ONE LOVE Free Publication
Volume 9 Issue 2
FEBRUARY 2016 Since AUGUST 2008
ARIBBEAN
COMMUNITY • CULTURE • CONNECTIONS
COMMUNITY
Remembering George Wan Page 4
CARIBBEAN
Jamaica Election February 25, 2016 Page 6
CONNECTION
Gonsalves Pushes Ganja to Replacement Bananas Page 15
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The Publisher’s Thoughts
Events the Republicans Want You to Forget
Donald Trump is slow but has surely redefined what it means to be Republican. At worse, he is giving his Republican pals a good cut-ass, whipping them at every angle all the way to the ballot box. How sad! The reason is simple. They are in a fight with President Obama, and he is not even running for the presidency.
Recovery and Reinvestment Act, $787 billion of tax cuts and spending.
And so, the battle lines are drawn and the candidates are on the track. The 2016 race is on for the most powerful position in the world, the president of the United States. On the Republican side, it is Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, Jim Gilmore, John Kasich, Marco Rubio, and Donald Trump. And on the Democratic side, it’s Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
The Administration worked with the Federal Reserve and the FDIC to help repair the financial system. His action stabilized the housing market and stemmed the rising tide of foreclosures. As a result of reducing mortgage interest rates, millions were able to refinance their homes.
Here’s the dilemma that they face: trying to fill the big shoes of Barack Obama. Despite not being on the ballot, he is being mentioned more that anyone who is in the race. This is particularly true for the Republican candidates, in that, one would swear that Obama is running against them. One would think 2016 race for the president could go without getting them to chime in. Long story short, Obama and the Republican candidates are unparalleled. Of course, the Republicans candidates are dancing to the classic barrage of negative opinions about our President. • Ben Carson: Obama lies and looks good doing it – just “like most psychopaths.” Marco Rubio: Barack Obama does not believe that America is a great global power. • Chris Christie: This guy is a petulant child. • Jeb Bush: The first impulse of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton is to take rights away from law-abiding citizens. • Ted Cruz: The millionaires and billionaires are doing great under Obama. • Donald Trump: …the worst President in America’s history. • Carly Fiorina: Talking to puppies, she said, “President Obama ate one of your cousins.” But that’s not all. The Republican Candidates have mapped out a path to the White House that all but ignores the President’s constructive work on key issues that matter to America. Worse, they want to ride Obama and his legacy like a Caribbean donkey. No Way Jose! What’s even more depressing is their empty propaganda slogans. We know that they are using catchphrases to decondition Americans on the works of the Obama Administration. “Take our country back.” “Jeb Can Fix It.” I am not sure what it means but I am sure their base understands. So let us remind Americans of the events that you will never hear uttered out of the mouths of the Republican candidates. Saving US from great financial meltdown President Obama came into office during the worst recession since the Great Depression. America had lost more than half a million jobs in November 2008 and 3 million jobs between November and March. The key sources of the recession were clearly the popping of the housing bubble and the ensuing financial crisis. President Obama understood the crisis and all hands were on deck. Working with Congress, the Administration took several major actions within its first few months. This included the passing of the American
Americans received more than $200 billion in tax cuts and unemployment insurance. The President pushed infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, smarter electrical grid, and clean energy manufacturing.
Affordable Healthcare Act According to Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell, close to 13 million people have health insurance plans via this law. Before the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans lacked access to quality, affordable health insurance, and even those who did have coverage had little protection against insurance company abuses. Worse yet, You could have been denied coverage because of “pre-existing conditions. Thank God. The insurance companies can no longer cancel coverage due to illness. Marriage Equality Laws The Supreme Court made history by ruling that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, bringing marriage equality to the entire United States. Now, gay and lesbian couples can legally marry in every state. Of course, most of my Caribbean and religious people may not agree with this laws. However, since most states had no nondiscrimination protections for LGBT, the President had to use his bully pulpit to to advocate for marriage equality. After all, “Our nation was founded on a bedrock principle that we are all created equal.” (Obama, 6/2015) Unemployment rate The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ January report showed more positive signs, with 151,000 jobs added in January and an unemployment rate of 4.9% as of February 5, 2016, the lowest rate since February 2008. Reopening relationship with Cuba On April 11, 2015, Presidents Obama and Raul Castro shook hands at the Summit of the Americas in Panama. It was the first meeting between a U.S. and Cuban head of state since the two countries severed their ties in 1961. In the wake of a relaxed U.S. trade embargo with the Cuba, Governors Greg Abbott (R: TX), Asa Hutchinson (R: AR) and Andrew Cuomo (D: NY) have visited the country. The Republican Gov. Abbott said Texas can economically “capitalize” on a new relationship between the two nations. Obama has permitted U.S. telecommunications companies to provide more cellular and satellite service in Cuba and allowed U.S. citizens to send remittances to non– family members in Cuba and to travel there under license for educational or religious purposes. Increase salaries Since the Republican Congress took no step to increase the minimum wage, Obama raised salary threshold from the current $455 to a likely $970 in 2016, and thereby increasing wages paid to nonsupervisory
employees and someone who clearly should be paid overtime. The salary threshold is one way we avoid labeling someone as a “manager” while paying them what are clearly non-managerial wages. Pushing back anti-science senators on the issue of Global warming Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said “I do not believe that human activity is causing these dramatic changes to our climate the way these scientists are portraying. And I do not believe that the laws that they propose we pass will do anything about it. Except it will destroy our economy.” (Miami Herald, 11/2014) However, the majority of climate scientists are convinced about the potentially serious adverse effects of human-induced climate change on human health, agriculture, and biodiversity. Obama is an advocate for a global transition from fossil fuels to wind, solar and bio-energy. Releasing Prisoners from Unjust Incarceration Obama and the Department of Justice released large numbers of inmates early from prison. It was the largest one-time release of federal prisoners. It was in an effort to reduce overcrowding and provide relief to drug offenders who received harsh sentences over the past three decades, according to U.S. officials. Obama said, “These men and women were not hardened criminals, but the overwhelming majority had been sentenced to at least 20 years. I believe that at its heart, America is a nation of second chances. And I believe these folks deserve their second chance.” The President catalyzed a phenomenal shift in thinking about the War on Drugs. He said, “The economic costs of drug use are enormous: In 2007 alone, illicit drug use cost our Nation more than $193 billion in lost productivity, healthcare, and criminal justice costs. But the human costs are worse.” In July 2015, Obama became the first sitting president to visit a federal prison when he traveled to the El Reno Federal Correction Institution in Oklahoma, where he met with inmates serving time for drug offenses. He wants to design the criminal justice system to break the cycle of addiction, arrest, and incarceration. Yes, those who falls in the cycle are primarily Blacks and Browns. Getting the hell out of Iraq Obama campaigned for the presidency on the promise of ending the war in Iraq and bringing our combat troops home. By December 2011, he made good on the agreement that the then President Bush made with Iraqi government. The last U.S. troops left Iraq on December 18, 2011. President Obama ended the Iraq War after 4,489 Americans were killed and 32,223 were wounded. And oh, by the way, do you remember Osama Bin Laden? What happen to him? The Republicans will never tell you that the Obama Administration decimated al-Qaeda and it leadership with drones. Since then, with the upsurge of ISIS (the Islamic State in Iraq), he has resisted the calls by the War Hawks to send ground troops to Iraq. The War hawks want to expand the US military campaign comes amidst high public emotions stirred by some gruesome beheadings. But the President is standing fast holding
Sylvanus Donaie
BA, BSEE, MTM, MPM, MBA to the thinking that the fight against the Islamic State is one that the region itself should lead. And I agree. The list is long • Trans Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement • Efforts to solve the immigration crisis • Sealing a historic deal with Iran So don’t let them fool you. The bottom line is that the Republicans tried to play the President for political gains. They underestimated and marginalized him. Of course! Moreover, they psychologically saw him as a weak link, and were surprised by his cut-ass, which stun and froze them in time. Trump came in and continued the whipping. Obama beat them at every phase of the game. And they are pissed. If I was in the Republican’s establishment, I would be mad too.
So until then, One Love! Sylvanus Donaie, BA, BSEE, MTM, MPM, MBA Of course, I love when you disagree with me, and I want to hear from you. If you disagree, please let me know. You can always email me at sdonaie@olchouston.com.
One Love CARIBBEAN P.O. Box 742291 Houston, TX 77274 713-913-3466
Website www.olchouston.com
Sylvanus Donaie Founder/Publisher Phone: 832-881-9745 sdonaie@olchouston.com Main Office P.O Box 742291 Houston, TX 77274 Phone: 281-769-2253 info@olchouston.com Billing Department P.O Box 742291 Houston, TX 77274 Office: 281-769-2253 billing@olchouston.com Staff Writers Sylvanus Donaie Terry Layne Thecia Jenkins Charmaine Bailey Latania Mena
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
FEBRUARY 2016
Remembering George Wan Fundraising to benefit long-time educator, Dr. Hortense Campbell.
She Urgently Need Your Support!
One Love Caribbean News, Houston-Missouri City Domino Club, Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, and AlaCarte Models & Designers Staffing Agency present a Night of Music, Fashion & Medical Fundraising, featuring a showcase of Houston’s top models & designers. This event will be held at Houston-Missouri City Domino Club, 510 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489 on Saturday, March 19th, 2016 to benefit long-time educator, Dr. Hortense Campbell. Dr. Campbell, who is the wife of Houston Caribbean broadcast & print media pioneer, Dr. Toney Campbell, DD, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. We are asking for your prayers & financial support to help cover the cost of her ongoing medical procedures and after-
OLC: Perhaps the most profound lesson to take away from George Wan is his joy of life, his joy of dancing, playing dominoes, helping other, and attending to family! He passed January 14, 2016. To understand his life, one would have had to attend his memorial services. The first was held by his club family on Friday, January 29, 2016 at the Houston-Missouri City Domino Club, where his friends shared tears, praises, and appreciation for having the opportunity to spend time with him.
Dr. Toney Campbell (center) and family including Dr. Hortense Campbell (right)
https://www.gofundme.com/46w9x5bw care. Her total related medical expenses will be approximately $500,000, of which, insurance will cover a large portion of the cost but the upfront expenses are devastating, and if not paid, could jeopardize this much needed life-saving surgery and aftercare. Please help us by visiting her
GoFundMe Page at: h t t p s : / / w w w. g o f u n d m e . com/46w9x5bw We need to raise $20,000 to meet her portion of the cost. With God’s help, and yours, we will be successful! Thanks in advance for your Support. One Community!
Next day, Saturday, it appears that each island of the Caribbean was represented for the home-going service for Wan, which in and of itself is a testimony of the great life of the beloved brother. In addition, the Pruitt’s Funeral Home in North Houston had a full house of friends and families to say their good-byes to George. George Wan was born on Monday, December 6, 1943 in Kingston, Jamaica to Wellington and Mary (Lai) Wan of Canton, China. He said good-bye on Thursday, January 14, 2016, in Houston, Texas. He attended the Chinese Public school and Calabar High School in Kingston, Jamaica. For a number of years, George worked as the owner/operator of Mayfair Printery, a company his father started. Following a fire at the printery, he began working for 3M Company, where he received several awards for being an outstanding salesman. In December 1980, he moved his family to the United States of America. Three children were born from the union of 25 years between George Wan and Yvonne Earle.
Terry Layne at the Caribbean Achievement Award interviewing the team of “Jamaica Mi Hungry” Restaurant in Baytown
Free Immigration Workshop
He enjoyed fishing, dancing and playing dominos. He loved to help others and was always giving of his time. He loved to feel needed. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his granddaughter Hannah. During his visits with Hannah, Grandpa George always had either food or a gift (or both) for
her. This was his way of expressing his devoted love to her. George was a lover of life and always carried a smile. The simple things in life are what made him the happiest…hanging out with his good friends, playing dominos and dancing the night away. He enjoyed listening to Reggae and Soca music. It was no secret that his favorite dance song was “My Boy Lollipop”. Whenever it was played, it was then you would see Georgie Porgie grabbing the hand of the prettiest girl he could find, and pulling her out to the dance floor to get his groove on. He was preceded in death by his parents Wellington Wan (May 1963), Mary Lai Wan (February 1987), his eldest brother Arthur Man (December 1996) and his youngest sister, Margaret Wan Chung (November 2012). George Wan is survived by his five siblings, Lillian Man Chung (Chi Kong Chung), Elizabeth Wan Jue (William Jue), Pearl Wan Lee (Basil Lee), Victoria Wan Wong (Harold Wong), Theodore Wan (Charlene Wan). He is survived by his three children, Patrick George Wan (Karen Vela), Christopher George Wan (Febie Wan) and Suzanne Faith Marie Wan Silvera (Ray-Sean Silvera). George Wan had only one granddaughter whom he adored, Hannah. Gabrielle Faith-Marie Silvera. He is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
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Immigration Attorney
Latania Mena
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L-R: Cedric Buchanan with the children of George Wan, Christopher and Suzanne, at the home-going service
FEBRUARY 2016
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 5
Houston Police Chief McClelland Retiring ARE YOU DACA ELIGIBLE? OLC: Mayor Sylvester Turner has accepted the retirement of Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland, effective February 26, 2016. McClelland was sworn in as a police officer in September 1977. He rose through the ranks at HPD and was sworn in by former Mayor Annise Parker as police chief on April 14, 2010.
“I want to thank Chief McClelland for his 39 years of service to the City,” said Mayor Turner. “He is a respected figure in the community who has served this city well and has many accomplishments of which to be proud. The city’s crime rate during his tenure is lower than it was for the previous six years and citizen complaints filed against our officers are at a record low.” Chief McClelland managed the fifth largest police agency in the
nation with a budget of more than $825 million and a staff of 5200 sworn officers and 1200 civilian employees. Whether it is creating new programs aimed at encouraging positive interaction with Houston’s youth, organizing a town hall where residents have the opportunity to ask questions or simply sharing a cup of coffee with residents, Chief McClelland made it a point to focus on taking HPD to the community it serves.
When asked what he considers his proudest accomplishments, he cites the lower crime rate, HPD’s stewardship of its financial resources and improved community relations. He is also very personally proud of having been able to convince former Mayor Parker and City Council to name HPD headquarters after Officer Edward A. Thomas, one of HPD’s first African American
By Latania Mena Attorney at Law
The Caribbean diaspora in the U.S. is extensive to say the least. There is hardly a “nook” or “cranny” that you could visit and not find signs of our people’s presence.
officers and the department’s longest serving officer. This is a decision that was reached after much personal thought and consultation with my family,” said McClelland. “It was not an easy decision, but I know it is the right decision for me personally. I am leaving HPD in a better place than it was six years ago.” Mayor Turner has not yet selected an interim chief.
Changes to Entry Requirements for Caribbeaners Traveling to US OLC: The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State published rules in the Federal Register on February 4, 2016 eliminating the nonimmigrant visa exemption for certain Caribbean residents coming to the United States as H-2A agricultural workers. Beginning February 19, certain Caribbean residents seeking to come to the United States as H-2A agricultural workers will be required to have both a valid passport and visa. Eliminating this visa exemption, which was originally created to address labor shortages during World War II, will ensure those traveling to the United States, like other H-2A agricultural workers,
have been sufficiently screened via the Department of State’s visa issuance process prior to their arrival. This visa requirement will also better ensure that these workers are protected from potential employment and recruitment-based abuses. The spouses and children who travel with these workers to the United States will also be required to have both a valid passport and visa. This change applies to a British, French, or Netherlands national, or a national of Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, or Trinidad and Tobago, who has residence in British, French, or Netherlands territory located in the adjacent islands of the Caribbean, or has
residence in Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, or Trinidad and Tobago. The H-2A nonimmigrant classification applies to an alien seeking to enter the United States to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature.
University of Houston to host Republican Presidential Debate
OLC: The Republican National Committee announced that the University of Houston has been selected as host-site for a Republican presidential candidates’ debate on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016. It is the last debate before Super Tuesday. March 1, 2016 is Super Tuesday, which means that 11 states (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia) hold their nominating contests that day. In the Caribbean, the Virgin Islands caucus on Saturday, March 12, and Puerto Rico caucus on Sunday, March 13. CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer will moderate the debate from the Moores Opera House, inside of the Moores School of Music. Telemundo News co-anchor
Media, is the final GOP debate before the crucial “Super Tuesday” primary elections.
Maria Celeste Arrarás, Salem talk radio host Hugh Hewitt and CNN chief political correspondent Dana Bash will join as questioners. The debate will air live on the CNN television networks, CNN.com and in Spanish on the Telemundo network. Telemundo is the only Spanish-language TV network hosting a RNC sanctioned debate this election cycle. In addition, Salem Radio Network will be the exclusive radio provider for the debate. This debate, sanctioned by the Republican National Committee (RNC), and produced in partnership with Google and Salem
“The University of Houston is honored to serve as the host-site of this important national conversation,” said University of Houston System Vice Chancellor/University of Houston Vice President of Marketing, Communication and Media Relations Richie C. Hunter. “The chance to participate in history isn’t an opportunity taken lightly, and every day, our Cougar community proves time and time again that it’s deserving of a national spotlight.” Numerous election-related events are scheduled across campus before and after the debate, including voter registration drives, a student watch party, and panel discussions on immigration, gun policy and the intricacies of the primary process.
As Caribbean people we like to get involved, make our presence known in our food, music, culture, talents, innovation, hard work, diligence and ways of life. Still yet, when it comes to capitalizing on legitimate opportunities in immigration, we seem to fall short. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is one such area. Since the inception of the program in June 2012, only 1.7% of the applicants were Caribbean Nationals, and those who participated in the program were largely from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana. Why is this so? It is certainly not because everyone else is in legal status. We all know at least one family member or friend who is in the U.S. illegally. Is it lack of information about the program? Is it misunderstanding who the program benefits? Is it because we are a people of pride and we don’t share our immigration statuses with others? Is it because there are only a few young Caribbean Nationals in the U.S.? We could spend the entire year discussing this issue and not arrive at an answer. One thing is certain, we must find a way to begin fruitful dialogue about things of this nature. We must seek out trusted avenues and resources for information and encourage our
people to get more involved in events and topics concerning immigration laws and regulations and their impact on our lives. What Is DACA? DACA benefits all eligible persons, regardless of race, ethnicity and place of origin. Individuals who came to the U.S. as children and who meet several guidelines may request consideration for deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. What Do You Need to Qualify for DACA? You must submit the application package along with your fee of $465.00 and supporting documentation to establish the following: • You are at least 15 years old when you submit your application • You were not older than 31 years on June 15, 2012; • You were living in the U.S before your 16th birthday • You have lived in the U.S. continuously since June 15, 2007; • You were present in the U.S on June 15, 2012 and had no lawful status as of that date; • Graduated from school, have a
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
FEBRUARY 2016
Jamaica Holds Early General Election on February 25, 2016
ARIBBEAN Briefs Dominica Opposition Leader To Pay Costs In Defamation Case CNS - ROSEAU, Dominica, Feb 01 2016 – The London-based Privy Council has ordered Dominica’s Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton, to pay chartered accountant Kieron Pinard-Byrne US$29,000 in court costs stemming from a defamation case. According to the judgment delivered on January 29, 2016, Linton has to make the payment by February 19, 2016. This comes days after Lennox Linton settled fees to Pinard-Byrne amounting US$29,379.86 which was ordered by the High Court in Dominica from a defamation suit on October 2015. The matter surrounds the Layou River Economic Citizenship Program and the Layou River
Hotel project. Pinard-Byrne alleged that he was defamed by Lennox Linton in a radio broadcast on February 26, 2002 and in an article posted on a website in May 2002. In March 2011 the High Court in Dominica ruled in favor of Pinard-Byrne. The matter was taken to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) in March 2013 and the High Court’s decision was reversed with a ruling in Linton’s favor. However after that ruling, Pinard-Bryne’s attorney, Tony Astaphan, took the matter to the Privy Council stating that the ECSC’s ruling had narrowed the issue of qualified privilege ‘much too much.’
Lennox Linton OLC File 2014
The Privy Council ruled in favor of Pinard-Byrne late last year. It was the final case to be heard by the Privy Council since Dominica has made the Caribbean Court of Justice its final appellate court.
Millionaire Businessman Sentenced To Prison GEORGE TOWN, Cayman, Feb 05 2016 – Millionaire Caymanian businessman Canover Watson was sentenced to seven years in prison, one day after he was found guilty of five out of six criminal charges against him in connection with the CarePay hospital contract investigation. The sentence was handed down by Grand Court Justice Michael Mettyear Friday following submissions by Crown prosecutors and Watson’s senior defense counsel, Trevor Burke, QC. Watson is accused of stealing money from the Cayman Islands government in particular
A jury found Canover Watson guilty on five of six counts Thursday. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay
from the Health Services Authority and CINICO.
During the criminal trial, which lasted two months, Watson was accused of conspiring with his friend and business partner Jef-
frey Webb in a scheme to skim hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits from the CarePay patient swipe-card contract. It was a scheme prosecutors accused Watson of directing as HSA chairman.
Former Prime Minister Andrew Holness OLC: Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has called an early general election to be on February 25 2016, almost a year before they are statutorily due. She made the announcement on January 31, 2016. The election will largely be a contest between the governing People’s National Party (PNP), which is led by Simpson-Miller, and the opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), led by former Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Addressing a mass meeting of supporters of the governing People’s National Party (PNP), Simpson-Miller said Nomination Day will be on Tuesday, February 9 and Parliament will be dissolved on Friday, February 5. Under Jamaican law, Nomination Day is at least five clear days after the announcement of an election. It is the designated date for the official naming or selection of candidates to contest the general election. Moreover, it must also be at
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller minimum 16 days to no more than 23 days before the Election Day. In making the announcement, the crowd of supporters clad in orange, the color of the 78 year old party, came to Half Way Tree, a neighborhood in the city of Kingston for this occasion. To loud cheers. Simpson Miller said that she would be answering the long awaited call to announce the date for a general election. “Tonight, I will put some people out of their misery. Tonight I will answer your call. The time has come to sound the trumpet. I want to speak with you who are in Half Way Tree in your thousands of thousands.” “They have been calling for elections for a long time; they will get a whipping at the polls.” In the last general election, the ruling People’s National Party won 42 of the 63 seats with the remaining going to the main opposition JLP.
A new note from Francisco Blanch at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, however, puts the oil move into a much bigger perspective, arguing that a sustained price plunge “will push back $3 trillion a year from oil producers to global consumers, setting the stage for one of the largest transfers of wealth in human history.”
FEBRUARY 2016
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 7
Man Charged With Death of an American Tourist in Grenada
By The Grenada Informer January 29, 2016
In Grenada, a 27 year-old man from the village of Coals Gap in St. David’s had been remanded to the Richmond Hill Prison on a charge of Non-Capital Murder linking him to the death of an American tourist whose body was found partly submerged on the La Sagesse Beach in St. David’s. David Benjamin alias “Giant” an ex-convict who was recently released from prison after spending time for rape, appeared before Magistrate Nevelyn John at the Grenville Magistrate Court on Wednesday, hours after he was slapped with the non capital murder charge
which seeks to tie him to the brutal killing of Atlanta, Georgia resident Jessica Colker. Colker met her death hours after she had arrived in Grenada
with her husband Brian Melito. The couple was boarding at a nearby hotel, when they decided to embark on a familiarization walk along the beach front.
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Barbados’ Social Media Link To 50th Anniversary Celebrations
OLC: Barbadians can log on to various forms of social media to get the latest information related to Barbados’ 50th Anniversary Celebrations. Persons can go to the official website 50Barbados.com, which was launched recently by Chairman of the 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations Coordinating Committee, Senator Maxine McClean. The website is divided into four main sections. Under the Town Hall banner, persons can see the Calendar of Events, live events,
a news stream, and a Community Gallery. There is also the Heroes Square page, which features videos, information on National Heroes, stories of interesting Barbadians, Independence stories and information on Bajans in the diaspora. Visitors to the site can also see 50th Anniversary memorabilia and collectibles, and informa-
tion on heritage tours on The Marketplace page, as well as interact in the Learning Centre, which features a Resource Centre, Media Centre, News Centre and area for kids’ activities.
Haiti President Martelly Leaves Office
Agreement for Peaceful Transition of Government Accomplished OLC: The Special Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) to Haiti which began on Sunday, January 31 is now completed. Twenty two hours before the end of President Michel Martelly’s term without an elected President to succeed him, an agreement was reached for a transitional government. Late on February 5th, President Martelly officially signed the agreement with President Jocelerme Privert and Vice-President Cholzer Chancy of the National Assembly. The formal signing ceremony will take place today (Saturday). The OAS Mission to Haiti was honored to have been invited to attend the negotiations and the official signing at the Presidential Palace.
elected by that process, will be installed on May 14, 2016.
Under the terms of the agreement, Parliament will elect an interim President for a term of 120 days and confirm a consensus Prime Minister. Continuation of the elections process to the second round will take place on April 24. The new President,
The Mission also congratulated President Michel Martelly for maintaining his position to demit office on February 7, and for his willingness to engage
Michel Martelly
The Chief of the Mission, Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders, who is also Chair of the Permanent Council of the OAS, said: “We wish the stakeholders every success as we encourage them to implement the formula for going forward.”
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Jamaica’s Maroons Celebrate 278th Anniversary of Signing Peace Treaty with British
Information on Independence celebrations may also be accessed on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by using the handle 50Barbados.
OLC: Jan 06 2016 – Maroons of the historical Maroon Village of Accompong in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica celebrated the 278th anniversary of the peace treaty with the British that ended the Maroon wars. They are also celebrating the launch of radio station (Abeng 88.7 FM). The maroons were Africans who escaped from slavery in the Americas and formed independent settlements. Each year, on January 6, the Accompong Maroons celebrate the anniversary whereby they twice-defeated British colonial army. The origins of the Maroons date back to 1655 around the time when Tainos and Africans who were freed by the Spanish took to remote parts of the island for refuge from the English invasion and to
establish settlements. From the second half of the seventeenth century to the mid eighteenth century the Maroons developed into a formidable force that significantly challenged the system of enslavement imposed by the English. Though great controversy surrounds the terms of the treaties that they signed with the English, their role in undermining institutionalized slavery and cultural traditions are prominent parts of the history and heritage of Jamaica. They are also celebrating the birthday of Kojo (Cudjoe), the greatest of the Maroon leaders, and the brother of the National Heroine Nanny who was also the leader of the Windward Maroons. UNESCO funded the cost (US$12,500) of the radio station.
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
FEBRUARY 2016
FEBRUARY 2016
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 9
PHOTOS
Houston Caribbean
BUSINESS FOR SALE
Page 10
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
ONNECTIONS
FEBRUARY 2016
Caribbean History Maker
The Unequalled Sparrow, a Tiny but Mighty Bird
Passports to Save the Economy particularly the developed countries of North America and Western Europe – are also concerned about CIPs. Their concern relates to security principally, although some of them that also operate CIPs might fear competition.
By Sir Ronald Sanders OLC Contributor
Several countries in the Caribbean now operate a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) under which high-worth foreigners can obtain citizenship and passports of these countries. The CIP has detractors both domestically and internationally, but is their derision fully justifiable, or do the benefits outweigh the unease? Citizenship is a jealously guarded entitlement. Persons born into a country in which they also growup naturally feel a strong bond with it. Their personal identity is defined by their birth, their culture, their values and traditions. The inclination to preserve the sanctity of citizenship and the standing of their passports are understandably important to them. Therefore, the idea that these birth rights of citizenship and passports could be purchased somehow devalues them. It is this perceived devaluation of birth rights that most informs the resistance of native-born persons to CIPs. Additionally, there is a worry among native born citizens that the strength of their passports could be degraded if they fall into the hands of internationally undesirable persons. In turn, native born persons could be subjected to higher levels of scrutiny or may even be denied visa-free entry into other countries if their country’s passports fall under suspicion. Certainly, there is evidence to support the latter concern. For instance, Canadian authorities imposed visa requirements on all citizens of St Kitts-Nevis when that country’s passport was abused for an attempted entry into Canada by a foreigner. The people of St Kitts-Nevis must now be in possession of a visa before they can enter Canada – a restriction that native born Kittians and Nevisians resent and for which they blame their government’s CIP. The international community –
Countries such as Canada and the United States could decide that the most effective and cheapest way to eliminate the security risk would be to apply visa requirements on all passport holders of CIP countries, as happened in the case of Canada with St Kitts-Nevis. Apart from the political disenchantment that the need for a visa to travel to Canada causes among the people of St Kitts-Nevis, the desirability of its citizenship and passport under the investment program is diminished by the elimination of Canada from the number of countries for which entry does not require a visa. These are very strong reasons why the CIPs have to be managed at a very high standard and with the most thorough investigation of the persons who apply for citizenship and passports. Governments that fail to enforce high standards that satisfy the border authorities of North American and Western European countries will face visa restrictions, the erosion of their CIPs and the embitterment of their electorates. In other words, they would lose all round. The terms of the CIP differ from country to country but the underlying basis is the same – citizenship and passports are granted in exchange for a significant financial investment. In Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts-Nevis and (recently) St Lucia, there are two options – either a large contribution to a national development fund or a prescribed investment in real estate. Typically the latter means buying land and building homes. Some countries have been criticized for not requiring residence by successful citizenship by investment applicants. However, contributions to a national development fund, as distinct from buying land and building personal houses, maintain land for ownership by native born citizens and eliminates negative repercussions such as pushing up land and construction prices. In St Kitts-Nevis, where the program has been operational since 1984, considerable sums have been earned and the country has undoubtedly been saved from collapse by it. The CIP in Antigua and Barbuda, which started in 2013, has also helped to avert an economic meltdown, particular-
Mighty Sparrow and Majah Hype at the Caribbean Achievement Award 2015 ly over the last 18 months when the present government streamlined the program, launched an aggressive and high-level marketing campaign, and enhanced the quality of its investigations into citizenship applicants. All of the Caribbean countries involved with citizenship by investment programmes have come to them by necessity. Poor terms of trade, vulnerability to financial down turns in North America and Europe from where most of their tourists come, declining aid, persistent natural disasters and no access to concessional financing from international financial institutions, have forced them to be creative in raising revenues. They are all faced with fiscal deficits, high debt and an international environment that is unresponsive to their predicament. Only China and Venezuela offered them concessional financing. There is an argument that the CIPs will be short-lived. It is dependent on wealthy persons seeking an alternative to insecurities in their homelands caused by wars, internal strife and government disregard for human rights. Therefore, it is suggested that countries should place the proceeds into a sovereign wealth fund or some other sort of savings. Ordinarily that proposal would make sense, but not in countries with fiscal deficits, high debt and high unemployment. The revenues from the CIPs have to be used for financial and social stability now. Saving makes little sense if provision is not made for preserving and enhancing the capacity of the country to survive. No point in saving for tomorrow and starving today. The CIPs should serve Caribbean countries well for a few years to come, unless the developed countries, which themselves run citizenship programs, feel sufficiently threatened to want to close out the competition. In one way or another, Citizenship
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By MD Jones As we exit the Carnival season in the middle of Black History Month, it is only fitting to celebrate our Calypsonian of the Century. Slinger Francisco, more popularly known as The Mighty Sparrow and also affectionately dubbed as The Birdie, is the unrivaled Calypso King of the World with a career that spans over 40 years and counting. This artist extraordinaire earned his titles by defeating every other competitor. He has entertained audiences across the globe, including the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, the USA and South America. Slinger was born in Grenada to a poor working class family who migrated to his adopted homeland of Trinidad when he was just one year old. He attended the New Town Boys School and was selected to sing (baritone and tenor) in Latin in the boys choir of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, marking his initial venture into music. Sparrow also listened to American pop and jazz artists in addition to the early calypso sounds of Lord Melody, Lord Kitchener, Lord Invader of Rum and Coca Cola fame, and the Mighty Spoiler, to name just a few. By the age of 20, Sparrow had emerged as the leading Calypsonian with his record-breaking hit Jean and Dinah. He then managed to showcase his diversity with the release of at least one album
each year with critical songs that served to influence many changes and improvement for mas performers, calypsonians and steel bands, and even led to the formation of the Carnival Development Committee, an organization to assist carnival performers, which was fully endorsed by Dr. Eric Eustace Williams, the Founding Father of Trinidad and Tobago. In 1958, Sparrow became the only calypsonian to have had a triple win in the same year in the Road March Competition. PAYE (Pay As You Earn), was a song that enabled the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to understand the importance of paying taxes; Russian Satellite was a song reflecting on the act of cruelty to animals; and Theresa was a song in which he began to utilize other languages (altogether Dutch, Spanish and French). As a result, he was the first to be awarded a cash prize by the Carnival Development Committee for winning the Road March Competition that year. In 1959 he released Federation, a song that reflected his disappointment over the breaking up of the proposed Caribbean initiative. Over the next several decades, his career continued to soar with such winning melodies as May May, Model Nation, Dan is the Man in the Van, the Village Ram, and Congo Man, to name very few. Another strong social commentary, We Could Make It Easy If
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FEBRUARY 2016
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 11
BIRTHDAYS IN THE DIASPORA
AN INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT Encouragement from the Word of God
THE BEST POWER TOOL need it most”.
Tishana Raffington Jamaica
Francile Peter Saint Lucia
Terron Henry Jamaica
Claudian Joseph Saint Lucia
Beverly Boothman Trinidad
Camilo Antonio Layne Panama
Cosma Denis Jamaica
Roberta Hector Aruba
There is no limit on the issues or situations that one can pray about. Philippians 4:6 says, “…pray about everything”; it does not matter how great or how seemingly insignificant.
Tessa Dornelly Saint Lucia
Theresa Donaie Saint Lucia
Dorna Isaac Honorary Saint Lucia
Paul Davis Antigua
Odette C Scott Jamaica
Amanda Head Jamaica
Sybil Connors Jamaica
Dr. Bernard Forrester Grenada
Dr. llouis Browne Barbados
Mauricio Brown Panama
Charmaine Bailey Staff Writer cbailey@olchouston.com The gift wrappings are now in the trash, the gifts sorted and even forgotten, but let me ask you this. Did you receive a power tool for Christmas? A power tool is quite valuable and handy and every household should have one to take care of necessary repairs and other projects. But there is an even better power tool that every household and person should have. That tool is prayer. It is one of the best gifts that God has given to us; yes, we already have it, yet sadly it is one of the most neglected and underused. Prayer is first of all, a direct line of communication with our heavenly Father. Prayer is a privilege provided to us by a loving God without boundaries to restrict or hinder. It is available 24/7 and there never will be a busy signal or any problem getting through. It is available to whosoever chooses, an answer is always sure and best of all, there is no charge. There are no social or religious barriers; no special education or qualification needed, instead, Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “come boldly to the throne of… God. There we will receive his mercy, and… find grace to help us when we
I Thess. 5:17 says “never stop praying”; it is always appropriate. This means that prayer should be an integral part of our daily living. Prayer may be corporate or public but also very personal and private. Public prayer is great and wonderful, but there is no substitute for the prayer that takes place in the “closet” where one can completely and freely bare heart and soul before God. Prayer provides the calm that comes from quieting the heart, putting fear and despair on the back burner and trusting God with the situation. It dispels panic and fear, allows peace to take over and brings clarity of mind so that one can discern the answer and know the right thing to do. It fosters a close personal relationship with God and gives the ability to stand strong in patient expectation of the answer. Here’s the most important prayer that you can ever pray – “Jesus, become the ruler of my heart and life”. Pray that today! It will change you forever. Pull this precious tool off the shelf and let prayer become central to your heart and life starting this New Year. Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Charmaine Bailey is a speaker and a Christian Education Teacher. She studied Christian Education at Jamaica Theological Seminary and hold a BA Linguistics from the University of the West Indies.
Celebrating 35 Years of Marriage.
Gregory and Marlene Hunte
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
FEBRUARY 2016
OPEN EDITORIAL
PM Gonsalves Pushes Ganja As Replacement For Bananas CNS: Barbados, Jan 27 2016 – St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves says the legacy of the Caribbean banana industry is a disastrous one. He is therefore pushing marijuana as a possible alternative cash crop. Speaking at the University of the West Indies (UWI) here last night, he further argued that 50 years of commercial banana production had left some islands disaster prone, adding that it was high time the region carries out some serious research on ganja as a viable regional commercial product. “I’m satisfied that the banana industry, despite its important historical contribution to several Caribbean economies, particularly from the mid-1950s to the mid-1990s, has been the most environmentally degrading commercial agricultural crop since conquest and settlement,” said Gonsalves in delivering a feature address at the launch of 40th anniversary celebrations at the UWI Cave Hill Campus. However, he pointed out that globally, especially in the United States and Europe, the marijuana business was emerging from “the shadow of illegality to a more enlightened decriminalisation, particularly in respect of medical marijuana and small quantities of the herb for recreational and religious or sacramental use”. And he called on the people of the Caribbean to have an objective look at what happened to the environment as a consequence of bananas. “In St Vincent, St Lucia, Dominica for example, in the heyday of the market preferences in the United Kingdom, farmers cultivated bananas in substantial quantities, above the 1,000 foot contour, and in adjacent undulating valleys. “The upshot of all this has been deforestation, erosion of the hills and valleys... it has been going on for nearly 50 years with bananas. So that when the rains come and you have flooding, the land gets washed away into the river. Trees themselves get dug out. And they block up the rivers, mash up the bridges, destroy homes. And they kill people,” he said. In further highlighting issues of the environment, Gonsalves said: “The extensive spraying of the banana plants, the sleeving
Celebrating 49 Year of Marriage.
Mr and Mrs Hector
of the banana fruit with plastic, wanton misuse of pesticides and weedicides, have polluted streams and rivers, degraded the land and caused unwanted debris, including plastic, to be deposited on certain beaches and in the nearby seas.”
“I am not saying that the majority of people in the country agree with that. But if you are leading you can’t wait until the majority leads you, you have to see things. And you have to build the education and consensus to move forward.”
He said that though the region was yet to assess and research on the sum total of this environmental degradation, it could be concluded, “ganja is no way as environmentally destructive as bananas.”
Meanwhile, the Vincentian leader called for a collective Caribbean approach to studying the trade and other benefits of marijuana cultivation to the region.
Calling for practical solutions to the environmental nightmare left in the wake of the banana trade, Gonsalves suggested that the Caribbean seek assistance from the countries to which the bananas were sold. “Europe which purchased our bananas for decades ought, reasonably within the context of the recently proclaimed sustainable development goals at the UN, to partner with us in implementing remedial measures to this environmental challenge.” The Prime Minister acknowledged that he might not have overwhelming support in his homeland for a switch to marijuana cultivation.
“We have to have the studies. That is why I advocated the Caribbean marijuana commission. “In the changing global context of marijuana use, Caribbean economists and other relevant professionals, including those in the pharmaceutical industry, ought to be ahead of the curve in conducting relevant research, not rehearsing traversed territory.” He said studies must point to a means of making the crop economically useful to the islands. “I don’t want to see a book on ganja in the Caribbean that you just present the information which I could go on the Internet and just read. I want to see serious research about what is happening in the region with it.”
Take Your Life Back!
Recognizing Toxic Relationships By Thecia R. Jenkin tjenkins@olchouston.com
“When someone shows you who they are; believe them the first time.” ~ Maya Angelou, Poet Derek paced back and forth across the floor periodically looking out the front window to see if Janice was pulling into their driveway. His thoughts were racing going down a checklist to ensure that the evening was going to be perfect. It is Valentine’s day, a day for lovers, and he knew he needed to make this evening good for Janice. As soon as Janice entered the house, Derek presented her with one dozen long stemmed roses scattered with baby’s breath. It was a beautiful bouquet, and Derek knew she would appreciate them. Janice immediately shoved the flowers away and stated, “Oh now you wanna give me some damn flowers. Why didn’t you send them to my job like all the other good husbands did? You made me look like a fool this week at work; I don’t care if Valentine’s day fell on a weekend. You are so stupid!” Derek knew the rest of the weekend would not go well. Once again, he just could not seem to do anything to please Janice. Ten years he had been dealing with name calling and unable to maintain contact with family and friends throughout his relationship with Janice. His friends often asked, “Why did he deal with her?” How could he tell them that his wife constantly threatened to kill him and herself if ever left? Or that she swore that he would never see his children if he left her? Derek is a victim of domestic violence. Yes, one in ten men live in abusive relationships and the cycle that keeps one in three women in abusive relationships is the same cycle that holds men bondage in
Thecia R. Jenkins toxic relationships. Both women and men often find themselves in abusive relationships, and by the time they realize it, they often have come to a place where the feel as though they have loss who they used to be. They have lost their life! The person who used to be extremely extroverted and enjoyed time with family and friends has lost contact due to the abuser making it difficult for them to be with their family and friends. They have lost the ability to maintain employment because the partner often calls them at work, causes them to be late for work or actually comes to the job, which leads to termination of employment. They have lost or are threatened with the loss of their children because if they choose to leave the abuser. The abuser either kidnaps the children, makes allegations to child protective services or emotionally alienates the children from the parent who is being victimized. Here are some steps to reclaiming and taking your life back in an abusive relationship: Know the tactics used by an abusive person: • Isolation – keeping you away from family, friends and outside Continue on Page 14
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 13
Health & Wellness What You Should Know About Zika Virus
Facts on Women and Heart Disease
Source: World Health Organization Key facts • Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. • People with Zika virus disease usually have a mild fever, skin rash (exanthema) and conjunctivitis. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days. • There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available. • The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites. • The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. Introduction Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. Signs and Symptoms The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days. During large outbreaks in French Polynesia and Brazil in 2013 and 2015 respectively, national health authorities reported potential neurological and auto-immune complications of Zika virus disease. Recently in Brazil, local health authorities have observed an increase in Zika virus infections in the general public as well as an
Source: CDC Office of Women’s Health
increase in babies born with microcephaly in northeast Brazil. Agencies investigating the Zika outbreaks are finding an increasing body of evidence about the link between Zika virus and microcephaly. However, more investigation is needed before we understand the relationship between microcephaly in babies and the Zika virus. Other potential causes are also being investigated. Transmission Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from theAedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. Zika virus disease outbreaks were reported for the first time from the Pacific in 2007 and 2013 (Yap and French Polynesia, respectively), and in 2015 from the Americas (Brazil and Colombia) and Africa (Cape Verde). In addition, more than 13 countries in the Americas have reported sporadic Zika virus infections indicating rapid geographic expansion of Zika virus. Diagnosis Zika virus is diagnosed through PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and virus isolation from blood samples. Diagnosis by serology can be difficult as the virus can cross-react with oth-
One Love CARIBBEAN is published monthly. All materials published in One Love CARIBBEAN is Copyrighted by One Love CARIBBEAN and may not be reproduced without our written permission. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: One Love CARIBBEAN is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions express herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher. One Love CARIBBEAN assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscript, photographs, and other material unless accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope.
er flaviviruses such as dengue, West Nile and yellow fever. Prevention Mosquitoes and their breeding sites pose a significant risk factor for Zika virus infection. Prevention and control relies on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction (removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between mosquitoes and people. This can be done by using insect repellent; wearing clothes (preferably light-colored) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows; and sleeping under mosquito nets. It is also important to empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water such as buckets, flower pots or tires, so that places where mosquitoes can breed are removed. Special attention and help should be given to those who may not be able to protect themselves adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly. During outbreaks, health authorities may advise that spraying of insecticides be carried out. Insecticides recommended by the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme may also be used as larvicides to treat relatively large water containers. Travelers should take the basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Treatment Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. There is currently no vaccine available.
One Love Caribbean Call 713-913-3466
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the US. Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a “man’s disease,” around the same number of women and men die each year of heart disease in the US. Some conditions and lifestyle choices increase a person’s chance for heart disease, including diabetes, overweight and obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use. High blood pressure, high LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. LDL is considered the “bad” cholesterol because having high levels can lead to buildup in your arteries and result in heart disease and stroke. Lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol and not smoking will reduce your chances for heart disease. Symptoms While some women have no symptoms of heart disease, others may experience heavy sharp chest pain or discomfort, pain in the neck/jaw/throat, or pain in the upper abdomen or back. Sometimes heart disease may be silent and not diagnosed until a woman has signs or symptoms including: • Heart Attack: Chest pain or discomfort, upper back pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea/ vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, and shortness of breath.
one or both eyes, shortness of breath, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, loss of consciousness, or sudden and severe headache. What You Can Do for Heart Health You can lower your chance of heart disease and a heart attack by taking simple steps. • Eat a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. Choose foods low in saturated fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. • Exercise regularly. Adults needs 2 hours and 30 minutes (or 150 minutes total) of exercise each week. You can spread your activity out during the week, and can break it up into smaller chunks of time during the day. • Be smokefree. If you are ready to quit, call 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669) or 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855335-3569 for Spanish speakers) for free resources, including free quit coaching, a free quit plan, free educational materials, and referrals to other resources where you live. • Limit alcohol use, which can lead to long-term health problems, including heart disease and cancer. If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation, which is no more than one drink a day for women. Do not drink at all if you are pregnant.
• Arrhythmia: Fluttering feelings in the chest.
• Know your family history. There may be factors that could increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Heart Failure: Shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the feet/ankles/legs/abdomen. • Stroke: Sudden weakness, paralysis (inability to move) or numbness of the face/arms/ legs, especially on one side of the body. Other symptoms may include confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, difficulty seeing in
• Manage any medical condition you might have. Learn the ABCS of heart health. Keep them in mind every day and especially when you talk to your health provider: • Appropriate aspirin therapy for those who need it • Blood pressure control • Cholesterol management • Smoking cessation
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
FEBRUARY 2016
COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE Mount Bethel House of Prayer in Houston 6818 Cullen Boulevard Houston, TX 77021
Spiritual Baptist Church Mother Kathleen Joseph
(713) 842-2990
From Page 7 ... Haiti in constructive dialogue with stakeholders prior to his departure, to ensure that the State continues to function peacefully and in the social and economic interest of the country. “The situation in Haiti is exceptional and it required exceptional solutions. We are pleased that the stakeholders have all committed themselves to democracy, peace and stability, amid a constitution-
al vacuum created by the absence of an elected President to replace Mr Martelly,” Sanders said. “My delegation is satisfied that while we were in Haiti to garner an appreciation of the views of as many stakeholders as possible, our presence had a beneficial effect on the search for a consensus formula by the various groups. We were also able to address and clarify misconceptions and misleading information about the role that the OAS plays in Haiti.”
Sources told the Informer that in the process of the exercise, the couple wandered off into a relatively remote area and was attacked by a masked man wielding a cutlass (machete).
of police and hotel staff the lifeless body of his wife was found partly submerged in the sand with blood oozing from a wound to the back of her head. An autopsy report on Jessica Colker revealed that her death was as a result of extensive skull fracture and asphyxia.
According to information reaching this media house, during the attack the husband realizing that his wife was in difficulty, made a run to get help at the hotel. However on his return in the company
Hours after the news hit the streets, the lawmen went on a manhunt with Benjamin as their main point of focus, and he subsequently surrendered himself to the police.
From Page 7 ... Grenada
From Page 7 ... Citizen by Investment frequently made by Antigua and by Investment programs are operated by European Union countries such as Britain, France, Malta, Cyprus, Portugal and Spain as well as by the United States, Switzerland, New Zealand and Australia amongst others.
To maintain their share of the benefits of CIPs, Caribbean countries have to administer their programs at a high standard – a point
From Page 12 Thecia Jenkins
influences to keep you dependent upon them for all support. • Verbal/Emotional abuse – belittling constantly, calling names, withholding praise and physical affection. • Intimidation – using facial gestures to frighten, throwing objects in your direction, hitting walls, screaming, or displaying weapons. • Minimizing, denying and blaming – saying you are overreacting during arguments or pushing their triggers. Alluding to it’s your fault for their action or blaming you for the marital/relationship issues. • Using children – threatening
Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne. So far, the CIPs have provided governments passports to save their economies. Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto.
to take children from you if you leave, telling the children to call you names or encouraging disrespect of you, abusing the children if you do not comply with their commands. • Economic abuse – not allowing you to work, changing name on financial instruments (i.e. credit cards, bank accounts, etc), stalking you at work, sabotaging educational efforts, etc. • Male privilege – demanding a woman’s submission often using biblical/spiritual reasoning, forcing sex against a woman’s will, forbidding birth control, and using derogatory language such as bitch and whore in reference to you as the female partner.
From Page 5 Immigration GED or be in school at time of your application; • If you were in the armed forces, must be honorably discharged. • No felony convictions or significant misdemeanors, and do not pose a threat to public safety; There is no “catch” to this program. DACA brings several notable and tangible benefits –work permit, social security numbers, ID cards and driver’s license, increased educational opportunities, increased economic opportunities, including opening a bank account and obtaining credit cards. In many instances it allows for greater access to social and health services.
From Page 14 Mighty Sparrow
We Try, and Precious were a dedication to his daughter. Sparrow also proved his balladeer skills with his remake of Arthur Prysock’s Only A Fool Breaks His Own Heart accompanied by Jamaica’s Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. This rendition won him a Gold Record in Holland. He also recorded Frank Sinatra’s My Way and Lucho Gatica’s “El Reloj”. Always a social critic, Sparrow’s songs exposed the challenges of the times, such as obeah, education, classism, courtship, sports, and social harmony. In 1977, he led the Caribbean with a tribute to Hasley Crawford, the Olympic Gold Medallist, and in the same year during FESTAC in Nigeria, he was awarded the honorary title of Chief of the Yorubas, Chief Omo Wale of Ikoyi. In 1978 he •Coercion and threats – threatening to kill you and/or themselves if you leave, using personal information that may be embarrassing or incriminating to get you to make decisions. If you find yourself in any of the scenarios above, your relationship may be abusive. Contact your local crisis center or call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) to speak with a trained domestic violence advocate. Start safety planning. The reality is if you decide to leave an abusive relationship you are seventy-five times more at risk
Importantly, if you are in the U.S. illegally it confers two major advantages: suspension of deportation and authorization to work legally in the U.S. Persons who were previously deported or who agreed to voluntarily leave the U.S. but remained, are also eligible for DACA. And while DACA does not bring citizenship or green card status, once granted it is valid for two years and is renewable. DACA provides qualifying persons the opportunity to live and work legally in the U.S. and in several instances the opportunity to apply for permission to travel home and safely back to the U.S. Let us round up our family mempaid tribute to Trinidad & Tobago’s pageant winner Janelle “Penny” Commissiong with The First Black Miss Universe and scolded Uganda’s Idi Amin Dada, Tyrant in Africa. In 1980, he sang about the Shah of Iran in Wanted Dead or Alive. Sparrow defined the title Calypso King of the World while making a big social impact in the Caribbean, the United States, and around the world with his keen observation of social situations from Haiti to OJ Simpson and President Obama. This 11 time Calypso Monarch and 8 time Carnival Road March Competition winner has over 70 albums to his credit that display his amazing ability to make melody of the exploits of society and crown it with showmanship and appeal. He has utilized the medifor physical violence or being killed by your partner. Create a plan to take your life back by working with an advocate, reporting all acts of violence to law enforcement to have documentation of the violence in case you need to obtain an Order of Protection. Finally, once you have left seek counseling to begin rebuilding your life. For more information, visit www.tcfv.org Thecia R. Jenkins Bold Profession Seminars & Consulting Equipping you to make a world of difference. Website:http//:www.theciajenkins.com
bers and friends and explore the possibilities for DACA eligibility with them. This is one instance where it is better to have one foot in the door – an opportunity at independence and to participate more fully and functionally in the American society. I encourage everyone to seek out more information on the program from an experienced immigration attorney and the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services. Until next time, walk good! The analysis and suggestions offered in this article do not create a lawyer-client relationship, is for information only, and are not a substitute for personalized representation that is essential to every case. Latania Mena is an Immigration Attorney and a Caribbean National based in the Southwest Houston, Texas.
um not just to entertain but also to edify, enlighten, and educate. Dr. Slinger “The Mighty Sparrow” Francisco has been honored in his lifetime with numerous university citations and government awards as well as many organization certificates of recognition for his combination of talent and hard work and ultimately his ascendance to Calypso King of the World. In New York, a mayor and a Borough president have at one time or another proclaimed March 18th The Mighty Sparrow Day and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of the West Indies, hence the reason for his song Dr. Bird to chronicle the event in 1988. Is it any wonder that he has also been hailed undisputedly as The Mighty Sparrow, The King of Calypso Kings, and the real Supreme Serenader?
FEBRUARY 2016
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 15
ISLAND STYLEE
ULTURE
JOKES | SATIRE | POEMS
ISLAND RECIPES THE ART OF CARIBBEAN COOKING
The Taste of Haiti
Soup Joumou
Griot
(Fried Pork)
(Haitian Pumpkin Soup)
Ingredients 1.5 lb. of pork 1 hot pepper 1 tsp. of parsley 1 tsp. of garlic powder 1 tsp. of thyme 1/2 tsp. of rosemary 1 tsp. of Adobo 1 lime
This savory soup is served in all Haitian households on New Years day in commemoration of Independence day. It was on January first, 1804, that Haiti became the world’s first independent black republic by defeating the French. Ingredients 4 garlic cloves, 1 tsp. thyme, 1/4 tsp. pepper, shallot, and 2 sliced scallions and 2 tsp. of salt 1 lb. piece of beef stew meat 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper 2 lbs. pumpkin, peeled and chopped 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 stalks celery, sliced into pieces 5 parsley sprigs 1 large onion, cubed 2 medium turnips, peeled and cubed 2 medium potatoes, cubed 1 pound cabbage, finely sliced ¼ pound thin pasta 2 tsp. limes juice ¼ can tomato paste, ½ cup tomato sauce 10 cups water
Direction Cut the meat into medium pieces. Wash thoroughly with the lime juice. Season well with Adobo seasoning salt, rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, pepper and let marinate for 4 hours.
Griot
In a saucepan, cover meat with water and boil over medium-high heat until water evaporates. Stirring occasionally, continue to cook until meat is tender. Remove the meat and set aside. In a skillet, heat oil and fry each side to brown evenly.
Pain Patate (Sweet Potato Bread)
Pain Patate
Directions
Beyen
1. In a medium pot, cook pumpkin over me(Fried Bananas) dium heat in 6 cups water for 30 minutes. 3 very ripe bananas Puree pumpkin in the water. While pumpkin is cooking, clean meat with lime, rinse 1 tbsp. flour 1/2 tsp. cinnamon powder with hot water and drain. 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract Marinate meat with meat rub. Rub the 1 tbsp. sugar meat with the spice paste-scallions, onion, 1/8 tsp. baking soda thyme, garlic, shallot, green pepper, salt Sugar for topping (optional) and black pepper ground together. Directions 2. In stockpot, add the meat with the oil Mix bananas, flour, sugar, vanilla and cinnaand tomato paste and brown by adding mon in medium size bowl. small amounts of water to caramelize the Place spoonful of batter in very hot oil and fry meat. Cook covered over medium heat for until golden brown. Sprinkle sugar. 20 minutes. Add 3 cups water and pureed pumpkin and bring to a boil.
Ingredients 2 lbs. white sweet potatoes, peeled and cut 1 large banana, peeled and cut in pieces 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup seedless raisins 1 tsp. grated ginger ¼ tbsp. salt 12 oz. evaporated milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract ½ tsp. grated nutmeg 1 tsp. ground cinnamon Rind of 1 lemon, grated 1½ cups coconut milk 3 tsp. butter Direction Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grate sweet potatoes into mixing bowl and mash the banana into sweet potatoes.
3. Add the cabbage, carrots, celery, onion, turnips, tomato sauce, potato and parsley to the soup, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour with a whole scotch bonnet on top.
Add all ingredients (except 1 tbsp. brown sugar) mixing each ingredient at a time until each ingredient is fully blended into the mix.
4. Add the spaghetti broken in to short pieces and cook until soft and tender.
Spread evenly into 9x13 inch baking pan and sprinkle remaining 1 tbsp. brown sugar over the top of the pudding.
5. Taste salt, black pepper or hot pepper to taste.
Bake for 1 ½ hour or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
Beyen
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Nothing’s Wrong Wid Me
Memories Of London
“Well, how can I help you?” asked the psychiatrist. “Well, doc, everybody want me to see you. They say something wrong wid me.”
Soaring from the Caribbean and stepping off of the plane Good old London you certainly felt the same Gatwick I savour you, for your scenery I pain O’ how much I was grieving for the beautiful sight of you again
The family of a Vincy man begged him to see a psychiatrist. And they were insisting on it.
“Why?” the doctor asked. “Because I like cotton socks.” “I don’t get it. I love cotton socks as well.” “Great! You see? Tell me something? How you like your socks Doc? You like it wid mayonnaise or wid oil?” How to Tell a Puppy A four-year-old boy in Kingston, Jamaica had just arrived home after going with his father to see a new litter of puppies at a neighbor’s home. The boy promptly announced to his mother that they were three boy puppies and one girl puppy. “How could you tell that?” his mother asked. “Daddy picked them up and looked underneath,” he replied. “I think it’s printed on the bottom. The Old Man First Flight Harry was taking his first flight ever. He was traveling from St. Kitts to New York on American Airline. Since he had never traveled by air before and 79 years old, his family and neighbors come to wish him as safe flight at Bradshaw International Airport. As he boarded the plane, he took the first front seat, which is first class. Minutes later, a man came looking over his head and said, “Sir, you are in my reserved seat.” Well vex with a long mouth, Harry totally ignored the man. The flight attendant intervene. “Sir you are in seat 31C. The old man totally ignore the flight attendant command and said, “If im did wanted de front seat, him should da come early like mi. My Dumb-Ass Brother A Saint Lucian women, Theresa, was injured in a car accident and fell into a deep coma. After six months, she woke up and found that she was no longer pregnant. Naturally, she asked the doctor about her baby. “Doc, what happen to my baby?” The doctor replied, “Well, you had twins: A boy and a girl. And, the babies are fine. Your brother came in and named them.” Theresa became anxious as she didn’t think that her brother was very smart. Expecting the worst, she asked the doctor, “So what’s the girl’s name?” “Denise,” said the doctor. Theresa began to feel a little guilty about how she thought about her brother. “Not bad,” she said. “I like the name Denise.” She then asked the doctor, “What’s the boy’s name?” The doctor replied, “Denephew.”
By Dennis Adonis
I misses your flowers that blooms in the spring And the songs of the birds around Crawley they sing Oh dear London if I was a man with even one wing I would have still struggle to reach you from my heart within I miss the warmth of your good old summer days And even the beautiful sight of the art forms you displays Warmth my face felt from your simmering sun rays And even the sweet sound of the roof on rainy days I miss the autumn when your colourful leaves will fell And the approaching season changes yes I can tell The sight of this surely makes my big heart swell O’ good old London I know you too well I miss the winter when your streets go cold Wonderfully white, it’s a beauty to behold A cold winter it would be, t he forecaster foretold O’ beautiful London, you are still warmly unfold
Go Spread Wings John Agard (Guyana)
If I be the rain you the earth let love be the seed and together make we give birth to a new longing for harmony growing among all things and love go spread wings love go spread wings If I be a tree clinging to parch earth this time you will be the rain and love the wind taking we by the hand showing the way to new awakenings among all things and love go spread wings love go spread wings.