CAPNewsmagazineMarch2011

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NEWS MAGAZINE You’re invited to get involved!

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ith a little more than 100 days left before the start of Caribbean American Heritage Month (CAHM) June 2011, the Caribbean community in Orlando is excited to officially launch the campaign to Showcase the Caribbean Community's diversity to Central Florida.

Join the following Caribbean Associations who are working with the planning committee to pack the month of June with as many Caribbean activities as possible. Any Caribbean Association is welcome to join, contact Sam Roberts for more information 407-810-6435. · Antigua and Barbuda Association of Central Florida · Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce · Caribbean and Floridian Association · Caribbean Bar Association · Caribbean Students Association of UCF · Coalition for the Barbados Association · Greater Haitian Chamber of Commerce · Grenadian American Education and Cultural Association · Guyanese American Cultural Association · Indian Horizon of Florida · Jamaican American Association · Jamaican Cultural Connection · St. Lucia Association · TrinBago Association · Nirvana Music School · CaribbeanFinder.com · Zoetry Poetry Club

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Danny Glover visits Taste Restaurant in Orlando to promote Organo Gold Coffee

Jonathon Blount interviewing Danny Glover at Taste Restaurant for www.kyva.tv

CAP Magazine Owner Sam Roberts with Danny Glover

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L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

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elcome to our March/April issue. March is Women’s earning more as you sell more. That was Brownie’s model for History Month. For this month I chose to honor success, both for herself and for the company.

Brownie Wise and to dedicate this editorial to her.

Brownie was a single mother. What better way to make money Brownie Wise? Who is Brownie Wise and why Brownie Wise? when you’re home with the kids? Brownie Wise had social marketing down long before our time and without her Tupperware Choices like these are always subjective and this choice of Brownie was a product that no one was buying. The food storage conWise as my woman of the month is because she clearly resonates tainers were being sold at department stores, or rather, unsold with me. She was a woman who emerged as a leader in the since no one was buying them. business world in the 1950’s and revolutionized our approach to sales by network marketing. Her model is one we still use. In Her home sales parties were more successful than the Brownie’s words, If we build the people, they’ll build the business Tupperware sales at local stores. Earl Tupper, the owner and inventor of Tupperware was doing house parties as well but he Brownie Wise, saleswoman extraordinaire, is the didn’t have Brownie’s charm and ability to conwoman you can thank for the success of the home nect with the customers. party demonstrations with - Tupperware, Pampered Chef cookware parties, jewelry parties and more.

In short time she became Vice President of the company, but Brownie knew that she couldn’t Have you ever been to a Tupperware party? I’ve do it all on her own. She empowered other women never been to one but I have hosted many jewelry who typically had conventional roles in the famparties that have been lots of fun and gave me ily, housewives, single mothers, and the like to loads of great jewelry. Imagine a Saturday night take the same path she did and gain success by with your girlfriends, oohing and aahing about throwing Tupperware parties. jewelry while getting great tips for accessorizing.

At the tupperware parties you’d be oohing and Brownie helped to liberate women by finding Brownie Wise aahing over the amazing airtight properties of them a way to make money from home! But Tupperware, imagining all of the leftovers you can keep in your Brownie knew that it was also important to step out of the refridgerator in cute, organized, color-coordinated stacks. Games, house for some fun. Not only did these women earn a living prizes, and of course, drinks and snacks brought the party alive, through home sales of Tupperware, they were kept interested but it was not just a party, it’s a demonstration. And after you by incentives- including huge party conferences. Working for see the product, you really didn’t go home without placing an Tupperware wasn’t all about the money, it was about lifestyle. order. If you really felt empowered by the process, you could Brownie organized extravagant parties filled with costumedeven make money by throwing your own Tupperware parties, themed nights and motivational meetings with other successful salespeople. She waved a wand of glamour over everything she touched, making it all sparkle and shine. Because of that, her success shined, as she was not only a female high in the corporate ranks, something quite rare at the time, but she was also the first woman on the cover of Business Week.

Brownie Wise was a woman who thought outside of the boxbut kept it inside of the house. Her forward thinking should be summoned during these times, when finding a job is almost as difficult as finding your identity. I could only imagine that if she were to still be alive today, that she would suggest more companies adopt the home party marketing methods. I could imagine, Brownie on facebook and twitter, telling the world about the fancy hors d’oeuvres she just baked for the upcoming party, coaxing ladies from all over to step out of their homes and into hers to do something to have fun while they shop.

GGR Marketing & Public Relations 1969 Alafaya Trail, Suite 133 • Orlando, Fl 32828 407.421.8118 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor ............................................................................. Audrey Johnson Contributing Writers: ................................................. Natasha Gittens .................................................... Karen Fortune ........................................................ Gail Seeram ............................................... Natasha Walrond ................................................. Shahzad Ahmed Contributing Photographers .......................................... Sandra Fatmi ........................................... Sandy Isaacs Copyright (C) 2010 GGR Marketing & Public Relations All rights reserved.

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Reggae Singer Buju Banton found guilty Reprinted from the Jamaica Observer

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AMPA - Grammy-winning reggae singer Buju Banton was convicted today of conspiring to set up a cocaine deal in 2009, a verdict that elicited anguish and disbelief among supporters in a crowded courtroom and from other artists in his native Jamaica.

A federal jury deliberated for 11 hours over two days on the fate of Banton, who won a Grammy last week for best reggae album for his work entitled “Before the Dawn.” He was found guilty of three of four charges, and his attorney said he’s facing at least 15 years in prison.

Banton was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. He was acquitted of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

No date has been set for his sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney James Preston argued during trial that Banton portrayed himself as a broker of drug deals in several conversations with a confidential informant. Preston said Banton thought he was getting involved in a “no-risk” deal in which he would introduce a friend to a confidential informant, and then later collect money from drug transactions.

The 37-year-old Banton, whose given name is Mark Myrie, remains wildly popular in Jamaica, and the trial - his second Prosecutors acknowledge that Banton did not put any money into over the drug accusations - was packed with supporters that the drug deal, nor did he ever profit from it. Markus said his client included other well-known reggae artists. The first trial ended is “a big talker” who admitted to trying to impress the confidential informant but wasn’t inin a mistrial last year after volved in any drug deal. the jury deadlocked.

The tall, dreadlocked singer didn’t react when a clerk read the verdict on Tuesday. He stood, hugged his attorneys, then turned around and blew kisses to his supporters in the courtroom and told them: “Thank you.” A woman yelled out “We love you, Buju!” as U.S. marshals led him away.

Much of the case hinged on meetings and phone calls that were video- and audiotaped by the informant, who was working with the Drug Enforcement Administration and who made $50,000 in commission after the bust.

In one video, Banton could be seen tasting cocaine in a Sarasota warehouse on Dec. 8, 2009 - but he was not present “Obviously we are all upset and disappointed and emotional,” said Banton’s attorney, during the actual drug deal on Dec. 10 that led two others to be David Markus of Miami. “The only person who seems to be OK arrested. Those two men later pleaded guilty. is Buju. He told us he was happy that he fought, knowing he Banton testified that that the informant badgered him after they was innocent.” met on a trans-Atlantic flight in July 2009 and insisted that they Markus said he plans to appeal the conviction and will file a meet to set up a cocaine purchase. He said he was so unintermotion to try to get Banton out of jail on bond in the meantime. ested in the informant’s proposals that after they met twice, Banton didn’t return the man’s phone calls for months.

In Banton’s native Jamaica, radio stations played his songs nonstop Tuesday, especially “Untold Stories” and “Not an Easy Road.”

Rapper Tony Rebel, a close friend who recorded with Banton, called it a sad day for young people who looked up to him.

The verdict marks “the saddest day for reggae and dancehall,” rapper Michael “Power Man” Davy said, adding he was “sad as a Rastaman and a Jamaican.”

Singer Junior Reid called it a conspiracy against reggae artists.

“With Buju gone, a big piece of reggae get chop off,” he said “Attorneys for Jamaican Reggae Superstar Buju Banton are expected to appeal the February 22 verdict handed down by a Jury in the Tampa Federal court.”

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Hydration . . . so cool!

GKA appoints Sukhdeo ‘Ricky’ Jagnarain

By Sensei Darryl Williams

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uyana Karate Association (GKA) has s a teenager I remembered training for two hours straight appointed Sukhdeo ‘Ricky’ Jagnarain without a water break. My teacher said he was making us ‘tough’. While the physical risks were great he did not know. as Chairman and their international Representative. Sensei Jagnarain has over We do now. thirty years experience in traditional kaHydration is vital to every body function. Not taking in enough rate beginining with Shotokan and pracfluids before and after practice can result in many nutritional ticing Shito-Ryu since 1994 under Sensei problems for the athlete. Dehydration hinders performance in Darryl Williams.

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numerous ways. For each one percent of body weight lost by dehydration the ability to work is reduced by two percent. With dehydration exceeding two percent the heart rate and body temperature will raise diminishing performance by fatigue and mental impairment.

Sweating due to exercise generates as much a twenty times more heat than resting. It is during sweating the heat is dispersing. It is the evaporation of the skin and not the sweat itself that cools the body. First the surface is cold and then the inner body by circulation.

If the athlete has to ask for a water break, he/she is already dehydrated.

Some ways to prevent dehydration: 1. Drink 16 ounces two hours before practice 2. Drink 8-10 ozs ten minutes before practice 3. Drink 4-9 ozs every twenty minutes What you should drink : • Water is the best choice. It is free, unless you buy it. It can be an expensive investment.

• Sport drinks are not recommended for kids. However, it contains 50-80 calories or carbohydrates per 8 oz fluid and small amount of electrolytes (usually sodium and potassium) to replace what is lost in sweat.

Coaches should always educate their athletes on proper hydration. They should also tell them how to recognize the symptoms of dehydration. Teach them to drink fluids before, during and after workouts. The body thirst mechanism is not a good guide. Sweating results in water-loss from the blood making the blood more thick and raising the sodium level. This is the first sign and by then 1.5 liters of water is already lost.

Among his responsibilities is to create interest from the Guyanese community living in Orlando and the greater USA in assisting the homeland with their programs and events .

GKA schools in Guyana need uniforms and protective equipment. GKA facebook page is www.Facebook.com/ GuyanaKarate . Their website will be soon up and running.

Ricky Jagnarain GKA is Guyana’s representative to the World Union of Karate-Do Organizations (WUKO) and the current President is Nadia Rohoman.

Kumarie Jagnarain is GKA’s Liaison Officer. Instructors/schools operating in Guyana or abroad can send email to Kumarie Jagnarain at guyanakaraeassociation@yahoo.com for information on membership.

Teen and Adults Self-Defense classes

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esidents and friends of Silver Cove Apartment can now participate in an ongoing self defense program at their Club House. The location is 2603 Sikkwood Circle, Orlando Fl 32818.

Classes are on Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Dress in comfortable clothes and non-marking shoes. For more info log on to www.bassaidojo.com or call 407-914-5043. All participants must be a minimum age of fourteen.

Karate classes are also held here on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

World’s youngest referee

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rlando Black Belt World’s youngest karate official is of Caribbean Heritage and lives in Orlando. Nicholas Seebaran began karate in 2006 at Bassai Karate Dojo in Orlando. He began training as an official two years ago and is noted to be among the best in the World.

Having met all requirements and passing all examinations he was promoted to continental

referee (highest level) by the Pan American Union of Karate-Do Organization (PUKO). This took place at the World Union of Karate-Do Organizations ( WUKO) World Championships in Buenos Aires , Argentina, July 2010. He was a member of the Trinidad and Tobago delegation. He is PUKO youngest karate referee. Beside practicing karate, Nicholas is a dual enrollment student at Evans High School and Valencia College.

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Linden Fund USA chairman among Guyanese honored by GACACF during 41st Republic Anniversary Ball

By Natasha Walrond

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our outstanding Guyanese were honored by the Guyanese American Cultural Association of Central Florida (GACACF) during the association’s 41st Republic Anniversary Ball last Saturday. Among the Guyanese honored for outstanding contributions to the lives of Guyanese both within the Diaspora and in Guyana is Dr. Vincent Adams, chairman of the Linden Fund USA who also provides key leadership within the U.S. Department of Energy. Dr. Adams is now an Office Director within the Department of Energy’s multi-billion dollar per year Environmental Managements massive cleanup of the nations legacy of wastes generated from its building and operation of the nationwide nuclear weapons complex. He reports to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy for Engineering and Technology and heads the development of new science and technologies that will enhance and accelerate the cleanup of the ground water and soils; and protect some of the largest groundwater reservoirs and rivers that form the lifeline of the US from further contamination and risk to the nations economy, health and the environment.

the racial divide, which he deems the current number one issue in Guyana. “Every single politician who comes up here to the U.S., we should demand from them a plan as to how they would move the country forward economically, and of course, how do they bridge that racial divide,” he said, adding that the politicians need to be accountable rather than just have the Diaspora pump monies into their campaigns. Adams was presented with an award for his contribution to both Guyana and the U.S. and noted that it was rather humbling and emotional to be honored since he feels the people who deserve the honor are those who guided him to achieve what he has today, namely his parents, teachers, other relatives and the community of Linden.

Meanwhile, newly installed President of GACACF, George Lyking said he was inspired by Dr. Adams’ presentation. “He tried to tell us what we needed to do is get more involved in the political vision of Guyana. Guyana has got so much riches but the things that are going on there will not benefit the country as it should.”

Adams, in his feature presentation, spoke to the issue of service to Guyana by the Diaspora who he insisted need to acknowledge their origin and give back to the country. “Everything we accomplish is because of the values and grounding we had in Guyana and brought here to the U.S. that helped us succeed... it is our turn to plant seeds for the next generation,” he said. He also noted the current elections climate in Guyana which gives the country a chance to charter a new course with new leadership since President Bharrat Jagdeo is not running for a third term in office as is constitutionally mandated.

GACACF is not a political association and Lyking emphasized this point, noting though that it does provide a platform for politiDr. Vincent Adams cal parties in Guyana to meet with the Diaspora in Florida. “We are neither for nor against...we have entertained ever yone...we make no distinction...we give you the same courtesy. We try to tell you as Guyanese living outside how we feel and we would like to see happening in Guyana,” the GACACF president said.

He said: “Of course we are given an opportunity this year to elect a new leader to chart that course for Guyana in this fiercely competitive world.” He urged the audience not to be passive about their role in helping to develop the country, both economically and racially. On the issue of race, Adams noted the need for whoever will take the helm of the country after this year’s election to potentially bridge

He is also hopeful that the upcoming elections “will be a peaceful one and whatever the outcome, we don’t want to go back into the violence of 1962/1963. We want to leave that behind.” Lyking also called on Guyanese living in the U.S. to join the association, since there is the need for new membership. The plan is to also galvanize the youths through the

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— Continued on page 9 —

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

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Local Company Awarded Department of Defense Contract he Federal Defense Department has awarded a second five-year contract to Hospitality Staff, the largest hospitality staffing company in the State of Florida, to provide trained staffing services to Shades of Green, the Armed Forces Recreation Center at Walt Disney World Resort.

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the American Hotel/Motel Association. He is also a member in good standing with the American Culinary Federation, the Florida Restaurant Association and the National Association of Catering Executives. Hospitality Staff operates in three locations – Hollywood, Tampa and Orlando, Florida.

According to company spokesman Kash Ramnarain, trained staffing provided for the resort include chefs, bartenders, servers, hostesses and bus-persons. Mr. Ramnarain has been with Hospitality Staff since 1997 and has managed similar contracts for such companies as the Convention Center and the Orlando Airport Concession. He is a certified instructor for the National Registry for Food Safety Professionals and holds certificates from

The Shades of Green at Walt Disney World is a resort destination designed to provide “Rest and Recreation” (R&R) for the nation’s military service members and their families, as well as other eligible persons. It offers exceptional resort accommodations and services to members of the Armed Forces. This facility has been newly expanded and is one of two such locations in the continental US.

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First Saturdays at Singh's Roti Shop

Guyanese honored during Republic Anniversary Ball — Continued from page 6 — establishment of a youth arm to GACACF. The association is also planning to establish a separate scholarship fund to award to young Guyanese who excel academically. In the past the scholarship would have been awarded during the Republic Ball, however Lyking said the membership decided on this new method. The newly elected President is also planning to launch a building fund so the association can have

its own headquarters in Central Florida.

This year’s Gala honored other notable Guyanese including Urla King, who is a dental hygienist in Orlando, Eldon Bremner, Manager of Pegasus Hotel in Jamaica and Russel Permaul who has been an Orange County Sheriff for some 31 years and the Commander of the Metro Bureau of Investigation.

Photos courtesy of Caribbean Sun Newspaper.

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Vishal Vaid in concert

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ishal Vaid performed a beautiful live concert in Orlando on Feb. 20th. This international singer was trained in ghazal (a song form that means “to hold conversation with the divine”) since he was three years old.

The host for the evening was Ricky Singh and there was a special guest appearance by Seeta Persaud known as the “Nightingale of Orlando.”

Windermere Preparatory School's Multicultural show

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indermere Preparatory School is a private college preparatory school with approximately 900 students from more than 40 different countries drawing students from all religious, ethnic and international backgrounds.

Ladies, Join us on March 23rd to find out how you can use the resources of Social Media to help you to grow your business.

• • • •

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Presenters: Guenet Gittens- Roberts, GGR Marketing & PR Adrienne Noel, Marketing Minds at Work Zanibel Melo,Higher Dreams Productions Sultana Haque, Sultana Law, P.A.

Kerosene Lamp Foundation raises $7500 at Adonal Foyle's East Coast Birthday Bash

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he mission of the Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLF) is to empower youth to grow into healthy and well-educated adults. KLF was founded in 2005 by Adonal Foyle, a native of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and professional basketball player, who recently retired from the Orlando Magic.

Florida Steel Drum Band RythmTrail Steel Drum Players in Florida Book for Weddings & Events! Plays over 300 Events Yearly.

Tel: 866 495 4522 • Website: www.rythmtrail.com

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Break Away Breakfast at Taste of Jamaica M ikaela Nix, Founder and President of Collegiate Staffing USA, LLC. spoke to an interested audience at the recent Business Break Away Breakfast at Taste of Jamaica, March 3rd.

Ms. Nix despite being sick that day was a dynamo and gave an enthusiastic presentation on the 5 steps entreprenuers need to take to be successful...one of which was to at least step off of the curb. She is a participant in the University of Central Florida’s Incubator Program, a certified diversity trainer, and sits on the advisory board for Florida Technical College. Ms. Nix is also an associate professor, and current Chair of the UCF Alumni Association’s Black Alumni Chapter.

fast meeting series that features authentic Jamaican food at a Jamaican restaurant as a means of promoting the culture to the wider community.

Mark of Taste of Jamaica Restaurant, did not disappoint with a delicious breakfast choice of ackee & saltfish, liver, steamed cabbage, callaloo & saltfish served with tea or coffee and juice.

Taste of Jamaica restaurant can be found at 6406 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Fl. 32810 (Neighboring CVS Pharmacy and Burger King at the intersection of Clarcona Ocoee and Orange Blossom Trail (441).

Sandy Isaacs of Break Away Moments hosts the popular Break- www.tasteofja.com

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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By Seema Ragoobar ndira Morgan is a 17 year old senior at South Lake High School.

She is in her fourth year of NJROTC (Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.) and an intern at a Lake County nursing home. After graduation, she will pursue a career in social work to follow in the steps of her father.

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Indira is a dancer in Diya International’s Senior Advanced Group.

She describes her experience at Diya International as fun and rewarding.

In June 2010, she won, “Diya International’s Dancer of the Year”, in the senior division. Indira’s confidence has sky-rocketed as she has encountered various challenges and entered prestigious competitions. She was one of the talented young ladies that won first place in the, Bollywood Chutney Remix Fusion Dance Competition, in August 2009. Today, Indira is the head of marketing at Diya International and is preparing for the outstanding events and competitions being held in 2011.

Diya International Academy of Indian Performing Arts Shining the Light on Indian Culture Classes Held at: World Class Taekwondo 16201 E. SR-50, Suite 306 Clermont, FL 34711 352-217-6265 Ocoee/Orlando Location Coming in February 2011!

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Immigration TALK

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Abused Women Protected Under Immigration Laws

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram, LL.M., J.D., BBA

months after approval of the battered spouse petition. However, the spouse of a lawful permanent resident is a 2A prefers March is Women’s History ence category and the backlog for a visa can be 3-5 years after Month, it is appropriate to cel- approval of the battered spouse petition. ebrate the contributions made by women and bring awareness to pro- Advice & Reflections from a Battered Spouse: grams that benefit women. One such program was created under the Violence My office offers pro-bono (free) legal services to battered women Against Women Act (VAWA), which or children who would like to self-petition for legal status in grants victims of abuse legal status in the the United States. A former client who gained legal status United States. VAWA benefits both women through a self-petition as a battered spouse wanted to share her story in order to encourage and inspire other women: and men who are victims of abuse.

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However, most of the cases processed under VAWA involve women and children who were victims of abuse. In general, if you are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), have no legal status in the U.S. and are a victim of abuse, then you can self-petition for lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. For many immigrant victims of domestic violence, battery and extreme cruelty, the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members who would submit their applications will threaten to withhold legal immigration sponsorship as a tool of abuse. The purpose of the VAWA program is to allow victims the opportunity to “self-petition” or independently seek legal immigration status in the U.S.

Q: How did learn about this relief?

I never thought there was relief for a battered woman. I went to Gail Seeram’s office with a friend who was seeking advice on her case and when the attorney asked me about my status, I told her my husband filed but never followed through. My husband wanted me to continue to be dependent on him and didn’t want to see me legalize my status.

Q: What has been your experience with the filing?

My attorney did all the work and did it for free. From start to finish it took a little under a year and a half.

Do I have to be legally married or live with my abusive spouse in order to self-petition?

Q: Why did you remain in an abusive relationship?

It is not required that you live with your abusive spouse. However, the general rule is that you must be legally married to the abusive spouse when the self-petition is filed. In the situation where you are divorced from your abusive spouse, then you must meet one of the following exceptions in order to self-petition: (1) you believed you were legally married to your abusive spouse but the marriage is not legitimate solely because of the bigamy of your abusive spouse; or (2) your abusive spouse died within 2 years of filing the petition; or (3) your abusive spouse lost or renounce his citizenship or lawful resident status due to an incident of domestic violence; or (4) your marriage to your abusive spouse was terminated within the 2 years prior to filing of the petition, and there is a connection between the termination of the marriage and the battery or extreme cruelty.

Note, after your petition has been filed, legal termination of the marriage will not usually affect the status of your petition.

He paid the bills and I was not allowed to work because I had no papers. I had a child with him and we had no where else to go. He provided all the financial support. It was like being in jail without the 4 walls. You can’t get out.

Q: How did you get out?

I finally got the nerve to call the police after one of his brutal attacks on me and I got a restraining order against him. I moved out and rented a room with my child. My friends and family from abroad gave me the financial and emotional support I needed to free myself from that situation.

Q: How has your life changed since getting a green card?

Drastically. I got a job, my own apartment, can take care of my daughter on my own. I feel like a million bucks though I How long is the processing time if I self-petition as a have little. I have set goals for myself which include getting my GED and enrolling at Valencia Community College. I have battered spouse? my confidence back since my husband took that away from If you file a self-petition under VAWA, then you must go through me years ago. Abuse is not only physical; the emotional abuse a two-step process. First, a Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or takes away your confidence and self-esteem.

Special Immigrant must be submitted to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services with the required documents and proof of Q: What is your advice for women in your situation? battery or extreme cruelty. Second, if the petition is approved, then you must submit an application for adjustment of status. Get out. It is not worth putting your life at risk. You or your Note, you must provide proof of lawful admission into the United child may end up dead. Seek out community organizations States or eligibility under an exception such as INA Sec. 245(i). that offer services for battered women. It’s not worth staying to In general, the processing time for the battered spouse of a U.S. get your immigration documents. I stayed with my husband citizen is about six to nine months and about three to four years for nine years and still did not get my immigration documents through him. There are other ways to get your documents. for the battered spouse of a lawful permanent resident.

Why is the processing time longer for a battered spouse Resources: of a lawful permanent resident?

Harbor House of Central Florida: 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (407) 886-2856 Under the laws, a visa is immediately available for the spouse of a U.S. citizen; therefore, adjustment of status can take 3-4 Safehouse of Seminole: 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (407) 330-3933

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Can Republicans in Congress Realistically Shrink The Government?

By Roger Caldwell

Our country continues to fight one major war that is costing on the average, $9 billion a month and we are also dumping verywhere you go in the United States, you hear people around $5 billion a month in Iraq, and there is no telling what talking about making the federal government smaller. the expense to keep bases around the world. It is obvious fightMany conservatives are considering revolting against the ing wars that we can not win is a terrible strategy, and a drain federal government and making the states more powerful. on our resources and funds.

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Even in the state of Florida, our governor is refusing money from the federal government to build the high speed rail. Our governor believes that our state could end up owing the entire $2.4 billion back to the government, if there are problems with the construction and the project is not completed. Based on his studies, there are too many “ifs and maybes” to risk the taxpayer’s hard earned money and resources.

Somewhere in President Obama campaign and the reality of Washington, our country is caught between a rock and a hard place. Cutting social programs for the poor, minorities, women, children and the elderly is no way to run the richest country on earth. Our politicians are looking in the wrong places to cut expenses.

Our country continues to fight one major war that is costing on the average, $9 billion a month and we are also dumping around $5 billion a month in Iraq, and there is no telling what the expense to keep bases around the world.

President Obama was right when he stated that the rich 2% of our population needs Many governors in Wisto pay more taxes, because consin, New Jersey, Ohio, of our deficits, and they can and Florida have decided afford it. By the same token, our international corporations and that they will solve their own problems with limited interferconglomerates can afford to pay more taxes. The middle class, ence from the federal government. Many of these states are the poor, and the small businesses should receive a break on taxes. controlled by conservative legislatures and governors, and they want to limit union intervention, and collective bargaining.

It is time for the president to take a position and establish his They believe that they have a mandate from the people, and leadership role in the Congress, and with the conservative govthe same philosophy is prevalent with Republicans in the federnors around the country. The president must take the initiaeral Congress. tive and establish where the right places to make the cuts in his budget. Shutting down some of the military bases around These Republicans in the Congress are conservative, and bethe world could save our country billions. lieve that they were sent to Washington with a mission. Their goal is to cut spending and help to shrink the federal governOur country could save billions by stopping policing the world ment. Even though the budget was $3.1 trillion when Bush and stop financing corrupt governments who we want to be was president, they want to turn back the hands of time. our friends. Finally, we should stop fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq and redirect the savings to balance our budget, and The Republicans argue with the Democrats, and the Democrats improve our infrastructure. argue with the Republicans over $100 billion in cuts. Both parties know that $100 billion is a small percentage of the budget, and Many of the cuts that Republicans and the Democrats are they are fighting over peanuts. When the proposed budget for making are for show. If they are serious about balancing our 2012 is $3.7 trillion, and the deficit is $1.3 trillion, there are other budget, they will help end the wars, and tax the people and fundamental problems with balancing our federal budget. the corporations in the country who can afford to pay.

Taxpayers in Orange County, Florida are paying $401.1 million for Afghanistan war spending for 2011. For the same amount of money, the following could be provided: • 258,433 Children Receiving Low-Income Healthcare for One Year OR • 6,361 Elementary School Teachers for One Year OR • 7,048 Firefighters for One Year OR • 52,172 Head Start Slots for Children for One Year OR • 57,251 Military Veterans Receiving VA Medical Care for One Year OR • 88,559 People Receiving Low-Income Healthcare for One Year OR • 6,252 Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officers for One Year OR • 91,719 Scholarships for University Students for One Year OR • 72,268 Students receiving Pell Grants of $5550 OR • 74,607 Households with Renewable Electricity - Solar Photovoltaic for One Year OR • 198,952 Households with Renewable Electricity-Wind Power for One Year

Roger Caldwell ON POINT MEDIA GROUP 407-859-0041 office • 407-421-5453 cell • jet38@bellsouth.net www.presidentobamawatch.wordpress.com

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Brought to you by Life Worth Living Pharmacy, your Health & Wellness Partner in the Community. 6488 Currin Drive, Orlando, Florida, 32835. Join us online for more Health Tips and to find out more about our Free Health Seminars www.facebook.com/lwlpharmacy

Q&A with your Neighborhood Pharmacy Allergens: Pollen What is pollen?

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Pollen is the tiny egg-shaped male cells of flowering plants, including trees, grasses, and weeds. Pollen is microscopic in size. Pollen is the most common cause of seasonal allergic rhini• tis, sometimes known as “hay fever.”

• Which plants produce pollen that cause allergic reactions?

Plants that have powdery granules of pollen that are easily blown by the wind, such as:

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OTC antihistamines may control some allergy symptoms but have little effect on relieving a stuffy nose or inflammation that often occurs with allergies.

OTC decongestant nasal sprays are not addictive. However, overuse leads to the need to use more and more nasal spray in order to get congestion relief. Don’t use an OTC decongestant nasal spray for more than three days in a row.

Eating local honey will not combat spring allergies.

Pollen allergies can lead to food allergies. About one-third of people with pollen allergies also may react to certain foods because some pollens and foods have similar proteins. The reaction is usually mild and may include itchy, tingling mouth, throat or lips.

Skin tests are more sensitive than blood tests for diagnosing allergies.

Allergy shots are not necessarily more costly or time-consuming than taking medicine to relieve allergy symptoms.

Over time, in fact, they may reduce an allergic person’s health-care costs.

• Trees: oak, western red cedar, elm, birch, ash, hickory, pop• lar, sycamore, maple, cypress, walnut, catalpa, olive, pecan, and others.

• Grasses: timothy, Johnson, Bermuda, orchard, sweet vernal, red top, some blue grasses, and others.

• Weeds: ragweed, sagebrush, pigweed, tumbleweed, Russian Life Worth Living Pharmacy thistle, cockle weed, and others.

6488 Currin Drive, Orlando, FL 32835 Most flowering plants, such as roses, have heavier, waxy pollens that are not as easily wind-blown.

Have you done your Health Check Up for the Year?

When is “pollen season?”

Each plant has a pollen season. It usually starts in the spring, but may begin as early as January in the southern areas of the US. The season usually lasts until November.

Can allergic rhinitis in pollen season be prevented?

To lessen the effects of allergic rhinitis during pollen season, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology suggests the following: • Keep windows closed at night and use air conditioning which cleans, cools, and dries the air.

• Minimize outdoor activities early in the morning, between 5:00 and 10:00 a.m., when pollen is most prevalent.

• Keep car windows closed when traveling.

• Wear sunglasses to help keep pollen out of the eyes.

• Take a vacation to an area where pollen is not as prevalent - such as to the ocean.

• Take the medications prescribed by your physician.

• Don’t spend much time outdoors when the pollen count is high.

• Stay away from hay and barns, and avoid activities such as raking leaves and mowing the grass.

• Don’t hang bedding or clothing outside to dry.

• Don’t grow too many indoor plants.

• When you come back indoors, shower and wash your hair to remove pollen.

• Get a head start on allergy season by taking your allergy medications a week or two before the season starts.

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Health Services: Blood Pressure, BMI, and Dental Screenings, Medical Advice, Hepatitis B Workshops, CPR Workshops, Hormone Replacement Therapy Information, Health Advice & Consultation, Resources, Massage, Music, Dance, Children’s Activities, Resource Tables. · · · ·

Chair massage Exercise demonstrations Portions Control Seminar Cholesterol Screenings

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For more Information Call 407-522-5685 Visit our website for more Information www.lwlpharmacy.com

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Combating Myths About Seasonal Allergies • Over-the-counter (OTC) oral antihistamines are less effective than prescription medicines in controlling a stuffy nose.

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PLEASE BRING YOUR ID • PHOTO ID NECESSARY TO GIVE BLOOD

Pancho Alphanso - Entertainer & Radio Personality

By Karen Lloyd-Fortune

I

f you have been in the Central Florida area for any length of time, then you have heard the name Pancho, when speaking about music, especially Reggae music.

Pancho Alphanso has served as an ambassador and pioneer promoting and preserving conscious Reggae in and about our area for over three decades.

In times past, you might have heard him on WLOQ 103 FM or even WHBI FM, but most assuredly if you listened to WOKB 1600 on a Saturday morning, Pancho would be there, with the Tropical Riddims show, showering us with some smooth sounds of today and yesterday.

Pancho had a knack for incorporating different genres of Reggae while still holding the sound tight.

What a lot of people don’t know about Pancho is that his love and appreciation for music did not start when he moved to Florida. As with most children from the islands, in this case Jamaica, music was a

staple in Pancho’s life. His parents exposed him to different types of music, so he developed an early appreciation for most music types, be it Gospel, Classical, Country, Reggae, or Calypso, you name it.

Upon migrating to the States, he completed high school and then went on to the Manhattan School of Music, solidifying his appreciation with knowledge.

Aside from being a promoter and an announcer, Pancho is a singer and producer and has been involved in hits over the years such as: ‘Watch This Sound’, ‘Never Get to Heaven’ and ‘Bye Bye My Love’.

In order to grow and incorporate all the geniuses that are Pancho Alphanso, he has unveiled a new move in his broadcasting career to Big 10 am http://www.big810 am.com/. Pancho can be heard Saturdays from 6 pm to 12 am.

We in Central Florida, and all his loyal army worldwide, await the chance to be mesmerized once again by the smooth sounds of ‘Pancho Alphanso’.

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West Indian born Hindu woman left abusive marriage, shares story

R

aised in a traditional Hindu household, West Indian born Sukree Boodram was taught early on that women should adhere to their cultural and traditional norms and submit to their husbands, even when being abused, in order to keep the family together. She broke these expectations and published “Breakout: Surviving Abuse and Alcoholism - This is My Story”, a memoir that aims to display the courage she gained by standing up to her abuser and extricating herself and her children from an abusive relationship.

Born in Guyana, Boodram details the two decades of abuse she experienced from an alcoholic husband.

Embracing her Hindu culture and tradition, Boodram felt obligated to remain with him and keep the abuse a secret. The author’s strength gradually deteriorated, and she finally realized she had to find a way out along with her two children who were approaching their critical teenage years.

a unified message: “Break the silence, say no to violence.”

“We are entitled to enjoy life,” Boodram says. “We should never allow the ones who love us to abuse us.”

Knowing she was taking a risk by telling her story, the author hopes that women of the East and West Indian communities, the Caribbean and Asian communities, as well as others, will find comfort and tenacity in her story. Boodram notes that these cultures tend to ignore alcoholism rather than confront the illness. Boodram looks to offer readers an insider’s view of what to expect when they make a decision to leave behind a toxic relationship that is not changing. She continues to be an advocate toward those who are facing the disease of alcoholism, as well as those affected by someone with the disease. The author hopes that sharing her story will motivate others in similar situations to take action. She also hopes these individuals will join a unified movement against a type of abuse that is generally kept a secret in certain cultural communities.

Sukree Boodram embraces her cultural and traditional beliefs and speaks out on abuse and alcoholism in “Breakout: Surviving Abuse and Alcoholism - This is My Story.”

“Breakout” looks to show readers how Boodram summoned the courage to leave her husband and start a new life for herself and her children. Boodram says that time, patience and faith helped her move on from the years of abuse. In addition, “Breakout: Surviving Abuse and Alcoholism - This is My Story” sharing her story with others has aided in her continued recov- is available for sale online at Amazon.com, www.sukree ery. Boodram seeks to share her story with others by delivering boodram.com and other channels.

Author Sukree Boodram at her Book Release Party with Friends

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