Caribbean American Passport February 2013 by caribbeanamericanpassport

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NEWS MAGAZINE

Celebrating the Chinese New Year By Natasha Solomon

he Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people–all family members get together, just like Thanksgiving is in the West. The tendency is for everyone to go “home,” creating a hectic time for travel for two weeks before the Spring Festival. This year, we say goodbye to the year of the dragon and usher in the year of the snake. 2013 is the year of the Black Water Snake, water snakes are lucky with finances; they always seem to have money flowing their way. They are adventurous spirits and love to take risks. They are also intelligent and often are a wellspring of creative ideas. The Black Snack will bring people unexpected changes, instability, and changeability. It is important in the year of the Snake to plan everything beforehand and evaluate adequately before acting any actions. You need to

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IN FEBRUARY 2013,

B L A C K

HISTORY MONTH, THE CARIBBEAN AMERICAN PASSPORT WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE OF EVERY RACE, CREED, COLOR, GENDER, CULTURE & AGE T O

T A K E

M O M E N T

T O

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY! Immigration Reform on the Horizon? By Jackson Marcelin, Esq Chairman of the Board, Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce

ince President Obama convincingly won re-election and, more importantly, won the Hispanic votes by a margin of 3 to 1, we have seen a clear shift from the leadership in the Republican Party concerning immigration reform. Many of them

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Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

This February we celebrate Black History Month.

t seems hard to believe that at the beginning of the twentieth century, no black history was taught in schools. It was assumed that other than slavery blacks had made no real contributions to development in the world. Carter G. Woodson, led the awareness of blacks in history through his Association for the Study of African American Life and History Inc. Woodson was born in 1875 and was the son of former slaves. He started his formal education when he was 20 years old and went on to earn Master’s degrees from the University of Chicago. In 1912 he became the second African American to earn a PhD at Harvard University. This month for Black History Month we are honoring Dr. Woodson who recognized that as a people we need to be recognized for our contributions to society. Under his leadership his association created research and publication outlets for black scholars with the establishment of the Journal of Negro History in 1916 and the Negro I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but History Bulletin in 1937 both of which allowed for informa- by the content of their character. tion about black life, history and culture to be shared with the — Martin Luther King, Jr. global community. This month is used to bring to the forefront the accomplishments In 1926, Dr. Woodson initiated the celebration of Negro His- and inspiring stories of African- American icons. Those celtory Week, which corresponded with the birthdays of Frederick ebrated include inventors such as George Washington Carver, Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, this celebration was activists like Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr, expanded to include the entire month of February. In honor of athletes such as Michael Jordan, and Jackie Robinson. This beall the work that Dr. Carter G. Woodson has done to promote ing a newspaper that celebrates the Caribbean diaspora, we the study of African American Histor y, an ornament of also want to celebrate those Black People of Caribbean descent. Woodson hangs on the White House’s Christmas tree each year. We know of the people like Bob Marley, Marcus Garvey, Shirley Chisolm and others but have you ever heard of John born into a life as a slave in Demerara, Guyana, ubscribe to Caribbean American Edmonstone, he learned taxidermy there and gaining his freedom, migrated Glasgow, with his former master, Charles Edmonstone. From Passport News Magazine today. to there he moved to Edinburgh where he taught taxidermy to stuGet the news delivered directly to dents at Edinburgh University including Charles Darwin. Edmonstone reputedly gave Darwin inspiring accounts of tropiyour door each month! cal rain forests in his native homeland of Guyana, and is thought to have influenced Darwin’s decision to explore South America. For a limited time we are offering a one year subscription to CAP News Magazine at $25.00. This will also provide you with discounted admission to events, coupons for shopping at your favorite stores as well as updates on caribbean events coming up in our community. Support your community by giving the gift of a subscription to CAP NewsMagazine to someone and we will personalize a card to them from you in that gift package.

We salute all of the people who have worked throughout the years to bring awareness to the history of Black people around the world. President Obama’s second inauguration was held on Martin Luther King Day 2013. At the inauguration, people were very aware of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the fact that had he lived, he would have been 84 years old, and would have lived to see a different America in his lifetime. It is undeniable that blacks and minorities in general have come a far way.

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Please mail this subsciption with your check or money order to: Caribbean American Passport News Magazine 1230 Hillcrest Street, Suite 101 • Orlando, FL 32803 407-427-1800 ! Yes this is a gift subscription from: _____________________________________________________

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 Should you desire to review past copies of the publication go to http://www.issuu.com/caribbeanamericanpassport and search for Caribbean American Passport News Magazine. Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor ............................................................................. Audrey Johnson Contributing Writers: ..................................................... Natasha Gittens ............................................................................. .Sandra Ann Baptiste . .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell ................................................................................ Nouchelle Hastings Contributing Photographers ........................................... Dillia Castillo .................................................................................. Tahara Thompson Distribution.................................................................... Samuel Roberts ....................................................................................... Frank Ambrose Copyright (C) 2010 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

ANNUAL REPUBLIC CELEBRATION 4

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Can Floridians Trust Lawmakers to Police an Ethics Law? ployment and they receive gifts, meals at the best restaurants in town, and tickets to the best entertainment in town.

By Roger Caldwell

Last year former House Speaker Dean Cannon left office in November, and in a month he formed a lobbying group with another former Speaker, Larry Cretul and started signing up clients like the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority. Current law prohibits a retired lawmaker from lobbying the Legislature for two years, but lobbying the executive branch is allowed. Thus, a speaker can form a company and lobby the politicians who he was working with a couple of months ago.

n June 2012, a news story was run where Florida received the No.1 ranking as the most corrupt state in the country. A watchdog group called Integrity Florida released its full report on Florida’s ethics oversight problems and Florida received a failing grade. The “Corruption Risk Report Florida’s Ethics Laws” identified nearly 800 federal corruption convictions in Florida from 2000-2010 by Integrity Florida.

It would appear that in Tallahassee there is one big happy family and once you leave office, you can begin to represent the large corporations. The large corporations in Tallahassee create “committees of continuous existence,” which allow legislators to accept five-figure checks, and they entertain their friends every night of the session with this income.

It is obvious that this is not a record that the Florida legislators should be proud of, and there are fundamental problems in the system that must be addressed. In 2012, Forbes magazine named corruption one of its factors when it placed Miami, West Palm Beach Fort Lauderdale among its “Most Miserable Cities.”

“Trying to rehabilitate what a CCE is in today’s environment is like trying to put a new coat of paint on the Titanic. We all know campaigns are expensive, and so we’ve turned a blind eye to the fact that most of the money is being spent outside the campaign,” said House Speaker Will Weatherford.

This information has shocked me because I thought that other states in the country were more corrupt than Florida. But I noticed that in this 2013 Legislative Session the Senate President Don Gaetz, is making ethics reform one of his top priorities. Initially I thought that the Senate President was working to improve the laws, but I am learning that the ethics laws are corrupt at their very core.

Fixing the corruption in Florida politics will take more than one Legislature session, because it is ingrained in the system. There is a need for an outside party or organization that will police and help implement the new laws.

Florida politicians are living a lavish lobby-funded lifestyle, and they keep receiving additional paychecks from revolving jobs, and slush funds. Many of the lawmakers have dual em-

Transparency and integrity will be two necessary components for the new laws to work. It is great that two leaders of both Houses realize that ethic reform should be one of the top priorities for this legislature session. But many of the legislators are happy with the way things are and they prefer to keep things the way they are.

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By Sandra Ann Baptiste

CARIBBEAN PERSPECTIVES An in-depth focus on Caribbean issues CARICOM’S ON-GOING CHALLENGES AND PRIORITIES FOR 2013

aiti’s President Michel Martelly, who has just assumed the role of CARICOM Chairman, has the unenviable task of steering the regional integration movement out of its current crisis by making bold decisions and encouraging his fellow heads of government to address a number of on-going major challenges.

This was the identical title of an earlier assessment of the integration movement by Caribbean affairs expert Dr. Anthony Bryan, the former Director of the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.

“CARICOM as an institution appears to be emerging as a “halfway” house reflecting a shift from the solely inter-governmental framework to an emerging integration model in which members are now more willing to explore the options of multiple integration schemes simultaneously,” said Bryan, who is based in Florida and now a Senior Associate in the Americas Program On assuming the mantle of leader- of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). ship, Martelly said during his stint, By Sandra Ann Baptiste which coincides with celebrations Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar feels that Trinidad and marking Caricom’s 40th anniversary, he will seek to unite the Tobago, which has the strongest economy in the region, can region even further so that it can “overcome serious economic, play a much bigger role in the regional integration movement especially in the area of investment. environmental, and social challenges affecting the region”. Martelly and the other leaders in the 15-nation CARICOM In a recent conversation with Ramotar in Georgetown, he told ought to pay particular attention to a number of recent me that Trinidad and Tobago is among those countries in the region finally sitting up and analyses of the state of the integration movement, prime taking notice of the critical isamong these the recent address in Guyana by former Jasue of food security in the region maican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who was one of the and the role that Guyana can architects of CARICOM. play in addressing this problem. While acknowledging that CARICOM has scored some achieveAccording to the Guyanese ments in functional cooperation, especially education and Head of State, because food sehealth, Patterson warned that without the political will and curity is now a global issue and concerted action by regional stakeholders - Governments, Ophigher food prices are affecting position parties, the business sector, labour, NGO’s, the media the region, there is “stronger - CARICOM is “in danger”. interest” by CARICOM countries that can no longer ignore In his address to the Rotary Club in Guyana, Patterson called for the issue. “a renewal of political commitment, implementation of long outstanding decisions and design of On the current negotiations for fresh initiatives that can ignite the a trade and development agreeimagination and meaningfully ment between CARICOM and engage the interests of our people.” Guyana’s President Canada, he stressed the imporDonald Ramotar tance of Canadian development Patterson also highlighted the assistance, especially to equip the region to improve its comneed for CARICOM Economic petitiveness, given that the accord will provide reciprocal dutyCooperation and Development free access for Canadian and Caribbean goods and services. with China and Brazil, which he described as a powerhouse borOn relations between CARICOM countries and the U.S., Caribdering Guyana and Suriname. bean Affairs specialist Anton Edmunds has stressed that CarGuyana has already embarked ibbean governments will need to radically alter the way in on a number of initiatives to which they engage the U.S. administration if trade and ecostrengthen ties with Brazil. nomic links between the region and the United States are to significantly improve. Patterson’s concerns about the ailing integration movement former Jamaican Prime Edmunds, the former Executive Director and CEO of Caribbean were similar to those of the last Minister P.J. Patterson Central American Action (CCAA), noted that while the relaCARICOM Chairman Kenny Anthony who said in a recent address to the Barbados Chamber tively new Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) is providof Commerce that the region is “in the throes of the greatest ing much-needed assistance to the region in the areas of equipment and interdiction, the program was essentially conceived crisis since independence.” in Washington. “The Caribbean is, and has been for too long, stalled at a crossroads of indecision; stalled for so long that we are in danger of Edmunds, now President and CEO of The Edmunds Group Inbecoming anachronistic - literally out of time - and out of step ternational (TEG), a boutique consulting firm that focuses on with the rest of the world,” Anthony said in a review titled supporting clients with interests in the Caribbean Basin region, “CARICOM:QUO Vadis”. Continued on page 22

ImmigrationINFO

Immigration News for Our Community NEW Provisional Waivers Allow Illegals to File Waivers in U.S. (Part 2) ence waiver process will remain available only to those individuals who are currently in the United States and will be departing for consular processing abroad. How will immigration decide whether to approve or deny my “provisional unlawful presence waiver”?

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Gail@GailLaw.com 1-877-GAIL-LAW @GailSeeram

eginning March 4, 2013, certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who are physically present in the United States will be allowed to request provisional unlawful presence waivers prior to departing from the United States for consular processing of their immigrant visa applications. Effective March 4, 2013, the new law will benefit the following individuals: (1) crewman (or jump ships) who married US citizens, but do not have the benefit of Section 245(i); (2) people who entered the US without inspection (EWI), who married US citizens, but do not have the benefit of Section 245(i); and (3) people who entered the US on a K-1 fiancée visa, but did not marry the American who petitioned them, but instead married a different American; and (4) immediate relatives of U.S. citizens with an approved Form I-130 found ineligible to adjust status in the U.S.

For the waiver to be approved, there must be an extreme hardship determination based on a showing of extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen spouse or parent. Documentary evidence to prove the “extreme hardship” must be submitted with the waiver form, Form I-601A. Can an immigrant with TPS benefit from the NEW “provisional unlawful presence waiver” process? TPS applicants who are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can participate in the provisional unlawful presence waiver process if they are pursuing consular processing of an immigrant visa abroad. When can I file the NEW “provisional unlawful presence waiver”? Once you obtain an approved Form I-130 then a request for the unlawful presence waiver can be filed in the U.S. by using Form I-601A and you will be permitted to remain in the U.S. during the adjudication or decision-making process. The filing fee for Form I-601A will be $585.00. How old do I have to be to file under the NEW “provisional unlawful presence waiver” process?

Will I be able to benefit from the NEW “provisional unlawful Individuals must be 17 years or older request a provisional presence waiver” process if I entered with a fraudulent pass- unlawful presence waiver. port or have past convictions? What happens if I go through the NEW “provisional unlawful This provisional waiver applies only to unlawful presence presence waiver” process and my waiver is denied? that triggers the three and ten year ban from returning to the U.S. If a person has other immigration violations, such The individual may depart the U.S., attend the visa interview at as fraud (entry with another’s passport), criminal convic- the Embassy and file the waiver under the current process and tions, and the like, which also require a waiver, the person wait abroad for a decision on the waiver. Also, the individual would have to depart the U.S. and file the waivers after an may appeal or re-file the waiver if new evidence will be submitinterview at the U.S. Embassy and wait abroad for the fi- ted. If the individual wants to remain in the U.S. after a denial nal decision. on his provisional unlawful presence waiver then they may face removal proceedings before the immigration court. Can an immigrant already living outside the U.S. benefit from the the NEW “provisional unlawful presence waiver” process? Before deciding to proceed with the NEW “provisional unlawUnfortunately, individuals who are already outside of the United ful presence waiver” process, speak with a experienced immiStates must pursue a waiver of inadmissibility through the cur- gration lawyer who can assess your unique situation and conrent Form I-601 process. The NEW provisional unlawful pres- clude you will benefit from this new law and new process.

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 Sasha Watson, Esq. Dear Lawyer: My family is from St. Kitts. For the past ten (10) years, my mother, who recently passed away, had been caring for a girl, who is now twelve years old. My mother took custody of her when her mother became terminally ill. The child’s mother passed away about five (5) years ago and we do not know the father or his whereabouts. I am paying a lady to take care of her but it is really expensive. I would like to adopt her and bring her to the United States to live with me but I am not sure if this is possible or what I am required to do. Can you please advise? From Frustrated Caregiver

considered an orphan by virtue of death, disappearance, abandonment, separation or loss of both parents and generally does not contemplate a pre-existing family relationship. In order to petition for an adopted child, the adoption must take place before the child’s sixteenth (16) birthday, the parent filing must have two years legal custody of the child and the child must have resided with the parent for two years either before or after the finalization of the adoption. With respect to an orphan there is no two year legal or residential custody requirement. In order to adopt, the adoption must be by a husband and wife or by a single parent that is twenty-five (25) years or older. For most persons considering international adoptions, the biggest hurdle, unless orphan status can be established, is the two year residential requirement, as this means the child and parent must physically reside in the same household for two years, prior to the filing of the visa peition. In addition to the foregoing requirements, adopting parents will also need to pass a home study and meet other legal requirements in order to successfully petition for an adopted or orphan child. International adoptions are a complex process and the rules change when dealing with countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention. Always contact a competent immigration and family law attorney when considering an international adoption.

Dear Frustrated Caregiver:

Regards, An international adoption by a US citizen is a complex process Sasha Watson, Esq. involving international, family and immigration law issues for HAWM, PLLC both the home country of the child and the adopting parent. The first step in this process is to determine if the child is eligible Please submit your letters to letters@hawmlaw.com. to be adopted under the rules governing adoption in the home Each month a reader’s letter will be chosen for response. country of the child, in this case St. Kitts. It is always advised that you contact a local attorney experienced in international This column is primarily for educational purposes as well as to give adoptions or a local adoption agency to ensure that the adop- the reader general information and a general understanding of the tion is legally processed through the courts of St. Kitts and in law, not to provide any legal advice whatsoever. By reading this column you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship beaccordance with the laws governing adoption in that country. tween you and writer/publisher. This column should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional atWith respect to the US immigration component, there are sev- torney. This column is not published for advertising or solicitation eral key issues to consider. US immigration laws make a dis- purposes. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should tinction between an adopted child and an orphan. A child is not be based solely upon advertisements.

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Indian Horizon of Florida celebrates Phagwah, or Holi, the Indo-Caribbean Hindu celebration of the new year on March 31st

oli, known as Phagwah to most West Indians is celebrated usually in February or March. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of ‘good’ over ‘evil’. IndoCaribbeans immigrants from Guyana and Trinidad brought the celebration with them to Orlando. Every spring, the Sunday after the first full moon of the Hindu calendar, Phagwah literally paints the streets as kids and families “color” one another with

dye (abrac) and powder and chase away the winter grays. Holi celebration begins with lighting up of bonfire on the Holi eve and then you play Phagwah. Enjoy Phagwah in the park at the biggest Phagwah celebration in Orlando. Due to Florida’s warmth, people fly in from Canada and New York to play at the Citrus Bowl every year. Sponsors and Vendors are invited to take part in this Celebration call: 407-427-1800 for vendor information.

Local Entrepreneurs Fill Need for In-Home Care Services in Seminole, Osceola, and Orange Counties

New Home Helpers Owners and Local Residents, Paula and Lennox Flynn, Provide Independence, Longevity and Quality of Life to Local Residents

ach year, approximately 795,000 people suffer a stroke. For local resident Lennox Flynn, this statistic rings all too true. Five years ago, he suffered a major stroke that left him in the hands of his wife, Paula.

local couple is able to lend a helping hand to meet the in-home care needs of residents of Seminole, Osceola, and Orange counties. As one of the nation’s largest home care agencies, Home Helpers offers free in-home consultations and works with clients individually to tailor flexible care plans to meet their specific needs and budgets. Services offered include companionship, senior care, new and expectant mother support, meal preparation, transportation, and medical services including medication management, prescription pick-up and care management.

With more than 20 years of experience in-home healthcare, Paula was able to help Lennox recover from his stroke, with very few residual effects. It was thanks to Paula’s exceptional care and followup that helped Lennox make a tremendous recovery. It was during this same time that Paula realized her true passion As part of the nation’s leading in life was helping people imfranchise specializing in comprove their quality of life while prehensive home care for semaintaining their indepenniors, new mothers and other dence in the comfort of their individuals needing recuperaown home longer than what tive and continuing care, might be otherwise possible. Home Helpers & Direct Link Following Lennox’s recovery began serving the local comthe couple decided to move to munity in November 2012. Sanford and follow their passion for helping others. They Direct Link’s exclusive line of Paula and Lennox Flynn, owners of Home Helpers of Sanford with their daughter. saw this as the perfect oppormedical alert systems are tunity to open their own home healthcare business, Home monitored 24/7 by a CSAA 5-Diamond Certified Care Center, Helpers, which would allow them to meet the growing need for enabling seniors to live independently at home for as long as healthcare in their new hometown. safely possible. The Direct Link product suite includes landline and cellular personal emergency response systems (PERS), “I have been a registered nurse for more than 20 years, but it was automated medication dispensers, GPS client tracking, Care the experience of nursing my husband back to health after suf- Watch and remote vital signs monitoring systems. If a unit is fering a major stroke, that led me to my true calling,” Paula said. activated or a reading is abnormal, the device alerts Home Today, all of our caregivers share the same passion of caring for Helpers staff, 911 or any pre-established contacts, thereby easothers, just as I cared for my husband.” With Home Helpers, the ing family anxieties and maximizing client independence.

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For more information about Home Helpers & Direct Link call Paula and Lennox at (407) 732-6960 or visit http:// sanfordhomecare.com.

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Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, Inc.

From the Desk of Guenet Gittens-Roberts, President

elcome to a new year with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce. Last year (2012) was an exciting year jam packed with activities and events. We worked diligently to rally the Caribbean Community as one group and we were successful in working together to show the strength of the Caribbean Community during the month of June and beyond. We worked with the various Caribbean organizations to present a united front which was not always easy but certainly worth the effort of reorganizing the Heads of Caribbean Organizations. You can be justifiably proud of your CACCF team who worked well beyond the realms of volunteerism to promote the Chamber’s visibility in the Community through our various committees.

Upcoming Events Chamber Executive Meetings - 1st Tuesday of the Month Chamber Board Meetings - 2nd Tuesday of the Month Chamber Business After Hours - 3rd Wednesday of the Month Feb. 20th 5:30 – 7:30pm Business After Hours – (BAH) @Piazza Rialto Ristorante 7782 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Lake Butler, Fl 34786

One of our members Rick Singh won the office of Orange County Property Appraiser. The chamber was the first to endorse him and we are especially proud of him and wish him the best in his new office.

Feb. 22nd 9:00 – 11:30am BBIF Black Beacons of Business Brunch @ Orlando Museum Of Arts 2416 N. Mills Ave Orlando Fl 32803

Our affiliation with BBIF ( Black Business Investment Fund) allows us to provide you with information and qualification requirements for access to loans and new business financing , as well as available help with business plans and other essential tools to ensure business success.

Mar. 7th 10am- 4pm Successful Exhibiting Seminar & Expo @ Majestic Event Center 801 N. John Young Pkwy Orlando, Fl. 32804

Our affiliation with FMSDC (Florida Minority Supplier Diversity Council) allowed us to participate in their annual Business Opportunity Conference at Disney where we met with buyers of many of the largest corporations in the USA . FMSDC along with Orange County also provides seminars on MBE certification, and How to do Business with Orange County, we would like to invite you to fully utilize this affiliation to grow your business. We participated with our members to bring relevant and important information to our community. These included Immigration Forums and Foreclosure Modification Seminars. We signed a Memorandum of Agreement with SBA (Small Business Administration), two years ago and we will bring workshops to our members with updates and advice on new regulations.

Mar. 20th 5:30 – 7:30pm Business After Hours - (BAH) @ Truffles Grill Winter Park Plaza on 17-92/Orlando Ave. next door to Chamberlain’s 430 N Orlando Ave Winter Park, FL 32789 Mar. 26th 9am - 11am *1st Quarter New Member Orientation @ GGR Marketing Office 1230 Hillcrest Street, Ste 101, Orlando Fl 32803

Our Business After Hours events are held on the third Wednesday of every month at various locations. See the schedule below for February and March locations. We will be providing Lunch & Learn events this year to provide up to date market information that will benefit your business Our Women of Wisdom Committee will be back in March during Women’s history month with their first event of 2013. We will host 4 events, through this committee for the year. As a force this committee is growing exponentially. The next event will discuss the impact of the US Global Ambassador for Women’s Affairs and the importance and effect of that office since it’s creation by President Obama. The CAHM committee is coordinating the efforts for Caribbean American Heritage Month kick off reception at City Hall on June 1st and working with the Caribbean Community on the events throughout June to celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month. Our Education committee is focused on finding business educational opportunities for our members. We are committed to providing value to our members through this forum. You can now link your profile with us on facebook and linkedin. We encourage you to make 2013 the year that you join the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to sharing these experiences, knowledge and opportunities with you, as together we grow, prosper and contribute to our local economy. All of our businesses benefit from our patronage, so please remember to help us all grow together by supporting our local Caribbean owned businesses. . Warm regards Guenet Gittens-Roberts, CACCF President, 2013

Love for ZORA! must not end at the close of the Festival Organizers still appeal for support

By Adrienne Noel

estival 2013 may be a wrap, but the appeal for support continues. Festival organizer, the Association for the Preservation of the Eatonville Community, (P.E.C.) pointed out that although the association is pleased with the turnout at this year’s ZORA! Festival, the focus now turns towards a presentation that is to be made to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners in April 2013. This meeting will provide a recap of the ZORA! Festival to Orange County Government, but much is at stake.

The conditions for funding included a vigorous fiscal and administrative plan review of ZORA! Festival 2013, which the P.E.C. successfully completed on December 10, 2012. Another requirement for funding was a report in April 2013 which would address how well P.E.C. had been able to expand its funding base. Grassroots support for organizations such as P.E.C. is typically through small donations from many people. Pr esident Obama’s successful Election Fundraising Campaigns are examples of such support. A “broad public endorsement” of ZORA! Festival during “the Festival cycle,” which ends in April 2013, will significantly bolster the submission to Orange County Government.

Like many non-profit organizations across the country, P.E.C. suffered during the Great Recession of 2008 and N.Y. Nathiri, Director for the following years. A decline Multi-Disciplinar y Proin Sponsor Support coincided grams at P.E.C. added, “Corwith the point when the Festiporate America (Festival val was made “Free And Open sponsors) has done its part To The Public” to ensure that for ZORA! Local governfamilies could still afford to ment (Orange County Govattend the event. It was a perernment) has done its part fect storm. The Festival accufor ZORA! We now need the mulated debt over the years, but this year, for the first time Festival patrons respond to the appeal for support for the ZORA! Festival. community to step up and do its part for ZORA! to ensince 2002, when the P.E.C. first began competing for tourist development tax grant dollars, sure that our grandchild-ren’s grandchildren will enjoy the the ZORA! Festival 2013 was not recommended for funding. Or- ZORA! Festival! ange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, in a 6-1 vote on October 16, 2012, Donations for the ZORA! Festival will be accepted online at allocated the $150,000, $1-for-$1 cash match grant to P.E.C.as www.zorafestival.org and by mail at the Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Art at 227 E. Kennedy Blvd, Eatonville FL 32751. long as the organization was able to meet certain stipulations.

Congresswoman Corrine Brown addresses the ZORA! Festival from Center Stage, explaining why public support is critical for this year’s ZORA! Festival. In the background, Mayor Bruce Mount of Eatonville, Orlando City Commissioner Daisy Lynum, Councilwoman Marilyn Davis Sconions of Eatonville, Councilman Alvin Moore of Eatonville, State Senator Geraldine Thompson, Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, Orange County Commissioner Tiffany Moore Russell, Orange County Commissioner Fred Brummer, Orange County School Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orlando City Commissioner Sam Ings, all show their support with envelop in hand, for the ZORA! Festival. — Photos by Victor K. Watkins —

R O F S N O O D OF A I IT BA N ID O L R IO OR T A A T CO B IA FL OU E HE OC AL Y H T T SS TR ES A N IT St. John’s Episcopal Church • 1709 John Young Pkwy • Kissimmee, FL V March 16th, 4pm to 10pm CE IN

Tickets: $25.00 and Enjoy Bajan Food, Drinks and Delicacies.

Caribbean Village at Zora

aribbean American Passport News Magazine launched our CAP Caribbean Village in the Zora Festival. The CAP Village was a tremendous success and was welcomed by many of the seasoned attendees - “I am so happy to see the Caribbean represented at Zora” were the words of so many visitors to the CAP Village. Over 30,000 copies of the Caribbean American Passport News Magazine were distributed. The live

Organo Gold distributor Karen Fortune

Branches New Generation Steel Band - the showcase entertainment at the CAP Village

The beautiful ladies of the Orlando Beauty Institute showcase some of the costumes to bring awareness to Orlando Carnival with Drew, the Manager of La Vie Fitness Center.

By Rosemarie Roth

music of Branches New Generation steel band, the perfectly selected tunes of DJ Charlie Brown and the beautiful ladies of Orlando Beauty Institute made for a great experience. CAP Village sponsors; The Beauty Institute, Life Worth Living Pharmacy, Laparkan/PSFreight, Caribbean Airlines and the many business booth vendors enjoyed this, our first CAP Caribbean Village look out for the CAP Caribbean Village at an event near you.

Elizabeth Ayotunde, owner of Life Worth Living Pharmacy, showcasing their line of products.

Visitors at the GGR Marketing booth with GGR owner Guenet Roberts

Community Outreach

Food bank is a provision. Seek out the ones in your community or church. (Tell us about the services your church has to offer.) ecently I spoke with a few senior citizens who couldn’t The provisions that are available for us don’t have to come through believe they were going through such difficult times at the avenue we are accustomed; our families or friends. this time of their lives. They were now needing food stamps, their lights were about to be turned off, they needed In today’s time we are directed: medical assistance, help from a food bank, or their church and taking public transportation. All this to them was the lowest • 211 for information they have ever experienced in their lives. I could only imagine • Life Worth Living Pharmacy for your medicine delivery (407) 522-5685 that they had had it better some time or another in the past. Things were now looking dismal, I did agree with them and • United Way for light assistance. (Heart of Florida United Way is located at 1940 Traylor Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804 or you then Elijah’s story jumped at me. can call them at 407-835-0900). Elijah, a prophet preformed many miracles in his days that sur- • American Red Cross of Central Florida 407-894-4141 passed the imagination of even the queen of his country. He • Legal Aid Society 407-841-8310 was well admired and people feared his presence. Yet one day • Meals on Wheels 407-333-8877 he found himself in the wilderness and God made a provision • Senior’s First 407-292-0177 for food to be delivered to him by ravens, dirty unclean birds. Yet he was well fed with over two thousand meals right out of Prayer is a provision: Do not underestimate the power of their beaks. God provided for him and will provide for you also. prayer. It helps the heart to share the burdens and then there is the expectation of “hope”. So often we judge one failure as the verdict for our lives and allow one failure to determine our worth or lack of. (Go to Rosemarie Roth is the Director of Community Services at AlAmazon.com and you will see a book “From the land of disap- pha Point, Inc. operating at Silver Star Christian Church, Inc.* pointment” by Dr. Selvyn Sewell, I recommend it. By reading 7510 Silver Star Road in Orlando . it you will discover all the exit doors available for you.) Solid Rock Outreach Ministries * 4213 N. Pine Hills Road , OrSelf pity will destroy the strongest person because we allow the lando offering Church services, education, food, clothes, seword, the weapons of doubt to control our thoughts and thus nior citizen club - Wednesdays 10-12 p.m) prospers. By not seeking help or sharing our pains and challenges it will make us feel lonely and isolated thus causing To volunteer or to join us you can email @ moreministry@gmail.com - www.alphapoint2.org or 321-460-3093 separation from the “real helpers”.

Chinese New Year Continued from page 1

be more careful and cautious than ever. The first day of spring festival falls on the 1st day of the 1st lunar month, often one month later than the Gregorian calendar. It originated in the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600BC-c. 1100BC) from the people’s sacrifice to the gods and ancestors at the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one.

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There are many customs that accompany ushering in the New Year, like everything else, some have changed, some have evolved and some remain the same. Families no longer offer sacrifices to the kitchen God, instead they cook and enjoy their meals as a family. But on the 23rd, people will prepare for the New Year. The meal eaten will be more luxurious than usual to reflect “ji”, “yu” and “doufu” which translate to auspiciousness, abundance and richness. But before eating begins there is cleaning and shopping to be done. New clothes and shoes must be bought for members of the family. Financial debts have to be settled. Inside and outside of their homes must be thoroughly cleaned, including utensils, bedclothes and all clothing. After the cleaning, comes the decorating. The cleaning is done to help sweep out ill fortune, and make room for incoming good luck. The decorating is done in a spirit of rejoicing and festivity. Red paper is used to write the wishes for a bright future to good luck from each house owner. Waking up on New Year, everyone dresses up. After children greet their parents, each child receives money as a New Year gift. Fireworks are one of the most important customs of the Spring Festival. It is believed that the sound of firecrackers helps to drive away evil spirits. The New Year tradition is to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone.

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?”

atalie Jackson Founder of Women’s Trial Group has broke. Her story, though, is one of resilience. Her son trails her more than fifteen years in combined leadership, me- path in the U.S. Navy and the football team’s starting cornerback. dia and legal experience. Most of her cases have been Natalie has always taught him to walk with high expectations at the center of some of the most high-profile leand to love humanity. Her smile is effervescent gal disputes in Central Florida. She is best known when speaking about her son and how proud for her work in advocating for legal concerns of she is of the man he has become. women and children and her work in the field of criminal defense, personal injury, and injury to You can meet Attorney Natalie Jackson in perchildren and wrongful death as it relates to son on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 4:00 PM women and their families. at the Well of Hope Campus 5230 Indian Hill Road, as Greater Orlando CARES hosts her in You have also experienced her warm, brilliant their Black History Month’s Heritage Hall. She and firm presence on the media circuit such as will be talking about her life as a history maker the Today Show, Good Morning America, Inside and sharing on what it means to represent the Edition, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, Headline News family of Trayvon Martin. She will be acceptand most local and state news channels. Many ing questions and offering tips on how to sucknow of her as the lawyer who helped convince ceed on your journey to becoming a notable prosecutors and the Orange County Sheriff’s mention in history. (Greater Orlando CARES Office to abandon charges against a 14-yeardedicates the month of February to the memory old boy who was trying to help a lost toddler of Trayvon Martin, gone but never forgotten). when he was handcuffed and arrested, Yo u c a n a l w a y s accused of attempted contact her for perkidnapping. We now sonal needs at see her constantly in Women’s Trial Group. the media as part of www.wtgfirm.com the legal team fighting for the justice of Trayvon Martin. Many of us send her notes on Facebook and emails encouraging her Nouchelle Hastings can be contacted at Nouchellehastings@live.com to be strong in her crusade for justice.

Natalie Jackson is Black History, History in general and a model of EMPOWERMENT.

Strength is a gift that Natalie was born with. Natalie’s first career was as a Naval Intelligence Officer who was one of the first groups of female naval personnel to be deployed aboard an aircraft carrier. She can tell you first hand being a Naval Intelligence Officer is much more than we see on many hit television series. It’s a position that demands all of you – time, energy, discipline, sharp skillsets and leadership. Natalie also nicknamed NatJack is not governed by the fads of life; however her presence is always commanding; her outfits are always smart, elegant and sophisticated and zestfully paired with the hottest shoes. Her smile is bright and positive and her tresses are always bold and chic. In the words of Carl Carlton, “she’s a bad mama jama” just as fine as she can be. I am fully persuaded that the Creator tempered this intellectual woman with grace to accept her outer beauty and let her gifts and talents speak louder than she is beautiful. When Natalie Jackson accepts a case, she is not thinking about the dollar leverage that could possibly come from the case rather than how her sharp skillsets and love for humanity can yield the desired outcome and goal that she and her clients expects. As you have heard her say on many occasions. “Some people are taken advantage of because they are the least of us.” My job is to make sure that this does not happen on my watch. Jackson has a huge heart, said S. Alexander, a close friend. She is also smart, funny, warm and passionate about her work, according to friends, clients and colleagues. “She’s a person, when you meet her,” said Orlando personal-injury mogul John Morgan, “you are just overwhelmed by her personality and charisma.” Her father, a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, died in Vietnam — a noncombat casualty — when she was 2. She was an unwed mother at age 20. The tiny law firm she started in 2003 went

Shakoor Manraj, author of “In Pursuit of Justice”

R. Ali Says: “I have read this book and one cannot help but to comment how inspiring and revealing In Pursuit of Justice is.

hakoor Manraj was born in Georgetown, Guyana (formerly British Guyana) and received part of his education in Guyana. After earning the London University Matriculation Diploma, he then went on to Universities in the United States, England, France and Canada to pursue his studies in Law. He also holds the Diploma in International Jurisprudence and the B.A. (Hons), and LLB (Hons) Degrees.He was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple Law School in London, England, on 9th February, 1954. He developed a very successful practice in both the criminal and civil law jurisdictions. In 1969, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel by Her Majesty the Queen, for distinguished service to the legal profession. During his 50 years, Shakoor has practiced in over 35 different jurisdictions in the various Caribbean Islands, Canada, Europe and Asia. He excelled as a criminal defense attorney and successfully defended 330 murder trials. He also appeared on several occasions before the Privy Council, the Highest Court of Appeal, in England. He has also practiced in Canada and the U.S.A., with great success. In all, Shakoor Manraj has written 5 Books – 4 Law Books and the last one, “IN PURSUIT OF JUSTICE”, which is not a law book but rather a very straightforward and unpretentious account of his experiences, court-room dramas and other encounters while IN PURSUIT OF JUSTICE. This Book is replete with Court humor and the funny and unexpected answers that are so often given by witnesses while under cross-examination.

The legacy and footprint of an accomplished attorney.” August 3rd, 2009

“IN PURSUIT OF JUSTICE” by A. SHAKOOR MANRAJ, Q.C.

Available only from: A. SHAKOOR MANRAJ, Q.C. Barrister/Attorney-at-Law 1021 S.W. 100 Terrace Pembroke Pines, Florida, 33025

Reduced price, now $20.00, plus cost of postage within the USA $7.50 (via air-mail)

Immigration Reform on the Horizon? — Continued from page 1 —

that were calling any immigration reform an amnesty are now seeing the light! That light refers to the simple math and realization that Hispanics are now an important part of the voting population and to ignore their voice amounts to political suicide. This is especially true in certain states. Hispanics made up a growing share of voters in three of the key battleground states in the last Presidential election— Florida , Nevada and Colorado .

fully, the neighbor had plenty of UM (uninsured motorist) coverage for the surgery.

This past week, members of the Chamber and other leaders in the Haitian community met with the office of Senator Marco Rubio to discuss his stance and proposals concerning immigration reform. The Senator has been very vocal recently that immigration reform is badly needed. Key personell in his office have been meeting with different sectors of the Central Florida community and taking notes of their concerns and views on immigration reform.

The final point I would make about legalizing the 11 millions is that the American Dream must live on. This country has only been great because it has welcomed the best and brightest of immigrants and made them feel like an American. Some of the best inventions, art, music, etc have been made by immigrants and children of immigrants.

Immigration Reform to legalize the estimated 11 millions undocumented folks is important on so many levels. How many children came here with their parents, went from elementary to high school and graduated just to find out that they cannot go to college? Many of them would have been recipients of full scholarships because of their excellent grades. Now, the best job they can get is working under the table for minimum wage in the service industry.

With the Tea Party becoming a major voice in American politics and their previous strong stance against immigration reform, the remaining question is: will there be a bill that passes through Congress? Right now, your guess is as good as mine.

Legalize them: it is simply the right thing to do.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

An annoying myth that I often hear discussed on television is that legalizing the 11 millions is bad for America because they would be competing for American jobs when the economy is already bad. Each time I hear that, I wish someone on the panel would ask what jobs are those: Are people actually competing for the farm worker jobs (picking fruits), the service industry jobs (changing bed sheets), the maid jobs (cleaning dirty bathrooms)? Are those the compelling jobs they are referring to? Legalizing the 11 millions also ensures our safety and improves our way of life. A neighbor recently got into a car accident that left him needing surgery that costs $80,000. The other driver was undocumented and thus had no insurance. Thank-

Sunday May 26th, 2013 • Festival Field

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 SAYS SAYS:: “I LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.”

Dear Bryan and Gary:

GARY: LOL….Man I thought you just Happy New Year to you and your readers, I wish the best for you wanted to get in shape. guys in the New Year. I’ve been married now 15 years and my new year’s resolution is to lose some weight. In fact my girlfriend recently BRYAN: Well I do…..At least, now lost some weight and let me tell HOMEGIRL LOOKS GOOD. She I do. Now that I have been mangets all kinds of attention now, and I am happy for her. The problem dated to do so. But please don’t I am having is that my husband does not want me to lose any weight. tell anybody, I need to keep up He says he loves me just the way I am, all 200lbs of me. The woman appearances. he fell in love with, he says, is a sexy, curvaceous, voluptuous, FINE MAMMA and that if he wanted Halle Berry he wouldn’t have mar- GARY: No Problem man, your secret ried me. I know what you’re saying, what more do I want, Right? is safe with me. Bryan Well for starters, I want this man to stop calling me his “DUMPLIN,” BRYAN: SAFE WID YUH!!!! Mi soon hear it pon di how am I suppose to feel when my man calls me his DUMPLIN? radio….But that’s O.K., at the end of the day my job is I told my husband I am going to lose the weight whether he likes it to make my wife happy and her job is to make me or not and to that he responded “then I guess you don’t like being happy. You think my wife could just get up and lose married to me.” Guys, I love my husband dearly but I definitely weight without my prior approval. Yuh mussi mad!!! Her body belongs to me, full stop. want to lose this weight. What should I do? What would you do? BRYAN: Make your husband happy, it’s as simple as that. Your job as a wife is to make your husband happy. So just do your job.

GARY: LOL, man you’re crazy. Any woman that would listen to you is out of their cotton pickin mind. Lady, I encourage you to do what makes you feel good about yourself. If your husband can’t handle that then maybe he has changed and he is not the man you married.

BRYAN: Do that if you want to, but when you’re alone just remember that I warned you. You have a man that loves you for you, why jeopardize that? Don’t watch your friends, they don’t have a man. And don’t worry about him calling you DUMPLIN, I love DUMPLIN. Yuh know how sweet dumpling is? If he loves you like I Gary love dumplin, girl yuh set fi life, so please don’t listen BRYAN: Gary I hear you buddy, but this man has said to Gary or You WILL BE ALONE. that if he wanted to marry Halle Berry, he wouldn’t have married her. That tells me that she was heavy LIFE IS A JOURNEY THAT’S FULL OF UPS AND DOWNS, TWISTS when they met, he likes his women with a little junk AND TURNS, SUCCESSES AND FAILURES, AND A LOT OF in her trunk and that’s what does it for him. Now you THINGS IN BETWEEN. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF FACED WITH THIS DECISION? E-MAIL US AT BACK2BASICLIVE@GMAIL.COM are asking him to go against what he thinks is sexy. . GARY: Ma’am I say it’s your body and your weight. If you want to lose it, then nobody should tell you that you can’t. Next he’s going to tell you that you can’t cut your hair. If you want to lose the weight, then lose it.

GARY: So you’re telling me that if this woman wants to start eating healthy she should first get her husband’s permission? That’s ridiculous and you know it. Knowing you the way I do, WHO COULD TELL YOU WHAT TO DO? BRYAN: You would be surprised my friend, I only act like I’m bad around you. The truth is I do as I am told. If my wife says I need to lose some weight, I’m losing the weight. Why do you think I just signed a 3 year gym membership and invited you to come and work out.

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Find Caribbean Restaurants, Plumbers, Events, Discount Coupons, Deals and Much More!

Bella Vita Place offers Karate to residents

esidents of Bella Vita Place in Pine Hills- Orlando, can now participate in an on-site karate program. Tuition is free and the classes are offered by Bassai Karate DojoInternational. While the focus is on kids, many teens and parents have expressed an interest in taking classes. Besides getting physically fit, the students also increase their self confidence and street-smarts. The program also target school grades by making it a major part of belt promotion. Students must show improvement in school grades to be considered for rank advancement.

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We commend Bella Vita Place for taking the initiative as an apartment complex to offer this program to it’s residents. Last December Bella Vita Karate Team competed at the Anti-Drug Tournament and took home five first places. All members competed for the first time. For information call 407-914-5043 or visit www.bassai karatedojo.webs.com

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Scott Randolph, Tax Collector Hiring for: Customer Service Specialist • Prepares and processes registration, titling, and other Driver Licensing Services • Bilingual Speakers encouraged to apply

Visit: www.octaxcol.com/Employment or Call 407-836-2705

Presented by GGR Marketing & PR Seminar Topic: Successful Exhibiting Guest Speaker: Sandra Ann Baptiste, CEO of Carigold Enterprises

Thursday March 7th Majestic Event Center

801 North John Young Parkway Orlando, FL 32804 Seminar: 10am-4pm Expo & Reception: 5pm-7pm Seminar & Expo: $150.00 for 2 people

Expo & Reception: by RSVP only to capnewsmagazine@yahoo.com or call 407-427-1800 Each Exhibitor will receive 10 personalized invitations for the Expo & Reception

Spotlight on The Beauty Institute

A Family owned and operated business

he Beauty Institute is a family owned beauty school with locations in Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville. This school was co-founded by Dr. Glensford Craig and his wife Misty Craig. Dr. Glensford Craig was widely renowned as a born educator. Hailing from Guyana, Dr. Craig started his teaching career at the Tampa Technical Institute. Within a short time, he quickly moved in status from instructor to Director of Education, overseeing a student body of 3000 students. Dr. Craig earned an Associate of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering, a Bachelors & Masters Degree in Business Administration and a PhD in Education. Dr. Craig’s career advanced to lead him to become the Chancellor of the nation’s largest cosmetology university, Dudley Cosmetology University based in North Carolina. In just three short years he advanced Dudley Cosmetology University from four campuses to an astounding twenty schools including locations in Africa, Brazil and Jamaica. In 1997, Dr. Craig relocated to Jacksonville and opened his own school - the Jacksonville Beauty Institute. Built on the principles of education and business the Jacksonville Beauty Institute was followed in 2003 with the opening of the Tampa Beauty Institute and in 2008 by the Orlando Beauty Institute. We would like to honor the late Dr. Glensford Craig on his accomplishments and the successful company he created. His legacy is continued by co-founder and his wife Misty Craig. Mrs. Craig intends to open more Beauty schools throughout Florida. She receives her greatest reward from seeing students she has taught and influenced move ahead and gain success. Mrs. Craig recently said” The training our students receive concentrates not only on the skills needed to practice cosmetology to pass the State License Exam. But most importantly our focus is on the Business skills needed to practice cosmetology as a business.” She believes that one of the quickest ways of getting people out of poverty is to put them in business. We Salute Mr. & Mrs. Craig during Black History Month on their achievements and their commitment to assisting others to grow under their philosophy “ Once Self Employed you can never be unemployed.”

Proud Provider of Quality Service To Our Guyanese and Indian Community

Douglas J. Dobbs, Licensed Funeral Director/Owner Judithann C. McKnight, Administrator

“Professional Service With A Personal Touch”

Full Service Burial & Cremation Religious Rites Including: Christian, Catholic, Methodist, Protestant, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Others 430 North Kirkman Road ~ Orlando, Florida 32811

Phone: 407-578-7720 ~ Fax: 407-295-5504 Email:Info@dobbsfuneralhome.com Website: www.dobbsfuneralhome.com

23 Years of Service to Orlando & Surrounding Areas

1989 – 2013

CARICOM’S ON-GOING CHALLENGES & PRIORITIES FOR 2013 — Continued from page 6 — feels CARICOM States should develop stronger links with Representatives in key US States that have the strongest trading relationship with the Caribbean, primarily New York and Florida. He explained that it is not enough for one Prime Minister to meet the U.S. President and expect that issues affecting the Caribbean will be considered with any speed, given the fragile state of the U.S. economy and so many other competing domestic and global interests. Edmunds underscored that the Caribbean has to do a better job of engaging the Black Caucus as well as Republicans, whose constituencies are made up of a large Caribbean diaspora. He is convinced a bipartisan approach to Caribbean issues of trade, competitiveness, security issues and disaster preparedness would likely yield more positive results for the region. On the issue of U.S. aid to the region, Edmunds believes that some current major areas such as skills training and linking agriculture and tourism are not receiving substantial U.S. support and the relationship with agencies such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) needs to be redefined. In addition to this, USAID should consider providing assistance to the Caribbean Development Bank, Caribbean Export Development Agency and for more Caribbean private sector ventures. The state of the region’s economies has not improved significantly over the past year but there are indications of “incipient growth” in some countries, according to the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). CDB President Dr. Warren Smith advised me that the Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) are beginning to take concrete steps to diversify their economic structures, pointing to a new sizeable agro-industrial development in Antigua and Barbuda and investment in medical tourism in Barbados. CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin La Rocque has identified the restructuring of the CARICOM Secretariat as one of his priorities for 2013. For the integration movement to move forward, significant progress needs to be recorded in the following areas: governance, especially implementation of decisions and who will oversee this, foreign policy coordination, negotiations on the trade accord with Canada, trade with the European Union and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), including issues related to the free movement of people and contingent rights of nationals who have relocated to another Member State. Haiti’s President Martelly will need a lot of support to achieve his goal to reunite the region and also to strengthen relations between the French-speaking country and the rest of CARICOM. (Sandra Ann Baptiste, a Specialist in Caribbean Affairs, is a business consultant, trainer and writer. She is the Chief Executive Consultant of CARIGOLD Associates, former head of the Guyana Office for Investment, GO INVEST and Editor of “Invest Guyana”).