Caribbean american passport news magazine january 2015

FREE

Your Passport to the Caribbean American Community

Haiti 5 years after the Earthquake

NEWS MAGAZINE

Caribbean American Passport now covers the Entire State of Florida!

Join our growing list of distribution locations and get listed on our distribution list for FREE! Copies will be delivered to your location monthly!

See page 3 for more details.

Martin Luther King . . .

I have a Dream uring the less than 13 years of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership of the modern American Civil Rights Movement, from December, 1955 until April 4, 1968, African Americans achieved more genuine progress toward racial equality in America than the previous 350 years had produced. Dr. King is widely regarded as America’s preeminent advocate of nonviolence and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history.

ho can believe it’s been 5 years, after billions of dollars in donations have been made … where is Haiti today? Under all the negative press about misappropriation of funds by various entities and charities I believe in focusing on the positive.

Drawing inspiration from both his Christian faith and the peaceful teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. King led a nonviolent movement in the late 1950’s and ‘60s to achieve legal equality for African-Americans in the United States. While others were advocating for freedom by “any means necessary,” including violence, Martin Luther King, Jr. used the power of words and acts of nonviolent resistance, such as protests, grassroots organizing, and civil disobedience to achieve seemingly-

• In Coralia this week, Serafin Jean Rose said he has benefitted from the American dollars that were donated, after his home was destroyed in January 2010, he moved to one of the tent camps. A year ago they were given enough money to move out and build a home.

• 95% of the 1.5 million people who were in camps have been moved •The United Nations said that in total $13.34 billion has been earmarked for the crisis through 2020. The U.S. govern-

— Continued on page 7 —

Continued on page 13

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

1

Orlando Carnival 2015 MAY 24TH

VEND O WAN RS TED

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE Call 1877-220-8315 for More Information.

2

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

Now back to 2015; make a list of things that you want to achieve in your life. Commit yourself to that list, start by writing down your target objectives, and put an approximate date by which you want to achieve those objectives. Work backwards from your target objectives dates with simple achievable steps that will bring Sam Roberts, you back from your target objectives, month by month, week by Publisher week, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute and second by second. On a daily basis include your target objective in your daily s we welcome in the New Year 2015 and we make our prayers, after all, you’ll need all the help you can get, and mainplans for 2015, we pencil down our resolutions for the tain that focus on your objectives. Commit yourself to your life year – STOP; yes STOP!!!! with passion, remember there is no competitor out there, you’re not competing against anyone, but compete with Passion……yes PASSION!! Let us yourself to be the best you can be. The Secret teaches us commit to 2015 with Passion. List that we create our lives with every thought, your New Year’s Resolutions, make every minute of every day…live the lesthe list as long or as short as sons of the Secret and create the life of needed but commit the year your dreams. with unrelenting Passion.

2015 New Year’s Resolution . . .

Passion!!!!

P.S – The car accident that changed my path took me back to Guyana where I met the love of my life, my darling wife. I met her for the first time at a wedding reception while I was on the dance floor with my leg in a cast and crutches under my arms.

Throughout history and throughout my life I have read about, heard about and I have experienced the powers of positive thinking, dreaming big and committing to your Passion. There are many books, writings, articles and movies about the power of positive thinking; ‘The Secret’ by Author Rhonda Byrne, ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill, ‘The Power of Positive Thinking’ by Norman Vincent Peale and many more. These publications break life down into the basic concept of the power of YOU.

God has a plan for us and as obstacles and hurdles come up in front of us, view these as simple tests that God has placed to make sure that we are committed to the life that he has planned for us. Don’t focus on the hurdles and the obstacles, focus on the target and be the best you can be – the rest will simply fall into place.

In May of 1993 I was on my way to Jamaica to interview for an engineering job, I never made it to the airport. In Brooklyn, right in front of Kings Plaza shopping mall, I was involved in a really bad car accident; I broke both arms, my left leg, fractured a few ribs, broke a few bones in my left foot, fractured my jaw and fractured the cranium under my left eye, not to mention a few stitches – that was May 1993. In July of 1993 I drove, my 1990 Volkswagen Scirocco with a manual transmission, from Brooklyn, New York to Huntsville, Alabama to walk across the stage and receive my Civil Engineering BSc. Degree— with my right arm still in a cast. In September of 1993 I made the Guyana National Field Hockey team and represented Guyana at the Central America and Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico…….why is this important, it’s not to tell you my life story but rather to tell you the power of positive thinking. Simply put, I love the game of field hockey; I love it so bad that after my first round of surgery, when the doctor said to me “I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news” – my first question to him was “will I be able to play field hockey again” he smiled and said “Yes, but you’ll need to have a second round of surgery” – all I heard was “Yes.” I was so focused on getting back into the game, not the game of life but the game of field hockey. I focused on my target, playing for Guyana in the CAC Games, that the pains of the rehab were all a blur, I wanted to play again and play at the highest level. My motto was “What the mind can conceive and believe, the body can achieve.”

--Sam Roberts

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 ........................................... ............................................Willie David III ................................................ ............................................Sam Roberts ..................................................................................... Ronald Williams Distribution & Sales.................................................... ...Delroy Edwards Distribution ............................................................................. Roy Benn South Florida Distribution ............................................. Delroy Edwards Copyright (C) 2014 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

3

Is there a Difference with the Republicans Running Congress? want to destroy the president’s achievements that have helped millions of citizens.

By Roger Caldwell

here are millions of Americans that will tell you that there is no difference between the Democrats and Republicans. They will also tell you that they don’t vote, because it does not matter who is the Speaker of the House, and which party has the majority in the House or Senate. But the majority of Americans cannot tell you the name of the governor of their state, and the vice president’s name of the country.

The Republicans have always been more connected to the super rich, and they will probably try to roll back the Dodd-Frank financial law. During the next two years, all the Republicans will talk about is making the federal government smaller. But when the Republican governors talk about smaller governments, their budgets are some of the largest in the history of their state.

I have come to believe that Republicans like to say one thing and do another. They say they are for the American people, but the super rich get richer and the poor get poorer. There are huge differences between the two parties, and eighty-five percent of the Republican Party is white. White people are exclusive when they govern, and America is now multi-cultural, so Republicans are on the wrong side of history.

Since the Republicans control both Houses, they will push a right-wing extremist agenda. But in the American Democratic system, there are checks and balances, and the president has the power of the veto.

In 2015, the Republicans will be the majority party in the Democrats support common people, who are the huge majorHouse and Senate, and very few Americans understand what ity of Americans, and Republicans support the rich who are this means. The majority party in the Congress means that only 5% of the country. they will become the chairperson of the major committees, where all the bills are worked on and completed. The chairperson decides the agenda for the committees, and what bills will be sent to the floor to vote on.

In the last four years the Republicans in the House have decided what bills are discussed and worked on in the committees. Since the Democrats were controlling the Senate, the House could never get their bills pass the Senate, and there was gridlock in Washington. The two parties were always fighting, so very few bills were signed into law by the president in the last four years.

Some experts call this the “do nothing Congress” but the Republicans have the majority in both Houses now. Since the Republicans control both Houses, they will push a right-wing extremist agenda. But in the American Democratic system, there are checks and balances, and the president has the power of the veto. With the Senate being Democrat the last four years, they did the dirty work, and the House’s right-wing agenda was stopped in its tracks.

But now with Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) in charge, there is no doubt in the Senate that the new committee chairpersons do not agree with the president’s positions, and ideology. Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), will probably become the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and he has always been very critical of everything the president has done. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) is expected to take over the Senate Budget Committee, and now the president will be forced to negotiate with conservatives who are opposed to clean energy, and energy efficiency standards.

Everyone who follows the federal lawmakers knows that the Republicans will try to roll back or repeal the ACA (Affordable Healthcare Act). It should be easy to pass laws to repeal the ACA, and it will get ugly when it gets to the president’s desk to sign. It makes no difference that the ACA has given seven million Americans healthcare insurance, the Republicans only

4

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Letters to My Lawyer™ GAY MARRIAGE & GREEN CARDS adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident.

For a complete review of your immigration status and case you should contact an immigration attorney for a free consultation.

By Sasha A. Watson

Regards, Sasha Watson, Esq. HAWM, PLLC Please submit your letters to letters@hawmlaw.com. Each month a reader’s selection will be chosen for response.

Dear Lawyer: I am from a rural community in Jamaica and I have been living in the United States for the last ten years. I fled to the US after my partner was attacked and murdered by a relative who discovered we were in a homosexual relationship. At the time my life was in danger, however I believe things have improved and I would like to go and visit my sick grandmother. I am in a new relationship and we would like to get married, but I am not sure whether I would be able to get my green card. Can you please advise?

From Hopefully Gay

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.

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

ZORA! Festival celebrates Rhythms of the Diaspora in 2015

Dear Hopefully Gay:

T

Whether the climate towards homosexuals in Jamaica he nine-day celebration of art, literature, film and music fea has changed or not is argument for great debate. Howtures performances by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly on Januever, the law in the United States and most recently in Florida will allow you to accomplish some of your goals. ary 31, Najee on February 1 and much more. The 26th annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival of Arts and Humanities (ZORA! FestiGay couples are now entitled to the same federal ben- val) promises an exciting nine-day celebration based on the theme efits, including immigration benefits, as heterosexual “Rhythms of the Diaspora,” from January 24 to February 1 in couples since the US Supreme Court struck down the Eatonville and other venues in the Orlando metropolitan area.

Defense of Marriage Act. That being said, your new partner can file an immigration petition on your behalf once you have entered into a valid marriage. This requires you to get married in one of the thirty-six (36) states that have authorized gay marriage.

Additionally, you will of course have to meet the same requirements for obtaining a green card such as being lawfully admitted and not be inadmissible or deportable (due to, for e.g. public charge, criminal convictions, fraud, health reasons etc.) at the time of your application to

& Sari House

6100 Old Winter Garden Road • Orlando, FL 32835 Guyana, Trinidad & American Hand-made Jewelry!!

GOLD!!!

REPAIRS WHILE YOU WAIT WE BUY SCRAP JEWELRY All Your Scrap Gold Redesigned!!

Latest CD’s, DVD’s & West Indian Music Cricket Gear Available

POOJA CENTER Wedding & Janew Accessories Shalwar, Lehengas, Kurtas Children’s Clothing PUJA ITEMS & MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

LARGEST SELECTION OF MARBLE MURTIS

407-291-6900

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

5

ImmigrationINFO

TM

Immigration News for Our Community

Obama Immigration Executive Order Common Questions a work authorization card. This benefit will last for three (3) years.

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

@GailSeeram

Questions #2: When can I apply and what are the filing fees?

Answer #2: The applications or forms will be released six (6) months from President Obama’s announcement – so around AprilMay 2015, we will know the filing fees for DAP and DACA applications. Our office is working with applicants to gather supporting documents so when the applications are released, our clients will be one of the first to apply and be in front of the line.

Question #3: How do I show I paid taxes as required?

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

Answer #3: One of the requirements for Deferred Action for Parents (DAP) is showing you paid taxes as required. If you worked with a social security number or taxpayer identification number, then go to your local IRS office or go to www.irs.gov/Individuals/ Get-Transcript and get your tax transcripts and submit with your application. If you did not work or income earned not meet filing requirement to submit a tax return, then submit a notarized statement that you were not required to file a tax return.

ince President Obama announced executive action on immigration, many immigrants have been confused about the immigration benefit they will receive. In this article, we will address some of the common questions our immigration law office has received since the November 2014 announcement by President Obama. Read our full article on President Obama Question #4: What if I have a removal order but qualify for Deexecutive action on immigration at: http://goo.gl/7vrIJb ferred Action for Parents (DAP)?

Question #1: What legal status will I receive under President Answer #4: If your removal order was issued after January 1, 2014 Obama Immigration Executive Order? and you failed to leave the U.S. then you are considered a deportation priority. However, Deferred Action for Parents (DAP) is a disAnswer #1: Your legal status will not change. You will receive cretionary relief, meaning the immigration officer has wide discredeportation protection or “deferred action” – meaning once approved, tion whether to grant the deferred action – so worth applying. But, U.S. Immigration will not deport you. You will not receive a green if you have a criminal history, you will not qualify for the deferred card or permanent resident status. If you apply under Deferred Action action or deportation protection. for Parents (DAP) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and are approved, then you get deportation protection and Copyright © Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2015. All Rights Reserved.

MOST PEOPLE DON’T PLAN TO FAIL

(407) 924-4688

6

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Haiti 5 Years After the Earthquake Continued from page 1

ment has allocated $4 billion; $3 billion has already been spent, and the rest is dedicated spent, and the rest is dedicatedto longer-term projects.

• “It was really hard getting our hands around this,” said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-California, still, there is no doubt many lives were saved and good work was done, under daunting circumstances and in the face of overwhelming destruction.

• “Our successes far outstrip our failures,” said Beth Hogan, an administrator for USAID. Tom Adams, the State Department’s special coordinator for Haiti, conceded “it has been a challenge to impleFive years after ment certain parts of our assistance package,” but pointed to progress in job creation, health, security and agriculture.

water for their family. They watched as their fellow villagers got sick from drinking contaminated water from the river below or injured themselves climbing the mountain trying to do the same.

When they were children, Josue and Chrismedonne vowed to build a pipeline to bring that clean water down to the village, but the money was far too hard to come by.

In 2010 LaJeunesse watched the news about the Haiti earthquake from his home in Princeton, New Jersey, where he had moved in 1989. In the days to come he would learn 11 of his relatives had died in the earthquake. His daughter who was visiting family in Haiti when it hit, survived, she was one of the lucky ones. For LaJeunesse, the earthquake was a breaking point. But as a single father of four, working two jobs to get by, he felt helpless. Then his mind turned to water and the dream he’d had with his brother 40 years ago.

Over the following months, LaJeunesse raised $38,000 with students at Princeton to build the pipeline that would bring clean water to La Source. Raising the money was only the beginning. Building the pipeline would prove immensely challenging and take the strength of the entire village to accomplish. Yet eventually, it came to be.

• The USAID list of expenditures includes: emergency food for 4 million, temporary shelter for 1.5 million, 2.7 million cubic meters of rubble removed, 600 classrooms created, construction of a power plant for a new U.S.-brokered factory park, support for 160 health clinics, funding to arrest a cholera outbreak that killed nearly 9,000, better technology for farmers, and the creation of permanent housing is often cited as a bright spot.

• The American Red Cross released a breakdown of spending and plans for $488 million in donations collected in the last five years — from solar-powered street lights and mountains of mosquito nets to 5,300 units of blood and $10 million to reconstruct St. Michel Hospital. A $22 million, 300-bed teaching hospital in Mirebalais, built and run by Partners in Health Last but not least is the story of Josue LaJeunesse who works as a janitor at Princeton University. He has worked at Princeton University for the past 20 years, keeping the dormitories and lecture halls spotless for Ivy League students and he also works as a taxi driver at night. But it’s what he’s done thousands of miles away that will amaze you most.

Life in a tent

“Do you feel proud?” we ask LaJeunesse after seeing all he has done for his village. “I’m proud for the people there but not proud for myself,” he said. The people of La Source are the ones, he says, that drive him to be better — to do better. He feels like he hasn’t done enough. LaJeunesse isn’t finished. Now that he’s brought water to La Source, he is working with a local charity to build a school in the village. Next, he hopes to build a clinic.

If you ask LaJeunesse where he gets the drive to work tirelessly for his people; even living thousands of miles away, his reply is: “Because I know exactly the way they suffer.”

It’s clear he has no idea how much he has eased their suffering, and in a way, given them a gift greater than water.

Although he lives in New Jersey, his heart and mind are never “The government cannot do everything,” LaJeunesse says far from Haiti, where he was born. LaJeunesse was born in La emphatically “The Haitian ... population needs to take the Source, a tiny village in the mountains to the south of the is- responsibility. Everybody, you know, can help, can put land nation. hands together, all of us, because this is our country, if I can work another two jobs again to change the commuLaJeuesse tells his story about the ‘Rock’, located on top of a nity and the life of the kids for the next generation, I will. I hill is a huge cement block. That hollow, gigantic block held will do it with happiness.” something priceless for the people of La Souce: clean water.

“When I touch the water, the reservoir, I feel I touch my heart ... my own blood,” Lajeunesse told us.

Florida Supreme Court The story of how the water came to La Source is a tale of triumph over all odds and of one man’s decades-long determination.

As a young boy growing up in La Source, LaJeunesse and his brother Chrismedonne would make the treacherous three-hour climb up and down the side of a mountain to reach a spring. It was the only way they could get clean

Certified Family Mediator

Immigration, Family, Wills & Trusts, Mediation 1073 Willa Springs Drive, Suite 1017 Winter Springs. Florida 32708 esquirebrown@nadinebrownpa,com www.nadinebrownpa.com

407-678-2224 Fax: 407-788-2225

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

7

King Sporty . . .

‘Buffalo Soldier’ oel G. Williams, record producer, reggae musician passed away on January 5th 2015 in Miami Florida. The entertainment world, Jamaica and the reggae culture has lost another great one (September 19, 1943 – January 5, 2015).

Born in Portland, Jamaica he worked along with legends in the industry Clement Dood at Studio One. In 1965 he released the track “El Cid”, credited to King Sporty and Justin

8

Yap. In the early 1970s he moved to Miami, Florida and began producing music there under his Tashamba and Konduko labels. His original version of “Buffalo Soldier” was released in the late 1970s; Bob Marley first recorded the song in Miami towards the end of the Kaya tour in 1978.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Celebrates Guyana’s 45th Year as a Cooperative Republic with Our Presentation of ‘Guyana Night’ of Culture, Music, Dance and Entertainment

At the Rotary Club on Kirkman Drive February 21st 2015 • 7:00 pm to 2:00 am

Admission $40 Includes dinner with a cash bar For tickets please call Vanessa at 407-325-5466 or Andy at 407-694-7497 or Michelle at 321-946-7373 Proceeds go to help the Association to make a difference in the lives of our fellow citizens locally and internationally

NEWS MAGAZINE Presents

Established in 2010, the Caribbean American Passport seeks to recognize and showcase the Caribbean American Community in Florida. The Caribbean American Awards seeks to reward the people and businesses that are models of excellence and serve as a shining example of the heights that Caribbean Americans should aspire to climb.

SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR POLITICIAN OF THE YEAR COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD HEALTH PROFESSIONAL ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR BOB MARLEY “LEGENDS” AWARD

PLEASE MAKE YOUR NOMINATION UTILIZING EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING MEDIA PLATFORMS: • Email to CAPNominations@Caribbeanamericanpassport.com • Visit our website at www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com and select the ‘Nominations’ Tab • Mail your nomination to CAP Nominations at 1969 S. Alafaya Trail, Ste # 133, Orlando FL 32828 ALL NOMINATIONS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: 1. Your name 2. Your email address (or mailing address) 3. Your telephone number 4. The name of the Nominee 5. The category under which you are submitting the candidate 6. A brief letter/bio/explanation as to why you are nominating the candidate with supporting references.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 1-877-220-8315

Make your nomination by visiting www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

9

DELANCYHILL, P.A. JOINS HAMILTON MILLER BIRTHISEL, LLP elancyhill, P.A., a litigation and transactional boutique law firm established in 2001, has expanded its Florida and international presence by joining Hamilton Miller Birthisel, a trial law firm specializing in insurance defense and coverage, premises liability, medical and professional liability, labor and employment, admiralty and maritime, construction, and complex business litigation. The strategic alliance will continue Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel’s rise as the largest blackowned and one of the most diverse law firms in the State of Florida and the Caribbean region.

The founding members of delancyhill, Michelle Delancy and Marlon Hill, each have 20 years of local and international law firm experience. Delancy and Hill join Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel as partners. “This alliance not only enhances the services we now offer to our growing client base in the U.S. and the Caribbean, delancyhill brings a solid corporate transactional and government law practice with a duo of attorneys who are perfectly aligned with our core

10

values,” said Jerr y Hamilton, managing partner of Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel.

“We are delighted to join Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel. We can now leverage our success as a boutique law firm by merging with an established mid-sized firm experiencing phenomenal growth. We look forward to supporting and expanding our national and international presence with the deeper resources of Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel,” said Hill who has 20 years of corporate law and transactional experience, combined with a background in international business transactions, intellectual property and government law.

“There are considerable synergies between the two firms that will allow us to serve our clients in Florida and the Caribbean with efficiency, responsiveness, exceptional resources, and a multicultural team,” said Delancy, who for 20 years has been a trial lawyer in Florida in the areas of complex commercial litigation, administrative law, and construction defense.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

NEWS MAGAZINE

FebRUARY 28, 2015 5:00 pm tO 8:00 pm

For More Information Call 1-877-220-8315 www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

11

By Kamal Abdool he best Muslim I ever knew was my father Tony Abdool. that we should scratch off the Adam and Eve answers as well.

My father didn’t have to grow a long beard or dress in He told me I was an idiot and troublemaker At ten years old, Middle Eastern clothes and shout to others he’s a Mus- the die was cast. This religion business was not for me. lim. People knew he was a man of Faith by his actions.

Over the years I’ve been labelled a troublemaker by religious From his limited resources he assisted others in greater need.He zealots. An Iman once told me if I followed Islam there’ll be 72 was there for fellow villagers and extended a guiding hand. virgins waiting for me in Heaven. I asked a simple logical quesNever once I’ve heard him condemn another man’s religion. tion. Are they Male or Female? Have you got the translation He spoke of what is good about his beloved Islam. correct. Could it be one virgin 72 years old?

The centerpiece of our living room was the famed bookcase. Books One of the reasons I left Trinidad is that I observed the Muson Science, History, Health and yes Religion. On the top shelf were lims becoming more militant and in your face. Saudi Arabia the Quran, the Bible was spreading their and the Gita. I have oil dollars and their wonderful memories of twisted view of Islam. my father and his The subsequent 1990 Hindu friend, Narine coup validated my Siewdass, reading the fears. America, with Gita. I listened and learnt from their discussion. its constitutional enshrined freedom to worship or not to worship, attracted me. The challenge is that I’ve ran into even more There were times during my childhood I picked up the Holy religious nuts here.

Books and perused the contents. Read simpler and illustrative books on Christianity. I never felt or got that calling. I’ve People of faith have a difficult time comprehending that not watched pictures of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden - two everyone needs religion or the stories surrounding religion. We perfect white people. As a child of eight/nine years old I thought are also good people who help others in this life. So many are something is wrong with this picture. Even the wings were white. preparing for the next life that they forget to live this life.

The people I knew were brown or black.

I enjoy prayer meetings with my Muslim, Christian and Hindu I attended an Islamic elementary school in San Fernando. Part friends, singing hymns and bhajans, Christmas carols. The stoof the curriculum was a booklet entitled Muslim ries of Adam and Eve, Noah and Moses parting the Red Sea or Catechism. During a religious instruction period My Standard the Pacific .... If it makes you a better person, go for it.

Four teacher, Mr Malcolm Bagoo, read questions and answers from the booklet. One of the questions - Is Jesus the Son of You want to show me a Rock and state that’s your God and all God? Answer - No, Jesus was a Messenger of God. power is within that Rock. Wonderful! I have no problem standing beside you as you pray to that Rock.

Mr Bagoo, a Christian, said Christians believe that Jesus was the Son of God and to scratch off that answer. I told my teacher The Challenge is when you pick up the Rock and throw it at me.

My father didn’t have to grow a long beard or dress in Middle Eastern clothes and shout to others he’s a Muslim.

12

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Martin Luther King . . . I have a Dream Continued from pg 1

impossible goals. He went on to lead similar campaigns against day required-reading in universities worldwide. poverty and international conflict, always maintaining fidelity • Later in 1963, Dr. King was one of the driving forces behind to his principles that men and women everywhere, regardless of the March for Jobs and Freedom, more commonly known as color or creed, are equal members of the human family. the “March on Washington,” which drew over a quarter-million people to the national mall. It was at this march that Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Nobel Peace Prize Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, lecture and “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” are among the most which cemented his status as a social change leader and revered orations and writings in the English language. His achelped inspire the nation to act on civil rights. Dr. King was complishments are now taught to American children of all races, later named Time magazine’s “Man of the Year.” and his teachings are studied by scholars and students world- • In 1964, at 35 years old, Martin Luther King, Jr. became the youngwide. He is the only non-president to have a national holiday est person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. His acceptance speech in dedicated in his honor, and is the only non-president memorialOslo is thought by many to be among the most powerful reized on the Great Mall in the Nation’s Capital. He is memorialmarks ever delivered at the event, climaxing at one point with ized in hundreds of statues, parks, streets, squares, churches and the oft-quoted phrase “I believe that unarmed truth and unconother public facilities around the world as a leader whose teachditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right ings are increasingly-relevant to the progress of humankind. temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.”

• Also in 1964, partly due to the March on Washington, ConSome of Dr. King’s most important achievements include: gress passed the landmark Civil Rights Act, essentially eliminating legalized racial segregation in the United States. The • In 1955, he was recruited to serve as spokesman for the Montlegislation made it illegal to discriminate against blacks or gomery Bus Boycott, which was a campaign by the Africanother minorities in hiring, public accommodations, educaAmerican population of Montgomery, Alabama to force intion or transportation, areas which at the time were still very tegration of the city’s bus lines. After 381 days of nearly unisegregated in many places. versal participation by citizens of the black community, many • The next year, 1965, Congress went on to pass the Voting Rights of whom had to walk miles to work each day as a result, the Act, which was an equally-important set of laws that elimiU.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in transnated the remaining barriers to voting for African-Americans, portation was unconstitutional. who in some locales had been almost completely disenfran• In 1957, Dr. King was elected president of the Southern Chrischised. This legislation resulted directly from the Selma to tian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organization designed Montgomery, AL March for Voting Rights lead by Dr. King. to provide new leadership for the now burgeoning civil rights • Between 1965 and 1968, Dr. King shifted his focus toward movement. He would serve as head of the SCLC until his economic justice – which he highlighted by leading several assassination in 1968, a period during which he would campaigns in Chicago, Illinois – and international peace – emerge as the most important social leader of the modern which he championed by speaking out strongly against the American civil rights movement.

Vietnam War. His work in these years culminated in the “Poor • In 1963, he led a coalition of numerous civil rights groups in a Peoples Campaign,” which was a broad effort to assemble a nonviolent campaign aimed at Birmingham, Alabama, which multiracial coalition of impoverished Americans who would at the time was described as the “most segregated city in America.” advocate for economic change.

The subsequent brutality of the city’s police, illustrated most viv- • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s less than thirteen years of nonvioidly by television images of young blacks being assaulted by dogs lent leadership ended abruptly and tragically on April 4th, and water hoses, led to a national outrage resulting in a push for 1968, when he was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memunprecedented civil rights legislation. It was during this camphis, Tennessee. Dr. King’s body was returned to his homepaign that Dr. King drafted the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” town of Atlanta, Georgia, where his funeral ceremony was the manifesto of Dr. King’s philosophy and tactics, which is toattended by high-level leaders of all races and political stripes.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

13

14

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

15

Local Cricket rlando Softball Cricket League had a successful presentation dance. Dave, “Radiator,” Singh headed the fundraising and was instrumental in raising funds for OSCL. A few weeks later the Annual General Meeting was convened.

International Cricket

New Zealand adjusted well at Sharjah to level the three test series 1-1 vs Pakistan. They went on to take series 3-2 even as Sharjah is Pakistan’s backyard. The Kiwis then rolled on to defeat Sri Lanka in the first two tests by eight wickets and then by 193 runs. Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum scored heavily for New Zealand. Easily the best year for the Kiwis in Test cricket. Possibly ominous for World Cup.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, 36 years old, is contemplating quitting the game after the 2015 World Cup. A modern great, he belongs to the elite list of batsmen to score 10000 runs in both Tests and In 2014 Phil Hughes, Australian Test cricketer, was hit in the ODIs. He holds the numneck by a bouncer delivered by Sean Abbott in a local match. ber 1 ranking in Tests and Phil underwent emergency surgery but succumbed soon after.

Kumar Sangakkara stands only behind Don Medical authorities attributed the death as a result of the ball compressing the arteries of the neck. A rare injury, only a hun- Bradman in the number of double-centuries scored in Test cricket dred in recorded medical history and only the second in cricket. (10). He scored the fastest 1200 runs in Tests cricket and has a He was loved by former players and fans alike. Test matches batting average in Tests of 58.66 runs; Tendulkar’s average is 53.78, he is easily Sri Lanka’s greatest ever….he has my nod. against India were postponed.

In their heyday of the 1980s, West Indies feasted on a wealth of fast bowlers. Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Colin Croft and later Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner and Bishop were notables. They were intimidating to the point of injuring many batsmen. Subsequently, the ICC ruled that fast bowlers were limited to one bouncer per over.

Sri Lanka toured India last month and the Indians were not good neighbors, dispatching Sri lanka in all five one day internationals.

Rohit Sharma created history by becoming the only batsman to score two double centuries in ODIs....209 and 246. 246 surpassed Virender Sewhag’s 219. Then India promptly lost to their other neighbor, Australia. Australia batted first amassing 517 for 7 declared, then 290 for 6 declared. Michael Clark 128, SPD Smith 162. India’s replied with 444 and 315 all out. Virat Kohli hit two centuries but many Indian bowlers and batsmen were found wanting. NM lyon spun his way to 12wickets. Captain Michael Clarke has ruled himself out for the rest of the series due to back and hamstring problems. SPD Smith took over as captain and feasted on the Indian bowlers mercilessly, completely changing the tone in this series putting the Indians on the defensive. He scored 769 runs in the series. Virat Kholi also captaining the final Test, scored 692 runs in the series. Australia won the series 2-0.

India managed to hang on to draw the final two tests. Of course many pundits question India’s bowling attack.

England toured Sri Lanka and lost five of the seven ODIs. We expect England to fare better in the World Cup. They are experimenting with different players and combinations. Sri Lanka on the other hand are getting the heavy lifting from the veteran batsmen, Sangakarra, Matthews, and Jayawardene and spin from Rangana Herath.

After their debacle in India (abandoning the tour) West Indies will tour South Africa without Chris Gayle. Despite his official back ailment, Gayle recently played in South Africa’s “Ram Slam T20” tournament. He has not figured in tests since 2011.

The formerly injured Chris Gayle played the first T20 for the West Indies, he crushed the powerful South Africans. After scoring 1 run in six balls, he blasted to 50 in seventeen balls, the fastest by a West Indian. He scored 77 as the Windies overtook the 165 target, an innings we would all love to see and the forlorn look on the South Africans faces as their defense succumbs. Meanwhile, prior to that T20, the South Africans demolished the West Indies in three Test series 2-0. Rain saved Breaking news!

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the West Indians in the only drawn test, with the biggies of superman of India, quit South Africa, Hashim Amla, AB deVilliers, and A N Peterson Test cricket after the first scoring heavily. And the only pace attack in the world to rival three Tests in Australia. the Aussies- Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn. Newcomer JO He was referred to as ‘Su- Holder seems to be a bright spot for the West Indies. perman’ because he was captain, wicketkeeper and batsman. It is not easy to captain India; 1.2 billion fanatic fans scrutinizing every single asMS Dhoni pect of the game. Acquitting himself very well under very trying conditions in England, he experienced a drop of form in Australia. A good World Cup will cap off a stunning career. I consider Dhoni to be India’s greatest cricketer ever. He has played so many gritty innings, then completely turning the match around. He followed the winning tone set by Kapil Dev, Azharuddin, Ganguly; captains before him.

South Africa toured Australia in November and in this fiercely fought ODIS series lost to the Aussies four to one.

16

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Fit Like A Ras

By Jeremy Roberts - NASM

New Years Resolutions

ell, is dat time a year: HAPPY NEW YEAR! Time fuh end of the year. Yuh should also know how you react to someparty, or rather, since it gone be well into de year by de thing like not achieving the goal. Do you consider yuhself a time unna/wunna/allyuh/ahyuh read dis, is more like natural optimist or pessimist? Tek one of the many online quiztime fuh refleck pon de pas’ year and see whuh zes to find out fuh sure. Optimists will yuh wan do different in de likely tek failure to achieve the goal current one. In odda words, as simply a meaagethat they need to time fuh resolutions. try harder, or do something different.

Pessimists are likely to read failure as Nuff people does mek fun of resolua sign that the goal is something tions, and wid good reason. As most that’s impossible for them. regular gym goers can attest, January is de mos’ crowded month in de The usual goal settin’ strategies apgym. As a regular, me and de oddas ply: mek dem realistic, make sure you does used to mek fun of the phenomcould measure de goal, follow up the enon, and it’s a standing joke. Howgoal wid a WRITTEN plan. Since it ever, dese days, ah does tek a differgon tek wuk, yuh need to really limit ent view of tings. how many resolutions/goals/plans/ missions you set. If yuh doin’ more People genuinely wan’ mek some than one, prioritise them. changes, and health and weight management is always de #1 resolution I think the two biggest, most imporpeople does mek. And dey invariably tant things you can do are (1) share the goals with someone or don’ achieve what dey were tryin’ to. I feel dat now dat ise a some others and (2) have those folks hold you accountable. “fitness puffessional”, I should be lookin’ more into WHY dis Checking in with these people should be part of your plan. If does happen, and see how I and I could help. you and someone else or some other people travelling the same road, all the better. As far as fitness goes, I suggest getting a Fus ting is, why even mek a resolution? Nowadays, it seem like personal trainer to help. Aside from the knowledge, the PT will everybody doin’ everything BUT mekkin’ resolutions. Some definitely be holding you accountable, and should be aware of people mekkin’ “plans”, some settin “goals”, some deh pon a all the reasons why people fail to meet their health and fitness “mission”. Whatever. To I, is all de same. goal year after year. A good one will be able to figure out how to get you past those barriers.

There are lots of articles on the web that “explain” why resolutions don’t “work”. I have my own opinions, naturally. I feel Good luck for 2015. de fus ting people need to do is …. know yuhself. To be more clear, have a real solid understanding of the path you done GT Dread is an NASM-CPT, who competes in Masters Track, Field Hockey trod, where yuh at now, an’ where yuh really wan’ be by the and Weightlifting. He can be contacted at fitlikearas@gmail.com

Find Caribbean Restaurants, Plumbers, Events, Discount Coupons, Deals and Much More! www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

17

Memories of a Cricket Lover

By Tony Deyal n the late 1940s and early 50s, little boys of East Indian descent in Trinidad played cricket. Football was too “rough” and dangerous. It was the “boom kick” era or what my Siparia neighbor, “Daddy” Bholes described as, “You go with a crook stick, plant it in the ground, put your head on it like if you gone to an optician and then move it from side to side to follow the ball.” While I eventually played football and even coached it, cricket was ingrained. It was and continues to be my game.

paper, “The Guardian”. “That’s an absolute fabrication of the truth,” he said stridently. “It was 53 cans.” This love of beer is what has prompted the Aussie riddle, “What’s the difference between Aussies and pigs?” Pigs don’t turn into Aussies when they’re drunk. Aussies, however, are credited with something called “The Beer Prayer”. It goes like this, “Our Lager, Which art in barrels, Hallowed be thy drink, Thy will be drunk, At home as if in tavern. Give us this day our foamy head, And forgive us our spillages, As we forgive those who spill against us. And lead us not to incarceration, But deliver us from hangovers, For thine is the beer, the bitter, the lager, For ever and ever, Barmen.”

A few nights ago, looking at Australia continue its domination of India and its new Captain, Steve Smith, make another century, I dipped into the scrapbook of reminiscence and opened the floodgates of recall.

Because Australia was first settled by convicts from England who were the original POHMs (Prisoners Of Her Majesty), people still make jokes about the antecedents of Australians. A visitor was once stopped by an Immigration Officer as he was entering the Sydney International Airport. “Do you have a crimiI remember a big fund-raising function for Courtney Walsh in nal record?” the Officer asked. The visitor replied, “I didn’t Jamaica about eleven years ago. I remember thinking at the know you still needed one.” I am sure the Indians now being time that, fortunately, it was not a “Singles” event. Had it been trounced by Australia would love this joke seeing that they one, Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and several of the West In- cannot take their revenge with bat and ball.

A few nights ago, looking at Australia continue its domination of India and its new Captain, Steve Smith, make another century, I dipped into the scrapbook of reminiscence and opened the floodgates of recall. dian top-order batsmen would not have been invited because they had and continue to have a serious problem with singles and resist any dealings with them. Worse, telling them at that time to “rotate the strike” seems to have been interpreted as turning the bat around in their hands so that the ball came off the back instead of the front.

On the plus side I remember hearing from a Jamaican friend and West Indies cricket fanatic who called me from Kingston after the event. He said that the only bright spot was the assertion by Ricky Ponting, the Australian Captain, that his team attended the Courtney Walsh event to see for themselves if Walsh had really retired from the game.

Some people see the Aussie toughness as a virtue.

John Philip Kemble (1757 – 1823) the famous British actor and theatrical manager was once in a conversation with a gentleman who had just returned from a visit to Sydney and who spoke about the growth of the theatre in Australia. “Yes,” remarked Kemble, “the performers ought to be all good, for they have been selected and sent to that situation by very excellent judges.” In fact, there are many people who believe that the “sledging” in which Australian cricketers indulge, and which generally goes unpunished, is part of that heritage.

However, they are not the only ones to sledge and there are times when we West Indians out sledge them. In an English county game, England fast-bowler Greg Thomas attempted to sledge Vivian Richards who had played at, and missed, several balls in a row. He sneered at Richards and taunted, “It’s red, round and weighs about five ounces, in case you It was a great gesture by a team, and a people, whose reputa- were wondering.” Richards hammered the next delivery out tion is built on tough, dour, uncompromising stubbornness and of the cricket grounds and into a nearby river. Turning to the a love for beer. There was a rumour that David (Boonie) Boon, bowler, he commented, “Greg, you know what it looks like, the Tasmanian who became one of Australia’s best-known and now go and find it. best-loved cricketers, drank an astonishing 47 beers on a flight between England and Australia. Merv Hughes, former Aus- *Tony Deyal was last seen saying that we need fans like Mr. tralian fast-bowler, and Steve Waugh’s favourite animal, de- O’Connor who listening to cricket from Australia in Trinidad nied that the Boon report was true. “Where did you get that at three in the morning said, “The only reason they beat we is story from?” Hughes demanded of Jim White of the British because we not accustom to playing in the night.”

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!

18

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

SUPERFOODS According to research Superfoods are foods that are high in antioxidants and packed with vitamins and minerals. lueberries always top the list of superfoods because they are high in antioxidants and rich in vitamin A, C and E. Blueberries are also rich in minerals such as, zinc, selenium and phosphorous It is very easy to include blueberries in your healthy lifestyle because you can add them to your morning smoothie, or your oatmeal. You can also include them in your bowl of fruits, or your salad.

Kale is high in antioxidants. According to research one cup of kale has 0 grams of fat and only 36 calories. Kale is great to add to your salad, or soup. You can also add kale to your smoothie.

Kiwi is considered another superfruit because it contains a wide range of nutrients. According to research Kiwi has more vitamin C than an orange. Kiwi is also a good source of vitamin E. You can add kiwi to your smoothie or make a fruit juice with kiwi.

Kale is a super green leaf. Kale is rich in vitamin A, K and C.

Quinoa is another superfood. It is high in protein and gluten free. Quinoa has a low glycemic index because it is a complex carb-ohydrate. You can use Quinoa to make a salad or cook it as a substitute for rice.

Take advantage of the wonderful health benefits of these Superfoods and add them to your shopping list the next time you go shopping.There are some quick and easy recipes with these Superfoods to help give you a jump-start to a healthy lifestyle in my Recipe for Life vegan/vegetarian cookbook. To order visit www.sandimorais.net

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

19

Top 5 Video Picks 1 Artist: Ravi B Title: “Dulahin”

Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Ravi B sets off 2015 with the brand new Chutney Soca record entitled Dulahin just in time for TNT Carnival. The GBM produced track has been heating up the dance scenes with countless remixes on the airwaves. Dori Productions directed the video. For more information and tour dates for Ravi B and Karma Band log on to Karma Band’s official website www.karma holics.com Look out for the 2015 Chutney Brass Concert in Orlando, he might be on the bill.

2 Artist: 5Star Akil Title: “Island Adventure”

Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: With Carnival season quickly approaching, 5Star Akil maintains his position in the soca arena to keep the vibes moving. His new video entitled Island Adventure shows clips of media talking about cancelling carnival in TNT due to Ebola. Even though Ebola has disappeard, the carnival spirit has not. The video is upbeat and shows carnival at its finest with scenes from mass during this festive period. For more information on 5Star Akil follow him on twitter @5starAkil

3 Artist: Fadda Fox Title: “Ducking”

Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Ducking is one of the biggest soca songs tune to date equipped with a dance where party people are “ducking” the video lights and paparazzi trying to catch a quick wine. Ducking took the Soca scene by storm during Crop Over in Barbados and Miami carnival 2014. The official video dropped last month is being greatly accepted by viewers outside the Caribbean. For more information on Fadda Fox you can find him on Instagram and Facebook @faddafox. Look out for more of his hits on the way.

4 Artist: Gully Bop Title: “Dem nuh bad like me”

Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: From rags to riches, dancehall’s hottest artist is on top of the world. It all started from a cellphone video that went viral of Gully Bop freestyling in the streets of Jamaica where it clearly shows Mr. Bop down on his luck as a vagabond, but that changed almost immediately as he is one of the most sought-after artist by promoters. Gully Bop was recently dropped by his management which disabled his social media accounts, but it doesn’t seem disturbed by the mishap because he didn’t have any social media to begin with. Big up Gully Bop.

5 Artist: Benjai Title: “All”

Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Benjai is one of the most lyrically savvy artist to rise in the Soca scene within the last decade. Ever since “Whine to the Side’ was released in 2011, it still plays during carnival season everywhere. Mr. Swankie is back dropping the new video “All” on the Limerz riddim.

The video was directed by Leroy Smart and shot exclusively in Trinidad letting everyone know that “Alladem girl” is his. Look out for the new track entitled phenomenal on the new Kan Kan riddim. For more information on Benjai, you can follow him on twitter @Benjaiswankie.

For more information log on to Junglevibes.tv/Top5 or if you would like to submit your video for review, contact Rali at 407-625-2861 or via email at Junglevibestv@gmail.com

20

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Richard M. Powell

Athlete, Investor, and Philanthropist . . .

AP News Magazine had the distinct opportunity to interview Richard Powell and get to know the man behind the headlines, the personality behind all the press releases and we are proud to report . . . he’s all that they printed and published and more.

is the 7,000 jobs that have been created across the globe, but primarily in America.

Now reading the above paragraphs and getting an idea about the financial capabilities and brilliance of Richard Powell and his partner, Frantz Alphonse, one would think it’s all about making the money . . . ”show me the money” . . . wrong!

Richard Powell was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica and he is absolutely passionate about his purpose, his misRichard’s greatest passion is not maksion and his vision and it shows. Riching money but rather economic emard is the proud son of a mechanical powerment, and understanding the engineer father (Richard Sr.) and an acgame of creating wealth. He believes countant mother (Hazel), maybe that’s that it is his mission in this life to share where he got his love for numbers. Rithat understanding. Richard has emchard describes his childhood, as any barked on his mission to educate over other young man growing up in the 10 million youths in developing counCaribbean: playing sports, spending tries around the world with the basic quality time with family and doing knowledge of creating and understandtypical boyish things like making sling ing wealth. He believes that through shots to shoot birds or trees with hangeducation there is economic empowering fruits. However, within that childment; it is also his mission to create over hood was the ‘brought-up-cy’ (up bringa million new jobs in predominantly ing) that might have made the differemerging markets around the world. ence between Richard being just Richard Powell, Jamaican athlete/sportsRichard M. Powell Richard shared a few gems with me man and him being Richard Powell, athlete, successful investor and philanthropist, on the cover that I want to pass on the readers of this article: of INC Magazine in 2000 at the age of 21 years old. Richard’s parents believed in the need to push their children to aim • Be passionate about personal growth and learning new things for the sky; nothing was out of their reach if they were will- • Surround yourself with good mentors ing to make the sacrifice.

• Avoid negative useless information and people Richard left Campion College in Kingston half way through • Dream big….Only dreamers have changed the world his A-Level program to take up a football (soccer)/academic scholarship at the Philips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts • Never let temporary failures stop you from reaching your goals (in-case you didn’t know, this was the school that produced several US Presidents and senators). This was followed by a full He added that the keys to his success were supportive famscholarship to Harvard University, where he graduated with a ily/friends that empowered him, faith in something bigger, degree in economics and took a job in the emerging markets in a higher power, and a fire/intensity/passion/desire to group at Bear Stearns, after a short stint in corporate finance manifest the goals you set for yourself. Richard’s latest unat UBS Warburg. dertaking is with regards to changing the way we give in the Caribbean. Richard is the co-chair of Nexus Caribbean, a In 2002, Richard M Powell and Harvard Business School network which connects the next generation of philanthroalumnus Frantz Alphonse teamed up to create AP Capital pists with social entrepreneurs and impact investment funds Partners (APCP), a middle market private equity firm. to create greater net impact. To learn more go to www.

Powell, then 33 and mature beyond his years, was senior thempgroup.com/nexus managing director in charge of capital raising and Fortune 500 sales outreach. Let’s add some shock value to this In closing: prior to this interview with Richard I did my rearticle……upon flipping through the documents on AP’s search to get some background as to the person behind the financials, US$300 million plus capital base, built up over headlines; I expected to be faced with an individual who would less than a decade; this should give you some idea about have a sense of privilege, accomplishment, and superiority . . . the share genius behind this partnership. Another propi- I was soooo wrong. I met a man, a young, proud Caribbean tious balance sheet line item is the US$1.4 billion combined man, who has humbly acknowledged not only his success and consolidated gross revenue that the various companies in his accomplishments, but his role and responsibility as a menwhich the equity fund holds majority and controlling stakes, tor and an educator, and strongly believes that it is his mission produced in 2010. A welcome byproduct of this enterprise to ‘Play it Forward’.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

21

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?”

Kimberly R. Stewart KRS Wealth Management 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year was in the thick of birthday month celebration in Wesley Chapel with my family when the pop up news feed and notification came across. The Facebook newsfeed said “Kimberly R Stewart just learned that she has been named the 2015 Eagle Awards Entrepreneur of the Year”.

Attempting to focus on the detailed décor - (the table dressed in passion purple with silver traced plates and laminate stem glasses) but all I could think about was what a perfect moment for a toast, yes I was so proud until we toasted this iconic woman’s accomplishment in her absence. Life is about friends who are friends in the absence of physical presence….this was definitely one of the moments in the spirit.

Kimberly is by far one of the most genuine and stylish women that I know – her huge smile and manicured look is a blessing encounter after encounter. Although her passion and expertise is fiscal soundness she is very concerned with improving the quality of life for the less fortunate and gives back in strategic ways to organizations that do, live and advance the mission of helping others. Kimberly and her knowledge on wealth management is equivalent to an icon rock star and we’re all playing her song “You Go Girl…. You’re an IT Girl and You ARE the Leading Lady”. It’s with pride and honor that she is the Eagle Award 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year.

Kimberly R. Stewart

The spirit let’s hang our thoughts there for a moment and talk about the spirit of Kimberly. Kimberly, President of KRS Wealth Management LLC, is a no nonsense, business woman who is brilliantly beautiful and a high performer - she is the go to, get it done wealth management steam roller.

www.krswm.com.

I first encountered Kimberly a few years back downtown Lake Eola when she invited local business women to a business after hours. It was her professional passionate plea that we all take a close look at our current financial status and a look at where we could go with properly money management and investing.

It was the day that changed my thought process forever. Helping people create financial stability and security to provide financial independence is what motivates Kimberly. She is passionate about helping individuals make sense of their financial picture. She enjoys helping others become financially literate and conducts seminars on the importance of investing for the future. She has the ability to impart this knowledge to individuals in an understandable, non-intimidating, fun, and motivational manner.

Kimberly R. Stewart has over 17 years of financial services experience and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, Professional and a Chartered Life Underwriter. Before she founded KRS Wealth Management, Kimberly worked for Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., State Farm, and Edward Jones.

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Kimberly has been a resident of Central Florida for over 25 years. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and a member of the United Negro College Fund Advisory Council. Her passions beyond the world of finance include traveling, music, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

22

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

KRS Management is built on a solid foundation of excellent client service and in-depth market knowledge. Discover your financial gateway at

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

23

MICHAEL A. MILLS, LLC YOUR INJURY ASSISTANCE LAW FIRM

We are here for you!

823 N. Thornton Avenue • Orlando, Florida 32803 20 3rd Street SW, Suite 302 • Winter Haven, Florida 33880 Office 321-234-2900 • Fax 866-941-5780 Call 1-800-8-INJURY from the Accident Scene www.injuryassistance.org 24

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com