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One Love CARIBBEAN
December 2011
The Publisher’s Thoughts
One Love CARIBBEAN P.O. Box 70561 Houston, TX 77270 281-769 2253
Website
www.myonelovecaribbean.com
Sylvanus Donaie
Founder/Publisher Phone: 832.881.9745 sdonaie@onelovehouston.com
Main Office
P.O Box 70561 Houston, TX 77270 Phone: 281.769.2253 admin@onelovehouston.com
Billing Department
P.O Box 840863 Houston, TX 77284 Office: 281.769.2253 Billing@onelovehouston.com
Andrea Jean Baptiste
Business Manager Phone: 281-705-5774 admin@onelovehouston.com
Graphics and Technologies Sylvanus Donaie DJ Uncle L
Entertainment Editor
DJ Uncle L djunclel@onelovehouston.com
Medical Editor
Dr. Ka-Ron Y, Wade
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 Like us on
one love caribbean news
This is the time of year when I miss home. What you may not know is that the days after Thanksgiving, the sights and sounds of St. Croix come alive along with the forever breeze of cool Caribbean tradewinds. The “foday marnin” serenade by quadrille bands like Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights driving from estate to estate serenading Crucians with the songs of Christmas. As a kid, we looked forward to this time of year. Of course, it was the time for carnival; the nightly festivals and the Coney Island would be in town. There was one basic rule; employers don’t expect your workers to show up. You know, as Caribbean people, we celebrate the season in our own grand style: cooking, partying, and visiting friends and family. As such, let us plan this year to incorporate some of our island cooking traditions into our celebrations. Check out some Christmas recipes on page 14. On the other hand, for some people, Christmas is not a joyous time of the year. It is a time of dread. For them Christmas is a time to be endured not enjoyed. Statistics show depression and suicide rates go up during the holiday season. It has been a tough year for many. Some may have suffered job loss or lost a loved one. In the age of computers, the internet and our busy lifestyles, we have gotten away from making personal human contact which each other. Let us strive this season to reach out to friends, family and neighbors, especially those who may be experiencing difficulty during the holidays. Invite them over to spend time with you, stop by and pay them a visit, give them a call, check on them. Maybe this is a new tradition we may want to start in 2012 in our community, checking in on your love ones to ensure their wellbeing.
to you. In keeping with our vision for the newspaper, we are moving to a new look, a new format we believe that will provide you, our readers, with the information at your fingertips. We hope you will continue to enjoy our features and will let us know what you think of our new look, we are looking forward to your feedback. Please look for the new One Love Caribbean newspaper in January 2012. We thank you, our advertisers, supporters and readers for your continued patronage. Remember this is a free publication and it is through advertising that we are able to bring the paper to you monthly. Please remember to support our advertisers with your spending dollars, and let them know you saw their ad in the One Love Caribbean News.
We have a dedicated group of writers who make this free publication possible month after month. I want to thank Terry Layne, Thecia Jenkins, DJ Uncle L, Charmaine Bailey, Marilyn Jones, Leslie Richardson, Dzifa Job and, Marcelline Chitolie. Also, I want to thank our management staff, Andrea Jean-Baptiste and LLK Solution for their remarkable contributions. We also have a special community of volunteers who personally ensured that the newspaper gets to their neighboring communities. On behalf of the Houston Caribbean communities, I Thanks again. want to congratulate Saint Lucia’s new Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony replacing the Hon. Stephen- Have a safe and happy holiday season. La Bon Nwèl, son King. Most of you remember former PM King; Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, Merry Christmas from the he visited Houston in March 2011. Congratulations to Management and Staff of One Love Caribbean News. the newly elected President of Guyana, Mr Donald Raa happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday. motar, and the newly elected Premier of the British Have So until then, One Love! Virgin Islands, Dr. D Orlando Smith.
Sylvanus Donaie, BSEE, MBA, MTM Publisher
One Love Caribbean News has been serving the local community for over three years, and it has been our plea- Of course, I love when you disagree with me, and I want to hear sure to do so. The OLC team works hard on a monthly from you. If you disagree, please let me know. You can always email me at sdonaie@onelovehouston.com. basis to bring you news and information of interest One Love CARIBBEAN is published monthly.
All materials published in One Love CARIBBEAN is Copyrighted by One Love CARIBBEAN and may not be reproduced without our written permission. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: One Love CARIBBEAN is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions express herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher. One Love CARIBBEAN assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscript, photographs, and other material unless accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope.
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A Guiding Word 1 Corinthians 13:13 (King James Version)
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
One Love CARIBBEAN
December 2011
de FEATURED NEWS
Page 3
President Obama Urges Congress to Extend and Expand the Payroll Tax Cut
Although the unemployment rate went down last month, our recovery is still fragile, and the situation in Europe has added to that uncertainty. And that’s why the majority of economists believe it’s important to extend the payroll tax cut. And those same economists would lower their growth estimates for our economy if it doesn’t happen. Not only is extending the payroll tax cut important for the economy as a whole, it’s obviously important for individual families. It’s important insurance for them against the unexpected. It will help families pay their bills. It will spur spending. It will spur hiring. On Thursday, the Senate voted on extend-
Now, the good news is I think the American people’s voices are starting to get through in this town. I know that last week Speaker Boehner said this tax cut helps the economy because it allows every working American to keep more of their money. I know that over the weekend Senate Republican leaders said we shouldn’t raise taxes on working people going into next year. Congress has 26 days to find a solution to this impasse. To underscore that point, we’ve started a clock on WhiteHouse.gov, counting down the time until the tax cut expires. And to make sure you have the information you need to see what this means for your family, we’ve put together a calculator to show how much of your money hangs in the balance.
FIND A CREDIT UNION Credit unions are a smarter choice for financial services.
President Barack Obama delivers a statement to the Press in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, Dec. 05, 2011. (White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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“It’s the right thing to do,” he said -- not just for the economy, but for American workers and their families:
ing the tax cut, but Republicans blocked the proposal. The President, however, said we’re starting to see evidence that lawmakers might be ready to put politics aside and do the right thing for the middle class:
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Just after 2:00 PM ET, President Obama stopped by the White House press briefing room to talk about the fight to extend the payroll tax cut.
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Page 4
ROUND DE YARD - Houston Caribbean News
December 2011
Dr. Conrad Murray Got a Tongue Lashing from Judge Houston Grenadians React to Verdict Pastor in imposing the maximum sentence, said. “Dr. Murray abandoned his patient who was trusting him. His patient was vulnerable under these circumstances having been administered dangerous drugs,”. He described Murray’s use of propofol to treat insomnia as “horrible medicine”.
Dr. Murray’s Houston office is located,in the underserved community of Acres Homes, serving the less fortunate residents. “We have been so lucky to have Dr. Murray and that clinic in this community,” Murry’s patient Ruby Mosley told People magazine. “There are many, many patients that thank God this man was here for them.”
Dr. Conrad Murray received four years for involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson’s death. (Pool photo / November 29, 2011)
By Sylvanus Donaie OLC: November 30, 2011 - Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor sentenced Dr. Conrad Murray to four years in prison for his role in the death of Pop singer, Michael Jackson. The judge expressed his dismay at the doctor’s lack of remorse. Pastor further criticized Murray for a recently televised comment in which Murray alluded to the fact that Jackson had “entrapped” him.
Prosecutors wanted Pastor to sentence Murray to the maximum four-year prison term. However, the defense attorneys countered by seeking probation. With his criminal conviction, Murray faces a lifetime of shame and diminished opportunities. It is expected that the states of California, Las Vegas and Texas will seek to have his medical license revoked so he can no longer practice medicine in those states.
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In the Houston Caribbean communities, a pall of sadness lingers; for many it is difficult to accept that one of their own will forever be associated with the death of Michael Jackson. Roberta Hector, a cosmetology instructor, said, “It is sad to see a grown man cry. I feel very sorry for him… but he should have known better. As a doctor, he should have known Michael Jackson was in poor state and take him to the hospital. What I liked about him [Dr Murray] was that he kept his composure, even when he knew [that] he was going down.” Roberta was born in Aruba, and her mother is a Grenadian. Former president of the Grenada Association of Houston, Dr. Edwin Felix, said, “I
personally believe that Dr. Murray should be set free. He is an expert medical doctor who has demonstrated love and compassion for the people that he served. He has worked extensively to improve the health of his clients and provide them a longer life expectancy.” “Dr. Conrad did not kill Michael Jackson. Michael brought an end to his own life. There is no certainty of a longer life when an individual transformed his features. Michael requested the medication and since Dr. Murray was working under Michael Jackson, he tried to keep his job while at the same time trying to save Michael’s life. Had Dr. Murray known that the medication which he prescribed for Michael Jackson would have claim his client life he would not have tried to put his own personal life on the line and his career at stake,” Dr Felix concluded. A member of the Caribbean community and a Grenadian, Joan Douglas, made a request during the trial. “We are asking all Grenadians and friends everywhere to say a prayer for Dr. Conrad Murray on his trial for Michael Jackson’s death. Those of us who know him and his family know that he is not the killer. Please use your Facebook page to ask your friends to join us in prayers for this Caribbean son, a native of St Andrews, Grenada. Murray will serve his time in L.A. County Jail. However, most expert say in all likelihood, he will only serve two years of his sentence.
OLCERF Ships Books & Computers to St. Lucia
OLC - On November 14, 2011, One Love Caribbean Educational & Resource Foundation (OLCERF) shipped 108 boxes of books, school supplies and computer parts to the town of Soufriere in St. Lucia. Over 4000 books and supplies including computers were collected during a book drive conducted in the local Houston community. To support the effort, a raffle was held earlier this year, and donations were raised during the annual Caribbean Day at Trinity Episcopal Church in Baytown. According to the Chief Operating Officer,
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Andrea Jean-Baptiste, “our hope at the Foundation, is that the books and supplies will be a ready boost for the children and people of Soufriere. We want to thank the people of Houston who helped make this vision a reality. It allows us to meet our goal of providing educational and reading materials to communities most in need, whether here or abroad”. The Soufriere Development Foundation served as the local contact in St. Lucia. They will facilitate the distribution of the books to the library and schools in Soufriere.
December 2011
One Love CARIBBEAN
ROUND DE YARD - Houston Caribbean News
A Small Taste of Bajans’ Cropover
Page 5
No Approved ID, No Vote
Texas Voter Identification Act of 2011
OLC: November 19, 2011- Many states including Texas have passed laws this year requiring voters to have approved ID. A voter without an approved ID can only cast provisional ballots. However, they must return to an appointed location with that ID within a certain time limit for their ballots to count. And Democrats are unhappy with this law. The party believes that the law is intended to discontent Blacks, Hispanics, seniors, and the poor, who are less likely to have approved ID. As a result, Democrats are planning an all-out effort to educate their constituent. By Sylvanus Donaie OLC: November 30, 2011 - Cropover is Barbados’s most popular and colorful festival and at their annual gala in November, the Barbados Association of Greater Houston (BAGH) gave a snippet of what such an event would be like in their homeland. But, most importantly, they were also highlighting their forty-fifth year of independence.
ner. Currently a Medical student at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill
Houston Barbadians pride themselves on fostering cultural and social understanding. And so they did by displaying the art, colors and sound of the Cropover festivities. Historically, the origin of Cropover dates back to when Barbados was the world’s largest producer of sugar. At the end of the sugarcane harvest, Barbadians marked it with a huge celebration. Today, thousands of people from around the world travel Barbados to participate in the festival.
• Andrew Young - Academic Scholarship Recipients. He is a senior at the University of Houston with major course of study in Kinesiology.
Barbados gained its independence from the British in 1966. However, the island still maintains ties to the British Throne, as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. BAGH continually promotes education to the highest levels by providing financial and tutorial assistance, and as such they gave six scholarships to deserving students during the gala: • Renee Johnson - Merit Scholarship Win-
• Man-Khoi Nguyen - Academic Scholarship Recipients. He is a Junior a the University of Houston studying for a degree in Music Performance, with a minor in Sociology and Pre-Pharmacy
• Ellena Eccles - Freshman Scholarship Recipient. She is currently in her first semester as an English major at Rice University. • Hortencia Campbell - Freshman Scholarship Recipient. She is Business major at the University of Texas in Austin. • Carlton Johnson - Freshman Scholarship Recipient. He is a freshman at the University of Houston Downtown. He is studying Computer Information Systems. Barbados Association of Greater Houston held their annual gala at the Crown Plaza Hotel on November. Their honored guest Denis Kellman, Barbados Minister of Industry, Small Business and Rural Development
Houston METRO
Light Rail Expansion by 2014
Houston’s light-rail expansion is now cleared to receive $900 million dollars as part of two federal Full Funding Grant Agreements (FFGA). A special signing ceremony for the grants was held this morning at a rail expansion construction site overlooking downtown. The observation at 800 Burnett St. brought METRO officials together with FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff and a host of elected officials to sign long-awaited FFGAs for the North and Southeast rail lines. Gilbert Garcia, chairman of the New METRO’s Board of Directors says, “The rail expansion team, METRO Board members, past and present and our entire staff, past and present, should be proud of accomplishing an enormous task. We’ve never lost sight of the prize and finally it is Houston’s. We thank all the community patriots for all their help in making this day happen. This is a major investment in the region that will not only create jobs but boost economic development.”
Congressman Al Green (TX-09) hosted a meeting in Houston to inform the residents of the Ninth Congressional District about the new requirements established by the Texas Voter Identification Act of 2011. Under the new law, acceptable forms of ID include: Driver’s license; Election identification certificate; Texas Department of Public Safety personal ID card; U.S. Military ID; U.S. citizenship certificate; U.S. passport and license to carry a concealed handgun, issued by the Department of Public Safety. The Congressman emphasized that all identification documents must include a photo of the voter. Additionally, the new law establishes that acceptable identification documents will be those that have not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation. “I am hosting this town hall meeting because I want to make sure my constituents are well informed and that every person who is qualified can exercise his or her right to do so. It is important for members of the community to know how these new rules can impact them,” indicated Congressman Al Green.
Congressman Al Green (TX-09) Photo by OLC Houston
form of identification to the voter registrar for examination.” The new rules also contemplate the possibility of special provisions for voters who have a religious objection to being photographed or do not have identification as a result of a natural disaster declared by the President or the Governor. In such case, those voters may execute affidavits under penalty of perjury stating such circumstance in the presence of the voter registrar. According to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the State of Texas must receive preclearance for changes to existing voting laws or political districts. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently reviewing the law --which is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2012-- for preclearance.
The Congressman also explained, “According to the new law, a voter who fails to present the required identification may cast a provisional ballot. In such case, and not later than the sixth day after the date of the election, the voter must present the required
On November 17, DOJ sent a letter to Texas election officials stating that the information they have provided does not enable the Department to determine that the proposed changes will not harm the right to vote due to race, color or membership in a language group. Subsequently, DOJ has specifically requested that Texas election officials provide information about the race and ethnicity of the state’s voters.
cal Center ride METRO. The rail expansion approved by Houston voters in 2003 includes the North (Red) Line and extends the current Main St. Line starting at UHD to the Northline Transit Center, Houston Community College and Northline Commons Mall. The Southeast (Purple) Line
connects downtown with local universities including Texas Southern University and the University of Houston central campus. The two federally funded lines and a third, locally funding East End (Green) Line currently under construction, are all expected to be completed by 2014.
METRO President & CEO George Greanias says “The $900 million federal grants more than double the local dollars being used to construct the 5.3 mile North (Red) extension* and the 6.6 mile Southeast (Purple)* lines and mark the first time rail projects here have received FFGAs. This is a great example of how we can leverage our local dollars to improve mobility in the region.” The total construction cost for the two lines is $1.6 billion dollars. Each line is receiving a $450 million dollar FFGA. The federal government has already set aside $484.5 million dollars for the two projects as part of the FFGAs. Of that amount, METRO has received $84.5 million dollars. The transit agency expects to continue receiving the federal funding over the next few years. More than 30 percent of commuters heading into the downtown area and the Texas Medi-
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One Love CARIBBEAN
Page 6
NEWS FROM HOME - Caribbean News
December 2011
Tony is In - King is Out
Why King loss the Election in Saint Lucia
OLC - Dec. 2, 2011 – Newly elected Prime Minister, Kenny Anthony was sworn into office on Wednesday, November 30, 2011, after his party, the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) defeated the United Workers Party (UWP) led by former Prime Minister Stephenson King by winning 10-7 seats in parliament. At his swearing in ceremony, officiated by Governer General, Dame Pearlette Louisy, Prime Minister Anthony promised to review the island’s foreign policy, particularly as it relates to Saint Lucia’s relationship with Taiwan and China. He also promised to work on reducing crime on the island and improve prospects for young people. The results of the recent election demonstrated many aspects of how people in Saint Lucia felt about both parties. Voter apathy reined on both sides of the aisle, particularly for the ruling party the United Worker Party. Many voters said they were fed up with the ruling party and Prime Minister King’s failure to address blatant corruption in his government. One well known case in point was former Housing Minister Richard Fredrick’s longrunning saga with the Saint Lucian Government for evasion of taxes on importation of vehicles. But that’s not all. There have been reports by several American investors claiming that he illegally expropriated land holdings. The Minister resigned his ministerial position under pressure when the US Government revoked his diplomatic and visitor’s visas. However, he still remained an election candidate and he was able to retain his seat as parliamentarian representative for Castries Central. Another person of contempt was former Minister of External Affairs, Rufus Bousquet. The continuous fighting between the party leadership and himself provided much fodder for the gossip mill and talk shows in
Saint Lucia. Worse yet, Saint Lucians expressed their great displeasure at the manner in which Sir John Compton, venerated former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, was treated after the UWP won the elections five years ago. Simply put, Sir John fired Bousquet as Minister of External Affairs. After Sir John’s death in 2007, a deal was negotiated which gave King the Prime Minister’s position and Bousquet the Ministry of External Affairs. In that light, the “die-hard” supporters for both political parties opted to stay away from the polls in protest, and it appears to have worked in favor of the opposition, Saint. Lucia Labour Party.
We cannot underestimate the role of the social media in the former prime minister’s defeat. Facebook was used by both parties to rally their supporters, however, it appeared to worked more effectively for the Saint Lucia Labour Party. Facebook also provided a platform for Lucians in the Diaspora to get up-to-the-minute updates on campaigning and the elections. YouTube provided the sights and sounds in the form of videos of rallies and music videos. One Love Caribbean spoke to many voters in Saint Lucia. It is the general consensus that Dr. Anthony party won the elections in the last three weeks of campaigning by putting on a major grassroots effort, which involved social media, anti-government political songs, and rallies. Their efforts highlighted the corruption in the government of Stephenson King. Many believed that the UWP was illequipped to counter the SLP campaigning tactics, and resorted to campaign strategies that were obsolete. SLP appeared tohave been more effective in getting their message out to the voting public, resulting in their triumph in the recent electons.
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Donald Ramotar New President of Guyana
OLC - Dec. 2, 2011 – Georgetown. Mr Donald Ramotar has been declared President of Guyana after his People’s Progressive Party secured 48.6 percent of the votes in the November 28, 2011 general elections. This is the fifth time the party has won the elections since its return in 1992. In his inauguration speech, Ramotar said, “I wish to therefore congratulate my Guyanese brothers and sisters from all walks of life, who participated in this latest renewal of our democracy, for playing their part in this vital national process! Regardless of the results we are all winners – Guyana and all the people of Guyana!” “That I have been elected to become your President is a most humbling experience. I feel deeply honored to have been so elected and I wish to express my appreciation for the confidence that has been placed in me. I wish to assure you that I will work tirelessly to improve the lot of all Guyanese,” he continued.
Donald Rabindranauth Ramotar President of Guyana
In April 2011, the Central Executive Committee of the ruling party identified Ramotar as its presidential candidate. He graduated from the University of Guyana. Later, he pursued studies in the former Soviet Union. He has been in the leadership of the party since 1979 when he was elected to the Central Committee.
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Dr. Kenny Anthony being sworn in as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia for the third time in his political career.
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Donald Rabindranauth Ramotar has been sworn-in as the seventh executive President of the Republic of Guyana. During the ceremony at State House on Main Street, Georgetown, the newly elected president pledged to be fair and just, governing in the interests of all, to ensure that the legitimate aspirations of Guyanese are realized.
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One Love CARIBBEAN
December 2011
NEWS FROM HOME - Caribbean News
Trinibago to Spend $300 Million Project to Reclaim T&T Young People The Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration is taking the bull by its horns in the fight against crime and would target youth in “hotspot” areas, low-income communities and Housing Development Corporation (HDC) estates for 20,000 new jobs, at a cost of $300 million.
The pilot project, called 58 Duncan Street, will be launched next Tuesday. “I say with regret that due to the neglect of the previous regime, our youth in the HDC communities are among the most vulnerable and some of these are lured into criminal activity. Saving our HDC communities means saving our nation,” Persad-Bissessar noted. The massive job creation program, entitled
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar
Reclaiming our Youth: Embracing our Future, was consistent with Government’s manifesto promise of “prosperity for all” and its belief that employment was the highest form of empowerment, she said. “For a young citizen in a low income and underprivileged environment, a job means the world, it brings meaning to life, a sense of purpose, dignity and the opportunity to participate in all that this country offers,” she stated. The Prime Minister also announced that the National Security Council had approved a request from the Judiciary relating to setting up electronic video conferencing facilities in the magistrates’ courts, which would remove the need to transport prisoners to court houses to have their cases adjourned. Government also piloted the DNA bill, another crime-fighting tool. It also would be bringing the Preliminary Enquiry bill to bring an end to lengthy enquiries in the Magistrates’ Court and speedier trials in the High Court, and the Electronic Monitoring bill to monitor people released on bail, the Prime Minister said.
Jamaica General Elections
Nomination day will be December 12. “Re-
Jamaica’s Leader of the Opposition Portia Simpson-Miller
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness
Set for December 29, 2011
Jamaicans will elect a new government on December 29. Prime Minister and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Leader Andrew Holness announced the date in Mandeville, Central Manchester, last night where thousands of Labourites gathered for a mass meeting.
The Man, The Music, The Legend
Dominicans are mourning the loss of their Goodwill Ambassador and cultural icon Jeff Joseph who died in Martinique hospital following two major surgeries.
At the end of the 1960s and into the early 1970s there was a sudden emergence of new young bands in Dominica. They were experimenting with novel forms of vibrant music based on the French Antillean beat rather than the more Anglo Caribbean oriented calypso and early reggae that was coming out of Trinidad and Jamaica respectively.
“We intend to increase our existing capacity in several social intervention programs... immediately ramping up employment in several existing programs,” she added.
The program which currently targets youths and single women in the 54 Government housing estates in a clean-and-beautify program for the Christmas season would now include a component which uses local activists to do home improvement to their communities in a private/public partnership with the HDC.
Dominican Jeff Joseph Dies
Jeff contributed significantly in the development of Creole music and Cadance-lypso. His talents, dedication, and perseverance have yielded legendary hit songs over a period of three decades.
In a statement to Parliament, at Tower D at the Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain, the Prime Minister unveiled Government’s most recent job-creation project aimed at the “most vulnerable and communities most in need”.
She said youth “from the previously determined ‘hotspot’ areas” and low-income communities would benefit from the income transfer by engaging to undertake community-based work linked to training initiatives which confer basic literacy and numeric skills, along with instructions in the basic trades. In the “Color Me Orange” program, Government would increase employment from 450 to 2,000, the Prime Minister said.
Page 7
The beat that emerged was Cadance (or as it was written later, Kadans) and the market for this new form of Dominican music was greatest in the French Antilles. Bands such as Grammacks led by Jeff Joseph and Midnight Groovers led by Phillip ‘Chubby’ Mark responded to the demand with one creative hit after the other. Jefferson Osbert Sylvester Joseph was born in the west coast village of St. Joseph on September 30, 1953. He grew up in a community known for its carnival traditions and the pulsating folk life of its narrow, crowded streets and communal yards. This was his early inspiration. Grammacks was founded in 1972 bringing together talented youth who attended the Dominica Grammar School and St. Mary’s Academy, the two leading boys high schools of the time. The name of the band came from a combination of the names of the two schools. By No-
vember 1974 the local newspapers of were reporting the band’s success in Guadeloupe and its first visits to France.
Words from Dominicans in Houston Mr. Jeff Joseph was a musical and cultural icon. He has inspired many people in Dominica, Guadeloupe and even Martinique. His contribution to the development of Creole and Cadence music is particularly most phenomenal. He was talented and dedicated to preserving Cadence music not just in Dominica but all over the world. He was one of the greatest, and he will be missed. Sheryl Drigo, Dominica Jeff was indeed an extraordinary person, who paved the way for the new generation. I wished that we had acknowledged him before his passing. I know his music was different and connecting. We were compelled to sway rumba and groove to his music beats… a true legend. He will be missed by many. I was fortunate enough to have met him. May God hold his soul. Augustus Bellot, President of the Dominica Houston Association
Little Known FACTS...
Eyewitness misidentification contributed and has been involved in more than 75 percent of wrongful convictions overturned by DNA testing. The Innocence Project ready for work, ready for progress, ready for development, ready for a positive future.” Holness, who became the country’s ninth prime minister in September, has long signalled he needed his own mandate and would be seeking that from the people. In announcing the date of the poll, Holness said: “Green light time.” He then said, “Yuh ready for the teacher?” which was followed by the song “Teacher, teacher, a beg u ring the bell”. And he did. “I checked with the director of elections and he told me that the new list is now published,” Holness said while adding he was unwilling to call an election and not give more than 40,000 newly enumerated people a chance to vote.
member, I told you we were not going to trouble your Christmas,” Holness told the crowd just after announcing the date. “I want you to have a happy Christmas, a merry Christmas. So we break for the Christmas period, but by the 28th you back on the road, and by the 29th you put your vote in the box, happy New Year, government in place, back on track,
Dominica Cultural Icon Jeff Joseph
“We call elections when we are ready and we are ready,” he said, noting that the PNP has been calling for the election. Holness, during the the JLP’s annual conference in Kingston last month, said there were uncertainties relating to governance that needed to be resolved this year.
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Barbados Association of Greater Houston
ANNUAL GALA
December 2011
OLCERF Books to Saint Lucia
December 2011
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In Memory of Our Brother
Ridley Everton Lindo
508 Murphy Rd • Suite-H Stafford Texas 77477 Phone: 281.403.6262
Come taste and See Real Home Style Cooking
BREAKFAST Callaloo and Codfish Ackee and Codfish Okra and Codfish Stewed Chicken Saute Liver Jamaican Mackerel Mix
SOUP Red Peas Soup Gungo Soup Manish Water Beef Soup
ENTREES Stewed Oxtail Curried Goat Peppered Steak Cow Foot Stew Stewed Tripe Fried Chicken Jerk Chicken Brown Stewed Chicken Orange Ginger Chicken Stewed Peas FISH Escoveitch Fish Steamed Fish Brown Stew Fish Roast Fish
Bringing you the most delectable Jamaican & American dishes
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EDITORIAL
TRAVEL CONNECT
Carnival Magic Homeports in Texas Take a Cruise from Galveston
spacious than ever before – more lounge chairs, wider walkways, larger dining rooms and buffet areas just to name a few.
All These Single Ladies
Fallen Desires and Expectations from Marriage Hard-earned gains of women But according to the report by Kate Bolick, the most important factors among all others which influence these changes, we see, are the hard-earned gains of women in education and employment. For example, between 1970 and 2007, the earnings of women increased by 44%, as compared with 6 percent for men during the same period. And it is now common knowledge that women are more inclined to attend and graduate from college than are men.
Terry Layne Staff Writer
Recently I was watching television and came across this highly spirited conversation among women, who debated the practice of women taking on the last names of husbands at marriage. A consensus among the participants seemed to be against the continuation of that practice. This in itself may be a small matter of consideration, when juxtaposed to the change in economic prevalence of women over men. In Part 1 of this series (OLC November), we covered the non-availability of viable men for meaningful relationship or marriage with women. In Part 2, we are looking at the traditional desires and expectations from marriage and relationships. It have fallen apart. Several findings uphold this inference. Pushing back the age of marriage. To begin with, we have been increasingly pushing back the age of marriage. Whereas in 1960, the median age of first marriage in this country was 23 for men and 20 for women; today that median is 28 for men and 23 for women. Strikingly, there are more unmarried women in their 30’s today than at any other point since the 1950’s. Also, people are now marrying greater than 50% less between ages 18 and 29 when compared to similar groups of the 1960’s. Believing marriage is becoming obsolete Additionally, the Pew Research Center of Washington, D.C. found that 44% of people born in the 1970’s to 1990’s and 43% of those born between 1960’s and 1980’s believe that marriage is becoming obsolete. This alone marks a gigantic shift in public attitudes toward marriage when compared with groups born post-World War II thru 1950’s. Husbands not required to have children We are living at a point in sociological evolution where “husbands” are not required to have children. Further, nobody has to have children, if they don’t want to (especially true for those in upper middle income, trend setting groups). On the other hand, today we also find the once popular stigma against single motherhood is disappearing. There is generally greater social acceptance today for gays, lesbians, and older women having children by way of adoption or in vitro fertilization.
Now we can make whatever we choose to make of all these trends, studies, and social changes being reported or talked about in our academic realm, media, or other social medium. The reality seems clear; traditional arrangement in marriage and meaningful relationships are in flux. And as we experience the changes already discussed, there are other traditional variances occurring which are summed up in the report as “a deterioration of the male condition.” In essence, men have been on a rapid descent in overall income, educational achievement, and in employment outlook for decades, when compared to what is happening with women in the same period of time. According to published findings, women are now holding greater than half of all managerial and professional positions in the country. Women are also in college, as well as graduate school at greater numbers than men; while men are currently more likely to have only a high school diploma, when compared to women. Further, when considering the current economic downturn in our country, men have been displaced from employment more disproportionately than women. And for the first time in this nation, women accounted for a majority of those employed . Maureen Dowd, in her 2005 book, “Are Men Necessary,” reportedly spoke to the issue of diminishing economic dominance of men over women. In her thinking, women were still conditioned to seek older men having financial resources; while men were fixed on seeking younger women who show them gloating reverence. According to Dowd, now that women are establishing their own status and financial security, they are “liberated from needing men the way they once did.” In fact, women are now free to like men more, and in harmony with their own individual and independent qualities; which is how love ought to be, again from Dowd’s perspective. At this point, I believe there is so much to think about related to the issues surrounding our social evolution in marriage and meaningful relationships. We could go in as many directions as we have readers on this matter. Some observers might be tempted to dismiss these issues evolving around traditional arrangements between men and women, as restricted to “the middle class people.” Personally, I’m uncertain where the dividing lines are drawn in the “class system.”
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December 2011
Three areas onboard really captured my attention:
Leslie Richardson Staff Writer
If you haven’t heard, Texas now has a magic vacation option – Carnival Magic, that is. The newest Carnival cruise ship arrived at its year-round homeport of Galveston on November 13th. The arrival of the 3,690 passenger ship brought thousands to Galveston for a celebration party, including a free concert on the pier by famous rock group Maroon 5. Invited guests including cruise industry executives, media, and top producing travel professionals were also invited to spend one night onboard to continue the celebration of the largest ship ever built in the Carnival fleet. . Among the invited guests, I was able to experience the new Carnival Magic and all her glory. I must say that after seeing most of Carnival’s other ships, the Carnival Magic is impressive. Carnival has definitely stepped up this ship by a couple of notches compared to any other ship they offer. Unlike most of their other ships, the décor on the Magic is more subdued, and overall more sophisticated than anything else I’ve seen on Carnival. With contemporary and natural tones, and less ‘flash and brass’, this ship is an obvious contrast to the previous ships sailing from Galveston. And, because this is the largest ship Carnival has ever built, everything is slightly bigger and more
First, the adult-only area “Serenity” is magnificent. With plenty of lounge chairs, cabanas, a few hammocks and hot tubs, and even its own bar, Serenity is a retreat that is free of charge and open to only those ages 21 and over. Located forward on Deck 15 (Sky Deck), this adult-only haven is set apart from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship and proves to be a perfect hideaway for those not traveling with kids or who want to escape from the masses. The second area that captured my attention is the RedFrog Pub. For the one night I was onboard, this pub was consistently the most happening place on the ship. As a Caribbean-inspired bar, the RedFrog Pub felt more like a bar at a popular all-inclusive resort than onboard a ship. Live music, a full bar with drinks constantly flowing, as well as an outside patio, this pub is a fun place to kick back and relax with friends. Finally, the third area that impressed me was the ‘Fun Hubs’. Understanding that people want to stay connected while on vacation, Carnival has created these internet café-style Fun Hubs in multiple areas of the ship instead of being tucked away in hardto-find locations as was the case with the ships previously based in Galveston. Not only do these hubs offer online access, they are the online, shipboard community giving passengers the ability to connect with others onboard, get shore excursion information and ship announcements, as well as check news, weather, and other ‘funtastic’ activities on the ship. Introduced on the Carnival Dream in 2009, the Fun Hubs are a great addition to the Carnival fleet. Continue Pg 15
Going Home for the Holidays?
American Airline Parent File Bankruptcy
AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines and American Eagle, filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the New York. AMR wants to achieve a cost and debt structure that is industry competitive, which will assure its long-term viability and ability to continue delivering a world-class travel experience for its customers. American Airlines and American Eagle serves most of the Caribbean islands, and they will be operating normal flight schedules today, and their reservations, customer service during this Chapter 11 reorganization. Going home for the holiday and flying American, don’t worry; your ticket and frequent flier miles is probably safe.
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December 2011
DIASPORA AN INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT Encouragement from the Word of God
December 19: Wycliffe and Charmaine Bailey celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary.
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BIRTHDAYS IN THE DIASPORA
Maggie Jean Saint. Lucia
Toney Campbell Jamaica
Nakisha Ocasio Trinidad
Milo Miles Jamaica
Terry Layne Panama
Ancil Lewis Trinidad
Nichole Pelage St. Lucia
Carmen Morgan Panama
Ed McDaniel Barbados
Joan Douglas Grenada
Glenora Romans Jamaica
Arthur Braham Jamaica
Edmond Hodge Anguilla
Arnold Richards Jamaica
Ana Valenzuela Dominican Republic
Veronica Ricketts Jamaica
Roger Micthell Saint Lucia
Jesus: Unwrapping the Gift By Cliffe & Charmaine Bailey Staff Writer Christmas is always a good time to more closely examine Jesus Christ, the One whose birth Christians celebrate. The question always is, Who is that Man and what does He mean to us today? We’ll let the Scripture speak for itself in describing Who He really was, is and will be. His coming was predicted way back in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15) when the first man sinned against God and lost fellowship with Him. God knew than man needed a savior, and so He promised to send His own Son. The prophet Isaiah further foretold his coming and his life’s work: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. … And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 …He will rule with fairness and justice … for all eternity.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) In the New Testament, the angel told Joseph that the child that Mary was expecting was of God through the Holy Spirit and that he was to“…name him JESUS, for he will SAVE his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21). This announcement also described His primary mission and work on the earth. Jesus’ life and works further revealed His Person: As a child He reasoned with the leaders in the synagogue. He spent his short adult life teaching, helping, healing and ministering fulfilling of the words of Isaiah (61:1-3). “The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the
heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners …and to comfort all who mourn, to care for the needs of all… give them beauty instead of ashes, messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.” In Matthew 28:18, Jesus made an announcement about Who He was saying, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” He further announced that He was the truth, the life and the only way to God the Father. (John 1:14) In Philippians 2:9-11 The apostle Paul validated him by stating “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. WHO IS HE? He is Emmanuel – God with us’ (Matthew 1:23); Son of God: (Luke 1:35) King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15). Lastly, we would say like 1 Peter 2:7 “…to those who believe He is precious”! It’s impossible to completely “unwrap” Jesus Christ one short article. Like the Apostle John said, the world could not contain all the books that could be written about Him. (John 21: 25) The most significant fact is that in this day and age He can live in your heart and be the center your life through the Holy Spirit. “Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” (2 Corinthians 9:15) Today, accept the eternal gift - Jesus Christ, the Son of God - Savior!
Happy Holidays
Christabelle Stange Saint Lucia
Email your birthday to birthday@onelovehouston.com
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SUGARCANE ALLEY - Open Editorials
December 2011
MUSINGS ON CULTURE
It is one of the hardest things to change
mitted from one generation to another; then there is evidently something wrong with the way some blacks here in America, Africa and the Caribbean raise their offspring.
Dzifa Job Staff Writer
I’ve been missing in action for a combination of reasons including an insane work schedule, a semi-packed social calendar and a healthy dose of familial drama. That said a few issues have come up in my conversations with friends in recent weeks and I think they all come back to the question of culture. First there is the fact that in my daily comings and goings in Harlem I routinely notice children who are far below the age of reason playing on the side of the street, hanging out with either family members or older siblings until the wee hours of the morning. Then there are the career dice-players who I see playing and betting in sync with my work schedule; young black men who spend their days and nights in indulgence, and the women who love them in spite of it. All this against the backdrop of sidewalks littered with food scraps, bits of paper, and stained with phlegm. The big picture of this is that 20% of the blacks in Ivy league schools are the children of immigrants or internationals like myself, and despite the obvious opportunity in America, it is India a country with an ingrained class system that has produced the most millionaires in the last few years. If anthropologists are right in defining culture as the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings, and trans-
Slavery was abolished more than a century ago and although it took a lot longer for blacks in America to shake off legalized discrimination, there comes a point in time when as a people we must take collective responsibility for the state of our community. It is not Mayor Bloomberg’s fault that some of the people in my neighborhood have no problem living in semi-filthy conditions. Similarly, it is not the IMF or the World Bank’s fault that some leaders in Africa and the Caribbean see nothing wrong with plundering the treasuries of their country with little thought to the wellbeing of the very people who put them in office. I am of the opinion that individuals who display any of the above behavioural patterns suffer from an internal malignancy. Undoubtedly culture is one of the hardest things to change, but our survival as a people is dependent on it. Change must first come within ourselves and then spread to our communities. We must first change our own attitudes to education, family and the creation and transmission of wealth, and start emulating those cultures who have successfully steered themselves from under the thumb of colonialism and genocide. As individuals we must develop thought processes that focus less on sex and keeping up with the Joneses, and more on the matters related to children, saving, investment and the creation of wealth! We must teach our children that its not enough to earn a million dollar pay check, but to be able to invest millions in the projects and causes that move us most…instead of depending on individuals like the Johnsons who founded BET or Oprah Winfrey to do it for us all.
Merry Christmas
THE DEAL IS OFF. AT&T Inc. withdrew their plan to purchase T-Mobile USA on On November 23, 2011. The FCC said that under the guidelines of the Communications Act, there’s no way an AT&T and T-Mobile merger could served the public interest. In August, the Justice Department said it would block AT&T’s proposed acquisition of T-Mobile USA on antitrust grounds. So for now, the deal is off.
Find the Right Employee in 2012 The Truth Beyond The Resume
ployer desire in your team and using those competencies and traits to develop questions of the applicant during the interview process. These questions focus on behaviors that the candidate has demonstrated in the past; it can be an indicator of future behavior.
Thecia Jenkins Staff Writer As 2012 dawns, many Americans will be seeking new employment and new opportunities. Employers are always on the lookout for the best in their industry. What happened? That stellar candidate that you interviewed with the amazing resume is failing miserably in the position that you hired them for. According to their resume they had excellent writing skills, attention to detail and excellent communication skills and the ability to prioritize. So where is that employee? As a supervisor or human resource personnel entrusted with recruiting new talent for the workforce it is becoming increasingly challenging to make the “right” hire. There are creative writers for hire who can make the most unqualified person sound like the best thing since sliced bread and a raving review by references are just one pay as you go cell phone call away. Yes, there are candidates who purchase pay as you go cell phones and then list those numbers as their references. So the reference you are calling is actually the candidate or a trusted ally and not an actual employer. So how do you as an interviewer even the playing field of making the “right” hire? Well, there is no sure way to know if you have made the best choice until the person is actually working. However, there are some strategies to decrease being bamboozled by the help.
• People Skills – “Tell me about a time that you were working with a client/co-worker that was rude to you, how did you handle the situation?” Questions about interaction with clients, co-workers or supervisors can provide you insight on the candidate’s ability to effectively work with people and manage relationships. • Flexibility – “Describe a situation in your previous position where you were given a last minute project by your supervisor and were still expected to handle your previous assigned workload.” Is the candidate able to describe their ability to remain calm and a willingness to re-prioritize their work schedule to meet the changing demands in the workplace while simultaneously meeting their original deadlines. • Integrity – “You have just witnessed a coworker taking supplies from the workplace, how do you respond.” Is the candidate able to hold their peers or supervisors accountable for ethical behavior in the workplace. • Leadership – “Tell me about a time that you initiated a program or process in your last position that increased or saved money for the company or increased overall morale.” Does the candidate possess the ability to step outside the box and act as a catalyst for change without being prompted? These are examples of strategic questions that you can ask of candidates to get the truth about the candidates true competency to become a member of your team. The first step is to be clear about what culture you are creating in your company and what competencies you are seeking for each position. Remember that every resume is kind of like the first date; the candidate is trying to impress you; your job is to do due diligence by asking the “right” questions and get to know the “real” candidate.
Behavioral interviewing is a strategy to consider implementing in the new year. This type of interviewing focuses on identifying competencies and traits that you as an em-
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December 2011
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
One Love CARIBBEAN
SIMPLY NATURAL HEALTH CORNER
Using Spice as Medicine attack or stroke), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and to improve the immune system. Garlic may also protect against cancer. Garlic is a vasodilator (dilates the arteries and a hypotensor (lowers blood pressure), although it is necessary to eat a certain amount (several cloves) to achieve this effect.
Marcelline Chitolie Staff Writer
There are many spices in our kitchen cabinet that can be used to cure illnesses such as: Ginger contains anti viral, anti toxic and anti fungal properties and is used for the prevention and treatment of the common cold. It acts as an antihistamine and aids in the treatment of allergies. It also displays anti inflammatory properties and can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and various other muscular disorders. The chemical components of the root are instrumental in inhibiting the biosynthesis of prostaglandins which are responsible for causing inflammation. Eating ginger may help to prevent cancer and aging disorders. Recent studies show that ginger might also have a role in lowering LDL cholesterol because the spice can help reduce the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed. Garlic has been used as both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years, dating back to when the Egyptian pyramids were built. Today, garlic is used to help prevent heart disease, including atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries that can block the flow of blood and possibly lead to heart
Tumeric promotes blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties which make it particularly useful for the treatment of bruises and injuries. It helps regulate menstruation and lessens PMS symptoms. It assists in the activation of liver functions that help to regulate and balance the hormones. It is also an important aid in helping to prevent and dissolve gallstones and in treating hepatitis. It promotes digestion and assimilation and as such is combined with other condiments such as coriander and cumin seeds to form the basis of Indian curry powders. Cayenne Pepper originated in Central and South America where it was extensively used by the natives for many diseases, including diarrhea and cramps. It is a stimulant, astringent, carminative and antispasmodic and is considered a superior crisis herb, useful as a first aid remedy for most conditions. Taken as a daily tonic, onequarter teaspoon three times daily, it is of benefit for the heart and circulation, preventing heart attack, strokes, colds, flu, diminished vitality, headaches, indigestion, depression and arthritis. These are just some of the spices that I use as medicine in my cooking and eating. Of course, there are many more herbs, spices and foods that I will write about in subsequent articles. As usual check with your doctor if you are seriously ill or have a chronic disease.
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Gum Disease: A Serious Infection
By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, DDS Medical Editor According to research done by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the connection between gum disease and heart attacks is higher than the connection between high cholesterol and heart attacks. Research has found possible links between periodontal infections and other diseases. “Current studies suggest that there may be a link between periodontal (gum) disease, heart disease and many other health conditions. Research also shows that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender and age,” RusherDentalCare.com stated.
Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, DDS
Although the jury is still out on the direct correlation between gum disease and heart disease, RusherDentalCare.com also stated that “the current theory is that bacteria present in infected gums can come loose and move throughout the body.”
once the bacteria reach the arteries, they can irritate them in the same way that they irritate gum tissue. This means that your arteries can be covered with arterial plaque and harden, which will inevitably hinder blood-flow.
Therefore, it may be possible for the bacteria that cause periodontal disease and discomfort in the mouth to migrate throughout the body, settle in arteries and adversely affect the heart. How the bacteria are able to travel from a person’s mouth throughout the rest of the body continues to be a mystery for professionals, experts and researchers alike.
Problematic blood-flow is stressful on vital human organs like the heart and brain. If blood-flow to the heart is compromised, a person could possibly suffer from a heart attack. If arterial plaque loosens and migrates through the body, it could eventually travel to parts of the brain, create blockage, and become a catalyst for a stroke.
“Researchers are unsure what causes the bacteria to become mobile, but it has been suggested that bacteria can be dislodged and enter the bloodstream during tasks as simple as brushing, flossing or even chewing,” said Dr. David J. Fox, a Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry consultant. According to GentleDentalCare.com, research shows the worse the infection, the more likely the bacteria are to become blood-borne. Infected gums bleed, making it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If bacteria become dislodged, the bacteria enter through cuts or sores in your mouth and travel to other parts of the body through your bloodstream. GentleDentalcare.com
also
stated
IS PIZZA A VEGETABLE?
that
U.S. House of Representatives Said Yes.
Is pizza a vegetable? In the federal school lunch program, the answer is yes. Thanks to the frozen food industry’s lobbying, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that looks to reinstate pizzas and French fries on lunch menus of federally funded schools. Lawmakers blocked the Obama administration’s effort to push pizza off the plates of schoolchildren to make room for more vegetables. The USDA proposed new nutrition standards for school lunches. It included ¾ cup of vegetables per day for grades K-8 and 1 cup of vegetables per day for grades 9-12. The vegetables were specifically supposed to include at least ½ cup each of dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, and legumes. In fact, the proposal required more whole grain in school meals, while cutting sodium and starchy vegetables like potatoes; It fur-
ther limited how often French fries could be served.
Here is the big caveat. The school lunch program serves over 32 million children resulting in big business and big money. For this reason, the rational why the lobbyist for the major food brands got involved. Strangely, the lobbyist was able to use a “tomatoes paste rule” and special pizza math: two tablespoons of tomato paste on a slice of pizza is equivalent to a ½ cup serving of vegetables. • Two tablespoons of tomato paste contains 26 calories, 10% of the daily value of vitamin A, and 12% of the daily value of vitamin C. • A ½ cup serving of raw tomatoes contains 16 calories (yes, fewer calories than the tomato paste), 15% of the daily value of vitamin A, and 19% of the daily value of vitamin C.
Tomato paste is nutritious and the USDA is misguided in its efforts turn the school lunch program into something it isn’t, said Steve Christensen, a former deputy director of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service during the George W. Bush administration. “The program was designed to feed hungry children, not as some sort of federal weightloss program,” he said.
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Even though gum disease can be potentially deadly, there may be little to no symptoms, but there are ways to identify latent bacteria that has become harmful to your gums: gums that are red and irritated, or gums that bleed easily, show signs of infection. There are many ways to treat and help prevent gum disease; brushing and flossing regularly can remove plaque that can eventually build up and cause gum disease. Scheduling regular dental checkups is an important process in maintaining good dental health. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year is crucial for periodic maintenance. Gum disease is a serious infection that can cause many health problems and even death, so remember the signs of infection and the keys to prevention so that you can live happy and healthy.
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Page 14
De Man of De House Harry had a rowdy Guyanese wife. Da woman could pelt mo’ blows than a boxer wid ten hands, especially when she had a broom in she hand. One day she cornered Harry unda de bed with blows flying all cross he head. Whaddax! Whaddax! She peltin blows and she bawlin. “You call yourself a man. Come out here and tek your blows like a man.” Now, Harry dockin and weavin and tryin to dodge, but he couldn’t get away from the blows. So he start bawlin for he neighbor, Thomas. Hear im, “Thomas! Thomas! Help me! Ah gettin’ mi ass buss! Ow, man! Come help you drinkin pardner, nuh! Well, Thomas hear he pardner and he come runnin over to Harry house to see what going on. When he see how de wife got Harry unda de bed, he tell him. Man, Harry. Wah happen to you, man? You ent the man o’ de house? Harry bawling, “Yeah, Yeah man!” “Well, talk for yourself nuh.” Thomas replied. Harry: Dammit, Thomas! You damn right! I is the man o’ tis house and whatever I say, goes! And I say I ent coming out from unda dis damn bed. The Jamaican Ginnal A Jamaican guy walks into a house in New York and asks, “You have a girl work here from Jamaica name Arlene?” “Yes,” answers the madam. “Go on up to Room 6.” So the fellow went up to Room 6 and knocked on the door. When the woman answered, he asked “Yu name Arlene, don’t it?” “Yeah man, a me dat,” replied the woman. “Well, a have a couple Hundred dollas....” he proudly announced. With that, the girl interrupted him, grabbed the money, opened the door wide and hauled him by the shirt into the room. After a little rest from a good time, the fellow got up to leave. “Will you be here tomorrow?” he asked. “Yeah Man,” Arlene said, “Me will deh yah.” The next night, the fellow comes back and gives up $200. When they were done, he’s sitting on the side of the bed, and asks. “Will you be here tomorrow night?” “Honey,” replied the girl, “Mi deh yah every night fi you.” Night comes and the fellow was back in action. When they were done, they are both sitting on the edge of the bed. “Tell me sumthin’,” Arlene said, “what part of Jamaica yu from?” “Portmore,” replied the fellow with a satisfied grin. “True? Me have one sister live inna Portmore yuh know!” the girl exclaimed. “I know dat,” the fellow replied, “She gimme six hundred dollas fi gi yu!”
Jamaican Girl’s Letter to Santa Dear Santa, I know you probably wondering why I writing yuh one day after Christmas but after opening mi present dem yestiday, I just had was to write yuh. Santa, mi was a very good girl all year round. Mi listen to mi madda when she talk to mi and mi help out wid di chores dem round de house. Mi even help di neighba pickney dem do fi dem chores tuh. One day mi all help out di old crasses Mr. George, the blind an cripple one, crass the road when di odda children dem just ah watch him an dida tek gamble pon what kind of cyar did ah go lick him dung. Santa, dem just lef him deh fi dead, but mi help him out. Santa mi studied real hard in school this year, so hard till mi all come fuss inna di class. Mi mek it mi duty to be nice and not naughty Santa. Mi was so good. Ah real good girl Santa. Santa when mi write mi Christmas list to yuh dis year, mi ask yuh fi a Barbie princess doll, ah Barbie kitchen, ah Dora the Explorer computer game, ah cyabbage patch doll and ah monopoly game. So Santa, how the after reading mi list yuh leave under di Christmas tree ah light up yoyo, one plastic tea-cup set and ah no name dolly dat look like she have polio and ah dead from AIDS? Santa is either yuh blind or yuh cyah read! Every year mi say mi woulda stop believing in yuh and like ah dyam fool mi always give yuh ah next chance, but not ah gain, yuh hear mi Santa? Yuh hear whe mi sah, Santa? Yuh fat red yuh. Yuh see all nex year, yuh betta dont try squeeze yuh big fat batty thru mi louvres dem, because Santa mi swear mi going beat yuh up. It going to be mi, yuh and dis sharp knife, so mi can jukk yuh inna yuh belly. Yuh hear mi sah? Mi ah go stab up yuh. Imagine, yuh give that likkle cock eye gyal Sally from crass di road everything that she ax fah. So much so dat she all nuh have nuh room fi walk round har house. Yuh see all nex year Santa, mi will be back to mi good old self. Dat’s right Santa. Mi naar go giv mi madda nuh trouble or cause nuh havoc roun’ere . And Santa, a goin wait pon you patiently ... mi goin wait pon yuh paitently with ah big rock stone fi yuh backside. And den when yuh and dem blasted reindeer dat favor some dyam oversize goat wid tree branch ah grow otta dem head top, com ho-ho hoing down pon I old rusty zinc nex Christmas. BOOP! Is one lick inna yuh head. Santa mi goin’ done yuh, Memba dat yuh hear Santa. Try Memba dat! Love Likkle Keisha
One Love Caribbean Call 281-769 2253
December 2011
A Caribbean Christmas Sorrel Jam
Ponche De Navidad (Christmas Punch)
Ingredients 1 lb sorrel ½ cup water 1 lb granulated sugar 1 small piece of cinnamon (optional) Direction Rinse sorrel leaves. Place sorrel in a deep pot and cover with water, bring to the boil and cook until tender (10 minutes). Measure sorrel and add 1 cup sugar for every cup of fruit and juice. Return to boil, cook until jelly stage (about 15 minutes). Pour into a hot sterilized bottles. NB. Some people prefer a fruity flavor and some spice. Use more cinnamon if a more spicy flavor is desired. Serves approximately 12 Makes 2 – 8oz jars
Appetizer Saltfish Gundy Ingredients 1 pound salted codfish fillet 1 tsp capers ½ cup medium onion ½ cup salad oil 2 tsps vinegar 2 hard boiled eggs Direction Soak fish long enough to remove excess salt. Wash. Remove skin and bones. Mix salad oil with vinegar and set aside. Put saltfish, onion and capers through meat grinder (or food blender on grind mode). Combine well with salad oil mixture. Garnish with slices of hard boiled eggs. For an interesting texture, flake saltfish into very small pieces instead of grinding; then reduce salad oil to ¼ cup.
Ingredients 6 egg yolks 2 cups sugar 3 1/2 cups undiluted evaporated milk 1 cup rum (optional) 1 tbsp vanilla essence Direction Beat the egg yolks, add the sugar slowly and continue beating until you get a smooth consistency. Add the milk and cook on low heat. Do not let it boil. Cool and then refrigerate. Add the rum and vanilla essence. Serve cold.
Holiday Fruit Cake Ingredients 2 ½ cups sifted flour 4 tsps baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 cup chopped nuts 2 cups candied fruit ½ cup butter ¾ cup sugar 3 eggs ½ cup mashed banana ½ cup orange juice Direction Sift flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in chopped nuts and candied fruits. Cream butter and sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Combine banana and orange juice and add to creamed mixture, alternating with dry ingredients, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Turn into wax-lined and greased loaf pan (9x5x3). Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Cool for 30 minutes before turning out. May be wrapped in aluminum foil and put in freezer. Slice thinly when serving.
Happy Holidays Kathleen’s Kitchen
For de best Trini food in Houston Sit and dine to the comfort of sounds 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
Advertise Your Business in OLC. Call 281-769 2253
Bake Good
Currant Roll Cake Coconut Drop
D
ecember 2011
de Market Place One Love CARIBBEAN
LEGAL
CATERING
CONSULTING
The Hedman Law Firm hedmanfirm@hotmail.com
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
Marcous Hedman Attorney & Counselor at Law
P.O. Box 300882 Houston, Texas 77230 From Page 10 Carnival Magic Cruise As always, Carnival doesn’t disappoint when it comes to food and entertainment. Their famous Chocolate Melting Cake alone is worth booking a Carnival cruise. On the flip side, with Carnival Magic being a larger ship, there are more crowds and longer lines for certain items such as the buffet and the guest relations desk. Luckily, for those of us within driving distance of Galveston, the success Carnival has had with cruises from here are making other cruise lines take notice. Royal Caribbean has a newer ship, Mariner of the Seas, that just started sailing from Galveston through midApril 2012, and both Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruise Line will have ships sailing
MARY KAY
Overall, Carnival Magic is a great addition for cruise options from Galveston. For those who think that Carnival isn’t for them, I beg to differ – even the most discriminating traveler will be pleasantly surprised with the Magic and all it has to offer.
954A FM 1960 RD West, Houston, TX 77090
281-377-1961
OPEN Mon - Thurs 8am - 8pm Fri - Sat 8am - 10pm Sunday 12noon - 6pm Close to I-45 & FM-1960
Yes! There are Other Ethnic and Religious Celebrations in December of the Holy Temple after its desecration by Syrian forces. The wicks of the menorah miraculously burned for 8 days, even though there was only sufficient oil for one day. • Al Hijra (Muslim) – Muslim New Year: Remembrance of the life the Prophet Mohammad and the Hijra to the City of Medina.
• St. Nicholas Day – 6th (Sweden): Greek Saint known for many miracles of intercession in behalf of people in need. Also known for secret gift giving. He is a Patron Saint of Russia.
• Virgin of Guadalupe – 12th (Mexico): Virgin Mary’s miraculous appearance with a surrounding light to peasant Juan Diego; giving him instructions to build a church at the site of her appearance.
• Bodhi Day – 8th (Buddha’s Enlightenment): Indian Prince Siddhartha Gautama successfully faced his inner demons, taming greed, anger, restlessness, and self doubt; attaining an enlightened state of calm awareness in life.
• St. Lucia Day – 13th (Sweden, Denmark, Estonia , Norway, Finland, Iceland, Bosnia): Religious parade with a girl dressed in a white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles, symbolic of the fires that refused to consume St. Lucia’s life after she was sentenced to be burned at the stake. Others follow in the march holding one single candle, bringing light to darkness.
• Hanukkah (Jewish) – Eight days Festival of Light: Commemorates the re-dedication
281-919-1517
Carnival is the only cruise line that sails year-round from Galveston and also the only line offering two ships: Carnival Magic offers 7 night cruises to the Western Caribbean with one week per month sailing to the Bahamas and the Carnival Triumph offers 4 and 5 night cruises to Mexico (this is the only option from Galveston that is shorter than 7 nights).
s SoupFish st Roa r y Goat n Cur Chicke Jerk rk Pork ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE Je xtail O Beef CARIBBEAN DISHES Stewstival HERE Fe Pea Stewtch Fish vi WE CATER AND DELIVER Esco
• Ashura (Islamic, Muslim): Celebrated with different purposes between separate Muslim groups. It is the 10th day of the first month of the Islamic calendar. Day of fasting, day of mourning the sacrificial death of Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad.
(Ponderosa Office Park behind the bank)
Phone (281) 235-7164 (713) 493 7276 Fax
here for a few months each in late 2012.
Caribbean Hot Pot Restaurant
By Terry Layne Staff Writer
Page 15
installed. Saturday, December 10, 2011 Houston Association of Panamanians 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm Trini Sosa Center 1414 Wirt (Off I-10 West Rd), Houston, TX Saturday, December 10, 2011 Jugglers United Presents Elegance Ultra Sexy Hotel Party 9:00 pm to 2:00 am Hotel Derek 2525 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027 Sunday, December 11, 2011 Jamaica Foundation of Houston Christmas Party and Installation of Directors 3:00pm until 7:00pm Meadowcreek Club House, La Quinta @ Cartright, Missouri City, TX Bring your children to receive presents from Santa. The newly elected directors will be
Saturday, December 17, 2011 St. Lucia Association of Texas Annual Gala 7:00 pm to 1:00 am Springhill Suites – Marriott 5169 East Freeway, Garth Road and I10, Baytown, Texas Saturday, December 24, 2011 St. Kitts and Nevis Association of Houston 8:00pm until 2:00am. THE PREET PARTY HALL 14207 Hwy 249 @ Fallbrook Houston, TX 77086 Saturday, December 31, 2011 Bold Profession Seminars & Consulting Launch Mixer 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Dress Barn, 5820 East Sam Houston Parkway, Houston TX
One Love Caribbean Call 281-769 2253
• Las Posadas – 16th thru 25th (Mexico): commemorating the challenges encountered by Mary and Joseph as they searched for a place where Jesus would be born following their travels to Bethlehem. • Christmas Day – 25th (Christianity): The celebrated birthday of Jesus Christ, the Deliverer of Christian believers from death to life eternal. • Boxing Day – 26th (Canada, UK, Australia, Caribbean, New Zealand, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya): Day of “boxing” special offerings, giving money, gifts, food, to people in need. • Kwanzaa – Dec. 26th thru Jan. 1st (Pan African): Celebrating the best of what it means to be Afro-endemic and human. Celebrating culture, family, and community.
Advertise Your Business in OLC. Call 281-769 2253
Historic Downtown 1900 Christian St. Croix US Virgin Island
Caribbean Connections Food & Grocery
Soda
14207 Hwy 249 @ Fallbrook Houston, TX 77086
Paprika (5 lbs) Red Cayenne Pepper Garlic Powder (5 lbs) Annatto (whole) (5 lbs) Walkerswood Jerk Seasoning Sturtree Product
Gizzada Peanut Drop Coconut Drop Grater Cake Tamarind Ball Busta
Foska Oaks Bulgar Oaks Peanut Banana Plantain Arrowroot Hominy
s y m tie m Pat eef a e B n e d B es s oz rne Che uce r F o y Sa C st r Ta ppe Pe
AND MUCH MORE...
Attire: Christmas Chic Donation $20.00 advance - $25.00 at the door includes dinner and a cocktail
Tiger Bone Mount Teman Roots Bedroom Bully Stan up Energy Bitters Mojo SSS Tonic Hard Dough Easter Bun Bulla Cake Bun & Cheese Toto Pinch Bread Spice/Sugar Buns Rock Cake Brown Bread
TONICS
MEAT & FISH
Snapper (Frozen) King Fish (Frozen) Salt Mackeral Salt Beef Salt Fish Pig Tail Red Herring
BREAD
Preet Party Hall
D&G Sodas Ting Supligen Arizona Malta Mauby Anchor Syrup
Yellow Yam Dasheen Plantain Banana Ackee Nisberry Coconut Mango
PORRIDGE
December 24, 2011 8:00pm until 2:00am
Omega 3 Fish Oil Castor Oil Eucalyptus Oil Camphor Oil Tiger Balm Dewitt Worm Noni Limacol
TREATS
Soaps & Creams Coco Butter Coco Butter Soap Blue Soap
Pharmaceutical Products
Soap and Cream
association of houston
VEGGES & FRUITS
“Connecting You to Your Home”
Seasoning
st. kitts-nevis
as m st d ri ixe ts h C M ui Fr
713-771-0077 8288 W. Bellfort Ave. Houston, TX 77071
For tickets Call Dennis: 832-683-1773 or Melvina: 832-248-5007
(281) 261-8451
Potato Pudding Coconut Drop Coconut Cake Peanut Drop
Desserts
Ting Irish Moss Ginger Beer Cream Soda Cola Champagne
Drinks
1909 Texas Pkwy Missouri City, TX 77489
Sides
Grace’s Cafe
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
Entrées
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