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Jimmy Jean Louis named Spokesperson for NCAHM

Orlando celebrates Phagwah...

The colorful festival of Holi

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IMMY JEAN LOUIS has been named National Spokesperson for National Caribbean American Heritage Month cel-

ebrations in 2011. The Haitian born actor, star of HBO Heroes has once again signed on to be spokesperson for CAHM 2011. He joins Sheryl Lee Ralph who served as Spokesperson since 2006.

Should we name a Spokesperson for Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations in Central Florida? Share your thoughts with us at the next CAHM meeting on April 14th from 5:30pm at the Mark’s Street Senior Center.

Do you have a Caribbean Association, Chamber or Cultural Group - then join the Heads of Caribbean Associations as they join forces to showcase Caribbean Cultural Diversity in Central Florida this June.

Add your name to the growing list of Associations pledging their sup

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The “Negro Spiritual” Scholarship Foundation, Inc. FIFTEENTH ANNUAL WORLD-PREMIERE GALA & RECITAL to award the (Florida) GRADY-RAYAM PRIZE In Sacred Music Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando For further information please visit www.negrospiritual.

Tea Time

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his past Saturday was Tea Time for the Jamaican American Association. All that was missing was the crumpets, but these were quite aptly replaced by assorted Jamaican goodies.

The association held its third annual fund-raising tea at the Marks Street Senior Center to raise funds for disaster relief. The event was well attended and supported by organization members and guests. The entertainment provided included dancing by the Caribbean Cuties, an all-girl group performing to Jamaican and Caribbean rhythms.

Also entertaining was the popular Leo James, who has been playing the steel drums for the past fifty-five years, and M.C. Jesse Runner. Highlighting the entertainment portion of the program was a fashion show by Divinely Adorned Fashion, showcasing what designer Marcela described as “resort wear”, which included gowns and other items suitable for cruising.

Hats off to Mrs. Hyacinth Bulgin, who won the best hat competition, sponsored by the Caribbean Passport.

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L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

Celebrating the achievements of Caribbean People in Central Florida

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always leave this column as the last thing I write before I send the paper to print. Most of the time, I have no idea what the column will be about, I wait and when inspiration hits - I write. This month’s column proved to be very hard to write...I have been struggling with the vision of the paper in

The Ambassador said that we needed to celebrate the achievements of the Jamaicans who have done well in this country, citing retired General Colin L. Powell, a former U.S. Chief of Staff and Secretary of State who is the son of Jamaican immigrants.

She went on to say that most of the time we hear about our

light of the recent arrest of one of our Caribbean restauarant people who have done badly but rarely about the ones that are owners...do I run a story on it...do I not. Isn’t this supposed to doctors, lawyers and making a great contribution to America. be about the Caribbean Community here in Central Florida so After listening to Ambassashouldn’t we print the good and the bad? dor Marks, I was reminded, that the reason I started this From the beginning, I set out to produce a News Magazine to News Magazine was to celcelebrate the diversity and beauty of the Caribbean Culture ebrate the achievements of here in Central Florida. I have marveled at the many wonderCaribbean People in Cenful things that Caribbean people are doing here to pass on the tral Florida. We don’t get culture to the next generation and I’ve always wished that more the Orlando Sentinel to feapeople could know that there are amazing people working very ture us when we promote hard to promote Caribbean Culture here. This paper was my our culture, we don’t have chance to do that! But, I still couldn’t get past the thought of Wesh News coming to celshould I air his side of the story...is that what we should proebrate our achivements vide to Caribbean people in this area - a chance to have their and so I leave the negativvoice heard? ity to them...if those are the In the midst of this turmoil, I went to a luncheon for the Jamai- only times we see Caribbean people featured in their news then can Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey P. we will work to showcase the beautiful, diverse, striving people we are, in our News Sources, so that our children can be proud Marks and Consul of who we are as a Caribbean People. Enjoy this month’s General, Sandra issue...The Grenada Association’s Gala to raise funds for their Grant Griffiths kidney fund, the festival of Phagwah in all it’s glorious color, hosted by the Caribthe Kerosene Lamp Foundation’s Gala to raise funds for improvbean Bar Associaing Caribbean Children’s lives through sports and education, tion and the JamaiGail Seeram’s scholarship recipient - smart, talented Amanda can American Assoand so much more of who we are as Caribbean American People ciation of Central living in Central Florida.

Florida. Ambassador Marks is the first female Jamaican ambassador to the United States and a GGR Marketing & Public Relations very admirable one 1969 Alafaya Trail, Suite 133 • Orlando, Fl 32828 as well. In her re407.421.8118 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com marks at the luncheon, Ambassador Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor .............................................................................Audrey Johnson Marks stressed that Contributing Writers: ................................................. Natasha Gittens part of her mission was to focus on increasing trade and invest. .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell ments but also to promote the historically strong ties between ................................... ........................................................ Gail Seeram Jamaica and the United States especially with the many Jamai........................................ ............................................... Felicia Persaud cans living in the United States, noting sterling contributions to . ................................... ................................................ Shahzad Ahmed the building of “this great country, the United States of America,” Contributing Photographers .......................................... Sandra Fatmi by generations of immigrants from Jamaica, famously begin........................................... Sandy Isaacs ning with one of the early Jamaican immigrants, John Brown Copyright (C) 2010 GGR Marketing & Public Relations All rights reserved.

Russwurm, one of the first black graduates of a U.S. college.

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2011 - G.A.I.L. (Giving Abundantly In Life) Foundation Scholarship Presented to Amanda Parveena Nath

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iss Amanda P. Nath is the winner of the 2011 GAIL Foundation Scholarship. Miss Nath was crowned the queen of the Miss. Indo-Caribbean Sapna Pageant. Attorney Gail S. Seeram sought to award the $500.00 scholarship to a Guyanese national college student with a grade point average over 3.0 who could articulate how their Guyanese heritage impacted their academic studies or career path. Amanda was selected from among numerous entries, because she maintains a 3.3 grade point average while studying Nursing at Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences.

it is all said and done those people cannot steal your education- -for it is up here!”

Then he would point to his head, shortly before testing me on my multiplication or “tables” as he would refer to it. There was never a day that I was not reminded that in this country we as Americans are given the opportunity to become whatever we dare to be. Education is offered to everyone and what you choose to do with it will reflect who you are separate; from whom you want to be!

Since I was a child I came to know that only the prestigious went to school in Guyana when my parents Attorney Gail S. Seeram & Miss Amanda P. Nath and grandparents were there and so education should not be seen a chore but rather In her essay, Amanda stated, “Thankfully, I’ve always had a privilege.” my family and more importantly, my parents both of Guyanese decent always reminding me to keep my eye on Attorney Gail S. Seeram has pledged to continue to award this the prize. You see, growing up surrounded by so much family scholarship on an annual basis in an effort to encourage young I was taught the value of education. My grandfather would Guyanese-American college students to seek excellence in their preach “yes, Mandy you keep pushing forward because when academic studies.

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Governor Scott Slowly Responds To The Pill Mill Epidemic

By Roger Caldwell

addictive painkillers in Florida, because of the loosely regulated clinics. Maybe our governor is against the prescription database, ur new governor in the State of because it could identify Solantic as one of the problem clinics.

Florida is very controversial when it comes to making a decision. Florida State Attorney General Pam Bondi supports the dataAs I continue to study the nature of base, and acknowledged that she and the governor have a difpolitics, I have learned that a good ference of opinion on this particular matter. Pam Bondi politician must master the science of states,”Right now you can walk in and get a prescription for flip flopping. Good politicians learn to 1000 or more OxyContin tablets and that’s ridiculous. No lealways give themselves wiggle room gitimate doctor wants to do that and legitimate pain manageif they have to change their opinion. ment clinics need to be protected. They are getting hurt by these drug dealers wearing white coats.”

Politicians know that when you negotiate your position, they will only get Last week the governor held a news conference where he outa portion of what they are asking for. lined his plan to combat prescription drug abuse. At the conThey can ask for the sun, moon, and stars, and they are satisfied ference he refused to discuss the database controversy, but he with just the stars, because they did not expect to get everything. announced the launch of a statewide “Drug Strike Force.”

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Even though, there is more oxycodone and other adductive painkillers distributed illegally in Florida than all other states in the country, Governor Scott has opposed the funding of a pill-mill database. Ninety-eight of the one-hundred leading dispensers of these drugs nationally are doctors who reside in Florida.

Scott has opposed the database that would track prescription trends and allow law enforcement to see which clinics are dispensing too many prescriptions. It is important to remember that Governor Scott is also the founder of Solantic, a chain that dispenses prescriptions. Again there appears to be a conflict of interest when the governor makes decisions.

The funding for the database would not have cost the taxpayers of Florida a penny, because OxyContin maker, Purdue Pharma offered Scott a $1 million grant to pay for the database. Many doctors and politicians understand that there is a crisis with

The force will be composed of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Division of Insurance Fraud, sheriff’s departments, community police forces, the Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration. Governor Scott has directed the FDLE to use $800,000 in unspent grant money to help pay for overtime and other cost associated with the effort.

It is good that Governor Scott is taking the initiative to begin to battle and confront the prescription drug crisis in Florida. But the “Drug Strike Force” also needs a database to support the different law enforcement officers.

It is time to stop playing politics in Florida with the governor.

Florida needs a database to monitor the clinics and doctors who dispense prescription drugs. It is terrible and appalling that our state leads the country in distribution of illegal prescription drugs.

A Lawmaker’s Solution to Illegal Immigration? - Murder!

By Felicia Persaud

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handle it or deal with it. I think it’s completely inappropriate,” Brownback said during a news conference. “This is no way to discuss the issue.”

ow about shooting all illegal immigrants? That’s Kansas State Rep. Virgil Peck’s solution to the hot button issue of illegal immigration.

But is that enough? Why should we accept such diatribe as free speech when there are obvious ramifications and facts that Republican law maker Peck put his pecker, sorry his foot, in his prove that such hateful, despicable remarks trigger such acts mouth last month over a solution to illegal immigration in what as Shawna Forde of Arizona’s murdering of a Mexican immican only be called a shocking case of publicly stirring up murder. grant and his nine-year-old daughter and the leads to the rise in hate crimes against immigrants across this country?

During a committee meeting on Monday, March 14th, on how to deal with controlling the wild hog The fact is that hate speech is rising in this country population, Peck stated: “If shooting these immialong with the number of hate groups who are armgrating feral hogs works, maybe we have found a ing themselves and such rhetoric by the likes of Peck (solution) to our illegal immigration problem.” trigger already loose cannons to explode. The Southern Poverty Law Center counted 1,002 active hate So where is the national outrage over this comgroups in the United States in 2010. That number surment? Very little has happened to date except passed 1,000 for the first time and the anti-governfor a call from Somos Republicans, a national ment “Patriot” movement expanded dramatically for watchdog group and a Hispanic Republican the second straight year as the radical right showed grassroots organization for Peck to be removed continued explosive growth in 2010. Such groups are as chairman of the Transportation and Public defined as those whose activities include marches, ralSafety Budget Committee. lies, speeches, meetings, leafleting or publishing.

Peck’s comment, however, has not been taken That’s right - speeches such as Peck’s remarks! It is Virgil Peck seriously enough to obtain any legal ramificawhy immigrant voters and advocates should be tions. Yet should anyone scream terror or dismore outraged at this remark and now allow Peck cuss terrorism, that person would quickly be hauled off to jail to get away by simply saying “sorry.” Sorry cannot be enough and possibly thrown there for the rest of their life. for someone propagating murder - murder that can qualify as domestic terrorism. There should be legal ramifications for this But Peck, who represents Tyro, Kansas is walking around free comment and advocates should not sit silently by and let Peck as a bird, after an about face turn of events in which he apolo- and his friends on the far right continue to spread hate and gized via a statement on the House floor on Tuesday, March incite murder while hiding behind the constitution and free 15th and said his statements were “unfortunate.” speech.

Republican Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback also quickly stepped Felicia Persaud is founder of News AmericasNow, CaribPR Wire in to save face by rebuking Peck Tuesday. “This isn’t the way to and Hard Beat Communications.

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The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, Inc. (CACCF) elects new officers

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he Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce nity in Central Florida. Prior to her election as President, of Florida, Inc. (CACCF) held its annual elecMs. Singh headed the communications efforts of the tions recently and re-elected Mrs. Carol Singh CACCF as a board member and piloted the popuas President. Carol Singh has worked in the Filar Caribbean Business Directory produced annunancial Sector for the past 14 years as a Financial ally with listings of Caribbean owned businesses Advisor and Retirement Planning Specialist. Curin Central Florida. rently she is President of KC Consulting, an independent financial planning firm. Ms. Singh has During those same elections the following officers been an active member of the Caribbean Commuwere elected: nity in Central Florida through the Alliance of Guyanese Expatriates and the Guyanese Cultural Association of Cen• Vice President: Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Caribbean tral Florida in addition to serving the Caribbean American ChamAmerican Passport NewsMagazine ber of Commerce for the past 7 years.

• Treasurer: Sandra Fatmi, Diamond Talent Management • Secretary: Homida Rajack, Urban Trust Bank Carol Singh was born in Guyana and holds a BA in Economics of Development from the Kingston University Surrey UK and a The newly appointed CACCF Board of Directors are: Andy King, Masters in Public Administration in Budget & Policy Analysis Sasha Watson, Samuel Roberts,Bryan Ivey, Mary Ann Sheriff, from the New Mexico State University.

Kash Ramnarain, Keith Gooden, Dahlia Hayes & Al Jivraj. Mr. Mustapha Baksh of Bancar International will continue to serve As President of the Caribbean American Chamber of Com- on the board as Chairman Emeritus. Mr. Leo Mendez, a Former merce of Florida, Inc., Ms. Singh is charged with leading the Chamber President, will head a team of advisors aimed at guidCACCF to a new level of awareness in the Caribbean commu- ing and developing CACCF.

Recent CACCF Events

Grand Opening of Starlight Restaurant Grand Opening of Dr. Rosalyn Thompson’s new office on Lee Road

Mikaela Nix, Teri Siciliano, Sandy Isaacs, Tina Holden & Carol Singh, speakers at the recent We are Wonderful Women Conference held by Sandy of Break Away Moments.

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Mary Ann Sheriff, Vice President of First National Bank of Central Florida hosted an event for their customers and the business community.

Recent CACCF Events, continued

Ambassador Bristol

Featured speaker at GAECO’s Annual Independence Dinner

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illian Bristol, Grenada’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States was the special guest and featured speaker at the Grenadian-American Educational & Cultural Organisation of Orlando, Florida commemorative Grenada Independence Gala and Dinner.

Grenadians, and their friends, celebrated the island’s 37th anniversary of independence from Great Britain under the theme “Proud to be Grenadian.” The proceeds raised will go towards the Grenada Patient Kidney Foundation, which assists with the payment of dialysis treatment in Grenada.

Past Presidents Leo Mendez, Andre Allong and Current President Carol Singh with the Grenadian Ambassador at the Grenada Independence Gala.

16th Annual Business and Professional Networking Event

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une 17th has been selected as the date of the 16th Annual Business and Professional Networking Event. This event, hosted by the Black Business Capital Financing Corporation (BBCFC) in conjunction with the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF), provides an unparalleled opportunity for businesses and professionals to meet and exchange valuable information in a relaxed atmosphere. With over 400 executives, decision makers and professionals attending annually, the Networking Event is Central Florida’s foremost multi-cultural business networking experience. The Networking Event centers around major corporations and local government agencies providing information on upcoming contract opportunities as well as business-to-business relationship building.

President John Munro said that his organization which was formed six years ago, decided on an initial three year support to the Foundation but had to continue because of the increasing number of requests for support. “That arrangement ended in 2010, but from observation we quickly realize there is a dire need for the financial assistance we provide and I am proud to say that this year we will once again support the Kidney Foundation in Grenada,” he said while explaining that after making the 2010

presentation and learning about the growing need to assist kidney patients he recommended to the execuYou’re invited to Bask in the Florida sun while enjoying the tive of GAECO that best basted Bar-B-Que from across the nation and great blues there be continued and & funk music. Walk down the Smart Growth streets to learn ongoing support. about the many options available for your business: GAECO has donated more than US$7000 to Procurement Blvd. the Grenada Patient Kidto explore procurement opportunities from businesses ney Foundation in the among the nation’s top 100 companies. past three years.

Entrepreneur Ave. Network with entrepreneurs and the best of Central Florida businesses.

Success Circle Learn about the available smart growth solutions and resources for businesses, such as loans and technical assistance programs.

Friday, June 17, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Central Blvd. Downtown Orlando.

Register before May 6, 2011 for free admission.

After May 6, 2011 admission will be $20.00.

Food and Beverage sold seperately.

Go to www.bbif.com for more information.

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Jimmy Jean Louis named Spokesperson — Continued from page 1 — port for Caribbean American Heritage Month activities this June.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED Caribbeans and Friends of the Caribbean we need you to serve as Volunteers on the Central Florida Committee. Show your Pride in your Heritage and help to showcase your Caribbean Community in all it’s diversity to Orlando! We need Writers, Web Designers, Research Interns, Public Relations Associates. We need people to assist us with the activities scheduled on June 4th and June 25th.

Spread the Word Be an Ambassador, commit to spreading the word through your website, office, events etc from now until June 2011.

Sponsor this Event You can sponsor this event, gain exposure for your company while supporting Caribbean Culture and Diversity. Media Sponsors are needed.

Attend a meeting for more details or call 407-810-6435.

We've moved . . .

Visit our new location!

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2011 KLF Gala

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LF 2nd Annual Gala Dinner & Caribbean Fete raised over $20,000!

Congratulations to J.J. Redick, recipient of KLF's 1st Beacon of Excellence Award, Cathy Godfrey, KLF's 1st Lamplighter of the Year, and Consolo Adams, 1st to be on KLF's All-Star StudentAthlete Honor Roll.

Cassi, the popular singer of "When Last You Take A Wine On A Town Thing," visited Spring Garden Restaurant in Winter Garden.

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VI Transfer Day Celebrated on the 31st of March

Ras Selah Of Sol International and KLE CEO Biggs celebrated VI Transfer Day in Orlando at the 4th Annual VI Transfer Picnic.

VI Transfer Day celebrates the Day that Denmark transferred the Virgin Islands to the United States.

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CAFA Fusion

Miss Caribbean Students’ Association-UCF 2011: Meisha Perrin & Mr. Caribbean Students’ Association-UCF 2011: Patrice Lexima

Caribbean Students Association - UCF crowns new King & Queen Raj Maraj of Raj Travel Service sponsored the first prize of a Caribbean Airlines Ticket.

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Orlando celebrates Phagwah...

The colorful festival of Holi

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oli, known as Phagwah to most West Indians is celebrated in February end or early March, this year it was celebrated on March 19th. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'evil'.

Indo-Caribbeans immigrants from Guyana and Trinidad brought the celebration with them to Orlando and in the Caribbean Community, different festivals were held by Hari Singh and Lalman Persaud which both brought out thousands to cel-

ebrate. The mandirs also celebrated the festival of Holi throughout Orlando. Phagwah, or Holi, is the Hindu celebration of the new year. Every spring, the Sunday after the first full moon of the Hindu calendar, Holi celebration begins with lighting up of bonfire on the Holi eve and then you play Phagwah where people literally paint the streets as kids and families "color" one another with dye (abrac) and powder and chase away the winter grays.

10% OFF ANY PURCHASE Cannot be combined. Must present coupon. Expires 12/31/11.

ENJOY TENDERS TUESDAY ANY DAY OF THE WEEK Valid for up to 4 persons per coupon per day. Cannot be combined. Must present coupon. Expires 12/31/11.

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At Your Service

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erena Hopewell is a beautiful and successful flight attendant, recovering from a broken heart. She thought she’d met the love of her life, but following a devastating broken engagement, she decides otherwise.

She’s done with love. She wants nothing to do with it-which is why Deputy US Marshal Kyle Drummond is such a problem.

Kyle Drummond is sexy as hell.

He exudes an aura of raw power and sensuality, and Serena wants nothing to do with him.

It’d be easy for her to ignore him, too, if only he wasn’t also painfully attracted to her. From the moment he set eyes on Serena, ocal artists and competitors will take part Kyle knew he wanted her. But on April 23rd in the largest festival of Inafter being wounded on the job, dia in Central Florida -with performances he doesn’t see romance or a reranging from classical dance to modern lationship in his future.

Bollywood. India Fest, organized by the Hindu Soon, Serena and Kyle find them- Society of Central Florida, will showcase arts selves in harm’s way, with only from India’s diverse traditions and Indian clasKyle’s professional expertise and sical dance forms, such as Bharatanatyam, and unwavering courage keeping them include music performances by Vaibhav Joshi alive. At Your Service is a story of and his students playing the tabla. The highdesire and danger that goes to show light of the cultural program will be the dance you can’t run away from love-no competition and dances from the different regions of India. matter how hard you try.

India Fest in Orlando

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C.M. Braithwaite was born in Guyana and has been addicted to romance novels all her life, especially those featuring strong, independent heroines. She was previously a television sports journalist and public relations officer. She currently lives in Decatur, Georgia.

India Fest will be held Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808

Price: $16.95 Paperback/$26.95 Hardcover/$9.99 Digital ISBN/SKU: 9781450271080 Order information: www.cmbraithwaite.com Orders placed on this website include copy signed by the author and free surprise gifts! Also available online at iUniverse.com, Amazon, Borders and Barnes & Noble.

There will be plenty of businesses with products to sell, ranging from Indian jewelry to snacks, clothes and Ayurveda products. The food stalls will prepare different cuisines from India. The temple youth will prepare cultural displays of the diversity of India as many local area school children attend the Fest to get an idea of the diversity of the country; and of special interest to people planning a summer vacation in India, The Consulate of India in Houston, Texas will have an information booth and also accept visa applications. Festivals like this give a people-centric focus to the growing strategic partnership between US and India.

Roberts & Roberts Property Management Services Serving Orlando & Central Florida Property Management

For more information or stall booking, please contact HSCF office: 407-699-5277 or skdaniell@gmail.com - HSCF website: www.hindutempleorlando.org

We provide property management solutions for homes, businesses and vacation rentals.

Renters! we have homes available.

Contact Sam for more details: 407-810-6435.

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A quick overview of some important changes to Child Support and Alimony in Florida

By Natalie Hall, Esq.

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everal recent changes to Florida Family Law will affect spousal support (alimony) and child support. While these changes cannot be the basis for Modification of current court orders, they will certainly affect new ones. Here is a quick look of some of the important changes to child support and alimony.

Clear definition of Short, Moderate and Long-Term marriages.

Florida law now provides clear definitions of what is meant by short, moderate and long term marriages. A short-term marriage as a marriage of less than 7 years, moderate-term is greater than 7 but less than 17 years, and long-term is 17 years or longer.

The length is determined by the period of time from the date of marriage until the date the dissolution (divorce) is filed.

Codifying a familiar form of Alimony and Creating a New Kind.

Statutory recognition has been provided to Bridge-the-gap alimony. This Alimony is available to assist a spouse with shortterm financial needs but may not exceed 2 years. On the other Changes to Child Support Orders. hand, a new type of alimony, Durational Alimony, established The law now requires that all Orders for child support contain to provide a spouse with economic assistance for a set period of provision for termination when the child turns 18 unless the time, may exceed 2 years but not the length of the marriage. court finds or has previously found that the child is dependent or the parents agree otherwise. This creates an automatic ter- Clarifies Permanent Periodic Alimony Awards. mination of child support when a child turns 18 without the Florida courts now have more flexibility in awarding Permaneed for further court action. nent Periodic Alimony. This Alimony may be awarded in marriages of short or moderate length. The court has the auAll Child support Orders involving multiple children must now thority to make such an award in a marriage of moderate duaccount for the change to the child support amount as each ration if the specific facts of the case warrant such an award, child turns 18. The Support Order must not only show monthly and in a marriage of short duration if exceptional circumchild support obligation for all children but also the actual stances are present. decrease in child support for the remaining child/children after the child which is no longer entitled to receive child support Contact a Florida Family Law Attorney if you have questions stops receiving that support. regarding how these changes can affect your pending family law case.

New Definition of Substantial Amount of Time Sharing.

The Law continues to recognize an adjustment of child support amount for a parent that spends a substantial amount of time with a child. However, the law now defines 20% of overnight stays with a paying parent (as opposed to 40%), as a substantial amount of time sharing that would reduce that parent’s child support obligation.

The Law Office of Natalie D. Hall, P.A. 2816 E. Robinson Street, Orlando, FL 32803 (407) 412-7035 (866) 220-8314 (facsimile) www.ndhlaw.com

Jamaican lawyers . . . a tall tale

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his is why Jamaican lawyers should never ask a witness a question if they’re not prepared for the answer.

In a trial, a Falmouth small town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, a grand motherly, elderly woman named Miss Ivy, to the stand. He approached her and asked, “Miss Ivy, do you know me?”

She responded, “Why, yes of course me know you, Mr. Williams! Me know you since you was a likkle pissen tale pickney, and wata big disappointment you is to yuh family.

You tell too much lie, yuh cheat pan yuh wife, you chat people bizniz, and yuh red-eye and licky-licky. Yuh tink you is a big shot now but yuh nuh realize seh yuh will neva be more dan a two-bit paper pusher! Yes mi know yuh aright!!”

pointed across the room and asked, “Miss Ivy, do you know the defense attorney?”

She again replied, “why yes, mi know Mr. Bradley since him was a likkle bwoy to. Him lazy, and good-fe-nuttin, him boassy, and him always a gwaan like him white. Him cyaan build a normal relationship wid any woman cause him a battyman unda covah. Fi him law practice a di wos ina Jamaica. Him chat nuff , him teef, nuttin nasty and dutty no deh wey him nuh do.

A three different woman an four man me hear sey him av undah covah, an one a di woman dem a you wife! Yes sah, mi know him well.”

The defense attorney almost died of embarrasment.

The Judge ordered both counselors to approach the bench, and in a very quiet voice, said, “IF EITHER OF YOU BASTARDS ASK HER IF SHE KNOW ME, A GWINE LOCK UP UNNU RAASS The Lawyer was stunned! Not knowing what else to do, he INNA JAIL FE CONTEMPT!”

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Top 20 Seniors Shine T

he Top 20 Seniors in the Evans High School Class of 2011 were recently identified and celebrated at a breakfast held in their honor. The Senior Class Officers along with Senior Class Sponsor Charlie Grace provided the meal and served the Top 20 graduates. Evans High School Principal, Dr. Christiansen congratulated the students and offered words of encouragement as they face their final days at Evans High School.

Bottom: Row 1; Tiarra Williams, Katrina Oliver, Charisse Ahmed, My Tien Doan, Natlie Elias, Farah Azeez and Karina Ozuna Middle: Row 2; Mr. Rolando Bailey, Tuchelle Williams, Nathaly Ruiz, Shakeema Thom, Shantel Zander, Suzeline Desir, Monique Boston, Shaleeza Ali, Alexandra Sewkarran, Mr. Jeff Davis and Mr. Robert Bonesteel.

Top: Row 3: Mr. Tom Tyler, Mr. Charlie Grace, Caleb Cineas, Roodjerry Micourt, Trung Phan, Dr. David Christiansen and Kenya Nelson-Warren.

Evans IB Shredding Party T

he International Baccalaureate (IB) Shredding Party was in celebration of the end of the extended essay process for the IB seniors. At this time, the seniors also marked the end of their CAS projects (Community Action Service), talked about where they’re going to school next year, and celebrated the hard work they’ve done this year. Evans High School Principal, Dr. Christiansen joined the students to offer encouragement regarding the IB exams that are coming up in May. The IB organization has three programs for students aged three to nineteen designed to help develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world. There are more than 918,000 IB students at 3,193 schools in 140 countries.

Evans High School offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme, where students have the opportunity to earn a prestigious IB Diploma in addition to their regular high school diploma.

Students Karina Ozuna and Evelyn Alvarez shred their papers in celebration of the end of the extended essay portion of the IB Diploma Programme.

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Managing Prehypertension Without Drugs

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eeping your blood pressure below 120/ 80 mm Hg is important to good health. High blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or greater, and blood pressure between 120/ 80 and 139/89 is considered “prehypertension,” meaning that you are more likely to develop high blood pressure.

Both hypertension and prehypertension can increase your risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, and congestive heart failure, especially if they are uncontrolled, says the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. People with prehypertension often show early signs of stiffening of the arteries, enlargement of the heart, or changes in the way their kidneys work.

Although maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to lower your blood pressure without taking medication, you can take other steps to beat this leading cause of cardiovascular disease.

These lifestyle suggestions can help keep blood pressure in control: Exercise Work out regularly and build more physical activity into your day even if you’re not overweight. For example, pace while talking on the phone, walk instead of driving, or play with your children instead of watching from the sidelines.

There’s evidence that exercise alone slightly lowers blood pressure. It can also make weight loss easier, even if you don’t reduce calories. People who exercise burn calories more efficiently than those who don’t. A 200-pound man who exercises moderately, for example, generally needs to consume 400 more calories per day to maintain his weight than a same-sized man who’s sedentary.

However, those who are 51 or older and those of any age who are African-American or have hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease should consume no more than 1,500 mg a day from all sources.

Get more potassium The recommended daily intake of potassium is 4,700 mg, according to the Institute of Medicine, but Americans average about 2,000 mg less than that. Adequate potassium is associated with reduced blood pressure.

To increase your intake and reduce your hypertension risk, try consuming at least two servings daily of any of the following potassium-rich foods: one cup of cantaloupe (494 mg), one medium banana (450 mg), eight ounces of orange juice (450 mg), 15 raw baby carrots (420 mg), eight ounces of skim milk (405 mg), or six ounces of nonfat yogurt (390 mg). Some saltsubstitutes are a combination of salt and potassium; they can be a source of additional potassium and lower the sodium in your diet.

Raise your glass (in moderation) If you drink, do so in moderation. That means no more than two drinks daily if you’re a man and one if you’re a woman.

One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, four or five ounces of wine, or one 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor, all of which supply about 0.5 ounce of alcohol.

In studies, moderate amounts of alcohol have been shown to be heart-healthy.

Moderate alcohol users have higher HDL (“good”) cholesterol and better cardiovascular prognoses than people who don’t drink at all. But a person who chronically consumes three drinks a day will experience a rise in blood pressure.

Test your salt sensitivity Some people with borderline hypertension, especially AfricanAmericans, are salt-sensitive. When they consume salt, they People who have a family history of alcoholism or addiction see a rise in their blood pressure. When they reduce their salt shouldn’t drink at all. intake, their blood pressure falls.

Don’t smoke If you’re salt-sensitive, it may help to go on a reduced-sodium Smoking only increases blood pressure when you’re actually diet, such as the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hy- smoking. But if you smoke 20 to 30 times a day, the amount of pertension), developed by the federal government’s National time your blood pressure is elevated because of smoking quickly High Blood Pressure Education Program. Rich in fruits and veg- adds up to several hours. That’s a meaningful change and can etables, this Mediterranean-style diet also includes low-fat dairy put you at increased risk for hypertension complications, such products. It has been found to prevent high blood pressure and as heart disease and stroke. lower it as effectively as many prescription drugs.

For women who take birth-control pills, smoking is especially One caveat: The DASH diet can be difficult to maintain, espe- dangerous if their blood pressure is already slightly elevated. cially if you often consume convenience foods or eat out regu- Taking birth-control pills at any age increases your blood preslarly. Still, it’s worth trying. sure almost invariably by two or three points. But being on the pill, having blood pressure that’s already slightly elevated and If you’re not sure you’re salt-sensitive, have your blood pres- being a cigarette smoker is a dangerous triad that can lead to sure checked, follow the DASH diet for several weeks, then have stroke in women as young as 20. your blood pressure checked again. If you don’t see a change then you probably don’t have to worry as much about your To play it safe, get your blood pressure checked every time you salt intake. The USDA’s 2010 dietary guidelines recommend go to the doctor. Check it at home on a regular basis and keep limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg per day. a log of the readings to share with your physician.

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NOTE FROM Autism speaks through Ryan

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here should I begin . . .I have three healthy kids and life is good. My first son was very active as a baby, he cried all night and slept most of the day. As time went by, he became very outgoing. He spoke early.

When my second son was born I thought… wow, I’m lucky - he hardly ever cried. Everyone told me how lucky I was.

However, when he turned two and just pointed at things instead of speaking, I found myself speaking on his behalf and had him evaluated. They said the dreaded words "Autism."

I didn't really understand, because where I came from in England we used words like retarded. Slow didn't sound nice…but that is what your child was labeled. Now we are learning more and more about this word "Autism." There are differences in autism, it can be mild or severe. My son has a speech delay, the words sound as if he were talking under water, the few words that he can speak don't quite sound right.

“My son has autism, but autism doesn’t have him.”

- Anonymous After seeing many different specialists they suggested we send him to school early so that he could interact and learn. He started school at the age of three. We’ve been taking advantage of all the school system has to offer in and outside of school, the teachers are very patient and everyday he comes home, there is one more thing he has to share with us. He is now seven years old and the words are just beginning to make sense as he speaks. However, I still find myself sheltering him and on occasions speaking for him. He is now opening up more to others and making his point known to you - even if it’s not the time and place. My oldest son and I are both talkative and my husband too, if he gets the chance…so many people are puzzled that our child has a speech delay.

How does Autism happen…I know that west Indians say when you cut your son’s hair too early he will not speak. Others have said that it was the vaccinations given to parents and children but no one really knows for sure how children become autistic. I am just looking forward to one day having my son look at me and saying "I can speak for myself and don't need anyone to help me" then maybe I will ease up the hold I have on him. However, until then I will keep learning, loving, and teaching him the things that come easy to us all.

My third child Nadia, is fourteen months old and trying to talk, you will never believe who is teaching her the most in our family, my middle son, the one with autism…isn't life strange.

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Indian Variety Show hosted by Powerline Productions

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he Indian Variety Show was held on April 2, 2011 at the Orlando Garden Club and was a cultural family show hosted by Powerline HD Productions, a branch of Powerline Sounds HD. It featured Indian Dancers in colorful costumes dancing classical Indian, bollywood pop, chutney & more! The dancers for the evening included: The Sensational Aklima, Diya International School of Indian Performing Arts dancers, The Exquisite Reshma Shamnarine, Avani’s Dance Academy dancers, & Melissa Haniff. There were also performances by Awaaz-E-Orlando, Geetanjali Band, Dave Lall, and Trinlando Tassa Group.

Throughout the night raffles were drawn and four lucky winners won door prizes which were Gas Cards sponsored by The Law offices of Gail Seeram. It was an entertaining evening showcasing local Indian talent through a variety of singers, dancers & tassa. West Indian Catering provided food for sale and Mr. Ricky Singh of Karma Imaging sponsored photography services. Mark your calendar for their next event The “Hangover Fete” at Timehris Hall aka The Venue on May 14th.

When for the first time you fall in love, you meet the opposite. Immediately, it is as if you have got wings, you can fly; poetry arises in your heart. What is happening? The opposite has created something in you. Silence alone is not very beautiful, sound alone is not very beautiful, but the meeting of sound and silence is very, very beautiful -- that is music. The meeting of silence and sound is music.

— Osho

New Site, New Look. Post your Events & your Business for Free on CaribbeanFinder.com

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Caribbean American Heritage Month Festival 2011

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he Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce has coordinated with the Heads of Caribbean Associations and partnered with Orange County Art and Culture Department, and the City of Orlando , to present our Caribbean American Heritage Month (CAHM) Festival 2011, at Lake Eola Park on June 25th, 2011, from 10:00am to 10:00pm.

The theme of the CAHM Festival will be ‘Unity and Diversity Our Caribbean.’ Each Caribbean Country will be extending invitations to their respective Consulate Offices and Embassies to attend and participate. The objective of this event is to invite our American families to come out and experience the food, the culture, the art and the style that make us Caribbean-American. We anticipate an attendance of over 5000 people.

The Caribbean American Heritage Month Festival 2011 is in-

tended to be a collaboration of all Caribbean Associations, Chambers, Cultural Groups and Caribbean businesses to present and showcase the Caribbean to our Caribbean-American brothers and sisters. The CAHM Festival will include specific activities as listed below: • Taste of the Caribbean - we will be showcasing local restaurants that will present a wide variety authentic Caribbean Food for your tasting pleasure and experience.

• Health Fair - we will be providing free health screening for all attendees interested.

• Performing Arts - each Country participating in this CAHM Festival will be providing a cultural presentation that showcases their unique heritage and history. We will also be showcasing local dancers, singers, and performers.

• Art & Craft Exhibition - Caribbean-American artist will be given a platform to present their artistic creations for the viewing pleasure of all attendees.

• Beers of the Caribbean - All beers manufactured in the Caribbean will be given the opportunity to display their product and attendees will be able to sample each beer.

Sponsorship packages are available for any and all entities who would like to support our efforts to showcase ‘Our Caribbean-American Culture’.

The CACCF-CAHM planning committee would like to take this opportunity to recognize our current sponsors and thank them for their support and vision and we work closely together to present our 1st ever Caribbean-American Heritage Month Festival on June 25th, 2011.

Our current sponsors are: Laparkan Shipping Orlando, Break Away Moments, Life Worth Living Pharmacy, United Arts Orlando, City of Orlando - Family, Parks and Recreation, Caribbean American Passport News Magazine, BFA Environmental Inc., AmeriJet International, Sea Freight Agencies (USA).

The Caribbean-American committee looks forward to your support of this event as we proudly stand together to showcase and share our Caribbean-American Heritage and Culture. If you’re interested in joining us for the planning and implementation of the activities associated with CAHM June 2011; please feel free to contact any Caribbean Associations in Orlando.

We are working hard and will be doing everything possible to make you proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with us as we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month, June 2011 - Join us in celebration.

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