March2014online

ONE LOVE Free Publication

Volume 7 Issue 3

MARCH 2014

ARIBBEAN

COMMUNITY • CULTURE • CONNECTIONS

IT’S JA-GA TIME

COMMUNITY

IF WALLS COULD TALK Laughter and Tears Page 4

CARIBBEAN

Dominica’s PM Calls the Opposition Party a Bluff Page 7

CONNECTION

Outcomes for Young, Black Men Page 12

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The years following World War II, a weakened and cash-stripped Europe decided to experiment with their “possessions” in the Caribbean. They allowed the islanders to try self-governance. In 1956, England passed the British Caribbean Federation Act, which gave growth to the West Indies Federation with the aim at establishing a union among the islands. Of course, the movement failed, and the member states eventually became independent nations.

some red bean. Take the flour and turn it into dumplings. Mix the two and you have some type of red bean soup. After enjoying the meal, you “feel good.”

Today, the concept of “feel good” still exists, but in different forms. In the Virgin Islands, politicians use free block parties with fish fry and Johnny cakes.

In Trinidad, they use calypsonians to develop hit songs with the candidate’s agenda in the lyrics. An example is the song “Captain the ship is sinking.” In Saint Lucia, Dominica, and Jamaica, wearing of particular colors is and indictor of the supporting party. At the end of the day, the voters only “feel good.”

Even the United States tried its hand at the experiment. Under the Revised Organic Act in 1954, the Virgin Islands created a central government with an Executive Branch headed by a Governor, a Legislative Branch of fifteen members, However, in Houston, “feel good” is and a Judicial Branch with judges. done slightly different. This is how it works here. You find a person or cause; The French did the same. They al- the person may have (or may have not) lowed Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. done something noteworthy; or maybe Martin, and St. Barth to become inte- the person is dead. It does not matgral parts of France with full represen- ter. Just find one. You lobby a current tation in the French government. politician to issue a certificate called a proclamation. Once the potential voter The key signature to this music was receives it, he/she “feels good.” election. The islanders, after years of having an imperialistic rule, now had In simple terms, the days of a “half to decide who would represent them in pound of flour and salted beef” is now government. And the race was on. At transformed to the “issuing a proclathat time, election was a new concept mation”. Are we naïve? Do we need a to most of the Caribbean islands, and I certificate to feel good? Let’s answer can see and understand, it was more a this question. Now, we know that at the likability campaign rather than one of federal level, proclamations, especially capabilities. To achieve that likability from the President, have been used to factor, candidates used food as their break down many barriers on slavery, campaign tool. gender, and wage issues. But in the City of Houston this is defined as: My grandmother, a Saint Lucian, told me that politicians used to drive Proclamations will be issued for civic around the islands giving potential celebrations; organizations and indivoters a “half pound of flour and salted viduals; significant events; significant beef.” In the Virgin Islands, the candi- anniversaries of major Houston-based date would hand out cornmeal. Either institutions and corporations; signifiway, this process increased the politi- cant birthdays; fund-raisers benefiting cian’s probability of gaining votes. the citizens of Houston; Retirements; and individuals who have made a sigIn fact, if someone had any ambitions nificant contribution to society. to run for office, giving a “half pound of flour and salted beef” to families If I put on my social hat, I would be feelwas a pretty good indicator of their in- ing so good to have a proclamation in tentions. my name. However, if I put on my engineering or my analytical hat, I see a So what was in it for the common bamboo weaved basket; it holds no wapeople? They received something that ter. This leads to my next question.

I called “feel good.” This is how it works. Put the salt beef to cook and add Since there is something of no substance 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.

in proclamations from our councilmembers, representatives and senators (other than feel good), what is supposed to happen the day after one receives a proclamation? You guessed it; Nothing!

So my friend, we recently have an increase of people in the Caribbean Communities lobbying office-bearers for proclamation on things and people of significant to the Caribbean. Though I am not knocking these people, I think that the days of “half pound of flour and salted beef” are over. The socalled proclamation is a joke. Give me something of substance.

So here is my two cents. Lobby the power to be in government to designate an official Caribbean Zone within their city. Give special incentive to the Diaspora to start and develop businesses within that zone. Provide a continuous police presents for safety and security.

That my friends, if you can accomplished something of this nature, you will earn my respect. I will even campaign and vote for you all.

Give me some meat on that bone.

So until then, One Love!

Sylvanus Donaie, BA, BSEE, MTM, MPM, MBA Publisher

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.

Page 4

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

MARCH 2014

Breast Cancer: A Survivor Speaks

By Paula Abraham, D.Ph., RN Contributing Writer

Houston Grenadians Celebrate Grenada Independence On February 8, 2014, the Independence of Grenada was in the spotlight as Grenadians celebrated their 40th anniversary of their independence in an “A Grand Affair” evening of culture, dinner, music and glamour; it was also the Grenada Houston Association (GHA) third annual scholarship gala.

On February 7th 1974, Grenada declared its independence from the British and adopted a modified Westminster parliamentary system based on the British model, with a governor general appointed by and representing the British monarch (head of state) and a prime minister who is both leader of the majority party and the head of government.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Anthony C. George, the designer for the Flag of Grenada, which was adopted on February 7, 1974.

GHA presented the Honorable George with the prestigious honor of the “Heroism Award” as well as naming a proposed scholarship in his name.

George recently published his memoir “Beyond Belief.” It portrays his early upbringing in

L-R: Grenadians Dr. J Jonathan Lewis, Dr. Edward L. Cox, and Anthony C. George

Carriacou to finally achieving recognition for his contribution to the nation, takes you inside his life and artistic work During the celebration, GHA honored one of their own, Dr. Edward L. Cox, a native of Carriacou. He is currently an Associate Professor of History and Director of Graduate Studies at Rice University in Houston. Dr. Cox is a distinguish author with many publications in his illustrious career.

Recently, on December 12, 2013 GHA honored five students with scholarships at an

award ceremony in Grenada.

Dr. J Jonathan Lewis, President of the GHA, was pleased to be able to give back to his home country but encouraged all in attendance to spread knowledge of the Association so that more students can take advantage of the scholarships available.

The gala climaxed with Grenada’s Elimus ‘’the hitman ‘’ Inspector, a veteran in the soca business, singing his hits as the attendees took to the dance floor.

The gala was held at the Ensemble Theatre in Houston.

IF WALLS COULD TALK A Play of Continuous Laughter and Tears OLC: Drama challenges its audiences and forces them to see and reflect on their lives and that of their neighborhood.

Oftentimes, the experience gives definition the events that surrounding families and their affairs. And, the drama, “IF WALLS COULD TALK,” was not a stranger to these wonders.

Madevent Entertainment, under the leadership of Marsha Edwards, hosted the Jamaican play at the Stafford Civic Center on February 22, 2014.

The play focuses on the stresses and commotions that most middle class families experience as they go about with their daily lives. Volier Johnson and Deon Silvera star as Melvin and Jennifer Bailey. They seem to be having a swell time until flirty seductress Megan (Dainty Bellanfantie) enters the picture with her disarming smile, never failing to remind John that she’s his company’s key investor so he’d better put out.

Jennifer (Deon) hatches a plan to have their devoted and lov-

As one author rightly put it, “Our health is a voyage, and every illness is an adventure story.” Honestly, this is one adventure that I wish, I could have skipped. Unfortunately I had no choice.

Cancer is a worrisome diagnosis, regardless of the prognosis. Five years ago, the doctors diagnosed me with breast cancer. At the time, I thought that I was living the American dream because of my accomplishments. Unfortunately, they were not able to prevent the ugly attack of cancer. It was a harsh reality, which dramatically changed my life.

For many years, as a nurse, I provided comfort and encouragement to my patients, but this time I was the patient. I quickly realized that cancer had no respect of persons and everyone was at risk.

Cancer treatment took a heavy toll on my body, and sadly, my pocket. I often wondered how patients with little or no support from friends or family managed. Having traveled that journey, I vowed that I would do everything within my abilities to ensure that no woman, or man,

was deprived of the necessary support or resources needed to overcome this deadly disease.

The birth of the Caribbean Breast Cancer Foundation was “a long time coming.” It was established to provide literacy and charitable activities for those stricken by this dreaded disease and to promote wellness through education and early detection among those who have not been affected.

Please join me in this endeavor.

Walk with us on May 17, 2014, at Buffalo Run Park in Missouri City, to celebrate the life of a loved one who has survived, or one who may have passed on.

Support a worthy cause. For more info call 281-222-3415.

Introducing the “Caribbean Breast Cancer Foundation”

A Texas non-profit organization, established to provide literacy and support for women affected by breast cancer, and promote wellness, through education and early detection, among those who are unaffected.

1st Annual Caribbean Breast Cancer Foundation Walk.

Milton Jones, Deon Silvera, Jennifer Morgan, Rosie Murray.

Standing in the back – Marsha Edwards

ing housekeeper (Rosie Murray) help her with the only problem she has in her marriage.

“IF WALLS COULD TALK” features Keith ‘Shebada’ Ramsey as the talking wall, but more so Mel’s guilt-ridden conscience.

visit to Jamaica, I stopped in and watched the rehearsal with my Aunt and Uncle. Now granted, my uncle is a very serious man.

So, hearing the laughter coming from them confirmed my decision to host the play in Houston.”

Silvera is no stranger to Houston.

In 2011, she joined Dahlia Harris and Christopher McFarlene in the hit play “JUDGEMENT.”

‘IF WALLS COULD TALK’ is a magnificent play. The Houston Caribbean people got a ‘bellyfilled of laugh’ and a great experience. The play brought continuous laughter and tears encompassed by serious reflection. Kudos Marsha!

Houston was ready and well in tune for ‘IF WALLS COULD TALK.’ Marsha explained, “On a

Saturday, May 17, 2014.

Buffalo Run Park 1122 Buffalo Run, Missouri City, Texas 77489

For information or registration call: 281-222-3415 or 832-573-1794 or 713-256-7033 or 832-892-9523.

Volunteers needed to assist at the walk

Register your Team to win a prize for the best decorated head or face gear (hat, cap, mask, etc.)

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MARCH 2014

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

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HFD Brown-Outs Avoided

Houston Reached Tentative Agreement its Fire Union Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association (HPFFA) President Bryan Sky-Eagle announced a tentative agreement on an interim contract. For now, the deal solved the problem of fire apparatus being pulled off the streets and the $8.5 million overtime shortfall at the Houston Fire Department (HFD).

The problem surfaces around controlling of cost. As such, the city wants to reduce HFD overtime by mandating that certain trucks sit idle when firefighters take time off. It is called a brown-out. However, based on a minimum staff clause in the contract between parties, the department is required to maintain the assignment.

The association argued that the option of pulling apparatus out of service was not viable because it puts the life and property of residents at risk.

The agreement calls for elimination of guaranteed holidays through June 30, 2014. In addition, based on a Fiscal Year 2014 wage reopener clause in the existing 2011 contract, firefighters will receive a two-percent across-the-board pay increase and a one-time uniform allowance with a total value of $3.64 million.

The city agrees to keep all fire trucks in service, provided that the two-week average of un-

TMW Mission to Jamaica 2012

scheduled absences does not exceed 35 members per day.

Should this two-week average be exceeded, the city reserves the right to remove units from service.

Daily staffing levels will also determine whether the seven ambulances removed from service on February 25, 2014 will be placed back in service or remain idled every day through the end of the fiscal year.

The interim agreement also includes the following provisions: • An improved work schedule program will continue to be developed and will be implemented in the first full pay period following July 1, 2014.

• A four-year payout, instead of a lump sum termination payment, for retiring firefighters, at least through the remainder of FY14.

• An agreement by both parties that a future collective bargaining

agreement will include the elimination of the District Vacation Bank concept beginning with the vacation scheduling for 2015.

• A five percent cap on guaranteed holidays from July 1, 2014 to the end of the future collective bargaining agreement the two sides anticipate reaching.

“We are showing good faith with this pay raise and commitment to keeping apparatus in service,” said Parker. “I am asking the fire fighters out in the field to also show good faith by showing up for work, as scheduled.”

Sky-Eagle said, “This is a win for the citizens of Houston and the firefighters are proud to work with Chief Garrison and the mayor to stop any further EMS units and fire apparatus from being removed from service.”

The agreement still needs to be voted on by City Council and the union membership.

The Texas Parkway Widening project involves areas of Texas Parkway expanding from a 2-lane to a 4-lane divided roadway, installing of a concrete median, opening ditches for drainage, and constructing

The overarching goals of the TMW and Africa Cancer Care partnership are to improve healthcare access for medically underserved individuals in rural Jamaica and to empower them to lead healthy lives. Through health education, we seek to enhance both self-advocacies in healthcare systems and commitment to well-being by giving people the tools with which they can address health issues at any stage of their lives. Our staff will provide medications that will meet their immediate health needs. Volunteers confirmed for the trip include physicians, nurse practitioners,

For more information or to make a donation to this worthy event, please contact texasmulticulturalwomen@ymail. com or 832-890-6725 or 713320-2950.

Dominica Houston Association

New Board of Directors

Executive Colette St. Rose - President Justine Alfred - Vice President Pearly Pendenque - Secretary Bil Bruney - Treasurer

Work on the project started in January, and the contractor has approximately one year to complete the improvements.

Directors Winston Burt Dennis Warner Sandra Williams short-term road closures may be needed over the course of construction. Such closures will be advertised on the Houston Transtar website at www.houstontranstar.org.

The Texas Multicultural Women Inc. (TMW) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization based in Houston, Texas. Headed by Veronica Ricketts, TMW’s membership consists of a group of women with a variety of international backgrounds, interests and experiences who reside in the Houston Metropolitan area.

TMW’s mission is to meet the needs of women from multicultural environments living in and outside the United States. The extreme disparity in health outcomes and access to healthcare that exists today between the world’s rich and the world’s poor is unjust and unsustainable. TMW recognizes these disparities and supports organizations providing health services to people across the world.

St. Kitts-Nevis Association of Houston

of three sound walls to protect residential areas from traffic noise.

According to TxDOT officials, motorists will be able to maintain regular travel patterns as one east- and one west-bound lane will be open for the duration of the project. Periodic

pharmacists, health educators, physician assistants, and medical assistants.

CONGRATULATIONS

Executive Committee Mel Audain - President Yvonne Duncan - Vice President Avice Chambers - Treasurer Janielle Maynard - Secretary

Missouri City: Texas Parkway Widening Project

OLC: Driving in Missouri City on Texas Parkway, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has undertaken the project of widening the road from Cartwright Road to the Fort Bend Tollway.

Next month (April 28 to May 4, 2014), the Texas Multicultural Women (TMW) will be partnering with the Africa Cancer Care, Inc. to conduct a medical mission in rural Jamaica.

Africa Cancer Care Inc. under the leadership of Dr. Eucharia Iwuanyanwau, is a nonprofit group based in Houston, TX devoted to educating the masses about cancer and its ill equipped victims in and outside of the United States.

Board Members: Tasha Nicholas-Aziz Makaveli Shakur Yolanda Shorte

Paula Abraham Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Miton Royer Public Relations Officer

Executive Member Carlton Dangleben Gerald Bellot Vincia Todman Fundraising & Scholarship: Gertrude Florent

Page 6

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

ARIBBEAN Briefs

MARCH 2014

T&T Opens Embassy in China

Jamaica Mergers its Police Forces into a Single Unit Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting says Cabinet has approved a merger of the Jamaica Constabulary force (JCF) and the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) through the incorporation of the members of the ISCF into the JCF. The incorporation of the ISCF into the JCF means Jamaica will have a single police force which will, among other things; result in an increase in the number of police personnel engaged in frontline crime prevention and control activities.

The merger will be effected during the 2014/2015 financial year.

Minister Bunting noted that the merging of the two forces has been recommended by the Wolfe Report of 1991 as well as five separate reports and studies since.

In commenting on the benefits of the merging of the two entities, Police Commissioner Owen Ellington noted that the two entities have been operating together as a virtual single force in recent times, but the realization of all benefits required policy and legislative support.

He noted that the existence of two separate legal entities, op-

February 26, 2014: The Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the People’s Republic of China, Beijing was officially declared open on Wednesday 26 February, 2014, by the Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

St. Vincent’s PM Fires

L-R: National Security Minister, Peter Bunting, Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips and Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller

erating within the same space and performing similar, and in some cases identical, functions presented a number of operational challenges.

Commissioner Ellington argued that the merging of the entities will result in significant efficiency gains. These include the: • Implementation of a single command and communication structure • Elimination of duplication in administrative services • Expansion in the skill sets of police personnel through the unification of training programs • Rationalization of various overheads such as rental of property • Creation of the means by which the transmission and inculcation of a core set of common values can be effected.

The decision to seek Cabinet approval for the incorporation of the ISCF into the JCF followed months of consultation with several stakeholders within both the ISCF and the JCF, as well as with other parties.

National Security Minister Peter Bunting this morning met with representatives of the police associations, the JCF and ISCF senior management, and senior policy managers of the MNS. At that meeting, it was agreed to establish an Implementation Task Force comprising representatives of these groups to finalize the draft implementation plan, which will include comprehensive communication with members of the JCF and ISCF as well as the public to ensure a smooth transition

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Deputy Consul General in New York Edson Augustus has been official recalled from his post as Deputy-Consul General at the Consulate General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in New York, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs according to a press release.

“On Wednesday, February 5, 2014 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines received reports suggesting that Mr. Augustus, while posted in New York, was involved in activities outside the scope of his employment and inimical to the interest of the Consulate General and the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” the release further said.

Mr. Augustus was recalled from his post as Deputy Consul General in New York because of reports that he offered to help persons in the United States to secure U.S. Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards).

It’s JAGA time...

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Sir Vivian Richards Monument Unveiled St. John’s, Antigua: Former West Indies cricket captain and Antigua national hero, Sir Vivian Richards, says he feels privileged to have a statue unveiled in his honor.

The unveiling occurred at a ceremony here attended by a number of dignitaries including past cricketers.

“It’s not often you see impressions you think look real and for the gift itself being a brand of Cuba itself, I am very pleased. I am privileged and over the moon to be in such a position,” said Richards, one of the world’s greatest ever batsman.

The statue was unveiled

at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Officials say it will remain at the venue as a tourist attraction.

In the meantime, Antiguan Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer said, “He is humbled to be head of the government at a time when such tribute is being paid to Richards.”

“It humbles me to be the prime minister who honors this man, though when it comes to King Viv I am just an ordinary citizen of Antigua and Barbuda who is proud to call him one of us,” said Spencer.

“But where will the next Master Blaster come from? Which young boy or

girl here today will grow up to strike fear into the hearts of bowlers around the world when he or she comes out of the pavilion, bat in hand?”

MARCH 2014

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

Page 7

Dominica Politics: PM Calls the Opposition Party a Bluff Caribbean Youths Look to Create The Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit wants his fellow Dominicans to know that his Labor Party Administration understands the struggles of the ordinary people. As a result, he work tediously and is able to find financing for several popular Government programs.

The Prime Minister points to the graduation of 119 trainees in the hospitality training exercise, which was paid for by the Government. “I want to say to you that this program did not come out [of] the Public Service; there is no Government Public Officer who developed this program. This program came from the leadership of the Dominica Labor Party.”

Prime Minister of the country.

importance of the country establishing and maintaining healthy relationships with its allies.

“So this apprenticeship program, this National Employment Program is not VAT money; it is not income tax money; it is not import duties money; it is money that came about by a program, The Prime Minister repeated the a project written by myself, the

I went to Venezuela and sat with the President of Venezuela and [said] to him, “Comrade, I have a challenge in Dominica of youth unemployment, and here is a proposal. I would want you to finance for me [for] my people in Dominica.” So this money is coming from our friends from Venezuela because of our extraordinary relationship that we have engendered with the Venezuelans.

They have seen it fit in this very difficult economic situation.”

“The Prime Minister also dismissed the allegations by the political opposition that he was a beggar. “I have been accused by many in the Opposition and some in the country of being a Continue on Page 12

Barbados: New Vehicle Provisions For Returning Nationals Beginning April 1, Barbadians, who will be resettling after spending at least 10 years abroad, will be able to purchase a duty-free vehicle locally, under the Barbados Returning Networkers Program.

According to officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFA), the change was recently approved by the Cabinet to facilitate those Barbadians returning home who want to avoid the hassle of importing a vehicle. It will also allow local car dealers to benefit from an additional stream of revenue and boost the country’s foreign exchange earning capacity.

The new measures are in keeping with Government’s policy

of engaging the Barbadian diaspora by facilitating their resettlement as a means of encouraging them to invest in the economy and transfer their skills and expertise.

Under this program, Barbadians, who meet the criteria and are approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, will be able to submit the appropriate documentation and visit the show room of any local car dealer to purchase one duty-free vehicle based on the stipulations contained in the Barbados Networker Policy.

spouse. Returning nationals will still be able to import their existing vehicles if this is the preferred option.

Following the discussions, arrangements are currently ongoing to sensitize members living in the diaspora, Barbados’ overseas missions and other relevant persons about the new arrangements.

the Next Top Mobile App

The next viral mobile sensation could be developed right here in Jamaica. That’s the message from the tech community to young hopefuls in the Caribbean.

“Technology can be the great leveler, not only in terms of location but also in terms of size,” explained Lisa Harding from the Caribbean Development Bank. “This is great news for the Caribbean,” she added.

From apps to fighting rising crime levels to e-learning tools for pre-school and up, a prodigious talent and a depth of ideas reside in the Caribbean.

It’s a potential which could secure the economic future for the region, and, more specifically, valuable career opportunities for the youths.

“We view the digital economy as a way to harness the enormous creativity that exists in the country and our job is to be the enablers,” commented minister of state for science, technology, energy and mining, Julian Robinson. “To take that creativity, covert it into businesses and earn foreign exchange and facilitate economic growth.”

Last December, some 50 young Jamaicans benefitted from a training workshop on mobile application development, as Digital Jam 3.0, the Caribbean Edition program, got underway in Jamaica. They are seeking to create an opportunity for young people in Jamaica and the wider region to showcase their creative talent and innovation in the Information Technology (IT) sector.

The vehicle must be paid in full using funds directly transmitted from an overseas account bearing the name of the networker or his or her legal

The aim is to unleash the enormous creativity and talent that exist across the Caribbean to facilitate opportunities for economic empowerment.

In addition to the hand-on training, the initiative will involve the promotion and utilization of various technologies, a mobile application (app) development competition, and a ‘Get up, STARTUP’ conference in March 2014 for young talents, who want to become technology entrepreneurs.

“It is a program, which is primarily geared to deal with the issues of unemployment and in particular, youth unemployment, and it is a program to demonstrate how we can use the technology to uplift and empower youngsters across the region,” Robinson said.

He encouraged the participants to be attentive during the training and to also ask questions.

“We have been very deliberate in the way we have structured Digital Jam 3.0. We have organized it to be hands on because we want you to benefit from what we are doing,” he concluded.

Source: World Bank and JIS

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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

Celebrating International Women Day

MARCH 2014

Islander on the Move

Sabrina Easington

A Young Person of Influence

Cherrie Aimey Thompson

Veronica Ricketts

Michelle Okoro

Tessa Dornelly

Lucia Bates

Marva Layne

Sijollie Braham

Melvina Audain

Roberta Hector

Mariyln D. Jones

Gertrude Florent

Shirley Franklins

Joan Douglas

Kathleen T. Joseph

... and many more

Colette Julie St.Rose

Cheryl Williams

Andrea Jean Baptiste

Beverly Ford

You know of the hottest Caribbean band in Houston! Well, the next time that you attend a function where the Galaxy Band is jamming, look and you will see a young twenty-six year old ladies leading in song. Her name is Sabrina.

to go. Although the reason for my visit was a tragic one (for my grandmother’s funeral), my family and I still enjoyed ourselves. I got a chance to taste authentic Guyanese foods and attend sporting events with the locals.”

Sabrina was born in Houston to a Jamaican mother (Clairlyn Easington) and a Guyanese father (Lawrence Harris).

Music came natural to her, and the opportunity to sing in a band was indicative of a dream come true. She started singing at Braeswood Assembly of God Church on the youth praise team. It was there, she realized, that she had talent as a singer. She competed in many fine arts competitions and even won some titles. Sabrina is currently a member of New Point Church, where she also sings on the Praise team.

Like many children of the Diaspora, Sabrina loves and appreciates the dynamic rhythms of calypso and soca. She explains, “I was introduced to soca music at a very young age by my parents who would take me to various West Indian house parties.” It was there that she grew the fondness for the music. “While attending these parties, I was forced to mimic the smooth dance movements I saw my parents doing,” she continued. Look like she did not have a choice on the matter.

Sabrina is proud of her Caribbean roots. She was blessed to have multiple opportunities to visit her mother’s birth island of Jamaica. One of her most memorable moments in Jamaica was following her uncle down the gully and playing with the cows and chicken in her grandmother’s backyard in the countryside of Cave Valley. She also remembers sitting on her grandmother’s veranda while reggae music flared in the background.

She has also had the opportunity to visit Guyana, her dad’s homeland. Sabrina said, “I have always wanted to visit the birthplace of my father. A few years ago I got the opportunity

While teaching at a middle school, Sabrina’s colleague, Jullian Barnwell-Joseph, introduced the Galaxy Band to her and suggested that she consider joining them. “Jullian knew that I was very active in church; singing on the worship team so she mentioned Galaxy Band to me and suggested that I try out for a spot as a backup singer,” she said.

Sabrina stated “I truly think Galaxy Band is comprised of talented musicians that have challenged me to sing in ranges that I didn’t even know I could.

Being a member of this awesome band has helped me stay connected to my heritage, and I am loving it!” The band won Best Live Band/Live Entertainment of the Year (2013) at the Houston Caribbean Achievement Award.

She graduated from Prairie Continue on Page 14

MARCH 2014

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

PHOTOS

Houston Caribbean

Page 9

CARIBBEAN

LIEE LIFE

Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival MAS Play MAS

Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival is not just one festival, but a series of festivities sandwiched between Christmas and Ash Wednesday.

It culminates in a two-day street parade, where costumed masqueraders party to the sounds of sweet soca and calypso music along the various parade routes on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, the two days that precede Ash Wednesday.

The duration of the Carnival season varies because Ash Wednesday signals the beginning of the 40-day Christian Lenten period of reflection that ends with the Christian feast of Easter. Carnival is usually six to ten weeks long, during which time this twin-island country is buzzing with activity including the play-offs of the premier Pan (steelband), Calypso and Mas competitions of the world.

Trinidad & Tobago created these unique art forms out of the confluence of cultures - European, African, Indian, Asian - assembled here in the centuries since Columbus. The songs of the slaves and their oral news network are now condensed calypsoes of social commentary and fast-paced rhythmic soca, the music and poetry of the festival.

The masked balls of the European masters have exploded onto the streets, with costume and mime - look for devils, demons, midnight robbers, bats and moko jumbies - and dancing parties, thousands strong, reveling in liberating loud music and license to cavort in the heart of Port of Spain’s business district. It is this transformation wrought by costume and music that has been called simply Mas, and used to refer to children, adults, individually or in bands, costumed for street or stage parades.

It was also out of attempts to suppress the drum that the steelband eventually emerged.

Now simply called pan, it is the only musical instrument invented in the last century.

The season’s schedule starts with the opening of the calypso tents.

Calypsonians in T&T will present the songs that will move from Trinidad to all the other carnivals for the year. This is where the hits are made. This is where musicians from other islands and territories come for approval. Listen for the panyard practices late into the night as Panorama, the steelband competitions, draw near.

And visit the mas camps where the costumes for the big bands are already being distributed.

The vast influx of visitors and returning residents is usually concentrated in the week before the Carnival. Fetes, pan, calypso and mas events are planned in towns and villages all over the two islands, but mainly in and around Port of Spain. Most visitors stay until the weekend after Carnival, taking in Tobago, sea baths and post-Carnival shows.

Page 10

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

ONNECTIONS

Does the NFL Need Your Tax Dollars? lords” who own football teams.

One of the revelations in our financial tapestry as a nation following the 2008 collapse of Wall Street is that among our rich and powerful people (1%), many walked away from the crisis financially better off than they were prior to the crash. And they did this to the tune of tens of millions, and even tens of billions dollars added to their coffers, as millions of others from the working class were losing homes, jobs, health insurance and other possessions. Interestingly, everything was legal, reportedly.

No rules were broken, as best as we understand them.

A second scenario and perhaps closer to home for some readers, relates to the National Football League (NFL). I say closer to home, because I understand that many of us are passionate supporters of organized football and other athletic programs.

But just in case we missed it when first published, let’s go back a couple of months to October of last year, when Gregg Easterbrook reported on his study in the Atlantic Magazine under the title, “How the NFL Fleeces Taxpayers.” Easterbrook made a public call for an end to the practice of giving tax dollars to America’s wealthiest sports league and to the “feudal

In his supporting argument, the author made reference to the NFL Commissioner’s annual salary of $30 million, and the NFL’s not-for profit status. In addition, the anti-trust law does not apply to broadcast “deals;” and finally that football stadiums are funded by tax-payers dollars.

Most of us would remember the anti-trust laws were created to restrict the formation of cartels and prohibit collusive practices and monopoly among business corporations…all for promoting fair competition to the benefit of consumers. Assuming that the laws are beneficial to corporations and consumers alike, I’m not sure why any business entity would want to be exempt from the anti-trust laws anyway?

But as the report developed, we learned that the conservative, Republican Governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell recently gave $4 million of taxpayers’ money to the Washington Redskins to “upgrade a workout facility.” All this was done at a time when the state legislature was out of session, according to the report. By the way, in addition, the owner of the Redskins, Dan Snyder has an estimated net worth of $1 billion, again as reported.

In another situation covered in the story, taxpayers in Hamilton County including Cincinnati, Ohio paid a $33 million bill for services and operation costs to the stadiums for the Bengals and for the Major League Baseball Reds. And here’s the big twist to this situation. These pro-sports subsidies were more than the $23.6 million in County budgetary cuts made to health and human services for constituents. At the same time, there

was also a $119 million cut to the County school budget.

It almost sounded as if none of this made any sense, as I read the study. And there were other examples of similar stories going on all around the country. Even in our neighboring State of Louisiana, taxpayers have reportedly given up approximately $1 billion to build and renovate the popularly known “Mercedes-Benz Superdome.” It was about one year after Hurricane Katrina that the New Orleans Saints began hosting NFL games again. Now look at this. According to the report, Tom Benson, who owns the Saints and has an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion, gets to keep nearly all returns from ticket sales, concessions, parking, and broadcasting rights. In addition, taxpayers even paid for the addition of leather stadium seats with cup holders for the drinks they buy at concession stands. It just goes on and on and on… At least twelve teams have reportedly gained profits on stadium subsidies alone.

And you might have guessed it correctly. All of this is legally covered by a 1966 Congressional Act, PL 89-800.

And this too, is another story all by itself. Even with this story as published, there was almost too much to cover in this little space. Enough to say that it left me with more questions than answers by the time I finished the reading. I realized how little I understand the simple things that happen around me. There’s got to be a whole lot more about which I know little or nothing.

Another note that struck me was the report that after approving an interview with Commissioner Roger Goodell by the author of the study, Gregg Easterbrook, the NFL hastily cancelled the interview after learning that “tax exemptions” were on the agenda. Go figure!

NFL Oakland Raiders vs Houston Texans

And as I thought more cynically about what I read, it occurred to me that it was just 4 to 5 months Continue on Page 15

MARCH 2014

IMMIGRATION NEWS ATTORNEY MENA SPEAKS ON DEPORTATION

How to Help Someone Facing Deportation IMMIGRATION IN JAIL Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been increasingly present in local jails.

Many times they will try to interview a detainee to determine if they should lodge an “immigration hold” on that individual.

The aim is to determine if you are deportable. The questions asked may include your name, country of birth, citizenship, immigration status, age, parents’ citizenship and prior convictions. This information could be used to deport you! If you find yourself in a detention facility and asked immigration-related questions, follow these simple rules: DON’T SAY ANYTHING, DON’T SIGN ANYTHING, DON’T LIE Do not answer any questions, not your name, country of origin or immigration status. Immigration Agents may pull out any tactics- they could threaten you with jail, deportation of you or your family if you do not answer the questions. They may also tell you, if you answer, everything will be fine. Do not be fooled. Instead ask for the agent’s identification information. Be persistent. Record the name and agency of the person speaking to you. Do not sign any documents, instead request copies for your records.

IMMIGRATION DETENTION Because most detainees do not have lawyers or resources, they do not know their rights, while inside a detention facility. You should know you have a right NOT to sign any statements or documents, especially those giving up the right to a hearing in front of an immigration judge. Ask to speak to a lawyer first. Do not be pressured to sign anything because you cannot afford a lawyer. Do

Attorney Latania Mena not sign anything you do not understand. Request bond or parole from an immigration office immediately, even if you think you don’t qualify. This may keep you from being removed from the state in which you were detained.

If you have an old deportation order, you may not get to see an immigration judge and could be deported immediately. Ask for a Notice of Reinstatement of the Deportation Order or Final Administrative Order. Make sure your family members have a copy of all your immigration paperwork, including the Notice to Appear and any criminal conviction records, or certificates of disposition. If you are able to see a judge but do not have an attorney, ask the judge for time to find someone to represent you.

In the event you find yourself under an immigration hold, you should still seek to be released, so you can fight your case from outside and continue with your normal life as much as possible. These are some ways you may be able to get out of detention: BOND: a bond is an amount of money paid to ICE to guarantee that you will attend your hearings, obey the conditions of your release, and obey the Continue on Page 14

MARCH 2014

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

Bless The Children

Page 11

BIRTHDAYS IN THE DIASPORA

ing to amount to anything good.

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose” Proverbs 18:21 (TM). One can destroy one’s own child with words or pour life and joy into him with positive and encouraging words. Words can promote confidence and a positive self-image which are valuable and important for success, achievement and self-fulfillment.

By Charmaine Bailey, Staff Writer cbailey@olchouston.com

“Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world…” Many of us have either heard or sung that song without thinking through what those words really mean. Many of us are from a culture where children are more often put down, slapped, beaten, shamed or embarrassed; to be seen and not heard.

Some of the older generation still practice this today because that’s what was received and so that seems like the right thing to do. Verbal abuse was and still is thought to be acceptable.

While that may have been one’s history or cultural practice, passed from one generation to the next, it is far from being God’s way. Discipline and training which are both mandated in the Bible were not meant to be abusive or harsh.

Rather, they were about nurture, caring, development, instruction, guidance, encouragement, order, structure, preparation, helping to set and achieve goals; boundaries, correction, punishment that fits the offense when needed, but never about discouragement, suppression and creating obstacles or causing spiritual and emotional wounds. The heart of the Father has always been love, kindness, gentleness, and peace - to lead people to Him. The way to bring that out in children is to demonstrate it and live it with them. This means blessing one’s own children as well those of others. Be kind, gentle and encouraging, building them up instead of tearing them down with cruel words, calling them names like “good-for-nothing, lazy, dumb or stupid”, predicting that they are not go-

Would you like your children to be blessed? Bless other people’s children – help, hug (if appropriate), listen, congratulate them, be happy for them, be a positive mentor and good will flow back to your own children. This is the principle of sowing and reaping that is expressed in Galatians 6:7, “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant”. Stop speaking destructive words to and about children; cease shouting at and humiliating them; putting them down and “killing them harshly” with your words. The sad thing is that oftentimes these words are said without sincerity or really intending harm; but the truth is, they ring forever in the ears of the “hearer” and become a self-fulfilling prophecy - a prediction that directly or indirectly causes itself to become true.

Encourage them to pursue their gifts and talents, compliment achievements.

Speak gently; highlight the good in your own kids and those of others. Give them hope by your words. Forgive shortcomings and firmly but gently steer them to the right path. Perhaps you are still smarting from damaging words that were said to you when you were a child.

Break the chain; stop the rage and the generational inheritance of self-hate and negativity.

Ephesians 4:29, 31-32 “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them… 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you”. (NLT) This is what God wants for both parents and children.

Sijollie Braham Jamaica

Racquel Soogea Jamaica

Carol Williams Jamaica

Marie-Celia Gaston St. Lucia

Charmaine Jacobs Antigua and Barbuda

Marcelline Chitolie St. Lucia

Audley’ Arnold Jamaica

Desiree Williams Savory Jamaica

Cleveland S. Harris Jamaica

Orlene Scott-Dixon Jamaica

Shontelle Hunte Barbados

Milton Royer Dominica

Cecilia Hepburn St. Lucia

Reggie Clarke Barbados

Sharifa Charles St. Croix/St. Lucia

Monica Kellman Barbados

D’Laurie Guliex St. Croix

Cheryl Ann Audain Trinidad

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.

Congratulations to Ms. Kayla Bannis Congratulations to Kayla Bannis, a sixth grader at Gentry Junior High School, on her remarkable performance at the Goose Creek CISD annual UIL Spelling Bee! Kayla placed 2nd in the Spelling Bee and Impromptu Speech on January 26, 2014 at Highlands Junior High School. On Thursday, February 27, 2014 Kayla placed 1st at Gentry Junior High School Spelling Bee and advanced to the Districts Spelling Bee at Lee Colleges Tucker Hall in Baytown, Texas. She was the 3rd place winner.

Kayla is the daughter of Baytown resident, Larisa Bannis from the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Page 12

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

OPEN EDITORIAL

MARCH 2014

DID YOU KNOW

My Brother’s Keeper: A New White House Initiative to Empower Boys and Young Men of Color February 27, 2014: From the East Room of the White House, President Obama launched a new effort aimed at empowering boys and young men of color, a segment of our society which too often faces disproportionate challenges and obstacles to success. These obstacles are found in our schools, our communities, our criminal justice system, our families, and even in the minds of our young people themselves. The President is committed to build a broad coalition of backers to help break down barriers, clear pathways to opportunity, and reverse troubling trends which show too many of our boys and young men of color slipping through the cracks in our society.

To launch the “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, the President was joined by local and national leaders in philanthropy, business, government, faith communities, and media. The challenges facing boys and young men of color are broad and multidimensional, and so must be the team we bring to the table to begin fostering solutions.

On hand today, were General Colin Powell, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Adam Silver, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, Magic Johnson, and many more leaders from key national and regional philanthropic foundations and major businesses, all of whom understand what is at stake with this effort. When we let this many boys and young men fall behind – we are crippling our ability to reach our full potential as a nation.

For decades, opportunity has disproportionately lagged behind for boys and young men of color – particularly in our African American and Latino From Page 7 - Dominica

beggar because I go out to negotiate resources on behalf of the people of Dominica.”

“But I say to them, if I did not have to go out to get [funds for] the West Coast Road, how would we have financed the $125 million [that] we spent on it?”

“How would we have invested in health care to buy the mammogram equipment? I am telling you that even the mam-

communities. As recently as 2013, only 14 percent of black boys and 18 percent of Hispanic boys scored proficient or above on the 4th grade reading component of the National Assessment of Educational Progress compared to 42 percent of white boys and 21 percent of black and Hispanic girls. Youth who cannot read “proficiently” by third grade are four times less likely to graduate high school by 19.

By the time students have reached 9th grade, 42 percent of black male students have been suspended or expelled during their school years, compared to 14 percent of white male students. While black youth account for 16 percent of the youth population, they represent 28 percent of juvenile arrests, and 37 percent of the detained population. While just over 6 percent of the overall population, black males of all ages accounted for 43 percent of murder victims in 2011.

The fraction of young men not working or enrolled in school is nearly twice as high for blacks than whites. Those neither working nor in school are not building the skills and experience needed to ensure their ability to succeed later in life.

Across the country, communities are developing and implemogram equipment, the CT Scan, and the other orthopedic equipment, we are buying, the Treasury could not afford it.

The Prime Minister had to go out to negotiate the resources for these things.”

Other examples of Labor Party initiated programs highlighted by the Prime Minister included the Housing Revolution, the ‘Yes We Care Program,’ free medical coverage for Dominican citizens (60 years and old-

menting promising and proven approaches to help put our young people on paths to opportunity and success. Using intensive tutoring, the Becoming A Man program and the University of Chicago are demonstrating that dramatic improvements in math performance can be cost effectively made with middle school boys in Chicago.

The Miami public school system is serving thousands of students in dozens of schools with targeted interventions to lower dropout rates.

Restorative Justice programs used in Los Angeles contributed to a 38 percent reduction in suspensions, cutting black student suspensions in half.

In New York, the Young Men’s Initiative is validating the significant impacts the ASAP program is having on the college persistence rates of African American and Latino young men. These efforts are cause not only for hope, but for a renewed sense of urgency. As we learn more about what works, our resolve to act now must strengthen. This initiative is about building on successes and promising ideas in the field by testing, implementing, and scaling-up strategies which have been shown to have the greatest impact at key moments in these boys’ lives. er, and 18 years and younger), universal access to secondary education, the provision of free ground transportation to almost every single high school student in Dominica paid for by the Government, the provision of washrooms to hundreds of Dominicans, and the provision of housing assistance to thousands of Dominicans.

One Love Caribbean Call 281-769-2253

Although the high school graduation rate for young black males is improving, data shows that they still substantially lag their white peers. ABC News reports that while more African-American men graduated high school over the past decade, and more are doing it in four years, that rate is still nearly 30 percentage points lower than the graduation rate for white males.

Fact Sheet:

Outcomes for Young, Black Men

By Tamika Thompson

Behind every fact is a face. Behind every statistic is a story.

Behind every catch phrase is a young person whose future will be lost if something is not done immediately to change his or her reality. And when it comes to young, African American men, the numbers are staggering and the reality is sobering.

Young Black men — across the board — score below their counterparts in other racial and ethnic groups when it comes to graduation rates, literacy rates and college preparedness. And many African American men, in turn, are virtually locked out of employment and are filling up the nation’s prisons in disproportionate numbers.

Below we’ve highlighted some of the stats that show the impact that structural inequality has had on Black men and boys in America. We have also embedded documents that allow you to explore in detail the outcomes for young Black men in this country, including a compelling report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation that emphasizes the connection between early childhood literacy and dropout rates, a look at the achievement gaps between Black and white public school students from the Department of Education and a summary report from the newly created African American Male Achievement Task Force in the Oakland Unified School District.

Read, explore, share your thoughts below and tune in to “Too Important to Fail” on Tuesday, September 13.

•.54% of African Americans graduate from high school, compared to more than three quarters of white and Asian students.

• Nationally, African American male students in grades K-12 were nearly 2½ times as likely to be suspended from school in 2000 as white students.

• In 2007, nearly 6.2 million young people were high school dropouts. Every student who does not complete high school costs our society an estimated $260,000 in lost earnings, taxes, and productivity.

• On average, African American twelfth-grade students read at the same level as white eighth-grade students.

• The twelfth-grade reading scores of African American males were significantly lower than those for men and women across every other racial and ethnic group.

• Only 14% of African American eighth graders score at or above the proficient level.

These results reveal that millions of young people cannot understand or evaluate text, provide relevant details, or support inferences about the written documents they read.

• The majority of the 2.3 million people incarcerated in U.S. prisons and jails are people of color, people with mental health issues and drug addiction, people with low levels of educational attainment, and people with a history of unemployment or underemployment.

Source: Tavis Smiley Reports

Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade

Time to Talk About Cavities

By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, DDS Staff Writer kwade@olchouston.com There isn’t a dental exam without checking for cavities. I perform this check every day at my practice. The reason is simple. Cavity develops from tooth decay, and if not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even, tooth loss.

That’s the word no one wants to hear at my office.

Simply put, a cavity develops when a tooth decays or breaks down. It is a hole that can grow bigger and deeper over time.

Cavities are also called dental caries, and if you have a cavity, it’s important to get it repaired.

According to The National Institutes of Health, nearly 20 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 4 have detectable caries, and by the age of 17 almost 80 percent of young people have had a cavity-a late manifestation of dental caries infection. In addition, more than two-thirds of adults age 35 to 44 years have lost at least one permanent tooth due to dental caries, and older adults suffer from the problem of root caries.

In addition, it should be noted that dental caries is an infectious, communicable disease resulting in destruction of tooth structure by acid-forming bacteria found in dental plaque.

But why would your tooth de-

velop a hole? Blame plaque.

That’s a sticky, slimy substance made up mostly of the germs that cause tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth make acids and when plaque clings to your teeth, the acids can eat away at the outermost layer of the tooth, called the enamel.

If you don’t go to the dentist, the acids can continue to make their way through the enamel, and the inside parts of your tooth can begin to decay. If you’ve ever had a toothache or heard an adult complain about one, it may have been because there was a cavity that reached all the way inside a tooth, where the nerve endings are. Ouch!

Your dentist will carefully examine your teeth and may take Xrays. If your dentist discovers a cavity, he or she can repair it for you by first removing the rotted part of your tooth with a special drill. The dentist then fills the hole in your tooth with a special material. The result is called a filling.

Does it hurt? Sometimes it does, but your dentist can give you an anesthetic. That’s a kind of medicine that will numb the area around the problem tooth while you’re getting your new filling.

However, for more severe tooth decay, you may need a crown or root canal. In extreme cases, I may recommend to remove the tooth.

Though cavities can be repaired,

April 12 - 13, 2014 JAGA Reggae Festival Beach Centrak Park 2100 Seawall Boulevard, Galvestion TX April 20, 2014 Caribbean Cuisine Easter in the Parking Lot Family Fun Day Food, Music, Dominoes, and Game Bun Eating Contest

Breast Cancer in Men Don’t be fooled! Men can develop breast cancer. It occurs mainly in women, but men can get it, too. The American Cancer Society estimates about 22-hundred men get breast cancer a year, and 400 die from it.

Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, DDS

try to avoid them by taking care of your teeth. Here’s how: Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after every meal or at least twice a day. Bedtime is an important time to brush.

Brush up and down in a circular motion.

Gently brush your gums as well to keep them healthy.

Floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque and food that’s stuck between your teeth.

Limit sweets and sugary drinks, like soda.

See your dentist twice a year for regular checkups. I hope you’ll hear those two wonderful words: “No cavities!”

Dr. Ka-Ron Wade is a practicing Cosmetic dentist at The Dentistry of Dr. Ka-Ron Wade in Houston, Texas. Wade is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Orthodontic Society, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Association of Women Dentist.

Houston Caribbean Events March 22 - Annual Prayer Breakfast Texas Multicultural Women, Inc

Health & Wellness

April 26 - May 8 TMW Medical Mission - Jamaica May 17, 2014 Caribbean Breast Cancer Foundation 1st Annual Walk Buffalo Run Park, Missouri City 281-222-3415.

June 2014

Houston Caribbean Queen Pageant

One Love Caribbean

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE WITH

Your Community Paper

Many people do not realize that men have breast tissue and that they can develop breast cancer. It is a malignant tumor that starts from cells of the breast. It is a group of cancer cells that may grow and invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body.

Any change in the breast, chest area or nipple can be a warning sign of breast cancer in men, such as: • Lump, hard knot or thickening in the breast • Dimpling, puckering or redness of the skin of the breast • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple • Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast • Nipple discharge A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. But risk factors don’t tell us everything. Having a risk factor, or even several, does not mean that you will get the disease.

Some men with one or more breast cancer risk factors never develop the disease, while most men with breast cancer have no apparent risk factors. Even when someone has a risk factor, there is no way to prove that it actually caused the cancer.

We have not completely understand the causes of breast cancer in men, but researchers have found several factors that may increase the risk of getting it. As with female breast cancer, many of these factors are related to sex hormone levels in the body.

Aging is an important risk factor for the development of breast cancer in men. The risk of breast cancer goes up as a man ages. Men with breast cancer are on average about 68 years old when they are diagnosed.

Breast cancer risk is increased if other members of the family (blood relatives) have had breast cancer. About 1 out of 5 men with breast cancer have a close male or female relative

with the disease.

Heavy drinking of alcoholic beverages increases the risk of breast cancer in men. This may be because of its effects on the liver.

The liver plays an important role in sex hormone metabolism by making binding proteins that carry the hormones in the blood. These binding proteins affect the hormones’ activity.

Men with severe liver disease such as cirrhosis have relatively low levels of androgens and higher estrogen levels. They have a higher rate of benign male breast growth and also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Estrogen-related drugs were once used in hormonal therapy for men with prostate cancer.

This treatment may slightly increase breast cancer risk.

Transgender/transsexual individuals who take high doses of estrogens as part of a sex reassignment may also have a higher breast cancer risk.

Recent studies have shown that women’s breast cancer risk is increased by obesity (being extremely overweight) during their adult life. Obesity is probably a risk factor for male breast cancer as well. The reason is that fat cells in the body convert male hormones (androgens) into female hormones (estrogens). This means that obese men have higher levels of estrogens in their body. Some obese men may notice that they don’t have to shave as frequently as other men. They might also have trouble fathering children.

Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce the risk of breast cancer, as well as that of many other diseases and cancers.

Source: American Cancer Society

MARCH 2014 • ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN • Page 14

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Marijuana on Caricom Agenda Caribbean Leaders to Debate ters on the agenda. Caricom spokesman Leonard Robertson said a preliminary report on the issue done by researchers, which indicates that decriminalizing the herb could help the region’s ailing economies, will be discussed. After Jamaica signaled its intention to decriminalize marijuana use for medical purposes by year end, the Bahamas indicated it was open to discussing the issue at this week’s intercessional.

By Gail Alexander Light up or not? T&T’s position on decriminalizing use of marijuana for medical reasons is among front burner issues at Caricom’s 25th Intercessional meeting starting today in St Vincent. Caricom chairman, St Vincent Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who led a regional call to decriminalize use of the herb for medicinal purposes, has placed the matter on the meeting’s agenda for discussions.

While the matter has become a headline grabber, propelled by activists in Jamaica, St Lucia and St Vincent, other agenda items expected to command equal attention focus on information communication technology and human resource development, Foreign Affairs Minister Dookeran said yesterday. Dookeran said the decriminalization suggestion stemmed from a proposal in a drug report done by the Organization of American States (OAS).

Gonsalves met with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the issue last September when Persad-Bissessar was Caricom chairman. T&T’s positions on these and other matters will be presented at the intercessional by Persad-Bissessar and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran. Gonsalves said there is “quite a long” agenda.” for the two-day meeting.

Gonsalves and Barbadian Prime Minister Freundel Stuart met with Persad-Bissessar last September to discuss the issue. In a letter to PersadBissessar seeking the meeting, Gonsalves said it was “high time” Caricom addressed this matter in a “sensible, focused, not hysterical manner.”

The annual caucus is usually held in February. Gonsalves is quoted by CMC as saying that the decision to postpone it to this month was due to the absence of Persad-Bissessar, who chairs Caricom’s security committee. Persad-Bissessar returned from China last week.

Gonsalves said he wanted crime and security discussed and Persad-Bissessar was the lead prime minister on that in the region.

Decriminalizing marijuana use is among newer Caricom mat-

He said debate on the issue in Jamaica and other Caricom states about the possibilities of medical marijuana as an economic and commercial industry.

Gonsalves said the public was disappointed with Caricom’s failure to jettison “unnecessary caution and lethargy” in addressing some controversial contemporary issues of “real import.”

Just before the meeting, T&T Chief Justice Ivor Archie had said this country’s criminal justice system was in crisis and urgent remedies were needed, adding that one such remedy

was decriminalization of possession of small amounts of marijuana. After the meeting with Gonsalves and Stuart, Persad-Bissessar said Caricom hasn’t taken any decision to support decriminalization of marijuana in the Caribbean region, although it is conducting research on medicinal use of the plant.

She said Caricom wasn’t in a position at this time to take a decision on the matter. PersadBissessar added that T&T’s Government would give the matter consideration but took no position on it. Persad-Bissessar added that much more consultation must take place in Caricom member states with their various stakeholder groups before any consideration to decriminalize marijuana and approve its use for health purposes She also said that Caricom’s Secretariat was mandated to research the issue with respect to the medical use and the legislative issues. PersadBissessar said TT’s National Drug Council, which had been addressing use of cannabis for medical purposes, developed a concept paper which was to be passed to the Caricom Secretariat. Gonsalves said St Vincent had no plan to pass the issue, but would work on it through Caricom.

He said he knew people in St Vincent who used the marijuana for medicinal purposes and the proposal wouldn’t mean legalizing it, nor had he reached the stage of seeking decriminalization for small amounts. He said he was only seeking discussion on medicinal purposes, adding that a plea by St Lucian Prime Minster Kenny Anthony for a Caricom Commission on marijuana fell on deaf ears.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/

From Page 8 - Sabrina

View A&M University in December 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry.

And immediately after graduation, she became a middle and high school science teacher.

she expect to graduate from UTMB in August 2014 and upon completion, to work in a Hematology lab at a hospital in Houston upon graduation from the University of Texas- Medical Branch.

But most importantly, although busy doing shows with Galaxy Band on the weekends, she is a student during the week.

Sabrina is pursuing a second degree at the University of Texas - Medical Branch in Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

We at One Love Caribbean and the Houston Caribbean community want to congratulate Sabina on her accomplishment. Sabina is definitely one of ours to look forward to in the buildup of the Houston Caribbean people.

From Page 10 - Deportation

conditions or other conditions attached. Any violation of the terms of your parole could lead to your re-detention.

judge’s final order if you are ordered deported from the U.S. Your deportation officer may set a bond for you soon after your arrival to the detention facility. If it is too much for you to pay, or the deportation officer has not set a bond, you can ask an immigration judge to set a bond or lower the bond amount. You should always request a bond hearing even if you think you are not eligible. There are a few instances of bond ineligibility and these include: (a) having a previous deportation order; (b) certain serious criminal convictions; (c) being arrested at the border or airport. If the government is using your conviction to oppose bond, ask for authenticated criminal conviction documents so you can get help in determining if their analysis is correct. If you admit to any charges, this will make your case a harder one to fight.

RELEASE ON YOUR OWN RECOGNIZANCE In some limited cases ICE may release you without you having to pay any money. Sometimes you can be released on “alternatives to detention”, which are programs run by private companies hired by ICE. These types of program may require that the person to report to a designated facility either in person or by telephone (voice verification), home check-ins, call-ins or electronic monitoring devices.

PAROLE: ICE also has the authority to release someone on parole. Sometimes this is granted with/without monetary

HOW DO YOU ASK FOR BOND OR PAROLE? You can ask for a bond hearing (custody determination) before an immigration judge at any time; you can also ask for parole from ICE at any time. If you are determined to be eligible for a bond, the bond amount must be paid in full by certified or cashier’s check to the Department of Homeland Security. Your family members will need your full name, alien registration number, home address, date of birth and country of birth to post bond. They will also need to be in legal status, as they will need to show valid U.S. identification.

The key determinants to a person being released from detention are whether you pose a flight risk or a danger to community, or a national security threat. You may be required to submit documents that show factors in your favor, such as evidence of strong community ties in the U.S., proof of legal status of your relatives in the U.S., a permanent address, or even stable employment.

You owe it to yourselves to know your rights as you live, work and travel throughout the U.S. Until next time, walk good!

Latania Mena is an Immigration Attorney and a Caribbean National based in the Southwest Houston, Texas.

ISLAND STYLEE

Page 15 • ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN • MARCH 2014

JOKES, SATIRE AND POEMS

ULTURE

Life of a Stooch Kittian

ISLAND RECIPES THE ART OF CARIBBEAN COOKING

Caribbean Treats

Sugar Coconut Cakes

Trinidad Kachourie

Ingredients 4 cups granulated sugar 1 cup water 4 cups grated coconut ½ tsp cream of tartar 1 tsp almond extract food coloring (optional)

Ingredients: 1 lb. chick peas, 3 tsp. minced garlic 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1/2 cup pimentos, finely chopped 1/3 cup flour, 1/2 tsp. tumeric 3 tsp. baking powder, 1/4 cup water hot pepper to taste 1 cup oil for deep-frying

Directions: Allow chick peas to soak overnight.

Drain chick peas and grind or mince.

Combine ground peas, garlic, onion, pimentos, flour, saffron, baking powder, salt, pepper and water well. Make a soft dough with water. Take enough of mixture to make dough into balls (the size of golf balls). Using wet fingers, flatten between the palm of the hands. Fry on either side until golden brown and well cooked. Serve with mango or tamarind chutney.

Directions: Boil sugar and water to form a light syrup. When bubbles the size of small pearls appear, add grated coconut and cream of tartar. When the coconut mixture comes away clean from the side of the pan quite easily, remove from heat and beat with a spoon for 3-5 minutes.

Add almond extract. Add food coloring (if desired). Drop by spoon on a greased cookie tray. Allow to harden completely.

Store in an airtight container.

Trinidad Kachourie

Candied Citrus Peel

Island Vanilla Fudge

Ingredients: 1 lb granulated sugar 1 -14 oz can of condensed milk 1 tbsp butter or margarine 1 tsp vanilla essence

Candied Citrus Peel

Ingredients: 5 large oranges or 3 grapefruits Boiling water 3 cups granulated sugar 1 ½ tsp ground ginger

Directions: Cut each fruit in half crosswise. Scoop out pulp and membrane leaving white pith. Cut peel into 2 x 3 x ½ wide strips.

Put strips in a large saucepan. Cover with boiling water and simmer for five minutes. Drain strips and repeat process 4 times, using fresh water each time (this is to remove the bitter oils from rind). Drain and remove peels. In same saucepan combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water and ground ginger. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer without stirring until sugar dissolves. Add peels and partially cover pan and simmer gently for 1 hour or until peels are tender and syrup is absorbed. Meanwhile line a large

Directions: Dissolve sugar on ¼ cup of water over low fire. Add milk and butter and gently bring to a boil. Boil steadily, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes thick and creamy (soft ball stage – drop a little into a cup of water, if it forms into a ball, the mixture is ready). Remove from heat, add vanilla and beat for a minute.

Pour fudge into a greased pan and allow to cool). Cut into squares when cold.

Candied Citrus Peel

Coconut Sugar Cake

pan or tray with waxed paper. Transfer hot peels to paper and separate strips.

When cool roll strips in remaining sugar.

Place in single layers on clean waxed paper and let stand at room temperature overnight to dry. Store in sterilized bottle.

Sit and dine to the comfort sounds of Caribbean Music and enjoy Trini delicacies

Curry Stew Jerk Fry

Meat

Trini Tings

White Peas & Rice Veggie Rice

Curry Goat Oxtail

Roti Doubles Polorie

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13114 South Post Oak Road Houston Texas

His wife sympathizes and made him a cup of tea. As they sit down in the verandah drinking the tea, she says, “Why don’t you take my brother with you and give it one more try?” “That’s no good!” shout Arthur.

“Your brother’s 103 years old. He can’t help!” “He may be 103,” says the wife, “but his eyesight is perfect.”

So the next day, Arthur heads off to the golf course with his brother-in-law in tow.

At the first hole, he tees the ball up, takes a mighty swing, and squints down the fairway. He turns to the brother-in-law.

“Did you see the ball?” “Of course I did!”

“Where did it go?” asked Arthur. “I can’t remember.”

Bajan wife and her Trini Husband A Caribbean couple lives in the north side of Houston. One Saturday morning, the Bajan wife was making a breakfast of curry egg and saltfish for her Trini husband. Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen.

“Careful gurl,” he said, “Careful! Put in some more butter! OMG! You’re cooking too many at once. Too Many! Ain’t so we do it back home!”

“Put some more curry! You hear me! Turn dis ting down now! We need more butter.

Oh my God! Where are we going to get more butter? They’re going to stick! Careful ... careful! Ah say to be careful! You hard headed. You neva listen to me when you’re cooking! Neva! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you crazy? Have you lost your mind? Don’t forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. Use the salt! The salt!”

The wife stared at him. “Wah in the world is wrong with dis man? Bajan woman can cook, you know.”You tink, meh don’t know how to make some stupid egg wid saltfish?”

Currant Roll Cake Coconut Drop

Only education Can remedy our problems Teach the youth the truth Teach them the importance of learning That will determine their future earnings Let them know a positive attitude Will see them through Only education Will uplift a nation Teach the youth the truth Educate them to be productive citizens So they won’t end up in prison Teach them to be model students And they will be prudent Only education Will solve gang bangings Teach the youth the truth Give them a solid foundation And many won’t be on probation Let them know life is no fantasy Suffering and starvation are realities Only education Can conquer deprivation Teach the youth the truth Teach them self esteem So they can fulfill their dreams Let them know there is a way But in school they’ll have to stay Only education Can reverse a bad situation Teach the youth the truth Educate them to respect teachers So they too may become teachers Let them know education is the tool If they want to be cool.

From Page 10 - NFL after the publication of this re port, we found ourselves hearing about the NFL’s story on the “first openly gay player” in the league…really? I mean, really?

What a strange coincidence!

Why are we suddenly hearing about gay players in major sports; when gay people have been around for thousands of years? Is it likely that Michael Sam (Gay NFL prospect) could be a convenient decoy for somebody else’s cause?

One Love Caribbean

Call 281-769 2253

www.olchouston.com

Three prisoners are waiting to be executed and they are asked what they wish to have for their last meal.

The Trini responds, “A chicken Roti.” The warden serves him his Roti, and then escorts him to his execution.

The Jamaican requests Jerk Pork. The warden serves him his Jerk Pork, and then escorts him to his execution.

Bake Good

The Solution

A poem by: Hutchie Simeon

Let me re-focus to a more important matter. And it comes by way of a closing question.

Does anybody see anything twisted about cutting Food Stamps, Unemployment Benefits, School Budgets, Health, and other social support initiatives, while giving lucrative subsidies to sports moguls and multi-million dollar organizations? Or is it that I just don’t get it! If it’s justifiable to end Food Subsidies and Unemployment Benefits for poor and working poor people, especially during a brutal Recession period; then what is the justification to keep giving tax dollars to the NFL and its super wealthy folks? I simply don’t get it.

De Last Meal

For de best Trini food in Houston

Rice

One day he returned home looking depressed. “That’s it”, he tells his wife. “I am giving up golf. My eyesight has gotten so bad that after I hit the ball I can’t see where it goes.”

Her Trini husband calmly replied, “Ah so!

Ah so! Meh jus wanted to show you wah it feels like when meh driving.”

Kathleen’s Kitchen

Chicken / Fish

Arthur, a 90 years old stoosch Kittian, lived in America most of his life. Upon his retirement 25 years ago, he returns to St. Kitts to enjoy the fresh sea breeze in Black Rock Bay. As he did in Long Island, NY, he continued playing golf every day.

The Bajan requests a bag of plums. The warden asks: “Plums?”

“Yes, plums” says the Bajan. The warden replies, “but them outa season!”

“So?” replies the Bajan. “I gine wait...”

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