FREE
Your Passport to the Caribbean American Community
12
10
Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights. It is the most important festival of the year based on the Hindu calendar and celebrates the triumph of Light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. It is celebrated on the night of the new moon in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word dipavali which means row of lights. And one of the most delightful aspects of this festival in Guyana is driving around at night to see the beautiful lines of diyas (little clay pots with ghee and wicks) decorating the hindu homes and driveways. For Hindus in Guyana, Diwali celebrates the return home to Ayodhya of Lord Rama and his wife Sita from 14 years of exile. The people of Ayodhya joyfully lit the way through the forests with diyas to help them find their way. Since the exile was caused by Lord Ram’s stepmother’s evil plotting to put her son on the throne, the festival celebrates good overcoming evil and bringing joy and hope back to the kingdom. The festival is also a celebration of the birth month of the Goddess of wealth, prosperity and light, Mother Latchmie. Since Diwali generally coincided with the last harvest of the year, agrarian society was concerned with a bountiful harvest to provide for their needs, and would pray to Mother Latchmie to ensure this. Many business people, see Diwali as the beginning of their financial new year, and therefore Diwali is also celebrated by many as welcoming the New Year sharing sweets. For Guyanese, this is one of our national holidays. The day begins with a thorough cleaning of the house. A rangoli is made at the entrance of the home to welcome Mother Latchmie into the home..... cont'd on page 17
Oct/Nov 2021
Our Colin Powell
Colin Powell, has died. The retired four-star general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who served four presidents made his reputation as a man of honor distant from the political fray. He was a US war hero and the first Black secretary of state. Colin Luther Powell was born in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, New York, on April 5, 1937. His parents were immigrants from Jamaica. He spent most of his childhood in the South Bronx neighborhood of New York City, which was then regarded as a step up from Harlem. The neighborhood included white, African American, and Puerto Rican residents. Powell has said that he never thought of himself as a "minority" while a child. Caribbean people have always been proud of Colin Powell and many nurtured the hope that he would have run for President but he chose not to take that step and continued, in spite of divisive politics to stand
out as a statesman. Powell whose family was vaccinated has died from complications from Covid-19. He was 84 and had been double vaccinated. Right-wing pundits are using Powell’s vaccination status to question the effectiveness of vaccines and rail against mandates. However he was being treated for prostate cancer, and had suffered from multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that weakens your immune system. So Powell, even while vaccinated, was about as vulnerable as they come to infection. The vaccines are not perfect— particularly at preventing infection. Breakthrough infections, and even hospitalization and deaths, among vaccinated people are real. But, for people without confounding risk factors for COVID-19, the vaccines remain effective against the most serious outcomes of the disease. That is, vaccinated people who are in good health, and do not have chronic conditions, are very, very safe from COVID-19....Cont'd on page 12
2
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
L I F E S T Y L E
Guenet Gittens-Roberts Owner/Publisher/Editor
Understanding Culture is the essence of understanding people! Samuel J. Roberts
Owner/Publisher/Editor
Growing up in Guyana gave me the
benefit of exposure to a multitude of different cultures, religions and ethnicities. While, by no means, am I saying that by growing up in Guyana that makes me an expert in 'Culture', but what it did do is give me the opportunity to live, breathe, play and truly experience different cultures on a daily basis and that was truly priceless. Each country across the Caribbean may have their independent cultures that differentiates us as different Nationalities, but when it comes to certain celebrations, we can put aside our minor differences and celebrate as on Caribbean. The more I interact across citizens of different Nationalities, the more I realize that the foundation of most cultural, spiritual, religious or even National celebrations is freedom, family, food and faith. If you think about it, which major celebration is not about those 4 'F's - Freedom, Family, Food and Faith? Freedom; what does it mean? • Freedom is the power to do what you want to do, the ability to move or act freely • Freedom of choice Family; what does it mean? • A group of people related to each other • Being in a group of people (could be friends) who love each other unconditionally, who will stand by each other through thick and thin and protect one another no matter what. Food; what does it mean? • material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy. • the sustenance of life Faith; what does it mean? • strong belief or trust in someone or something • firm belief in something for which there is no proof For everyone the above words, or even the definitions, will have different means but should be along the same principles. Freedom in our daily lives serve us all differently, however the way we use our freedom, as individuals, will and should always be our choice. In culture it's your freedom to celebrate to the fullest of your satisfaction, with consideration of the impact on others. Family is by definition, from the Urban dictionary, perfectly expressed - Being in a group of people (could be friends) who love each other unconditionally, who will stand by each
other through thick and thin and protect one another no matter what. Food is what feeds you and sustains you, now this is the interesting part, "sustains you"!!! What gives you sustenance is not always considered food. Does certain aspects of your culture give you sustenance? Absolutely. If music, song, sunshine, prayer, dancing, making love, sex, exercising, reading....whatever gives you that personal feeling of satisfaction, of sustenance, that is your food for the soul. Culture is a celebration of 'Freedom', 'Family', 'Food' and 'Faith'. Let's now put it all in perspective We recently celebrated Carnival in Miami and it was a reminder that, Carnival gives revelers and attendees a platform to express their personal freedom to wear what they want to wear, to dance the way they want to dance, to eat what the want to eat, to drink what the want to drink and do all this with the people they consider family and friends. It is everyone's personal 'Right' to celebrate their culture with the Freedom of choice to be with their Family and friends, showcasing their individual faith or beliefs and consuming whatever they consider 'Food' that sustains the soul, heart and body. I look forward to the day when all people of the World can come together and celebrate their individual cultures with the Freedom and understanding that EVERY person has the right to celebrate the 4 'F's' together with no judgment, restrictions, inhabitations or hesitations - Maybe Fusion Fest has that potential...right here in Orlando!
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 ....................................................................................................................Dillia Castillo Central Florida Distribution......................................................... .Danielle Browne South Florida Distribution .............................................................Norman Williams North Florida Distribution ...............................................................Kadeem Roberts Tampa Distribution ...................................................................................Julian Pina Copyright (C) 2016 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
3
Crist’s “Justice for All” tackles Florida’s judicial inequities Criminal Justice Reform Top Priority Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Congressman Charlie Crist pledged to bring equal justice to Florida’s judicial system as he traveled to communities throughout the state. “We have to deal with the reality that our system is not fair and just; that our system treats different people, differently,” according to OrangeOsceola State Attorney Monique Worrell. Worrell joined Crist, Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, former gubernatorial candidate Chris King and criminal justice reform advocates in presenting ways to repair a broken court system.
As governor, Crist plans to ban assault rifles and highcapacity magazines, require universal background checks for all firearm purchases, and increase resources for affordable housing, healthcare, education, and jobs to communities impacted by gun violence. Crist again criticized Florida’s last two governors, Republicans Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis, whose policies have done tremendous harm to communities of color. It is easier for young people and children to get their hands on guns but harder for everyday Floridians to exercise their right to vote - especially Black Floridians. “For too long we have focused on incarceration when we should be focusing on rehabilitation, forgiveness and restoring and rebuilding,” Crist said. “My Justice for All plan is a promise to communities across Florida that the Crist Administration will usher in a new era, one where our state will not turn a blind eye to injustices, but tackle them head-on.”
Crist, Worrell, Commissioner Hill, and former gubernatorial candidate Chris King discuss ways to fix Florida’s judicial system
Crist, is the leading candidate in the race to unseat Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. He continues to beat DeSantis in public opinion polls because of his record on a variety of public policy issues. The retortion of civil rights to non-violent felons is one. Crist did that when he was governor in 2007. It was a life changer for Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill. “I was able to turn it around because of Governor Charlie Crist. Charlie Crist automatically restored my rights.” Crist restored the civil rights of over 155,000 Floridians. No governor has matched his record. In fact, Governor DeSantis continues to undermine the new constitutional law at every turn. Crist said that when elected he will restore that process and ease the community transition for returning citizens. Reform advocates and Tampa State Attorney Andrew Warren also support the effort. “The reality is giving people opportunities doesn’t lead to crime,” said Warren. “We need to begin putting these second-chance stories to the forefront.” The deadly consequences of gun violence Maress Scott of Tampa is a tireless fighter against gun violence. His son Maurice Scott was shot and killed while riding his bicycle to a friend’s house. In the two years since his death, Scott has become an outspoken activist against gun violence which is a major component of Crist’s justice reform plan.
Crist announces Equal Justice for All policy with Tampa State Attorney Andrew Warren, gun violence prevention activist Maress Scott, and attorney Sean Shaw
Carnival, Covid, And Kindness
By Trini Jungle Juice's Carnival Doctor, Dr. Rhadi Ferguson
After Miami Carnival, we had so many conversations and comments on our Facebook page about the pandemic, masks, precautions, and safety during Miami Carnival.
I am 5 feet 8 inches tall and I weigh 247 lbs. (in Trinidad, I'm 227 and in Miami, I'm usually 237, but this year I weighed in at 242 before Miami).
Some people scoffed at those who attended, others applauded those who attended, and some just clicked the like button and agreed with the sentiments they were in harmony with.
I'm telling you all of this because….
The Covid 19 pandemic is tricky to handle socially, rhetorically, and logically because of its impact personally and politically. On a personal level, I had covid earlier this year. It was horrible. My oxygen levels went down to 88. I felt like I couldn't breathe and that I couldn't access that last little bit of air that you need to make you feel like you took a complete breath. Because my oxygen was compromised, my heart rate was between 110 and 90 bpm. Usually, I'm in the 55 to 65 range, so to me, it felt like my heart was racing out of control. And because my body was stressed and my heart was working harder, my blood pressure was also high. It was 180/110. I was scared. I was on the precipice of a stroke, I had a fever of 102, I couldn't breathe well, and I saw things getting worse by the hour. My friend from college, Dr. Sean Boynes, a Trinidadian-born Pharmacist and 2-sport Howard University athlete and graduate, died from Covid on my birthday, April 3rd. I sat in my living room, in my dress shoes, suit, tie, along with my Howard University cuff links on, and attended my friend's funeral…. Online via Facebook live. Even writing this now bothers me a bit, but it's necessary to share. I'm sharing this because everybody in those pictures and videos at carnival has a story. Some people are cancer survivors. Some people have gone through a nasty divorce. Some people just lost their jobs. Some had a domestic abuse incident just the week before. Some people are going through a midlife crisis. Some people have family members who are on life support. Some are single parents who just sent their last child off to university. Some people have mental health issues for which carnival is utilized as an emotional salve.
We have a job here as a media outlet to report on what's going on, show you the climate of the carnival situation, and inspire you. And YES, we have had knock-down / drag-out meetings about media selection, picture selection, and what to post and why. And at the end of the day, we report, inspire, and provide things for people to aspire to. That's why we have a diverse range of pictures but skew towards those who present as physically fit and in shape. We post some photos and videos to inspire those who have not been to a carnival to come as you are. We post some for those who already go to carnival to try new fetes, new bands, and new activities while also looking to achieve new wellness goals. And we post some media, as all media outlets do, for the sheer sake of entertainment. (and at the end of the day, every discussion is based upon brand harmony, brand image, traffic, clicks, likes, and shares….. those are just the facts). And these are conversations that we have and had because we are concerned about you, the carnival movement, and those who enjoy the carnival and make a living off of it. And there is no carnival without you. And the more exercise, healthier intake, and emotional wellness you provide yourself, the better the whole movement will be And as it pertains to commenting on social media, remember to be kinder than you were the day before and more inspirational than you were the day before that. With that being said…. We support all persons who attend carnival. We also support those who choose not to. We support the vaxxers. And we support the antivaxxers. We support the maskers and the anti-maskers. Why? Because WE ARE CARNIVAL and we support and love EVERYBODY. Respect.
My point is this…… Be nice. Be kind. And let's not be judgmental. As a Ph.D., I'm well versed in statistics, as most of us are, because they drill it into you during your studies. I'm also familiar with the R-naught values of the original covid strains and their variants. And as a Florida resident who lives in a state that hosted Wrestlemania, the Super Bowl and most of the NCAA Bowl games and part of the Stanley Cup, I can see the logic in hosting and having events, and I can also see the logic in not having events and respect both arguments. With that being said… if you look at some of the research on Google Scholar, not Google, Google Scholar, you will see that one of the significant issues that create and produces poor outcomes is when obesity is coupled with COVID. Now let's get something clear….. I AM OBESE.
4
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Miami Carnival Re-Cap
M
iami Carnival delivered on it's promise and delivered a spectacular carnival that satisfied our craving for a taste of our culture. MBOC followed the required protocol of the local government and provided a platform for celebration of carnival in as safe of an environment as they could under the circumstances. There were checkers making sure that all attendees were tested within the required timeline, there was rapid testing available for those who did not show proof of negative test results.
Carnival is more than just our culture, it feeds our soul, it gives us a platform to release our stresses, our issues, our inhabitations. We applaud the planning team for providing a safe environment for that.
5
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
All Pictures complements of Trini Jungle Juice & Caribbean News Streaming Network.
6
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Diwali Showcase 2021
T
he Miss Diwali Celebrations at Lake Eola was a beautiful presentation of culture with the all respect given to the Hindu religion. The dancers provided a taste of India in the heart of Downtown Orlando. The grace, style and beauty of the performers and the Miss Diwali contestants was a show to be seen. The colors, the rhythm of the drums and the music was both pulsating and soothing at the same time. Attendees were presented with the talents of the local performers, along with performers from South Florida.
1st Runner-up Anjali Singh
6
The judges had a difficult job on their hands to select the top three young ladies from an amazing line-up of beautiful, talented and positive group.
The Crowning of Miss Diwali 2021 - Ms Andria Girdhari by event Sponsor Ramko Kalicharan and event coordinator Lalman Persaud.
Winner of the over-all competition for Miss Diwali 2021 in Orlando Florida is Ms. Andria Girdhari.
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
In my opinion, the winner showed sincere emotion (and maybe some nervousness) during the Q&A segment, while the 1st and 2nd runners-up were a little more composed. The short, but direct answers given by Ms. Angelina Balkissoon were impressive and controlled, while the answers given by the 1st runner-up was also confident and passionate.
2nd Runner-up Angelina Balkissoon
7
Caribbean Heritage Night with the Miami Marlins
October 1st was the date and Loan Depot Stadium was the
Downtown, the Caribbean American Chamber of place. The Miami Marlins management understands that Commerce and the Caribbean American Passport the diversity of their environment, their team supporters News Magazine. and attendees must be a reflection of their (Miami Representatives from the Consulate Corps - Jamaican Marlins) community outreach. Consulate - Consul General Roderick Oliver Mair, Barbados Caribbean Heritage celebrations is just one of the Consulate - Consul General Neval Greenidge, Bahamas celebrations coordinated by the Marlins management to Consulate - Consul General Linda Mackey, Antigua show their support and efforts to engage with their and Barbuda Consulate - Consul General Gilbert Boustany, and members of the Maimi Broward One surrounding community. Carnival Executive - Chief Executive Officer, Mario The diversity of the major league sports across the USA Zamora, Treasurer of the Miami Carnival board, John and around the World is as diverse a platform as the Beckford, and Rafiek Mohammed, Global Empowerment United Nations and it is refreshing to know that the Mission, Kimberly Bentley, Lyttle Foundation, Kevin & Dr. administration of the Miami Marlins recognize this Jackie James Lyttle, Sam Roberts representing the aspect of their sport and are taking action to embrace Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, Orlando Carnival Downtown and Caribbean American Passport. and engage with their diverse community. News Magazine and Marlon Hill of Caribbean Strong, The Miami Marlins Caribbean Heritage night 2021 celebration was a fundraiser for Caribbean Strong and The celebration included live entertainment from popular was presented in partnership with the Miami Broward DJ Fly Guy and a live post-game performance by Orlando's own I-Land Rebels Band. One Carnival (Miami Carnival), the Orlando Carnival
8
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
While We Wait Journal
by Juvita Layne-Abrams
As the world pauses to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, I too will reflect on the 20 years since receiving my liver transplant!!! It was on September 29, 2001, through the grace of God, a living donors are given preferential treatment should they brave, selfless, forward-thinking family choose to say YES ever need an organ in the future. to organ donation. As a result of this wonderful gift of life, I am alive today to share my story, the stories of others and I have made it my mission to educate people about saving advocate for organ donation because a generous family lives through organ donation. Approximately 90% of the chose to donate the organs of their loved one. In the 20 US adult population supports organ donation, yet only years post-transplant, I have completed multiple degrees, about 60% are registered donors. According to the Health returned to work, and travelled the world. As part of my Resources Services Administration (organdonor.gov), advocacy, I have started a YouTube channel (Life After there are over 106,000 individuals including children Transplant with Juvita Layne-Abrams (https:// waiting for organ transplants. Key contributors to these youtu.be/1A0dMuGUkI4). Through this channel, I am grim numbers are a lack of knowledge, fear, falsehoods and afforded the opportunity to encourage transplant misconception regarding organ donation. Let me dispel recipients, those waiting for an organ, donors, and some of the common distortions. professionals to share their stories and other information regarding organ donation. The organ transplant journey • NO, you will not be left to die in an accident because has been a family affair. For me journaling was an your driver’s license indicates that you are an organ donor. important part of the process. Hence, I have created the Medical professionals adhere to a high standard of ethics “While We Wait Journal” for individuals and families to for every individual life. In that moment, they will do the document their transplant journey. utmost to save that person’s life without considering his/ her designated organ donation status. It is their Hippocratic Organ donation is truly the gift of life. Unfortunately, most oath. According to the Gift of Life Donor Program (https:// of us do not pay it enough credence until someone that we www.donors1.org/), the organ donation process begins love needs one. Please act not! Choose YES and register after all life-saving measures are exhausted, permission is today at organdonor.gov. -Juvita Layne-Abrams given by the family and the prospective donor is in hospital on a ventilator and pronounced brain dead. • NO, there is no cost associated with donating an organ! • NO, you are not too old for organ donations. This too is a misconception. Each donor is assessed on a case-bycase basis. Racial disparities exist at many levels of society. However, in healthcare, we have the greatest opportunity to change lives by becoming organ donors. According to the Gift of Life Donor Programs, minority patients account for approximately 60% of the national organ transplant waiting list. That is a staggering 64,000 people who are waiting on life-saving organ transplants. If we all take the time to understand the process and put aside the misconceptions, we can have a better control of the situation and change the narrative. We may not be able to change the number of people waiting for organs, but we can improve their chances by becoming organ donors. If you make this decision today, it will increase the potential number significantly and reduce the waiting time. We can close the gap now! We know that the fears surrounding organ donation cannot be ignored. It may be easier to believe the many incredulous things that we hear regarding this subject. However, I am asking you to do your research, arm yourself with facts, and reject the myths. Here are the facts: • • •
approximately 17 people die daily waiting for an organ one organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people one tissue donor can help hundreds of individuals
Frequently, it is assumed that organ donation can only happen after someone dies. This is another misconception. Living donors are a critical part of saving lives both directly and indirectly via donation chains. A person can either donate directly to someone or as part of a donation chain where multiple people receive compatible organs. In 2020, approximately 5,700 lives were saved because of the generosity of living donors. It is also important to note that www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
9
Carib New Video Release Party
Carib Brewery USA officially unveiled its ‘321 Lime House’ Taproom and Innovation Hub, in Cape Canaveral, along Florida’s Space Coast. The newly rebranded and renovated 321 Lime House played host to the Central Florida Community to celebrate the release of their new video. Carib Brewery has thrust itself into the international spotlight with the release of a new song and music video, featuring Toronto-based Trinidad and Tobago singer, songwriter and producer Kerwin Du Bois alongside Jamaican entertainer Chinsea “Shenseea” Lee, entitled “Can You Feel It”. The music video includes a cameo by American DJ and producer Khaled “DJ Khaled” Mohamed Khaled, and was filmed and edited by award-winning United States director Gil Green.
Speaking at the launch of the video, which was held at Carib Brewery USA’s plant and “Lime House” in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Friday night, Du Bois, who co-wrote the song with Lee and co-produced the music alongside Chris “Jillionaire” Leacock of Major Lazer fame, said he was proud and happy to represent such a strong Caribbean brand. “I feel proud to be from the Caribbean at a moment like this and I hope that we can all support and stand by Carib—as we all should do with everything Caribbean,” he said. The Lime House offers an authentic beer Taproom experience, an expansive outdoor beer patio, with the capacity to serve food provided by popular local food trucks and daily programming to satisfy the likes of visitors and locals alike. The food served will be paired with a variety of
Carib Brewery’s popular beer selection, and with a diverse programming calendar, one can expect live entertainment, fun games and trivia and on special occasions, vibrant Caribbean entertainment such as limbo, steelpan music, and authentic Caribbean food, giving you an opportunity to escape and enjoy the ultimate Caribbean “local” experience. Carib Brewery USA is responsible for an extensive portfolio of popular beer brands. A beverage portfolio that includes great tasting craft beers such as Caribe, Giant Leap, Key West, Swamp Ape and the extremely popular Hurricane Reef, to name a few. The Brewery is also the proud producer of many well-known craft beers including, the butterbeer served at the famous Universal Studios attraction, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the great tasting Isla Nublar at the Jurassic World attraction and Duff’s Beer from the popular Television series, The Simpsons.The launch of 321 Lime House is part of the new corporate identity of Carib Brewery USA (formerly Florida Beer Company). The significance of the relationship between the diaspora and Carib Brewery emerges from the Caribbean region. Carib Brewery produces Carib…..’The Beer of the Caribbean,’ and this much-loved beer brand has earned 97 percent of the robust beer market share across the region while being distributed globally in over 30 countries. Carib Brewery USA’s marketing director, Asa P Sealy, explained that the song and video are just part of the company’s international marketing thrust, which seeks to invigorate and inspire regional pride. Sealy said: “We wanted to use this opportunity to inject a measure of national and regional pride throughout the Diaspora and to ...Cont on page 11
200 Imperial Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
10
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Carib New Video Release Party...continued bring the region together under the common umbrellas of our cultural exports, expertise and excellence. “Here at the brewery, we have initiated a measure of innovation, which continues to inform and attract new consumers and interests within the beverage industry.” Kerwin Du Bois expressed contentment with the finished product, which remained a closely-guarded secret even to him until the actual world premiere on Friday night. Carib Brewery USA president and CEO James Webb said: “Judging from the crowd reaction here and the feedback online, I think we have achieved the first part of our objective in creating a phenomenal audio-visual product, which the region can be proud of and identify with, while also showcasing the brand’s commitment to representing the Caribbean region as a whole through our superior quality products. “We look forward to fulfilling the rest of the mission in due course, as we launch the new ‘World of Change’ campaign and essentially invite the world to sample and experience the beauty and excellence of the Caribbean region, while also sharing the best of the region with the world at large,” Webb added.
11
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Our Colin Powell
...cont'd from Cover page
The issue is that Colin Powell was not one of those people. This is because Powell had been previously diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that devastates the immune system—in particular, the blood’s plasma cells that produce antibodies. Only 50 percent of blood cancer patients produce antibodies in response to vaccination, and even after a booster, 33 percent still fail to produce antibodies. (While it’s unclear if Powell had received a booster, and one might reasonably quibble about whether, given his age, he may need a booster to count “fully vaccinated,” his illness, along with being 84, made him vulnerable to COVID either way) And while we don’t know the specifics of Powell’s medical chart, he would have been at heightened risk even if his cancer was in remission. “Multiple myeloma is not curable, so while he may (or may not) have been on active treatment, his disease, and his age, made him more vulnerable to breakthrough infection, complications and death,” Dr. Gwen Nichols, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s chief medical officer who authored the studies I’ve linked to in this paragraph. “Myeloma is a disease which affects antibody production and immunity. Whoever transmitted the virus to him may have been asymptomatic, but they gave him a disease he could not fight as well [as people without the diagnosis], despite vaccination.” "We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American," the family said in a statement posted to social media.
Cigar of the Month
"General Powell is an American hero, an American example, and a great American story," George W. Bush said as he announced the nomination of Powell, the son of Jamaican immigrants who became the Republican president's secretary of state in 2000. Sadly, the former President of the United States Donald Trump's statement said "Wonderful to see Colin Powell, who made big mistakes on Iraq and famously, so-called weapons of mass destruction, be treated in death so beautifully by the Fake News Media," Trump continued. "Hope that happens to me someday. He was a classic RINO [Republican in Name Only], if even that, always being the first to attack other Republicans. He made plenty of mistakes, but anyway, may he rest in peace!" However, important to note was that he was alone in his crass statement. As befitting the statesman that General Powell was: emotional tributes have poured in from Congress and from elected officials across both aisles, Democratic Senator Mark Warner praised Powell as "a patriot and a public servant," while House Republican Peter Meijer described him as a rarity in the modern age: "a true soldier statesman." President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama issued long, personal statements about what Powell had meant to them. Former President George W. Bush and his vice president, Dick Cheney, expressed their deep personal sadness over the loss. And sitting Secretary of State Anthony Blinken delivered formal remarks recalling how kindly Powell had treated career diplomats and what a mentor Powell had been to many.
by El Dorado Cigars
TheAshtonVirginSunGrownSorcerer
This cigar is made by Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia. They are hand made in the Dominican Republic, with both the filler and the binder coming from locally grown tabacco, the wrapper is from Ecuador. There are 12 sizes in Ashton’s Virgin Sun Grown cigars. The 2020 Sorcerer has provided the most fulfilling smoke. This cigar was rolled in a Churchill size and is made by the Fuentes in the Dominican Republic. The dark, oily Sumatra-seed wrapper from Ecuador enrobes a heady blend of aged Dominican tobacco. In the late 1999 the VSG came out and it was one of the more full-bodied cigars on the market. However, in more recent times, the full-bodied field has a lot more cigars and range in experience, but the VSG remains remarkable for its rich character and focused flavor, especially the Sorcerer, which casts a charming spell of dark chocolate, black cherry and ground pepper from first puff to last.
12
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Mortgage Rates are Rising The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 2.65% in January 2021, according to Freddie Mac. Since those record lows, the rates have steadily risen and are now the highest they’ve been in 2021. Currently, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is 3.3%. What this means for you…
While 3.3% is relatively high compared to the 2.65% we saw earlier this year, it is still an interest rate that is lower than any ever available before COVID-19, meaning now may be a great opportunity to refinance depending on the interest rate of your current mortgage. For those in the market who understand the struggles that this highly competitive market has brought on, this news should decrease demand as some may choose to hold off on buying in hopes of locking in a lower rate. This is positive news for those seeking to purchase sooner rather than later.
13
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
14
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
15
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Doing Business with Guyana Forum
The Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) hosted a ‘Doing Business with Guyana’ in Miramar, Fl on October 7. The Government of Guyana sent a high-level delegation to Florida to participate in the forum. Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips led the Guyana government delegation that included Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond and head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop.
The forum provided attendees updated information, and facilitated discussion on the political climate, procedures and available incentives for conducting business in Guyana; investment and trade opportunities; the process for accessing information that would provide for bidding on government contracts, and latest developments and future plans for the tourism sector.
The visiting government delegation with GACC President Wesley Kirton, Hon. Consul General Ali, Commissioner Holness and Mayor Messam.
The opening reception, was hosted by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and featured welcoming remarks from PM Mark Phillips, DDL chairman Komal Samaroo, chair of the Florida Caribbean Caucus of the Democratic Party Glenn Joseph, the Mayor of the City of Miramar Wayne Messam, and Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness. The Thursday Florida forum on ‘Doing Business with Guyana featured an opening address by Minister Gail Teixeira followed by presentations by Dr. Peter Ramsaroop on investment and trade opportunities and incentives; Minister Oneidge Walrond on Developments in Guyana’s Tourism and Hospitality sector: Opportunities and Challenges and lunch at which Prime Minister Mark Phillips was the keynote speaker. After lunch, Minister Collin Croal made a presentation on Housing and Infrastructure development in Guyana followed by the private sector perspective from a panel that included the DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo.
16
Prime Minister of Guyana - His Excellency Prime Minister Mark Phillips
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Diwali
.... cont from Cover page Rangoli patterns are created with colored rice, sand, flowers or paint. Then the kitchen gets busy preparing all the sweets. Children in the homes eagerly await gulab jamun, gula gulla, coconut and milk barfi, pera, mithai and parsad that are always made for Diwali. It seems to take forever for the sugar syrup to cool enough to sneak a handful of mithai. Hindus observe the day with a vegetarian meal, usually seven curry in honor of the special day. Sweets are shared at the family gatherings and friends dropping by as well as with neighbors,regardless of religious backgrounds. A short puja (religious service done at home) is performed to honor Mother Latchmie before the diyas are lit. Once these are all taken care of, everyone rushes out to line the roadways to watch the brightly lit and beautifully decorated Diwali motorcade go by. The various floats usually depict the story of Diwali. Finally, one of the highlights of the day is spinning of steel wool on the beaches or wide open areas to see who can get the best light display.
NorthStar First Properties, LLC.
@kw.com
3 Lots for Sale Near UCF (University of Central Florida) and Quadrangle Corporate Office Park PRIME LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION Current Zoning can be 2 Homes on each Lot or Executive Homes Future Zoning Multifamily valdainternational@hotmail.com . 407-536-6635
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
17
A BIRD IN DEMAND - By TONY DEYAL Listen to the hummingbird Whose wings you cannot see… Listen to the mind of God Don’t listen to me Leonard Cohen (2019) “What’s purple and hums?” asked Marshall McLuhan, author of “The Medium is the Message”. This was his way of forcing us to understand the extent to which television had changed everything in our lives, even the nature of jokes. It was all “stand-up” comedy now and none of the long “shaggy dog” style of joke which requires a long “set-up”. When nobody got it, he replied, “An electric grape.” He continued, “Why does it hum?” and when we remained silent said, “Because it doesn’t know the words.” That is true but I tend to take it further. A rolling stone plays the guitar. Early to bed and early to rise is first in the bathroom. Where there’s a will there’s a lawsuit. There is no such thing as a free lunch, but there’s always free cheese in a mousetrap. A bird in the hand is a real mess and makes it impossible to touch-type or blow your nose, but it is nowhere as bad as two birds in the bush. At my age and in such circumstances the only bird that will not get out of hand and become both a thorn in the side and a pain in the grass but will deal with McLuhan’s question is the hummingbird. It hums because it doesn’t know the words. It might create a flap or a buzz. It might even take flight because it is not into stand-up, but in the bird kingdom it is nectar and ambrosia. The hummingbird competes with the stillness of the air or, as one writer said, “darts lightly through the world, spreading its message of joy and beauty, and teaching us to appreciate the wonder and magic of everyday existence.” I spent all my early life in “The Land of the Hummingbird”, the name which was given to Trinidad by the Amerindians. Yet, while I saw the hummingbirds everywhere, especially on the flowers of the ubiquitous hibiscus plant, I never paid them much attention. I was really not interested in what we called the “Quillie Bee”. Our culture, very much in the country areas but even in the cities, was deeply into “mining bud” (minding birds). These were “songbirds” and, even now in some parts of the Caribbean, especially Guyana, they are much sought after, caught, caged and put to compete with others. While in some countries it has been nipped in the “bud” so to speak, there is still trafficking in those considered the best and most musical. Over the years, I stopped “mining” anything but children and my own business, and stopped shooting anything but the breeze. I liked the haste and speed of the hummingbirds but never paid any special attention to them until we moved to Belize. Hugh Walpole would have called it “serendipity”, other people know it as “coincidence”, but I use the term that psychologist Carl Jung applied to “meaningful coincidences”“synchronicity”. Belize made me forever Jung. Our first home in Belmopan, the inland capital of Belize, was on the aptly-named Hummingbird Highway. Early in the morning the mists swirled around and covered the view in all directions, from the distant hills to a worn wooden storage shed or bodega only twenty yards away from the little house on the old citrus farm. It was a benign isolation, a feeling that the world was mine and that time was indeed a foreign magazine with no place for, or relevance to, us. It was there, in Belize, I was able to see for myself and learn that hummingbirds are the only species that even though
unable to walk, hop or shuffle on their extremely short and weak legs, can hover, dart, dive, fly backwards and even upside down. We had moved from Barbados to Trinidad, then to Belize and from there went to Antigua and back to Trinidad. Wherever we have lived, we always have a full bird-bath and feeders outside. When we lacked proper nectar feeders, my wife Indranie improvised and hung small bowls full of fresh sugar water for the hummingbirds and those others who live on nectar including the tiny bananaquit also known as a “sugar bird” or “sucrier”. Indranie is a bird and animal magnet. She claims this is why she married me and is not upset when I have an occasional bird in the hand. These days, I sit in the veranda watching the hummingbirds shuttling in, jockeying for position and attempting to land as if they were in the Kennedy or Dallas/Fort Worth airports. Our mango tree, right in front of me, is the control tower where lives the “Copper-Rumped”, the smallest but most aggressive species in Trinidad. It has little white feathers like soccer socks” on its legs and is hell-bent on kicking out those it doesn’t want in its domain. From the outside looking in, it might seem like we are aping all Caribbean governments and creating a dependency syndrome while, at the same time, given the way the multitude sit waiting or knock on the windows demanding food, an entitlement syndrome. If we sin, we at least don’t want anything from the birds like votes or allowing us to rob them blind. We don’t create make-work, free money projects and siphon the spoils to our own pockets or those of our friends. None of our birds get preferential treatment unless they are injured or have been wounded – physically or emotionally. Yesterday, several brave hummingbirds came right up to Indranie’s face as she sat in the verandah to clearly point out to her that because it was a very hot day their feeders were already empty. Even the bananaquits loudly let her know, like Oliver Twist or Sparrow’s “Congo Man”, they wanted more. After many years of watching birds and politicians, I realise that the only thing they have in common is that very early in the game they feather their own nests. This is why I end with Wangari Muta Maathi, the Kenyan social, environmental and political activist who was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, “We should always feel like the hummingbird. I may feel insignificant, but I don’t want to be like the other animals watching the planet go down the drain. I’ll be a hummingbird; I’ll do the best I can.” *Tony Deyal was last seen saying that like many humans he knows, including a former US President and at least one Caribbean Prime Minister, they have no control of their tongues. www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
18
19
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
20
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
