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April 2011
The Publisher’s Thoughts Well readers, can you believe it, we are already in the month of April, a time of year when the weather begins to warm up, the flowers bloom, and our part of the world enters renewal. It is also the time of year when Christians celebrate Easter, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For most Virgin Islanders, the week of Easter is the time to move to the beach; pack up all the food, water, music, TV and radio, and the board games for a week stay at your favorite seaside place.
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However, let us also consider this as a time to renew and make ourselves stronger to face the daily challenges that surround us: job loss, high gas prices, the increasing high cost of living, news of the new war in Libya and rumors of political unrest in the Middle East and elsewhere, earthquakes and tsunamis. This is enough to make anyone break under the stress of bad news, but we must remain strong and pray for brighter days. And now this! Last July, I had the honor to interview Prime Minister Honorable Stephenson King of St. Lucia. At that time, I extended a personal invitation to him to visit Texas to address St. Lucians in the Houston/Baytown area. As a result, eight months later, on March 27, 2011, One Love Caribbean News in partnership with The St. Lucia Association of Texas welcomed the Prime Minister to the Greater Houston area. Despite the short visit, the significance of this event drives a milestone to the heart and soul of St. Lucians in Texas. This is the first time that such a high level minister of the St. Lucian government has made an official visit to Houston/ Baytown to address St. Lucians. Thanks Prime Minister King. The red carpet awaits your return. I wish to express my appreciation to Reverend Gena Davis and the congregation of Trinity Episcopal Church (5010 North Main Street, Baytown, TX 77521) for partnering with us and allowing us to use their sanctuary, where the Prime Minister addressed St. Lucians and friends in a well attended town hall meeting. Thanks a bunch. One Love Caribbean News was honored to host a fund raising cocktail party for the Prime Minister. The first ever signature event for OLC ‘An Audience with the Prime Minister’ was a resounding success with many readers, writers, advertisers, supporters, and well wishers in attendance. Thanks to everyone, including the leadership and members of the various Caribbean organizations in the our community who came out on a Sunday evening to support the event. Your attendance demonstrates your desire to work together to accomplish our common goals. Thanks to Terron and Janay Henry of Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill for a first class culinary experience. Great job as always. Proceeds from the event will go towards funding the newly formed One Love Caribbean Educational and Resource Foundation. As you know, I am a strong advocate for the value of a good education. There is an old saying ‘If you think education is expensive, try ignorance’. The decision to form a not for profit organization was in an effort to ‘put money where my mouth is’. I decided to create an organization which will allow me to give back to the community, not only locally, but globally. One of the main objectives of this organization is to provide educational materials and project resources in needed areas. In that regard, we have undertaken a book drive to benefit schools and libraries in the island of St. Lucia, our main focus is the town of Soufriere, which was badly hit during Hurricane Tomas in late October 2010. I have personally used my educational network to obtain about one thousand books and five computers. Our goal is to deliver three thousand books and 10 computers to the library by July 2011. In keeping with another of our goals and objectives, we have partnered with the local organization, Repairer of the Breach, we will be travelling to Jamaica to assist in the rebuilding of a badly damaged home for an elderly community servant in Portland. I will be traveling to Jamaica to oversee the building of this project. Please donate to this project at www.repairerofthebreach.org and complete their contact form or you can make a donation via PayPal. Our plan for the future is to partner with local organizations to undertake similar efforts whether locally or internationally. More information will be provided about the OLC Foundation in a future publication. So until then, One Love!
Sylvanus Donaie, BSEE, MBA, MTM Publisher
Staff Writers
Sylvanus Donaie DJ Uncle L Marcelline Chitolie Dzifa Job Terry Layne Thecia Jenkins Leslie A. Richardson Charmaine Bailey Advertising Tel: 281.769.2253 Tel: 832-881-9745 Tel: 504-460-9638
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Honorable Stephenson King, Prime Minister of St. Lucia meets Members of The St. Lucia Association of Texas
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Dr. Ka-Ron Wade with Mr. and Mrs Ellis of The Houston Sun Reggie Clark of JugglersUnited.com
A Guiding Word Psalm 133:1 (King James Version) Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!
April 2011
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St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Visits Texas By MD Jones The recent visit of St. Lucia Prime Minister Stephenson King to Southeast Texas has served to highlight increasing collaborations in the local Caribbean community. The Prime Minister’s short trip on Sunday, March 27, 2011 was for him to connect with a segment of his St. Lucian Diaspora community in both Baytown and Houston in the wake of last October’s devastation to the island by Hurricane Tomas. His presentation and Q&A covered topics from the state of the island’s economy and crime, the recovery efforts from Hurricane Tomas, to Caribbean regional unity through OECS and CARICOM. To his pleasant surprise, he was also fittingly greeted by the larger Caribbean community. On his arrival, the St. Lucia Association of Texas (SLAT) engaged the City of Houston to provide Prime Minister King with the diplomatic services befitting his status as a national leader in transit. SLAT also collaborated with Rev. Gena Davis to host the Prime Minister’s town hall style meeting with his St. Lucian community in Baytown at Trinity Episcopal Church. In attendance were approximately 200 people, which included St. Lucians, friends and other Caribbean community leaders who had traveled that afternoon to show their support. In honor of this historic visit to Houston, One Love Caribbean News hosted a fund raising cocktail party at Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill in Houston. In his address to the approximately 100 attendees, the Prime Minister made special note of the larger
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Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Ka-Ron Wade, Commended for her Community Service By Sylvanus Donaie OLC, April 1, 2011 -- Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Ka-Ron Wade, was commended for her community service at the 28th Anniversary Celebration of The Houston Sun.
Sylvanus Donaie and Andrea Jean-Baptiste welcome The Hon. Stephenson King at the George Bush International Airport in Houston.
Caribbean community’s enthusiastic welcome in his speech.. The room was filled with officers and general members of local Caribbean organizations as well as business owners, church leaders, readers and friends. This reception was originally intended to last 2 hours, but it continued well beyond expected for a Sunday evening as guests mingled between the dining room and the overflow tent set up for the occasion. Kudos to SLAT President Andrea JeanBaptiste and her team for an outstanding job in Baytown and to Sylvanus Donaie of One Love Caribbean Newspaper along with his team for a successful fund raising event in Houston that will benefit schools and libraries in St. Lucia. Biggup to Chef Terron Henry who outdid himself as usual with a delicious island buffet and elegant atmosphere, proving that “yard” can be as good as or even more appropriate than elsewhere.
“It’s quite an honor to be among some of the best,” Wade said. “Every day, I try to do what I am called to do. I enjoy helping people.“ She has challenged herself to change the world one smile at a time. Dr. Wade is truly a hard worker, dedicated to running a well-managed business: “I put in a lot of hours… You have to. I work more that eighty hours per week. Even when obstacles get in the way, I have to think continuously of how to make my business better and better,” she explained. In the area of dental technology, Dr. Wade is not afraid of change. Recently, she upgraded her dental practice with digital X-ray technology, which offers the advantage of an 80 percent reduction in radiation as there is no longer a need for film or processing chemicals; it produces a nearly instantaneous image, and she is able to use color contrast in the image. In fact, her patients now can see their x-ray results on a computer monitor, which is placed in front of their chair. Dr. Wade has had a lifelong passion for helping those in need. She began her medical career as a registered nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital where she began noticing a disturbing trend, the lack of dental care for children from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This was the catalyst to follow her dream of becoming a dentist. Dr. Wade graduated from the University of Texas Houston Dental Branch in 1995. She immediately began working for Harris County Dental Clinics, where she remained until she opened her practice in 2000. Her heart remained heavy for the less fortunate, so in 2001 she founded Houston Medi-Dent, a non-profit organization that is committed
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to helping the less fortunate in the Houston community. She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization which fosters updated proficiency through continuing quality education. She is also a member of the American Orthodontic Society, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Association of Women Dentists. A recipient of several accolades, Dr. Wade’s profile has been published in the Kingston Group’s National Registry of Who’s Who 2003 Edition, which is registered in the Library of Congress. She is also an honored member of the Cambridge Who’s Who, the Houston Area Urban League, and the African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and is a proud member of the U.S. Army Reserve where she holds the rank of Major. Currently, Dr. Wade specializes in General and Cosmetic Dentistry, and is widely known as a premier cosmetic dentist. She continues to perfect her craft by studying at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for Advanced Dental Studies where advanced dental instruction is a priority. Dr. Wade is one of a handful of cosmetic dentists in Houston who hold the title of LVI Dentist, and she is also one of very few Blacks to hold this prestigious title. Her commitment to helping the less fortunate in the Houston community has been recognized by the Houston Area Urban League, St. Mary Purification Catholic Church, City of Houston District I Mayor, just to name a few. Dr Wade also contributes a monthly article in the dental and medical field to this publication, One Love Caribbean News. We at One Love Caribbean News wishes Dr. Ka-Ron Wade the best.
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Dilapidated home of a community servant in Portland, Jamaica By MD Jones OLC, April 1, 2011 -- You don’t have to be religious to grasp the impact of the name Repairer of the Breach. Repair is a common enough word that means fix, and after hurricane Katrina, if not before (as in childbirth or contracts), we learned that a breach is a break from the desired state. With that understanding, you cannot help but appreciate the efforts of one Missionary family of Ethiopian and Jamaican heritage who have been formally laboring to meet the needs of hungry, homeless, naked and unschooled people since 1998. Missionary leader Carol Williams resides with her family in Houston, Texas, but they travel far and wide in their ministry to the poor and underserved, leading their aptly named charitable organization to such places as Colombia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Haiti and Jamaica. These professional caregivers use their vacation time to bring books, clothing, eyeglasses, medicine and health education to both young and elderly alike. Repairer of the Breach feeds almost 1000 people per month in Africa and the Caribbean and operates a basic school in Jamaica serving 40 children between 15 months and 6 years old. This 501c3 organization provides skills training in early childhood education, cosmetology, nursing, sewing, arts and crafts and farming. They identify sponsors to finance the education and meals of each child, offer adult reading classes, and after-school tutoring. Two years ago, Repairer of the Breach teamed up with the Caribbean Impact Foun-
dation, Houston Association of Panamanians, and CardioTech Ultrasound School to fund the college education of an outstanding student in need. Today, that student has completed his studies in Houston with flying colors and will be a pioneer in his field when he returns home to serve his people. He is also now an active member of the Repairer of the Breach family of service. This year, Repairer of the Breach will team up with One Love Caribbean publisher Sylvanus Donaie and CIF in raising funds to rebuild the dilapidated home of an outstanding community servant in Portland, Jamaica. The home is falling apart from several years of extreme weather damage, but that has never slowed this humble woman from being the first to volunteer her meager funds or last portion of food to help others who she believes may have a greater need. Mr. Donaie, who is also an engineer, will be traveling to Jamaica with the ROTB family to help repair this house from the ground up in one week. In the Holy Bible, Isaiah chapter 58 explains in more detail who the repairers of the breach are, and in verse 12 we see that the Williams Family has been faithful “to build the old waste places and raise up the foundations of many generations.” You too can become a part of this ministry to serve the hurting people of our world. If you have been desiring to touch lives, here is an opportunity for you. Please visit their website at www.repairerofthebreach.org and complete their contact form or make a donation via PayPal.
Transtar Expands Mobile Site to West Houston Streets OLC, April 1, 2011 -- Houston TranStar expands mobile site to include west Houston streets Bluetooth™ helps mobile web users reap immediate benefits on the west side, with expansion to follow. Houston TranStar has expanded its mobile website to include traffic conditions on local streets in addition to freeways. Users can now visit the website to view real-time speeds and travel times on streets like Westheimer, Richmond and Highway 6. The traffic information on the streets is collected using cutting-edge Bluetooth™ sensor technology, a cost-effective method of gathering information that can be used to estimate average speeds and travel times. The information can be viewed on Houston TranStar’s mobile website at http://mobile. houstontranstar.org/westhouston or on the regular website at http://traffic.houstontranstar.org.
panding the traffic data collection system.
“Houston TranStar has been providing traffic information on freeways for more than 15 years. The use of Bluetooth™ traffic sensors now lets us provide information on streets as well,” said Houston TranStar Director John R. Whaley. “This technology is inexpensive and can be widely deployed in a short amount of time. Yet its reliability and data quality rivals any other method of estimating speeds and travel times.”
Funded by the City of Houston, the Bluetooth™-based AWAM (Anonymous Wireless Address Matching) sensor technology was researched and developed by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), a part of the Texas A&M University System. The Bluetooth™ sensors installed along the roadways collect anonymous information from electronic devices such as mobile phones, GPSs and in-vehicle navigation systems. The information collected by the sensors is encrypted upon receipt, is not associated with a specific user, and does not contain any personal data that could be used to track an individual. The speeds and travel times generated by the system are posted to the Houston TranStar Website for public use, and are also used by engineers to monitor and measure the operations of the roadway network.
The City of Houston, a TranStar agency partner, recently installed sensors covering 62 square miles on Houston’s populous west side, where local roads carry about 12.7 million vehicle miles each day. With traffic volumes on these streets rivaling or surpassing those on freeways in other areas, the area was a natural candidate for ex-
Houston TranStar is a group of four government agencies that coordinate and enhance transportation and emergency management services in Southeast Texas. The agencies include: the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Harris County, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) and the City of Houston.
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ROUND DE YARD - Houston Caribbean News
Last Hired First Fired: A Response to Joblessness
IFEST Returns to Houston HOUSTON – Celebrating its 41st year, the 2011 Houston International Festival will spotlight The Silk Road: Journey Across Asia from April 30 - May 1 and May 7 - 8 throughout 16 acres in Downtown Houston. On Sunday, May 1, contemporary blues legends Keb’ Mo’ and Robert Cray share the Bud Light World Music Stage in the bowl at Sam Houston Park. On Saturday, May 7, Michael Franti and Spearhead – former underground hip-hop/alt-rock heroes who enjoyed a major commercial breakthrough last year – headline on the Bud Light World Music Stage, joined by “sacred steel” gospel-rockers Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Rootz Underground, hailed as the best roots-reggae band to come out of Jamaica in decades, returns to iFest on Saturday, April 30, along with Kora Konnection, an Afro-jazz fusion band featuring Senegalese kora player Morikeba Kouyate. The Houston International Festival offers music playing continuously on ten stages throughout the day. The Green Mountain Energy Louisiana Stage in Tranquility Park will again feature a distinctive Gulf Coast musical gumbo of zydeco, blues, funk and jazz. The Southwest Louisiana/ Southeast Texas zydeco tradition will be prominently featured with a number of regional favorites, including the legendary Buckwheat Zydeco, Step Rideau, J. Paul Jr., Lil Brian and the Travelers, Cedric Watson, Leroy Thomas, Corey Ledet, Curtis Poullard and Ruben Moreno. On April 30, Watson’s band Bijou Creole will jam with Kora Konnection in what is billed as an “African Zydeco Revue.” The New Orleans brass band tradition is represented by Crescent City trombonist/ vocalist Glen David Andrews, known as “the Crown Prince of Treme,” the everso-funky Soul Rebels, and Houston’s own jazz traditionalists, the Voodoo Brass
By Terry Layne Within the recent months, there have been a whole lot of conversations taking place at the federal, state, and local levels concerning budgetary shortfalls and likely employee layoffs. In fact, Mayor Annise Parker called for as much as 27% in budget reductions across several departments within the City of Houston. And in Harris County, Precinct 8 Constable Bill Bailey, 72, announced he was choosing to retire rather than cut one more employee from his payroll.
Rootz Underground Band. Rounding out the Green Mountain Energy Louisiana Stage lineup are hardcharging blues guitarist Chris Bell, New Orleans roots-rockers the Honey Island Swamp Band and funk-rock singer-songwriter Mia Borders. The African Caribbean Zone and Jamaica Zone in Lower Tranquility Park features a steel drum pan yard, African capoeira and an ongoing drum circle, and Jamaican Dancehall reggae parties at night featuring DJs Mickey Faith, Norro and SupaNeil. In addition, a series of fashion designers will showcase their clothing lines in daily fashion shows located in the African Caribbean and Jamaica Zone. Featured designers include: Fashion Plate (April 30), Kachi Designs (May 1), Lucas Escalada (May 7) and Leaford James (May 8). Kyle Turner brings his funky contemporary jazz saxophone stylings to the 29-95 Stage on Saturday, April 30. Other jazzoriented bands appearing on this stage are Funk Bank, Free Radicals and the HSPVA Jazz All-Stars. Headliners on the Room Store Latin Stage include Karina Nistal, the Rainel Pino Afro-Cuban Orchestra, Los Skarnales and the Norma Zenteno Band. For more information on the 2011 Houston International Festival celebrating “The Silk Road: Journey Across Asia,” call 713654-8808 or visit the festival’s official website at www.ifest.org.
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While cuts are being announced almost everywhere, we find a workforce in state and local governments; we know that others in the private sector are still unemployed as a result of our ongoing economic recession of 2008. Furthermore, it is also common knowledge that unemployment remains historically high among Afro-endemic and Hispanic peoples, not only here in Houston; but almost wherever these rates are measured. So what do we do about this chronic challenge of joblessness? Let me just say up front, that I believe, it is mostly a matter of individual choice. So let’s not lose this point in the shallow end. But in addition to personal choice, I also see it as a time for those in community leadership to offer innovative and collaborative guidance to an otherwise vulnerable community of people, known to be “last hired and first fired.” Recently, I had a conversation with a young male, who freelanced as a barber, and rented space in a shop owned by someone else. He was concerned about expanding his clientele and keeping up with the obvious financial demands on his operations. He further expressed troubling thoughts about not having current health benefits for himself, his baby, or his “baby momma.” We also talked about the growing complexities of life all through the stages, including issues of long term security for his retirement years. He queried me for answers to his dilemma, even beyond my capacity to offer immediate solutions. A striking thing about this young man is he was revealing a part of himself that few, if
any, would have seen. He certainly didn’t fit the stereotypical picture of a “dead-beat dad,” who didn’t want to work or take care of his family. To the contrary, this brother seemed genuinely concerned about real life issues related to family. He appeared to be thoughtfully re-energized by the end of our one to one “barber shop conversation.” In early March 2011, CNN’s Fareed Zakaria talked about some ideal, but key attributes for the new job seekers during and beyond this recession. First, he reiterated the cautionary note issued by many others before him: The jobs which were already out-sourced to other countries are not coming back to the U.S. So he urged job seekers to become skilled-based entrepreneurs; and to see themselves as independent sub-contractors, who will be marketing their skills to different “buyers.” This means that jobseekers can plan on working for several different employers in the future. Those days of a 30 to 40-year career with one or two employers are all but gone now. And with the announced cuts and anticipated joblessness hitting Houston, we need to start thinking very differently about innovative responses. Fareed further stressed the need to be learning, training, and re-training. It’s a time when you are not out after three strikes! We must keep swinging the bats and never giving up on ourselves! We have institutions in place already, but we may need to build more. It would be an understatement to call these times “serious” in many cases because they could be pretty catastrophic for many vulnerable families in Houston. There’s no telling when or where we might encounter a hurting member of the “last hired, first fired” group, but we certainly want to be prepared to assist them with our personal or institutional resources. And I’m not talking about hand outs! Given the kind of challenges on the way, some people may need reliable information, recovery direction, referrals, or simply a word of encouragement. These are only some of the reasons we organize.
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NEWS FROM HOME - Caribbean News
UN funds poverty reduction project in Carriacou
The Government will provide $2.2 million in co-financing, with the Caribbean Development Bank contributing another $2.3 million. “Despite its relatively high Gross National Income, the rural areas of Grenada still suffer from high levels of poverty,” said Jaana Keitaanranta, the IFAD Country Program Manager for Grenada. “Families living in rural areas are also more vulnerable to natural disasters, have limited natural resources and few opportunities to find a job. With this in mind, we worked with the Government of Grenada to design a program that will give young people new opportunities, reduce reliance on highpriced food imports by strengthening the agricultural sector and promote entrepreneurship,” said Ms. Keitaanranta.
Singer Beats Former First Lady In Haiti Elections PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Monday April 4, 2011 – Musician Michel ‘Sweet Mickey’ Martelly appears set to become Haiti’s new president, based on preliminary results of the second round of elections released late yesterday.
March 30, 2011 – The United Nations rural development agency is to co-finance a $7.5-million project in Grenada designed to alleviate poverty in the Caribbean country, benefiting an estimated 12,000 members of poor communities on the main island and the isle of Carriacou. The UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will provide $3 million in loan to the six-year Market Access and Rural Enterprise Development Program to create jobs, improve market access and support rural micro-enterprise projects in 50 communities, according to an agreement signed in Rome between the Fund and Grenada’s Government.
He was able to secure 67.6 percent of the votes to beat former first lady Mirlande Manigat who got 31.5 percent, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) announced. However, Manigat will be given time to contest the outcome before the final results are announced later in the month. Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique
Implemented by the Grenada’s finance ministry, the program seeks to improve access to financial services, strengthen community organizations and producers associations and support a national advocacy campaign that will addresses gender and youth issues. Carriacou is the largest of the Grenadines, a necklace of island gems scattered between St. Vincent and Grenada. Along with our sister isle, Petite Martinique just 3 miles east, and the mainland of Grenada, some 23 miles to the south of us, we make up an independent tri-island nation.
The Miami Herald is reporting that Manigat’s camp is already charging the results were changed late last night after members of the CEP made a surprise visit to the vote tabulation centre where tally sheets were undergoing a final scrutiny for fraud. Martelly came from behind, initially not even included in the run-off following the first round of elections. Manigat and Jude Célestin - who was handpicked by President René Préval – had been announced as the front-runners, with Martelly in third position.
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Jean-Bertrand Aristide returned to Haiti Former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide returned to his homeland after seven years in exile, saying his return was the fulfillment of Haitians’ dreams for democracy. On the way back from his exile in South Africa, Aristide told the independent news program Democracy Now! that Haitians are “very happy” that he is returning and that he shared their happiness. The former leader, twice democratically elected before fleeing the country in an armed rebellion in 2004,
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U.S. President Barack Obama sought to delay his return until after the election and called South African President Jacob Zuma to voice concerns that Aristide’s homecoming could destabilize the voting. But Pretoria said he had a Haitian passport and that it “cannot hold him hostage.” Aristide expressed a desire to go back to Haiti after former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier made a surprise return in January. The former president is accompanied by his wife and two daughters. Hollywood actor Danny Glover also joined Aristide on his return home. Glover flew to Johannesburg, writing on the TransAfrica Forum website that he wanted to show solidarity with the people of Haiti and help return a leader they twice elected with “overwhelming support.”
Good Things Happening In Jamaica, Says Forte TORONTO – Minister of State, Marlene Malahoo Forte, has assured Jamaican nationals in Canada that positive things are happening in the island. Speaking at a reception in her honor hosted by High Commissioner to Canada, Her Excellency Sheila Sealy Monteith, at the Jamaican Canadian Centre in Toronto on Monday March 28, Senator Forte said Jamaica is taking steps that are moving the country in the right direction.
OLD TALK
The original schedule had set the announcement of final results for April 16, but with the preliminary results postponed from Thursday, March 21 to April 6, the CEP is yet to indicate whether there will be any change to the calendar.
Upon hearing that Aristide was returning, some supporters joined in a loud, horn-blaring celebration.
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However, after violent protests in the country as Martelly’s supporters, in particular, accused the ruling party of engaging in fraud to ensure a win for Célestin, a review of the results was conducted by an expert team from the Organisation of American States (OAS) which recommended that Celestin be dropped from the runoff and replaced by Martelly.
remains popular among Haiti’s impoverished masses. He said he would work in education to improve their lives.
Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique were granted independence in 1974 but still belong to the Commonwealth. The population on Carriacou and Petite Martinique hovers around 10,000 and is comprised mainly of African slave descendents.
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Jean-Bertrand Aristide returned to Haiti
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She made mention of the 42 per cent decrease in crime; the success of the Jamaica Debt Exchange, which has been hailed as a model to avoid default on the payment of
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sovereign debt; and the Charter of Rights Bill that was passed in the House of Representatives on March 22 with overwhelming support from the government and opposition. “Look at what happens when we do things for the benefit of the people,” she pointed out. Senator Malahoo Forte, who has responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, told the gathering that the government wants like to engage the Jamaican Diaspora in a meaningful way. She encouraged the group to attend the upcoming Biennial Diaspora Conference, slated to be held June 15 to 17 at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
OneLove CARIBBEAN
April 2011
NEWS FROM HOME - Caribbean News
Caribbean Needs To Realize The Value Of Its Heritage Barbados - The Caribbean has failed to recognize the “true value of our heritage”, and as a result, it is “woefully underrepresented” on the World Heritage List. This view was proffered by Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley, while delivering an address at the opening of a one-day CARICOM World Heritage Workshop at the Amaryllis Hotel. Noting that Europe was over represented, Mr. Lashley said there were 911 properties inscribed on the World Heritage List and pointed out that 35 were in France, 33 in Germany, 24 in the United Kingdom, 42 in Spain and 45 in Italy. “Compare this to the fact that there are a mere six properties in CARICOM and then you will share my concern that we are underrepresented. We have to be honest and admit that we, as a region, have to accept some measure of accountability for this state of affairs. UNESCO is not only to share the responsibility. “It is now time for us to accept responsibility for, and to take pride in our rich and unique heritage. It is now up to us to put programs in place to involve our people and our communities in the entire process, sensitizing them to the need to accept and share this responsibility,” he stated. Mr. Lashley told his audience they were taking the first step to laying the foundation for the identification of a Regional World Heritage Strategy and moving towards the development of a Regional World Heritage Agenda and the establishment of a CARICOM World Heritage Mechanism. He added that officials were going to explore the possibility of establishing a Caribbean World Heritage Fund, which would, among
other things, assist in training heritage experts and site managers and encourage community and youth involvement in decisionmaking processes concerning their heritage. “The Fund would provide support for the identification, nomination and listing of Caribbean heritage sites on the World Heritage List, giving priority to those countries and cultures which are at present underrepresented on that list. The fund would also provide financial support and technical assistance for the conservation and management of heritage sites in the Caribbean,” he disclosed. Barbados is currently seeking nomination for Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison to be inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage List. The Management Plan for Historic Bridgetown, which is expected to govern the period 2010 to 2015, was recently submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The island should know in mid-June if its nomination has been successful.
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Skerrit - “Prepare for global competition”
Dominica News Online - Local engineers and contractors are being advised to get prepared for global competition. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has given the advice ahead of a parliament debate on the draft Contract and Procurement bill and in the midst of much discourse on the hiring of foreign contractors for local projects. At Monday’s contract-signing ceremony for the Pointe Mitchel sea defense and road project, awarded to Barbados-based C.O Williams Construction Limited, Skerrit cautioned that competition will get tougher as regional integration moves ahead.
Barbados’ Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley
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“In our commitments under the single market and economy at the Caricom level, there
will be nothing called local contractors as opposed to regional contractors,” he said, emphasizing that all companies in the region for instance, will be given similar privileges “and therefore there’ll be no disparity in terms of the conditions you can set on any of these companies”. Dominica has meanwhile been affording contracts to local contractors in order to boost their skills and by extension gain greater experience, according to Prime Minister Skerrit. It is hoped the draft Contract and Procurement bill will be passed at the next sitting of Parliament.
T&T Calls for Input on Religious Education Minister of Education, Dr the Honorable Tim Gopeesingh invites youth groups of all religions to help the Ministry of Education devise a curriculum in religious education that mirrors the virtues and values of all the religious groups in our country, and which will ensure that we continue to produce citizens who promote the wonderful pluralism and unity the defines our beautiful, multicultural society and country of Trinidad and Tobago. “Under this reviewed curriculum, all schools, whether they are Government, denominational or private, will be mandated to teach ABOUT religions as part of their timetables, but not in the same manner as done before”, he said.
Speaking during today’s Y.U.V.A Conference, organized by the Hindu Students’ Council of Trinidad and Tobago, Minister Gopessingh explained that what currently exists in our schools is that religious education is taught according to the religions the schools belong to, but under the proposed new system, all religions and their teachings will be taught to students under the heading of religious education. “This change is aimed at fostering proper knowledge of the teachings, values and morals of all religions among our children from as early as the primary school level, with a view to engendering not just educational learning, but also, tolerance and acceptance of all religious groups by all citizens in our country”, he said.
St. Kitts/Nevis Unveils New Treasury Bill Initiative BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 6TH 2011 (CUOPM) - The Government of St Kitts and Nevis has unveiled a new Treasury Bill issuance program giving investors the option of choosing from three instruments. Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said Tuesday the new program is in response to investor demand for greater options and longer-dated investment choices. The Federal Government currently issues Tbills with a 91-day maturity only. “Starting on 17 May 2011, the Government will make available new 182-day and 365-day T-bills, to be issued alongside the current 91-day instruments. Existing and new T-bill investors will be able to choose any combination of these three instruments through the established procedure. The letters that will be sent to existing T-bill holders by the Accountant General’s Department this week will confirm the improved investment menu,” said Prime Minister Douglas. He said that existing Treasury Bill holders wishing to roll-over into any of the new securities must ensure their responses reach the Accountant General’s Department by 20 April 2011.
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“The Federal Government continues to experience a very high demand for Government Treasury Bills from both local and regional investors, as confirmed by roll-over rates that are close to 100%. The Ministry of Finance has also had requests from investors for an option to lengthen the maturity of their investments thereby avoiding the inconvenience of having to go through the roll-over process every three months,” Dr. Douglas stated. He added that his Government is pleased to be able to respond to this request from investors, and confirm that investors who do elect longer maturities will be offered moderately increased yields. “The Government expects that the new options that will be offered to investors will also enable the average life of the public debt portfolio to be lengthened over time,” Prime Minister Douglas said. He disclosed that another initiative that is being planned is the start of the gradual integration of the local Treasury Bill market with the Regional Government Securities Market (RGSM) – a move that should benefit both the Government and its invest
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An Audience with the Prime Minister
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EDITORIAL A New Global Elite governments? Think about it. Before the historical development of federalism, who told kings and queens what to do with their money anyway? Nobody! So today we find created rules which allow “exemptions from taxes.” We call them “laws.” The point being made here is that they create ways around obstacles to building wealth.
Terry Layne Staff Writer
In part one of this report (OLC March 2011), we saw the new global elites being described as super wealthy, hard working, well educated, and trans-global people, who think of themselves as deserving winners in a highly competitive world economy. They further meet secretly with global “peers” in closed meetings discussing global business, world politics, and philanthropy. Notice what they talk about. These topical areas clearly underscore the purpose of their meetings…to build wealth and to impact what happens around them. These superrich (approximately 1%-5%) seem less focused on gender issues, racism, and even culture or national identity than the other 95% of our population. What I see here as noteworthy is not how much money the super-rich people command, as much as, how they think and what they do. Building wealth involves creative ways of thinking that is driven by making money, saving money, and investing money. Conversely, those of us in the 95% historically have spent a lot of our mental energies in other areas. This is not a criticism, nor is it a put down. It is simply a statement of historical fact. To discuss the reasons for this is a whole other argument. For now, the focus is on some of the ways that super wealthy people think and do. Another interesting observation is their practice of philanthropy. Chrysthia Freeland cited several examples of what she called “philanthro-capitalism” through which the powerfully rich people direct a substantial amount of their wealth into foundations, research, and other causes aimed at solving big local and world problems. It would seem plausible that having such a charitable profile, there might be those among this group who would not object to paying more taxes on their wealth. But on the other hand, as powerfully influential as they were portrayed to be in the article, is it possible that super wealthy people might find it objectionable to “being told” by politicians when and where they should spend their money? Could it be that the super-rich are frustrated by all the regulatory restraints placed upon their wealth building activities? What if there was some historical basis for opposing tax mandates by
Undoubtedly, obstacles to building wealth faced by the 95% are not the same as those for the super-rich people. But the principles for overcoming challenges do not change. We must change the way we see everything in order to increase the likeliness of successfully meeting the challenges of our times. Let’s begin with something that President Obama has said repeatedly in public addresses: Those jobs that went overseas are not coming back! Now, in order to appreciate what that means on a personal level, might require some thinking beyond the obvious in many cases. One of the ways Ali Velshi of CNN thought about it on March 5, 2011 is that the American workforce of the next decade and beyond will need to be dynamic in competitive skills (trained or retrained). He was talking about education. He further urged the audience to develop skills in Sales and in Marketing, irrespective of their chosen fields. Velshi further emphasized the importance of focusing on three primary fields of preparation: first, medicine/health care, technology, and finally, on the environment. Other pundits have been encouraging people to think in terms of entrepreneurial ventures. We’ve all seen the erosion of corporate paternalism. Companies are not going back to taking care of employees in terms of benefits and protectionisms of the pasts. We are truly in times of self-determinism as I see it. It’s not a time for panic, but rather a time to think differently about everything we’ve ever thought about. Everything we currently enjoy including the comforts and accommodations which we hold so dearly, first began, in the mind of someone else. Some of our answers are already in our minds, I believe. We may only need to pulls these thoughts together. Is it scary? Of course it is! That’s because we (95%) have been conditioned to think in ways that are “safe and without risks.” We were led to believe in “getting a good job” and working hard to “protect our job security.” And you know what’s really frightening is that some people may still be holding on to that kind of thinking 10 years from today! By that time, they would have been left so far behind, according to the predictions of several experts in this global market economy in which we live. By the way, Ali Velshi also showed a comparative graph of income levels between the super-rich and those in the 95%, dating back to World War I (1917). It is important for us to keep in mind that super-wealthy people have always commanded a sub-
Brains
April 2011
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Business
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Culture
Young Caribbean Entrepreneur With Marilyn Langellier Reggie: The Brains Behind JugglersUnited.com It is a beautiful Sunday evening and I am at Cool Runnings Restaurant attending a Cocktail Party hosted by One Love Caribbean News and the St. Lucia Association of Texas featuring the Honorable Stephenson King, Prime Minister of St. Lucia. I was politely interrupted by the camera man himself, Reggie Clark. The intriguing conversation with Mr. Clark that followed gave me some insight on his love for Caribbean people and its culture. It is great to see the youth of the Caribbean highlighting their culture in the community. It is also crucial that we preserve our heritage in the Diaspora whether it is by our music, dance, entertainment, social events, and foods. Reggie Clark is a young and ambitious professional who possesses an energetic spirit. He hails from the beautiful island of Barbados, but considers himself a West Indian. He came to the United States in 1996 and attended Cyfalls High School, Dominican College of Blauvelt and Cyfair College. He is active in various organizations in Houston: Barbados Association of Greater Houston, Houston Business Council, Board Member, and Houston Caribbean Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Clark loves his heritage and wants to be involved in bringing Caribbean people together. In aspiring to accomplish his vision, he created Jugglers United in 2004, and later, it became a media group in August 2006. Jugglers United started as a group of young aspiring adults, teenagers and children with various backgrounds and ethnicities. They first appeared on the Caribbean scene as entertainers appearing at special events in Houston to promote cultural dances of the islands. Two years later they formed a multi-media group showcasing Houston Caribbean events on a website, JugglersUnited.com. A visit to JugglersUnited. com provides an experience that allows an individual to view professional photos and videos of various events in the Houston area as well as other places in the US and Caribbean. The website also provides to its clients the opportunity to promote their business and events. Reggie attends various events as a professtantial amount of money over the general population. However, what was clear on the graph is that the wealth of the super-rich in the U.S. has been rising and widening since World War II, and has continued to today. More revealing is the reported fact that the cumulative wealth line of the 95% people has been a straight horizontal line (180 degrees) across the graph since the measured period of 1917 until present. In my opinion, our current age of information brings opportunities for both the 95% and the 5% peoples to meet recovery demands with quiet confidence. Both groups can access information and think creatively
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Reggie Clark sional photographer, but he, himself, has hosted many. “Reggie, what are the contributing factors that has helped you in your success with Jugglers United?” I asked. “The one thing that has contributed to my success is trust,” Reggie replies. “It helps me to know who to surround myself with. There are many people who loves the spotlight, but don’t like the preparation that comes with it.” When asked, what do you hope to accomplish through Jugglers United in the future? “I wants to see all Caribbean people working together to secure its own community within the Houston area.” The supporters of Jugglers United can look forward to a brand new website coming in summer 2011. The new website will be enhanced with better quality photos, faster uploads, and video updates. Reggie wants the Caribbean people to continue with the unity and harmony among themselves. In this manner, we can hopefully be a powerful and successful community in the Houston area. Further he concluded, “If we all work together as workers, we need no boss.” Awareness of the Caribbean culture has grown and has made a mark in Houston because of the voices of the people. The younger generation continues to explore ways of sharing the culture. In order to continue highlighting the many cultures of the islands, it is imperative that we do our part and contribute. A strong team brings great results. Reggie Clark, CEO of Jugglers United, can be contacted at:(281) 468-1243, reggie@ jugglersunited.com, Facebook and Twitter about the many possibilities that could become a significant part of our recovery efforts. We may not even need to reinvent wheels. Examples are all around us. Bottom line may simply be a matter of emulating the super-rich people. Any expectation that we will just go back to the way we were before the financial collapse of 2008 would be naivete at its best. We are all challenged to think differently about everything that we ever thought about. The same kind of thinking will undoubtedly give us the same results. Think about it! A guiding thought comes to mind: To get something we’ve never had, we must do something that we’ve never done!
OneLove CARIBBEAN
April 2011
DIASPORA AN INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT Encouragement from the Word of God Easter: A Mini Exposé
ing to Easter, such as the “Paschal Lamb”. Easter Sunday officially ends the 40 day fast of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday.1
Charmaine Bailey Staff Writer
Easter is one of the few holidays that is celebrated worldwide and the time of its observance varies from year to year. Last year, it was celebrated on April 4, this year on April 24. In 2008 Easter fell on March 23. In 325 AD the Council of Nicaea scheduled Easter to be celebrated “on the first Sunday following the full moon occurring next after the vernal equinox (about March 21); …if the full moon occurs on a Sunday, Easter will be celebrated the following Sunday”. (Source: Encyclopedia.com) Thus Easter can occur anytime between March 22 and April 25. Easter as it is celebrated in the United States and Europe combines the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ with the non-religious tradition of spring festivals observed in pre-Christian Europe and the Near East. These mark the rebirth of vegetation after winter, and the lengthening of the days (Lent) and include elements like eggs and bunnies and special breads. In many cultures these continue to be an integral part of the tradition. The term “Easter” is also the name of a pagan goddess. In Mediterranean Europe the word “pascha” was adopted, deriving from the word for Passover. From this comes the adjective “paschal” used for things pertain-
Passover commemorates the liberation of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. The final plague that was visited upon Egypt, involved death to the first born son of each family. The Israelites were told to kill a lamb and drain the blood, smearing it on the top and the sides of the doorpost. This was a type or foretelling of the cross on which Jesus died - the blood at the top of the doorpost representing the blood from His head and the two sides representing the blood from his outstretched hands. They were to roast a whole lamb (representing Christ) – no bones broken - and eat it together as a family inside the house. “The blood will serve as a sign on the houses where you live. When I see the blood I will pass over you … This will be a memorial day for you; you will celebrate it as a festival to GOD down through the generations, … to be observed always” Exodus 12:13-16 (TM). The crucifixion of Christ which is celebrated on Good Friday and His resurrection from the dead celebrated on Easter Sunday, fulfill the prophecy which the first Passover symbolized. Passover memorializes the historical event which predicted Christ’s death for the salvation of those who trust Him and Easter celebrates the fulfillment of that prophecy – the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The question is: Is Easter personal to you? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and allowed Him to change you? During this season of Lent, let Christ arise in your life and receive His eternal, abundant life. John 12:46 (NLT) “I have come as a …in this dark world, so that all who …trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” Hebrew 9:27, 28 “...Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, …to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.”
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Caribbean Colombians in Houston The San Andres & Providence Islands Association (SAPICA-Colombia) was recently chartered in the State of Texas with the Mission to “provide opportunities for the civic engagement and social empowerment of our youth as we educate the public about our diverse cultural heritages and advocate on behalf of Caribbean Colombians everywhere.”
construct the Panama Canal.
The latest group to join the Caribbean Impact Foundation’s coalition of Caribbean organizations, SAPICA is led by retired pastor Reverend George May, the first Black graduate of a white Texas university over 50 years ago, and the founder of the Christian University of San Andres & Old Providence Islands. Approximately 100 adults, children, and college students make up the Caribbean Colombian community in Houston, all of whom are related directly to primarily Barbadian and Jamaican workers who moved to Colombia’s Caribbean coast after helping to
The larger community is invited to meet and greet your Colombian relatives at their Frst Annual Caribbean Breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 8:00AM in South Park Baptist Church, 5830 Van Fleet, Houston 77033. South Park Baptist is a premier International Missions Church under the leadership of Pastor Marvin C. Delaney.
Even though their official language is Spanish, these Colombian islanders speak English with a Caribbean accent. Moreover, their popular dishes include codfish & ackee, “run-dung”, johnny cakes and much of the usual Caribbean fare.
One Love Caribbean News and CIF is pleased to extend warmest welcome to the Caribbean Colombians in Houston! For details, please contact sapia.colombia@gmail.com.
BIRTHDAYS IN THE DIASPORA
Dr Patricia Janki Guyana
Marva Layne Panama
Robert Minott Jamaica
Lawrence Herman St. Lucia
Andre Trinidad and Tobago
Renade Jamaica
Michelle Duncan Trinidad and Tobago
Rebecca Carrizales Texas
Maria Vandal St. Lucia
Alex St Clair St. Lucia
Rebecca Romeo Panama
Thecia Jenkins Texas
St. Croix Native Dies During 4th Tour In Iraq
A U.S. Army carry team transfers the remains of Army Sgt. Jorge A. Scatliffe, of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, at Dover Air Force Base, Del., April 5, 2011.
Sgt. Jorge A. Scatliffe, age 32, of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, died April 3, 2011, in a non-combat related incident at Mosul, Iraq. He was assigned to the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Jorge Scatliffe joined the military in April 1998 as a Bradley fighting vehicle system
maintainer. He was assigned to Company E, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, since April 2005. Jorge deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from April 2003 to August 2004, from December 2005 to December 2006, and from June 2008 to May 2009.
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Page 12
OneLove CARIBBEAN
April 2011
SUGARCANE ALLEY - Open Editorials
If I were Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, I’d do… give us a couple million to spend on the rest of my reforms, and spur the creation of a viable, clean, energy sector. Barbados saves about $US 6.5 million a year in fuel costs as a payback on their investment in solar water heating systems. We definitely need to get in on that.
Dzifa Job Staff Writer
Most Trinbagonians would agree that our twin-island republic isn’t in the best shape. Crime, corruption, double-digit inflation and pollution are just a few of the issues Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her coalition government need to get a handle on. Trinidad and Tobago’s politics, however, has always been long on promises and very short on actionable plans. This is in part a reflection of our culture because Trinis love to engage in ole talk, but people do get real quiet when you ask them to tell you what they would do differently. In requesting feedback for this column, some of the comments my editor received were: “Tief money like crazy then buss out and go and live in ah country that does not have ah extradition treaty wid T&T.” “Shop! Oh and I forget… fix crime or world peace.” “Resign.” “Get drunk.” “Talk like a Trini and stop putting on a twang.” I could make a pretty good case that statements like these are a big part of our problem because Trinis seem to have a collective obsession with the superficial (although I’m willing to believe that some of these statements had to have been made in jest), but I digress. Other more serious commentators focused on environmental health, affordable and accessible healthcare, free transportation for school children, new hospitals, sending police officers for social work training, establish real, budget transparency, and “snipping the strings that attach leaders to puppet masters”. These are all valid issues that need to be addressed, and they reinforce my sense that now, more than ever, Trinidad and Tobago’s leaders need a feasible plan that will ensure a better future for generations to come. Now, if I were Prime Minister, there are several initiatives I’d get to work on. So here are the top ten things I would do in my first five-year term: 1. Phase out the gas subsidy - In 2010, the Government spent 2.7 billion dollars to keep the cost of fuel low, but couldn’t find money to invest in essential social services like education, healthcare and transportation. This is a no brainer. Beyond the fact that we can no longer afford the subsidy, holding onto it is putting us on the wrong side of history when it comes climate change. Weaning ourselves off of cheap gas will definitely
MEETING IN THE LADIES ROOM With Kimberly Michelle
SHEHATERS… ARE YOU ONE TOO? How Women Behave Towards One Another
news feed and appear right to the very person you didn’t want it to be shown to.)
2. Stop automatic entry to secondary school and pay teachers more - Frankly, Trinidad and Tobago has a crime problem in part because we have too many illiterate adults, giving birth to illiterate children, who make it to our secondary schools only to flunk out and become troublemakers. We need to fix this. Pre-school can’t be for the well to do or middle class only, because the achievement gap starts here. Our teachers also need better training to be able to spot children with learning disabilities, and we’ve got to have remedial programmes in place for slow learners. We may not want to leave any child behind, but promoting students who aren’t ready to move from the primary level to secondary school creates more problems in the long term. We also need to tie teachers’ pay with performance. I had teachers who went above and beyond for me to get where I am, and they should be rewarded for that. 3. Remove corrupt and irresponsible police officers - Too many of our men in uniform are criminals, functionally illiterate or otherwise unsuitable to provide such an essential service to the population. This is not to knock the hardworking men and women in uniform because I’m related to some, but Trinidad and Tobago is too darn small to have such an outsized, crime problem. If the man on the street knows who is bringing in the drugs and guns, you can’t convince me that law enforcement doesn’t know. Don’t bother telling me you don’t have enough evidence to build a case either, because if that’s your excuse I’m going to tell you that you’re not working hard enough. There are too many officers clearly living above their means with no questions asked, and another couple hundred that need to re-learn the meaning of the words “protect and serve”. Officers who make a habit of talking down to citizens and (or) pulling rank have no place in a modern police force, so I’ll take that badge and gun back.
So now the drama has begun and everyone knows about it except for the woman you have been dissing. Even your friends encourage the beef. With dropped jaws and gasps, they are shocked at the juicy drama that you just told them and are shocked that you, Miss “can’t nobody jack with me” Johnson, let this female slip through the cracks! Yeah girl, I let her make it! Yeah right, you wouldn’t break a glass at a Jewish wedding.
I watch reality shows just like everyone else: Real Housewives, Real Basketball Wives, and Bad Girls Club. I even watch RuPaul’s Drag Race! Hallelu! The key component to all these shows is DRAMA! We love to watch it, listen to the gossip. We speculate about who’s sleeping with whose man, and who is going to get punched in the face at the dinner table. The shows are staged, and they wouldn’t survive if they didn’t have this high girl, she hate, drama in their scripts. In my opinion, this is exactly how women behave towards one another. As strong and powerful as we profess to be, we still can’t confront another woman to her face, the instance you feel she has done you wrong or said something that you don’t agree with. Instead, women smile in the other woman’s face knowing that she is displeased. Worse yet, unbeknownst to the other woman, the ‘shehating’ coward picks up the cell phone to tell her girlfriend all about what just went down, blow by blow. She might even sign on to Face Book or Twitter to vent her feelings and say all the things she didn’t have the courage to say to that woman in her face. (If this is your route, at least make sure you don’t have mutual friends! What you post could have a high chance of showing up in a mutual friend’s
Bad news travels faster that a new Charlie Sheen rant. And the woman being dissed will find out what’s going on sooner than you want her too! Depending on the maturity levels of these two feuding lionesses, one will surface with a face to face confrontation. This can go down 3 ways. 1. The two women resolve the issue and apologize to one another. 2. The two women have a cat fight, acrylic nails and lace fronts flying! 3. The two women are cowards and continue to Face Book, Twitter or text it out. If you don’t know ladies, option 1 is the most mature route to go about it. If you’ve noticed, men don’t have these issues. The majority of heterosexual men are confrontational beasts and resolve issues upfront and quickly. Once resolved the two males respect each other and will even take a bullet for their brother. They hate senseless bickering and gossip and will freely refer to this as, “b” or “ho” behavior. Are we “b’s” ladies? Are we “ho’s”? Are we afraid to tell our sisters our friends when they have crossed the line? Isn’t that the very essence of friendship and sisterhood? Or have been taught how to act as “ladies” from reality shows that depict us as catty, she hating, harlots? Kimberly Michelle is the Director for The Real Single Ladies Of Houston. Visit her at www.singleladieshtx.com or Twitter:@singleladieshou
4. Revitalize the private sector and develop service-based industries by improving access to capital - Entrepreneurs need access to relatively cheap capital, and, frankly, we need new export industries in services and cultural products. Carnival isn’t enough and our tourism industry is in a bad shape. Our energy sector is capital intensive and doesn’t provide a lot of employment opportunities. A return rate of ten jobs for a billion invested isn’t going to get us to “First World” status. We need an empowered, private sector to create service industries that will remove the burden from the Government of providing employment for the thousands of young people entering the workforce every year. Continue on Page 15
Crucian Taking Over: D’Laurie Guliex, and her Mother, Dorothy McIntosh. D’Laurie celebrated her 40th birthday this month St. Croix style. This mean roast goat, potatoes stuffing, conch in butter sauce, johnny cake, seasoned rice and pigeon pea.
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April 2011
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
OneLove CARIBBEAN
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TRAVEL CONNECT
Travel Insurance - Peace of Mind for Travelers by sending a helicopter to get the traveler and travel companions. Without trip insurance, medical evacuation helicopters can cost as much as $75,000-$100,000 which can often bankrupt the average family.
Sexual Assault on Children is No Joke
Thecia Jenkins Staff Writer In the summer of 2009, Emma Thompson, a four year old living in Spring, Texas, died from blunt abdominal trauma. The autopsy revealed that Emma had a fractured skull and vaginal tearing consistent with a sexual assault. She also had been diagnosed, three weeks prior to her murder, with herpes, a sexually transmitted infection. Lucas Coe, her mother’s boyfriend, was convicted of aggravated sexual assault. Unfortunately Emma’s story is not an anomaly; it is a reality that is experienced by our children everyday nationally and internationally. Last month, we learned of the sexual assault of an 11-year-old Cleveland Middle School girl. According to the Houston Chronicle, “Seventeen men and boys, including a middle school student and adults in their 20s, have been charged with sexually assaulting Maria’s daughter, a sixth-grader, in a dingy trailer.” Childhood is or should be a period of time when life is innocent, anxiety free and full of possibilities and child’s play. However, for millions of children it is a time of trauma, pain, disease, hunger and despair. It is estimated that 3.3 million children are victims of child abuse annually. Child abuse is preventable and is the responsibility of every individual and community to keep children safe and nurture them. Child abuse transcends culture, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomics. Emma’s mother is a registered nurse; someone that society would deem educated and aware. Child abuse has existed and was condoned throughout history. It was not until 1873
when a social worker became aware of a particular child named Mary Ellen Wilson, who was chained to her bed, grossly malnourished, scarred and badly beaten. The social worker reported her finding to authorities and was turned away. She then took the case to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals stating that children were a part of the animal kingdom and should be protected. The ASPCA took the child from her parents and she was placed in foster care, and in 1874 the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was established. Here we are a century later and our children are still being treated like or worse than animals and often by families that we would never even consider as perpetrators. During the month of April consider volunteering with an agency that provides services to victims of child abuse and their families such as the Children’s Assessment Center, Child Protective Services or DePelchin Children’s Center.
Another way travel insurance helps travelers during their trip is when an emergency happens and travelers have to cut their trip short (such as when a family member back home passes away). In this example, travel insurance will refund the trip cost based on the number of days the travelers had to forfeit. Leslie Richardson Staff Writer
A vacation can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences a person can have. However, when something unexpected happens such as illness, injury, or death of a family member before or during the trip, it can also be the biggest nightmare. This is when travel insurance can literally save the day. No one expects an emergency to happen to the extent it will affect their travel plans. But, emergencies can happen at any time and always when you least expect it.
If you suspect child abuse, please report immediately by calling 1.800.252.5400; you may remain anonymous. Please note that if you are a member of the clergy, childcare provider, teacher or work in social services you must report suspected abuse within 48 hours.
The purpose of travel insurance is to protect travelers and their travel investment, no matter how small or large. Similar to other insurance such as auto and health, the idea is to have the insurance policy in place and hopefully not need it. But, when you need it, travel insurance can save a traveler hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
The following may be signs of abuse: • Physical abuse – bruising, unexplained injuries, broken bones • Emotional abuse – belittling, name calling, withholding affection, isolating from extended family • Sexual abuse – age inappropriate physical contact with child (i.e. touching genital area, open mouth kissing, etc), child having difficulty urinating or sitting, presence of sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy • Neglect – not providing basic needs (i.e. food, clothing, shelter)
Most travel insurance allows travelers to get refunded if they have to cancel their trip prior to departure due to various reasons. While some insurance companies have ‘cancel for any reason’ policies, most allow cancellations due to ‘covered reasons’ such as unexpected illness, injury, or death of a family member. Other ‘covered reasons’ can include factors such as supplier default, jury duty, employer termination, severe weather (such as a hurricane), civil unrest, and military duty among others.
For more information about child abuse please visit www.dfps.state.tx.us or contact an agency such as the Children’s Assessment Center or DePelchin to provide a presentation to your church, organization or community. Let’s join together and protect our children’s childhood and give them an opportunity to play!
FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT
Most people who cancel a trip typically cancel due to an emergency within 2 weeks of their scheduled departure. Most travel providers have cancellation penalties that often include a ‘no refund’ policy for last minute cancellations. As a result, having trip insurance in place in order to protect a traveler and travel companions is a smart move even for the savviest of travelers. However, travel insurance cannot be added after the emergency or other occurrence has already taken place. Travel insurance also covers travelers during their trip in several different capacities. For example, if someone suffers a medical emergency while traveling, a good trip insurance policy will help get the traveler and family members to the nearest qualified medical facility for treatment. If the emergency happens in a remote area such as being out at sea on a cruise, the trip insurance company will help with medical evacuation
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Other than cancellation and interruption, trip insurance will typically offer medical reimbursement as well. Most people are unaware that their medical insurance will typically not cover them when they leave the United States (and, quite often, crossing state lines or boarding a cruise ship). Trip insurance companies usually have medical reimbursement as part of the policy to reimburse travelers with medical expenses that incur while traveling. A few years ago, I had a client who tripped and broke her toe soon after boarding a cruise ship. Even though occurrence took place before the ship sailed away from the port, her primary insurance wouldn’t cover her expenses because once a person boards a ship, they are considered to be in international waters and no longer in the United States. Unfortunately, she failed to purchase travel insurance, so she ended up being responsible for the full $1200 bill from the onboard medical facility. Had she purchased travel insurance, she would’ve been able to submit her receipts to get reimbursed for her expenses. That’s just one example. I’ve seen dozens of examples where trip insurance would have saved the day, but the clients elected not to spend a few extra dollars. I’ve also seen when clients had the insurance and it literally saved them thousands of dollars in the long run. Averaging only 4-10% of the total trip cost, the added expense of travel insurance is minimal at best but will surely save the day when needed. Ultimately, it’s worth spending a little extra for overall peace of mind. Leslie Richardson, MCC, CTA is a Franchise Owner with Cruise Planners/American Express. Based in Missouri City, TX she can be reached at (713) 491-4989 or leslie@jetsetterscruises.com.
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A Vincentian Woman on Trial At a recent trial on the island of St. Vincent, the prosecuting attorney called to the witness stand his first witness, a grandmotherly woman named Miss B. The attorney approached her and asked, “Miss B, do you know me?” She responded, “Why, yes of course me know you, Mr. Williams. Me know you since you was a likkle baby, and wat a big disappointment you is to you family. You is a ole liar, you cheat on yuh wife, yuh gassip people bizniz, and yuh greedy and grudgeful. You tink you is a big shot now but you no realize seh you will never amount to nuttin more dan dis! Yes, ah know yuh very well alright!!” The lawyer was stunned! Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, “Miss B, do you know the defense attorney?” She looked over at the defense attorney and replied, “Of course, ah know Smitty since him was a likkle bwoy too. He lazy, and good-fi-nothing, he show off, and he always gwaan like he white. He caan build normal relationship with any woman caz him a sneak unda covah wid man an woman alike. Him law practice is di worse pon dis island caz him tell all, he teef, an he nasty. A three different woman an four man me hear seh him a sleep wit, an one a di woman dem a you, Miss Lady (points at juror member)!! Yes sah, me know him well.” The defense attorney is almost dead from embarrassment. The judge quickly ordered both counselors to approach the bench, and in a very quiet voice, said, “If either of you bastards asks her if she knows me, I will have you arrested immediately for contempt!” He then ordered an instant recess.
A Tale of the Virgin Islands Government
Once upon a time the government created a small scrap yard in the middle of a deserted island off the west end of St. Thomas. The Governor said, “Someone may steal from it at night.” So they created a night watchman position and hired a person for the job. Then Legislature, exercising it’s oversight authority, said, “How does the watchman do his job without instruction?”
So they created a planning department and hired two people, one person to write the instructions, and one person to do time studies. Then the Governor said, “How will we know the night watchman is doing the tasks correctly?” So he created a Quality Control department and hired two of his extremely qualified cousins. One to do the studies and one to write the reports. Then the Legislature said, “How are these people going to get paid?” So they created positions for a time keeper, and a payroll officer, then hired two people. Then the Governor said, “Who will be accountable for all of these people?” So he created an administrative section and hired three of his very qualified cousins, as Administrative Officer, Assistant Administrative Officer, and a Legal Secretary. Then the Legislature said, “We have had this Department in operation for one year and we are $18,000 over budget, we must cutback overall cost.”
April 2011
Ingredients: 3 lb chicken. 1 medium onion 1/2 bunch green onions. 3 tsp garlic chopped.3 tbsp. soy sauce Scot Bonnet Pepper. 2 medium tomatoes 2 tbsp adobo. 1 can pigeon peas 2 celery diced. 2 carrots diced 1 green pepper. 1 red sweet pepper diced 4 tbsp. oil. 3 tbsp. sugar. 3 cups rice DIRECTIONS: Cut chicken in bite size pieces. Wash with vinegar. Seasoning with Adobo. Mix well. Heat the oil over med heat until very hot. Add sugar. When the sugar is very dark brown, add the meat. Stir to brown all pieces. Turn the heat to med-low and let it fry for about 5 mins. Add rice and stir fry this for about 1 min. Add remaining ingredients and fry for another minute. Add 3 cup of water and bring the pot to a boil. Turn down heat to low and cook covered. When the rice is tender remove cover and turn off the heat. Serve with slice cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce.
So they laid off the night watchman.
The Speeding Panamanian
A Panamanian senior gentleman drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership. Taking off down the road, he floored it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left.“Amazing,” he thought as he flew down I-45 and heading to Galveston, pushing the pedal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a state trooper behind him, lights flashing, and siren blaring. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120. Suddenly he thought, “What am I doing? I’m too old for this,” and pulled over to await the trooper’s arrival. Pulling in behind him, the trooper walked up to the Corvette, looked at his watch and said, “Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a reason for speeding that I’ve never heard before, I’ll let you go. ”The gentleman paused. Then said, “Years ago, my wife ran off with a State Trooper. I thought you were bringing her back.” “Have a good day, sir,” replied the trooper…
Barbados Association of Greater Houston
10101 Harwin Drive, Suite 295, Houston, Texas 77036. (713) 977-0787 Website: www.barbadoshouston.com. email: barbadoswestIndies@yahoo.com NEW EXECUTIVE OFFICERS THE FOLLOWING PERSONS WERE ELECTED TO THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF THE BARBADOS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER HOUSTON: President – Shontelle Hunte Vice President – Edward Mcdaniel Recording Secretary – Linda St.Hill Treasurer – Cheryl Thompson Corresponding Secretary – Judy Foster Assistant Treasurer – Irvelli Morris Parliamentarians – Ferdinand Arthur & Mack Massiah
Coconut Grouper
Trinidad Pigeon Peas & Rice
Ingredients: 2 lbs. fresh Grouper fillet 2 tbs. fresh garlic minced fine 4 tbs. fresh lime juice 2 oz. tomato paste 1 oz. all purpose flour 4 oz. olive oil 16 oz. coconut milk 1 peeled white onion 1 Scott Bonnet Pepper .25 bunch of fresh Cilantro 2 celery stalk salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: Season fish fillets with salt, pepper, garlic and lime juice. Place in baking pan and bake until cooked. Prepare Sofrito: Cut onion and peppers into strips, dice celery and chop cilantro. Lightly saute garlic, onions, celery and Scott Bonnet Pepper in half the oil. Then incorporate the chopped cilantro and the tomato paste, combine very well. Sprinkle with the flour and cook 4 more minutes. Add the coconut milk and allow sauce to cook for about 15 minutes or until thickened. Served with sauce over baked grouper.
Curried Crabs With Dumplings West Indies Ginger Beer
Ingredients: 4 large crabs 2 tbsp. curry powder 1 large onion chopped 1 tsp. thyme 1 tsp clove or garlic minced 2 tbsp margarine 1/2 cup water 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup coconut milk: pepper to taste:
Ingredients: 1lb fresh green ginger 4 cups brown sugar 4-6 grains cloves 1 piece cinnamon 3 tsp line juice 8 cups boiling water
DIRECTIONS: Prepare crab and put into sections. Saute onions, garlic and rest of seasoning. Mix curry with coconut milk. Add to seasonings. Add water and crab and cover tightly. Allow to boil for five minutes then simmer for 20-25 minutes. Serve with hot plain boiled rice or with dumplings.
DIRECTIONS: Clean and crush ginger. Put ginger, clove, lime juice, cinnamon and sugar in a large bottle or jar. Pour boiling water over, stir and cover, allow to brew for 2 to 4 days. Strain and bottle. Serve with ice and Angostura bitters. Ginger can be diluted with water if the flavor is too strong.
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ADOPTION AGENCY
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Do you want to Adopt ? Do you need an Adoptive Home Study to adopt a child or relative from the Caribbean? We can assist you.
CONSULTING
3 Sisters Botanica Spiritual Consultations Candles, oils incense, etc. Baths, prayer, readings. African movies also sold here. 15626 Silver Ridge Dr., #109 Houston TX 77090
Brays Oaks Towers 10103 Fordren Rd. Ste 435 Houston, Texas 77096 Off: (713) 779.8877 Fax:(713) 779.8885 Website: rainbowoflove.org REAL ESTATES
From Page 12 ... PM of T&T Government action alone cannot create sustainable employment; so we need to nurture an entrepreneurial sprit among would-be business owners by providing them with seed money. This is the only way to ensure an economic recovery that creates jobs. 5. Decrease Government expenditure on welfare programs that don’t work - The Government is not an ATM, and, allegedly, there’s way too much corruption in the distribution of government funds. If a particular programme isn’t meeting its target goals year over year, it will be cut. I’d also increase the retirement age and look to keep certain high-skilled workers employed in an advisory capacity. 6. Install video cameras along the roadways and at key intersections - Speeding kills, and we need extra funding to improve public transportation. I’m betting that receiving speeding tickets in the mail for going above the speeding limit, and/ or causing near accidents will make offenders more cautious and free up some much needed man hours for the protective services. 7. Impose curfew, noise limits and litter rules for clubs in residential areas - I love to party, but there is absolutely no reason for clubs like Coco Lounge to remain open till 4 a.m. in residential areas, especially if there’s no environmental inspector out to ensure that the decibel level remains at a respectable level. I’m not trying to rain on the street parade either, but throwing bottles and plastic containers down at the side of the street or in drains causes flooding, so we need trash containers on every street corner in areas with heavy, foot traffic like Ariapita Avenue on a weekend night. 8. Renovate hospitals, institute prevention programs and mandatory STD testing - The current overcrowding and dilapidated conditions at the San Fernando and Port of Spain
IMMIGRATION SERVICES
General Hospitals are abhorrent. Our facilities need to be upgraded, and our healthcare professionals need to be reminded that this is about patient care. I’ll tack on expanded prevention programmes for diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sex education and mandatory STD testing under this as well. 9. Implement a public education/service program called Government 101 - Too many Trinbagonians have the wrong idea that the state owes them a living. This programme will break down how the Government earns revenue through taxation and the sale of energy, and uses that to provide key services to the citizenry. We’ve got to change the status quo and get the next generation to think about what they can do for their country, not what their country can do for them. Public service is not about getting rich; it’s about building a sustainable future for the next generation. 10. Ensure merit-based pay and promotion based on experience and qualifications - If the recent SIA appointment scandal taught us anything, it should be that there isn’t nearly enough transparency in the way people get chosen for key, public service appointments. For far too long success and promotions in Trinidad and Tobago have been about whom you know, and how long you’ve been in a particular department, not how well you can do the job. Not on my watch. I have no problem with nepotism, as long as the person being appointed is qualified, competent and meets clear performance metrics. We might even get skilled locals like me to return home. If nothing else, the competition will keep our best talents sharp and hungry. So what do you think of my plans? None of these programmes offer a magic bullet, and will no doubt cause some measure of discomfort for all of us; and that is the point. Nation building is hard work. I’m pretty certain some of you are breathing a sigh of
(Ponderosa Office Park behind the bank)
281-919-1517 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Friday April 1 First Friday’s @ Uptown Hookah Bar – 5706 Richmond Ave, Houston Thursday April 7 Just Reasoning @ Uptown Hookah Bar – 5706 Richmond Ave, Houston Saturday April 9 Aries Birthday Celebration@ D’Boonedocks – 1919 W. Sam Houston Tollway, Houston Friday April 15 Flavor Friday’s @ Sienna Hall – 11916 Bissonnet St, Houston Saturday April 16 Zouk & Soca Fusion @ Eclipse – 11261 Southwest Freeway, Houston Riddim Radio Launch Party @ Mac Lounge – 11322 Westheimer, Houston Sunday April 17 A “Total You” Event @ THE HAIR PALACE SALON & BOUTIQUE – 1988 FM 1960 West, Houston Tuesday April 19 Stephen Marley in Concert@ Warehouse Live - 813 St Emanuel Street, Houston Saturday April 23 10th Annual Gulf War @ Multi-Ethnic Community Center 9819 Bissonnet, Houston Fire On Water 8:00pm @ Endeavor Marina – 3101 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook
One Love Caribbean
Advertise Your Business in OLC. Call 281-769 2253
Page 15
Friday April 29 Soca Passion @ Crystal Lounge – 13618 Bellaire Blvd, Houston Fri, April, 29th, 2011 8:00pm Repairer of the Breach Inc SPRING MIXER & FASHION SHOW Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill 8270 West Belfort, Houston Texas 77071 Saturday April 30 CARIFA @ Zanzibar Lounge – 9003 Westheimer Rd, Houston Saturday, May 7 @ 8am San Andres, Old Providence and Catalina Islands Association Caribbean Breakfast and Scholarship Fund-raiser South Park Baptist Church 5380 Van Fleet Houston TX 77033
Caribbean Chamber of Commerce Friday, May 13, 2011 from 1pm - 5pm Workforce Development Training -.
Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 11:00am – 1:00pm 2. Beginners Computer Training Ray Miller Park, 1800 Eldridge Parkway, Houston, Texas 77077. These classes are on a “first come first serve” basis.
One Love Caribbean
281-769 2253
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Caribbean Cuisine Inc 7433 Bissonnet, Suite F Houston, TX 77074
Robert Cray
APRIL 30–MAY 1 & MAY 7–8 2011
Come see us at the International Festival for “good food and fun.”
Keb’ Mo
Saturdays 12pm-10pm & Sundays 12pm-8pm
April 30 - May and May 7- May 8
iFest Preview Day Free Lunchtime Concert at City Hall Friday April 29, 11am-2pm
We will be at the City Hall Location Rootz Underground
Advance Price Ticket: $12 (+ svc. fee) (til April 26) Regular Price Ticket: $18 (after April 26) Bollywood Blast
Child’s Ticket: $3 (ages 3-12)
Buckwheat Zydeco
Kids FREE Sunday May 8th (Age 12 & under) courtesy of ConocoPhillips
and www.ifest.org Robert Randolph & the Family Band
1909 Texas Pkwy Missouri City, TX 77489
Ox Tails Rice & Peas Curry Goat Dumpling Jerk Pork Banana Stew Pea Johnny Cake Jerk Wings Fried Plantain Jerk Chicken Red Peas Soup Steamed Fish Steamed Vegetable Curry Chicken Ackee and Saltfish Brown Stew Chicken Escoveitched Jerk Fish
(281) 261-8451
Ting Irish Moss Ginger Beer Cream Soda Cola Champagne
Potato Pudding Coconut Drop Coconut Cake Peanut Drop
Desserts
Grace’s Cafe
3/31/11 11:57 AM
Drinks
THE BEST OXTAILS OUTSIDE JAMAICA
Entrées
HIF213_OneLove_033111.indd 1
The original supplier of authentic Jamaican dishes. Serving the community for 27 years
Sides
Tickets Available at Golden Dragon Acrobats
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