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One Love CARIBBEAN
October 2011
The Publisher’s Thoughts I cannot remember a time when the news on the state of the economy was ever good. In fact, even when conditions were favorable, the news reports were of a bad economy. Truly we only know of a good economic period, years after it has passed. I understand this as a tool used by political leaders to leverage one against the other.
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However, when we see conditions such as excessive job loss, rising prices, and dwindling savings, we have no alternative but to say, “Man! Tings bad! Hard times pon we!” People are mad as hell, and are not going to take it anymore. We are now seeing a rise in protest demonstrations in some cities including New York and even here in Houston. Brace yourself folks! Compounding the matter are the banks. Now by no mean am I claiming to be a financial expert. I am an engineer who looks at a process and simplifies it to its lowest terms. For most of us, we put money in the bank and later, we withdraw it. As an incentive for keeping your money with that bank, they give you some interest. The banker uses your money to make a profit. I may be over simplifying it, but for the most part that is basically what happens. I know my Caribbean friends who work in the banking industry will have a field day with me, but as my mother would so often say, “The truth is the truth.” So tell me Mr. Banker why the excessive fees? Why are you filtering your client’s savings into your pocket? Are you supposed to work the deposited money to make a profit? Does this model still work? Even when they made poor investment decisions with our money, they were bailed out by the government. Take a look! The interest rate on a new savings is now 0.50% and on a money market, 1.0%. Yes, they will blame it on the Federal Reserve Bank. Correct me if I am wrong, I remember back in the day when interest rates were at 4-5%. So nowadays you get .50% interest on your money, while the bank gets to loan your funds out and charge a borrower 16% and even more on their credit card balance. Doesn’t sound fair, does it? Late last month, Bank of America announced it would charge customers a monthly $5 fee beginning early next year for using its bank-issued debit cards. Are you kidding me? Caribbean people may have to revisit their old banking technology to keeping and growing their money. Putting your savings inside your mattress and investing in a “su-su” (or box) is looking more and more attractive these days. From the looks of things, it will take a while for the economy to turn around. I am not speaking in terms of months but in years. We, therefore, have to brace ourselves for the long haul. We can begin doing so by looking at our expenses in relation to our income. In what areas can you reduce your expenses? Do you need all those cable channels? Do you still need a home phone, or can you make do with just your cell phone? How many glasses and dishes can you use at any one time at? Do you need that new car or new home? Buying only what you need, not what you want; that means living within your means.
ments on a monthly basis to ensure you are not being overcharged (you will be surprised at how often this happens). If you have been overcharged, call the company to request a refund. Review your utilities bills. Shop around for lower rates on your utilities, car insurance, homeowners insurance etc. Every penny saved counts. Everywhere you look prices have gone up - at the gas pump, in the supermarket and the doctor’s office, and guess what, your paycheck has pretty much remained stagnant. That means you have to survive on less and less each year. We need to go the way of our parents and grandparents, who lived frugally and saved for a rainy day. Many of us have forgotten the lessons from our childhood, some of us have bought into the consumerism of this country, more, more, more, and I want it now. I think it is time to take a little bit from our Caribbean way of living; it will probably be one of the tools which will help us survive the downturn in the economy. As always take care of yourself and support your friends and family in need. Last month we celebrated the 3rd anniversary of One Love Caribbean News with the first ever Caribbean Empowerment Conference. The event was well received by all the attendees. I want to thank our speakers, Wendi-Ann Williams, Dzifa Job, Thecia Jenkins and Sharifa Charles for their excellent presentations. Job well done! I also want to thank all those who attended the event in support of One Love Caribbean and the One Love Caribbean Educational Resource Foundation (OLCERF). Special thanks goes out to conference organizer, Andrea Jean-Baptiste, DJ Uncle L, our Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Cleveland Harris, Reggie Clark of Jugglers United, and our volunteers, Carona Donaie-Randolph and Laurina Donaie. Thanks for all your hard work in helping to make this event a success. I wish to thank the Texas Multicultural Women Inc., for the recent award given to One Love Caribbean News for service to the Houston community. Serving the community would not be possible without the help of a dedicated team of One Love Caribbean News staff writers – DJ Uncle L, Terry Layne, Dr. Ka-ron Wade, Thecia Jenkins, Dzifa Job, Charmaine Bailey, Leslie Richardson, Marcelline Chitole, Hermina Frederick, and Marilyn D. Jones. So until then, One Love!
Sylvanus Donaie, BSEE, MBA, MTM Publisher
Of course, I love when you disagree with me, and I want to hear from you. If you disagree, please let me know. You can always email me at Another way to cut back is by reviewing your billing state- sdonaie@onelovehouston.com.
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 Exodus 15:2 (King James Version)
The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
October 2011
de FEATURED NEWS
One Love CARIBBEAN
Golding to Step Down as Jamaica's Prime Minister authority of that leadership,” he stated.
Page 3
President Obama’s Job Act What’s in It for You?
Explaining the timing of his decision, the Prime Minister noted as well, that, as stipulated in the party’s constitution, the deadline for nominations is October 19, therefore sufficient time had to be allowed for potential candidates to consider offering themselves and meet the deadline.
Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon. Bruce Golding
KINGSTON — The Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Hon. Bruce Golding, will not be seeking re-election at the party’s annual general conference in November and will step down as Prime Minister as soon as a new leader has been elected. Golding explained his decision not to seek re-election as Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and to resign as Head of Government was arrived at “after deep contemplation and prayer, seeking to do what is best for the country and the party.” In a national broadcast on October 2, Golding said it is now the appropriate time for him to step aside and make way for new leadership as the challenges of the last four years, including the effects of global economic recession, had taken their toll. He noted that the Government has been successful in implementing far-reaching macroeconomic reforms to return of the economy to a growth path, create new jobs, and cauterize the rise in poverty and “while the worst may have passed, we are not yet out of the woods”. “There are challenges that remain on many fronts that will require strong leadership to overcome and absolute confidence in the
“Sufficient time had to be allowed, as well, for the delegates to contemplate their choices since they would not have been anticipating that a vacancy would arise. But it was important not to have too long a period of uncertainty regarding the leadership and direction of the government,” he stated. The Prime Minister said he was also aware that the role he played in the Coke/Manatt matter has remained a source of concern in the minds of many people, which “has affected me deeply and the perceptions that are held by some people have not been dispelled, notwithstanding the exhaustive deliberations of a Commission of Enquiry.” He pointed out, however, that it was never about Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke’s guilt or innocence, “it was about a breach of our Constitution, and had it been a person other than Coke it, perhaps, would never have become the cause célèbre that it turned out to be. We have since amended the Interception of Communications Act to permit, in the future, the action that was taken in Coke’s case but which, at that time, was in violation of our Constitution.” “I cannot allow the challenges we face and the issues that we as a people must confront, to be smothered or overpowered by this saga and the emotions that they ignite. It would not be fair to my country; it would not be fair to my party,” he added.
What Do You Know About Dr. Conrad Murray? Cardiologist and personal physician. Dr. Conrad Murray was born February 19, 1953, in St. Andrews, Grenada. He moved to the United States in 1980. In 1999, he opened a private practice. Michael Jackson hired him as a personal physician for Jackson’s 2009 concert tour. In June 2009, Jackson died of a prescription drug overdose. Dr. Conrad will stand trial for involuntary manslaughter.
President Obama’s late ditch effort to jumpstart the United States economy is “American Jobs Act.” He explained that the American people understand that the economic crisis and the deep recession weren’t created overnight and won’t be solved overnight. The economic security of the middle class has been under attack for decades. That’s why President Obama believes we need to do more than just recover from this economic crisis – we need to rebuild the economy the American way, based on balance, fairness, and the same set of rules for everyone from Wall Street to Main Street. “We can work together to create the jobs of the future by helping small business entrepreneurs, by investing in education, and by making things the world buys,” the President said. Further, he understands that to restore an American economy that’s built to last we cannot afford to outsource American jobs and encourage reckless financial deals that put middle class security at risk. To create jobs, the President unveiled the American Jobs Act – nearly all of which is made up of ideas that have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans, and that Congress should pass right away to get the economy moving now. The purpose of the American Jobs Act is simple: put more people back to work and put more money in the pockets of working Americans. And it would do so without adding a dime to the deficit. In the Act, the President want to put workers back on the job while rebuilding and modernizing America. Here are some of his proposals
The man who would become embroiled in the controversy surrounding the King of Pop’s death in June 2009 did not come from money. With his mother Milta spending most of her time in Trinidad and Tobago in search of better paying work, Murray lived with his maternal grandparents, two Grenadian farmers. His fractured family life was compounded by the total absence of his father, Rawle Andrews, a Houston area physician who, up until his death in 2001, focused his career on offering medical services to the poor. Conrad didn’t meet his dad until he was 25.
tary school teacher in Trinidad, an experience he followed with work as a customs clerk and an insurance underwriter in order to pay for his college education. Murray also wasn’t afraid to take advantage of an opportunity. At the age of 19 he bought his first house, then later sold it for a decent profit to support his university tuition in the United States.
At the age of seven, Murray relocated to Trinidad and Tobago to live with his mother, where he became a citizen and finished high school. Like Milta, Murray was determined to make a better life for himself, demonstrating at an early age a propensity to work hard. After high school he volunteered as an elemen-
In 1980, two years after first visiting Houston and getting a chance to introduce himself to his father, Conrad Murray returned to Texas to enroll at Texas Southern University, where in just three years he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in pre-medicine and Continue on Page 15
Tax Credits and Career Readiness Efforts to Support Veterans’ Hiring: The President is proposing a Returning Heroes Tax Credit of up to $5,600 for hiring unemployed veterans who have been looking for a job for more than six months, and a Wounded Warriors Tax Credit of up to $9,600 for hiring unemployed workers with service-connected disabilities who have been looking for a job for more than six months, while creating a new task force to maximize career readiness of servicemembers. Preventing Layoffs of Teachers, Cops and Firefighters: The President is proposing to invest $35 billion to prevent layoffs of up to 280,000 teachers, while supporting the hiring of tens of thousands more and keeping cops and firefighters on the job. These funds would help states and localities avoid and reverse layoffs now, requiring that funds be drawn down quickly. Under the President’s proposal, $30 billion be directed towards educators and $5 billion would support the hiring and retention of public safety and first
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responder personnel. Modernizing Over 35,000 Schools – From Science Labs and Internet-Ready Classrooms to Renovated Facilities: The President is proposing a $25 billion investment in school infrastructure that will modernize at least 35,000 public schools – investments that will create jobs, while improving classrooms and upgrading our schools to meet 21st century needs. This includes a priority for rural schools and dedicated funding for Bureau of Indian Education funded schools. Funds could be used for a range of emergency repair and renovation projects, greening and energy efficiency upgrades, asbestos abatement and removal, and modernization efforts to build new science and computer labs and to upgrade technology in our schools. The President is also proposing a $5 billion investment in modernizing community colleges (including tribal colleges), bolstering their infrastructure in this time of need while ensuring their ability to serve future generations of students and communities. Making an Immediate Investment in Our Roads, Rails and Airports: The President’s plan includes $50 billion in immediate investments for highways, transit, rail and aviation, helping to modernize an infrastructure that now receives a grade of “D” from the American Society of Civil Engineers and putting hundreds of thousands of construction workers back on the job. The President’s plan includes investments to improve our airports, support NextGen Air Traffic Modernization efforts, and resources for the TIGER and TIFIA programs, which target competitive dollars to innovative multi-modal infrastructure programs. It will also take special steps to enhance infrastructure-related job training opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups and ensure that small businesses can compete for infrastructure contracts. The President will work administratively to speed infrastructure investment through a recently issued Presidential Memorandum developed with his Jobs Council directingdepartments and agencies to identify high impact, job-creating infrastructure projects that can be expedited in a transparent manner through outstanding review and permitting processes. The call for greater infrastructure investment has been joined by leaders from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka to U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue. Establishing a National Infrastructure Bank: The President is calling for Congress to pass a National Infrastructure Bank capitalized Continue on Page 15
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ROUND DE YARD - Houston Caribbean News
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Dominicans to Celebrate 33 Years of Independence
This year, The Commonwealth of Dominica celebrates thirty-three years of Independence, and the Dominica Houston Association (DHA) will commemorate that day with a lineup of programs.
On October 22, 2011, DHA will host its15th annual Independence Ball with a dinner, dance & cultural extravaganza. This year’s theme is “Celebrating 33, Joining Hands in Unity”. His Excellency the Hon. Hubert J. Charles is the keynote speaker. He is Dominica’s Ambassador to the United States, and Permanent Representative to the Organization of the American States (OAS). Charles was the President of the Dominica State College. He worked for many years in Dominica in the field of education and is a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and a former principal of the Dominica Grammar School. He also worked several years for UNESCO in Nigeria and South Africa. Special invited guests will include Mrs. Barbara Dailey, the Consul General for the Commonwealth of Dominica. The feature entertainer and Master of Ceremony will be
Hon. Hubert J. Charles
the dynamic Mr. Alex Bruno, (calypsonian, songwriter, composer and playwright). The DHA cultural group, (Kubuli Productions), will feature very special performances of Dominica’s cultural dances such as the bele, quadrille and jing ping.
October 2011
“When and Where I Enter” Featured A Civil and Women Rights Pioneer From the Caribbean “When and Where I Enter” (WWIE) hosted their Fourth Annual Latin Jazz Brunch on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant in Houston. Uno, Dos, Trio Latin jazz band provided LIVE music. The keynote speaker was Ana Irma Rivera Lassen from Puerto Rico. Ms. Rivera Lassen is a pioneer civil and women’s rights advocate, author, law professor and attorney whose advocacy for the rights of women and Afro-Puerto Ricans has consistently been recognized by such organizations as the Puerto Rican Bar Association, the Puerto Rican Senate, and, most recently, the United Nations as a nominee to its Working Group on the Issue of Discrimination Against Women in Law and in Practice. She spoke on her promoting and advocating legislation and public policies in favor of the human rights of women in Puerto Rico. One such legislation is the creation of a Commission for Women´s Affairs of the executive branch of the Puerto Rican government in 1973. She was also an advocate for the legislation approved in 1976 known as the Family Reform that recognized the equality of women in marriage, the 1988 law against sexual harassment in
the workplace, the well known Law for the Prevention and Intervention with Domestic Violence in 1989. The law created the Office of Women´s Advocate in 2001, which is an autonomous entity with ample powers to oversee compliance of public policies in favor of women´s human rights including the power to investigate and sanction. Some of these laws have served as models for other countries in the Caribbean. The Puerto Rico House of Representatives appointed her to lead an investigation on racism and the human rights of afro descendants in Puerto Rico. Since 1975, she has actively and consistently participated in meetings, regional preparatory processes, summits and conferences of the United Nations related to the human rights of women and against racism and other forms of exclusion. Marva and Terry Layne of the Houston Caribbean community served honorary chairs. Mistress of Ceremony was Fox 26 Anchor, Melinda Spaulding. WWIE is guided by their vision of an equitable and progressive world where access to health, education and opportunity are not limited by race or gender.
An independence worship service is planned for Sunday, October 30th @ 6:30PM. The venue will be announced later. The focus of the service will be to pray for Dominica and the Caribbean. On November 3rd, 1978 Dominica gained its independence from Great Britain and became an independent republic within the Commonwealth.
Texas Lucians to Celebrate Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day)
Caribbean Connections Food & Grocery
President of the St. Lucia Association of Texas, Andrea Jean-Baptiste, with Lucian seniors at the 2010 Jounen Kwéyòl in Baytown, Texas. L-R Ma Mitchell, Ma Monrose, Andrea, and Ma Best
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The celebration will be held at Unidad Park, 2510 J.B. LeFevre, Baytown, TX 77520 from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Attendees will experience St. Lucian culture – a cultural display, people in national dress, the sounds of Kweyol, food and drinks, quick quack (story telling and joke telling),
L - R: Veta J. Byrd, Executive Director WWIE, Marva Layne, Ana Irma Rivera Lassen, and Terry Layne.
Soda
As you may know St. Lucians are bilingual. Although the official language is English,
The St Lucian Kwéyòl derive from the various African languages blended with a heavy dose of French. English plays a minor role. History has shown the development of the dialect came about as a means for the slaves to communicate with each other and ensuring that their slave master did not understand their communiqué.
Seasoning
Since 1984 the month of October has been set aside as Creole Heritage month on the island of St. Lucia. Every year on the last Sunday in the month of October, Jounen Kwéyòl is observed. These activities bring to life the St. Lucian culture such as fashion, music, games, folklore and food such as fishcakes, roasted breadfruit, green fig and saltfish gives the festival a unique Looshan flavor.
the majority of the populace speaks Kwéyòl.
Soap and Cream
OLC, October 1, 2011 -- The St. Lucia Association of Texas will be celebrating Jounen Kwéyòl, also known in English, as Creole day on Sunday, October 30, 2011. It is a day of celebration of St. Lucian Creole heritage.
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October 2011
One Love CARIBBEAN
ROUND DE YARD - Houston Caribbean News
A Vibrant Houston Caribbean Community in September JFH Annual Labor Day Picnic Over the Labor Day weekend, the Jamaica Foundation of Houston (JFH) held its annual picnic at Bear Creek Park with an attendance of some 300 people. Despite the high winds, the family affair consisted of cultural music, games, races, tournaments and contests for all ages with prizes in each category. Over the years, this JFH gathering has been growing in numbers. There were informational and services tables on site from private and corporate sponsors. Cool Runnings provided the food services. Dr. Edwin Earl Felix Book Signing On Saturday September 10, 2011, Dr. Edwin Earl Felix held an Autograph Party and Book Signing at the Crowne Plaza in Houston to promote his work. The book, “Modern Approach to Classroom Discipline and Management,” provides an insight into norms and unpleasant behaviors and an understanding behavior problems in the classroom. It includes methods used to prevent behavioral problems and intervention strategies used to alleviate the problems faced by educators. He further explained that a classroom comprises a number of students with various characteristics and behaviors. There are numerous grave social and economic problems that affect these students’ behavior like poverty, racism, discrimination, and other negative conditions. But how should teachers or related professionals handle or resolve this continuing problem? Dr. Felix shares some applicable prevention and intervention strategies for students with behavioral problems in his new book, Modern Approach. Caribbean Empowerment Conference On Saturday, September 17, 2011, One Love Caribbean News celebrated its third anniversary and commemorated the occasion by hosting the first ever Caribbean Empowerment Conference in Houston. The four dynamic speakers, Thecia Jenkins, Sharifa Charles, Wendi-Ann Walker, and Dzifa Job, spoke on a range of topics to included emotion intelligence, finance, health and relationships, and kept the audience captivated
by the newly acquired information that they can used in their day-to-day lives. The general consensus of many in attendance was that this type of forum is something that the Caribbean community in Houston needed. Attendees enjoyed a Caribbean style breakfast. Proceeds from tickets sales for the conference benefited the One Love Caribbean Educational & Resource Foundation (OLCERF). St. Kitts Nevis Association of Houston On September 17, 2011, St. Kitts Nevis Association of Houston (SKNAH) celebrated their 28th year of St. Kitts/Nevis Independence at the Cool Runnings Red Room. The featured speaker was Alrick V. Warner, a Kittian who is a Research Fellow at Procter & Gamble. Warner spoke eloquently on personal discipline. He reminded the attendees of his humble roots as a young boy growing up in Sandy Point, St. Kitts, moving to Houston, and attending the University of Houston, where he received a degree in Chemical Engineering. Now as a lead engineer for Proctor & Gamble, he has worked on many products such as Always, Pantene, Pampers and Bounty. Ms. Melvina Chapman-Audain, President of the SKNAH, paid homage to the two founding members of the Association, Coretta Warner and Michelle Burt. These were two young people born in the United States of Kittians parents, who wanted to know more about their roots, and as a result, they founded the organization. The party ended with a bang dancing to the music of DJ Marshall. Texas Multicultural Women Texas Multicultural Women hosted their Third Annual Tea Party and Fashion Show on Sunday, September 25, 2011. The annual fundraiser featured a traditional tea party, fashion show, musical entertainment, poetry reading, comedy and more. Continue on Page 15
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Page 5
CARIBBEAN TEMPO KMC’s Migration and the Erosion of Soca’s Middle-Class By DJ Uncle L Entertainment Editor World politicians are always talking about the erosion of the middle-class of their societies, why this is bad for their specific countries, and their grandiose plans for rectifying this shift. These goals are worth pursuing as; more than any other group, the middle class are the ones who are most essential to a society. They make up most of the workforce, they purchase the most goods, they ensure that the market functions as it should, and when they migrate to other countries, people lament their loss. The Soca industry in Trinidad (or any other Caribbean island) operates in the same way. On one end you have new/undiscovered artists who have not yet broken through, and are unable to make a major impact on the industry. On the other end you have the Machel Montanos of the world, that are on the radio every hour, perform at every party, and sell many albums. His impact is notable and he has few contemporaries in the Soca industry. Then there are those in the middle, such as Ken Marlon Charles, also known as KMC. KMC announced in an interview with the Trinidad Guardian in early September that he was no longer going to be involved in the Trinidadian music industry and Carnival. He proclaimed, “I’m not doing no Soca. Most of the music is pop with a kind of electro sound. That’s the kind of music—and it is running the whole world.” His new journey is taking he and his music to Europe, the heart of the thriving dance/ techno music scene and where he and his producer ‘RedOne’ will be making music for the same audiences as the likes of David Guetta and others. To this end, he collaborated with RedOne on the track, “Everybody Jump” (which has been climbing the UK Urban Club charts), he signed to 2101 Records (a European subsidiary of Universal Records), and he is scheduled to travel to several Scandinavian countries to promote his new material. This is a clear shift in strategy, one that was obviously not taken lightly. While I impartially wish KMC the best in his endeavors, I wonder what would happen if other middle-class Soca citizens followed him out of T&T? For years KMC has been a staple of the Carnival season, releasing multiple tracks every year, performing at many Carnival fetes, and entering the various Soca Monarch competitions. His catalog includes hits such as, “Bashment to Carnival” (1998), “Don’t Want to Know” (2002), and “I’m Not Drunk” (2008). His biggest Soca hit, “Soul on Fire” (2004) led to a deal at Sequence Records and the release of a modestly successful US album of the same name in 2005. Despite this track record, he and many others in the Soca industry continue to complain about a lack of airplay on the major radio stations and unfair or biased judging
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DJ Uncle L in the Soca Monarch competitions. Their assertion is that the ‘Upper-Class’, the likes of Machel Montano, Fay-Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin, and Destra, get preferential airplay and treatment, making it harder for the Soca middle-class to succeed. He remarked, “I not trying to big up Trinidad industry—they never supported me. I ask God to take me out of that Carnival thing when I realise is so much ah fight down.” The Road March results over the last five years (2007 – 2011) point to a concentration of focus, and consequently status, at the top of the industry. The difference in spins (number of times the song was played for the judges) between the winner and the runner-up ranges from 204 in 2008 to 377 in 2010, with an average difference of 314 spins. This suggests that the Soca industry is increasingly becoming a one-horse race, and if you pick the wrong horse you will be in trouble! In order to remain in the industry, live comfortably, and “Eat ah food,” artists must bring in revenue over and above the costs that they incur to produce the music we enjoy each year. To that end, most Soca artists currently access two main revenue streams, royalties on music downloads and income from performances in Carnival fetes. The Copyright Organization of Trinidad & Tobago (COTT) has done a significant amount of work with TrinidadTunes.com to allow them to offer the majority of Carnival hits to Soca-lovers on the site for secure and hassle-free download. In a March 2011 interview, the owners of TrinidadTunes.com shared with Mark Lyndersay that they were up to 4000 songs downloaded per month at a rate of $0.99 per song. Sixty percent (60%) of this revenue goes to artist royalties. Assuming that a middle-class artist such as KMC would get 5% of these royalty payments, he/she stands to make $2880/year, which is not a sustainable figure. According to estimates from my industry sources, a middle-class artist can make about $8000 TT for a brief performance at a Carnival fete. In 2011, TrinidadCarnivalDiary.com listed a total of 105 fetes/events during the three-month Carnival season. Assuming that a hard working, middle class Continue on Page 15
One Love CARIBBEAN
Page 6
NEWS FROM HOME - Caribbean News
Saint Lucia Invites Observer Missions for General Elections
UN Troops Go Unrestrained in Violating Human Rights of Haitians On September 19, 2011, Haitian President Michel Martelly traveled to New York to sell his “vision” for Haiti at the United Nations General Assembly’s 66th session. Haitians greeted Martelly with demonstrations to demand the withdrawal of the UN Stabilization Mission for Haiti (MINUSTAH), under which over 12,000 UN troops are deployed in Haiti. The UN mission succeeded a Multinational Interim Force (MIF) authorized by the Security Council in February 2004 after President Bertrand Aristide departed Haiti for exile in the aftermath of an armed conflict. After the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010, the UN increased the overall force levels of MINUSTAH to support the immediate recovery, reconstruction and stability efforts in the country. The mission’s mandate expires on October 15, but the UN Security Council is expected to renew it. “MINUSTAH operates in Haiti with very little legal accountability for their action as a result of a legal waiver signed between the UN and the Government of Haiti,” according to Nicole Phillips, staff attorney at the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti. “Without this special treatment, the families of victims who died of cholera could be entitled to legal compensation under Haitian law for MINUSTAH’s negligence in disposing of their waste and for their failure to conduct an immediate investigation. Similarly, victims of sexual assault, including the 18-year old boy raped by the Uruguayan troops, could seek criminal action and civil damages against their MINUSTAH assailants in a Haitian court.” Earlier this month, a cell phone video was released showing a group of UN soldiers from Uruguay laughing as they pinned down an 18-year old Haitian boy and sexually assaulted him. This is not the only case of sexual abuse committed by MINUSTAH in Haiti. In 2007, more than 100 Sri Lankan
soldiers were repatriated for sexually exploiting young Haitian women and girls. A recent news article revealed that sex with minors, which is prohibited under Haitian and international law, is not uncommon for MINUSTAH soldiers. In August 2010, the body of a 16 year-old was found hanging inside of MINUSTAH’s base in Cap Haitien. MINUSTAH has never announced results from any investigation into the incident. Since the mission’s arrival in 2004, there have been regular protests throughout the country against MINUSTAH for interfering with legal demonstrations, making illegal arrests, using excessive force in its operations, especially in poor neighborhoods, and failing to provide adequate security in internal displacement camps, including to women and communities faced with violent forced evictions. More recently, protests have included MINUSTAH’s failure to investigate the link between its negligent disposal of human waste and the outbreak of cholera. Under international pressure, the UN finally admitted the link between the MINUSTAH base and the spread of cholera. But no legal compensation has been offered to the 438,000 Haitians who have contracted the disease, or the families of the 6,200 Haitians who have died. Like the Sri Lankan troops in 2007, the Uruguayan troops accused of the assault were repatriated to their home country and arrested upon their return. The Uruguayan government is urged to prosecute those accused and to disclose the status of the case to the victim and the Haitian people. Despite the promises to investigate and prosecute the crimes in Sri Lanka, no information has been made public on the status of the investigation or prosecution. This very October, the UN Security Council will likely renew MINUSTAH’s mandate for the 7th year in a row.
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In keeping with international “best practices” and good governance, Prime Minister Stephenson King invited internationally recognized and regional agencies to play a “watch dog” role in relation to the next general elections in Saint Lucia, which is constitutionally due no later than March 2012. Prime Minister Stephenson King wrote to Mr. Kamalash Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of
American States, and Irwin La Rocque, Secretary General of CARICOM. In his letter of invitation, Prime Minister Stephenson King requested that they formalize “Observer Missions” to monitor the conduct of the next general elections in Saint Lucia. There was no history of misdeeds in the conduct of General Elections in Saint Lucia. However, the Observer Missions will ensure the fair outcome of the next General Elections, King explained.
Dominica’s PM Leadership in Question outcomes in five constituencies including Veille Casse and La Plaine where the Prime Minister and Education Minister prevailed.
Former Dominica Houston Association President Vincia Scotland, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson, and Dominica PM Roosevelt Skerrit during the PM’s Visit to Houston – October 2008, OLC.
The legality of Dominica’s leadership is in question following the United Workers Party (UWP) petition of the courts to declare that Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Education Minister Peter St. Jean were illegally nominated to contest the December 2009 general election because they allegedly held dual citizenship at the time. On January 8, 2010, the UWP filed five petitions in the High Court challenging the
Chief Justice Errol Thomas threw out all of the petitions, except that of the dual citizenship of the Skerrit and St. Jean. The Justice found there was enough evidence to prove the Prime Minster was in fact a holder of a French passport. The UWP argued that as the holder of a foreign passport, the Prime Minister was under allegiance to a foreign power at the time of his nomination and election, and therefore the nomination could be declared null and void. The Constitution of Dominica clearly states that anyone who pledges allegiance to a foreign power is not legible to run for public office. Further, the UWP is seeking to declare their candidates for Vielle Case and La Plaine as the duly elected Members of Parliament for these constituencies or to call a bi-election.
Antigua & Barbuda Wants Prison Flogging Banned
The recommendation was made October 4, 2011 as he presented Antigua’s Human Rights National Report to the Working Group of the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, Switzerland. Simon said the punishment has not been ordered by the courts for some time and, as a result, the Act should be repealed. “Antigua and Barbuda has continuously voted against United Nations resolutions calling for a moratorium on the death penal-
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Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Stephenson King met with Houston/Baytown Lucians. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Baytown -- March 2011.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Attorney General Justin Simon wants Antigua & Barbuda to remove the Corporal Punishment Act from the law books to prevent the whipping and flogging of male prisoners.
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ty as such resolutions were inconsistent with existing national legislation,” he added. Simon pointed out that the seven inmates who were sentenced to hang are now serving life sentences following a landmark ruling in 2001 by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal that the mandatory death sentence contravened the constitutional provision, which prohibited cruel and inhuman punishment. That’s because the entire process, including appeal, lasted longer than five years. In recent months, there has been renewed debate here about the use of the death penalty with some arguing it is not a deterrent to crime.
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October 2011
NEWS FROM HOME - Caribbean News
China is Ready to Work with Caribbean Countries
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SAINT LUCIA HEALTH AND WELLNESS RETREAT
November 17 to 20, 2011
John Schumacher, a leading iyengar yoga expert will tailor his daily yoga workshops for participants. With the fabulous Pitons peaks as a backdrop, Dr. Stephen Brewer, acclaimed author of “The Everest Principle”, will lead seminars on achieving peak performance and optimal health. William Spear will guide attendees through the intricacies of the ancient methods of intuitive feng shui - the art of harmonizing the way people relate to their environments. Prime Minister of Grenada Tillman Thomas, Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding, China Vice Premier Wang Qishan, and Surinam Vice-President Robert Ameerali in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Sept. 12, 2011
On Monday, September 12, 2011, China’s Vice Premier Wang Qishan met with several Caribbean leaders at the third China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum in Port of Spain, capital of Trinidad and Tobago. Caribbean leaders, including Guyanese President Bharrat Jagdeo, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Grenadian Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and Surinamese Vice President Robert Ameerali attended. “China is ready to work with Caribbean countries to deepen their economic and trade cooperation,” said Wang. “Relations between China and Caribbean countries have been developing smoothly in recent years, with fruitful cooperation in many areas.” “China will work with Caribbean countries to deepen pragmatic cooperation, make further efforts to implement economic and technological cooperation projects between them and expand cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, investment, finance, infrastructure and tourism to achieve win-win results for both,” Wang continued.
The leaders said they welcome investment and tourists from China, and pledged further efforts to implement specific projects with China and tap the potential for cooperation in tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, new energy, mining and public health. In her welcoming statement, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stated Mutual benefits may be derived both regionally and individually from engaging China, one of the big four in BRIC [acronym that refers to the countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China], the rapidly growing and emerging markets, as our countries share common interests and face similar challenges in the international system. In Jamaica, China has provided funding for Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium, the US$50million Montego Bay Convention Centre, US$23 million worth of pipes and fittings to improve the island’s water supply, and US$71 million for low cost housing projects. China will provide 1 billion U.S. dollars in preferential loans to support economic development in Caribbean countries, according to Wang at the opening ceremony of the forum.
Home Depot Opens Store on St. Croix
For further information about the retreat, contact Lisa Charles of Milestone Development at 758 489-2433 or email info@milestone-development.com.
Soufrière -- “Eden of the Caribbean” Barbados Experiments with Urban High-Rise With the demand for housing increasing daily, as more Barbadians seek to own a ‘piece of de rock’, Government has deemed it a priority to come up with a novel approach to address this growing trend. Under Government’s Housing Every Last Person (HELP) Program, there has been a new thrust to provide assistance to lowincome earners through the provision of a greater number of housing solutions. The National Housing Corporation’s (NHC) Project Coordinator, Roger Ward explained “As a result of this thrust and the number of projects and solutions. it will involve, a five-year plan has been designed to set the strategic path for the Corporation over the period beginning from 2009 to 2014.” Pointing out that the Urban High-Rise Housing Program is a Joint Venture Partnership approach between the NHC and the private sector, the Project Coordinator explained that joint partners are given a license over the land and the partner provides the financing under a letter of comfort from Government.” Ward further explained that Cabinet had agreed to the construction of an Urban High-Rise apartment at Valerie, St. Mi-
chael consisting of 72 units. “Right now we have a number of developments in the works. These include Mason Hall Street in Bridgetown, where 84 units are on the horizon and we are currently working on Valerie, Collymore Rock; Exmouth, in Deacons Road, and the Grotto, Beckles Road. “The Corporation continues to receive significant applications for rental units, most of which are from the urban corridor. And, due to the urgent need to provide new rental accommodation for low-income earners, the NHC has sought new mechanisms to do so. Hence, the Urban High-Rise Housing Program,” he noted. The buildings for the most part are six stories and the apartments will be approximately 700 sq. ft. They consist of two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen, living and dining room and a laundry area. The Corporation will officially launch the Urban High-Rise Housing Program next Saturday, October 8, at Valerie, Collymore Rock, St. Michael, during a ceremony commencing at 3:00 p.m. Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart, will deliver the feature address and launch the Urban High-rise Housing Program.
Guyana Election Campaign Begins GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continues to hold the date for general election a closely guarded secret, despite launching its campaign.
St. Croix, VI -- Atlanta-based Home Depot opened its first store on the Caribbean island of St. Croix on September 22, 2011. Governor de Jongh and Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis joined more than one thousand St. Croix residents who gathered at the Island Crossing Shopping Center for the grand opening. The Governor did ceremonial cutting of a board. The Lt. Governor welcomed Home Depot to St. Croix and chided the naysayers who did not believe the store would open.
He also praised the benefits of the publicprivate partnership that brought the store to St. Croix. “I had a chance to walk around inside and meet many of the people who are working here. There are local people for local jobs,” he said, to resounding applause from the audience. St. Croix is one of the islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands with a population of more than 65,000. Home Depot has been operating on the island of St. Thomas for several years. The company also operates six stores on neighboring Puerto Rico.
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Some had speculated this would have revealed in light of the dissolution of parliament on September 27, which now mandates the election date to be announced before November 14. Instead, the thousands who attended the launch were informed by the party’s presidential candidate Donald Ramotar of his plans for the country. He said this includes cheap and reliable electricity through hydropower, solar energy and wind power, a harbor to accommodate larger ships, and continued emphasis on education and health. In his address, President Bharrat Jagdeo defended his term in office stating that his government took Guyana from a bankrupt country and made it the most dynamic vibrant economy in the Caribbean. “Today we have the highest level of international reserves ever. We spent the most that we have ever done on education, healthcare
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Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar gives the title to the leases of agricultural land to a Guyanese farmer.
and housing, on water and electricity, because these are important to our people,” he said. “We have done so and at the same time reduced the fiscal deficit,” the president stated. He said further that the interest rates have been reduced significantly due to the policies of the government. Also appearing on the party’s political platform was former executive member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Joseph Hamilton, who broke ranks with the party in 2008.
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October 2011
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EDITORIAL
TRAVEL CONNECT
Disney Dream – The Happiest Place at Sea cally June through November. Being half of the year, hurricane season is a definitely factor when it comes to making travel plans, that should never be an excuse not to travel during this time of year.
Should We Switch Focus and Make the Turn? Or Are We at the End of the Road?
Terry Layne Staff Writer
If we laid out a continuum having rationalism and optimism as polarized extremes in how we negotiate life, human beings tend to think of ourselves as rational creatures. We plan things; we get ready for what’s ready for us; we think things through, and prepare for things to come as best as we can anticipate outcomes. But according to Tali Sharot in the cover story of Time Magazine (June 6, 2011), neuroscience and social science both suggest that we may be more optimistic than realistic in our thinking. What this means is we hold expectations that things will turn out much better than they usually do. The belief that our future will be a whole lot better than the past; or even our present, Sharot defines it as optimism bias. It is found in every geographical region of the world, across every ethnic and socio-economic group. And further, what seems even more far-reaching is that “the bias” may be biologically based, according to the report. But none of this is novel thinking. This is the same thing our sages have talked about all throughout history …a desired outcome with an expectation of its fulfillment, despite the absence of tangible proof. Today, we call it hope! But my argument today is not to pit religious beliefs against scientific principles. That’s for another time and another place. Right now, all I’m doing is bringing a perspective into focus that may cause some to see more clearly a rationale for where we are today and where we might be in some tomorrow. But what’s the importance of this? The significance is packaged in the challenges of our day to day living, as I see it. Once we took a second or a third look at what is happening just in this nation alone, we get to see how little we can do about the rising cost of everything, joblessness all around, loss of homes, and lessened or no access to health care. And on, and on, and on. It makes for a pretty dismal picture. And not only are we unable to do anything about it all; it seems like the few people (super wealthy) who can do something are playing games with our lives (as they “restructure” the whole economic system). We try everything we know, including, blaming President Obama. And yet a closer look shows how very little, even he can do too! So we revert back to the legacy of our sages…we hope.
But it’s important to keep in mind that what the researcher calls “optimism bias” goes far beyond childhood idealism. Consider the following, for example. A 2005 scientific study of adults beyond 60 years old found that they were just as likely to be optimistic as compared young adult people. In a similar study, two years after, while 70% of participants reported their families to be generally less successful than in their parents’ days, 76% of this group was optimistic about the future of their own families. Conversely, the researcher offered a note of caution to unsuspecting readers about the danger of making overly positive assumptions, which could lead to serious miscalculations in managing our affairs of life. In reality, the optimism bias can be both protective and inspirational to human beings, according to Sharot. It is the force that keeps us moving forward rather than driving over the edge. For example, in order for us to make progress toward some objective end, we need to be able to see alternative realities. And further, we need to hold mental pictures of these alternatives as real possibilities. The optimists tend to work longer and go the “extra mile”, which positions them to earn more money, when compared to pessimists in the workplace. Optimistic people, as we know them, try and try again; despite past failed attempts at established goals. This explains the phenomenon of triumph of hope over experience, something seen frequently in the lives of optimistic individuals. One final thought about optimism. In order for us to think positively about our future prospects, we must first be able to imagine ourselves in the future. And according to the research, it may be the most extraordinary of human talents that we possess. It is the mental ability to move ourselves back and forth in time and in space. Without belaboring the opposite end of the spectrum, we know that pessimists tend to be typically negative and cynical in their reactions to events in life, and more likely to become stuck in a “learned helplessness.” This helplessness is described by the researcher as a vicious loop of passivity and negative patterns of thoughts following a precipitating failure event. Absent any meaningful change in adaptability, these individuals tend to cope poorly with serious challenges in life. Well, what does all of this have to do with anything? I believe we can all agree on face value that we are living in seriously stressful times. There are more than enough stressors occurring in our daily lives which could be listed right here. To make this point clear and simple, however, I will begin and end the list with “joblessness.” The bottom line is that we are in a sort of existential crisis, with no quick and foreseeable end right now. And whether by nature or by nurture, we need to switch focus to one that sees this crisis as a fork in the road…and make the bend. Remember the trite expression of old, “a bend in the road is not the end of the road unless we fail to make the turn.”
October 2011
Leslie Richardson Staff Writer
If you were one of the millions of North Americans who weren’t able to get away for summer vacation, not to worry. The fall is the best time of year to catch a great travel deal. I’m often asked when the best time of year is to get the best travel deals. In my honest opinion, that time is now. Otherwise known as Value Season, September through early December has some of the deepest discounts available offered all year. Here are a few primary reasons you may want to consider getting away this fall: Low travel demand – Travel demand is directly related to when the masses are able to travel. Most people are limited to school breaks including Spring Break, summer, and the holidays. Lower demand equals lower prices. Planes, ships, and hotels need to be filled, so travel companies are quick to lower their rates during this time of year. Even Disney, which rarely discounts its products, is known to go on sale during the fall for their resorts and cruise line. Hurricane season – Even though hurricane season is usually thought of as being in August and September, the season is techni-
The Caribbean, Central America, and states along the Gulf and East Coasts are the most prone to hurricanes. But, as those of us know who live in one of these areas, a hurricane isn’t guaranteed to happen. Even if a hurricane or tropical storm occurs, it doesn’t have to hinder vacation plans entirely – the purchase of trip insurance can be a huge help when an occurrence does happen. A cruise is one of the best vacations of choice during hurricane season because the captain can simply change its course and itinerary as necessary in order to avoid bad weather. Other tropical destinations such as Hawaii and Brazil rarely, if ever, experience a hurricane. Outside of Cyclone Season in the South Pacific, hurricanes and tropical storms are non-existent. Fewer crowds and fewer kids – One of the best perks when traveling in the fall is that there are fewer crowds and fewer kids. It’s almost like having the destination, hotel, or ship all to yourself. With fewer people, it’s a great time to enjoy the traditional family-oriented vacation destinations such as Disney World, Beaches Resorts, and most major cruise lines minus the over-crowded tourist population of midsummer. Fewer people also make the overall experience much more convenient since it equates to less time standing in line at the airport, hotel check-in, or pier thereby more time enjoying your vacation. With these different factors and lower price, the overall value of traveling in the fall can be priceless. Leslie Richardson is a Master Cruise Counselor (MCC) and Franchise Owner with Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Services Agency. She can be reached at (713) 491-4989 or www.jetsetterscruises.com.
The Caribbean Mourns the Passing of Mighty Pelay The Caribbean tune in to St. Lucia’s Mighty Pelay (His name is Jeff Elva) during the Christmas season singing his famous song, “C’est Tradicion Noel” (Our Christmas Traditions). Today, the Caribbean is mourning his passing. He died on Wednesday 28th September 2011. “Pelay” was a legend in the calypso arena, known for his clever and relevant lyrics; he wrote over four hundred songs and released eighteen albums in a musical career that has spanned over forty-five years. “Pelay” won his first Calypso Monarch title in 1969 and continued to win the Calypso Monarch for three consecutive years. He also won the Calypso Monarch title in 1978 and again in 2003. His best know albums were Sweet Suzette (1978) and C’est Tradicion Noel. In 1987, “Pelay” received Les Pitons Medal (Silver) SLPM. He authored the Saint Lucia National Pledge which was adopted by Cabinet c0nclusion in 2003. In 2008,
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“Pelay” also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the music industry at the St. Lucia Music Awards. In 2009, he received a Member of the British Empire award for his services to music and the disabled. He was also a member of the Ambassadors calypso tent. We would like to extend our sympathies to his family and friends for their profound loss. “Pelay” is survived by his wife, Arlet, his two daughters, A’lena and Liza, and granddaughter Zayda.
One Love CARIBBEAN
October 2011
DIASPORA AN INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT
Trinidad & Tobago Passport Renewals
Who Are You?
way we think and feel, then we will begin to seek help if needed; when we call for help, He will surely answer. Here is what the Scripture says about you and who you really are, in spite of what you may have been told in the past and what you may believe now:
Many of us grow up without love or acceptance and go through life pretending, not being sure of who we are or even why we are here. Is this the way it has to be? No, it isn’t. The psalmist says that God desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6); i.e., honesty deep inside oneself. When we are honest about the way we are inside and the
Stacy Jones Trinidad
Cheryl Francis Virgin Islands
• God knows everything about you - what you are thinking and everything you do. • He knew you, when you were in your mother’s womb. • He loves you just the way you are. • He is always with you to guide and support you. • Nothing about you goes unnoticed. • You are always on His mind. • You can never run away from Him. • You are precious to Him. Does this seem incredible? Read Psalm 139. Psalm 27:10 also says “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close”. Regardless of your relationship with your earthly father or mother, your friends or even your spouse, your heavenly Father wants to have a close relationship with you. He loves you so much that He sent Jesus to give His life for you so that you may have a forever connection with him (John 3:16). Nothing can separate you from that love. (Romans 5:38).
The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Texas announces that the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate scheduled visit to Houston on October 31st, 2011. Passport Renewals are by Appointment Only. Appointments must be made through the Consulate’s Office at 305-374-2199. Follow the prompt. Also, fill out the form on the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Texas website at trinbagotex.org.
UWI Student Wins Int’l Chemistry Award Charah Watson, a PhD. Candidate in the Department of Chemistry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, is the recipient of an International Year of Chemistry Award. Watson received the award recently at the prestigious Natural Products, Medicinal, and Organic Synthesis Chemistry Symposium held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and at which four Nobel Prize Winners in Chemistry were among the invited speakers. The year 2011 has been designated by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry as the International Year of Chemistry. She described her investigations into two invasive citrus pests that have been found on the citrus plants in the region, the Citrus and Chequered Swallowtail Butterflies the latter being a recent discovery. Her research has led
to two recent patent applications for effective methods of control against both pest species, and which have the added benefit of also being environmentally friendly. Her research supervisor is Dr. Trevor Yee of the UWI Mona’s Natural Products Institute.
Audley and Stacey September 2011
Do you know Him like He knows you? He wants you to know Him, so you can live a fulfilled life daily and achieve your highest purpose in this world.
We’re Engaged
HERE’S A PRAYER: Jesus, thank you for loving me and giving your life, so that I can be your child. I believe in you. I invite you into my heart and life today.
For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
So now, who are you? You are a child of God, loved and precious to Him. It’s time to start living in the confidence of that fact!
Robert Horton Texas
Donalene Clovis Saint. Lucia
Lynn Desiree’ Gaston Saint. Lucia
Jennifer Norman Jamaica
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BIRTHDAYS IN THE DIASPORA
You see, God is the Father of children, not actors. Children do not need to pretend or perform to impress their father or anyone else. Children who know that they have a loving father are self-confident and can love and accept themselves, in spite of what anyone else says or does.
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Coming to Houston
Encouragement from the Word of God
By Charmaine Bailey Staff Writer The Lord is more interested in who you are on the inside than what you do. So the question is... who are you? Do you know who you are or are you still searching to find out? Sure you have a name and social security number or a rank and serial number. But are you hiding behind a mask; a fake smile that you flash every time you step out of your room, or do you relax in the knowledge and security of who you are, who your father is and that He has a special love for you?
Psalm 91:11
Clara Humphreys-Hodge Dominica
Anne-marie Morris Trinidad
Michele Ramirez Panama
Suria Francis St. Croix
Paula Foster Jamaica
Cheryl Dalkan Saint Lucia
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Page 12
SUGARCANE ALLEY - Open Editorials
October 2011
A Review of The Maxims of Manhood 100 Rules Every Real Man Must Live By
Dzifa Job Staff Writer
Self-help books tend to be directed solely at women, so I was fairly surprised, a little amused, and definitely intrigued when I came across the book ‘The Maxims of Manhood: 100 Rules Every Real Man Must Live By”, by Jeff Wilser, during a recent house party. First of all, the guy who owned the book didn’t exactly strike me as the type who would ever read such a thing. This would probably explain why I had to pry it out of his hands, after he initially snatched it from me, insisting that I wouldn’t want to bore myself with knowing what men discussed in the locker room, but I digress. I already know that most guys think, “real men don’t read books on rules to live by”, which ironically enough is the book’s final maxim – “Never blindly follow rules or maxims”. Modern society, and much of what is accepted behavior for men and women, however, is undoubtedly governed by a set of unspoken rules that we are socialized to follow. The book is broken down into ten sections, which focus on general behavior, sports, women (we actually get two sections – one for women you don’t care about and another for the women you do care about), health and food, style, work, entertainment, buddies, and a list of things real men “don’t forget”. Each section contains ten rules to help guide men “through the difficult, confusing, often paradoxical world in which we live”, and supposedly contains the “fundamental truths of modern manhood – a code of behavior that leaves your father proud, your buddies in awe, and your girlfriend (mostly) satisfied”. With maxims like, “you have to read, you have to fight, and you have to own a dog larger than a toaster”, it would be easy to dismiss Wilser’s theories as traditional, chauvinistic, homophobic and misogynistic. Some of them are, but it didn’t stop me from wishing that more men would follow the maxims I thought were relevant. Notable highlights include: Maxim #27 – “Always hold the door!” If I had my way, it would also include putting her on the inside, away from traffic, when walking on the street, as well. Some may think that chivalrous acts imply that women are weaker, but I don’t. Men have 14 percent more muscle mass by nature’s design, so I’m not going to complain, if they decide to put the extra testosterone to good use. I think that if you show a woman that you honour traditional values, she will do the same. Maxim #22 – “End the call first” There’s no way any sane woman would
agree with advice that says, “On the call itself, your role is to silently suffer… you can utter a stream of mmmh hmm, that makes sense or exactly”, or “as you’re checking your e-mail and surfing the web and utterly ignoring her, you say, right but what do you really mean by that?” because it implies that you are not only paying attention, but probing for something deeper. I hate pretence, and I can guarantee that when a woman discovers you haven’t been paying attention, there will be hell to pay. Maxim #29 – “Keep the one-night stand classy” If more guys followed the guidelines for this maxim, there’d be less emotionally scarred women running around. Men who pretend to be really interested, when they only want one thing, men who don’t have the balls to tell a woman that they’re not that into her, two-minute men, and those who think “no” means “yes” (it really doesn’t even when we’re drinking) are guilty of grossly misusing their testosterone. Maxims #33 & 36 – “No classes at the gym” and “You don’t trust this yoga” I disagree with the notion that it’s unmanly to be “body image conscious”. I have an intense dislike for beer bellies and rum bellies. How hard is it to stay in shape? Unlike Wilser, I don’t care if a man has to take cardio kickboxing and or yoga to keep the pounds off. He can even colour coordinate his gym gear (ok maybe that’s a bit much), but my point is that as long as he doesn’t end up with Homer Simpson’s gut, I’m good.
Grenadian Dr. Edwin Earl Felix at his Autograph Party and Book Signing at the Crowne Plaza, Houston -- Saturday September 10, 2011.
African American Rower Includes BVI to Resupply during Transatlantic Mission Victor Mooney is looking to make his first landing point in the British Virgin Islands during his 4th attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean from Las Palmas in the Canary Islands to New York City beginning on World AIDS Day – December 1st. “BVI has a special place in the hearts of many, so it’s fitting to have a re-supply there before heading home,” said Mooney. Mooney is a veteran rower from Forest Hills, New York, who lost one brother to AIDS and has another that’s HIV positive. He hopes
his rowing will encourage voluntary HIV testing and increase prevention efforts.
in the maintenance of a household. Any man who doesn’t want to do this needs to make sure he’s making enough money to hire a housekeeper and a nanny.
events beyond the latest EPSN headlines. Ignorance is a turn off.
Dr. Kevin Fenton, Director of National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control, encouraged Mooney: “I wish success in your fourth attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean, but please know that, in our eyes, you have already achieved something far more lasting and spectacular: you have successfully raised awareness about the ongoing HIV epidemic.”
Maxims #42 & 47 – “Shop without “going shopping” and “Ignore window treatments” I’m ok with the notion that there are some things that men don’t get, or simply won’t do. I would never ask a guy to go shopping with me, ask him to help me pick flowers for our wedding decorations, or expect him to know the difference between blinds and curtains. Shout out to the men who watch HGTV, and do know, because they get extra points from me. Let’s just say interior decorating isn’t my forte. Maxims #64 & #65 – “Your contacts are irritated; those aren’t tears” and “Control the world with technology” I’m not going to cosign the ideology that “men don’t cry and that the only acceptable signs of emotion are road rage, drunken man love, sports and movies like dumb and dumber”. Unlike women, men don’t have outlets to deal with their issues. The end result is that for some men, the wounds inflicted by life’s baggage fester like an untreated cut and start oozing pus. Fact: If a guy’s been cheated on, he’s less likely than a woman to trust again, and if he was mistreated by his mother, he’s more likely to engage in misogynistic behavior. As a gadget lover, my only complaint with Wilser is his idea that the love of gadgets should end at knowing how to operate and or fix “the dishwasher, laundry machine or oven”. I don’t want a man who doesn’t know how to use a dishwasher or do his own laundry. A ‘real’ man should be able to assist
Maxim #79 – “No poking on Facebook” What does a poke really mean anyway? Like Wilser, I also think there should be a ban on blind friend requests. Personally, if I’ve never met you in person or virtually, I don’t care how cute your picture is, or that we have friends in common – ‘friending’ me is creepy. Maxim #90 – “You don’t cheat” Strangely enough, this is the only rule that doesn’t have an exception. I’m willing to admit that monogamy may not be for everybody, but all relationships should have integrity. Real men and women keep their word. Like Wilser, I also agree that modern men should have a basic knowledge of current
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I don’t know any man who adheres to all 100 of these maxims, but admittedly the men I’m most attracted to embody at least 55 of the maxims. Wilser grew up white and middle class, so his experiences and definition of manhood can’t be exactly the same as a guy from an urban environment, or an island like Trinidad or Tobago. All rules aside, a woman will respond differently to ‘typical’ male behavior based on her own experiences, and cultural background. If nothing else, knowing the default stereotype should spark an open conversation between men and women about how we define our roles and ourselves. Society didn’t evolve because everyone blindly followed social convention. Real men and women know that there is only one maxim worth heeding: question everything.
October 2011
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
OneLove CARIBBEAN
SIMPLY NATURAL HEALTH CORNER TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR HEALTH tivity due to lack of exercise and lack of sleep can all increase inflammation in your body. Inflammation plays a role in some of the diseases below: • Cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease • Arthritis, Bronchitis, chronic pain, frequent bouts of diarrhea or constipation. • Visible signs of aging like wrinkles • Susceptibility to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections • Acid reflux, heartburn, candidiasis, urinary tract infections • Skin conditions like psoriasis and acne Marcelline Chitolie Staff Writer
TOP 10 FOODS THAT PREVENT INFLAMMATION IN YOUR BODY
Did you know that inflammation is the common link between conditions such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimers, and arthritis?
Here are 10 excellent inflammation-fighting foods and ways to incorporate them into your lifestyle:
Did you know inflammation is thought to be one of the culprits behind the visible signs of aging?
• Broccoli has tons of Vitamin C and plenty of calcium • Omega 3,6,9 fatty acids – the oils fight inflammation • Salmon or other fatty fish like cod and sardines • Tart cherries can reduce inflammation ten times better than aspirin. They help reduce your risk of heart disease • Soaked walnuts ( to make them easier to digest) are heart healthy • Onions and garlic. Onions have lots of quercetin, a potent antioxidant that can help your body fight inflammation. Garlic has long been a folk remedy; its anti-inflammatory properties are amazing. Garlic contain sulphur compounds that stimulate the immune system to fight disease • Fermented foods such as Dong Quai, help build immunity and help control infections that are often an underlying cause of inflammation. • Pineapple contains bromelain, an antioxidant that boosts your immunity naturally. • Spinach has plenty of carotenoids, and also contains vitamin E. • Spices like Ginger and Tumeric. Ginger lowers inflammation and in some studies has been shown to reduce pain associated with arthritis. Tumeric is a spice used extensively in other cultures. It contains curcumin, a substance that actively reduces inflammation.
If you reduce inflammation in your body you will significantly lower your risk for chronic disease and look and feel younger. Here are some facts: Inflammation is your body’s response to stress – whether from your diet, lifestyle or environment. Think of what happens when you catch a cold. You may experience inflammation in the form of a fever as your body heats up to eradicate the effects of the invading virus. This kind of inflammation is good, but the modern epidemic of chronic, low-grade inflammation destroys the balance in your body. When your body’s systems experience a constant inflammatory response, you become more susceptible to aging and disease. The main causes of inflammation are lowgrade bacterial, viral and fungal infections in the bloodstream and organs like the stomach and gastro-intestinal tract. Other causes of inflammation include chronic low-grade food allergies or food sensitivities that may cause few symptoms. An imbalance of bacteria and fungi in your gastrointestinal tract is known as dysbiosis. This causes your immune system to overreact to bacteria in your gut and can be without notable symptoms. Stress is another cause. The constant psychological, emotional or physical stress raises the level of cortisol, creating inflammation. Environmental toxicity found in our air, water, food pollutants and toxic metals like mercury and lead all contribute to inflammation and have been linked to diseases such as endometriosis and cancer. Diet and lifestyle such as too much refined sugar, fat, and processed foods jack insulin levels up causing inflammation and put the immune system on high alert. Constant dehydration not drinking the required 8 glasses of water is another factor. Consumption of too much alcohol, sodas and caffeine, inac-
Beneficial herbs to reduce inflammation in the body are echinacea, red clover, pau d’arco, alfalfa is a good source of minerals and chlorophyll. Take a good multi vitamin along with Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, Grapeseed extract, multi mineral complex. While the incidence of inflammation and inflammatory disease is rising in all developed and developing countries, it is important to remember that each of us has an individual response to the stressors in our life and the foods we put in our bodies. Consult your doctor if you are starting any lifestyle change.
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Page 13
Men: Cancer Prevention Tips by Age By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade Medical Editor In my dental practice, I come across many medical literatures on a daily basis. However, when this article, “Men: Cancer Prevention Tips by Age” came, I was very much taken aback, and would be remiss if I did not share it with you, my readers. Here it goes! Men who maintain a healthy body throughout life are often better able to fight off diseases like cancer. That’s why experts at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have created a guide with cancer prevention tips to help men at every stage of life. “Practicing the healthy behaviors in our guide is important for all men, regardless of age,” said Therese Bevers, M.D., medical director of MD Anderson’s Cancer Prevention Center. “So take note of all of these tips — even the ones directed toward men older or younger than you.” Your 20s: Avoid Alcohol and HPV Sex, Vaccines and HPV: Most sexually active men will get the human papillomavirus (HPV). This sexually transmitted disease increases a man’s chances of developing penile, anal and head and neck cancers. Men in their 20s can protect their body from this disease by getting the HPV vaccine. Too Much Booze, You Lose: Men are more likely to be binge drinkers than women. And, research shows that drinking even a small amount of alcohol increases cancer risks. Men can play it safe by having no more than two alcoholic drinks per day. Your 30s: Gain Muscle, Lose Stress Put Some Muscle into It: Most men begin to lose muscle mass after age 30. Strength training can prevent muscle loss, build bone density and help the body burn calories faster to keep men at a healthy weight. And, maintaining a healthy weight can help men avoid diseases like cancer. Take Time to Unwind: Increased responsibilities at home and work can bring increased stress. And, chronic stress affects
Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, DDS
almost every system in a man’s body and wreaks havoc on its functioning, making it harder to fight off diseases like cancer. Men can help curb stress by doing breathing exercises and other relaxation-type activities like massage or yoga. Your 40s: Fight the Battle of the Bulge Avoid Weight Gain: As men get older, their metabolism decreases. This is especially true for men after age 40. Making healthy food choices and staying active every day can help men jumpstart their metabolism and keep off unwanted pounds that could raise their risk of cancer. Your 50s and older: Get Screened Schedule a Doctor’s Visit: Cancer is more likely to show up in men age 50 and older. That’s why the majority of cancer screening exams begin at this age. Finding and treating cancer as early as possible is one of the best ways to beat this disease. And, in the case of prostate cancer (the most common cancer in men), treating the disease at an early stage means men may be less likely to experience long-term side effects like impotence. Get annual check-ups “Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s or 60s, yearly check-ups are a must,” said Bevers. “With the help of your doctor, you can create a personalized health plan to help you stay healthy for many years to come.”
Little Known FACTS...
Almost 70 percent of high school students are not getting the recommended hours of sleep on school nights, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published online by Preventive Medicine. Insufficient sleep is associated with a variety of health-risk behaviors, including physical inactivity, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, fighting, and being sexually active. Saint Lucia Association of Texas
Jounen Kweyol Celebration 2011 October 30, 2011 Unidad Park 2510 J B LeFevre, Baytown, TX www. stluciatx.com
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Save the DATE
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Grand Parents Visit A Dominican family from Pointe Michel was visiting their kids overnight in Katy. This was their first visit to the United States. Grandpa Reggie went to his son’s medicine cabinet looking for Phensic to relief his severe headache when he found a bottle of Viagra. Papa yo! Grandpa started to sing. “Ah want to use one of dem pills, Starret.” “Paps! Ah ain’t tink so. Dem ting too strong. Plus, dem pills expensive.” “How much dey cost?” asked Grandpa. “$10. a pill,” answered Starret. “Mi na care, son” said Grandpa Reggie. “Ah wan to try de ting nan… and before we leave in the morning, ah gon put de money under de pillow.” Later the next morning, Starret found $110 under the pillow. He called his dad, “Ah told you dem pill was $10 each. How com you put $110.” “Yes man! I know,” said Grandpa. “The hundred is from Grandma.” Jamaican Restaurant Or Not? A Jamaican man coming to the US for the first time went into a Jamaican restaurant and asked the waitress “what kinda Jamaican food unno sell?” To which the waiter replied, “Well we have oxtail, curried goat, curry chicken, tripe & beans, cook-up salt fish, and ackee & salt fish.” Jamaican man: “Tell de man them seh give me one oxtail dinner wid some curry goat gravy. What kinda Jamaican drinks you have?” Waiter: “Ginger beer, sorrel, lemonade, magnum, agony and coconut water.” Jamaican man: “Give me one large ginger beer. What kinda dessert you have?” Waiter: “We have potato pudding, blue draws corn pudding.” Jamaican man: “Aright give me two slices of di pitata pudding. And mi want di same thing to go.” After he was finished eating, the Jamaican man asked the waiter for the bill, which came to US$15. He took out a Jamaican $1000.00 dollar bill, placed it on the counter and told the waiter to keep di change. The waiter was furious and told the man “we don’t take Jamaican money here.” The man replied “mi come in yah and nyam Jamaican food, drink Jamaican drinks and eat Jamaican desert. If you nuh want di Jamaican dollars den tek down de sign outa doowah weh seh JAMAICAN RESTAURANT.
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A Far Cry from Africa
BY DEREK WALCOTT A wind is ruffling the tawny pelt Of Africa, Kikuyu, quick as flies, Batten upon the bloodstreams of the veldt. Corpses are scattered through a paradise. Only the worm, colonel of carrion, cries: “Waste no compassion on these separate dead!” Statistics justify and scholars seize The salients of colonial policy. What is that to the white child hacked in bed? To savages, expendable as Jews? Threshed out by beaters, the long rushes break In a white dust of ibises whose cries Have wheeled since civilizations dawn From the parched river or beast-teeming plain. The violence of beast on beast is read As natural law, but upright man Seeks his divinity by inflicting pain. Delirious as these worried beasts, his wars Dance to the tightened carcass of a drum, While he calls courage still that native dread Of the white peace contracted by the dead. Again brutish necessity wipes its hands Upon the napkin of a dirty cause, again A waste of our compassion, as with Spain, The gorilla wrestles with the superman. I who am poisoned with the blood of both, Where shall I turn, divided to the vein? I who have cursed The drunken officer of British rule, how choose Between this Africa and the English tongue I love? Betray them both, or give back what they give? How can I face such slaughter and be cool? How can I turn from Africa and live?
Finding Yourself By: Hutchie Simeon
Take a stroll into the woods Deep into the woods Where listening is learning Then listen to the wind As it moves through the trees Listen to the rustling of the leaves As they brush against each other Watch as the grass blades bend in unison This way then that Listen to the sound Of your own breathing Your heart beating The birds singing No you are not alone You are like the wind The trees The grass The birds You are in harmony With creation In a totally natural world Conversing with your soul Finding yourself Being yourself At peace with yourself If you can’t be yourself You are nobody.
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October 2011
CRAZY CARIBBEAN BAKING COCONUT CAKES Ingredients 3 cups flour 4 tbsp butter, 1 large egg 3 tsp baking powder 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup raisins 1 cup unsweetened grated coconut 1/4 tsp Angostura Bitters (Optional) 1/2 cup water Directions Allow butter to reach room temperature. Add sugar and butter in a mixer. Mix at medium speed until a smooth creamy mixture is formed. Add egg, vanilla, and bitters to mixture. Continue to mix at medium speed until thoroughly mix.. Reduce speed of mixer to low. Add flour, cinnamon and baking powder. Allow to mix. Add grated coconut and raisins. Continue to mix at low speed until a thick dough is achieved. Add water only if needed. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheet. Using an ice cream scoop, place scoops of dough on the cookie sheet. Place cookie sheet in preheated oven. Allow to bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. FLAKY PASTRY DOUGH Ingredients 1 lb flour - sifted 12 oz shortening at room temp 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar 9 oz water, 1/2 tsp lime juice Directions Mix shortening in the flour by hand until it resembles coarse cornmeal. Add the salt and sugar and mix dough with the water and lime juice mixture. Do not over-knead. Place in refrigerator for at least one hour.
TROPICAL MANGO TURNOVERS Ingredients 2 cups mangoes, finely chopped 1/4 cup almonds, flaked ¼ tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp cornstarch ½ cup water 1 egg, lightly beaten milk to brush Use Flaky Pastry Dough recipe Directions Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease two baking trays. Mix cornstarch and water. Add mango, flaked almonds, cinnamon and sugar. Mix well. Roll out dough. Cut the pastry sheets into 6 inch square. Place mango filling in the center of square. Brush the edges with egg, fold in half and use a fork to seal the edges. Brush the top of pastry with a little milk and sprinkle sugar. Place on the prepared trays and bake for 10 minutes, or until golden. CURRANT ROLL Ingredients 12 oz currants 4 oz brown sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp of nutmeg 1 tsp. vanilla Use Flaky Pastry Dough recipe Directions Mix the above ingredients together. Roll dough in a square shaped figure. Spread currants mixture evenly over dough except for a 1” edge. Lightly wet the edges a little water. Roll dough to about a 1” folds. Seal edges. Place rolls on a greased baking sheet. Brush with egg wash or water. Punch about 6 small holes in dough.Bake at 350 for 45 min.
Lightly, dust table top with just enough flour to prevent sticking. Spread dough with rolling pin about ¼ thick. Roll and fold. Place dough in plastic wrap and allow to rest in refrigerator overnight.
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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 (Ponderosa Office Park behind the bank)
281-919-1517 From Page 3 with $10 billion, in order to leverage private and public capital and to invest in a broad range of infrastructure projects of nationaland regional significance, without earmarks or traditional political influence. The Bank would be based on the model Senators Kerry and Hutchison have championed while building on legislation by Senators Rockefeller and Lautenberg and the work of long-time infrastructure bank champions like Rosa DeLauro and the input of the President’s Jobs Council. Project Rebuild: Putting People Back to Work Rehabilitating Homes, Businesses and Communities. The President is proposing to invest $15 billion in a national effort to put construction workers on the job rehabilitating and refurbishing hundreds of thousands of vacant and foreclosed homes and businesses. Building on proven apFrom Page 3 biological sciences. From there, Murray followed in his father’s footsteps and attended the primarily African-American Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Upon graduating Meharry, Murray enrolled for additional training at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and then completed his residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center in California. Other training stints followed; he studied at the University of Arizona on a Cardiology Fellowship, and landed back in California, where he eventually worked as the associate director for the interventional cardiology fellowship-training program at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego. In 1999, Dr. Murray left California for a second time and struck out on his own, opening up a private practice in Las Vegas. Locating his office just east of the strip, Murray—again taking a cue from his father—aimed to serve not just the city’s wealthy, but its underserved as well. In 2006, Murray expanded his scope From Page 5 artist can perform at 60% of them (63 events), he/she can look forward to making approximately $81,000 ($504,000 TT) over the Carnival season. While this may be a decent sum, the artist’s actual take-home figure can be reduced after factoring in; studio recording costs, payments to backing bands, and other production and performance costs. In contrast, the same artist can command $5,000 at a show outside of Trinidad, and can presumably do more touring than during Carnival, owing to a larger available market. No matter the field, the decision to leave one’s home is always a tough one. Wheth-
proaches to stabilizing neighborhoods with high concentrations of foreclosures, Project Rebuild will bring in expertise and capital from the private sector, focus on commercial and residential property improvements, and expand innovative property solutions like land banks. This approach will not only create construction jobs but will help reduce blight and crime and stabilize housing prices in areas hardest hit by the housing crisis. Expanding Access to High-Speed Wireless in a Fiscally Responsible Way: The President is calling for a deficit reducing plan to deploy high-speed wireless services to at least 98 percent of Americans, including those in more remote rural communities, while freeing up spectrum through incentive auctions, spurring innovation, and creating a nationwide, interoperable wireless network for public safety. Source: The White House and returned to the city where his father had made a name for himself to open the Acres Homes Heart and Vascular Institute. “We have been so lucky to have Dr. Murray and that clinic in this community,” Houston patient Ruby Mosley told People magazine. “There are many, many patients that thank God this man was here for them.” Those who’ve had financial dealings with the doctor, however, might feel otherwise. Unpaid debts, lawsuits, and tax liens have followed Dr. Murray’s life. More than $400,000 in court judgments alone were issued against his Las Vegas practice, and in December 2008 Dr. Murray, who has an unknown number of children, was ordered to cough up $3,700 in unpaid child support. Dr. Conrad Murray. (2011). Biography.com. Retrieved 02:08, Oct 07, 2011 from http:// www.biography.com/people/dr-conradmurray-481814 er you love KMC or couldn’t be bothered by him and his music, this decision should serve as a wake-up call to all of us. It clearly signifies that the Soca industry, and T&T as a whole, is not doing enough to keep a hold of its musical talent and we are consequently losing our music. When we lose our music, we lose our culture, and eventually, ourselves.
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Wednesday, October 12 • 9:30 am 12:30 pm JORNADA DE SALUD GRATUITA! Consulado Panama En Houston 24 Greenway Plaza, #1307, Houston, TX
Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 4:00 pm BLOCKO Behind Sterling Library – by Lee College Baytown, Texas
Estaremos Ofreciendo De Manera Gratuita Los Siguientes Examenes: ABC Dental, Diabetes, Colesterol, Sida, Mamogramas
Friday, October 21, 2011 at 10:00 pm Flavor Fridays October Edition Sienna Hall 1911 Bissonnet St, Houston, Texas
Ademas estaremos ofreciendo orientacion en los temas: Violencia Domestica, Nutricion (Obesidad) Manejo De Enfermedades Cronicas Thursday, October 13 at 6:30pm - October 15 14th Annual Sankofa: Caravan to the Ancestors 29th and Seawall Boulevard, Galveston Friday, October 14 at 9:00 pm Reggae Night at Avani Lounge Avani Lounge 5711 Hillcroft Suite, Houston, TX Saturday, October 15 at 6:00 pm The Outpouring - Apostle Lovella Mogere Word of Power Int’l Fellowship Church 7511 South Freeway, Houston, TX Saturday, October 15 at 10:00 pm Phone Wars Party VYBZ NY Night Club 7400 Harwin Dr, Houston, TX Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 10:00 pm Black & White Affair Preet Pavillion 11050 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas
Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 10:00 pm All White Vybz Affair VYBZ NY 7400 Harwin Dr, Houston, TX Saturday, October 22 at 10:00 am The Annual Puerto Rican & Cuban Festival Tranquility Park. Houston, TX Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 7:30PM Dominica Houston Association’s 15th Annual Independence Dinner, Dance & Cultural Extravaganza Milian Pavilion, 6693 Harwin Drive, Houston, TX Sunday, October 30 at 2:00 pm Jounen Kweyol Celebration Unidad Park 2510 J B LeFevre, Baytown, TX Saturday. November 5th at 7:00 p.m. Taste of Panama The Houston Association of Panamanians, Inc. in celebration of Panama’s Independence. 1923 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX.
It pays to advertise in One Love Caribbean - 281-769 2253 From Page 5 Proceeds from this year’s affair will be donated to Africa Cancer Care, Inc. (ACCI) The Texas Multicultural Women is an organization for women with in an international origin, background or experience that live in the Houston Metropolitan area. Their
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goal is to reach beyond their own cultures and bridge the gap by collaborating across cultures to volunteer with different organizations to meet the needs of women and children. The group encourages and fosters relationships between diverse cultures and also provides a point of contact for international women.
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