CAP September 2012 by caribbeanamericanpassport

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Miami Broward One Carnival Columbus Day Weekend

Miami-Broward One Carnival Parade of Bands October 7, 2012 at 10:00 a.m., inside Sun Life Stadium

he official countdown has begun. The 4th Annual Miami Broward Carnival is set for October 7, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. at Sun Life Stadium, Home of the Miami Dolphins,2269 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami Gardens, FL 33056. This event celebrates the pulsating steel pan and soca music, dazzling costumes, sumptuous foods and lively spirit of South Florida’s Caribbean and international community, with an action packed schedule of festivities including these marquee events:

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Trinidad & Tobago celebrates fifty years as an independent nation

• Junior Carnival September 30, 2012 • Parade of Bands October 7, 2012 at 10 a.m. • Concert and Stage Show October 7, 2012 inside Sun Life Stadium • And numerous electrifying Carnival events leading up to the main attraction. For a full schedule of official Miami Broward One Carnival events, visit www. Miami BrowardCarnival. com. Under the direction of The Miami Broward

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Caribbean Players on the Orlando City Pro Soccer Team

ll of these players and the whole squad give back to the community by going out to the soccer youth clubs to do free clinics. They also do the Orlando City Winter and Summer camps. As a community we need to reach out and support these fine young men who are doing something positive in Orlando. We always hear about the negative.....time for us to start celebrating the positive! #18 | Molino, Kevin M DOB: 06/17/1990 H: 5' 7" W: 145 lbs Home Town: Carenage, Trinidad & Tobago College: N/A Last Club: Ma Pau SC

#15 | Chin, Dennis F DOB: 06/04/1987 H: 6' 1" W: 162 lbs Home Town: Oviedo, FL, USA College: Rollins College Last Club: Central Florida Kraze (PDL)

Dennis Chin is beginning his professional career with Orlando City. He has previously played in the PDL with the Central Florida Kraze (2006-2010). Although born in the USA his parents are both from Jamacia and live right here in Oviedo. He also has 2 younger brothers that are well on their way to becoming pros like their big bother Dennis.

Kevin Molino began his professional career in his native Trinidad and Tobago in 2008 with San Juan Jabloteh. In 2009, he signed with Ma Pau SC and stayed there through the conclusion of the 2010-2011 season. With Ma Pau, he won the 2010-2011 Toyota Classic, the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first ever silverware. Molino has made four appearances for the Trinidad and Tobago senior national team.

#13 | Clark, Justin D DOB: 10/17/1988 H: 6' 1" W: 170 lbs Home Town: Atlanta, Ga. College: Rollins College Last Club: Rollins College

#5 | Bernard, Kieron D DOB: 08/02/1985 H: 6' 1" W: 185 lbs Home Town: Spanish Town, Jamaica College: San Jacinto College Last Club: Austin Aztex

Clark joins Orlando City after a stellar career with Rollins College. In his senior season alone, Clark was named to the AllSunshine State Conference team, awarded the 2011 SSC Defender of the Year award, named to the NSCAA All-South Region team, and capped off the year with Third-Team AllAmerica honors. In his junior season, Clark was part of the Rollins team that made it all the way to the Division II National Championship Game. He is a Trinidadian by parents though he was born in Atlanta, GA.

After attending San Jacinto College, Kieron Bernard began his professional career with the Austin Aztex U-23s. He moved with team to the USL First division in 2009. In all, Bernard made 36 appearances for the Aztex from 2009-2010. He scored the only goal of his professional career against AC St. Louis in 2010. Bernardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contract was transferred to Orlando when the Aztex and USL Orlando merged. He has not received a call-up to the senior national team, but Bernard has represented Jamaica on the U-17, U-20, and U-23 levels. #2 | Mechack, Jerome D DOB: 04/21/1990 H: 5' 10" W: 165 lbs Home Town: Liancourt, Haiti College: N/A Last Club: Austin Aztex Mechack Jerome began his professional career in his native Haiti in 2006. From 2006-2009, Jerome played for Baltimore in the Ligue Haitienne. After the conclusion of the Haitian season, Jerome joined Mirandela of the Portuguese Second Division for the remainder of the 2009-2010 season. Jerome joined the Austin Aztex during the 2010 season. He made just 3 appearances for the team. His contract was transferred to Orlando when the Aztex and USL Orlando merged. Jerome has also made 15 appearances for the Haitian national team. Prior to joining the senior national team in 2008, Jerome also participated in the 2007 U-17 CONCACAF Championships and 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup as a youth player.

L I F E S T Y L E

his month I’m in a very reflective mood. We just came off an amazing summer, filled with lots of promise for everything we have to come and then, as life would have it, things get in the way. I’m sure that you all have dealt with that and I wanted to share this important excerpt from one of my favorite books with you. I hope that it leaves you as it always leaves me - inspired and reenergized to take on the last quarter of this year with renewed vigor and strength.

“BOOM! 7 Choices for Blowing the Doors Off Business as Usual By Kevin and Jackie Freiberg” Are you part of the solution or part of the problem? Do you have the courage to think BIG and act BOLD? Are you part of something, fully engaged in what you are doing? Do you want to make a mark on the world? You are on earth for a purpose, a purpose that gives meaning to your life and to the lives of those you touch. Successful people don’t let unfortunate circumstances or limitations drag them down, and they don’t let negative people influence how they are going to act. Your most powerful attribute is the freedom to choose! “The difference between ordinary people and extraordinary people is choice. The freedom of choice is yours alone to leverage or not, no one can grant it to you, and no one can take it away from you.”

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

seven choices you have in your life. 1. Be a player, not a bystander. Do whatever it takes to make positive things happen in your life. Players get joy and meaning through their contributions. Players have a powerful bond and loyalty to their team, and players strive to win and make a difference. Players are value-driven people who refuse to compromise their values in order to fit in. 2. Be accountable It’s not they, but you that are responsible for how your life turns out. Being accountable means not making excuses or complaining, and blaming others for what happens to us. Making excuses weakens our influence and lowers our self-confidence. 3. Choose service over self-interest. Me-first rarely delivers the desired outcome. When your contribution takes the form of service to others, your work suddenly starts to come alive and meaningful. But service is more than helping others, being of service is the greatest gift you can give yourself. 4. Focus forward. Your future isn’t in the rearview mirror. The most important thing about you today is not where you’ve been; it’s where you are going. You need to focus your attention toward what you want to happen in the future in your job, your relationships, your organization, and your life. Where you focus your energy and attention determines what you see, and what you see has a dramatic effect on your attitude, your demeanor, and your effectiveness.

You are not a product of your conditions; you are a product of 5. Play to your genius. Your work is a statement about you. Life your decisions. is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans. Want to create more freedom in your life? Then follow these The work you do, in fact, everything you do, is a statement about who you are. So begin by changing your perceptions about your work. Look for meaning and value beyond the task ubscribe to Caribbean American itself. All work has meaning. All work can make a difference. Ultimate motivation requires that we have in our minds a noble Passport News Magazine today. description of what we do! Why not choose to make it a masterpiece?

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6. Get it done. Success is the reward for those who make a difference. Great companies elevate and protect people who champion a culture of results. MVP’s get it done. They don’t make their bosses do their thinking for them, they don’t make coworkers carry the load. They always look for something new to bring to the table. Create vitality, energy, and “buzz”. 7. Risk more gain more. The world isn’t changed by those who are unwilling to take a risk. Dream big, not to escape life, but to keep life from escaping you. If life is the only game in town, then why aren’t you playing like there’s no tomorrow? Be a game changer. They get all the attention. “Your life is not a dress rehearsal. Your life is now.” Do something that makes a difference in your life...Start today.

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GGR Marketing & Public Relations 1230 Hillcrest Street, Suite 101 • Orlando, FL 32803 407-427-1800 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com For Media Information email: capnewsmagazine@yahoo.com Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor ............................................................................. Audrey Johnson Contributing Writers: ..................................................... Natasha Gittens ........................................................................................ .Lyma Dunbar . .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell ................................................................................ Nouchelle Hastings Contributing Photographers ........................................... Dillia Castillo ........................................................................... Azikiwe smenkh Ka Ra Distribution.................................................................... Samuel Roberts Copyright (C) 2010 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

Roberts & Roberts Property Management Services Serving Orlando & Central Florida Property Management We provide property management solutions for homes, businesses and vacation rentals. Renters! we have homes available.

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Miami-Broward One Carnival Parade of Bands October 7, 2012 at 10:00 a.m., inside Sun Life Stadium

outh Florida has over 1.8 Million people from the Caribbean or of Caribbean heritage, and over 900,000 more throughout the State of Florida. This, together with over 600,000 visitors to South Florida each year, means Carnival 2012 translates to an economic impact of over $60 million on South Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy in two weeks. Miami-Broward One Carnival represents a coming together of two organizations which have traditionally hosted Carnivals in Miami and Broward over the last 27 years. These two separate carnivals have grown in patrons and support annually since 1984. to a carnival that boasts more than 100,000 people attracting people from South Florida, Central Florida and other parts of the USA, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office Outreach to Caribbean Community

n August, the Caribbean American Advisory Committee to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office planned two events with the goal of highlighting Caribbean culture and outreaching to the Caribbean community. On August 10, 2012, the First Annual Caribbean Heritage Luncheon was held at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office where about 200 employees enjoyed Caribbean cuisines from several local restaurants. Restaurants and business that donated to this luncheon included: Caribbean SuperCenter, Singh’s Roti Shop, Golden Krust Restaurant (Ravi & Zorida Manoo), Timehri Restaurant, The Venue Caribbean Restaurant, Soiree Event & Conference Center, CocoBean Productions, Caribbean American Passport News Magazine, Powerline Sounds HD and the Immigration Law Offices of Gail Seeram. Several Caribbean artists, such as an Indian dancer and steel drum player, entertained the crowd while they enjoyed the delicious Caribbean cuisines. The goal

of the event was to introduce Caribbean food to law enforcement employees and hopefully bring a greater understanding to law enforcement of the Caribbean culture. Also, on August 22, 2012, the Caribbean American Advisory Committee (CAAC) to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office planned a Know Your Rights Forum that was hosted by Soiree Event & Conference Center. Speakers included Sheriff Jerry L. Demings, Hon. Faye Allen, Criminal Attorney Mauricio Hued, Former State Prosecutor Joan-Verónika Valedón-Miranda, ACLU Director Joyce Hamilton Henry and Immigration Attorney Gail Seeram. Various topics were discussed including: rights during a traffic stop, rights when arrested and detained, the criminal court process and bail, criminal charges and immigration consequences and restoring rights. The CAAC Chair, Gail Seeram, hopes to plan more of these Know Your Rights Forum for the community in 2013.

At the Luncheon, Creig Camacho, committee member, helping to serve food

At the Luncheon, Sheriff Demings playing steelpan

Know Your Rights Forum

Caribbean Sunshine Bakery- 20th Anniversary Reggae Gospel Extravaganza

aribbean Sunshine bakery celebrated their 20th Anniversary Extravaganza on Labor Day, September 3rd, at Festival Field in Orlando. Customers were in awe that the years had gone by so quickly so there was an air of thanksgiving to God, with well known artists like Sanchez, Lt. Stitchie, ShanTai and Angela “Angel in zion ” Gordon-Kelly. Joining the celebration were 506 crew, Leon Coldero, Tony Blair and many others. Peter was born in Jamaica but lends himself as a citizen of the entire Caribbean . The visitors to the restaurant

seem to have a connection with him and they ask for him quite often or w h e n t h e y d o n ’t h a v e e n o u g h money. He prides himself on the fact that his parents are good cooks and it runs in his blood. You can see the joy on his face when he speaks about making a delivery of bread to an event and how important it is to get it there on time. He wears a chef’s hat which shows that he is the “chief cook and bottle washer around there”. It appears that the customers, locals and tourists alike, all enjoy the good wholesome food with the exotic Jamaican flavor.

Uninhibited Dreamer

By James Justin Millennium Eye Center

developed from wrong information. When we focus on fear with the lens of truth, it seems to weaken and disappear. Don’t believe the voice that tells you that it is impossible, used to never have dreams because I thought that dreams for nothing is impossible to those who believe. Dreams can never came true. I thought that on the way to achieve your come true. dreams there was always an unseen hand waiting to destroy you and take it all away before your dreams can be Dreams are what make the world rotate. Without dreams achieved. Therefore I thought it was pointless to have a our existence would become bland. Dreams bring us into a dream or even pursue one if all would be taken away no realm beyond the physical plane into a supernatural plane. matter what you do. However I am now discovering that my Dreams open the portals of heaven. In our dreams we get a thinking was based on faulty BS (belief systems). I devel- taste of what life was truly intended to be. We see a world oped these negative attitudes towards dreams because of my without limits; we see the world that God created. Dreams traumatic childhood. But now as an Adult, I realized that I help us tap into divine powers and God’s own imagination. don’t have to agree with my past beliefs, I can create a new When we allow ourselves to have dreams and follow our mindset. It is now my core belief that if you can change dreams without inhibition, we release God’s power of creyour mindset, you can change your life. In the next issue I ation unto this world and create magic. One person’s dreams will share how changing my mindset about dreams has can make a path for another’s dream to materialize. For helped me change my life. example, because of a young preacher’s dreams, we now have an African American president. Don’t underestimate Everyone will experience loss in this life that is a fact. How- the power of your dreams; you may be the next world ever it does not mean that we should not have dreams be- changer. Don’t let faulty BS or fear kill your dreams; be cause of our fears. Fear stands for False Evidence Appearing bold, be brave and become what few dare to become…an Real. These fears are usually based on faulty B.S. that we uninhibited dreamer.

ImmigrationTALK

Short Trips to U.S. & Long Trips Abroad Terminate Permanent Resident Status By Attorney Gail S. Seeram, 1-877-GAIL-LAW Gail@GailLaw.com www.GailLaw.com

he United States Court of Appeal for the Sixth Circuit by its ruling on June 26, 2012 sent a strong message to law ful permanent residents who take short trips to the U.S. and spend the majority of there time abroad. The message or ruling in the Lateef v. Holder decision states that if a lawful permanent resident is deemed to have abandoned his/her residency due to long trips abroad, then the Immigration Courts can terminate status with an order of removal. Usually, when a lawful permanent resident is seeking entry into the U.S., the Immigration officer will examine the amount of time the permanent resident has spent abroad. If Immigration officer deems that the permanent resident has abandoned his/her status then he can take away the green card and refer the case to Immigration Court. In these types of cases, the government has the burden to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the permanent resident abandoned his or her status. Typically, the government will seek to show the permanent resident lacks family, financial, employment and property ties in the U.S. Additionally, the government will document the lengthy trips abroad and repeated trips abroad which have resulted in short stays in the

U.S. Lastly, the government will provide other evidence in the record to document the permanent residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intent in maintaining his/her permanent status in the U.S. Lawful permanent resident status may be lost through abandonment, whether intentional or unintentional. What are some common mistakes that are red flag indicators that a lawful permanent resident is not living in the U.S. and has abandoned his/her status? Here is my list based on past and current clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mistakes: 1. Lawful permanent resident that buys a one-way ticket from the U.S. to destination country abroad (it shows no intent to return to the U.S. within a short period) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there should always be a roundtrip ticket with final destination in the U.S.; 2. Lawful permanent residents who spend 6 months abroad, 1 month in the U.S., 6 months abroad, 1 month in the U.S., - this is a definite red flag to an officer. 3. Lawful permanent residents with no job in U.S. and no lease property or home ownership in the U.S.; 4. Lawful permanent residents who have not filed tax returns in the U.S., but have filed tax returns abroad for income earned abroad; and 5. Lawful permanent residents who take short trips to the U.S. for purposes such as giving birth to child in the U.S., filing tax returns, doctor visits, attend weddings or funerals and then return to longer time spent abroad. Remember, as a lawful permanent resident, you MUST be permanently residing in the U.S. and not visiting the U.S. after long trips abroad. The U.S. government and immigration authorities have taken a tougher enforcement position on this issue.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: What Notaries Do Not Know! cause, it is possible that the applicant traveled out during the requisite 5-year period subsequent to his or her entry in 1998, and thus broke the continuity of residence. Thus, in order to establish this requirement, the applicant must submit documentation, such as bills, receipts, employment records or other such evidence.

Shahzad Ahmed, Esq. Partner Senior Immigration Attorney NeJame Law (407) 245-1232 This illustrates how it is important to document your case propahmeds@nejamelaw.com www.immigrationcounselors.com erly in order to prevent delays in your case. An experienced immigration attorney, rather than an unlicensed notary, is much more likely to prepare your case properly.

he trend is definitely there: Every year, numerous members in the immigrant community become victim to those who commit unlicensed practice of law. And this number increases when the government announces an amnesty program or some other form of relief. Innocent people are lured by the bait of “cheap” fees and become victims of “notaries” who mishandle their cases and destroy their chances of ever adjusting status. In our previous article of July 2012, Keeping the DREAM Alive: A Glimmer of Hope for the Undocumented Youth, we noted the main requirements of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s new policy for childhood arrivals. Now, given the DHS’ implementation of the filing procedure on August 15, 2012, we warn you against hiring unlicensed practitioners or “notaries.” DACA is not permanent Do not let anyone tell you that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will bring you permanent status. DACA is a discretionary decision by the DHS to defer removal action against a foreign national upon meeting certain criteria, providing a stay of removal. It does not grant lawful status upon someone and can be terminated at any time at the discretion of DHS.

Discretion Most members of the immigrant community, and unlicensed practitioners, are under the impression that if they meet the above criteria, then they are guaranteed the approval of their application for DACA. However, the DHS publications have made clear that the grant of DACA is discretionary. That is, even if one meets the above requirements, the government may not exercise discretion favorably, and ultimately deny the application. Thus, it is imperative that every applicant present the best case possible. It is the job of a professional immigration attorney to present all favorable circumstances in your life. Such equities may be what sway the decision of the immigration officer in your favor. Avoiding Mistakes and Misrepresentations There have been numerous cases of notaries making errors and misrepresentations in applications, causing denials of the foreign national’s applications. Further, under the new policy, any applicant who knowingly makes a misrepresentation to DHS to receive deferred action or work authorization will be treated as an immigration enforcement priority to the fullest extent permitted by law. The lesson is that your immigration matters should not be treated lightly. Instead of turning over your immigration concerns to a notary, entrust them to a professional and experienced immigration attorney.

Document, Document, Document As is with most types of immigration cases, the burden is upon the applicant to prove that he or she meets the criteria for eligibility. Thus for example, in order to meet the requirement that the applicant has been continuously residing in the U.S. NeJame, LaFay, Jancha, Ahmed, Barker, Joshi & Moreno, P.A. for at least 5 years preceding June 15, 2012, it will not be suffi- 189 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 1800 cient to show an entry document from 1998. This is so be- Orlando, Florida 32801

Will the Killing of the US Ambassador to Libya Impact the Presidential Election? he didn’t know what he was doing or saying.

By Roger Caldwell

The president responded to this behavior by stating that Romney prefers to “shoot first and aim later.” Some fellow Republicans even voiced regret over Romney’s decision to criticize the administration at that delicate moment, and former Sen. John Sununu said, “They should have waited.”

“The embassy assaults are a sobering reminder not only of the deep anger and dysfunction that plague the broader Middle East, but of the enormous difficulty the United States has in dealing with this part of the world,” wrote Blake Hounshell, managing editor of Foreign Policy magazine. There is a special insight that the commander-in-chief must have to make the right decisions and guide our country through foreign crisis.

Global policy is a delicate balance between politics and policy, and anti-American protests have spread to around 20 countries in the world. Demonstrations last week scaled the walls of embassies in Tunisia and Sudan, while Egyptian police fired tear gas to keep protesters away from the US Embassy in Cairo. Romney and Ryan continue to attack the president, because they think that America needs to be bold and be firm with the countries around the world that do not support or agree with our policies. The candidates are using the same advisors that Bush used and this is the thinking that got America into two wars during the Bush Administration.

Last week was a challenging and turbulent week with violent attacks on US diplomatic facilities in the Middle East, which killed US Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, and three members of his staff. These events have raised a new and potentially volatile political issue in the United States, with only seven weeks left in the presidential election.

As the president honored the four Americans slain in Libya, anti-American violence continued to spread across the Muslim world. This is a very complicated situation and there is no one solution to this crisis. Many of these countries are new democracies and their governments are volatile with inexperienced officials, police and armies.

GOP challenger Mitt Romney at a press conference on last Wednesday, before all the information was out on the violent attacks on US diplomatic facilities criticized the president on his administration’s Middle East policies. “When our ground is being attacked and breached, the first response of the United States must be outrage at the breach of the sovereignty of our nation and apology for American values is never the right course,” said Romney.

Every Muslim country in the Middle East is not our enemy and delicate diplomacy is needed to improve their relationship with the United States. It is obvious that Romney and Ryan will try to force the president to rush his decisions. With the unexpected events on the world stage, this is a weakness that the Democrats can capitalize on, because Romney has limited experience.

In a recent Washington Post/ABC News survey of registered voters, 51% of respondents said they trusted President Obama Many reporters, Democrats, and even Republicans believe that more to handle international affairs, while 38% said they Romney turned an international diplomatic event into a dan- trusted Romney more. The killing of the ambassador reminds gerous political game, at a time when America should have Americans that changing leadership on foreign affairs could been unified behind the sitting president. The situation was create more problems for our country. If the president in the evolving and all the facts had not been discovered. Jumping next weeks can resolve some of the problems on the world stage, into a situation without the facts made the candidate look like it could mean more citizens will vote for him in the election.

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Caribbean American Passport 2012 Voters Guide Orange, Osceola, & Seminole Counties

his is a guide to voting in the upcoming General Election. tance in registering to vote in your area. For more information on voting in the state of Florida, contact the Florida Division of Elections Voter Assistance Hotline Who can register to vote? at 1(866)308-6739, or online at http://election.dos.state.fl.us/. According to the Florida Division of Elections, to be eligible to vote in the state of Florida, you must: When is the Election Day? The 2012 General Election in the United States is on November 1. Be a Citizen of the United States of America (a lawful permanent resident is not a U.S. citizen); 6, 2012. Absentee voting and Early Voting are also available 2. Be a Florida resident; to registered voters. 3. Be 18 years old (you may pre-register to vote if you are 16 years old, but you cannot vote until you are 18 years old). What are we voting for in the General Election? The 2012 General Election is for the offices of the President of 4. Not to be adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state without having the the United States, U.S. Senatorial Seats (Senators), U.S. Conright to vote restored; gressional Seats (House of Representatives/Congressmen), Judges, School Board Seats, and other offices are up for elec- 5. Not have been convicted of a felony without your civil rights having been restored; and tion at this time. 6. Provide your current and valid Florida driver’s license number or Florida identification card number. If you do When do we register to vote? not have a Florida driver’s license number or a Florida The Deadline for Voter Registration for the 2012 General identification card number then you must provide the Election is October 9, 2012 for all eligible Florida residents. last four digits of your Social Security Number. If you do Voter Registration Applications can be completed at your not have any of these items, you must write “none” in local Department of Motor Vehicles Office, Drivers License the box or field. Office, Tax Collectors Office, or Supervisor of Elections office. You can also visit www.RockTheVote.com for assis*Retrieved from http://election.dos.state.fl.us/index.shtml, 2012

Where can I find out more about the Political Parties in my area? Political Party Contact Information:

Democratic Party Orange County Democratic Party http://orangefldemocrats.com/ Phone: (407)839-8901 The Democratic Party of Seminole County http://semdems.com/ Phone: (407)745-1173 Osceola County Democratic Party http://www.democratsosceola.com/ Phone: (407)966-4684 Florida Democratic Party http://www.floridadems.org/ Phone: (850)222-3411

Republican Party Orange County Republican Executive Committee, Florida (OREC) http://www.ocrec.org/ Phone: (407)277-0880 The Republican Party of Seminole County, Florida http://seminolegop.org/ Phone: (407)261-9949 Osceola County Republican Party http://www.osceolarepublicans.org/ Phone: (407)846-8889 Republican Party of Florida http://rpof.org/ Phone: (850)222-7920

Other Independent Voters of Florida http://www.independentvoting.org/activistcenter/ Libertarian Party of Florida http://www.lpf.org/

Celebrating Trinidad & Tobago's 50th Anniversary

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CELEBRATES FIFTY YEARS AS AN INDEPENDENT NATION By Audrey Johnson

rinidad and Tobago, the oil-rich and most southerly of the Caribbean islands, is celebrating its fiftieth year as an independent nation. Trinidad and Tobago obtained its independence from Britain in August 1962, and less than fifteen years later, in 1976, it became a Republic with the last Governor General, Sir Ellis Clarke, becoming the first President. From a Colony to a Republic: As is the history of most of the Caribbean islands, Trinidad and Tobago first had contact with Europeans when Christopher Columbus arrived in the island in 1498. Prior to that, the islands were occupied by a variety of indigenous Indians , many of whom were later wiped out by diseases or killed by their captors. During that colonial period, the country developed a demand for slaves to supply the pearl-fisheries and a brisk slave trade began in the 1500s. With a strong foothold in Trinidad and Tobago, the Spanish established many missions across the country for the purpose of converting the indigenous population. However, due to the shortage of missionaries and tensions between priests and Amerindians, many of these missions went without Christian instructions for long periods of time. The Spanish and Amerindian populations did not increase rapidly in Trinidad and Tobago because of conflicts and massacres, and so in the 1800s, during the French Revolution, there was a brisk migration of people from the French islands such as Martinique. This resulted in Trinidad and Tobago obtaining a large population of French-speaking, Free, Coloured slave-owning class. The British arrived in Trinidad in the early 1800s when the island was surrendered by the Spanish, and annexed neighboring Tobago to become the country of Trinidad and Tobago. With the abolition of slavery, the new British plantation owners suffered a severe shortage of labor. To compensate for this shortage, Trinidad and Tobago planters imported Chinese, free West Africans and Portuguese workers from the island of Madeira. These were later replaced by indentured servants from India as well as ex-slaves from the Lesser Antilles. They were primarily involved in sugar plantation, but this later gave way to the cultivation of cacao (cocoa). Trinidad and Tobago chocolate soon became a high-priced, sought-after commodity. However, the cocoa industry was later destroyed by diseases, and is now merely a marginal crop. Many Indian immigrants who had completed their indentureship also established cocoa estates, most notable of which is Andru Gokool Meah, a Kasmiri-born immigrant who later went on to become one of the wealthiest men in Trinidad and Tobago. The Indian community has steadily grown and prospered, and now makes up the largest ethnic group in the country.

tions of 1950. However, Butler was regarded as a radical and feared by the establishment, and consequently, Albert Gomes became the first Chief Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. The 1956 General Elections saw the emergence of another Political Party, the People’s National Movement (PNM) under the leadership of Dr. Eric Williams. The PNM was opposed by the Democratic Labor Party under Dr. Rudranath Capildeo, but won every general election between 1956 and 1981, upon the death of Prime Minister Eric Williams. Trinidad and Tobago had its share of political unrest in the 60s and 70s. Students at the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies protested the arrest of students at Sir George Williams University in Montreal, Canada, and the ensuing strikes and protests led to the birth of the Black Panther Movement , which was responsible for a period of unrest and economic difficulties in that country. However, the recovery of oil prices in the 1970s resulted in an economic boom, increasing the standard of living, as well as corruption. The PNM’s 30 year rule ended when the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) rose to power in 1986 by reuniting people of AfroTrinidadian and Indo-Trinidadian descent, naming A.N.R Robinson as the Prime Minister. The alliance broke down soon after when the Indian component withdrew and formed the United National Congress (UNC) under Basdeo Panday. The PNM won the 1991 election which brought Patrick Manning to power as Prime Minister. However, in the election of 1995, the UNC and the NAR united to form the new government under Basdeo Panday, making him the first Indo-Trinidadian Prime Minister. Since 2000, there have been constant changes in the political leadership of the country. Security conditions have also deteriorated in the face of serious crime and illegal activities, threatening the stability of the nation. Current Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the first female Prime Minister in the nation’s history, called for the declaration of a limited state of emergency. Trinidad & Tobago is world renowned for its yearly explosion of music and celebration, commonly called Carnival. According to WestIndianCulture.com, “Carnival today is the end result of the evolution of an expressive cultural art form. To visitors it seems to be natural in every Trinibagon despite of race, colour, creed and class. Carnival is a potpourri of cultural expressions, drawn from European and African influences; that [is celebrated] along the Catholic Church calendar... held every year on the Monday and Tuesday preceding lent, two days before Ash Wednesday. The festivities consist of many ingredients that, over time, have been expertly woven into the very fabric of Trinidad Carnival. Calypso, steel band and costuming are the main factors in the celebration; and when that is mixed with the human element, the end result is Trinidad Carnival.

As in the rest of the region, Trinibagons are hopeful that the Although oil was discovered in Trinidad in the mid 1800s, com- current conditions will rapidly change, returning to a state mercial production began in earnest in the mid 1900s, and of economic success and stability, while enjoying tranquility and well-being for its people. In the meantime, carnival now the country produces in excess of 150,000 bbl/d. goes on and Trinis at their colorful best continue to take to In 1937, an immigrant from Grenada, T.U.B. Butler, incited a the streets to dance the SOCA. We wish them another fifty labor riot which shook the country and led to the formation of years of progress! the modern trade union movement. At the end of World War 11, Butler organized the British Empire Citizens’ and Workers’ Source: Partly from Wikipedia.org Home Rule Party, which performed well in the General Elec- www.westindianculture.com, Trinidad Carnival History. 2009.

Second and last Governor-General of Trinidad & Tobago and the First President of Trinidad & Tobago Sir Ellis Clarke

Former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday

First and Longtime Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago Eric Williams

Current Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar

Steel Pan is the National Instrument Of Trinidad & Tobago. Former Prime Minister A.N.R. Robinson

Pine Hills Community Performing Arts Center Celebrates 1st Year Anniversary

or three days, September 27, 28, and 29, 2012, the Shine/Pine Hills Performing Arts Center will present three nights of “Artistic Expressions,”. All festivities will take place at 5600 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 302, Orlando, Florida, 32808, where the Center will celebrate its 1st year anniversary. It’s the Center’s first Annual VIP Art Gala on Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Dinner & Entertainment. RSVP By Sept 17th to 407-538-6102 or chrisd@cfl.rr.com. Key Note Speaker, Mrs. Angelia Rivers, Florida Dept. of Education Bureau Chief Family & Community Outreach. SemiFormal Affair Michael Kimbrough is the CEO/Founder of the center, and he is committed to expanding the artistic expression of the community and growing the vision of the Performing Center. T he Shine/Pine Hills Performing Arts Center has provided quality art to our community through stage productions, performances, concerts, and Children Theater. The goal of the “Artistic Expressions Weekend” is to raise $10,000 to continue with the work of the performing arts center. For more information call Michael Kimbrough at 407-234-9619, or email at michaelkimbrough312@hotmail.com.

Update on Danielle Fletcher

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ontinued prayers are asked for Danielle and her family. Danielle has come a long way but there is still a huge struggle ahead of her. Her family is in the midst of major decision making regarding her care, so we ask that you keep them in your prayers and share any ideas that might make the struggle easier. Powerline Sounds HD, we’re so proud of you for stepping up and forward to organize community huddles to deal with the youth and mentoring. That’s great community leadership. Apopka High School, Sandy Isaacs and team that did a fundraiser and all of the amazing people who donated online - great job. That was an awesome effort on your part to give to the family at this time when they need it. We know that there are many others calling to do something for Danielle. Let’s keep it going. http://www.gofund me.com/supportdanielle, if you would like to donate or help the family in some w a y or go to www.face book.com/hopefordanielle for further information.

Guyana International Conference hosted By CADVA

Youths Enlist in Fight Against Domestic Violence

he Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness abuse, and participation in this conference is an excellent start(CADVA) on Monday launched its first ever youth con- ing point for you to learn how you can be an advocate for ference at the Pegasus Hotel, with scores of youths in important issues.” Hardt admitted that overcoming the probattendance. CADVA’s founder Sukree Boodram, a local lem of domestic violence is a difficult, long term chalCentral Floridian and survivor of domestic abuse, lenge, but noted that everyone can help to stop the said the conference is focused on helping youths cycle. Ambassador Hardt also pointed out that to promote a violence-free environment for the local U.S. embassy has been actively inGuyana, while trying to end domestic viovolved in reaching out to adults and youths lence. Boodram believes there has been to forge a stronger alliance to curb domesmuch focus on educating and building tic violence. The U.S. embassy has supawareness about violence, saying now is ported a number of initiatives aimed at the time to take action against violence. promoting awareness, while creating opCADVA is preparing youths to take the portunities for young people to get inlead role in identifying the issues of viovolved in ending the scourge. lence and taking the necessary actions. The conference was chaired by educator The morning session of the conference saw and journalist Annan Boodram of New youths from New York and Florida universiYork. It also saw the participation of several ties and high schools working alongside youths notable persons, including child psychologist in Guyana, and presenting “young research sciDr Faith Harding. Dr Harding was a key parentists” on topics such as: harassment, sexual bullyticipant in the conference as she hosted the afing, sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence, race and racial tol- ternoon panel discussion. Her passion for this cause in bringerance. These are all issues our youths faces here locally and ing change in Guyana was heard loud and clear. Dianne in other areas of the globe. Madray, the Chief Operations Officer and Program The afternoon session saw Director of CADVA was inpanel discussions on “Redestrumental in the organizafining the lessons our partion of this conference. ents taught us” and a demBreakout sessions of this onstration on how the lesmain events was also done sons taught by parents imin other areas of Guyana inpact and shape their cluding, Berbice, Essequibo children’s lives. Boodram and Linden. Their message said the CADVA hopes to crewas well received and the ate an impact on the particicommunity was eager to pants of the conference. sign the banner pledging their support. This is a demU.S. Ambassador D Brent onstration of people helping Hardt lauded the work being people lead better and safer done by CADVA in Guyana. lives. Our local Central FloIn his address to the youths, ridians can help in our comthe U.S. diplomat pointed to munity to end this epiissues of violence locally. A demic. Support this organirecent study between the zation as it moves across the government of Guyana and the United Nations Population US and Caribbean to continue to bring awareness. Caribbean Fund revealed that the percentage of women that will experi- American Passport News Magazine fully supports the work of ence violence at some point of their lives was as high as 77 this organization. Their next events are in New York and percent in some areas. The U.S. ambassador said, “…there are Trinidad this fall. Learn more about CADVA and upcoming many people who want to help end domestic violence and events at www.cadva.org or email at help@cadva.org.

BRYAN AND GARY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING A PUBLIC FORUM FOR SOME OF THE MOST PROVOCATIVE AND THOUGHT PROVOKING TOPICS THAT DEAL WITH EVERYDAY LIFE. HERE’S A LETTER THAT ASKED: SHOULD I OUT MY CHEATING PASTOR? GARY: Bryan this letter is a bit concerning for me, but it’s and let the chips fall where something that is going on in our CHURCHES and it needs they fall. As a matter of fact, to be addressed. This letter reads: he needs to be removed as the pastor of the church. Dear Bryan and Gary, BRYAN: I say LEAVE him, CASTRATE him, and then FORI am a devote Christian, who loves the Lord and the church. And I GIVE him. am very embarrassed to admit that I’ve been having an affair with GARY: LOL….He needs more my pastor for the past 2 years. He is an attractive, well groomed, than forgiveness, he’s obviously and soft spoken man and I just had to find a way to be near to him; suffering from the “Good Lookso I decided to volunteer as the church secretary. At first we had a ing, Tight Dress Wearing, Single normal working relationship where I would record minutes, answer and Searching Sister Synthe phone, make coffee, etc. But things slowly started to change drome.” I’m sure he wishes that when my pastor started complimenting me on my abilities, with all women afflicted with those special emphasis on my physical attributes. He would tell me that qualities would come unto him. my body was like “poetry in motion” and when he touched me he The good book says “Woe be Bryan was always so gentle, thoughtful, and kind. As a single woman try- unto them that leadeth my ing to find a good man, Pastor possessed all of the qualities I wanted sheep a stray,” so forgiveness alone won’t help this guy. in a man. DID I KNOW he was married? YES. COULD I have stopped BRYAN: O.K. I hear yah, but you would suggest that she just at any time? YES. DID I WANT to? NO. I just could not help myself. expose the man like that? How could something so WRONG feel so RIGHT? I thought what we GARY: Of course, the man is acting contrary to the calling had was SO SPECIAL. Little did I of a minister. So who do you think deserves the blame?? know that my pastor was a serial BRYAN: That’s cold man. CHEATER. GARY: O.K. Mr. “CASTRATE HIM,” I’m the cold one. Just answer the question. Two months ago when I was BRYAN: Fair enough. However, I see a situation where you have asked to head up the PRISON a woman that was determined to get what she wanted. It didn’t MINISTRY, I knew it was over and matter to her that the pastor was married. It didn’t matter to that I had been put out to pas- her that she would have to look his wife in her face and smile ture. I felt so USED. But when I every week. It didn’t matter to her who wanted to know befound out that I was being re- cause like she said, “she felt special.” So why is she pissed now? placed by Sister Maxine (someone Why is she so shocked that the very thing that she was doing who has always wanted him), ALL to the pastor’s wife, has now been done to her. I blame HER for HELL BROKE LOOSE. Now I know eating of the FRUIT FROM THE FORBIDDEN TREE. we all will have to pay for our sins GARY: Really, so you don’t blame the pastor at all. in the end, but he needs to PAY BRYAN: I think they are both to blame, but I blame her more. Gary NOW. What should I do? For all we know, she probably put on that “GOTCHA” dress SHOULD I TELL HIS WIFE ABOUT HIS CHEATING WAYS? SHOULD and put the man in a position where he couldn’t help himself. I TAKE IT TO THE CHURCH AND OUT HIM? OR SHOULD I JUST He was probably on the road to recovery before she set her LEAVE HIM ALONE AND MOVE ON? eyes on him. I still think he deserves to be CASTRATED, but Miss ANITA MANN needs to just move on and leave people’s Signed...ANITA MANN business alone. GARY: You don’t think she should tell the church or the wife? BRYAN: OR SHOULD YOU GET A RHAATID LICK WID A PIECE BRYAN: I say “Let SHE who is without SIN, cast the first stone.” OF 2X4? And this pastor, is this his way of winning souls? Be- This woman is as guilty as can be, so she needs to keep her cause he’s clearly taking “SISTERLY LOVE” to another level. mouth shut and get her life right. I don’t think she has any GARY: Obviously he is a “DO AS I SAY AND NOT AS I DO” business worrying about the pastor or his wife when her life is kind of preacher. I don’t even know how to address this one. clearly a mess. As a matter of fact, I refuse to believe that the BRYAN: I’ll tell you how to address this, the pastor needs to be wife didn’t have an idea of what is going on. She’s partly to castrated and the Sister needs to be excommunicated from the blame too. There’s no way she could believe that there is prayer church. If she stays, you run the risk of poisoning the whole meeting EVERY NIGHT. And even if there was one, where is she church body. during these PRAYER MEETINGS. Man don’t get me started. GARY: That’s a bit HARSH Bryan. GARY: Well there’s definitely a lot of BLAME to go around, BRYAN: Maybe, but who would you fault in this situation? tell us how you would handle this. GARY: Before I answer that question…Can you see the pastor in the pulpit saying, “Thank you Lordahh….for send- LIFE IS A JOURNEY THAT’S FULL OF UPS AND DOWNS, TWISTS ing me Sister Maxine..ahhh…such a FINE SISTAA…hmmm” AND TURNS, SUCCESSES AND FAILURES, AND A LOT OF THINGS BRYAN: Yeah I can see that. I can hear him saying, “Lordahh, IN BETWEEN. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF FACED WITH THIS She knows my UPSahh and she knows my DECISION? E-MAIL US AT BACK2BASICLIVE@GMAIL.COM. DOWNSahh”…..LOL, but seriously who would you fault, the PASTAHH or the SISTAHH?? GARY: I think the pastor deserves 90% of the blame in this scenario. He’s the one in a committed relationship and he is the one responsible for leading the church. Can you imagine this guy counseling people whose marriages are on the rocks? What would he say? BRYAN: I don’t know and I wouldn’t want to know…..but what would you tell this woman to do? TUNE IN EVERY SATURDAY FROM 5PM-7PM GARY: I would advise ANITA to “Let the puss [cat] out the ON 1680 AM OR LISTEN TO US bag.” Since she claims to be a “devote Christian,” she should inform the CHURCH BOARD and the WIFE about the affair LIVE ON WWW.WOKBRADIO.COM

Letters to My Lawyer Letters to My Lawyer™ is a publication of Karlyn Hylton & Sasha Watson of Hylton, Adamson Watson & Moore, PLLC 120 E. Colonial Drive |Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-802-3223 Fax: 407-377-1971 E: letters@hawmlaw.com Dear Lawyer, I am a young mother who recently separated from my husband. My husband has always been a little aggressive towards me and after the birth of our daughter it seemed to get worse, so I finally decided to leave him. When I told him that I was leaving, he said that he would make my life a living hell and has kept his word. He shows up at my home to start arguments with me, parks outside of my job when my shift is almost over and seems to conveniently show up at a lot of the same places as me. He has told me that he will never let another man have me, going as far as to show up when I am on a date and threatening to take away my daughter if I continue to date other men. I truly don’t know what to do but I want him to stop showing up everywhere I am and to let me move on with my life. I am afraid of what he will do next because he seems to be getting crazier. Is there anything I can do to keep him away from me and going any further? Please help. Scared Mother Dear Scared Mother, You have 2 options. First, you can call the police and report each incident. Second, you can file for a Domestic Violence Injunction, also known as a restraining order, against your husband. A Domestic Violence Injunction can be filed by anyone who is the victim of domestic violence, claims they are the victim of domestic violence or has reason to believe they will be a victim. This injunction will prohibit your husband from having any contact with you and possibly your children, if there have been threats or acts of violence towards them. This means that if granted, your husband would not be allowed to have any contact with you and/or children. Some forms of domestic violence include assault, battery, sexual assault, stalking, kidnapping, or any other criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death to a person by any of that person’s family or household members. However, domestic violence law only applies if the aggressor is a spouse, former spouse, related to victim by blood or marriage, living with alleged victim, has lived with alleged victim, or parent of the alleged victim’s child. There are many factors a judge will consider in determining whether or not a domestic violence injunction should be granted. In deciding to obtain an injunction there are some negative consequences that you should consider. Some of these consequences are that any restraining order is public record, the judge can order your husband to have no contact or only supervised contact with your children, and records and/or allegations can never be sealed or expunged. Despite the possible negative consequences, the injunction is a necessary step of protection for a victim of domestic violence and any victim of domestic violence should consult an attorney before making this decision. Please submit your letters to letters@hawmlaw.com. Each month a reader’s letter will be chosen for response. This column is primarily for educational purposes as well as to give the reader general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide any legal advice whatsoever. By reading this column you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and writer/publisher. This column should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney. This column is not published for advertising or solicitation purposes. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Racing for the Cure, Marsha-Dawn Hall Did you know? 1 Your two greatest risk factors for breast cancer are being female and getting older. 2. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. 3. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among black women and among Hispanic/Latina women. It is the most common cancer in women worldwide. 4. Breast cancer incidence is lower among black women than white women, but they have a higher rate of breast cancer related deaths. In 2002, during an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Marsha -Dawn Hall sat up and took notice of breast cancer. “I shook my head and said (to no-one in particular) I hope I never have to go through that.” In the following weeks she and her husband signed up to volunteer for a local breast cancer walk. Two days before the event, her mother was given her first of two breast cancer diagnoses. Ten years and many miracles later, she is alive and well and known as “Gram” to Marsha’s two small children. Early detection and breast selfawareness DO matter! After years of volunteering, Marsha now serves as the Executive Director of the Central Florida Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the global leader in the breast cancer movement. “Komen allowed me to join others who are advocating, raising awareness, fundraising, bringing the topic of breast cancer to the forefront and wearing pink to signify solidarity, strength and survivorship. We often donate to a cause but feel no direct connection to the results, but this was different. 75% of the money raised by Komen Central Fl is awarded through grants to local non-profits and medical facilities to fund screening programs and access to care for those without insurance. 25% goes towards national research, the scientific aspect of the work that has given us a greater understanding of the different types of breast cancer, treatments and risk factors. It’s the part of the Komen mission that will bring about the answers and cure we all seek.”

ing turns holding my baby girl as we walked the 5K together with our families. It’s that kind of event.” Marsha shared why she feels the Race for the Cure is so aptly named. “There’s an urgency to it. It is a race against time. Some people walk, but there’s something about seeing the thousands of people in the sea of pink that reminds the child, frightened by their parent’s diagnosis that this isn’t a death sentence and they have support. There’s something about seeing the sponsors, local businesses that have invested in the event to be part of a community effort to make a difference. Seeing a couple walking hand-in-hand and realizing she is walking in support of his battle with breast cancer, reminds you who is at risk. When the survivors file into the stadium during the survivor ceremony (which you don’t want to miss after the race), there’s something about seeing the young face of a newly diagnosed woman when the woman diagnosed 30 years ago files in. That is the face of hope and the point at which, once again, the decision is made to keep fighting, until breast cancer is no more. * Susan G. Komen was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33. After her death in 1980 at age 36, her only sister, Nancy, began a grassroots organization named for her, based on the promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. For more information on breast cancer, local resources and events, visit www.komencentralflorida.org. Interested in volunteering? Send an email to volunteer@ komencentralflorida.org. and say you read this article!

The Central Florida Affiliate serves 9 counties and has to date, invested $5.5 million locally to programs that provide a continuum of care for those in need of breast health services. “One year we managed to raise over a million dollars with one staff member and a volunteer Board of Directors, all with a passion for the cause. I’m proud of that” Marsha said. “The need in the community is so great, the funds are never enough “ but Marsha gets inspiration from meeting members of other breast cancer organizations because it reminds her of the many voices out there rallying, ultimately, for the same thing, a cure for breast cancer! This Mother of two strongly advocates volunteering and encourages all groups to take part. “It helps us set an example for our children of how they can affect change. It allows us all to have a voice because breast cancer doesn’t discriminate and being part of the cause helps to spread the life-saving messages.” As a Jamaican woman with no prior history of the disease in the family, Marsha urges people to be aware of their risks, despite what the family history may show or their country of origin. As an immigrant, she understands the limitations some people may have, for various reasons, but they need to know help is available for them too. Everyone deserves a lifetime. Komen Central Florida’s signature event, The Race for the Cure, is on October 21 at UCF’s Bright House Networks Stadium. “I’ve talked about this annual event on the Jammin’s Radio program which airs Saturday evenings on WOKB 1680AM. The support of my partners, DJ Phayz and Countryman has meant so much because the three of us have been touched by cancer in some way. My favorite photos of them are at the race tak-

Haitian American News

Newly Elected Executive Board of Directors for the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce (GHACC)

HACC is proud to announce the results of the elections held in August 2012. The new Board welcomes a team of young dynamic individuals who share a common vision of having the Chamber reach new heights and a thriving Haitian business community. We will have a Business Networking event in the month of October. We will inform you of the time and date; this will be an opportunity for you to meet and welcome the new members. Jackson Marcelin, Esq., Chairman Marcelin Law, PA - Attorneys & Counselors at Law Our Chairman, Jackson Marcelin, is an attorney licensed in both the States of Florida and New York. He graduated from Stetson University College of Law, Florida’s first law school. He was the General Counsel for an international corporation before moving to Orlando, Florida in the year 2000. He is the founder of Marcelin Law, PA, a full service law firm that focuses on Immigration, Personal Injury, Business, Real Estate & Tax Law. He is also very community oriented. In his quest to improve the Central Florida community, he ran as a candidate for Orange County Commissioner in 2006. He was a Board member of the First Haitian Community Center and one of the founding members of GHACC. He has a great vision for the Chamber and the Central Florida community. France Frederic, Vice-Chair Orange Lake Resort & Holiday Inn Club Vacation Industrial Engineer Ms. Frederic brings to the Chamber 10 years of experience as an Industrial Engineer. Her expertise is to advise companies on how to improve their operations and become more efficient and profitable. She created financial and labor tracking tools to help a company save money and reach its financial goals. She has co-founded and created an online website content management system. She speaks many languages and has expertise in a number of computer-related software and analytical tools. She has a passion for Haiti and its people. Monique Bonaparte, Executive Director Monique Bonaparte is our Executive Director. She brings a breath of experience and knowledge to the Chamber. Originally from Haiti, she grew up in Los Angeles, California where she worked with various law firms in different areas spanning from litigation, to corporate, RICO, bankruptcy and later on securities. Prior to relocating to Orlando, she spent the last 10 years working as a paralegal in business litigation and corporate securities. Since arriving in Orlando, she has been very active in community development through Unity Force Development a Haitian-American non-profit organization focusing on improving living conditions in Haiti. She is hoping to put her skills and knowledge to the service of the Haitian communities both here in Florida and in Haiti.

Dinam T. Bigny, Secretary JetBlue Ariwarys – Technical Expert Dinam T. Bigny has a remarkable record of leadership and experience in community service and he brings a wealth of knowledge from 8 years in non profit and 15 years in aviation. Originally from the Congo Republic, he has served as Secretary of the Central Florida Urban League Young Professionals, an affiliate organization of the National Urban League, and as a Member of the Board of Directors of Outreach Love, a nonprofit organization focused on mentoring and tutoring youth from at-risk neighborhoods in the Paramore District of Orlando, before joining GHACC. Committed to bringing opportunity and development to the local community, he believes in carrying one stone at a time in order to build the pyramid and make dreams become reality. In

addition to his current role, he is a Technical Expert on in-flight entertainment systems with JetBlue Airways at their LiveTV Operations in Orlando, Florida, having held offices in maintenance, logistics, and program management. Bigny speaks five languages and holds a Master’s in Project Management and a Master’s in Business Administration from DeVry University, Keller Graduate School of Management. He is a recipient of the prestigious Federal Aviation Administration Diamond and Bronze Awards and the Friends of Ferncreek Award for Excellence in Training and Mentoring.

Rose-Nancy Joseph Government Relations Committee Chair United States Senate – Staffer “With a passion for public service and the belief that a community is as strong as its unified voice, Rose-Nancy embarked on a career in government administration to educate and help people use their resources to help themselves. She is currently a staffer in our United States Senate where she advocates on behalf of Florida residents to resolve their grievances with a federal agency. In addition to her service in our Federal Government, Rose-Nancy devotes her time to volunteerism; she is an active member of the City of Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board and several other local boards and community organizations. Rose-Nancy has a special devotion to the social and political development of the Haitian-American community in the U.S. and the self-sufficiency of her beloved birth country, Haiti. She is dedicated to preparing GHACC to be a resource to Central Florida elected officials to help address the issues and policies affecting Haitian business owners and future entrepreneurs.”

Katiana LaGuerre, Public Relations Committee Chair Kay Jewelers – Customer Service Rep. Katiana brings a lot of energy to the Chamber. She is a very dynamic and creative individual. She is an expert at Photoshop and a number of creative software tools. She has redesigned the logo for GHACC and created a new logo for the Heads of Caribbean Organizations. She has designed and launched a new state of the art Business Directory web page for GHACC.

Jean Perpillant Business Development Committee Chair Design Theory – President Being on the board of the Chamber means a great deal to Jean. With over 10 years in business as a contractor and business owner, leading the Business Development Chair is the ideal fit. Jean’s background includes years of technical, digital, hardware, and software support. As the owner and founder of Design Theory, Jean strives to help all of his clients reach great potential. Taking time to fully understand a business’ products, services, and goals is something that he believes to be vital to best help a business and its owners. Being Haitian himself, he has pride in his community and desires to help and serve. With the technology that is available today, Jean will be sure to assist and advise this community on how to better leverage their business efforts. Mr. Jean W. Lestin is GHACC’s new Fundraising Committee Chair. He has been in business for many years. He is currently an office manager for a law firm in Orlando. He also has multiple investments in Haiti. Our Advisory Board has been as valuable to the success of the Chamber. We want to thank the current members serving on the Advisory Board: Haitian Consul Laurent Prosper, Dr. Marie Jose Francois, Michel Dorcean, Hans Najac, and Dr. Ruben W. Exantus. Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce 641 N. Rio Grande Avenue, Orlando, FL 32805 407-308-5803 • www.GHACC.org • Email: info@ghacc.org

Message from the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Anil Ramnanan Fellow Nationals,

wealth of talent and creativity.

n behalf of the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, it is my distinct pleasure to extend greetings to you on the occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence of our twin-island Republic.

The international environment has evolved since gaining Independence. Our nation is now expected to sustain its viability within an intensely globalized and competitive environment. In response, the Government sees cooperation as being crucial to our continued development, and has emphasized the need to build and maintain strategic linkages.

For the pioneers of our nationhood, the pursuit of self-determination was a critical step in ensuring the holistic development of all the People of Trinidad and Tobago – regardless of race, ethnicity and socio-economic stature. Independence was the precondition that would allow for active indigenous participation in charting the course of the country’s history. As we look introspectively at the path our Nation has travelled in the past fifty years, we should take pride in the tremendous strides that have been made in our socio-economic development. We have preserved our cosmopolitan heritage as well as guarded our democratic traditions. Trinidad and Tobago has also come to be associated with socio-economic and political stability. On the international sphere, our Nation has maintained its commitment to multilateralism and is a respected member of the family of nations. Many of our nationals have excelled internationally in a range of spheres, thus defining Trinidad and Tobago for its

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We offer a combination of networking and relationship building strategies built into promotion and marketing campaigns. We work with YOU to compliment existing or new marketing and PR efforts. Our specialty is the Caribbean Market but the same approach is useful in marketing for most small niche markets.

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The answers to your marketing success are within you. We collaborate with you to design the best marketing plan to achieve your business vision and goals. Strategy first and execution second! Where do you want your business to go—share that vision with us! • Our client specific solutions requires us to have an individual relationship with each client. • Whether we’re setting up appointments, conducting market studies or optin email campaigns, we create innovative lead-generation solutions that are uniquely yours. • Our promotional packages bundle up our most popular services providing you with the best rates. • Choose from our packages or create your own customized sponsorship package to ensure maximum benefits. • We offer subsidized rates and packages to community organizations and charities. • We offer marketing solutions in our weekly newsletter, web site, bi- weekly radio show, newspaper, extensive database and more all targeting the Caribbean American Community.

Contact us to schedule your free consultation. Tel: 407-421-8118 • Fax: 407-386-7925 Guenet Gittens-Roberts CEO GGR Marketing I Public Relations Email: guenetroberts@yahoo.com Web: ggrmarketing.com Social Networking: www.ggrmarketing.ning.com

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Members of the Diaspora Community, though resident abroad, are considered important partners in our nation’s development. You represent an invaluable resource base through which continued capacity development may ensue in Trinidad and Tobago, and through which the commercial, cultural and tourism-related interests of our country can be promoted internationally. In this regard, I applaud the efforts of entities such as the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Texas that continue to be torchbearers for all things Trinbagonian, and I encourage you, members of the Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora, to deepen your collective commitment to the development of our Nation. Happy Independence Day to All! Dr. Anil Ramnanan Consul General

LEADING LADIES BEHIND THE SCENES AND ON THE FRONT LINE Welcome to my column on Leading Ladies behind the Scenes. Our column will introduce you to leading ladies who have branded their own recognition and blazed their own trails. These ladies work behind the scenes but manage the front line with high impact results. You might have heard their names or admired their work, but never met them up close and personal. Our column will give you the chance to meet these ladies so you can place a face with the name and their trendsetting work in our community, various organizations and in business. Thank you for celebrating their value with us.

Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”

Jennifer Bisram

ennifer Bisram is currently a reporter at FOX35 News where she has been for nearly two-years and covers stories on the entire Central Florida area. She was the first reporter on the scene the night 17year old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in Sanford – and she continues to cover the controversial case. She brings a wealth of experience from the New York tri-state area to our area. From writing for newspapers, magazines and ezines - to hosting and reporting at local networks throughout the city, the Brooklynborn go-getter has gotten her feet wet in just about all facets of the media. Poetry was her first passion and paved the way for her to break into the business, after several of her poems were published, at the early age of 15.

She began her television reporting role more than five-years ago on Long Island and has not stopped since. The New York Emmy-nominated journalist reported for PIX11 News in NY before her stint in Central Florida as a reporter and assignment editor; on the Food Network as a producer and NY1 News as a writer. With more than a decade dedicated to news, she’s covered stories on the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Miracle on the Hudson, Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, NY Giants Super Bowl XLII victory and MTV Video Music Awards. She is very active in the Orlando-area community, with involvements in the American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Central Florida Association for Black Journalists and many more.

Starting her career off in print, Jennifer penned pieces at some of the city’s largest newspapers like NY She is also a proud Guyanese, who is making strides to give Newsday and the NY Amsterdam News – while still in college. back to her native country, spearheading the Reach for Guyana Organization. She is getting ready to make her her first trip Jennifer terms herself, “nosy by nature,” and says that’s why she back to Guyana for the first time in more than 10 years and opted for reporting, and channeled into television right after gradu- looks forward to highlighting the issues, people of Guyana on ating from the City University of New York’s Queens College. a global stage.

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Women Celebrating Women

“I am an Art” Event

aitian American Art Network, Inc. proudly presents its First Annual One Day Women’s Conference entitled Women Celebrating Women: “I Am an Art”. Haitian American Art Network, Inc.’s mission is to provide comprehensive, culturally sensitive, social support services to a diverse constituent in the Central Florida area and in Haiti, specifically in the Orlando area; to erase stereotypes and embrace diversity through Art. The First Annual, Women’s Conference is a one day event themed Women Celebrating Women: “I Am an Art”. The goal of the conference is to first introduce Haitian American Art Network, Inc. to the Central FL. area, and also to encourage young Haitian American girls to embrace and celebrate the Haitian women in our community. It is a way to celebrate women in every category to show love and appreciation for tracing the path. To inspire, strengthen, and empower young women all over. Some women from the community will be featured and recognized for their work and contribution in the community. The event will be held at the Tele Anacaona Broadcasting Studio, Inc. Saturday, November 10, 2012 from 12 noon till 5 PM. There will be booth displays of different community based organizations, and private sectors who will present and conduct workshop. For more information call 407-285-5518 or email haitianamericanart@yahoo.com

Miami Broward One Carnival —Continued from page 1 —

One Carnival Host Committee (MBOCHC) led by Executive Director, Ruthven Williams, this year’s Carnival revelers and spectators will be stirred by flag-waving festivities celebrating the 15 countries of the Caribbean along with Latin American cultures woven into the colorful fabric of South Florida.”The Pageantry of Mas Costumes, Steel Bands and the Host of Caribbean artistes performing on Columbus Day weekend will only add to the excitement and enjoyment by all who attend this spectacular celebration .This year, as we commemorate the golden jubilee of both Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago’s Independence, we welcome all to South Florida for Miami Broward Carnival 2012? said Executive Director, Ruthven Williams.

SHOWTIME 8 pm-2 am Doors Open 6pm

Cocktail Reception Silent Auction • Photographic Display • Tribute to Guyana 6pm - 8pm

Hosted by Fox 35 News Reporter & Guyanese

Jennifer Bisram