ONE LOVE Free Publication
Volume 8 Issue 10
OCTOBER 2015 Since AUGUST 2008
ARIBBEAN
COMMUNITY • CULTURE • CONNECTIONS
COMMUNITY
Saint Lucia PM Dr. Kenny Anthony to Visit Houston - Page 4
CARIBBEAN
Paving the Way for Jack Warner’s Extradition to U.S. - Page 7
CONNECTION
7 Things You May Not Know about Women’s Health Page 12
CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL SHIPPERS MOVERS
4520 W. 34th Street, Suite F Houston, TX 77092
Dominica Special
Now thru Oct 31 only $120/barrel
We Ship
$10 off all other countries from Barrels, Boxes, Vehicles, etc. October 15 thru November 15, 2015 Send to Family and Friends
Website: cismtx.com
281-769-2253
Door to Door Delivery
www.olchouston.com
LOVE BIRD
Caribbean and American Cuisine New Name - Same Great Food
713-957-3031 Office 281-740-8868 Mobile
9750 Hwy 6 South, #102, Sugarland TX 77478 Oxtail Jerk Pork Curry Goat Jerk Chicken Curry Shrimp Stew Peas Escovitch fish
281-933-1448
WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE COOKING... ...LET ME COOK FE’ YU.
One Love Caribbean
One Love CARIBBEAN P.O. Box 742291 Houston, TX 77274 281-769-2253
Website
www.olchouston.com
Sylvanus Donaie
JERKY THANKSGIVING FEAST
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 Marcelline Chitolie Terry Layne Thecia Jenkins Charmaine Bailey Attorney Latania Mena
Spice up your Thanksgiving with the Best Jerk or Baking Turkey in Houston
Thanksgiving Value Pack…$99.99 (serves 10) 16-20 pounds Turkey 2 choice of side dishes Sweet Potato Pie Giblet Gravy Sorrel Sauce or Cranberry Sauce Sides Rice and Peas
Sautéed Green Beans
Garlic-Herb Mashed Potato
Vegetable Medley
Cornbread Stuffing
4 servings Fried Plantain A La Carte
16-20 Pounds Turkey…$59.99
Sweet Potato Pie…9.99
10-14 pounds Turkey…$44.99
Pecan Pie…9.99
Pumpkin Pie…9.99
Cornbread Stuffing…9.99
Order deadline is Friday November 20, 2014 at 7433 Bissonnet St or call 713-772-8225. 50% of the total cost due when order is placed. The remaining balance is due at pick up. Pick up is November 25. Last minute pick up between 8 AM and 12 PM on November 26.
Advertising Tel: 281-769-2253 Tel: 832-881-9745 Tel: 504-460-9638
The Publisher’s Thoughts
Prisons: The Results of Slavery, Profits, and Colonialism Too often, politicians and their cohorts develop the latest and brightest concoction and give it to us. Of course, we are supposed to drink it like a red bean soup and then find out later the harmfulness of it. Case in point, the popular “War on Drugs” and “Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act” did nothing but incarcerate young Black and Brown men in droves. On this subject, the Democrats were not better than the Republicans. In fact, Cousin Biden and Uncle Bill were the architect and signer that put the nail in that cross. Ooops, I meant VP Joe Biden and former President William Jefferson Clinton. Yes and for this reason, everyone in the African diaspora should be PO with them; over half million black men are in prison in the US.
they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. How are drug legislations protecting Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness? Or is the “War on Drugs” a defensive move by our government to protect the citizenry from hurting themselves, or is it capitalism at work? You tell me. Don’t get me wrong here; it may appear that I am always harping on the prison system in my thoughts. However, the reason is, it is so easy for our kids and grands to enter the system. I see and hear it everyday and I want to share that knowledge with you.
Believe or not, for years now, it is the belief of many that the prison system is the best place for people of the African descent in the Americas. It was and is certainly the answer to the conundrum of what should be done with the people who were no longer serving their intended purpose.
But, I not sure what Uncle Bill was trying to do when he spoke to the media on America’s mass incarceration last week. Could it be an apology? Or could it be an election ploy? Nonetheless, he owned up to his role in expanding the population in America’s prisons. “But I want to say a few words about it. Because I signed a bill that made the problem worse and I want to admit it.”
Facts are facts. We all can agree that Africans were shipped to the Americas and the Caribbean not for a bacchanal or to be the President of the United States. They were brought as slaves to propel the wheels of capitalism. In doing so, many Americans and Europeans profited from the slave trade, and the riches that their grands and great grands inherited are profits from free labor of Blacks. This is indisputable!
But, the rest world is not immune from developed countries’ “War on Drugs.” The US and UK for example want no part of the mess that their quest created: mass incarceration of the poor. Their BS laws have impacted every islands in the Caribbean in terms of crime, which is rampant. Yet still, they are turning to developing countries for help. The United Kingdom is hopping on the prison train offering to build a prison in Jamaica.
Prison is the legal profiteering. “Nationwide, black defendants are more likely than their white counterparts to be wrongfully convicted, and defendants charged with crimes against white victims are far more likely to be erroneously convicted than defendants charged with crimes involving nonwhite victims. Despite the fact that there are far more Black homicides with Black victims, an overwhelming 76 percent of all death row exonerees were wrongfully convicted of the murders of white victims.” (Stubbs, C. April 2012. ACLU)
While America is making light of its wrong, British Prime Minister David Cameron, during a visit to Jamaica, arrogantly offered to build a prison to solve their financial problems in the United Kingdom.
Moreover, this is how President Obama explains it after he visited the El Reno Federal Correctional Institution in Oklahoma, the first time a sitting US President visited a prison. “The United States accounts for 5 percent of the world’s population, we account for 25 percent of the world’s inmates. And that represents a huge surge since 1980. A primary driver of this mass incarceration phenomenon is our drug laws --our mandatory minimum sentencing around drug laws.” The Drug Laws! Wow! The very same drugs that are now legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Today, it is called medical ganja. Yet still, many, primarily Blacks and Browns, are being put away for years for a weed roach. At the same time, Whites are enjoying the fruits of entrepreneurship, selling boat loads of “medical marijuana” in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Ooh yeah, trapped. But the Declaration of Independence tells us: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that
Pope Francis, on his first visit to the US, mercifully shined a spotlight on people in jail; it shouldn’t come as a surprise. “The Pope has often implored us through his words and actions to treat the people we put in jail or prison with respect and mercy. Some of those in jail have committed serious crimes, while others have committed relatively minor offenses. Many struggle with mental illness or drug addiction. Many simply can’t afford to make bail. Treating them justly and fairly is a strong Christian, and quintessentially Catholic, imperative. After all, Jesus taught us to visit those in prison. He also told us that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters we do for Him.” (foxnews.com. September 22, 2015) So, can you believe the audacity of Mr. Cameron? Really he has a set of cojones, and some big ones too. Mr. Cameron, on his visit to Jamaica (September 29), engaged the Caribbean people on the very sensitive issue of reparation, slavery, and prison. Instead of an apology for Britain’s role in the historic slave trade and slavery of Africans in the Caribbean on behalf of his government, he urged Caribbean countries to “move on” on question of reparation and reminded us of Britain’s role in wiping slavery “off the face of our planet.” Such a cavaliering attitude! He spoke, apparently impervious to the sensitivities
of Caribbeaners. Of course, what is the expectation when the fox guards the chicken coop? The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it. (Proverbs 29: 7) Therefore in case the British extraordinaire has forgotten, let’s remind him. The hypocrisy! You see, Mr. Cameron’s lineage is deeply rooted in the ownership and profits of slavery in the home islands. Dr. Nick Draper from University College London studied the compensation papers from the abolishment of slavery. He says as many as one-fifth of wealthy Victorian Britons derived all or part of their fortunes from the slave economy. (Manning, S. February 2013. www. independent.co.uk) In 1833, when the British Government abolished slave ownership in Britain and Caribbean, they paid out £20 million to compensate some 3,000 families, who owned slaves, for the loss of their “property.” In today’s number, the amount equates approximately £16.5 billion. The previously unseen records revealed the potential embarrassment Cameron’s ancestors. His family received £4,101 (about US$4.6M today) as compensation for 202 slaves that they forfeited on the Grange sugar estate in Jamaica. Even Cameron wife’s family received £4,000 (about US$4.5M today) for 164 slaves that they owned on an estate in St Lucia. But it was Sir Hilary Beckles who said it best. In a letter to PM Cameron prior to his visit to Jamaica, he wrote, “We recognize you, Prime Minister, given your family’s long and significant relationship to our country, as an internal stakeholder with historically assigned credentials… you are more than a prime minister. You are a grandson of the Jamaican soil who has been privileged and enriched by your forebearers’ sins of the enslavement of our ancestors.” Beckles is the Chairman of the Caricom Reparations Commission. Understandable, it difficult for Prime Minister David Cameron to support reparations for his country’s role in enslaving Africans in the Caribbean; he wants us to forget it and move on. However, his wants Britain to ensure the “memory and the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. “Speaking at dedication of those who survived the death camps last year, he said, “I am awestruck by the work that so many survivors do teaching our young people about the Holocaust. We must ensure that the memory and the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.” (www.huffingtonpost.co.uk. May 2014) Well we have news for you, Mr. Cameron. The spirit of the Caribbean will never allow us to forget the atrocity at the hands of European countries. We will teach our children so that the memory and the lessons of slavery will never be forgotten.
Sylvanus Donaie prison on Jamaican soil. The UK’s Big Man claims that it is to house 300 Jamaicans prosecuted and currently serving sentences in the United Kingdom. Yea! Right! If anyone believes this BS, I can show them Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Convenant. Since 2007, the Jamaican parliament has vigorously rejected the prison transfers to the island claiming it would be unconstitutional. Yes, I can hear the proponents of this crafty deal. “Dem go a foreign and go chuck badness. If dem do the crime dem fi do the time.” But even more outrageous, is the spit amount of money that this project is supposed to bring. Come on Mr. Cameroon! It is only coconut you chew it, suck the juice and spit the trash out. Britain paid to import chained humans to its territories for several centuries. There’s a certain justice that, as the pinwheel of capitalism spin, it brings round its revenge. they must now pay to export them. Of course, for the humans in question, “justice” may not be the right word. Prison is supposingly a place for those who committed serious crimes. However, it is also a place to house citizens who fall in the cracks of failed political policies, failed religious doctrines, and failed economic practices. Oftentimes, it’s a place to avenge personal vendettas. Why would the UK want to dump its prisoners in the Caribbean? Sounds like sour deal! I want to end with this some mindboggling statistics of post-conviction DNA exonerations in the United States. The Innocence Project report that since 1989, 330 Americans have been exonerated for wrongful convictions. But what was jarring was the breakdown by races. Races of the 330 exonerees: • 205 African Americans • 99 Caucasians • 24 Latinos • 2 Asian American (Innocence Project, September 2015) It’s disturbing that the largest percentage of persons who are wrongfully convicted are from the African Diaspora. Now go chew on that! So until then, One Love!
Hold tight! I am not done.
Sylvanus Donaie BA, BSEE, MTM, MPM, MBA
But, what was an utter disrespect to Jamaicans and the people of the Caribbean was the British Prime Minister’s offer to build and pay for a state-of-the-art
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 OCTOBER 2015 Texas Women Multicultural Sixth Annual Prayer Breakfast
Saint Lucian Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony to Visit Houston The Honorable Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Dr. Kenny Anthony is scheduled to make an official visit to the City of Houston during the weekend of December 12, 2015. His visit coincides with the celebration of Saint Lucia’s National Day Celebration on December 13. Dr. Anthony visit is in response to an invitation from the local charitable organization OSADS (Overseas Sons & Daughters of Saint Lucia). In accepting the invitation, Dr. Anthony said that he was very pleased to accept the invitation, and that he had heard many good things about the Saint Lucian community in Greater Houston. He further stated that he was looking forward to meeting and speaking with Saint Lucians in the city and surrounding areas about their needs and expectations for their government.
The Texas Women Multicultural held their Sixth Annual Prayer Breakfast and Hat Extravaganza in grand fashion at Crowne Plaza Houston on Saturday, September 26, 2015. This will be the Prime Minister’s first visit to the City of Houston. Dr. Kenny Davis Anthony, currently serves as Prime Minister and also served in this position from 1997 to 2006, is a noted scholar and attorney. Anthony remains in high demand in regional and international fora, as a greatly respected, dynamic leader of integrity and vision. He is also the Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning & Social Security.
Under his leadership and for the first time in its history, Saint Lucia was named as No. 1 in Doing Business in the Caribbean, ranking 27th in the entire world. He holds LL.M. in Law from the University of the West Indies and a Ph.D. for University of Birmingham, England.
Author, Jetola Anderson-Blair, was the Mistress of Ceremony. The keynote speaker, Reverend Debra Hayes of World Changers Fellowship Church Houston Texas Multicultural Women’s mission is to provide specific needs for women from multicultural environments living in their new adopted country, the United States. TMW also supports other organizations programs, both humanitarian and medical.
St. Kitts Nevis Association of Houston
32th Anniversary of Independence
Details of his visit and planned events will be announced shortly. For more information please call 281. 705.5774.
HPD Announce Safe Havens for Citizen Property Exchanges September 8, 2015 -- Residents may now utilize Houston Police Department parking lots as meeting locations for property exchange transactions. This is meant to provide residents with some measure of comfort and security for sales and purchases originated via the Internet, newspaper or some other means where the buyer and seller don’t know each other. “Unfortunately, in today’s electronic age, criminals scour the Internet and newspapers in search of opportunities to victimize buyers and sellers for criminal gain,” said Police Chief Charles McClelland. “In some cases, criminals may even offer for sale items obtained through criminal or other illegitimate means. Given these factors, it is easy to see why safety and security are important to anyone who sells or purchases goods this way.” “I’m glad to see HPD has put this new policy in place,” said City Council Member Ed Gonzalez, who initially presented the idea to Chief McClelland.
Register to
Members of SKNAH and Dr. Amory (white shirt)
“It is another example of how HPD is concerned about making sure our residents are safe.” HPD cautions that even though this is meant to provide some level of comfort and security, police officers and other department employees are prohibited from engaging in or interfering in private business matters. Officers will not aid in the trans-
action by running serial numbers to determine whether an item has been reported stolen or missing, nor will officers be available to witness the sale or exchange of goods. Residents may not utilize police facility parking lots on a repeat basis and they are not allowed to erect structures or signs indicating any type of business purpose.
OLC - Commemorating another milestone in the history of their homeland, Houston Kittians and Nevisians celebrated their 32th Anniversary of Independence of the twin-island federation from England. As in past years, St. Kitts Nevis Association of Houston (SKNAH) has taken on the task to highlight this momentous occasion with their annual Independence and Scholarship Gala. This year, the gala was help at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel on September 19, 2015. The keynote speaker was Kittian-born Dr. Spencer Eugene Amory. He is the José M. Ferrer Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Chief of General Surgery at the Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Amory spoke on his medical project in his homeland of St. Kitts and Nevis, which to screen all residents for colorectal cancers. Beginning at age 50, both men and women are at average risk for developing
colorectal cancer and should be screened. The recipients of the 2015 St. Kitts-Nevis Association of Houston Independence Scholarship Awards are: Josh Kelly - US $1,500 Stapleton Village, St. Peters Pursuing a MSc. in Financial & Business Economics University of the West Indies – Cavehill, Barbados Danika Knight - US $1,000 College Housing Site, Basseterre Pursuing a BSc. in the Medical Sciences – Microbiology & Immunology Dalhousie University – Halifax, Canada Querida Dolphin - US $500 Lodge Project, St. Mary Pursuing a BSc. in Elementary Education – Language Arts University of the Southern Caribbean – St. Joseph, Trinidad DJ Choice ONE MD and Masquerades provided entertainment and the Gala was hosted by Mr. Clement ‘Monarch’ Ogarro.
OCTOBER 2015
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 5
Houston Celebrate Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day) OLC: You are invited to join the Houston Caribbean Creole speaking community in celebrating Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day) on Sunday, October 25, 2015. It is a day celebrating the culture, heritage, music and food of the islands of Haiti, Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Saint Lucia. The way of life of these three islands have been heavily influenced by their French settlers in their distant past. The Kwéyòl language is derive from the various African languages blended with a heavy dose of French. English plays a minor role. History has shown the development of the dialect came about as a means for the slaves to communicate with each other and ensuring that their slave master did not understand their communiqué. In the case of Haiti, Kwéyòl is their primary language. The islands of Dominica and Saint Lucia use Kwéyòl predominantly as a secondary language with English being their official dialect.
Have you checked your Immigration Status lately? By Latania Mena Attorney at Law We are well into the second half of 2015 and many of us are planning for the festive season. While you may be running out of time to soak the last set of fruits for those cakes you plan on baking, now is the perfect time to check your immigration status. Here are a few pointers to consider: Is your Green Card valid?
exhibition matches etc. There will also be appearances by the pageants winners, representatives from the upcoming Mr. Caribbean King of Kings competition and more. It is a day full of fun activities for all.
The celebration will be held at the India House, 8888 West Bellfort, Houston, Texas from 12 pm – 6 pm. The event will start promptly at 12 pm. Children 12 under Free. For more information call 281-705-5774.
Many of us lock away this prized item in wallets and safety deposit boxes never to look at it again. For those with permanent green cards, note that most have a validity period of ten years after which you will need to renew them. If your green card is set to expire in the next six months or has already expired you should consider applying for a new card with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will need to complete a Form I-90: Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card and submit the appropriate fees to complete the renewal process. The same rule applies if your green card has been lost or stolen. Many folks never think of their green cards until they need them for purposes such as travel or employment.
Since 1984 the month of October has been set aside as Creole Heritage month worldwide. Every year on the last Sunday in the month of October, Jounen Kwéyòl is observed. The Jounen Kwéyòl Houston 2015 celebration is a family friendly event that will highlight the sights, sounds, foods, music, culture and heritage of the Caribbean. There will be musical performances by local artists and dance groups, local food vendors from each island, music and clothing vendors, children’s activities, Dominoes
IMMIGRATION FALL CLEANUP
Bippy the Clown made a visit to the Jamaica Foundation of Houston Family Day, September 6, 2015
Please be aware this upcoming holiday season, that if your plans include air travel outside the U.S., many airlines will not allow you to board the return leg with an expired green card, unless you have a temporary green card or a transportation letter. An expired, lost or stolen green card will also make it difficult for you to renew your driver’s license and prove to your employer that you have legal status to work here in the U.S. Take a few minutes out of your day and confirm the status of your green card and make sure it’s a valid one. Did you move to a new address?
Did you know that most non-US citizens are required, by law, to report change of addresses to USCIS within 10 days of moving within the US and its territories? This is especially critical for persons with pending cases with USCIS. It is not enough to change your address with the post office as the post office is not allowed to forward mails from USCIS to any new addresses. So if you have a pending application for yourself or your relative with USCIS you will need to act now and complete and submit Form AR-11 to update your address in
their system. Did You Become a U.S. Citizen?
You are required to update your change in status with the Social Security Administration (SSA). By so doing, you are ensuring that you will receive all disability, retirement and social security benefits for which you qualify for, as a U.S citizen. You are also ensuring that your benefits are not calculated based on the standards applied to legal permanent residents. You must visit your local social security office, taking along proof of U.S. citizenship, your I.D and completing a simple request form, for the update to be done. The inter-agency systems are not linked and if you do not go to the SSA office, your new status is not likely to be recorded. Go to www.ssa.gov and find out more. Do you have a valid passport?
Check your passport expiration date and take steps to get a new one if you have less than 6 months before it expires. You also want to make sure your children have valid passports; remember their passports have shorter validity periods, which may vary from country to country and the age of the child. It’s also a good time to locate birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. and ensure you have the latest forms of these documents that your home country is currently using. If you recently became a U.S. citizen, now would also be a good time to apply for a U.S. passport, as it will be required for any future international travel plans. Tourist Visas: it is wonderful to have loved ones visit from home especially during the holidays. Help them to protect their visas by making sure they know how long they are allowed to remain in the U.S. on each visit. Many people mistakenly believe that if they have a five or ten year visitor’s visa, they can remain in the U.S. for as long as they want. This is not so. Continue on Page 14
Page 6
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
ARIBBEAN Briefs
OCTOBER 2015
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister
Dr. Keith Rowley Sworn into Office
Bahamas Recovers From Hurricane Joaquin OLC: The Bahamas was hit hard by Hurricane Joaquin on Oct. 3, 2015. It destroyed homes and flooded roads, isolating residents from each other, and hampering relief efforts. Work crews are clearing debris on downed power lines while others are working to get aid and trying to restore electricity to the most remote areas to the Caribbean country. Reporting to the Miami Herald, Rev. Keith Cartwright of the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands described the disaster saying “The situation is devastation, devastation, devastation.” Bahamas’ Prime Minister Perry Christie told the Tribune that the infrastructure of the affected islands have to be reconstructed. “The government has been deploying technical people throughout the areas that have been affected by the hurricane. We have tried to ensure that at the same time we get relief out like water, supplies, (and) food. We have put a lot of effort behind BTC, going out and sending teams out to bring the communications system back up because it’s very difficult when you have to rely on satellite phones,” stated Christie. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) deployed three Rap-
Rivals’ meet: Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley greets Opposition Leader Kamla-Persad-Bissessar after he was sworn in as a Member of Parliament at yesterday’s Parliament opening. —Photo: CURTIS CHASE
Royal Bahamas Police Force marines assist with the handover of relief aid. (Photo State Dept.) id Damage and Needs Assessment Teams (RNATs) on October 5th 2015 to support the efforts of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The three CDEMA Coordinating Unit led teams have been deployed to Long Island, Crooked Island and Acklins Island to carry out assessments of Damage to Critical Infrastructure and Housing, Water, Sanitation and Health, Telecommunications and coastal ecosystems for a period of two days. During this period the teams will also be providing general disaster relief response and support and final reports will make recommendations to the Government of Bahamas regarding the priority needs to response actions. In support of regional efforts, the Government of the United Kingdom has deployed a logistical supply ships, the RFA
Lyme Bay, to provide assistance in the form of support to damage assessment and distribution of relief supplies. RFA Lyme Bay arrived with supplies consisting of temporary roofing materials, water and food for Crooked Islands, Acklins Island and Long Island. The first batch of relief stores landed into Crooked Island, with some stores being distributed to isolated persons on Long Cay. The RFA Lyme Bay Helicopter Lynx Mark has evacuated 36 persons from Landrail Point to the main airport for onward movement to Nassau. This mobility procedure included 4 disabled persons, with one in a wheelchair. The United States Coast Guard conducted an extensive disaster assessment through the most impacted areas of The Bahamas observing conditions on Continue on Page 14
OLC: Keith Rowley was sworn as the seventh prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago on September 9, 2015, by the Head of State, President Anthony Carmona at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain. His party, the People’s National Movement, won 23 of 41 seats in September 7, 2015 general elections, defecting Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who led the country for five years. In his augural speech, Dr Rowley appealed to his citizenry at all levels to get rid of the “gimme gimme” mentality and return to the spirit of volunteer-
ism. “Not everything you do must carry a pay check. Let’s get rid of the gimme gimme attitude.” Furthermore, he stressed, “Let us be confident that what we have done in the dark could be defended in the light. There was enough for all of us to be sustained, maybe not lavishly. But we need to change our attitude.” He said his Government would ensure everyone shares in what is on the table. He said if each of us pulls our weight, Trinidad and Tobago can be a model nation.
U.S. Embassy Supports Hurricane Joaquin Relief Effort
10039 Bissonnet St. Suite 337 Houston, TX 77036
(between Belfway 8 and Hwy 59) Evening and weekend appointments available.
latania@menavisahelp.com
OCTOBER 2015
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 7
Barbados Drug Plan Under Consideration Barbados’ drug plan for 2015 to 2020 has been finalized, and is now before Cabinet for its consideration. Disclosed by Attorney General, Adriel Brathwaite, he explained, “In formulating the drug plan, we would have a holistic approach to how we would treat legal and illegal substances and have one body that champions our overall legal framework.” Once approved, the plan would be implemented. “We have not had a comprehensive plan in many years [and] we are a bit behind in terms of our commitment to CICAD (the In-
ter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission),” Brathwaite stated.
Jack Warner is fighting extradition to the United States (US) on charges of racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering in the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) corruption case.
He explained that the five years drug plan outlined the island’s overall framework, in terms of its response to the international best practices for legal and illegal substances., The AG pointed out that the handling of legal substances that could be converted to illegal substances was of particular concern. As a result, it was a situation that required everyone to play their part. It is for that reason that police officers, postal workers, staff of the National Council on Substance
AG Adriel Brathwaite Abuse, among others, are presently attending the course. Brathwaite also stated that he firmly believed that as many people as possible should be trained in detecting the use of Continue on Page 14
CBP Implements Virgin Islands Air Passenger Pilot Program
ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations announced recently the implementation of a local pilot program concerning the use of the Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B) before embarkation for departures from USVI airports traveling to domestic US destinations and Puerto Rico.
“CBP is committed to transform and simplify the agency’s requirements to ensure agile and efficient inspection process and to improve customer satisfaction,” indicated St. Thomas Area Port Director Louis Harrigan. From Sunday September 6, the pilot program allows CBP Officers and CBP Agriculture
CBP inspects traveler’s declaration form, which is required upon entry into the US
Specialists to obtain a binding oral declaration from passengers which, among others, must include the following series of questions: • Where did your trip originate and what other countries did you visit? • Do you have any commercial merchandise?
• What is the total value of goods you are bringing? • Have you been on a farm, ranch or pasture? • Have you been in close proximity of livestock? • Are you bringing any of the following: Fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food, insects? Meats, animals, animal/wildlife Continue on Page 14
In May 2015, Jack Warner, along with 13 other current or former FIFA officials, were indicted in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, on charges with racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies in connection with their participation in a 24-year scheme to enrich themselves through the corruption of international soccer.
and many of the cultural group members are still sorting out and rebuilding their own lives, homes and communities. Some of the venues and playing fields, where cultural competitions are usually held, were damaged. “In addition, many of the staff members of various Government departments were themselves very much involved in the relief and restoration efforts across the island,” he continued. Moreover, many of the activities require government
funding to support a successful outcome. Explaining the rationale for the curtailed of event, Minister for Culture, Justina Charles stated, “We launch this year’s celebration against the backdrop of Tropical Storm Erika.” The storm affected many of our citizens and the country including the loss of many Dominicans; some are still unaccounted. Resident’s lives are in turmoil with destruction of homes and property. Continue on Page 14
Jack Warner $150 million in bribes and kickbacks to obtain lucrative media and marketing rights to international soccer tournaments. He denies the charges calling it a witch hunt. “I don’t know why people cannot see this is an American witch hunt. I don’t know why every time America sneeze everybody feel you have to catch a cold,” Warner said. Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi signed document that is required to begin the extradition process of Warner to the United States to answer the corruption charges. But his attorneys have Continue on Page 14
Saint Lucia Begins Citizenship By Investment in January 2016
Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony delivered a stirring opening address to the Global Citizens Forum in Monaco on Thursday, October 8, 2015. Monaco is an independent microstate on France’s Mediterranean coastline known for its glitzy casinos, yacht-lined harbor and prestigious Grand Prix motor race. During the course of his speech to the elite gathering, the Prime Minister announced that Saint Lucia will be accepting applications for citizenship by investment as of 1 January 2016.
OLC: Dominica celebrates its 37th anniversary of independence on November 3rd 2015. However, this year’s celebration is clouded by recovery efforts from the destruction of Tropical Storm Erika, August 27, 2015. Government leaders are calling for the citizenry’s understanding and unity.
Chairman of the Independence Committee, Raymond Lawrence explained “The road network and bridge situation is still very challenging for the movement of groups and individuals. Four out of the seven districts in Dominica were seriously devastated by the storm,
He was the Vice President of FIFA until his suspension and eventual resignation in 2011. He is also the former Minister of National Security of Trinidad and Tobago and an elected member of parliament from 2007 to 2015.
It is alleged that the charged individuals including Warner to have systematically been paid and agreed to pay well over
Independence 2015: Rebuilding Dominica Together
The celebration is scaled down; accessibility to venues and movement of residents is a task. Events such as the sports and cultural competitions, the Creole pageants, the World Creole Music Festival, Creole in the Park and Heritage Day were dropped.
Trinidad AG Signs ATP Paving Way for Jack Warner’s Extradition to US
Dr. Anthony described himself as a jealous guardian of Saint Lucian citizenship. However, he noted that the time had arrived to think beyond the traditional approaches to deal with the myriad problems facing small states, and that “offering citizenship through investment has now also become a viable alternative.” The Prime Minister informed the gathering of citizenship lawyers, wealth managers, marketing agents, investors and VIP’s that Saint Lucia, by accepting new citizens, would not just be offering citizenship but would be offering an identity, a people and Saint Lucia’s place in the world. He stressed that new citizens
Jack Warner must enhance Saint Lucia’s global standing and ensure that the country’s proud heritage endures. In his address, the Prime Minister outlined the principles and characteristics of the program to be implemented by Saint Lucia. He observed that the legislation establishing the program was supported without political rancour, with the blessing of both Government and the Opposition. Earlier that night guests were soothed by the musical skills of Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson, who played various traditional Saint Lucian songs. The Prime Minister’s address was followed by a performance from Boo and Haitian superstar Wyclef Jean. He performed with Boo at the invitation of the Prime Minister. The event is also attended by a number of lawyers and professionals from Saint Lucia.
Page 8
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
OCTOBER 2015
Lorraine Stanback
Caribbean International Shipping and Moving There was a time, especially during the turbulent 60’s and 70’s, when women were made to feel guilty if they worked outside the home. Today, it’s not the same. Career women are countless. And that’s the story of Lorraine Stanback, owner and operator of Caribbean International Shipping and Moving and mother of an adult son, Devon. Lorraine moved to Houston at a critical point when the shipping company, formerly Transcaribe Shipping, needed new management. The business engages in shipping of boxes, barrels, cars, and trailers to the Caribbean and other international ports. Her educational and business operation background prepared her well for the task at hand. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Public Administration from Kean University. In the corporate world, she worked as an Operations Support Specialist in Temco Facility Services in New Jersey providing operations support for facility maintenance and managing team members in sales, accounting, billing, and customer service
BISSONNET ONE STOP CARIBBEAN MARKET 13655 Bissonnet Street, Suite 205, Houston Texas 77083
281-468-5390 | OPEN HOURS STORE aturday
y–S Tuesda 9 pm 10am to day nd Mon a y unda Close S
Bissonnet St
BW-8
Specializing in Produce West Indian Products
IN OUR KITCHEN
Highway 6 Eldridge Pkwy
832-619-1459
Famous Escovitch Fish Jerk Pork and Chicken Steam Snapper Daily Lunch Specials
Lorraine is no stranger to the Caribbean community. Growing up in New York City she was adopted by a Jamaican family. There she learned the culture, the food, and the music. Therefore she was quite delighted in moving to serve her Caribbean people. “The international shipping business is one of the cornerstone of the diaspora connection to
Lorraine Stanback the homeland,” she explained. Lorraine was instrumental and a great asset to the Houston Dominican community in the aftermath of the recent Tropical Storm devastation of the island of Dominica. She provided storage and packing facilities, assisted in the coordination and shipment of containers to the island of Dominica. Lorraine stated that she was approached by members of the Dominica Relief team to assist them in getting supplies to Dominica taking into account their limited financial resources. One Love Caribbean wishes Lorraine and Caribbean International Shipping and Moving a prosperous future.
Texas
CARIBBEAN
Life
Tribute to Reggae Greats Lucky Dube and Peter Tosh
Black Thunder, Sylvanus Donaie, and Naggo Morris
OLC: Riddims Night Club rocked the world in “Tribute to Reggae Greats” on the Saturday night, September 26, 2015. Vivid Promotion and TJ Promotion brought some of the world’s top reggae artists to the musical celebration of Lucky Dube and Peter Tosh. Black Thunder, coming in from Europe, focused on the hits of Lucky Dube, while Naggo Morris, coming from Jamaica, performed his hits and the music of Peter Tosh. Glen Washington climaxed the session with his renditions of the legends as well as some of his own music to include “Kindness for Weakness,” “Strangers in the Night,” and “Jah Glory.” Although some were accompanied with tracks, the live band, U-Fyah Band, provided the music for the featured singers. Indeed, the promoters
promised and delivered a cultural awareness to the people of Houston who appreciate the art of classic reggae music—that, of course, which pertains to the original music from Jamaica! Lucky Dube (8-3-1964 – 1018 2007) was a South African reggae musician and Rastafarian. He recorded 22 albums in Zulu, English and Afrikaans in a 25-year period and was South Africa’s biggest-selling reggae artist. Dube was murdered in Johannesburg. Peter Tosh, OM (10-19-1944 to 9-11-1987) was a Jamaican reggae musician. Along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer he was one of the core members of the band The Wailers (1963– 1974), after which he established himself as a successful solo artist and a promoter of Rastafari. He was murdered in 1987 during a home invasion.
CARIBBEAN MUSIC FATTA CAREY TOP 10
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
DUCKING by FADDA FOXX VAGABOND by RICARDO DRU DANCEHALL by VYBZ KARTEL UNRULY PRAYER by POPCAAN CHEER LEADER by OMI FT RICKY BLAZE SHELL DOWN – BIG RED & MELO FT KC SCOUT LEAGUE- MAVADO SHABBA MOTHER POT -DEXTA DAPS GON A GET BETTER -VYBZ KARTEL WHERE WE COME FROM - POPCAAN
Page 10
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
ONNECTIONS
Patrick Moynihan Report of 1969 Now We Know…the rest of the Story of this practice on Black families became clearer, politicians from all persuasions are now calling the practice “a mistake.” But before we get into “apologies” and “moving forward,” let’s try to see a bigger picture of how we all got where we are today.
Terry Layne Staff Writer tlayne@olchouston.com
Specific to my writing today, I draw your attention to the infamous report of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan entitled, “The Negro Family” (August 1969). I recall being in my early young adult years when this report was first publicized to “explain the pathological patterns” in the lives of Black people in the U.S. The Moynihan Report, according to Coates, was “reinterpreted” by syndicated newspaper columnists, who portrayed the Black families as “broken home systems, plagued by illegitimate births, and dominated by female oriented households.”
Although he was not the first to write about the incidence of mass incarceration in the United States, I commend Mr. Ta-Nehisi Coates for his cover story (The Black Family in the Age of Mass Incarceration), a well researched and carefully reported narrative in the Atlantic Journal dated October 2015. Coates presented an epic story about the general state of Black families in the U.S., and how it The real story according is related to our current “age of to Coates is, it was Patrick mass incarceration.” Moynihan’s intent to make an argument tying horrific conseActually, according to the re- quences being tolled on Afriport, the United States is home can American families followto less than 5% of the world’s ing centuries of “unimaginable population; while at the same, mistreatment” by “white ophousing about 25% of all incar- pression.” He actually attemptcerated people on the planet; ed to exact an indictment on the particularly affecting African oppressive system of “White American males, ages 20 to 40 Supremacy;” but his effort was years old. While the incarcer- distorted by opponents who ation of young African Amer- blamed Black people for their ican males can be traced back own living conditions imposed to the birth of this nation; this upon them by those same op“lock up phenomenon” observ- pressive practices. ably skyrocketed within historically recent years. By the way, this was all happening in the historical context Over the past fifty years or of the Civil Rights era, when more, it had become policy and there was an unveiling of sevpractice of the U.S. Criminal eral tiers of social injustices Justice System to imprison non- (Jim Crow laws) under which violent offenders for mandatory African Americans were forced and lengthy prison terms, based to live, even after slavery had on “political expediency” and ended and up through the day endorsements by a majority at that time. of political pundits of the day. But today, as the unfathomable In fact, Patrick Moynihan himand catastrophic consequences
self was a child product of a broken home and family pathology, reek with single motherhood, childhood poverty, divorce of biological parents, relocation, and difficult blended family relationships. So he was “a natural testimony” to the problems he observed occurring in Black families as a result of a popularized “tough on crimes” political climate of the day. Although he was a sitting democrat on President Lyndon B. Johnson’s cabinet, Moynihan was “increasingly disillusioned” with Johnson’s “War on Poverty;” because it “overlooked” what he believed to be the central critical factor of poor families…”male unemployment.” He passionately argued that specifically an absence of employed Black males was a critical factor in the state of impoverished Black families. So whether or not Moynihan might have been working on personal voids from his early childhood, what he was actually calling for was a public policy which would have supported fathers through job programs with a guaranteed minimum income for every family. What he got out of the ensuing tug of war between political parties was the traditional welfare (Aid to families with dependent children). Now keep in mind that traditional welfare support targeted women and children only with “absent men.” That alone forced men to “abandon their traditional household positions” where they lacked skills and training for competitive employment…giving way to what Moynihan believed to be a “matriarchal structure that robbed Black men of their natural birthright.” Again at this point, I believe it may serve some good that we keep the historical social context of time in mind. The American majority at the time would have been “adjusting to Civil Rights demands and legal impositions on the “traditional American ways of life.” None of it happened without intense resistance from one side or the other. So in order to understand more fully about the intensity of the national racial climate, remember or examine the broader scope of the Civil Rights era; including the Viet Nam Continue on Page 14
OCTOBER 2015
Joseph Niles: A Caribbean Icon Passes Joseph Niles, the patriarch of gospel music in Caribbean, has died after ailing for a number of years. “Joseph Niles excelled as one of Barbados’ most distinguished gospel singers of all time, giving a lifetime of commitment (50 years) to gospel music worldwide.” This tribute came from Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, following the passing of the Barbadian gospel artiste. Mr. Lashley, who was speaking at the launch of National Youth Week at Carrington Wesleyan Holiness Church on Sunday, noted that Mr. Niles’ contribution to gospel music in Barbados could not be easily measured. “His passing represents a significant loss to the gospel music fraternity in Barbados,” Mr. Lashley stated, noting that it was “a watershed in the devel-
opment of music generally because of the quality of [Niles’] contribution”. The Minister, on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, then extended condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late singer. In 2004, Joseph Niles was inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Among his many popular songs are This Train, Walking up the King’s Highway and Royal Telephone.
US Charged Former Antiguan Ambassador to UN in Bribery Scheme OLC - October 6, 2015: Antiguan born, John Ashe was arrested in New York along with five others in a criminal complaint detailing a corruption scheme. It involved more than $1 million in payments from sources in China for real estate deals and other business interests. Ashe was a former president of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. He served as Antigua and Barbuda’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN from 1995 to 2004. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said the former ambassador “sold himself and the global institution he led. United in greed, the defendants allegedly formed a corrupt alliance of business and government, converting the UN into a platform for profit.” Allegedly, he used the money he pocket to finance a life of luxury purchasing Rolex watches, custom suits, a BMW, a family vacations and even a private basketball court. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda released this statement: The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has learned from media reports of the arrest in the United States of John Ashe, who was the Permanent Representative to the United Nations under the former government of the United Progressive Party led by former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer. The present Antigua and Bar-
John Ashe buda Labour Party government replaced Mr. Ashe when it was elected to office in 2014. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda understands that Mr. Ashe’s arrest arises from charges in a bribery scheme that involved sources from another country, while he was President of the UN General Assembly. Senior officials of the former Spencer government, including Spencer himself are identified in the complaint. The complaint against Ashe, who is a resident of the United States, also includes fraudulent tax returns in the US. The present government of Antigua and Barbuda has implemented and upholds the highest standards of good governance and accountability. It notes that the charges against Mr. Ashe relates to his Presidency of the UN General Assembly. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda will continue to monitor the situation.
One Love Caribbean Call 281-769 2253
OCTOBER 2015
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 11
BIRTHDAYS IN THE DIASPORA
AN INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT Encouragement from the Word of God
Remember Who You Are Stacy Jones Trinidad
Cheryl Francis Virgin Islands
Clara Humphreys-Hodge Dominica
Anne-marie Morris Trinidad
Robert Horton Texas
Lynn Desiree’ Gaston Saint. Lucia
Michele Ramirez Panama
Paula Foster Jamaica
downtrodden, defeated or distraught that we also forget who we really are and thus experience our own identity crisis. Sometimes it’s because we did not know who we were in the first place. (This brings to mind the story of the prince who grew up with paupers and had no idea that he was actually the heir to the kingdom).
Donalene Clovis Saint. Lucia
Jennifer Norman Jamaica
Suria Francis St. Croix
Cheryl Dalkan Saint Lucia
Charmaine Bailey Staff Writer cbailey@olchouston.com “Identity” is a common buzz word today as major efforts are made and systems put in place to protect individuals from identity theft. Twenty years ago it was hard to imagine the concept of something so abstract being stolen, but now it has become the thing to fear even more than the theft of material belongings. A person’s identity is an intangible reality that encompasses their individuality, distinctiveness and personal details and represents the essence of one’s uniqueness and who one is. It is crucial for folks to know and be confident about who they are and have a positive sense of self. It is not uncommon to hear news reports of children of celebrities, royalty and heads of state who forgot about their position or station in life and publicly behaved as if they were underprivileged and (in the case of royalty) “commoners”. Oftentimes these “poor” privileged folks were either tired of their status or they temporarily forgot who they were. Some people are confused about who they really are and experience an identity crisis, leading to social, mental and emotional dysfunction of a serious nature and even depression. This is sometimes true of those who are in Christ. As we go through life’s experiences it is possible to become so distracted,
Fatta Carey Jamaica
Melvina Audain St. Kitt and Nevis
Patrick Jamaica
Janielle P. Maynard St. Kitt and Nevis
Cecilia Hepburn Saint Lucia
Catherine Flowers Honduras
It is important to understand one’s identity in Christ. The Scriptures clearly describe who we are in our relationship with Christ and also assure us that no outside force can change that (Romans 8:38-39). This is the most important relationship that we can ever have. All other relationships have their foundation on this one. God cares about us as individuals; the very hairs on our heads are numbered. There is no condemnation for us when we do wrong but rather, there is an open invitation to confess and the promise of our Father’s forgiveness when we do. We are children of God, loved and accepted. We are heirs with Christ; we share His divine nature. That’s our true identity. (I John 3:1-2 and others) So if you have forgotten who you are or are suffering any kind of confusion about your identity, feeling down about yourself, or maybe someone has “hammered” you verbally and your self-esteem is “below the curb”, stop for a minute and remind yourself of who you are and move on with your head held high. No matter what circumstances you are facing, you have a Father who cares and upon whom you can call any time, any place and in any situation - no matter how bad things may be. Your identity never changes, can never be stolen or lost and there is no need for confusion or crisis. Explore the Bible and discover what God says about you (Psalm 139). And never forget who you are! Prayer: Thank you Father that I have an identity that no one can steal. Help me to always remember that I am your child; that makes me royalty and therefore I’m strong. Help me to always remember who I am. 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.
Page 12
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
OPEN EDITORIAL
The Border Squabble Between Venezuela and Guyana
In May, Exxon Mobil reported that it had made a “significant oil discovery” in a maritime area disputed by two neighboring South American countries, Venezuela and Guyana. Since then, Guyana Defense Force (GDF) is reportedly amassing troops around it borders with Venezuela. Brigadier Phillips said that the GDF continues to monitor the border with the current troops on the frontier.” Speaking on usual troop deployment along the border the Brigadier said, “The GDF remains ready to define aggression on our border with Venezuela. We have troops deployed at various locations. The important ones in this sense are location Eteringbang, location Kaikan, and we have several observation posts along the Cuyuni River and we continue to monitor the activities by the Venezuelan armed forces on our frontiers.”
“It is unacceptable that the new government of Guyana take this position with a territory that is under dispute,” Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez said in a statement, continuing that Guyana “has also expressly recognized this area of the sea is subject to an amicable settlement of territorial claims, as envisaged in the Geneva Agreement,” referring to the international dialogue process both countries had previously signed up to.
In spite of the long-running border dispute, which dates back to the colonial period, the oil giant was given unilateral permission to explore through an agreement with Guyana. Venezuela considered that agreement a “provocation” and called for a dialogue between the two nations to settle the dispute in line with a 1966 agreement.
Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs upped the rhetoric and called Venezuela a “threat to regional peace and security,” after Venezuelan President Maduro reasserted Venezuela’s long-held territorial claims.
Its president, Nicolas Maduro, has described the “serious campaign, promoting hatred and distrust, which is promoting negative elements about Venezuela,” with foreign petroleum lobbies provoking the situation to undermine growing solidarity between Latin American and Caribbean countries. Exxon Mobil Corp. has had strained relations with Venezuela, after refusing to respect the South American nation’s 2007 petroleum laws, which require foreign companies to become minority partners in oil exploration with the state oil company, PDVSA. Exxon sought billions in compensation from Venezuela as a result. The diplomatic dispute between the two South American nations heightened after Guyanese elections in May 2015, when a coalition of political parties ended the 23-year rule of the People’s Progressive Party. Retired army Gen. David Granger was sworn in as president after winning with a narrow margin of 5,000 votes.
Foreign Minister Rodriguez took exception to the aggressive tone of the statement by her Guyanese counterpart, saying it “exhibits a dangerous provocative policy against the peaceful Bolivarian (Republic of) Venezuela, backed by the imperial power of a U.S. transnational, Exxon Mobil, which should be rectified immediately.” Nevertheless, Venezuela has made it clear that it’s goal is for “cooperation, peace, integration … respect, and processing the conflict through dialogue and the international way,” as President Maduro explained July 6. Map showing Venezuelan states with disputed territory on right of map with red and white stripes. | Borders Decided by Empire The disputed border between Venezuela and Guyana goes back to Venezuela’s own independence battle, which was finally achieved in 1821. After defeating the Spanish Empire, the newly independent nation found itself bordered on its east by a territory controlled by the British Empire. The precise boundaries were disputed by newly independent
Venezuela – which always regarded the entire area west of the Essequibo River as its border – and the United Kingdom. This dispute was heightened in the 1850s by the discovery of vast gold reserves in the area. Venezuela refused to accept the ruling of an 1899 U.S.-inspired Arbitral Tribunal, which mainly backed Britain’s claim to the disputed territory. The South American republic, which was not given its own voice at the hearing but represented by delegates appointed by the United States, claimed the U.K. unduly influenced members of the tribunal. In 1966, Guyana’s won independence from Britain and a deal was reached that the border dispute would be settled in accordance with the rules of international law and the United Nations system: the so-called Geneva Accords. Four years later, the two countries agreed to a 12-year moratorium on the matter. Seeking a Diplomatic Resolution In a positive move, the two South American nations agreed to settle their territory dispute through open dialogue in June 2015. The Venezuelan foreign ministry welcomed “the recent statements by Guyanese foreign minister, Carl Greenidge,” who ensured that Guyana “has decided to benefit from the joint 1966 Geneva agreement.” The document outlined various mechanisms to resolve controversy over the disputed territory, including the creation of a joint commission to engage in peaceful dialogue. On July 3, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also offered help to resolve the dispute. At a summit of 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) trade bloc on July 4, leaders met with Venezuela’s vice president, Continue on Page 14
OCTOBER 2015
DID YOU KNOW Blocking the Box is Illegal in Texas
“Blocking the Box” is when drivers have entered an intersection when cars on the other side prevent them from making it all the way through. In the state of Texas, this is illegal. If the light turns red before a driver can get out of the intersection, they end up blocking cross traffic from moving forward and preventing mobility in crosswalks and bike lanes. To avoid blocking the box: • Wait to enter an intersection until you can make it all the way through, in accordance with Texas law. Drivers who block the box face a fine up to $200. • Wait behind the stop bar, not in the crosswalk, and look to
see if the vehicles in front of you on the other side of the intersection have left enough room for you to make it through without stopping in the crosswalk on the other side. • If you can’t clear an intersection, don’t enter it. When cross traffic cannot get through, neither can emergency vehicles. Additionally, blocking the box can cause pedestrians to weave between cars if the crosswalk is impacted, decreasing their visibility to other travelers. Everyone on the roads is trying to get somewhere, be courteous and don’t block the box ensuring we all get to our destinations safely. Source: City of Pearland
US$100M GANJA DEAL Canadian company to develop medicinal products from J’can marijuana for int’l market
BY KESI ASHER Observer writer CANADA-BASED Timeless Herbal Care Limited (THC) announced Saturday it has secured a US$100-million deal to develop medical marijuana products here in Jamaica for the international market. Courtney Betty, the JamaicanCanadian who heads THC, did not go into great detail, but said the deal would create job opportunities for many Jamaicans. He said the deal was buttressed by the decision of the Jamaican Government to decriminalize ganja for medicinal purposes. Betty used the opportunity in a speech at the Association of Consultants and Physicians of Jamaica (ACPJ) Reception and Banquet, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, to urge physicians and private sector businesses to get on board with medical marijuana treatment, saying Jamaica was destined to become a hub for investment in medical marijuana. “This is not about smoking marijuana, but it is about developing medical products that will be able to help patients,” said the president and CEO of Timeless Herbal Care, a nutraceutical pharmaceutical company that produces medical marijuana products. “It really is about private corporations and businesses, and our expectation is that there will be many companies that will start coming to Jamaica looking to invest because of the tremendous intellectual proper-
ty and resources that sit here at the University of the West Indies.” A high point of the ACPJ banquet was the honoring of its past president and consultant neurologist Dr Amza Ali and Dr Hafeezul Mohammed, outstanding cardiologist, internist and consultant physician. Dr. Ali was trained in neurology at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, and is specially certified in neurology by the Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom and the Association of British Neurologists. He also completed a clinical fellowship in epilepsy at the Neurological Institute, Columbia University in New York and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the Royal College of Physicians of London. “Being honored by one’s peers is an amazing thing. It gives you a sense of validation that can’t come from anything else, because it means other people that you respect, respect what you are doing,” Dr Ali said in his response.
OCTOBER 2015
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 13
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Caribbean Breast Cancer Foundation Inc
Seven Things You May Not Know about Women’s Health
Lesser-known conditions and diseases affect the health or safety of millions of women or girls each year. Learn about some of them and what you can do.
DISABILITY RISK IN OLDER PEOPLE
1. Asthma occurs more often in women than men. Older adults, women, and African Americans are more likely to die due to asthma. • Women with asthma should always try to avoid asthma triggers. • Known asthma triggers include pollen, mold and tobacco smoke. • Know your triggers and learn how to avoid them. • Work with your doctor to develop an Asthma Action Plan that will help you take your medications correctly and avoid your asthma triggers. 2. Heavy menstrual bleeding, lasting more than seven days or very heavy, affects more than 10 million American women each year. That is about one out of every five women. • A bleeding disorder may be the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding. • Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have heavy menstrual bleeding to determine if you need testing. 3. Disability. About 27 million women in the U.S. have a disability, a condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult to do certain activities and interact with the world around them. • More than 50% of women older than 65 are living with a disability. The most common cause of disability for women is arthritis or rheumatism. • Women with disabilities need the same general health care as women without disabilities, and they may also need additional care to address their spe-
EARLY FLU TREATMENT REDUCES HOSPITALIZATION TIME
cific needs. However, research shows that many women with disabilities may not receive regular health screenings, like mammograms or a Pap test, as recommended. 4. Infertility affects about 6% of married women ages 15-44. • Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex. • Several things increase a woman’s risk of infertility, including age, smoking, excessive alcohol use, extreme weight gain or loss, or excessive physical or emotional stress that results in the absence of a menstrual period. • Infertility may be treated medically, surgically, or using assisted reproductive technology depending on the underlying cause. • Assisted Reproductive Technology, also known as ART, includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled. • Resources are available for patients preparing for infertility treatment and pregnancy. 5. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15-44. • BV is an infection caused when too much of certain bacteria change the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. In the United States an estimated 21.2 million (29.2%) women ages
A Bar-Code Tattoo is common among victims of human trafficking
14–49 have BV. • The cause of BV is unknown. BV is linked to an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria that are normally found in a woman’s vagina. • Basic prevention steps that may help to lower your risk of developing BV include not having sex, limiting the number of sex partners you have, and not douching. 6. Sex Trafficking is a serious public health problem that affects the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The majority of victims are women and girls. • Sex trafficking is defined as “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act” by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. • Consequences can be immediate and long term, including physical problems and relationship problems, psychological concerns, and chronic health outcomes. • Learn about what communities and groups can do to prevent trafficking. 7. Drug overdoses. About 19 women die every day as a result of drug overdoses involving prescription opioids. • Women are more likely to have chronic pain, be prescribed opioid pain relievers, and use them for longer time periods than men. • Addiction to prescription opioids is the strongest risk factor for heroin addiction, and heroin use has increased among women. • Women should discuss all medications they are taking with their doctor and use prescriptions only as directed. Get help for substance abuse problems (1-800- 662-HELP); call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) for questions about medicines, or see your pharmacist.
Early treatment of flu-hospitalized people 65 and older with flu antiviral medications cuts the duration of their hospital stay and reduces their risk of needing extended care after discharge, a new CDC study finds. The study is the first to look at the benefits of early antiviral treatment on preventing the need for extended care in community-dwelling flu-hospitalized people 65 and older.
Because people 65 and older are at high risk of serious flu complications, CDC recommends that they be treated for flu with influenza antiviral medications as early as possible because these drugs work best when started early. The study, published today in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, supports this recommendation. “Flu can be extremely serious in older people, leading to hospitalization and in some cases long-term disability. This important study shows that people 65 and older should seek medical care early when they develop flu symptoms,” says Dr. Dan Jernigan, director of CDC’s Influenza Division. The study found that community-dwelling patients 65 years and older who sought medical care or who were hospitalized within two days of illness onset and who were treated with antiviral medications early (in the first four days of illness) had hospital stays that were substantially shorter than those who received treatment later
(after 4 days of illness onset). This benefit was observed even among those who sought care later (more than two days after they got sick), but the reduction in hospital stay was not as great.
Similarly, early treatment was associated with patients being 25 percent to 60 percent less likely to need extended care after leaving the hospital. The study authors suggest that the shorter hospital stays associated with early treatment could account for the reduced risk of needing extended care after discharge since lengthy bed restriction can lead to disability. Other factors like older age, the presence of neurologic disorders, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and pneumonia at admission were also independent risk factors for extended care needs. While flu seasons can vary in severity, people 65 years and older usually bear the greatest burden of severe flu disease. In recent years, it is estimated that between 80 percent and 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have been in people 65 years and older and between 50 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have been in people in that age group. Antiviral treatment as soon as possible is recommended for all hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed flu and for all patients at high risk of serious flu complications, including people 65 years and older with flu-like symptoms.
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
Page 14
OCTOBER 2015
COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE Mount Bethel House of Prayer in Houston 6818 Cullen Boulevard Houston, TX 77021
Spiritual Baptist Church Mother Kathleen Joseph
(713) 842-2990
ultimately lead to the revocation of the tourist visa and possible The U.S. Customs and Border expedited removal from the U.S. Patrol Officer determines the After all, this visa is granted for length of stay and this is record- short, occasional visits only. ed on the Form I-94/Arrival and Departure Record. Remaining in As we enter into the Fall Season the U.S. longer than the permit- and 2015 marches closer to an ted time may lead to unlawful end, make putting your immigrapresence in the U.S, result in the tion affairs a priority. denial of entry on the next visit and possible revocation of the Until next time, walk good! tourist visa.
From Page 10 Moynihan Report...
There are those folks who are aware of the maximum timeline and choose to stay here for the entire period on each visit. They should be reminded that frequent trips to the U.S. in which they remain for the maximum allowable period on each visit, may
Many may recall how effectively some present day opponents of Martin Luther King’s policies twisted excerpts of his public admonition to White people about making broad judgments on Black people based solely on the color of
From Page 5 Immigration
From Page 6 Bahamas the ground in Ragged Island, Long Island, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, Samana Cay, San Salvador, the Exumas, Cat Island, and Eleuthera. The US provide transportation to the Prime Minister Perry Christie affected areas to meet with residents trapped without food and water and deliver humanitarian supplies. U.S. Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. Lisa Johnson with USAID/OFDA handed over relief supplies flown in from Mi-
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.
ami valuing over $100,000 to NEMA. Officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force supported the handover of the supplies which weighed over 37,000 pounds, and included 200 rolls of plastic sheeting, 500 hygiene kits, 540 kitchen kits, 600 collapsible water containers, and 500 blankets. The U.S. Mission will continue to work collaboratively with the government of The Bahamas in support of its efforts to bring relief to those severely impacted by Hurricane Joaquin.
War on the international level. We need to keep the focus on what Senator Moynihan was really after, according to our well prepared journalist, Ta-Nehisi Coates. Moynihan’s intention was to gather support for an aggressive and comprehensive government approach to the institutionalized problems that keep Black families down.
From Page 7 Dominica
“It is for this reason that the theme for this year’s independence celebration is “Rebuilding Dominica Together.” Togetherness in rebuilding this beautiful island should transcend all boundaries. By this I mean political, religious, social class, sex and age,” she said. The celebration begins with the E. O. Leblanc Memorial Lecture scheduled for the Fort Young Hotel on October 8. Other activities includes:
Driver’s license, Birth certificate, Military ID or a State isproducts? Disease agents, cell sued identification card. cultures, snails? Soil? All non-US citizens need to However, travelers that are have valid travel documentanot pre-inspected in the USVI tion to prove their legal preswill be required to fill the CBP ence in the US. Form 6059B upon arrival into the United States and/or Puerto Our dual mission is to facilitate Rico. This pilot does not cov- travel in the United States while er air travelers arriving into the we secure our borders, our peoUSVI from foreign countries. ple and our visitors from those that would do us harm like terThe implementation of this pi- rorists and terrorist weapons, lot does not prevent CBP Offi- criminals and contraband. cers from requiring completion of CBP Form 6059B at any point of the inspection process or ask additional questions, if so deemed necessary.
• National Days of Prayer - October 10 and 11, • Journén Kwéyol Parade - October 30 • Pan in the City - October 31 • NCCU Cadencelypso competition - October 31 • The National Youth Rally November 2 • Independence Day Parade November 3
Although not statutorily required, it is recommended that US Citizens poses one of the forms of identification such as a US Passport or Passport Card,
“Caricom also has a good relationship with Venezuela, and we are not about to try to disrupt the relationship or to pollute it in any way,” he added.
From Page 7 CBP Implements...
From Page 12 Guyana
who emphasized his country would do all it could to maintain peace and tranquility in the region. While also offering support to Guyana, the chair of Caricom said, “We believe that scope exists for an amicable resolution of present difficulties.”
their skins. So what Coates finds today about the reinterpretation of the Moynihan’s report is not without precedent.
They are all saying; including our current political pundits, that it was bad for the entire country to have implemented this practice with its destructive
consequences on Black families. At a minimum, we can all make good faith efforts to raise greater public awareness to this matter, having some resolve in mind. And once we have completed our prayers and meditations, I encourage those who are able to vote, seek out those trusted political candidates, who would likely continue the work of reversing damages created by these destructive laws… and give them your support at the polls and beyond. I further encourage my audience to read Coates’ highly informative article in the journal mentioned above; and to continue his conversations with others you may encounter along journey. If for no other reason; it’s simply some good stuff to know!
From Page 7 Jack Warner
From Page 7 Barbados
Now this was only the preamble to an otherwise extensive story about the known negative consequences over the recent decades of Mass Incarceration of Black men in the United States. Te-Nehisi Coates, Michelle Alexander (The New Jim Crow) and several others are doing their parts in writing studied narratives and books on this topic.
challenged Al-Rawi’s missed deadline (September 23) for signing the authority to proceed (ATP) document. However, state attorney Brent Hallpike wrote to Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar that same day, asking for more time for Al-Rawi to examine the documents and make a decision on the matter, as he had only been sworn-in as Attorney General the previous week. But in a September 25, 2015 proceeding, Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington postponed the hearing to December 2, 2015 to allow Warner’s attorneys more time so they could travel to the US to discuss the extradition terms. Warner reports to Trinidad and Tobago authorities two days weekly; his passport has been detained. Dialogue, and the “peaceful path” advocated by Venezuela, are the best antidote to the divide and rule tactics of powerful oil companies, which echo the strategies long ago perfected by colonial powers and in whose origins this border dispute lies.
illegal substances, and in educating young people, particularly those who were more inclined to experiment. Head of the Supply Reduction Section of CICAD, Ziggie Malyniwsky, said traditionally, the Caribbean focused on drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana and alcohol. However, he said there needed to be a greater awareness of synthetic drugs like ecstasy and methamphetamine. Organization of the American States’ Representative to Barbados, Francis McBarnette, also cautioned that synthetic drugs were among some of the most destructive drugs being used today, and often interfered with persons’ emotions, contributing to them having suicidal thoughts, among other issues. He noted that the challenge for local authorities was to “keep up to speed” with the drugs being used and the various forms. The national seminar is being coordinated by the Supply and Reduction section of CICAD
One Love Caribbean Call 281-769-2253
OCTOBER 2015
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 15
ISLAND STYLEE
ULTURE
JOKES | SATIRE | POEMS
ISLAND RECIPES THE ART OF CARIBBEAN COOKING
Lucian Jounen Kwéyòl Cookings
Method: Add the cornmeal, grated coconut, sugar, powdered cinnamon, nutmeg, and mix thoroughly. Mix into a thick dough, using milk or water. (A little more cornmeal may be added, if the mixture turns out to be too soft.)
Plantains Flambé Ingredients: 6 ripe plantains 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1/4 cup butter ¼ tsp of cinnamon One nutmeg 1/2 cup cognac or brandy
Wash and dry banana leaves. Cut away main stem and cut into 6 inch squares.
Directions: Place plantains in a baking dish. Bake at 400° for about 15 minutes or until soft.
Dasheen Pone
Cook in boiling water for about 45 minutes. Take out of water and drain. Serve warm or cold.
Remove skins from plantain and place in a large flat pan. Sprinkle the sugar and the cinnamon. Grate nutmeg over the plantains. Melt the butter and coat the plantains.
Dasheen Pone
Allow to settle for five minutes Pour cognac over plantains. Place pan with plantain mix on a stove top and start a low flame. Allow liquid to heat.
Plantains Flambé
Sauté the plantains for a minute to cover in butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Increase the size of the flame and tilt the pan toward the flame until it catches fire.
When the cognac is burned, the flame will go out. Note: Cognac burns in blue flame, and the food burns yellow. If the flame is yellow, it’s the plantains that are burning, and not the cognac. Don’t try to extinguish the flame; allow let it burn out.
Ingredients: 3 lbs. dasheens 1 grated coconut 1 cups sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon grated 1/2 tsp nutmeg fleshly grated 2 cup raisins 1 cup milk Pinch of salt Directions: Peel, wash and grate the dasheen.
Then turn off the gas. (If it’s an electric stove, strike a match on top of the brandy) Allow the cognac to burn.
Place a spoonful of the mixture on each square and tie into parcels.
Paime
Paime
Ingredients 3 cups cornmeal 1 ½ cup grated coconut 1 ½ cup sugar ½ cup evaporated milk ½ tsp cinnamon 4 tbsp. shortening ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp of vanilla essence Banana leaves (foil paper) Twine for tying banana leaves ½ cup raisin
In a large bowl, add the grated dasheen, coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins. Add salt and the sugar. Mix well. Add the milk. Continue to mix until smooth. Place in baking pan and bake at 250 degrees F. Check for doneness by touching the top of the cake lightly with a fingertip. If it spring back a little bit, the pone is done.
Kathleen’s Kitchen
For de best Trini food in Houston Sit and dine to the comfort sounds of Caribbean Music and enjoy Trini delicacies Chicken / Fish
Curry Stew Jerk Fry
Rice
Meat
Trini Tings
White Peas & Rice Veggie Rice
Curry Goat Oxtail
Roti Doubles Polorie
713-728-1113
13114 South Post Oak Road Houston Texas
Bake Good
Currant Roll Cake Coconut Drop
HAND ME MI CHANGE There were three men from the Caribbean living together in London: a Trinidadian, a Barbadian and a Jamaican who were all hungry because they didn’t have money to buy food. However, upon coming close to a classy restaurant, they came up with a plan.
The Jamaican went in first. After being seated he ordered a three course meal with white wine. When he had finished the meal the waiter came by with the check. “But I paid you!” the Jamaican shouted. The waiter was very confused as he could not remember being paid, but as he did not want to cause any trouble... he let the Jamaican leave. Five minutes later the Barbadian walked into the restaurant and ordered a five course meal with red wine. When he was finished eating, the waiter came by to collect the money for food. “But I paid you!” The Barbadian shouted. This time the manager came and had to calm down the Bajan, and as he did not want anything to upset the other customers he let the Bajan go. Ten minutes later the Trinidadian walked in, sat down, lit a cigarette, and ordered the most expensive meal on the menu plus two Carib beers. After he had finished, the waiter came to collect the money for the meal. Before asking for it, the waiter said, “Sir... I have been having a sort of problem all day and I can’t understand it. Other people like you came in earlier and ate and they said that they paid me but I don’t remember getting any money from them, so... Before he could finish, the Trinidadian chimed in loudly “Hear meh nah boss, dat is your problem...jus give meh change.” USE IT OR LOSE IT A Dominica woman arrived home from a shopping trip and was shocked to find her husband with a beautiful lady. Just as she was about to storm out of the house, her husband called out “Perhaps you should hear how all this came about...” “I was driving home on the road when I saw this young woman looking tired and bedraggled. I made her a meal from the breadfruit and saltfish that you had forgotten about in the fridge. She was bare-footed so I gave her your good sandals that you had discarded because they had gone out of style. I gave her the thick jacket that I bought for you for your birthday, but you never wore because the color didn’t suit you. Her pants were torn, so I gave her a pair of your jeans, which were perfectly good, but too small for you now. Then just as she was about to leave, she asked, ‘Is there anything else your wife doesn’t use anymore?’
Things My Jamaican Mother Taught Me Poem by Lisa Anderson
1. My Mother taught me about ANTICIPATION ‘Just wait till we get home.’ 2. My Mother taught me about RECEIVING. ‘You going get a ass’n when we get home! ‘ 3. My Mother taught me to MEET A CHALLENGE. ‘What di backside yu thinkin’? Answer me when me talk to you... Don’t talk back to me! ‘ 4. My Mother taught me CONSEQUENCES. ‘If yu run cross de road an’ cyar lick yu dung, a goin’ kill yu wid lick.’ 5. My Mother taught me THE VALUE OF EDUCATION. ‘If yu no go a school, yu a go tun tief or walk an’ pick up bottle.’ 6. My Mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE. ‘If yu tun over yu eye lid an fly pitch pan it, it a go stay so fi eva.’ 7. My Mother taught me to THINK AHEAD. ‘Is not one time monkey goin’ wan’ wife’ 8. My Mother taught me ESP. ‘Yu tink a don’t know what yu up to nuh?‘ 9. My Mother taught me HUMOR. ‘If yu don’ eat food, breeze goin’ blow yu ‘way.’ 10. My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT. ‘Come an’ tek yu beatin’ like man.’ 11. My Mother taught me about SEX. ‘Yu tink say yu dropp from sky? ‘ 12. My Mother taught me about GENETICS. ‘Yu jus’ like yu faada.’ 13. My Mother taught me about my ROOTS. ‘Yu tink mi come from ‘Back A Wall? ‘ 14. My Mother taught me about WISDOM OF AGE. ‘When yu get to be as ol’ as me, yu wi understan’.’ 15. And my all time favorite... JUSTICE. ‘One day wen yu have pickney, a hope dem treat yu same way.’ 16. My mother taught me about ABSTINENCE AND SAFE SEX. ‘Bwoy, when yu have yu own pickney.. dey will be JUST LIKE YU! ‘