CAP News Magazine May 2011

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NEWS MAGAZINE Caribbean Airlines set to operate from Orlando this summer!

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his summer, Caribbean Airlines will be operating a special service from a third Florida destination. In addition to Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, customers can book flights for the months of July and August to get to the Caribbean via MCO International Airport in Orlando, Florida.

The Sound, The Color, The Frenzy . . .

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Carnival!

arnival is Coming Memorial Weekend, May 29 2011 at Festival Park.

Win a Trip to the Caribbean on Caribbean Airlines go to www.facebook.com orlandocarnival for contest information.

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The Caribbean Airlines summer service from Orlando, Florida will operate twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays) from Orlando’s MCO International Airport for the months of July and August. In addition to this direct service, passengers have the option of purchasing all-inclusive packages to customize their own Disney vacation on the Caribbean Airlines website (www. caribbean-air lines .com). “We are excited about presenting our customers with yet another option when they are planning for that very special family vacation,” stated Laura Asbjornsen, Caribbean Airlines Head of Corporate Communications.

“Caribbean holiday makers can now connect to Piarco International Airport from the other Caribbean islands we service, and get directly to Orlando.

In addition to the well known Orlando attractions such as Walt Disney World, shopping trips are

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L I F E S T Y L E

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ello Caribbean Family, Welcome to the special all roads lead to Carnival issue of CAP News Magazine, We’re proud to let you know that during this month and next month we will be producing two special issues - back to back, first the Carnival issue and then the Heritage Month issue. Both issues will be 10,000 copies and we’re hoping to have an all color issue for Caribbean American Heritage Month. We encourage you to visit our facebook page - www.facebook.com/capnews magazine - so that you are kept up to date with the events in the community and you could add event photos for us to showcase.

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

Caribbean American Passport will be everywhere over the next 45 days, starting with the Media Launch of Carnival this Thursday as we get ready for Carnival begin in two weeks on Memorial Weekend Sunday. Jump into Carnival, show your colors and get your flags waving as we prepare to showcase our Culture throughout the month of June. Orlando Carnival will provide a fantastic Kick off into the Celebrations for Caribbean American Heritage Month as Caribbean friends and family take to the streets of Orlando. I, of course love the food at all the festivals so for me it will be an opportunity to eat bake and salt fish, drink coconut water, eat fudge, green mango with salt and pepper and drink fresh cane juice to cool my mouth down. At the Curry Duck Curry Competition I did that in 1 hour.

Shameful yes, but oh so good!

On June 4th, we’ll be celebrating the Launch of Caribbean American Heritage Month with an Opening Reception at Circa Restaurant in Winter Park. We plan to toast the Sponsors and Associations who took up the mantle to work to create a Caribbean American Heritage Month that you can be proud to attend. I spent my birthday at Circa this year and was treated like a Queen, my daughter asked me “who wants to be a Queen these days when the Monarchy is only symbolic,” she said that she’d rather be treated like a Prime Minister and have some power - symbolic or not I’ll take my royal treatment any time, so I’ll be there on June 4th and every birthday hereafter.

The Caribbean American Heritage Month Committee invites you to our Caribbean Reception in Honor of the Associations, Sponsors & Supporters of Caribbean American Heritage Month Activities in Central Florida Saturday June 4th, 2011, 3pm at the Circa Restaurant

Caribbean people, the month of June is yours, we have a list of activities that will suit almost everyone, please get involved in some way - whether it’s as a volunteer or visitor, the people who work hard to keep your culture alive here need your support and encouragement. Share their events with others, take your family and friends out and introduce them to the Caribbean Restaurants in your area. I’d like to leave you with my personal motto “ One Caribbean, we’re only divided by water.” We’re a crazy mixture of races, cultures and religions but we combine to make a fantastic, interesting beautiful Caribbean Culture. Be proud.

Cocktails & Registration, 4pm Reading of the Proclamation $35.00 per ticket Limited Tickets Available

RSVP byTelephone: 407-245-7316

By Email: guenet@ggrmarketing.com

GGR Marketing & Public Relations 1969 Alafaya Trail, Suite 133 • Orlando, Fl 32828 407.421.8118 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor .............................................................................Audrey Johnson Contributing Writers: ................................................. Natasha Gittens . .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell ................................... ........................................................ Gail Seeram ................... ............................................... Natasha Waldron-Anthony Contributing Photographers .......................................... Sandra Fatmi ................................................................................................ Khayyam ............................................... ........................................... Sandy Isaacs Copyright (C) 2010 GGR Marketing & Public Relations All rights reserved.

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Janet Bryant Valencia College’s Unofficial Ambassador

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ifty-five year old Janet Bryant, a Jamaican national, has been associated with the Valencia Community College system for several years, obtaining her Associates Degree in 2004. While at Valencia, Ms. Bryant received many academic recognition, including a place on the President’s list, the National Deans list, and Who’s Who of College Students in American Junior Colleges.

A woman of great faith, purpose and an innate passion for learning, Ms. Bryant continued her association with the college as a mentor and motivator for students, especially African Americans in the Bridges to Success Program (BTS). This program encourages and nurtures academic excellence in African American students. This year, the college, along with the BTS students, celebrated the fourth annual African American Heritage and Soul Food Festival as part of Black History Month in February. And, in honor of her dedication and commitment to the progress and high achievement of African American students, the Festival was named Janet Bryant

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African American Heritage and Soul Food Festival.

Janet Bryant is a consummate volunteer, and over the years, has worked in various capacities locally, nationally as well as internationally. She has conducted after-school reading programs at the Lila Mitchell Community Center and the Boys and Girls Club, and also visited the La Curcurita area of Dominican Republic to teach English to lower income families.

As an unofficial goodwill ambassador on behalf of the college, Ms. Bryant has also taken part in honors trips to various parts of the United States as well as to Brazil and Argentina.

Although Ms. Bryant has been away from her native Jamaica for over thirty-two years, she still visits regularly and takes part in adult literacy programs in conjunction with the Anglican Church in several rural communities.

Ms. Bryant attributes her dedication to her belief that “every day of her life is significant”, and she gets strength from her firm faith and her desire to empower others.

Lester Sterling One of the Original Skatalytes in Orlando

CACCF Members at the Indian American Chamber of Commerce Expo 2011

Ralph Seeram pictured at India Fest

CAFA Jazz Luncheon recently held at the Rotary Club

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National Teen Pregnancy Awareness Month

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ay is National Teen Pregnancy Awareness Month.

The Caribbean Community Connection of Orlando, Inc brings awareness to this serious social issue each year by holding their Annual Teen Pregnancy Awareness Seminar via their Teen Dream Program. The Teen Dream Program consists of professional and social activists that support a proactive and prevention model for teens and parents head on. This event is free to teens and their parents and will be held on May 22, 2011 at the First Haitian Baptist Church located at 4701 Lenox Blvd, Orlando, Fl from 5pm7pm. Register via e-mail at ky_lilly@ hotmail.com or caribecc.org.

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2011 Women Who Mean Business Veronica Anderson named 2011 Business Owner of the Year Premium content from Orlando Business Journal

By Richard Bilbao, Staff Writer

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eronica Anderson, owner of Orlando-based law firm Anderson & Associates PA, works hard to help the local business community.

Her four-employee firm, which she started in 2000, focuses on real estate, business, government, estate planning and bankruptcy law. She got her law degree from the University of Mississippi and a bachelor’s in criminology from Florida State University.

new Amway Center, which opened last October.

The Amway Center provided more than $90 million in contracts to local businesses, including 67 African-American-owned businesses, 52 women-owned companies, 36 Hispanic-owned firms, 20 Asian-American-owned businesses and two Native American firms.

The guide also defined how the community venues projects - which include the Amway Center, the future Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and planned Citrus Bowl renovations - would generate the most economic impact, jobs and development for the surrounding community, including the historically black Parramore neighborhood.

As for why she formed her own firm: “I always was excited and awed by women who started businesses. I wondered what brave ‘stuff’ they Veronica Anderson were made of. I enjoyed helping them maneuver through government as they tried to get equal opportuni- When early versions of The Blueprint were being drafted, ties. Then one day, I found the courage to chart my own course “Veronica was the person we planned to hire to write it all beand set my own goals.” cause she had the vision,” said Orlando Commissioner Daisy Fifty-one-year-old Anderson, OrLynum, who also was involved in lando Business Journal’s 2011 the creation of The Blueprint.

Business Owner of the Year, has served or participated in groups Lynum said Anderson’s part in such as the Black Business InvestThe Blueprint was vital in its ment Fund in Orlando, the Florida Black Business Investment success in involving a large number of minority firms with Board, the African American Chamber of Commerce and the the new arena.

Florida Association of Minority Business Enterprise Officials.

Further, Lynum said she’d always want Anderson in her cor“I admire Veronica’s professional accomplishments and com- ner. “She’s a person you want to make sure is out there for you, mitment to making a significant positive impact on the com- helping to spread the importance of the participation of mimunity,” said Nancy Schwalb of Schwalb Public Relations, a nority and ethic groups in any project.” close friend to Anderson.

“. . . I found the courage to chart my own course and set my own goals.”

Anderson’s involvement with local government groups such as Orange County, the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority all helped create a better understanding of how to develop small, minority and women-owned businesses, said Schwalb.

In fact, Anderson’s community involvement can be seen every time Orlandoans go to the city’s new $380 million arena to watch the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard get a rebound or Jameer Nelson shoot a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer. Anderson helped create The Blueprint, the city of Orlando’s guide that defined how minority, women-owned and historically disadvantaged businesses could be involved in the construction of the

Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce 6th Annual Business Expo The Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce, in association with JAMPRO-Trade and Investment, Jamaica, presents the 6th annual Business Expo from May 20 -21 at the Sheraton Hotel in Dania Beach, Florida.

Among those attending are Inbound Business Exhibitors from Jamaica, International Buyers, Local Entrepreneurs, Public Officials, Major US Food, Pharmacy and Furniture Retailers, Distributors of Jamaican artwork, International Distributors of Jamaican and Caribbean products, potential investors and partners, chamber members, families, friends and guests.

The keynote speaker at the featured luncheon will be the Chairman of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) Mr. Joe Matalon. The special attractions planned for the event will be a fashion show by Break Away Moments’ Forever Paradise line, Jamaican food and beverage tasting, samples, raffles and much more.

The event is being conducted under the distinguished patronage of the Consulate General for Southern United States.

All information and further details regarding this Expo may be obtained from the website: www.jamaicausachamber.org.

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Caribbean Airlines set to operate from Orlando this summer!

— Continued from page 1 — becoming more and more common. It’s more affordable than ever to make a quick weekend trip in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami or to take advantage of our convenient schedule and spend a couple more days in Orlando,” explained the Corporate Communications Head.

Known for its all-inclusive product, Caribbean Airlines continues to offer a generous luggage policy of two bags at 50 lbs for its economy passengers with meals and in-flight entertainment on North American flights. “On a trip like this, families deserve to have a very special experience from the minute they check in until they land. No one wants surprises at the checkin counter and the airline of the Caribbean - Caribbean Airlines - is well known for its on-time-performance and exceedingly good value for money,” noted Asbjornsen.

While Orlando is well known as the home of Walt Disney World, the city boasts of excellent outlet shopping centres which are open long hours, seven days a week. Airfares to Orlando are available for sale on www.caribbean-airlines.com or at the nearest travel agent. Customers can follow the Caribbean Airlines Orlando campaign on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cal2007 and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ caribbeanairlines

To the General Guyanese Public and Our Supporters: Please be advised that the Guyanese American Cultural Association of Central Florida is not involved with the Family Fun Day being held and is free from any liability whatsoever.

George Lyking President GACACF

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President Obama fulfills another promise with the death of Bin Laden

By Roger Caldwell

hard not to trust the president. Even Al Qaeda has publicly issued a statement that Bin Laden is dead. They have confirmed here are defining moments in the information from President Obama that he is dead. each president’s term of office.

The death of Osama bin Laden President Obama could not have better timing with his anmay become the most important in- nouncement on last Sunday. The president will benefit from a cident that President Obama has new wave of patriotic sentiment, as he begins to campaign for done as the leader of America. This his re-election for 2012. President Obama was able to accomsuccessful mission has given Ameri- plish the mission of the death of Bin Laden in 2 1/2 years, cans the opportunity to be patriotic when President Bush had tried to complete it, in 8 years, but was unsuccessful. and believe in the president.

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There will always be a debate on what happened to the body and why was it buried at sea? There will always be the non-believers who don’t believe that Osama bin Laden was a real person, and news of his death was a fabrication of facts and information.

Even Rush Limbaugh said, “Thank God for President Obama,” and he was always condemning everything the president proposed. Many in the opposition party, who are diehard Republicans are acknowledging a job well done. They are being forced to concede that the president is not weak, and he has the ability to protect American citizens.

But for the millions of Americans who feel they have been vindicated by Bin Laden’s death are able to celebrate with other citizens. As the entire country celebrates the death of Bin Laden, it is Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney called it “a great necessary for our leaders to re-evaluate our foreign policy. For victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere, and praised the past 10 years, our country spent $400 billion dollars to track down our intelligence community, and miliand kill sometary, and the president.” one, who at one time was a President Obama’s poll numbers friend and ally. have increased by 10%, and he is There is some being congratulated by many of his enemies. This is a great time for his presidency and he has thing fundamentally wrong with our foreign policy when our changed the national narrative into a positive discourse about enemy is living in a country that claims to be our friend. our strengths as a nation. The president is now thought of as a powerful commander-in-chief, who is under control and can The killing of Bin Laden closes a chapter on the war of terror, but it does not end the insanity of global killing and war. Our fulfill his promises. president was able to get the job done with 2 helicopters, 40 In 2008 during the presidential campaign, Obama promised to navy seals, and great intelligence. But our president is spendbring the troops home from Iraq, and pledged to pursue Bin Laden ing trillions of dollars around the world, and we are not sure until he was caught. “We will kill Bin Laden. We will crush Al who we are fighting.

Qaeda. That has to be our biggest national security priority,” said Life at this moment is good in the White House, and many Obama in an October 2008 debate during the campaign. citizens are proud to be Americans. But America needs a forThe president’s track record has been based on transparency, eign policy, where there is less violence and less of an over-use integrity, and credibility, and with the killing of Bin Laden, it is of military power.

This successful mission has given Americans the opportunity to be patriotic and believe in the president.

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oetryPoetry is a Non-for-profit organization that focuses on the youth in the Central Florida Community. ZoetryPoetry provides our youth with access to young adults that are willing to do everything within their power to facilitate our youth with active and creative minds. This means to encourage the youth to tap into their own true talents. Our will to continue to flourish cannot happen without the community support. Your generosity will keep us in business for our local communities, from minor donations to being a sponsor. If you are interested or would like more information please visit www.zoetrypoetry.org or via email : zoetrypoetry@gmail.com

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Independence in the U.S. . . .

Guyana the Free

By Natasha Waldron-Anthony

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are lots of kids in the classrooms but they do not have text books,” she told Caribbean American Passport. Guyana’s Amhe hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead on May 26th, 2011 bassador to the United States, Bayney Karran will be the honat Parliament Buildings in Georgetown Guyana marks ored guest and is scheduled to present a brief Independence the celebration of Guyana’s 45th Independence Anniversary. Day message before the dance starts.

Throughout North America, Guyanese of all walks of life and This is the second such event for the Reach Out & Touch orgacaliber observe this milestone in the form of fund-raiser events, nization, and it is also geared at introducing the group to the fun-day activities, dance and cultural presentations. community since the group is celebrating its 2nd anniversary this year. The president of the organization is Ingrid Robinson.

In New York, the Guyana Day Committee, an organization that was established by Harry Bissoon, hosted an event titled And here in the Sunshine State, Orlando, Florida, we are also “Celebrating Culture, Art & Unity” in observance of the bringing Guyanese together to be part of 45 years since attaincountry’s Independence celebrations. ing Independence status. We here at the Caribbean American Passport will be hosting a breakfast to celebrate in Orlando on The event replicated the diversity of the Guyanese culture, fus- May 26th. Meanwhile, on Sunday May 29th, Guyanese are ing Indian and African creativity through music, dance and encouraged to come out to show their colors in the Orlando drama. Held on Sunday May 15, the extravaganza was well Carnival to celebrate both the 45th Independence Anniversary attended, free of cost, at the York College Performing Arts Cen- and Orlando Carnival. ter in Jamaica, Queens.

Inviting the Guyanese to celebrate together with the wider During the event, Guyanese poet, actor and story-teller, Ken Caribbean Community in Orlando is an effort by the Carnival Corsbie was the guest of honor and was presented with the officials to promote unity in the Caribbean Community.

Timehri award for his outstanding contribution to the mainte- Guyanese, Guenet Roberts, said that she’s working on public nance of the nation’s cultural heritage through his craft. The relations for the Carnival with her personal theme of “One award was presented by Caribbean - we’re only Leroy Comrie, Council divided by water, not Member and Deputy culture” in mind.

Majority Leader of the New York City Council.

Guyana became an independent nation on Performers who truly proThursday, 26 May 1966 vided patrons with a dynamic mix of Guyanese cultural flavor when at midnight, the Union Jack, the symbol of British colowere the Mighty Rebel, Romanee Kalicharran, the NYC Bhangra nial rule for 163 years, was lowered and the new flag of Guyana, and Impressions and New Revelations Dance companies. the Golden Arrowhead, was raised to the top of the mast.

Guyanese are encouraged to come out to show their colors in the Orlando Carnival to celebrate both the 45th Independence Anniversary and Orlando Carnival.

Meanwhile in Atlanta Georgia, the Guyana Association of Georgia has similar celebrations planned. The GAOG has galvanized a stage packed with energizing Guyanese artists, featuring the popular Jumo Primo of the Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. The 45th Independence Ball celebrations also coincide with the association’s 20th anniversary. This is scheduled for May 29 in Decatur Georgia.

On that momentous occasion, before a huge crowd, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Opposition Leader Cheddi Jagan had publicly embraced each other with satisfaction that Guyana had finally won its political independence.

Burnham, in an appeal to Guyanese nationalism, had declared on that day: “The days ahead are going to be difficult. Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in the usual politiIn Maryland, the Reach Out & Touch Group will host a dinner cal conflicts and differences in ideology. But today, to my mind, and dance to commemorate the 45 Independence Anniversary is above such petty matters. For today Guyana is free.”

Celebrations of Guyana on Saturday May 21 at the Camelot.

Vice President of the organization, Avis Fox-Kapepula said the On achieving independence, Guyana became the 23rd memgroup’s mission is education oriented. “We are doing this ber of the British Commonwealth. fundraiser so that we can receive funds because we would like to supply text books to students, because we understand there Happy Independence!

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Carnival Media Launch T

he Orlando Cultural Association Committee, hosts of the 24th Meet the band leaders and designers who will be showcasing Annual Orlando Carnival, will host an official media launch their costumes this Memorial Weekend. of Orlando’s Carnival 2011 on Thursday May 19th, 2011.

Attendees will also enjoy the sounds of Steel band from the The organization is working alongside headline sponsors Car- One Man Band and DJ’s taking turns throughout the evening ibbean Airlines, Spring Garden Restaurant, Caribbean Ameri- with their favorite carnival music. can Passport News Magazine, MMI Healthcare, Kalla’s Kitchen, Johnston Custom Trim and Supply and Singh’s Jewelry World Join the Orlando Carnival Committee for a sneak peak of to bring a splendid formal opening of the Carnival Celebra- what you can expect to see at Orlando Carnival on Sunday, tions where media and the business community will be en- May 29th, 2011. The launch officially starts the season of lightened about the upcoming carnival season.

Orlando Carnival.

The launch will be addressed by officials, headline sponsors and other associate sponsors, as well as the Orlando Cultural Association members.

WHEN: Thursday, May 19, 2011 from 6:00pm-10:00pm RSVP: Guenet@ggrmarketing.com

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Know Your Rights Forum Offers Free Legal Advice to the Caribbean Community

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one from the audience asked, “Can a police officer tell a lie to me to gain information?” Criminal Attorney Richard Hornsby answered the question and stated, “Yes, case law supports that the police officer can lie to you. This is why you should remain silent until you have your attorney present.” According to The panelists of legal experts were comprised of Sheriff Jerry L. Sheriff Demings, you are allowed to make a phone call once Demings, Hon. Judge Alicia L. Latimore, Immigration Attor- processing in the jail is complete. Judge Alicia L. Latimore ney Gail Seeram, State Attorney Orley Burey, Criminal Attor- mentioned that a court hearing is scheduled between 24-48 ney Richard Hornsby, Foreclosure Attorney Karla Valladares, hours after your arrest. If you qualify, a public defender will Criminal Attorney Wayne Golding and Dr. Joyce H. Henry, be assigned to your case.

ACLU Mid-Florida Region Director.

What are your rights when dealing with Immigration?

Various community organizations came together to promote the The audience inquired about an immigration hold. Immigraevent on local radio, television, newspaper, and within their orga- tion Attorney Gail Seeram explained when you are booked into nizations. The forum was held at Eglise Christ Sanctifie church, a jail, your information is ran through an immigration database and if you may face removal/deportation due local church in the Pine Hills to a conviction or are unlawfully in the U.S., area. According to Immithen an immigration hold will be placed on gration Attorney Gail your release. Thereby, you cannot be bonded Seeram, “I volunteered to coout or released on your own recognizance if ordinate this legal forum on an immigration hold is placed on you. Acbehalf of the Orange County cording to Immigration Attorney Gail Seeram, Sheriff’s Department beonce your state case is complete, then Immicause the ordinary citizen is gration & Custom Enforcement (ICE) has 48 unaware of their basic rights hours to take you into their when dealing with the pocustody. The audience was lice, the judicial system, and reminded that permanent immigration officials.” residents (or green card holders) can be deported What are your rights during a traffic stop? from the U.S. for offenses Sheriff Demings advised that a police officer can such as grand theft, domesstop an individual who is walking, riding a bike or tic violence, robbery, posdriving a vehicle. He noted that when a police session of marijuana, and officer approaches your vehicle, it is recommended other criminal offenses. to keep your hands visible to the police officer. The There are certain reliefs recommendation was made to keep your hands available and it is advised on the steering wheel. According to Criminal Atto speak with an immigratorney Richard Hornsby, the police officer can only tion attorney about your ask you for a valid driver’s license, proof of insurspecific case. ance and proof of registration. If an incident occurs where you feel your rights are violated, then Judge Alicia L. Latimore suggested that you not fight it out with the police of- What are your rights when in foreclosure? ficer on the street but rather wait until you are in court before a Foreclosure Attorney Karla Valladares stated that in this Judge. Criminal Attorney Wayne Golding reminded the attend- country’s history, we have never seen this amount of forecloees that a police officer can charge you with resisting arrest with- sures that exist in the current market. She cautioned the audiout violence if you don’t cooperate or interfere with the police ence to be aware of service providers and attorneys that take officer’s investigation during the traffic stop. State Attorney Orley large sums of money up-front or in monthly payments because Burey stated that his office and the courts do not look favorably foreclosure proceedings can last up to one year. Additionally, on anyone who hits or pushes a police officer. In the situation she stated that you do not have to leave your home until a where you are unsure if you are under arrest, you can simply final order is filed. She reminded the audience that various ask the police officer, “Am I free to go?” According to State At- options such as loan modification short sales and foreclosure torney Orley Burey, if the police officer says “No”, then you must are available if your owe more than your home is valued. remain until the police officer completes his investigation. Further, Sheriff Demings stated that there is a process available where Lastly, Dr. Joyce H. Henry stated that the American Civil Liberyou can file a complaint if you feel you were wrongly treated by ties Union (ACLU) offers assistance to felons who need help in a police officer. In response, Criminal Attorney Richard Hornsby restoring their rights so they can vote, and regain basic rights suggested to not file a complaint if you are pursuing a case afforded by the constitution. She also provided a status on the against the police officer because the complaint can be used Florida Immigration Enforcement Act (S.B. 2040) which is beduring the court proceedings. ing fast-tracked through the Florida Senate and House. It is important to note that certain provisions in this bill would What are your rights in jail & court? criminalize living with or physically being present with an In the situation where you are arrested, Dr. Joyce H. Henry undocumented immigrant. reminded the attendees that you have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer any questions by the police Attorney Gail Seeram plans to coordinate two more Know Your officer. Once you exercise your right to an attorney by saying Rights forum within the year. The Orange County Sheriff “I want to talk to my attorney”, then the police officer must Department’s Caribbean-American Advisory Committee thanks stop asking you questions. If they continue to ask you ques- those who participated and contributed to the success of this tions, you have the right to not answer any questions. Some- free legal forum. n April, the Orange County Sheriff Department’s CaribbeanAmerican Advisory Committee hosted a free legal forum that was attended by over two hundred residents of Orange County.

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World remembers Bob Marley

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INGSTON, Jamaica (AP) - Scores of reggae fans from best in each of us and is an enduring symbol of rebellion for across the globe placed roses before a statue of Bob youth everywhere.”

Marley yesterday to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of the musician, whose charismatic, loose-limbed Marley’s anthems calling for love and unity stage presence and lyrics promoting “one love” took still resonate with many Jamaicans, even the Jamaican musical genre to an international if most younger islanders have long ago audience. moved on to the brash reggae-rap hybrid of dancehall reggae music.

Tourists watched as three clerics from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church spread “Bob is a person who is timeless. He is incense and holy water around the Bob real, and now everybody wants to folMarley Museum, the singer’s former low the crowd,” said Jamaican graffiti home in the capital of Kingston. and dancehall artist LA Lewis, who showed Rastafarians who gathered around the up at the Kingston museum wearing a property spoke in reverential tones about the flawless white suit. icon of reggae music who died of cancer in 1981 at age 36.

Born in 1945, Marley came of age in the gritty Trench Town community of Yuya Furukawa, 29, came all the way Kingston and later shot to global starfrom Kumamoto, Japan, to pay homage dom with hits including ‘Get Up, Stand to Marley, who preached non-materialUp’ and ‘No Woman, No Cry.’ His lyrism and popularised the Rastafarian credo of oneness with ics promoting social justice and African unity made him an nature and marijuana consumption as a sacrament. icon in developing countries.

“Bob Marley is like a god in Japan,” said Furukawa, holding a burning marijuana cigarette as he gazed up at the flowerladen statue of Marley holding his favorite Gibson guitar and pointing a finger skyward.

His acceptance by mainstream America was sealed when the Budweiser frogs grooved to his song ‘Jamming’ in a 1999 beer ad. His ‘One Love’ anthem woos tourists to Jamaica on TV spots featuring white-sand beaches and swaying palms.

The singer’s Ras-tafarian faith was a reason for the low-key In his homeland, Marley’s legend was cemented in 1978 when observance. Rastafarians, who consider the late Ethiopian em- he famously united warring political leaders Michael Manley peror Haile Selassie the messiah, view death simply as a step that brings believers closer to God, or “Jah.” “We’re trying to quietly and somberly honour and recognise his life on this day,” said Jackie Lynch-Stewart, general mana-ger of the Bob Marley Foundation.

Enjoying Orlando’s own replica of Bob Marley’s home at Universal City Walk. On left, Andy & Urla King hanging out at Bob Marleys listening to Creig Comanche who performed with the band that night. Pictured above with Caribbean American Passport Publisher Guenet Roberts and friends.

Roger Steffens, a Marley historian and reggae archivist, said Marley’s music remains alive 30 years after his death “because the situations that Bob was singing about are exactly the same situations we’re undergoing today.”

and Edward Seaga in a solidarity handshake during his One Love Peace Concert in Kingston - a moment that has become immortalized in Jamaican consciousness.

“He told us that if we stand up for ourselves we can bring about change, that love conquers evil and that a divine spark animates us all,” Steffens said in an email. “Bob spoke to the

“He was a brave man,” said a 62-year-old Rastafarian called Ozzie, his long dreadlocks tucked into a crocheted cap. “And his music had a message to deliver. Still does.”

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Bands Launch around Orlando

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Guyanese among Pulitzer Prize awardees for Haiti photography (WASHINGTON POST) A Guyana-born photographer is among three Washington Post photographers who won a Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photography out of earthquake ravaged Haiti .

She is Nikki Kahn. She joined the staff at The Washington Post in January 2005 after her previous job as a photographer and editor at Knight-Ridder Tribune Photo Service in Washington , D.C. She has also worked as a staff photographer at the Indianapolis Star and as an intern at the Washington Times, the News Journal in Wilmington , Del. , and the Anchorage Daily News in Alaska .

been there,” she said. “That country’s been through so much torture ... over the years it just keeps getting slammed.”

For Guzy, one of the lasting images from her work over the past year was a photograph of a girl in a school uniform who had been crushed at her desk.

“She’s just the picture of innocence,” Guzy said. “We knew that the students were still sitting at their desks, so it was just a moment of people going about their daily lives and then boom, the earth trembled and life stopped.”

The win came 25 years after Guzy won her Nikki Kahn first Pulitzer Prize with Kahn’s husband, Born in Georgetown , Guyana . Kahn moved to Washington , Michel duCille, at The Miami Herald. Now duCille is the Post’s D.C~ and studied at American University where she completed photography director. her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in visual media and art history in May 1996. She later attended Syracuse Post Co. Chairman Don Graham joined the newsroom celebraUniversity and completed a masters of science degree in pho- tion and hugged the photographers. tography in May 2004, with a project on AIDS in Guyana . She lives in Washington , D.C. , with her husband Michel duCille. Kahn traveled back to Haiti several times after the earthquake, Photographers Carol Guzy, Kahn and Ricky Carioti shared the and Carioti documented the aftermath seven months after prize and were cheered by dozens who gathered in the Post’s the quake. newsroom, where plastic champagne flutes lined a filing cabinet. The judges said their photos were an “up-close portrait of “I think the amazing thing was the opportunity to go back grief and desperation” following the catastrophic quake in Janu- throughout the year and check up on the people I photographed ary 2010. on the first trip,” Kahn said. “It was incredibly important to find the strength to go out and show the world what the Hai“They are three exemplary photojournalists whose compas- tian people were going through.” sion comes through in their work,” Executive Editor Marcus Brauchli said.

Carioti said he wanted to see the Pulitzer announcement online before he would believe he won.

This was the fourth Pulitzer for Guzy, who had been covering Haiti long before the earthquake.

“For me, I had never been to Haiti ,” he said. “Just the shock of the conditions that people were living in seven months letter.

“I started my career covering Haiti , and my heart’s always ... I’m sure it’s probably worse now.”

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Caribbean American Heritage Celebration At the Orange County Public Schools Educational Leadership Center on 5/11/11

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une was Officially declared, “Caribbean-American Heritage Month” by President Bush in 2006. . On May 11, OCPS acknowledged and celebrated our Caribbean community and the contributions of Caribbean Americans who have helped shape the spirit and character of our great nation. As with other immigrants, Caribbean Americans have enriched our society for centuries and added to America’s strength.

Florida is home to a large Caribbean population and so is the Orange County School District. After the Common Wealth of Puerto Rico, Haiti is the most represented country in the Orange County Public School English for Speakers of Other Languages program (ESOL). OCPS Celebrates Caribbean Heritage in May to encourage student participation with Caribbean country research which showcased at the district office. The celebration was a collaboration of two OCPS departments and the community. Commissioner Samuel B. Ing was a guest speaker and Consul Laurent Prosper from the Haitian Consulate also supported the event.

Pictured left to right Planning Committee Members and Speakers: Dr. Tricia Travis, Dahlia Hayles, Commissioner Sam Ings, Soraya Smith, Sandy Chambers- Collins, Nancy Charles(Committee Chair). Committee Members not pictured are Janice Jackson and Carmen Robertson.

Celebrate June as Caribbean American Heritage Month Join us to Celebrate Caribbean Heritage For more Information go to www.cahmfestival.com June 4th

CAHM Opening Reception at Circa Restaurant

June 5th

Indian Arrival Day Citrus Bowl

June 11th

Island Beat Heritage Day - St John’s Episcopal Church Grounds

June 11 & 12 Caribbean Soccer Tournament - at Central Florida Fair Grounds June 17th

BBIF’s 16th Annual Business in Our Backyard Networking Event - Visit the Caribbean Chamber’s Business Zone

June 18th

Central Florida Cricket Assoc - Caribbean All Star vs Asia at Citrus Bowl

June 25th

CAHM Festival at Lake Eola

June 26th

TTAC - Orlando vs Tampa Olympics in Tampa

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'An Avenue of Art' Fine Art Exhibition Break Away Moments presented of 'An Avenue of Art' Fine Art Exhibition by photographer, David I. Muir, celebrating the candid beauty of Jamaica's people and its rich, diverse landscape as seen through his lens.

"Pieces of Jamaica" featured images and performances highlighting the culture of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Cultural Performances were made by Poet, Damali Adele Ife, Spoken Soul Songstress, Crystal Alexandra, and Jamaican Folk Singer, Clover Batts.

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Carnival is Coming!

— Continued from page 1 — The revelry will begin again this Memorial Day week-end, Sunday May 29th, as the Orlando Cultural Association, Inc. (OCA) kicks off another carnival at Festival Field, across from the Citrus Bowl.

The gates will open at 10:00 A.M for the festivities, which will include a variety of music of Caribbean origin, among which are Soca, Reggae, Calypso and Steel Band music. Entertainment will be provided by various Caribbean artistes who will be appearing live, some local and others who will visit. Several local DJ’s such as Powerline HD Sounds, DJ Nellie, Kevvy Kev, Tobago John, De Whoops Massive, Pancho Alphanso and others have been assisting with promoting the event and informing the community of the plans for the festival.

Flavorful Caribbean foods and goodies will be aplenty, and a variety of vendors are expected to be in attendance. Among the sponsors for this colorful event are Caribbean Airlines, Caribbean Passport Magazine, Kalla’s Caribbean Kitchen, and Spring Garden Restaurant.

Promoters are anticipating that this year’s carnival will far exceed the previous years, both in attendance, scope and quality.

The “Carnival Party” was started in 1987 as the brainchild of Johnson Gilbert. Assisted by Mark Modeste, Gloria Chandler and Tina Stubbs, he guided this event from its infancy, and today, the Orlando Carnival has world-wide recognition.

The Management & Staff of Laparkan Orlando/PS Freight Request the pleasure of your company at the formal opening of their New Office/Warehouse 1934 Silver Star Road, Orlando, Florida 32804 On Saturday, June 11, 2011 @ 4.30 p.m. (cocktail reception follows) Attendees Must RSVP RSVP (407)-298-9887 or Orlando@laparkan.com

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