Caribbean American Passport News Magazine - March 2021 by caribbeanamericanpassport

FREE

Your Passport to the Caribbean American Community

Mar/Apr 2021

COVID - 19 SPECIAL ISSUE

PREPARING YOUR BODY TO FIGHT COVID-19

VACCINES ARE HERE, ARE YOU READY?

It seems as though there is little information on staying healthy through covid-19 by keeping your body in a state of peak health. So we spoke to a few people who are not ready to take the vaccine to see what they are doing. They all spoke of the same thing reducing inflammation in the body through their diet. Exercising to get their lung capacity stronger. Drinking hot teas and steaming their faces in addition to washing their face and hands after coming into the house. This issue we will focus on diet and it 's role in reducing inflammation in your body. Cont'd on page 9

When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things

that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic. We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions – like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces – in public places until we know more. These recommendations can help you make decisions about daily activities after you are fully vaccinated. They are not intended for healthcare settings. What You Can Start to Do If you’ve been fully vaccinated:

Continued on pg 5

You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart. Cont'd on page 5

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts Owner/Publisher/Editor

To vaccinate or to not vaccinate...that is the question Samuel J. Roberts

Owner/Publisher/Editor

asthma, diabetes we are at higher risk of dying from this disease. So even with the vaccine, I will finally start working out and trying to lose weight. I will commit to eating healthier. Covid has given us a wakeup call that the health of our bodies matter in this fight. We We made this choice because we want a good quality of life need to keep inflammation down, be proactive and without the burden of a possibly painful end of life where we preventative with regards to our healthcare. lay gasping for air without the ability to of see our loved ones - to us it was really worth the risk that the vaccine could pose. I have known that for years and still not exercised or eaten as healthily as I should have. Those things were leading to The way I look at it is this - we'll get the opportunity to get out of an early death. Being close to death and having to choose to live has made me realize that in order to live, you have the house and back to normal life faster if we have herd to put in the work to create an environment where your immunity. The vaccine allows us to get there faster. I am body is not overstressed, overtaxed and overworked. willing to take the risk. I am not worried about any of the crazy theories floating around like the the Government spying So, yes we have chosen to vaccinate as a family. We have on us or that the vaccine may change my DNA. chosen to give ourselves a shot at living life as normally as possible. I was not at the front of the line for the vaccine, I am not that brave, but I feel that it has been in sufficient trials, and enough people have taken it so that we can now take a calculated risk to Every day, a person takes a chance on something that could cost them their life - a risk of texting and driving, take a vaccine that helps prevent our death from Covid-19. drinking and driving, using drugs, hurrying through an orange light, darting across a busy road. We take risks, I have spent the last year in fear, lost business as I know it and had this one is at least a calculated one. Let us know how to readjust, staying inside and looking out because we were not your are fighting covid-19 - send us a letter for the next issue. willing to risk the lives of our loved ones. I chose to vaccinate, Sam chose to vaccinate, I convinced my parents to get vaccinated and my in-laws and siblings are all going to get vaccinated.

Life is about living it and to live it, we have to get back to normal, we have to create a space where the virus can no longer thrive, and that means to many of us do have to take the vaccine, get on the front line to and accept a vaccine that we don't know the long term risks of - but the short term ones seem worth it to us. These are not ordinary times, we do not have the luxury of long trials, we are the trials and in a few years we may start seeing results we don't like. But right now, the results of Covid-19 infection are terrifying. People are dying. People are depressed. People need to get back to a sense of normal. We cannot continue in the way that we have indefinitely. Some argue that the survival rate is pretty good - but they're not seeing all those who are surviving with diminished lung capacity or some other life-laltering effect. The experience of a severe case of Covid-19 is traumatizing for you and your family - whether you survive or not. My choice is to roll the dice. I want to live life fully and I don't want to do so with an underlying sense of fear that my living could cost someone I love their life if I pass Covid-19 on to them. I don't want my kids to live with that burden if they pass it on to me or a member of our family.

1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 Office: 407-427-1800 Fax: 407-386-7925 Toll Free: 877-220-8315 For Media Information email: Publisher: sroberts@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Info: .Info@caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Should you desire to review past copies of the publication go to http:// caribbeanamericanpassport.com and click on the 'Print Archive'. Publisher & Editor................................................................................... Sam Roberts Publisher ............................................................................. Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor & Contributing Writer................................................................Aleia Roberts Contributing Writers: ................................................................................ Tony Dyal Contributing Photographers ............ .......................................................Ted Hollins .....................................................................................................................Dilia Castillo Central Florida Distribution...............................................................Gia McQueen South Florida Distribution .............................................................Norman Williams North Florida Distribution ...............................................................Kadeem Roberts Tampa Distribution ...................................................................................Julian Pina Copyright (C) 2016 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

So I choose to vaccinate. But I also have chosen to get as healthy as I can. Because in the fight with Covid the state of our bodies matter. If we are overweight, have high blood pressure, www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Modifying a Florida Custody Agreement Article by HAWM It is unrealistic to think that an agreement made at any one point will remain accurate and up to date forever. It is expected that as your lives evolve, your parenting agreement may have to as well to remain in the best interest of the child or children. For that reason, there is a mechanism for modifying existing custody and parenting agreements. Temporary Changes With the current challenges that millions of Americans are facing with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is possible that you and your ex-spouse will have to temporarily modify an existing custody or visitation agreement in order to operate in the best interest of your child. For instance, if one parent becomes sick or is a front-line worker or loses their regular job and begins working the night shift, it may be necessary for parents to temporarily adjust the schedule to make sure the child is safe and cared for. It is important to note that temporary changes of this nature do not need to be approved by a judge, as you are not seeking to permanently modify the agreement. However, it is necessary that both parents clearly agree to the temporary change. It is best to clearly articulate the temporary changes in writing and have both parties sign off on them. This is because if your exspouse later tries to claim that you breached the existing agreement unilaterally, you may be held in contempt.

modify the existing agreement. Finally, if you have received a protective order against your spouse, this can also be grounds for modification.

Permanent Changes

Contact a Florida Family Law Lawyer

If you are seeking to make a permanent change to your custody or visitation agreement, there are a number of avenues to pursue that. The easiest and most effective route to modifying your agreement is if both you and your ex agree on the modification. If you both agree on the change you want made and can have a lawyer draft new terms that you both agree on, the court will likely approve them.

If you are in need of assistance to modify an existing custody or visitation agreement, the experienced Florida Family Law Attorneys at HAWM Law are here to help.

Additionally, if there has been a substantial change in circumstances that affects the child’s well-being, this can also be grounds for modification, even without the agreement of your spouse. For instance, a long-term illness, serious financial trouble, or the development of an addiction, can all be grounds to

At HAWM Law, it is our mission to ensure that everyone can have access to quality legal representation when it matters. You are already doing the work to protect the health and safety of your child, even in uncertain and ever-changing conditions. Let us do our job and support you. Schedule a consultation today. We will review the facts and circumstances of your specific case and determine the best course of action to ensure that you and your children are protected and supported.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Coronavirus (COVID-19) KEEPING FAMILIES IN THEIR HOMES The Emergency Rental Assistance program makes available $25 billion to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are provided directly to States, U.S. Territories, local governments, and Indian tribes. Grantees use the funds to provide assistance to eligible households through existing or newly created rental assistance programs. produced goods and services. There is also a paucity of funding for structural adjustment, stabilization and economic growth, which the region needs to produce a better quality of life for their citizens and residents. PROGRAM INFORMATION Eligibility An “eligible household” is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the following criteria: Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median. Rental assistance provided to an eligible household should not be duplicative of any other federally funded rental assistance provided to such household. Eligible households that include an individual who has been unemployed for the 90 days prior to application for assistance and households with income at or below 50 percent of the area median are to be prioritized for assistance. Household income is determined as either the household’s total income for calendar year 2020 or the household’s monthly income at the time of application. For household incomes determined using the latter method, income eligibility must be redetermined every 3 months. Available Assistance Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance, plus an additional 3 months if the grantee determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and grantee funds are available. The payment of existing housing-related arrears that could result in eviction of an eligible household is prioritized. Assistance must be provided to reduce an eligible household’s rental arrears before the household may receive assistance for future rent payments. Once a household’s rental arrears are reduced, grantees may only commit to providing future assistance for up to three months at a time. Households may reapply for additional assistance at the end of the three-month period if needed and the overall time limit for assistance is not exceeded. Application Process An application for rental assistance may be submitted by

either an eligible household or by a landlord on behalf of that eligible household. Households and landlords must apply through programs established by grantees. In general, funds will be paid directly to landlords and utility service providers. If a landlord does not wish to participate, funds may be paid directly to the eligible household.

When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated Continued from page 1

• You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people of any age from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks or staying 6 feet apart, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. • If you travel in the United States, you do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel. • You need to pay close attention to the situation at your international destination before traveling outside the United States. • You do NOT need to get tested before leaving the United States unless your destination requires it. • You still need to show a negative test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States. • You should still get tested 3-5 days after international travel. • You do NOT need to self-quarantine after arriving in the United States. • If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms. • However, if you live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms. What You Should Keep Doing For now, if you’ve been fully vaccinated: You should still take steps to protect yourself and others in many situations, like wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. Take these precautions whenever you are: • In public • Gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one other household. • Visiting with an unvaccinated person who is at increased risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 or who lives with a person at increased risk. • You should still avoid medium or large-sized gatherings.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Orange County Asian Committee Seeking Artists for Asian American Heritage Month Art Contest, The Orange County Asian Committee is calling for Central Florida artists to participate in the Asian-themed art contest. The selected artwork will be showcased during the virtual Asian American Heritage Celebration on May 21, 2021 at 7 p.m. The contest will consist of four age group ranges: ages 5-9, ages 10-14, ages 15-17, and adults over 18. All artists’ submission must include the title of the piece, the medium and the dimensions, a digital picture for each work of art and an artist’s statement. For application forms you can email ocac.artcontest@gmail.com. Application deadline is April 16, 2021. Voting will take place via social media. Ask friends and family to like your submission by visiting our Facebook page @ocacfl. All works of art must be original work by a local Central Florida artist, preferably Asian American heritage themed. Artists may submit up to two works of art. Any artwork that was displayed in previous years is not permitted. All works of art must be presented as a high-resolution image.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

What to prepare for your PPP loan application First draw PPP loans If you’re looking to apply for your first PPP loan, start by collecting the documents you need to apply. Every business needs to provide a bank statement or invoice covering February 15, 2020 to show they were in operation on that date. Sole proprietors and contractors need to supply a Schedule C for 2019 or 2020 and any 1099-MISC forms they have. If a sole proprietorship has payroll costs included in their PPP loan calculation, they need to provide 2019 or 2020 IRS forms 941, 944, or 940 or reports from a payroll provider. Partnerships need to supply a Form 1065 with each partner’s Schedule K-1. For any payroll costs, they need to provide 2019 or 2020 IRS forms 941, 944, or 940 or reports from a payroll provider. S corporations and C corporations onlyneed to supply documentation for their $150,000 or less, documents supporting your 25% payroll costs. This is done with 2019 or 2020 IRS reduction in revenue do not need to be provided forms 941, 944, or 940 or reports from a payroll during your loan application. Instead, you must provider. provide bank statements and financial reports (which Bench can provide) for the quarters used in your 25% reduction calculation before applying for Second draw PPP loans forgiveness. If you’re looking to apply for your second PPP loan, you need to show a 25% reduction in revenue. This Sole proprietors and contractors need to supply a is shown by comparing any quarter in 2020 with the Schedule C for 2019 or 2020 and any 1099-MISC same quarter in 2019. For example, if you recorded forms they have. If a sole proprietorship has payroll $20,000 in gross receipts in Q2 2019, you would be costs included in their PPP loan calculation, they need to provide IRS forms 941, 944, or 940 or eligible if you recorded $15,000 or less in gross reports from a payroll provider. receipts in Q2 2020. Check out our complete guide on how to calculate a 25% reduction in revenue. Partnerships need to supply a Form 1065 with each partner’s Schedule K-1. For any payroll costs, they Once you’ve verified you’re eligible, start collecting need to provide IRS forms 941, 944, or 940 or reports from a payroll provider. the necessary documents to apply. S corporations and C corporations only need to Every business needs to provide a bank statement or supply documentation for their payroll costs. This invoice covering February 15, 2020 to show they is done with IRS forms 941, 944, or 940 or reports were in operation on that date. For loan amounts of from a payroll provider.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

APRIL 5: COVID-19 VACCINES AVAILABLE FOR 16+ Beginning Monday, April 5, 2021, eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations at any Florida vaccination site will be expanded to include residents 18 years old or older. In addition, there are certain restrictions where 16 and 17-year-old residents can receive the vaccine. Individuals ages 16 and 17 are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, as expressed in Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 21-79, which refers to the U.S. Food & Drug (FDA) letter. There are several location options for residents to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, including the Convention Center, Federal Retail Pharmacies, FEMA Vaccination Site at Valencia College West Campus, FEMA Library Site, hospital systems (pending supply), etc. To prepare for the upcoming week, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County will reopen a limited number of appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations at the Drive-Thru Vaccination Site at the Orange County Convention Center, onFri day, April 2, 2021, at 9 a.m.

The current list of eligible Florida residents includes: All residents 18+ 16 and 17 year old individuals. Parents/guardians of individuals in this group can register their 16 or 17 year olds by clicking the “Register Minors/Wards” tab within their CDR profile when signing up at the Convention center site. Important: parent/guardian MUST be present at time of vaccination.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

PREPARING YOUR BODY TO FIGHT COVID-19 Cont'd from page 1

The Role of Your Diet in reducing inflammation in your body: If you want to reduce inflammation, eat fewer inflammatory foods and more anti-inflammatory foods. Base your diet on whole, nutrient-dense foods that contain antioxidants — and avoid processed products. Antioxidants work by reducing levels of free radicals. These reactive molecules are created as a natural part of your metabolism but can lead to inflammation when they’re not held in check. Your anti-inflammatory diet should provide a healthy balance of protein, carbs, and fat at each meal. Make sure you also meet your body’s needs for vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water. One diet considered anti-inflammatory is the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers. A low-carb diet also reduces inflammation, particularly for people who are obese or have metabolic syndrome. In addition, vegetarian diets are linked to reduced inflammation. Choose a balanced diet that cuts out processed products and boosts your intake of whole, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich foods. Include plenty of these antiinflammatory foods: Vegetables: Broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, etc. Fruit: Especially deeply colored berries like grapes and cherries High-fat fruits: Avocados and olives Healthy fats: Olive oil and coconut oil Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies Nuts: Almonds and other nuts Peppers: Bell peppers and chili peppers Chocolate: Dark chocolate Spices: Turmeric, fenugreek, cinnamon, etc. Tea: Green tea Red wine: Up to 5 ounces (140 ml) of red wine per day for women and 10 ounces (280 ml) per day for men

Orlando Carnival 2021 - 3 day Caribbean Village for SETS VENUE FOR FESTIVALPARK Orlando Carnival has launched it's 2021 event, but to be spread over three days to minimize attendance on any one day. May 28th Carnival Walks the Runway Friday is for the art lovers, the creative part of the Carnival community. It will be about fashion, and will give up and coming designers a platform to show that they can design costumes locally. Deadline to submit a piece May 1st, 2021 May 29th Central Florida Jouvert Saturday morning, the park will be stage for Orlando Carnival's Official J'ouvert Celebrations. May 29th Back In Time Lime Saturday evening will be the low key afternoon in the park rocking out to music. Bring your family out type of event. The cultural part of Carnival will be there in full effect. Reggae and Soca will play that day. Ideally our older Carnival lovers can feel comfortable with this setting as it's not a party but an outdoor show where they can sit, eat, drink and enjoy. May 30th Orlando Carnival Downtown Sunday afternoon is Carnival day and we are using the entire Festival Park so that we can have our parade in the park. You might have a chance to get behind a truck at the end of the evening, so you understand the energy and freedom you get from a band experience. Performers set for that day are Pumpa, Skinny Banton, Problem Child and Lyrikal. Attendance will be limited, so purchase your tickets early. For vendor opportunities and more information about Orlando Carnival go to www.OrlandoCarnivalDowntown.com.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Tony Deyal | LIVE AND YET DIE Meghan Markle has been very much in the news these days. Even before her interview with Oprah Winfrey, she said something that set me thinking. Her last words before giving up any claim to British Royalty were, “It didn’t have to be this way.” Even though these are definitely not her final words and, hopefully, she has a lot of life and happier experiences left, her tearful comment reminded me of what her husband’s mother, Princess Diana, as she lay dying asked, “My God what’s happened?” While for many of us the question remains unanswered, it led me to think about the last words of so many other people, some of whom were aware of their impending deaths, and others, like Diana, who had no warning. Not everyone can predict like Nostradamus, “Tomorrow, at sunrise, I shall no longer be here.” However, James Brown, the singer, songwriter and dancer, informed his family, “I’m going away tonight.” Walter de la Mare, the English author, when asked if he wanted some fruit or flowers, responded, “Too late for fruit, too soon for flowers.” Even though he was unaware that he was going to be assassinated that day, Martin Luther King’s last words before his assassination on April 4, 1968 by James Earl Ray, were to his musician Ben Branch. He stressed, “Ben, make sure you play ‘Take My Hand, Precious Lord’, in the meeting tonight. Play it real pretty.” Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist and political activist who was born into slavery died in 1993 with her family around her, singing, “Swing low, sweet chariot.” FACE DEATH WITH HUMOUR There are some people who face death with the same humour and joy they displayed in life. The Italian artist, Raphael, signed off with “Happy”. Dominique Bouhours, a French grammarian and wit, died as he had lived – seizing every opportunity to demonstrate his command of grammar. His last words were, “I am about to – or I am going to – die: either expression is correct.” Charles Gussman, a writer and TV announcer who wrote the pilot for the series, Days of Our Lives had earlier briefed his daughter that he wanted his last words to be memorable. When she reminded him of this on his deathbed, he gently removed his oxygen mask and whispered, “And now for a final word from our sponsor … . “ Grouco Marx, perhaps the greatest of all American comedians and punsters, had one final quip before he left us. He exclaimed in mock anger, “This is no way to live!” Not even priests have it all their own way with people who are on their way out. The successful playwright, Wilson Mizner, is known for the line, “Be nice to people on the way up because you’ll meet the same people on the way down.” He was dying and a minister said to him, “I’m sure you want to talk to me.” Mizner put the clergyman in his place, “Why should I talk to you? I’ve just been talking to your boss.” Composer JeanPhillipe Rameau, very angry with a pastor who had disturbed him by singing a hymn at his bedside, countered with, “What the devil do you mean to sing to me, priest? You are out of tune.” When a parson declared to the comedian Charlie Chaplin, “May the Lord have mercy on your soul”, Chaplin replied, “Why not? After all, it belongs to Him.” For so many other historical figures, death met them in different moods and their final words illustrated their concerns. Even though it could not have applied to Frank Sinatra, especially with his wealth, voice and fans, his last words were, “I’m losing it.” Bob Marley passed on to his son Ziggy the eternal truth, “Money can’t buy life.” Leonardo da Vinci, the greatest artist of the Renaissance, was convinced, “I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.” Fortunately, one of those masterpieces continues to smile. Despite her reputation for arrogance, French Empress Marie Antoinette, on her way to the guillotine,

accidentally stepped on her executioner’s foot and apologised, “Pardonnez-moi, monsieur.” Refusing to have surgery before he died in 1955, Albert Einstein was adamant, “I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially. I have done my share, it is time to go. I will do it elegantly.” Winston Churchill, from whom one would have expected a humorous comment, closed with, “I’m bored with it all.” Beethoven used a phrase that was associated with the ending of a performance in the Italian comedy plays, “Friends applaud, the comedy is over.” Chico Marx, Groucho’s brother, kept to the family tradition when he teased his wife Mary, “Remember, Honey, don’t forget what I told you. Put in my coffin a deck of cards, a mashie niblick (golf club) and a pretty blonde.” Somerset Maugham, the writer, counselled his nephew, “Dying is a very dull, dreary affair. And my advice to you is to have nothing whatever to do with it.” What, for me, was a glorious end was when on his deathbed Pope John XXIII comforted a secretary who was in tears, “Why crying? This is a moment of joy, a moment of glory.” POIGNANT LAST WORDS I believe that the most poignant of all last words was the attempt by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to console her two children, Caroline and John. The former First Lady of the United States and wife of John F. Kennedy, in tears herself, said, “Don’t cry for me, I’m going to be with your father now.” This ironically echoed the final words of Joe DiMaggio, the baseball star who was once married to Marilyn Monroe. His last words were, “I’ll finally get to see Marilyn.” Interestingly, Marilyn’s closing lines were in a phone call to actor Peter Lawford, brother-in-law of President Kennedy, “Say goodbye to Pat (Lawford’s wife), say goodbye to Jack (President Kennedy) and say goodbye to yourself, you’re a nice guy.” She already sounded sleepy when she spoke to Lawford, and died a few hours after from an overdose of sleeping pills. The people who amaze me with their bravery and bravado are those who can joke or keep their dignity even as they face death. Che Guevara, the famous revolutionary, defied his executioner, “I know you are here to kill me. Shoot, coward, you are only going to kill a man.” Convicted murderer James Rodgers, when given the opportunity for a last request, jokingly answered, “Bring me a bulletproof vest.” Serial killer Herbert Webster Mudgett warned the hangman, “Take your time; don’t bungle it.” Murderer Gary Gilmore encouraged the firing squad, “Let’s do it.” Even though a worried convict questioned the hangman, “Is this thing safe?”, my favourite response is by convicted murderer James Donald French facing death by electrocution who suggested to reporters, “How’s this for your headline? French Fries!” His final words were, like this sentence of mine, “Everything’s already been said.” Tony Deyal was last seen repeating the final tongue-incheek goodbye of William Saroyan, author of ‘The Human Comedy’, “Everybody has got to die, but I have always believed an exception would be made in my case.”