leave the country.

6.

Extended absences from US exceeding 180 days may prevent you from getting citizenship or may result in abandonment of your green card status. If you will need to be outside the country for work, school or family for an extended period, you should apply for permission to return to unrelinquished domicile.

7.

Apply for US citizenship when eligible. Being a US citizen is generally the only way to guarantee you will not be deported.

8.

Dear Lawyer:

Men between ages 18-26 must register for Selective Service. Failure to register can result in denial of US citizenship. This does not mean you will be drafted but it is a possibility.

I just received my green card. I ultimately would like to apply for 9.

US citizenship. Is there anything I should know in the meantime while I wait to become eligible?

Do not claim to be a US citizen at any time or on any form.

Read all official forms and ensure that you are not misrepresenting your immigration status and do not vote.

By Sasha Watson, Esq.

Sincerely, Green Card Holder

10. Receiving public assistance can affect your immigration status, especially after travel abroad.

Dear Green Card Holder:

Regards, Sasha Watson, Esq. HAWM, PLLC

There is a wealth of information I could give you about what you should know. But, here are ten of the most important things that every green card holder should know.

1.

Be of good moral character. Pay your taxes, child support and otherwise comply with the laws of the US, including not having too many traffic tickets. Good moral character is the most common grounds for denial of US citizenship.

2.

Always get immigration advice from an immigration attorney if you have criminal issues. Some criminal offenses can not only make you deportable but can also prevent you from ever becoming a US citizen.

3.

Right to Remain Silent applies to immigration - Use it and ask for a lawyer. If an immigration investigator or ICE agent comes to your home or work, you should ask to speak with your attorney before giving any information to the officer including your name or immigration status.

4.

Inform USCIS of address changes within ten (10) days. If you fail to update an address you may miss important correspondence from USCIS which can affect your residence.

5.

A passport from your home country is required for international

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-cliet 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.

United Foundation of Central Florida hosts Family Appreciation Day in Pine Hills

Community Family Appreciation Day sponsored by United Foundation of Central Florida - Sandra Fatmi enjoying festivities at ‘Community Family Appreciate Day’ event.

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United Foundation of Central Florida held it’s first annual Family Appreciation day on Saturday April 11th to an appreciative crowd. Attendees were treated to a fun filled day of food, family friendly entertainment with Kids play zones, bounce houses and much much more.

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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

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ImmigrationINFO

TM

5 REASONS FOR U.S. CITIZENSHIP DENIAL Obama Immigration Plan Delayed by Court Injunction (2) Lack Good Moral Character: Another requirement for U.S. Citizenship is demonstrating that the applicant possessed good moral character during the past five (5) years or three (3) years before submitting the application. The following acts are considered bad moral character and will result in a denial of your application: child support arrearages, owing tax to the Internal Revenue Service, an arrest (even if charges dismissed or dropped), a conviction, certain traffic violations, failure to register for selective service, voting or registering to vote in the U.S., false claim to U.S. Citizenship, etc.

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

@GailSeeram FREE In-Office Consultation FREE Live Chat www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com

“

(3) Misrepresentation to the Interviewing Officer: As part of the U.S. Citizenship application process, the applicant will be interviewed approximately three (3) months after submitting their application. During the interview, the officer will administer the English & U.S. history test, review the information on the application with the applicant, and review the applicant’s immigration history as reflected in his/her file. If the applicant lies to the officer or misrepresents any facts regarding his/her case, the officer may deny the U.S. Citizenship application based on misrepresentation.

hereby declare by oath…that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America...” – this is a portion of the oath of allegiance you take when you become a U.S. Citizen.

There are many benefits to becoming a U.S. Citizen such as voting, serving as a juror, eligibility for certain federal jobs, eligibility for certain federal medical benefits, priority for immigration visa petitions filed for family mem- (4) Fail English Test or U.S. History Test: The applicant will bers, travel abroad for long periods of time, and most imporhave to read and write a sentence in English (certain extantly cannot be deported or removed from the United States. ceptions apply for applicants over age 50 and age 55) and Unfortunately, not everyone who applies for U.S. Citizenship is orally take a ten (10) question test on U.S. History. If the approved. There are many reasons under the immigration applicant fails the English and/or U.S. History test, then laws that an immigration officer may deny an application for they will have another opportunity to take the test again U.S. Citizenship. Below are the top five (5) reasons for U.S. in ninety (90) days. So, the applicant is given two opportuCitizenship denial: nities to pass the English and U.S. History test.

(1) Lack 3/5 years of Continuous Physical Presence in the U.S. One of the requirements for U.S. Citizenship is that you must physically reside in the U.S. for five (5) years or three (3) years (if married and living with a U.S. Citizen spouse) before you submitted the application. Erroneously, some applicants for U.S. Citizenship think once they had their green card or lawful permanent residence for five (5) years or three (3) years then they meet this requirement. However, you need to accumulate the five (5) years or three (3) years of physical presence while in the U.S. and trips abroad will be deducted from the five (5) years or three (3) years requirement. Also, if you took a trip outside the U.S. that lasted more than six months then you void all your physical presence previously accumulated in the U.S. and upon your return to the U.S., you will have to start all over to accumulate five (5) years or three (3) years of physical presence in the U.S.

(5) Lack of Residency in the State: An applicant must reside in the State where he/she is claiming residence at least three (3) months before applying for U.S. Citizenship. An officer will look at the applicant’s driver’s license to ensure he/she has lived in the State (i.e., New York, Florida, California, etc.) three (3) months before submitting the U.S. Citizenship application.

Recently, immigration expanded the U.S. Citizenship application from ten (10) pages to twenty-one (21) pages – collecting more information on the applicant and using this information for a possible denial. It is in your best interest to seek an advice of an immigration lawyer to confirm you meet ALL the requirements for U.S. Citizenship before your submit an application.

Copyright © Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2015. All Rights Reserved.

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Health City Cayman Islands celebrates first anniversary ealth City Cayman Islands celebrates its first anni- impressed the visitors: “The kindness that was shown to versary of providing quality and affordable us, and the care that (my husband) has received since healthcare this month. we’ve been here, has been more than just medical care.

The people have been so kind, and faithful. They have Since the state-of-the-art medical facility received its not only given us good care, but have prayed for us...we’ve first patient 12 months ago, Health City brought life just been very blessed.” to the shared vision of renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Devi Shetty, andAscension, the world’s leading Dr. Abraham said striving to provide outstanding and comnon-profit healthcare system, by recording several medi- passionate care throughout every aspect of a patient’s hospital experience is at the core of the Health City experience. The cal milestones. next 12 months, he projected, will prove to be “equally excit“From the outset we were able to celebrate many firsts in ing with new innovations and developments that bolster the highly specialized surgical procedures and innovative services for local residents, and attract an increasing number healthcare solutions, both for the Cayman Islands and the of patients from the Caribbean, and the wider Americas who are electing to choose the Cayman Caribbean region,” recalled Dr. Islands as the leading solution for Chandy Abraham, Health City’s Fatheir healthcare needs.” cility Director and Head of Medical Services.

An essential component for its success, he asserted, was the passionate Anniversary highlights include staff and community hosts: “We exmore than 2,200 patients seen and press our grateful thanks to the more than 200 surgeries and piopeople of the Cayman Islands for neering procedures per for med. their continued support. It has been Among them were life-saving heart surgeries for 16 Haitian youth performed free of charge by a humbling experience to see Health City Cayman Islands Health City surgeons (in collaboration with Digicel and Have become part of the Cayman community so quickly and how a Heart) and the successful installation of artificial heart many lives have been saved because of the work of our dedipumps (LVAD - Left Ventricular Assist Device), a Caribbean cated staff.” first. In addition to the admission of 150 young Caymanians into the hospital’s internship program, medical oncology About Health City Cayman Islands Health City Cayman Islands, the vision of heart surgeon and services were added to Health City. humanitarian Dr. Devi Shetty, is supported by two major “I had a complete shoulder replacement. My recovery time was healthcare organizations, Narayana Health and the U.S.really, really fast, and the recovery overall was fantastic,” said based Ascension, which is that nation’s largest faith-based local musician Ed Solomon. “The experience there was really, and nonprofit health system, providing the highest quality really good. It was so good, that I wanted an extra week in the care to all with special attention to those who are poor and hospital. I would recommend (Health City) to anyone. They vulnerable. Health City Cayman Islands provides compassionate, high-quality, affordable healthcare services for all are exceptionally good.” in a world-class, comfortable, patient-centered environment.

Over the year, the hospital’s value was also welcomed by grate- Offering healthcare to international, regional and local paful tourists: “I feel incredibly blessed that we were given better tients, Health City Cayman Islands delivers excellence in healthcare, possibly than we could have received in the States adult and pediatric cardiology, cardiac surgery, medical onhere at this hospital,” said Colorado resident Charlotte Walton cology, orthopedics, pediatric endocrinology, and whose husband Ric received emergency cardiac treatment while pulmonology. vacationing in the Cayman Islands.

For further information, And it wasn’t just the brand new medical facilities which visit www.healthcitycaymanislands.com.

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 capnews magazine @ yahoo. com. Let GGR Marketing & PR plan your Event!

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Are you Protected?

Did you know that only 33% of all Identity Theft Crimes is financially related? Why should you protect your family?

• Identity Theft has been the # 1 Crime in the USA for the past 14 consecutive years • Over 40 million SSN has multiple names assigned to them • 67% of Victimization are non-credit related ( Federal law protects YOUR credit Cards and Bank Accounts) • Victimization occurs every 3 seconds Victims spend an average of 600 hours per incident. Be proactive. Contact your local Safeguard PII representative: Karen A Fortune,407-701-8562, kfortune@safeguardpii.com Safeguard PII can help you!

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May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month round the United States we celebrate the rich cultural traditions and heritages of Asian and Pacific cultures across the entire Asian continent and the Pacific island nations of Vanuatu, Fiji, New Guinea, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands and a host of other nations located in Micronesia and Polynesia. Caribbean people of Indian and Chinese origins also celebrate their heritage.

the 71st anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which prohibited the immigration of all Chinese laborers. While these and other pieces of legislation have helped to right some of the country’s many wrongs to immigrant populations, much work still remains to make America become a better place for all people, regardless of race or religion.

Caribbean American Passport asks that you help us celebrate Asian-Pacific American HeriMay was chosen as the desigtage Month throughout the nated month as a means to month of May by remembercommemorate the immigraing the great contributions tion of the first Japanese to the these and other communities U.S. in May of 1843, and to mark the anniversary of have added to our national tapestry. During June we then celthe transcontinental railroad’s completion in May of 1869. The ebrate the Contributions of the Caribbean American Commuvast majority of the workers who helped to lay track from New nity during Caribbean American Heritage Month. These celYork to San Francisco were immigrants of China and other ebrations of our Heritage help to serve as a reminder of just Asian nations. In his 2014 proclamation recognizing Asian- what we all have to gain – when we take the time to celebrate Pacific American Heritage Month, President Obama asked the and enjoy the cultures from our own neighborhood and becountry to remember the efforts made by Chinese laborers who yond – and what we have to lose should we not educate others helping to unite this country through the railroads from coast- about the beautiful tapestry of different people and cultures. to-coast for the first time in its history.

To find Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month celebrations 2015 marks the 26th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act and please visit our website at www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com.

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Grace Kennedy Foods (USA) President Obama makes History with visit to Jamaica pledges support to Florida Continued from pg 1 president wanted the opportunity to experience and peruse the artifacts and memorabilia of the Jamaican legend, Bob Marley, while also enjoy a bit of Jamaica’s warmth, color, culture and beauty before delving into the official nature of his first visit to the island. President Obama arrived at the museum a little before 9 pm and was welcomed with one of Bob Marley’s greatest hits - One Love. Bob Marley is known as one of the president’s favorite artistes.

Caribbean Students Association Continued from pg 1

the GraceKennedy Foundation in Jamaica, and offers cultural and professional internship to second and third generation Jamaican students.

“We are proud to elevate our commitment to the future generation of Caribbean-American leaders and to nurture their relationship with their culinary history,” stated Derrick Reckord, SVP of Commercial Operations, GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC.

Ashley McHayle, President of the Florida Caribbean Students Association, expressed her gratitude to the company for its support. “GraceKennedy and GraceKennedy Remittance Services have always supported our development both here in the The 44th US President was among sev- diaspora and in the Caribbean region. We appreciate their eral heads of state and Caribbean corporate citizenship and commitment to us,” she stated. representatives in Jamaica to hold talks prior to the seventh Summit of the Americas which was held in Panama from April 10-11. Obama, was in Jamaica for less than 24 hours, held talks with Prime Minister Simpson-Miller and her team at the Office of the Prime Minister at Jamaica House. White House officials said Obama is expected to give strong support for Jamaica’s work to deal with its debt and fiscal crisis, as well as Jamaica’s strong performance over the last two years in working with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, among others. Energy and security issues will also be on the agenda.

Obama’s historic visit to Jamaica comes on the heels of the 33rd anniversary of the first visit to the island by a sitting US president, Ronald Reagan, who came here on April 7, 1982.

Visit www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com for more details.

In partnership with

On the Longest Running and Most Listened to Caribbean Station in the Nation www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

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. . . Governor Rick Scott’s administration has been at the center of a controversy, stemming from the Governor’s opposition to legislation that would allow Floridians to begin registering to vote online, starting in 2017.

Twenty states, including Georgia, South Carolina and Louisiana, already allow citizens the option of online voter registration, while four others are in the process of offering that option to

By Justin Fortune their citizens.

ello. My name is Justin, I am 18 years old, and this is my we started calling Healthcare reform, ‘Obamacare’. Let me monthly, objective rundown on political news from around explain the logic: back when the Congress was more or less the state, the country and the Caribbean. Let’s get started: split 50/50, President Obama had a clear obligation to try and usher his agenda through it. But at the is point, the leadership TALLAHASSE, Florida ~ Recently, Governor Rick Scott’s admin- of the United States Congress has clearly show that it has little istration has been at the center of a controversy, stemming to no interest in legislating if that can be construed as cooperafrom the Governor’s opposition to legislation that would allow tion with the Obama administration, so It can legitimately Floridians to begin registering to vote online, starting in 2017. argued that the Congress has excused itself from its practical His opposition cites concerns about the “risks and challenges,” role in our democracy via its own policy of obstruction. Beof online voter registration. Currently, Florida law requires that cause of this the President, and his State Department, has been new voters print, sign, date and mail or hand deliver a voter largely responsible for the progress made in these negotiations. registration form to local officials. Twenty states, including However, more astounding is that fact that, arguably, more Georgia, South Carolina and Louisiana, already allow citizens has been done to rectify US-Iranian relations and curb Iranian the option of online voter registration, while four others are in nuclear ambitions, in the past year and a half, than in any of the process of offering that option to their citizens. Florida is the decades since the 1979 Revolution. Regardless of ideology not among them. There is, however, a bill in the Florida Legis- or partisan loyalties; that’s a pretty big deal. lature authored by Senator Jeff Clemens of Lake Worth that would provide optional online registration for Florida voters. Lastly, President Obama returns to the Caribbean for the first Senator Clemens’s bill passed a bipartisan Senate committee time since his visit to Trinidad and Tobago in 2009. Overall, the with unanimous consent, received the endorsement of AARP, President received a patently warm, island welcome from his the League of Women Voters, and all 67 of Florida’s county Jamaican guests. His day included an unannounced visit to the election supervisors. In fact, no official from the Scott Admin- Bob Marley museum, a rock star reception at the University of istration has publicly opposed the bill, as of yet. The Chair of the West Indies, and a formal wreath laying at the National Florida’s Republican Party, Rep. Blasie Ingoglia of Spring Hill, Heroes Park in Kingston. Other notable events included a new has voiced “security concerns” about online voter registration, energy deal between Jamaica and the US, and new US commitbut provided no specifics as to what those security concerns ments to Caribbean energy security, and development. Unfortumight be. Notably, this news comes only weeks after Oregon nately, the day wasn’t all positive; in preparations for the Presibecame the first state in the country to make automatic voter dential visit, self-employed food vendors were forcefully removed, registration into law. In Oregon, the state utilizes registration and their privately owned booths demolished, by local authoriinformation obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles ties. City officials were quick to announce that the vendors would to register citizens to vote. All eligible citizens are registered to be welcomed back after the President’s departure, but no word if vote, without additional charge, and have the option to re- those vendors will be reimbursed for their loss of revenue, or quest removal from the registry, within a 21 day grace period. propriety. In Jamaica, public reactions are mixed: hosting the Oregon’s new laws have added thousands of potential voters President of the United States is a plus for any host, but on the to the state electorate. other hand, as one commenter on the Jamaica Observer’s website put it: “The PM should give the president a tour of her constituAs of now, the Governor’s Office has issued no statement on ency; at least it would probably be given a much-needed facelift.” this matter.

Personally, my first reaction on this story was: ‘What took so long?’ CARICOM has been growing, consistently, for several WASHINGTON DC ~ After many months of painstaking nego- years, and ignoring the Caribbean Community is highly ill-adtiations, diplomats of the United States and Iran have arrived vised for any American leader, present or future. So good on at an agreement that would further delay Iran’s nuclear pro- President Obama for acknowledging the Caribbean again and gram, and brightens the prospects of an end to the 12 years of hopefully the next President of the United States will follow his provocation and tension between Washington and Tehran. This lead and be even more conscious of the Caribbean community. agreement mandates that a larger agreement be reached by June 30th, and ensures that when a final deal is reached, Iran Thanks for reading. – Justin will finally be relieved of the devastating economic sanctions that have strangled that nation’s economy for well over a de- Sources: Tampa Bay Time.com, the Associated Press, CNN.com, the cade. Fingers crossed, ladies and gentlemen.

Jamaican Observer, and the Jamaican Gleaner KINGSTON, Jamaica ~ Last week, Wednesday, Jamaica was in the news as President Barack Obama arrived on the Island for the first time in his Presidency. While this visit was histrionic in the fact that it was the President’s first trip to the Caribbean in over four years, it also served as the President’s first step on a tour of Latin America, and the Caribbean, leading up to the annual Summit of the America. President Obama is due back in Washington on April 11th, following a visit to Panama City, Panama.

Writers’ View Points: At this point, another news story involving Governor Rick Scott and controversy does not seem like it could be very interesting; however this controversy, in particular, is remarkable because the concept of ‘voter suppression’ and the name ‘Rick Scott’ have been coupled way more times than not.

Back in 2011, Governor Scott made national headlines by initiating a series of purges, justified with questionable at best data, which disqualified thousands of disproportionate minority, registered Florida voters whom were viewed as non-citizens (?), so now this Governor faces a situation where a bill is both supported by his own party, and the vast majority of Florida’s voters, so he must either: (A) Undercut most of his previous efforts on the issue of voter registration; or (B) concoct a reason to block legislation that his own party can’t find fault with. This is certainly a story I’m going to be paying attention to.

Next, the Iran Deal; Personally, I subscribe to the unorthodox view that the Democratic Party’s fumbling of the United States Congress to the opposition in the last elections was arguably the best thing to happen for President Obama’s legacy since

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CRICKET

By Daniel Dhanraj

So, the final, between the two home teams. A boring contest.

The Kiwis labored to 183 runs all out. The Australians, overamentations first. World Cup hauled the total with little fuss, losing three wickets in 33.1 says goodbye to Kumar overs, with their captain, Clark, making 75 runs.

Sanghakarra, Mahela Jayawardene, Shahid Afridi, As many of you know, the Aussies lead in every category of Misbah-ul-Haque, Michael Clarke, World Cup stats. This just adds to their extraordinary run. In Daniel Vettori and possibly oth- spite of many individual heroics that resulted in huge scores, ers. Dhoni remarked he is just 33 the bowling was a revelation. The Aussies were on a trajectory and does not rule out another WC. to dominate. James Faulkner, man of match, in the final.

Michael Starc was player of the tournament. All of India’s The World Cup semi-final be- bowlers were at the top of the charts. Pakistan also had some tween Australia and India was a bit of an anti-climax. Un- inspired moments. like numerous previous matches that were truly hair-raising.

The most exciting episode of the match was that at one point, West Indies were demolished by New Zealand in their Quarter Australia seemed to be on the verge of scoring 400 runs but final. Guptill scored a mammoth 237 runs not out as they piled India was able to pick up wickets at regular intervals to limit up 393 runs for six wickets. West Indies managed 250 runs in the Aussies to 328 runs, replete with some lusty late game reply, with Gayle scoring 61 runs. hitting from Mitchell Johnson. Finch scored a crucial 98 runs.

India in reply started well enough posting 76 runs before los- West Indies will now host the Englishmen in the first series afing Dhawan at the first acceleration. Mitchell Johnson had ter the World Cup. Sunil Narine has been cleared to bowl again Kohli caught behind and the jig was up. By the time Dhoni and is playing in the India Premier League. took his guard, the batsmen were not really trying any more.

Guyana Jaguars won an historic Regional First-Class TournaDhoni made 65. India 233 all out. ment. They shared the trophy with Leewards in 1998 when The other semifinal was a keen contest between New Zealand and Shiv Chanderpaul was captain and won previously in 1993, South Africa. Reduced to 43 overs, the Proteas posted a superb 281 when Roger Harper was captain. Skipper Johnson scored 465 runs for five wickets, F Du Plessis 82 runs and AB DeVillies 65 runs runs in eight matches. Shiv scored 539 from eight matches. not out. In reply New Zealand seemed to be a step behind, finally; Verasammy Permaul took 67 wickets and Devindra Bishoo two balls, four runs and GD Elliot hits a six. The stadium erupts. scalped 61 wickets. The total of 128 is a record. And they both bettered Ryan Austins 2009 record of 60 wickets.

Elliot, gets Man of the Match for his 84 runs not out.

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Miami Broward Carnival signs alliance with Antigua & Barbuda Festival Commission Sister Carnival Agreement Set to Elevate One of South Florida’s Premiere Caribbean Festivals

he Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee (MBOCHC) formally entered into a co-branding and co-marketing reciprocal agreement with Antigua & Barbuda Festival Commission to jointly market each other’s annual Carnival for 2015 and beyond. Joan Hinkson, Miami Broward Carnival Chair and Vice Chair, John Beckford hosted the incoming Cultural delegation consisting of Mr. Cliff Williams, Antigua & Barbuda Festival Commission Chairman and Carnival Director; Mr. Roger Perry, Director of Marketing and Mr. Vaughn Walter, Director of Culture for Antigua & Barbuda. During the 4 day mission to Miami, the Antigua delegation had a chance to meet with key stakeholders from the Carnival fraternity including media, travel and tour operators, MBOCHC Board members, and the Mas Band leaders. The group also had a chance to engage the Antiguan Diaspora at several stops along the way each day and also tour the Miami Broward carnival venues.

“With the added value of providing Miami Broward Carnival with indigenous entertainment programming from Antigua & Barbuda, the stage show in Miami is set for a spectacular presentation” said Mr. Vaughn Walter. This strategic partnership between Antigua, the Eastern Caribbean Island known for its 365 beaches, and the Miami region brings about renewed excitement, energy and ability to increase the tourism foot print leading into Antigua’s 60th year of Carnival in 2016 and Miami Broward Carnival celebrating its 32nd year of Miami Carnival.

The Miami Carnival brand has been a key staple within the arts and culture fabric of South Florida since its inception 31 years ago. The event, produced by MBOCHC, is one that brings together the local Caribbean-American population while including those non-Caribbean residents and tourists alike. Attracting over 35,000 patrons and masqueraders during the Columbus Day weekend, the annual economic impact is in the millions.

Key Dates for Antigua & Barbuda Carnival 2015: Opening Ceremony – Thursday, July 25 Wadadli Face Off – Wednesday, July 29 Junior Carnival – Thursday, July 30 Panorama – Friday, July 31 Party Monarch – Saturday, August 1 Calypso Competition – Sunday, August 2 Carnival Monday and Tuesday Last Lap –August 3 & August 4

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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?”

“

Leading Ladies Ayana Hastings Educator and Instructional Designer

ama Used to Say” is the debut single release from British singer-songwriter Junior. “Mama Used to Say” was released in April 1982 and peaked inside the UK Singles Chart top 10 in June 1982, where it remained at number seven for two weeks. “Mama Used to Say” was also a Top 40 Pop hit and Top 5 R&B in the United States, earning him a “Best Newcomer” award from Billboard magazine. I’m fancied by the choral lyrics “And mama used to say: “Take your time young man” And mama used to say: “Don’t you rush to get old” And mama used to say: “Take it in your stride” And mama used to say: “Live your life”.

beyond her current career as a Senior Instructional Designer for Pearson, the world’s leading learning company. She has been blessed to design graduate degree courses for Villanova University School of Law, the University of Florida, Vermont Law School, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and many more. Ayana is so driven because of the mentors she had when she was a child. Mentors make a world of a difference in a child’s life. “Positive behavior is contagious. If we expose our youth to an insurmountable amount of positivity, then eventually they will catch it.” She strives every day to please her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and her family and friends.

When asked about the devotions of ten I’m also fancied by the biblical dialogue months out of the year to Eminence, between Paul to Timothy in the bible. Paul Ayana says I do it because Eminence must gives Timothy a few tips on success and be handled with prudence and delivered hard work at one references he says “But with excellence. The Eminence Scholaryou, be sober in all things, endure hardship Gala is the Orange County Alumnae ship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta’s annual your ministry” in another reference he says fundraising gala and debutante/debonair “For I am mindful of the sincere faith presentation to society, raising thousands within you, which first dwelt in your grandof dollars to benefit educational programs mother Lois and your mother Eunice, and and services for local high school students.

I am sure that it is in you as well”.

The gala is the culminating event that concludes the seven-month long educaReflecting on the wisdom that both comparitional program that the student honorees Ayana Hastings sons offer is how I choose to portray Ayana participate in. Since March of 2006, the Hastings – well if I wanted to throw in another comparison it would Orange County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sororbe of my own grandmother, Ruby Lee Ivey a so-truth pioneer; a ity, Incorporated has produced the Eminence Scholarship Gala woman who with her 3rd grade education and a Ph.D. in wisdomology (my word) has taught me things never a classroom could teach. Ms. Ruby as everyone calls her says “It’s the poor frog that will not praise his own pond”. Thank you grandmother because I write about Ayana, my cousin with so much joy. Ayana who reveres her mom and her advice is wise far beyond her years and many peers. Ayana is a monument of ‘where there is will, there is to showcase youth from all over Central Florida. This program a way’. She’s my family, I’m the frog and I’m praising my pond. focuses on awarding scholarships and exposing the participants to diverse empowerment workshops.

Ayana Hastings is the current chairperson of The Eminence Scholarship Program and Gala, sponsored by the Orange Young high school juniors and seniors participate in this eduCounty Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has cation-focused program, which encourages and supports acaalways been passionate about mentoring the youth in her lo- demic achievement while providing life changing experiences cal community. As a former public school educator, she has in areas such as etiquette, professional development, financial coached dance and step teams, brain bowl teams, and orga- management, college preparation and physical & mental nized college tours. For the past 4 years, the Eminence Pro- health awareness. By recognizing high achieving junior and gram has been keeping her very busy for 10 months out of the senior students for outstanding scholastics, extracurricular inyear. When she is not working on Eminence, Ayana is in- volvement and participation in community service endeavors, volved in the Health Ministry and Youth Ministry at Macedonia the Eminence program has successfully provided over $110,000 Missionary Baptist Church. Ayana is a graduate of Bethune- in support of continued education. And at the helm working Cookman University and the University of Central Florida, with all prudence and diligence is my cousin with the biggest where she earned her Master of Education in Curriculum and smile, the deepest dimples, the sweetest personality and the Instructional Design. Her passion for education extends far cutest dog. Ayana is far above rubies and diamonds.

Ayana is a monument of “where there is will, there is a way . . .”

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Fit Like A Ras

By Jeremy Roberts - NASM

Weights vs Cardio ell, mih tek a month off las’ month. Not really – dominal fat than men who spent the same amount of time was wukkin’ pon a interview and de interviewee doing aerobic activities. was difficult to schedule time wid. However, back mih back!

3. Numerous studies show that more calories are burned in the 24 hrs after weight training than during the cardio Ah really wan push people fih lif’ weights, mostly session. This is especially true if the weight training sescoz ah know de benefits ah get fuh mihself. Howevah, sion involved heavy weights – about 85% of your one as I always preachin’, wha’ wuk fih one don’ wuk fih all. rep max (look dat phrase up – mih nah got time fuh And of course, one data point is never enough to base a recexplain it). ommendation on.

4. Science is fairly conclusive that maintaining muscle conSo, wha’ de science seh? Well, de bes’ recommendation (and sumes more calories than maintaining fat. This contributes ah shoulda said dis up front) is to do both. However, real life is to a higher resting metabolic rate, which means that india b, so mos’ a we don’t got time to do both. If yuh schedule viduals with a higher proportion of muscle can consume allows you to only do something physical for an hour at a more calories than individuals with lower proportions of time, 3 days a week, yuh will be better off doin’ weight trainin’ muscle, and no more fat. as opposed to cardio or a combo workout. (That’s an opinion – there is not nearly enough science available to make such a In addition to the fat loss advantage, weight trainers have definitive statement). better bone density, which protects against osteoporosis. This is a big deal as we get older, but it’s a positive attribute for Nonetheless, science does provide some evidence in one direcindividuals of any age. tion versus the other. Here are a few studies to support mih conclusion: So ….. as always, mek me remind allyuh/ahyuh/unna/wunna of de basic rules fih LGN (Lookin’ Good Naked): 1. Diet is king 1. A 2013 study from the University of Alabama at Birming- (discussion of de details soon come in a future article) 2. Do ham showed that dieters who weight trained lost the same weights and cardio, if possible 3. If yuh can’t do both, do de amount of weight as dieters who did only cardio. However, weights only 4. When yuh lif’ weights, lif’ heavy 5. If yuh just the weight lost was almost all fat for the weights group, while like runnin’, or if yuh jus’ hate weights, don’ do long slow the weight lost by the cardio group was both fat and muscle. joggin’. Do some High Intensity Training, like sprints.

Yuh gon LGN mo’ bettah if yuh lose only fat as opposed to Wuk hard, wuk smart. fat and muscle.

2. A 2014 study by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public GT Dread is an NASM-CPT, who competes in Masters Track, Health showed that healthy men who did 20 minutes of Field Hockey and Weightlifting. He can be contacted at daily weight training had less increase in age-related ab- fitlikearas@gmail.com

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GREATER ORLANDO CARES Mentoring Movement

Mentoring & Music: Jazz it Up! azz in the Hills Jazz Educational Day, previously postponed from September due to weather, has been rescheduled for April 30, 2015. Thanks to supporters like you, our Jazzy Chic Reception was a success in September and we appreciate your contribution and support to the mission of National CARES Mentoring and the Greater Orlando CARES affiliate.

Square Mall starting at 1:00PM. To purchase tickets for Jazz in the Hills Jazz Day, please click here. Proceeds will help continue our mission of recruiting mentors for our vulnerable young students in the Central Florida area.

Continuing with our theme of connecting mentoring and music in the development of our young people, Greater Orlando CARES has partnered with The Thelonius Monk Institute for Jazz for a local collaboration of the 4th Annual International Jazz Day and the GO CARES Jazz Educational Day. A wealth of local Jazz Day activities will begin 6:30AM at Soiree Event and Conference Center, 6394 Silver Star Rd (near Powers Drive), Orlando, FL 32818. We’ll start with a free Jazzercise for the early risers with fitness coach Shellita Boxer.

Then at 7:30AM Yvonne Coleman will lead Jazz & Juice as various media outlets will showcase the Day’s planned activities. At noon participants will feast on Jazz and Jambalaya by John & Shirley’s Catering. The afternoon highlight will be a live stream of the All-Star Global Concert from Paris, France starting at 1:00PM. Professor Eric Bindler will host a Jazz Anthropology historical review of jazz culture at 4:00PM. And at 6:30PM we’ll keep it moving with a Jazz Infusion Happy Hour hosted by Walter C. Lane and Florida Steppers International, Inc. Vendors and artists will be featured throughout the day at Soiree, and guests will have an opportunity to be audience participants for the show ”Front Porch Chat with Randy Ross & Friends”.

Multiple schools in the nearby community will highlight the value of jazz music and education during morning PA Jazz Takeovers (OCPS and OCS). Free viewing of The AllStar Global Concert will also be live streamed at Fashion

ower Vibez Radio, a West Indian radio program was first launched on January 18, 2015

by Devin Nandlall (GTViBEZSC) and Shiv Singh (DJ Shivy) for the listeners in Central Florida on WOTS 1220AM in Kissimmee.

Power Vibez was first thought of as an idea that soon grew as sponsors and the support of others went in effect. “I wanted to create something for the West Indian people in Orlando, something more along the lines of New York days when we would hear old school Bollywood music and Chutney music on the radio” Devin says.

Power Vibez Radio currently has six solid sponsors that support them every week and an audience that grows weekly either on the AM dial and on the Tune In Radio App, where you can also listen to the station worldwide.

DJ Shivy has been a radio host for quite some time now, from where he started on Radio Guyana Intl, and now recently, with his powerful and energetic voice, the host of many West Indian cultural events in the Orlando area.

Devin has been a DJ and remixer since 2005, and with his choice of music and entertainment for the crowd, quickly grew as one of the most versatile sounds in Orlando. He is currently on Swaarg Sangeet Radio Intl as a Radio Announcer and has been on Island Beat Radio as well.

With both great musical minds combining together, they bring to Central Florida the power of the West Indian culture, and that’s the power of Power Vibez Radio, each and every Sunday from 6pm - 8pm on 1220AM WOTS Kissimmee.

They can be reached by email at powervibez@gmail.com.

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CURRY TABANCA

y Uncle Jacket and his Sunday lunch were a family legend. He was slim with muscles that came from hard work and a slightly bleary look that came from even harder drinking. On Sundays, his day of rest between a tough Saturday night and an even tougher Sunday evening, he would sit at the table and take a stiff “puncheon” rum or two to disperse the troublesome gas that plagues all sugar workers and fishermen, while my Aunt put his dhal, rice, curry chicken and whatever else was on offer at the table, sometimes even a piece of saada roti. Invariably, he already had an onion, a “moorai” or radish, and a large, hot-pepper ready for the full repertoire of his repast. It was a symphony of munches and crunches interspersed with a handful of the food mixture, followed by a bite in turn of the onion, radish and pepper and then a sip of “ice”-water and sometimes the gurgle of more puncheon going down the hatch with a slight cough. It was a sight to behold, a ceremony to enjoy and a ritual to remember.

nether regions makes me forget whatever was worrying me at the time. I have found that it is not just growing up eating curry, fried potatoes (aloo) and roti but the lack of overlap of the flavors that makes the food distinctive.

According to several newspapers, Indian food, because of its use of cardamom, cayenne, tamarind and other pungent ingredients, creates taste combinations are unlike anything found elsewhere around the world. The Indian scientists have now discovered that what makes Indian food so good is that it has a fewer number of overlapping flavours in ingredients.

In other words, it is the range of different flavours in Indian food instead of the complementary combinations in European food that makes Indian food unique, not just the pepper and the curry.

. . . a sight to behold, a ceremony to enjoy and a ritual to remember.

Now, more than fifty years later, some Indian data crunchers doing research on the uniqueness of Indian food, have caused me to remember my Uncle Jacket and those days in his little house in Carapichaima where a mango or cucumber “chow” was a peppery prelude to lunch or merely something to do when the hotly-contested cricket match in front of the house was over.

I have often wondered why my comfort zone is Indian food.

Whenever I am down in the dumps, not just in Trinidad, but in any of many places in which I have found myself, even one night in West Berlin and another in Buenos Aires, I went looking for comfort, not in a bottle but a plate. It is incredible what a “doubles” (as a first or last resort) could do for my state of mind – perhaps the burning in the mouth, stomach and

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Trinidad “Indian” food, however, while much the same as the authentic Indian cuisine, is different and distinctive. Perhaps it is because of the available ingredients here in the Caribbean or the difference in the types of oil or spices. It could also be that our sauces are not overloaded with fat and we “created” what Indians would call “aloo paratha” (which we know as “dhal poorie”). It is also that we learnt from other cultures, especially African, Chinese and British but whatever the difference, our food is, to my mind, better. Yet, while there are several expensive “Indian” restaurants here, there is no genuine Trinidad Indian restaurant serving our own brand of “Indian” food. What we have are “roti” shops and Indian “fast food” places. There is a vegetarian Indian restaurant in Chaguanas but while clean is not prepossessing. I am not sure whether it is part of our Trinidad culture that we do not recognize or respect our own. I know my mother hates the “Indian” food and when I offered her some “Chai” she demanded instead her coffee with milk and sugar. The Indian beverage is not her cup of tea. As far as she is concerned “lassi” is a do.

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Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board ayne C. Golding Sr. Esq., the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board Member for the Southern USA (JDABMSUSA) announces another in a series of FREE Jamaica Diaspora Informational Town Hall Forum. The forum is confirmed for 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm on April 24th, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. It will take place at the Soiree which is located at 6349 Silver Star Road, Orlando, Florida 32818. The entire series of Town Hall Informational Forum is geared towards providing credible and reliable information on selected issues of importance to the Jamaican Diaspora in the Southern USA. The forums also operate as just one of the fact finding platforms which the board member is utilizing to garner on the ground, realtime information on the issues of concern to the Jamaican Diasporians in region. The forums presents yet another method to engage and further receive suggestions on possible diaspora partnership solutions and additionally identify realistic resources for the implementation of any such suggested solutions. All Jamaican, Jamaican Organizations and friends of Jamaica are being invited to attend the forum and to spread the information about the forum through both their formal and informal social circles.

This particular informational forum will be focussed on two main areas. The first will be the issue of Public Safety in Jamaica and Diaspora Partnership and the second will be the staging of the Sixth Biennia Jamaica Diaspora Conference which is scheduled for June 13th-18th, 2015 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The confirmed presenters for the Orlando forum include the Deputy Consul General of Jamaica-Miami (Southern USA), Mr. Dale Jones and Assistant Commissioner of Police Jamaica Constabulary Force, Bishop Dr. Gary Welsh. Audience participation will also be facilitated in a planned moderated question and answer session.

For further information or inquiries, the JDABM-SUSA can be contacted by email at waynegoldingjadna@gmail.com or by telephone 407 443 3117. The Jamaica Diaspora Southern USA website can also be accessed at jamaicadiasporasouthernusa.org.

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Rick Singh here were you born?

“In a seaside city of a seaside country; Georgetown, Guyana, in a place called Garden of Eden.”

Real Estate, and I decided to expand myself and my business by becoming a realtor. Then, later, a broker. Other than marrying my wife, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

How many brothers and sisters?

“I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters. I’m the youngest, baby of the family. My parents, John and Joyce, were 2nd generation Indians.”

What made you want to get involved in the political aspect of Real Estate?

“Government is a necessary component of business. There’s so much interaction between local government and what private industry does. Working in the Real Estate and appraisal markets in Orange County, and being a former OCPA Field Appraiser myself, I saw an opportunity to make things better. The office was, and still is, filled with talented, hardworking people who are fantastic at their jobs. But if leadership holds them back, keeps them from innovating and using the best new technology to make their jobs easier and the resources that the office provides better, then there’s not much they can do.

What is your most memorable childhood moment?

“By far, the moment that stands out to me the most was when I moved to America. I was only 10 years old, and my father had just passed away. It was a sad and confusing time in my life, and suddenly, my world changed. Think about it; one day, at 3:00 pm, I was living in a small South American village in a 10 x 10 home with no electricity, no running water, and a dirt floor. That night, I’m walking out of JFK airport into New York City.

So, knowing that I had the skills to improve things, and because I believe in public service, I ran for Property Appraiser, and I’m glad that I’ve had the opportunity to merge my business mentality and private sector expertise with government resources to create an environment that goods for business as well as the citizens of Orange County. And having this great and talented staff helps too.”

It was November, and I recall it being brutally cold. A cold like I had never felt before. The stuff around me was so fast, and bright, and just…grand. It was jarring.”

When did you get married?

“I married my beautiful wife Debbie in 1982 while I was still in the military. 32 years of marriage, and it still seems like only a month ago.”

How many children and/or grandchildren?

“I have two wonderful children, my son Avenash and my daughter, Amrita.”

When did you arrive in USA? “November, 1972.”

I was living in a small South American village in a 10 x 10 home with no electricity, no running water, and a dirt floor. That night, I’m walking out of JFK airport into New York City.

Tell us your most interesting story about your coming to or arriving in America?

“Like I said, it was a jarring experience. Lots of firsts for me; first time in a plane, first time in the cold.

Guyana has lots of people of different nationalities and cultures, but not compared to New York.

In my first week, I heard so many different languages, saw so many different things that I’d never heard about. I thought everyone was rich. I suppose they were, compared to where I lived. But it was just so much, so quickly.

All these years later, growing up in New York, serving in the military, traveling the world, and living here in Orlando, I feel like I’ve changed a lot, but at the same time, I’m still the Guyanese boy, looking at the wonders in front of me. But I’ve still never had dahl or stuffed plantains better than my moms.

Just thinking about it brings me back.

What got you involved in Real Estate?

“It was actually a happy accident that I became involved in this field. I owned an auto repair shop here in Orlando, and one of my best customers was former Property Appraiser (and later, Orange County Mayor) Rich Crotty. He saw something in me, and convinced me to change fields so I could come work for him at the Orange County Property Appraiser’s office. So, I did. After I got my State Certified Appraiser qualification, I kept working there for a while, then struck out on my own in private industry.

What is your passion - what gets you up in the morning?

“I’ve always been a goal oriented guy. I like making lists, making plans, and then seeing how fast and how accurately I can achieve them. It feels good to cross things off a list. I bring this to the office, so I’m always waking up in the morning ready to get to work and finish projects.

I also do this in my personal life.

Having fun with friends and coworkers, spending time with my family, taking in a show. A good meal always gets me motivated to show up! I like combining those things the most. Even though my kids are grown now, we still try to get together at least once a week for dinner so we can catch up, stay in touch. Family is just as much of a driving force for me as my work.

What is your most memorable event and/or moment?

“Election night is always something that stands out in my mind, especially because it was my first campaign, and everyone had been saying for 2 years that I was going to lose. I knew, with all the hard work that we all had put in (Me, my family, my friends and supporters, and my campaign staff and volunteers) that we were going to win.

As big as that was, I’d say the biggest moment was my 100th day in office. They say that for the U.S. President, his first 100 days are where he does the most work, and gets the most done.

Like I said, I’m goal oriented, so I set a goal to do big things in the first 100 days. I had it marked on a calendar in my office, and I’d stare at it. I tried to get so much done in that time.

But I remember on the 100th day, standing in my office, thinking ‘Yeah, we achieved a lot. This was great. The office is on a great track, and soon, we’ll be one of the best, if not the best, in the state.’ Then, I remember thinking ‘O.k., what can I do to get as After a while, I saw how well many of my clients were doing in much done for the next 100 days?’ That was a great moment.”

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Q U I N O A uinoa is originated in Peru and Bolivia. Quinoa Different ways to make Quinoa: is referred to as 1. Quinoa can be made as a grain, but it is porridge using almond milk actually a seed from a vegetable and adding spices like cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg to that is related give it flavor and taste. to Swiss chard and spinach. There are 2. Quinoa is also a good rethree different colors, red, placement for white rice bewhite and black, but they are cause of its complex carbs and all high in protein, glutenlow glycemic index. free with complex carbs and low glycmic index.

3. Quinoa can be made into a salad by adding sliced almonds, How to Cook Quinoa: spinach, cucumber. dried cranberries, avocado and tomato.

Always wash quinoa first before cooking it. Put 1 cup of Get creative with quinoa. quinoa in a strainer and run cold water over it.

Stay healthy in mind, body and spirit.

Once the quinoa has been washed, put two cups of water in a pot on the stove. Add quinoa to the water and salt to taste. Jamaican-born Sandi Morais is the author of Recipe for Life vegan/vegOnce the water starts to boil turn the stove to low and let it etarian cook book. She has a BA degree from FIU, and she is the Lifestyle Cooking Coach at La Vie Wellness Spa.www.sandimorais.net . simmer for about 25 minutes.

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Top 5 Video Picks 1 Artist: Shurwayne Winchester Title: “We Pumpin” Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Mr. Shurwayne Winchester is no beginner in the calypso / Soca arena. As a musician, producer, song-writer, and vocalist with numerous road march titles under his belt; Shurwayne is here to stay amongst the heavy hitters of soca music. This video for “We Pumpin” has carnival season written all over it. We Pumpin is a feel good song and you will definitely hear it for carnival all over. For more information on Shurwayne, visit his official website at www.shurwaynewinchester.com

2 Artist: King Bubba FM Title: “Who Drinkin Rum” Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Welcome the newcomer, Mr. Barbados, King Bubba FM who has the hot new single and video entitled “Who Drinkin Rum”. King Bubba has collaborated with many musicians and is on his way to becoming a staple in soca music for years to come. You follow King Bubba FM on twitter at twitter.com/kingbubbafm

3 Artist: Lovd Ones Title: “Away” Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: 2015 breakthrough Soca artist PREEDY with the hit song AWAY has been trending since the 2015 International Soca Monarch. It’s good to see the groovy aspect of Soca music proving that every Soca song is a jump up / get on bad chune.

Be on the lookout for more videos from this artist as he is already in the same performance bracket with the likes of 5Star Akil, Biggie Irie, Farmer Nappy, Lyrikal and Skinny Fabulous.

4 Artist: Stef Kalloo Title: “Somebody” Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) * JVTV Review: Trinidadian born - Singer, songwriter, Stef Kalloo has been on our radar for some time now. If you follow us at #JVTV you will see we featured this particular song for Orlando’s 2014 Curry Duck Curry competition video. Stef’s genre of music which consists of Caribbean pop /fusion is what is needed to merge traditional Hindu octaves with mainstream pop music. We look forward to seeing more of Stef Kalloo in the future. For more information check her page @ http://www.reverbnation.com/stefkalloo

5 Artist: Kazam Davis Title: “What Kind of World” Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Accoustic guitar player, Kazam Davis is conscious artist whose main mission is to simply spread peace and love through his music. In 2013, Kazam released Ancient Warrior which lead to major write-up from the big European publications, Riddim Magazine. This song “What Kind of World” has positive messages with real imagery directed by Sherkhan for Raatid Films. Keep an eye out for Kazam – simply type his name in on SoundCloud and ReverbNation. #artistspotlight Download the new junglevibes tv app for iphone and android devices// Advertise your business and increase visibility and revenue! For more information,call Rali at 407-625 2861 or log on to www.junglevibes.tv

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