Caribbean american passport news magazine october 2015

FREE Your Passport to the Caribbean American Community

NEWS MAGAZINE

Miami-Broward One Carnival One of the greatest cultural showcase events in North America

Happy Diwali 2015!

D

iwali (Dîvali, Dipawali, Deepavali, Dipabali) is a festival of lights and is a gazetted holiday in India. Followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism observe various customs related to Diwali.

What do People do for Diwali?

Diwali celebrations may last for up to five days. Many people decorate their home and workplaces with tiny electric lights or small clay oil lamps. Bowls of water with candles and flowers floating on the surface are also popular decorations.

Many people make a special effort to clean their homes and yards before Diwali. They may also wash themselves with water and fragrant oils, wear new clothes and give gifts of sweets to family members, close friends and business associates. Fireworks are set off in the evening in some areas. Melas (fairs) are held in many towns and villages.

People in different regions in India and around the world may celebrate Diwali on various dates. This is because traditional lunar calendars can be interpreted in different ways. For example, Deepavali in Tamil Nadu is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aipasi.

Mas Bands at Miami-Broward Carnival 2015

See story & more photos on page 13

Million Man March on Washington 2015

Background

Deepawali or Diwali is a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word “Deepawali” refers to rows of diyas, or clay lamps. This is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartika, according to the Hindu calendar. This festival commemorates Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14year exile. The myths around Rama and Ravana are told during another holiday, known as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.

— Continued on page 7 —

20th Anniversary of the Million Man March on Washington was held on October 10, 2015

See story & more photos on page 12

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L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

National Pride – Caribbean Unity – Minority Segregation Over the last few months we’ve attended and covered many various events from the Orlando Curry Duck Curry to the Jacksonville Carnival, to Miami-Broward One Carnival to the Orlando Jerk Festival and it is absolutely amazing to see the National pride as we wave our collective National flags from Trinidad, Jamaica, Grenada, Guyana, Barbados, Antigua and all the other great countries of the Caribbean.

Sam Roberts, Publisher

While national pride is great, we need to understand the importance of not just Caribbean unity but also minority segregation. I know I’m guilty of it and I know many of my friends and colleagues are too – we don’t always identify ourselves as African American, we’d rather say we’re Caribbean American of African or Indian (Asian) decent but this actually hurts us when it comes to our political and economic power. Politicians and big business develop policies and strategies based on voting groups and market segments. We constantly hear about the Hispanic vote or a Hispanic marketing strategy, they group Cuba, Spain, Mexaco, etc as Hispanic. I’ve rarely ever heard of a US based Caribbean political strategy or a Caribbean American marketing campaign, however none of these groups; Caribbean, Hispanic, Asian, African, or Creole are mutually exclusive. .If you were to draw a group of circles and put every racial or ethnic group into their individual circles; there must be an intersection where all of these circles overlap each other,. simply because there are Hispanics from the Caribbean, there are Caribbean people of Asian heritage, there are Africans from the Caribbean and almost every Caribbean. Country has all of the above.

Caribbean

“Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned”… “That until there are no longer first class and second class citizens of any nation, until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes”…"That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all, without regard to race”…"That until that day, the dream of lasting peace, world citizenship, rule of international morality, will remain in but a fleeting illusion to be pursued, but never attained” We must learn to stand together and support each other; for too long we have been trained into the ‘Crab in a Barrel’ mentality .

GGR Marketing & Public Relations 1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 Office: 407-427-1800 Fax: 407-386-7925 Toll Free: 877-220-8315 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.

African Asain

those of us of mixed race/heritage we would be the majority and therefore policies, campaigns and corporate America would be forced to launch programs and strategies targeted to us. The Donald Trumps of this world be forced into hiding or be eradicated from the fore-front of the political news.

Dating back to the earliest times; from ancient times, to slavery, to the civil wars; the rule or underline strategy to defeat the masses was to divide and conquer. The system is designed to divide us by race, by nationality, by economic status, by community and even by the color of our skin. In the words of the great Bob Marley from his song titles: “War”

Creole

Hispanic We need to start making our voices heard by supporting our Caribbean American candidates running for elected local Government Office, support those who have already been elected and start the process of grooming those within our community who we think would serve the interest of us as Caribbean people. We must come out in numbers at every . possible platform, not just the Carnivals and Jerk Fests or the Curry Duck Curry.

The harsh reality of both local and national politics is that soon, if not already, the minority will be the majority. If we were all to stand together, the Hispanics, the Asians, the Caribbean, the African Americans, Creole Americans and

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

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Letters to My Lawyer™ GREEN CARD PROCESSING TIMES

visa numbers available in the family second preference category (F2A) – spouses and children of permanent residents. In other words, cases currently being processed have been waiting for almost seventeen months for a visa number to be available in that category. You can access the visa bulletin and monitor visa availability for your pending application online at http://travel.state.gov/ content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin.html . .

By Sasha Watson, Esq.

The immigration laws allows for admission of children under 16 who are in need of family reunification under the humanitarian parole provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Parole is sparingly granted and only about 25% of applications are approved.

Dear Lawyer, I am a green card holder and I filed a petition for my two children who live in St. Lucia about a year ago. It seems to be taking a long time for their paperwork to be processed. How long does the process normally take and what can be done to speed it along considering that they are still under 18 years old.

Consult an immigration attorney to discuss what options are best for your case, including possibly becoming a US citizen to avoid the lengthy visa wait times.

Regards, Sasha Watson, Esq. HAWM, PLLC

Please help, Impatient Mother?

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

Dear Impatient Mother: The petition you have filed for your minor children will be processed in accordance with when it was received, also known as the priority date. Applications are generally processed on a first come first serve basis for applications in preference categories that do not have a visa number immediately available. According to the November 2015 visa bulletin, the most recent publication of the bulletin, applications filed on or before May 15, 2014 currently have

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.

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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

Access Granted: The Man Behind the Music: CHRONIXX

By Shawna Brown (Shawnab92@gmail.com)

By Shawna Brown

There aren't too many West Indian male artiste willing to expose his vulnerability by telling his love interest in utmost humility that he will "cook, clean and wash" as well as to "walk, run and jog around the world" for her as a symbol of his devotion to love. Yet, Jamar McNaughton, the man popularly known as Chronixx, boldly makes this declaration on the popular track titled Access Granted, on the Digital Love riddim. And as if that wasn't enough, he further promises to grant full access not only to fulfill all her material needs by "giving her anything she wants," but he asks nothing in return except this: "Don't take my love for granted."

Such velvety smooth vocals over enchanting lyrics and a grabbing rhythm is what make Chronixx so endearingly irresistible. His innate ability to harness sound and song, rhythm and lyrics while delivering a message that infuses spirit and mind over skillfully executed musical production is perhaps what catapults Chronixx and his Zincfence team light-years ahead of his musical peers.

Which queen in her womanly glory would not heed to the hush of Chronixx heartfelt plea as he exposes his vulnerability and asks not to hurt him or break his

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heart as heralded in the song? Access Granted not only considers her exterior needs but ensures her inward improvement as well, promising that "brands, school fees and tuition is all on him," saving nothing for her happiness.

Who is this man? And who, at such seemingly youthful age, declares such a thing? Perhaps Chronixx’s wisdom and emotional maturity transcends his chronological age. The grounded foundation from which he carries out his day to day life and his yielding reverence to a spiritually higher power than human flesh affords this twenty-three year old the revelation of profound insight and the ability to impart knowledge which translates to the depth of his songs.

On a radio appearance in Toronto, Chronixx comfortably relaxes in a laid back T-shirt, locs piled in one atop his head and a radiant smile that could only shine from a vessel whose heart is as "clean as a whistle."

He has been on a rigid touring schedule for most of the 2015 calendar year and though sleep beckons at 6 a.m., his countenance is still refreshingly pleasant and his demeanor calm and composed. He listens intently as Mark and Jem, he radio personalities for the morning show...............Continued page 14

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JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE

By Tony Deyal One of the most famous movie taglines came from the film concoction of Nescafe, Caroni brown sugar and Frico JAWS 2. The first movie in the series, the one that powdered milk sometimes with Crix crackers soaking in it. contributed considerably to the reputation of Stephen No supplies were more vital than that. During the week, Spielberg, JAWS, was released in 1975 and immediately having to get up at 4.30 in the morning to walk across the became the biggest summer blockbuster until STAR WARS dew-laden savannah, my shoes and socks wet, hustling to came along and had the force with it. The matter-of-fact catch the 5.30 a.m. bus to go to school, the coffee provided “ad-lib” or improvisation by actor Roy Scheider who plays some heat and released some energy which I was unaware of the police chief in the movie, “We’re gonna need a bigger at the time. Caffeine was not on the list of products to avoid. boat”, is fifth on the list of the top 100 movie moments. So Bad dogs were. what did author Peter Benchley do as an encore for the sequel JAWS 2? He created perhaps the most famous tagline It was not an issue when I went to Canada and studied in in movie history, “Just when you thought it was safe to go Ottawa, a city that is possibly the coldest capital in the world.

There, coffee was a necessity, a lifesaver even. I would have a back into the water…” cup, leave my rented apartment shivering despite the many I thought about the much parodied “Just when you thought layers of clothing, walk about two blocks, have a coffee at a it was safe…” when I saw an article that said “High caffeine friend’s home before the other two blocks to catch the use is linked to psychotic symptoms.” I started drinking shuttlebus to school and then immediately upon arrival, have coffee a long time ago in a galaxy far away. I can still another coffee before going to class. Each class was remember my grandfather’s house in a little village in South punctuated by cups of coffee and the return to my apartment Trinidad where every morning I would sit in what we called was celebrated with it. No more milk and sugar for me. I the “gallery” or verandah of the house and watch my became and continue to be a black coffee drinker. I was grandmother prepare the many different teas – cocoa, green, unaware at the time about the psychotic symptoms although coffee and Milo. There was no talk in those days about some of my friends there would nod wisely now and say in caffeine being bad for you. In any case, with all the milk and hindsight, “That explains it…” sugar, the taste was not as important as it is today. No barista making patterns of the swirls in my cappuccino. You Just to get some perspective, I explored the jungle of the had to be early to grab your breakfast before the other terminology of the mind’s states and illnesses to see exactly One writer tried an children finished the food. No “better latte than never” then. what is meant by “psychotic”.

My grandma boiled the hell out of the coffee, strained it, explanation, “A neurotic is a man who builds a castle in the mixed it and I drank it to keep my piece of roti or hops air. A psychotic is the man who lives in it. A psychiatrist is the the rent.” Another said, “Doubt is to bread from choking me to death and then headed outside to man who collects . play with my many cousins. Guilt, if it ever existed, was not certainty as neurosis is to psychosis. The neurotic is in doubt something I remember, certainly not over the coffee. It and has fears about persons and things; the psychotic has might have been when one of my cousins and I raided my convictions and makes claims about them. In short, the grandfather’s stock of DANO canned luncheon meat which neurotic has problems, the psychotic has solutions.” This he kept especially for his prized hunting dogs, but that is does not really solve the problem of determining whether my still continuing love affair with coffee is as bad as the research another story.

Until I went to Canada in the early seventies, my coffee was a says it is. Is it really a Freudian sip?

What the Australian team at Melbourne’s La Trobe University found is that high coffee use combined with stress can cause people to exhibit psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. They discovered that around five coffees, or the equivalent of 200mg of caffeine, may be enough to tip people over the edge and cause psychotic-like symptoms. The head of the team, Professor Simon Crowe, said that people who are highly stressed and who are prone to high-level caffeine use are more likely to report phenomena like hearing things that aren't necessarily there.

It is just around 5.30 am as I sit in my living room researching and writing this article. I am under heavy deadline pressure.

I just had a huge cup of hot, black, thick and strong Kenyan AA coffee. It was so thick that I bent the handle of the spoon and had to use an electric mixer to stir it. The dog is barking… or is it? *Tony Deyal was last seen saying that a psychotic told Sigmund Freud, “I feel like a pack of cards.” The busy Freud replied, “I’ll deal with you later.”

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Diwali Celebrations 2015 Continued from Page 1 The Goddess Lakshmi was Vishnu’s consort and she symbolizes wealth and prosperity. She is also worshipped on Diwali Diwali. This festival is celebrated in West Bengal as "Kali Puja" and Kali, Shiva's consort, is worshipped during Diwali. The Diwali festival in southern India and around the world often commemorates the conquering of the Asura Naraka, a king of Assam who imprisoned many people. It is believed that Krishna freed the prisoners.

International Reggae And World Music Awards IRAWMA - 2015 What an amazing event and an unbelievable history, 34 years. This event showcases both the local and international talents that are involved in our culture through music.

Congratulation to the the promoters.

Many Buddhist around the world and in India also mark anniversary of the Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism around the time of Diwali. Many scholars believe that Ashoka lived between 270BCE and 232 BCE. Many people who observe Jainism mark the anniversary of Mahavira's (or Lord Mahavir) attainment of nirvana on October 15, 527 BCE. Mahavira established the central spiritual ideas of Jainism. Many Jains celebrate the Festival of Lights in his honor.

Bandi Chhorh Divas, which is the Sikh celebration of the sixth Nanak's (Guru Har Gobind) return from detention in the Gwalior Fort, coincides with Diwali. This coincidence has resulted in the similarity of celebrating the day among many Sikhs and Hindus.

Symbols Electric lights, small oil lamps made of clay and flames are important Diwali symbols.

They represent both physical and spiritual aspects of light.

And the winners were:

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Entertainer of the Year – Chronixx - Best Male Vocalist – Tarrus Riley - Best Female Vocalist – Etana - Best Song – “I Rise” by Etana - Best Album/CD – “Strictly The Best 50” by various Artist – VP Records - Best Crossover Song – “Cheerleader” by OMI - Best Gospel-Oriented Song – “Dripping Blood” by Carlene Davis - Best Male DJ/Rapper – Damarco - Best Female DJ/Rapper – Spice - Best New Entertainer – Dexta Daps - Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer – “Like A Boss” by Machel Montano - Best Latin Enterainer - We are One by Pitbulll - Reggae Rock ntertainer - "Rude"- by Magic - Best Chutney - "Ravi' B For more results visit our website for pictures and a summary of all winners. www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

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- Prabhudas -

The Promise of Diwali

A Short story by Harry Bissoon, Founder/President Guyana Day USA, Inc

(Continued from last month's issue....)

When Hitram got married to Prabhudas’ daughter, they had all agreed that the newly married couple would live in Prabhudas’ house, since Gita was the only daughter.

However, Hitram’s family was getting bigger and Prabhudas’ house was no longer as comfortable as it used to be. The two-bedroom house was not big enough for Hitram’s children. He was aware of this and had been saving money to build his own house. However, he never had a steady job as a carpenter and could not save as much as he wanted. He sometimes took odd jobs as a laborer at the rice mill in the village, but even this did not provide enough. Even though he could have tried to build a small house with whatever savings he had, he still had to get money to buy the plot of land, which he had seen, not far from Prabhudas’ house.

The river was still, hardly moving, and had receded away from its banks, leaving a sandy beach, upon which mother and daughter graciously walked towards the waters. They were full of expectations!While they were gone, Prabhudas again seated himself on the old bench, but the sun had risen, casting a shade under the tree. He got up and walked over to the hammock that hung under two guava trees, which were laden with fruit, and provided relaxed restfulness on the southern side of the house. As he gently rocked himself, pushing with one foot on the ground, he thought about Diwali and the fact that it fell on a Friday; he could not remember the last time that Diwali was on a Friday. This presented a problem to Prabhudas, precipitated because of his drinking habits.

Prabhudas and his wife, Devi, knew about this, and were secretly putting money aside, from whatever they made, by selling produce from the vegetable garden at the back of their house. Prabhudas was retired and worked full time in the garden. He labored and cultivated, always trying to produce vegetables of very good quality, to get the best price in the market. They almost had enough but were afraid that they could not get the required amount before the deadline, which the seller had given. Nonetheless, Prabhudas promised Hitram that he and Devi would ensure that he got the land that he wanted.

He had a strict, disciplined routine, which he followed every Friday. It was a day when he would, with eager expectancy, walk over to the neighborhood rum shop, just after midday and have a few drinks with friends.

However, this Friday was Diwali, and Devi firmly prohibited drinking on Diwali day. As he quietly rocked in the hammock, he resigned himself to the fact that he had to stay without rum on Diwali.

Devi was a devoted and devout woman. Her god came before anything else and she believed that with prayers all things were possible. She was going make a special plea to god, and she was going to do it on Diwali day, a day of purification, devotion, and expectation – a day when she worshipped mother Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and happiness!

The women of Prabhudas’ house, Devi and Gita, were up early on Diwali day, just after Prabhudas got out of bed. It was a special day for Devi, so she took particular care in preparing herself to meet mother Lakshmi. She called out to her daughter to accompany her to the river that flowed not far from the house. They, with thoughtful, unhurried steps, proceeded to the cool, calm, brown waters, where they would do pooja, offering prayers to mother Lakshmi, in an ancient and traditional ritual, seeking purification and blessings.

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Hitram was fully aware of his father-in-law’s drinking habits, so as soon as he was finished at the water drum, and had seated himself on Prabhudas’ bench, he sarcastically called out to him.

“Pa, what time are you going to the rum shop today?”

Honoring our Law Enforcement You are invited to the BRIDGING COMMUNITIES CONCERT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2015 honoring and celebrating Police Officers and other Law Enforcement personnel of our communities. This event will highlight the presence of brave men and women who patrol our streets to protect our families and businesses on a daily basis; and who go beyond their call of duty to improve relationships with all citizens.

We sometimes think the worst of law enforcement officers because of all the excessive police force cases that are making the headlines nationally However there are untold stories about the dedicated police officers and volunteers who collaborate with many high schools across the nation and locally including the students at Evans High School and other private and public organizations. enforce-ment officers live in our community

Jamaican inspired dishes which encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle. She is a Fitness Lifestyle Coach and the author of Recipe for Life a Vegan/Vegetarian cook book. Sandi is also the wife of Philip Michael Thomas known popularly as Detective Richard Tubbs on Miami Vice. Sandi is from Jamaica and the meals she prepares has the mouthwatering herbs and spices that make her vegetarian dishes mouthwateringly delicious.

Should you have any personnel in the community please make them known to us right away. To participate please contact Mrs. Guenet Gittens-Roberts 407-421-8118.

Spread the word!!!

SUPPORT OUR POLICE OFFICERS

with their families and their children attend public schools too. So they are protecting their families along with ours.

They are not the enemy.

Our young people in the community, especially our Black youth are not only the negative narrative we hear on the news. We are more than that, this concert by Inner Circle is meant to bridge that gap between our community and our law enforcement officers.

To purchase tickets for this event go to........ www.badboysofreggaeimg.eventbrite.com

This event is scheduled for Saturday October 24th, 2015 at 9 p.m. at Majestic Event Center.

Live entertainment will be provided by Inner Circle, the Grammy Award Winning Group behind the hit song Bad Boys, Bad Boys.

Areas of need: Sponsor a ticket for your favorite Law Enforcement Personnel. Spread the word.

We are offering a discounted rate for Police Officers at this concert and all Law Enforcement in attendance will be part of a special meet and greet with Inner Circle Members.

We request your sponsorship by purchasing ticket(s) for your favorite Law Enforcement Personnel(s) to be honored.

Your sponsorship will also be included in proceeds that will benefit Stop The Violence and Embrace, Inc, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Orlando Parramore District, dedicated to provide mentorship programs for atrisk youths for the past four years.

Two weeks ago, they transported 25 youth to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 5th Annual Million Youth Peace March. We are offering a discounted rate on VIP Tickets ($40 per person) for Police Officers in attendance who will also have a photo opportunity during the special meet and greet with Inner Circle Members. VIP tickets for the Special Meet & Greet are $50.00 per person. Celebrity Chef Sandi Morais who will be treating the group to her delicious

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ImmigrationINFO

TM

Immigration News For Our Community

Understanding the Visa Bulletin Revisions for October 2015

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

@GailSeeram FREE In-Office Consultation FREE Live Chat www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com U.S. Citienship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in coordination with Department of State (DOS), has revised the procedures for determining visa availability for applicants waiting to file for employment-based or family-sponsored preference adjustment of status. The revised process was effective with the October 2015 visa bulletin published on September 25, 2015. The new format of the visa bulletin will better align with procedures DOS uses for foreign nationals who seek to become U.S. permanent residents by applying for immigrant visas at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad.

Also, the revised process will enhance DOS’s ability to more accurately predict overall immigrant visa demand and determine the cut-off dates for visa issuance published in the Visa Bulletin. This will help ensure that the maximum number of immigrant visas is issued annually as intended by Congress, and minimize month-to-month fluctuations in Visa Bulletin final action dates. The Visa Bulletin revisions implement the November 2014 executive actions on immigration announced by President Obama and Secretary of Homeland Security Johnson.

With the revisions, there will be two separate charts (or priority dates) for people to follow or monitor: Dates for filing applications (earliest date when a person may file for adjustment of status or for an immigrant visa) AND Application “final action dates” (dates when visas may finally be issued). View the newly revised visa bulletin at http:// goo.gl/cQqGUW. Each month, in coordination with DOS, USCIS will monitor visa numbers and post the relevant dates for filing and action on the monthly Visa Bulletin chart (found online at http://goo.gl/cQqGUW). .

Applicants can use the charts to determine when to file their Form I-485, Application to Register/Adjust Status to Permanent Residence OR submit visa fees and required documents to the National Visa Center for Embassy/ Consulate processing abroad.

However, in November 2015, the filing dates may dramatically change, and in some cases could only be a few months ahead of the visa issuance date, rather than years.

Therefore, you may want to take advantage of the October 2015 dates. In addition, if you are out of status in the U.S., you may not be eligible to file for adjustment of status unless you have the benefit of Section 245(i). If the priority date (on your employment or family based petition) is now “current” in the application filing date chart, you should seek the advice and guidance of an attorney, who can evaluate your situation, and determine if you can file for adjustment of status (and work authorization) years before your “visa issuance” priority date becomes current.

Background on the Visa Bulletin: Department of State (DOS) publishes current immigrant visa availability information in a monthly Visa Bulletin (found on http://goo.gl/cQqGUW). The Visa Bulletin indicates when statutorily limited visas are available to prospective immigrants based on their individual priority date. The priority date is generally the date when the applicant’s relative or employer properly filed the immigrant visa petition on the applicant’s behalf with USCIS. If a labor certification is required to be filed with the applicant’s immigrant visa petition, then the priority date is when the labor certification application was accepted for processing by Department of Labor.

Availability of an immigrant visa means eligible applicants are able to take one of the final steps in the process of becoming U.S. permanent residents.

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, 2015. All Rights Reserved.

Find Caribbean Restaurants, Plumbers, Events, Discount Coupons, Deals and Much More!

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Your Voices Were Heard -

By Rosemarie Roth

A few months ago I challenged you to let your voice be heard and these are the voices I heard:

and my men to protect you. I remember accepting him as my Lord as a young man.

Syed Basheer, MD is a family physician who admits patients at Heart of Florida Medical Center and works as a primary physician at the Winter Garden Family Health Center. Dr. Basheer’s voice was heard referring a patient to get additional testing for their injuries. His voice was heard making the call personally and then reassuring the patient that they’ll be alright. This is a million dollars worth of comfort because he cares.

Bolivar Baylis, manager of Raintree Apartment was overheard saying, I allow pastors, churches and community minded people into the complex to volunteer because I want to provide a balance for the residents. It’s not for me to judge who is to come in because I do not know what the needs of the residents are. I want them to have a good experience living here.

This is our community and I want it to be memorable.

Michael Lawson Big Mike Car wash in Clermont Florida was overheard lecturing the guys that hangs around the car wash. Clean up your act or don’t come around here. I will not permit the look of drug sales or use around here.

I’m helping myself and the guys to change and to make something with our lives and this hanging around and being lazy attracts the police and they don’t need to be here. I have installed cameras and I will see what you are doing and I will give it to the police if I see anything in appropriate. God has allowed us a second chance and I will not allow any of you to mess it up for us. Big Mike, as he is fondly called has a car wash and employs the local kids and feed the homeless. (I overheard this conversation)

We celebrated a few of those voices recently in a ceremony.

Chief Charles L. Broaday in Clermont was heard saying: I am humbled to receive this honor as a community service person. It is my joy to protect the people in the community but I am more humbled to know that Jesus died for me. I cannot do my work without his help as he protects me

From left to right: Rosemarie Roth, Michael Lawson, Bolivar Baylis, Police Chief Charles L. Broadway (Clermont), Pastor Melvin Morgan (Oasis of Hope) and Sister Hyacinth Blackwood Please call Rosemarie with the names of those voices you hear in the community making a difference. She can be reached at (352) 321-0932

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20th Anniversary of the Million Man March

M

essages from the first march back in 1995 were echoed Saturday in speeches from African-American leaders, in cluding Farrakhan, calling for unity and institutional reform in social justice issues affecting the black community. “Justice or Else” was the theme of a rally Saturday organized by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan to mark the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March.

#MillionMan March became a trending topic for much of the day.

The first march on October 16, 1995, drew attendees, most of which were black men, to Washington from all over the country for more than 12 hours of speeches calling on black men to take responsibility for improving themselves, their families and communities. On that day, Farrakhan spoke for more than two hours and expounded on the role of white supremacy in the country’s suffering while calling on black men to clean up their Louis Farrakhan, now 82 years old, spoke to the crowd on the lives and become better fathers, husbands and neighbors.

National Mall in Washington and reflected on the importance Farrakhan blasted the white establishment again on Saturday. of passing the torch to the next generation. “We who are getting older... what good are we if we don’t prepare young people “Moses was not an integrationist and neither are we,” he to carry that torch of liberation to the next step? What good said. “Let me be clear. America has no future for you or for are we if we think we can last forever and not prepare others to me. She can’t make a future for herself, much less a future walk in our footsteps?” he said. The overall message seemed to for us.” On passing the torch, he specifically mentioned be directed at the black community at large, not just men. Many Black Lives Matter, the women and children were in the crowd and Farrakhan talked group that arose in reat length about how men should honor women. sponse to police-involved deaths of black men, as Another difference: This rally was clearly aimed at the digital the “future leadership.” generation. A website, “These are not just young www.justiceorelse.com, carpeople who happened to ried a live webcast of the wake up one morning. events and made it easy for Ferguson ignited it all,” people to donate money or he said. “So [to] all the brovolunteer. Speakers encourthers and sisters from aged the crowd to share Ferguson who laid in the images and video of the streets, all the brothers and rally on social media, and sisters from Ferguson who challenged the tanks, we are honored that you have come to represent our struggle and our demands.”

Hispanic Heritage Month Parade

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Miami-Broward One Carnival

he Miami-Broward One Carnival was presented to an overwhelming crowd on Sunday October 11th 2015 at the Miami-Dade Fairgrounds. This was a truly spectacular display of Caribbean American culture and diversity. There were flags waving from almost every Caribbean country and many other Non-Caribbean flags too, there were people of all Nationalities celebrating and enjoying the cultural festivities of Carnival.

The entertainment line-up left no major Caribbean country unrepresented – Destra & Bakanal Band representing Trinidad & Tobago; Ricargo Drue representing Antigua & Barbuda; Rudy representing US Virgin Islands; Fadda Fox representing Barbados and many more.

A special team visited from Antigua & Barbuda to join in the celebrations and also engage the Maimi-Broward carnival followers to join them in Antigua & Barbuda next year for their 60th Carnival – there were packages given away by the visit-

ing Antigua & Barbuda team that included round trip airfare, hotel accommodation and much more. The visiting team included the Minister of Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Minister of Sport, Culture and National Festivals – Honorable E.P. Chet Greene, Chairman of the Antigua-Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC), Cliff Williams, Director of Cultural for Antigua & Barbuda, Vaughn Walter and Director of Marketing, Roger Perry along with other supporting team members.

Based on the feedback we received this was one of the largest turnouts at the Miami-Broward One Carnival in recent years and attendees were not disappointed.

Please visit our website for more pictures and video of the Miami-Broward One Carnival official ‘Road Trip’ sponsored by the Caribbean American Passport News Magazine, GGR Marketing & PR and One Unit/Faisty Squad – www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

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Access Granted: The Man Behind the Music: CHRONIXX

By Shawna Brown (Shawnab92@gmail.com) Cont...pg 5

begin their questions. Chronixx is still openly amiable and willing (in these peak hours of the morning) to impart his ideas on what inspires him to write music. He begins every answer with a teethy smile and tells his listeners that if all they can think about is a certain craft, then they should wholeheartedly pursue that talent because every individual is born with different gifts.

But, Chronixx’s dashingly handsome smile and impressively vulnerable love lyrics should not be mistaken as the sum of his musical merit. This straightforward Rasta’s last cumulative project is titled Dread and Terrible and he is publicly donned as "The General". Symbolically and musically, he is dubbed as a Soldier fighting in an army as described on the internationally acclaimed track, "Here Comes Trouble" that arguably accelerated him to superstardom.

Chronixx has much enlightenment in his youthful bones and he does not mince his words poignantly asking the bureaucrats in his native dialect "weh dem a guh wid ackee and salt fish" as that could not be his national dish on the track titled, "Eternal Fire". Listen closely as Chronixx is quick to give folks their walking papers if he suspects their behavior is not properly aligned with integrity. He explicitly tells the Babylonian regime, symbolic of political power, to pack up and gwaan after he first gives them the command to "move" on the same eternal Fire track and similarly on the Shamballa riddims on a track simply titled Ex, he tells soon to be exgirlfriend to likewise pack her things and gwaan. In much the same manner, he is quick to alert his listeners that the Rasta man is not easily "tricked".

But Chronixx, albeit his "General" or "Soldier" moniker, is not altogether rigid as his namesake suggests: His expressions of love in the racy, soul captivating lyrics of the track titled

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By Shawna Brown Rain Music attest to the warmth of his nature. In it, he gently coaxes his Empress to allow the rain to wash away her fears and rain on her heart while they enter into Zion to "release the spirit of love." At the heart of Chronixx is love. "Love is a powerful force" he often writes on his social media posts. And, his loyalty to his musical family, his fans, and those around him is equally as important to him. One can scarcely recall a public appearance or research an interview where the man legally born as Jamar (Jah-mar) doesn't mention his team of coworkers. Chronixx is heard mentioning Teflon so many times that instinctively one can gather that the bond fostered between them resembles brotherhood. The assurance of paying positive homage to his musical peers testifies to Chronixx security within himself. With such lyrical genius, he is confidently certain of his talents and need not be in competition with his own God-given gifts. What's more, Chronixx grew up as the praise and worship leader for his local church. He did not start his musical journey as an on-stage performer but instead composed and produced music for other artists.

But a voice like that of Chronixx could not remain sheltered: as his musical journey, birthed from the sorrow of grief and loss, is just the beginning of a musical enterprise. This man, already quipped with international acclaim, has already left his indelible fingerprint on the pages of music history and there is far more to Chronixx than just what meets the ordinary eye. He is simultaneously complex while at the same time occupying earthly simplicity.

In an outdoor interview, while shamelessly basking in the cool country air, he was asked how he feels about increased wealth from music sales. He responds that "earthly wealth is of little consequence as it is only necessary in the physical realm but is unnecessary for entrance into spiritual paradise." What a man!

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SHOP TILL THE PENNY DROPS

The Guyana team in the Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament is known as The Amazon Warriors named after the River and not the fierce female fighters that Herodotus the historian wrote about. However, there is an even broader application of the term Amazon Warriors and it refers to legions of extremely fierce shopaholics who patronize the giant American electronic commerce and cloud computing company that is now the most valuable retailer in the United States.

Two years ago, Amazon’s active user-base was 244 million people who bought about two billion products for total sales of around US $89 billion.

Among these shoppers is an unknown number of Trinis who, while continuing to be Amazon Warriors, watching with eagle eyes all of Today’s Deals, have quickly become Amazon Worriers, concerned about being taxed on their Amazon purchases because the new Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert, is threatening to tax online shopping. He said that credit card purchases are an area of tremendous leakage of foreign exchange and is something the Government will be studying over the next year.

While some people have already said to me "Don’t study he and He cyah do dat, and even, He mad or what", there are some who have already started to study how to get around what they consider the most taxing of taxes. As one person said, I don’t mind the property tax or even the gas, but I am a shopaholic and that is a certifiable disease, like alcoholism or drug addiction and so the Government should help me instead of add to my burdens.” I doubt that will work but it may be worth a try coming closer to elections but not in the second year of a five-year term.

The best hope of shopaholics lies in what is called "The Right To Shop" A Paper by Dr. Timothy T. Terrell, a Professor at the Emory School of Law (The Right To Shop: An Essay On Normative, Social, And Legal Fundamentals) has as its intriguing Synopsis, Faster than freedom of choice or contract.

More powerful than any property interest.

Able to leap through traditional doctrine in a single bound.

It’s not just a word. It’s not plain vanilla. It’s the Right to Shop. Okay, Okay. It’s a joke, right? Not at all. This article is about what the rule of law’ means to everyone except lawyers and law professors. It is not about freedom from want, but the freedom to want. It is about the essence, simultaneously, of each of us and our civic community. So it’s serious, and so am I. Professor Terrell says that what makes prisons really tough is that they are places devoid of the most fundamental element of our culture, the right to shop. He likens the disagreement about contract or property laws is like quarrelling about Oreos or whether choice or ownership is the sweet creamy filling that kids usually lick off first, leaving the rest as an afterthought. He maintains that the right to shop is the entire cookie.

I love the argument and believe the time will come when all shopaholics will unite since they have nothing to lose but their credit cards. I will want to use the cookies argument in court but I have the feeling that we will get creamed.

Nathan Chambers for Commissioner District 6 Nathan Chambers, a 25-year resident of District 6 and native of Jamaica, is seeking the position of Orlando City Commissioner for District 6. Chambers has been a dedicated and successful small business owner and real estate agent for over thirty years. Chamber's campaign will emphasize the need for jobs, community improvement and new leadership in District 6. “The residents of District 6 deserve representation that speaks to the basic needs of the every neighborhood in the district. Safe neighborhoods, affordable housing and jobs that provide a meaningful wage are the keys to growth in the District,” Chambers said.

As an owner of several businesses in Orange County, Chambers knows the meaning of job creation and growth in the area. As a member of the Metro West Church of the Nazarene, Chambers was instrumental in organizing a food pantry that feeds over 100 families on a weekly basis in the area.

Known in District 6 as a problem solver, Chambers has been involved in numerous community activities and organizations that work to strengthen families throughout Orange County.

This is Chamber’s first campaign for elected office.

He has strong views about what it will take to

win. ..cont on pg 22 www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

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Newbery American Cricket Champions League Championship Finals – Report

Newbery American Cricket Champions League Championship The Newbery ACCL Final between reigning champions, FCC All Stars and first time finalists, Massachusetts Patriots was still close when All Stars’ Robert Cresser joined Bim George at the crease to chase down 173 runs that Patriots had compiled up earlier in the day. It was a respectable total but not insurmountable if FCC batsmen kept their cool. With George still in the middle and looking assured, hope still flickered in the hearts of the somewhat partisan crowd that had gathered on the scenic Silver Star field in Orlando for the match. FCC were chasing 173 and were 8 down for 138, still 36 runs short and not much batting to come.

League Championship finalists – Florida Cricket Conference All Stars & Massachusetts Patriots

Cresser swung and missed a few times, but hung around long enough to cobble together 19 valuable runs for the 9th wicket with George. Meanwhile, the Patriots kept turning the screws, not yielding any boundaries or sixes. With the score on 157, and having survived a couple of missed chances earlier, George was finally caught backward of square off a mistimed pull and the Patriots could finally smell a win that had seemed unlikely an hour earlier. Rahul Desai was the last man in and FCC could still win if these two batsmen kept their nerves. Unfortunately for FCC, 173 became a bridge too far when Cresser, went for the heavens only for the ball to land in the safe hands of Bruce Blackwood, who not only took the catch but helped the Patriots get their hands around the Newbery ACCL Trophy for the first time. The architect of all this drama was the Man of the Match, Fazal Alam who took 5 of the last 6 wickets that fell, for a remarkable 5 for 20 in just 6 overs.

Earlier in the day, Fazal blasted a quick 50 (3x4 and

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3x 6) off 55 balls to give the Patriots’ innings some oomph and respectabilityPavan Chkravarthy with a steady 37 did his part to give his team a total that they would ultimately defend successfully. The many spectators and the players who had gathered on the ground were treated to not only some wonderful cricket and a close match, but found themselves in exalted company of legendary cricketers Michael Holding, Colin Croft, Alvin Kallicharran, Lawrence Rowe and Faoud Bacchus. And so, ACF has a new national champion – Massachusetts Patriots, who in spite of traveling with just 11 players to Orlando, played some outstanding cricket over the last three days in very warm and humid conditions. In the end only 13 runs and a handful of balls separated the Champions from the Runners-up. What may get lost in the afterglow of the victory and the disappointment of the loss, is the fact that the FCC All Stars and the Patriots players played competitive 40 over cricket for three days in a row, something that does not happen routinely in American cricket.

The NACCL tournament in Orlando over the Columbus Day weekend was remarkable and inspiring in more ways than one for which both teams deserve our applause.

Congratulations to all the players and to all those who came out in support.

From left Michael Holding, Alvin Kallicharran, Colin Croft, Lawrence Rowe, Faoud Bacchus)

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December 6th, 2015 he Caribbean American Association of Lake County Inc. began April 2004 in Clermont, Florida. CAALC held its first meeting with less than ten people. They have since grown to over fifty active members; they promote cultural activities, provide networking opportunities and reach out to local community through fundraising events. They have a volunteer membershipbase, they are a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organizations that is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of young people in our community. Annually they award two scholarships to deserving students of Caribbean American heritage from local high

Happy Diwali to All

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The long existing online radio program - "Rhythm96.com will soon be launching a TOTALLY Caribbean program line-up with local DJ's and all-star guest starting November 1st, 2015. For more information about being a guest DJ or joining the lineup amazing DJ's that will feature on the program contact 1877-220-8315.

Advertising opportunities are also available at early-bird rates.

24hr/7 Days of Caribbean Music

For more info call 1-877-220-8315

By Shawna Brown

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ARTIFICIAL vs. NATURAL SWEETENORS STEVIA:

The word artificial according to the dictionary is an imitation of something that is not natural. The word natural according to the dictionary is formed by nature.

Making the change from artificial sweeteners to a natural sweetener can be very beneficial to your health. There are many natural sweeteners that can be used to add taste and sweetness to your smoothies, juices, teas or coffee.

Stevia is also another plant sweetner with zero calories. Stevia has a strong taste, and it is normally an acquired taste.

Enjoy the health benefits of natural sweeteners.

Good health is your true wealth!

Jamaican-Born Sandi Morais has a BA degree

MAYPLE SYRUP:

Maple Syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of the maple trees, and it can be used to add taste and sweetness to your pancakes, waffles, tea or juice.

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

AGAVE:

Agave comes from the cactus plant and can be used to add taste to your tea and coffee as well.

DATES:

Dates are also another natural sweetener. Pitted dates are great to add to your smoothie to give it a rich taste. Dates are a good source fiber and potassium.

HONEY:

Honey is a plant nectar that comes in a variety of flavors from Natures bee hive. Always try to buy local organic or raw unfiltered honey when possible. Honey adds a lot of taste and flavor to just about anything.

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Fit Lik A Ras As we go further down this road

of training wid weights, one ting I know fuh sure – de hard way! – is dat yuh gon get injured in some way. Over time, I n I gone t’rough some different thinking on how to deal wid it.

Fus, I used to just rest. No activity, no training, no risk of re-injury. Nowadays, dat ain’t de bes’ advice, at leas’ not in mos’ cases. Of course, it depends on the specifics of the injury. Leh we check some examples.

- Working With Injury

by Jeremy Roberts - NASM

Muscle damage: Depending on de severity, you will have to follow de complete rest strategy. It used to be dat any muscle injury woulda get dat recommendation. Nowadays, more minor injuries get recommended to be used gently, since increasing blood flow to de area will help to speed up de recovery process. Stretching should be avoided, although if yuh wukkiin wid somebody who know whuh dey doin’ yuh could try gentle stretchin too, since yuh really don’ wan’ de muscle heal up in a shortened position. Scar tissue buildup is also a problem wid muscles. Of course, if yuh leg injured, yuh could wuk upper body muscles, and vice versa.

De takeaway den is, injury don’ mean bed res’. Yuh could still wuk wid many different types of injuries.

Jus be smart, and get knowledgable advice.

Broken bones: Dread got plenty experience wid dis.

Check de pics below. In de past year, I broke mih left thumb, mih right side little toe, mih right side little finger,and right now, mih right thumb. All dese injuries come from playing field hockey. Obviously, de fix fuh de fingers was a cast, so playing hockey was (and is) out.

However, dread was still in de gym, doing whatever I could and trying to avoid mekkin tings worse.

Ah could still run, except during early days of de little finger injury, when any shaking was painful. Wid de li’l toe, no cast, so no problems at all. Ah could run, lift, even play hockey. So …. when yuh break certain bones, once dey protected wid a cast, or dey in a place where dey can’t be reinjured, yuh probably safe to do some kinda workout.

Of course, some bones jus’ too serious to do anyting wid when dey break, like ribs or vertebrae or pelvis, even collar bones will mek yuh gots to just chill fuh a long time.

Torn tendons and ligaments: Dese need complete rest, un til healing starts, then is gradual stretching and strengthening to get back to full functioning. I man ain gots no fus han’ experience wid dis, thankfully. Still, dis healing process requires no use of de ligament or tendon for quite some time, and watching for scar tissue formation.

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GT Dread is an NASMCPT, who competes in Masters Track, Field Hockey and Weightlifting.

He can be contacted at fitlikearas@gmail.com

Nathan Chambers...District 6 Continued from pg 15

“We are going to run a campaign of integrity that speaks to the concerns of the residents of District 6. We will challenge the “get-along” leadership that is no longer effective. He also believes elected office is not a life time position and has pledged not to serve more than two terms.”

Chambers, 59, attended the College of Arts, Science & Technology (CAST)in Jamaica. He is the Co-Founder of Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, Connexion Empowerment Center, and a member of several community groups. Chambers is married for 29 years, he has 5 children and 4 grandchildren. To support Nathan Chamber, go to nathanchambers.net and make a donation before October 29th.

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Habla Español

Nou Pale Kreyòl

Michael A. Mills, LLC

823 N. Thornton Avenue • Orlando, Florida 32803 20 3rd Street SW, Suite 302 • Winter Haven, Florida 33880 Office 321-234-2900 • Fax 407-826-1607 www.injuryassistancelawfirm.com 24

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