Caribbean American Passport News Magazine - July 2018 by caribbeanamericanpassport

FREE Your Passport to the Caribbean American Community

July/Aug 2018

The Hero Caribbean Premier League T20 cricket tournament (CPL) is coming to South Florida. The final round of matches will take place at Central Broward Regional Park and Stadium, Lauderhill. and feature all six teams in six matches over four days of action and entertainment. The best T20 cricketers in the world will be in action - we’re talking Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Sammy, Shane Watson and Kumar Sangakkara to name just a few. FIXTURES AT CENTRAL BROWARD REGIONAL PARK AND STADIUM, LAUDERHILL FLORIDA: THURSDAY 28 JULY Guyana Amazon Warriors v Barbados Tridents - 7PM FRIDAY 29 JULY St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Trinbago Knight Riders - 7PM SATURDAY 30 JULY St.Lucia Zouks v Jamaica Tallawahs Midday SATURDAY 30 JULY Barbados Tridents v Guyana Amazon Warriors - 4PM SUNDAY 31 JULY Trinbago Knight Riders v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots - Midday SUNDAY 31 JULY Jamaica Tallawahs v St.Lucia Zouks 4PM

IN LOCAL ELECTIONS - YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT U.S. citizens are notorious for staying at home rather than heading to the polls, especially in local and state elections. According to ballotpedia.org, in the 2010 gubernatorial elections, there was a 47 percent voter turnout for Rick Scott. However, this is just the tip of a deeper problem found in the U.S., as the highly publicized presidential elections struggle to mobilize citizens. Americans have grown weary of the word “voting” as, year after year, they display more political apathy. The truth is Americans are under the impression that voting for their executive is the most patriotic and democratic thing to do. However, when presidents fail to live up to campaign promises, a cloud of apathy falls over the population, as the belief that “my voice doesn’t matter” starts to replay itself in their minds. Statistics are painting a portrait of how Americans view the hierarchy of their government, and local elections are falling on the lower end of the totem pole.

Apparently, unbeknownst to most Americans, the actions of the president do not affect our everyday lives. The president is not constitutionally responsible for communities. Every day, states take care of amenities and infrastructure, such as transportation and public schooling; the people who are elected in local elections have more impact and influence over citizens’ everyday lives than one may think. These people are accountable for almost everything the state is responsible for; the state controls taxes, welfare and the judiciary. Once a state law does not contradict the federal constitution and is not an enumerated right of the federal government, the state can pass it. So the state mandates most of those laws that people are afraid to break. Moreover, locally elected officials are supposed to be the perfect example of democracy. They act on citizen’s behalf and convey their issues to the federal branch of the government. Therefore, participating in local elections is supposed to be the most ..Cont on page 8

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L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

Gentrification...Yes or No!!! How do you view Gentrification, are you for or against it? Gentrification "has become shorthand for an urban neighborhood where muggings are down and espresso is roasted,” wrote Times reporter Andrea Elliot. Approximately 99% of the time these gentrification projects are a result of “sweetheart deals” between the local Government, politicians and the private sector…they never pay off for the public or the actual community living in the area that is being gentrified. However one might feel about the topic, most everyone would agree that the process benefits the wealthy more than the poor, and tends to erase socioeconomic diversity.

Let’s face it, if local governments truly wanted to clean-up an area they can allocate the budget to make the changes necessary, they can provide incentives to developers to build quality ‘low-cost housing, they can implement programs to get ’new small businesses started, they can create incubator programs for small business start-ups, they could budget for infrastructure project to build side-walks, install streetlights, build play areas and recreations centers, fund after-school programs, and even build new schools. However, these are not the projects that make the headlines - new soccer stadiums, new basketball arena, new Starbucks Restaurants…these are the headlines that make politicians look good.

Most Cities and local Governments spend the public funds doing studies and hiring Urban Planners to come up with “Master Plans” for the expansion and development of Cities that are experiencing population growth. During these studies urban areas are carved up into projects that benefit the developers, the wealthy, and maybe the local politicians, but rarely ever benefit the community or the residents.

I don’t consider myself a true Democrat or a Republican but maybe I’m a mixture of both with a little Socialism blended in. I believe in fiscal responsibility, I believe that the government of the day has a responsibility to serve all of its constituents equally and thereby provide opportunities to uplift the lowest, increase the middle and maintain the upper segments of the community. I believe in fair taxation but with incentives for the lower income population to help bridge the gap between the middle and the lower. It's an election season...what do you believe? Find the candidate that suits the change you want in your community and VOTE!

Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor

The old-school gentrification of the 20th century, while harmful, wasn’t all bad. It made streets safer, created jobs and brought fresh vegetables to the corner store. Today, however, what we talk about when we talk about gentrification is actually a far more destructive process, one that I prefer to call hyper-gentrification. Unlike gentrification, in which the agents of change were middleclass settlers moving into working-class and poor neighborhoods, in hyper-gentrification the change comes from city government in collaboration with large corporations. Widespread transformation is intentional, massive and swift, resulting in a completely sanitized city filled with brand-name mega-developments built for the luxury class. The poor, working and middle classes are pushed out, along with artists, and the city goes stale. Urban scholar Neil Smith wrote extensively about the phenomenon, calling it “a systematic class-remaking of city neighborhoods.” Local governments, big business, large scale developers and the well-connected are the only true beneficiaries of Gentrification; as my grandmother always said “There’s more than one way to skin a cat”. Local governments have the capital/budget and the power to make communities urban developments that can benefit the residents, but they can justify their choices under the principals of Gentrification. “We will have coffee shops, book stores, restaurants new housing developments” therefore they allow these areas to continue their decline.

1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 Office: 407-427-1800

Fax: 407-386-7925

Toll Free: 877-220-8315 For Media Information email: Publisher: sroberts@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Info: .Info@caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Should you desire to review past copies of the publicationgo to http://caribbeanamericanpassport.com and click on the 'Print Archive'. Editor & Publisher............................................................... Sam Roberts Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Graphic Design & Layout .................................................Samuel Roberts Contributing Writers: ............................................................ Tony Dyal ................................................................................................Ryan Davis .............................................................................................Sandra Fatmi ...............................................................................................Gail Seeram ...........................................................................................Sasha Watson ..........................................................................................Kamal Abdool Contributing Photographers ............ ...................................Ted Hollins ..................................................................................................Dilia Castillo .............................................. .......................................Nancy-Joe Brown Central Florida Distribution...................................................Roy Benn South Florida Distribution ...........................................Norman Williams NorthFlorida Distribution ......................................................Theo Jack Jr. Tampa Distribution ...........................................................Kadeem Roberts Copyright (C) 2016 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

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Have Dinner and Lunch with Kings from Cameroon and Togo July 30 -31 THE KINGS ARE COMING TO AMERICA for a ROYAL RETREAT The Black Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roundtable of Florida (BWRF), HUGS Community Services, in collaboration with Wocotomadi Organization will receive and host His Majesty Vincent Tchoua Kemajou, (pronounced chouwah, kay-mah-ju), King of Bazou of West Cameroon. The Wocotomadi Organization was created in 2012 to help rural communities that are suffering, and need better healthcare, basic education, an operational infrastructure and improved nutrition in Africa. It started in Cameroon Africa and New Bedford MA., and now there are chapters in other countries around the world, with the goal to prevent poverty, hunger, and disease. For the first time this event will be held in Central Florida. This opportunity to learn about Africa is unprecedented and this is the beginning of African Americans, and people of African descent to learn the truth about the motherland. There will be a fundraiser "Dinner with the Kings" on July 30, 2018 at Bella's Restaurant in Winter Garden at 6 pm, with the cost of tickets $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00.

At this banquet, you are requested to wear African clothing, and learn about our history and how you can assist. The next day July 31, 2018 in Kissimmee, there will be a free "Lunch with the Kings" and a fashion show, and entertainment. This requires your RSVP to ensure admission, and again everyone may have an opportunity to interact with the kings. Wocotomadi is an acronym for "World coming together to make a difference" and on July 31, 2018 from 6pm to 9pm, the Bronze Kingdom at Fashion Square Mall, will host the Kings at the Kingdom. As great cultures and African Kings and Queens interact with each other, magic and education is created, and our strength and pride is exalted. The Kings will depart from Orlando Fl. On August 1, 2018, to attend an International Summit on Acculturation in Quincy MA. Join the Kings from Cameroon and Togo at one of the events as they come to America. They need your financial support and donations to advance their healthcare initiative. Contact Dr. Eugenia Agard, for more information and secure your reservation by calling 407-791-1900.

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United Foundation of Central Florida

United Foundation of Central Florida had their 2nd Annual Awards Scholarship Ceremony and with the support of many community partners and their Board of directors raised $20,500 in scholarship money that was awarded to 31 now graduated students from Maynard Evans High School.

COMMUNITY FOCUSED LEADERSHIP EXPANSION OF ECONOMIC GROWTH

We need higher paying jobs and lower housing costs. TRANSPORTATION

We need more accessible and reliable public transportation options for our citizens, so they can get to work faster and easier. QUALITY OF LIFE

We need to protect our quality of life by investing in public health and safety. PeteCrottyForCommission.com | 407.947.5501 | CrottyCampaign@gmail.com

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With Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Julie Matthews, Jerry Ross, T-Mobile for Business, Florida Blue, Walt Disney World, City of Orlando - Government, University of Central Florida and Orange County, Florida Government. The National Entrepreneur Center (NEC): celebrates 15 years. The NECenter is a single location that is home to multiple business support organizations, each providing a variety of free and low-cost business services to accelerate the growth and development of small businesses throughout Central Florida. • Free One-on-One Business Coaching • Low-Cost Business Seminars • Networking Events • Onsite Business Lab • Access to Business Resources • Certification Assistance for Minority/ Women-Owned Businesses • Connections to Procurement Assistance • Publicity Opportunities • CEO & Advisory Board Programs • Export Assistance • Training and Conference Room Rentals

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Curry Fest 2018

(Pictures by www.DASOCASCENE.com

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Pine Hills Hob Nob " The People's Hob Nob" and Straw Poll Draws Record Attendance The first-ever Hob Nob and Straw Poll in Pine Hills drew a record attendance of over 400, including 36 candidates for local, state and national offices. Held Thursday, July 12, at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, participants also included multiple community organizations, including the organizing sponsor, Pine Hills Community Council, Inc. Of those attending, 344 cast their ballot in a straw poll conducted by the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, Bill Cowles, confirming a description by the Event Chair, Noel Busch, that Pine Hills is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;sleeping giantâ&#x20AC;? of Orange County politics.

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JAMAICA 56 - CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE Consulate General of Jamaica Calendar of Activities – Southern USA SOUTH FLORIDA

CENTRAL FLORIDA

August 1: Jamaica Diaspora Day of Prayer Church Service, Christway Baptist Church, 3500 South Douglas Road, Miramar (12 noon) - (954-442-7477)

August 11: Independence Gala, 7:pm., Jamaican/American Association of Central Florida. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Major Blvd., Orlando (www.jaaocf.com) 407-276-3685

August 3: Celebrate Jamaica Independence Session with Fab 5 at Temple Beth Emet Center, 4807 S. Flamingo Rd. Cooper City (hosted by HiClass Promo & Reggae UpClose For details - (305-794-8782 or 561-333-8853)

JA. Independence Service, Beulah Baptist Church, 1006 W. Cypress St. Tampa, FL 33606 at 10:a.m.

August 4: Third annual International Music and Food Festival (IMFest) at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, 3000 NW 199 Str. Miami Gardens. 6:pm – 12 midnight (305-622-8000 ex 2208) Annual Jamaica Independence Celebrations – Shirley Bianca Park, 6900 Miramar Pkwy Hollywood, FL (Admission Free: 6 p.m - 10 p.m.) Featuring Code Red Band, DJ Fergie, Dr. Sue, Sierra Norwood Children and Ikaya. Jamaica Independence Gala and Awards, hosted by the Jamaica United Relief Association (JURA), Signature Grand, Davie, at 7:30 p.m. www.jurainc.org info@jurainc.org (954-240-6448 or 954-394-2483)

ATLANTA August 11: Annual Independence Gala & Scholarship Awards – Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta, GA HOUSTON July 28: Annual Independence Gala, Jamaica Foundation of Houston, Elegance Ballroom, Houston (6:30 pm) www.jamaicafoundationhouston.org August 5: Ecumenical Independence Church Service Windsor Village Church, Houston, Texas (10:am) www.jamaicafoundationhouston.org

JA. Independence Dinner/Dance: 408 17th Street, West Palm Beach, FL August 5: Official Independence Church Service, hosted by the Consulate General of Jamaica, Cooper City Church of God. 9191 Stirling Road, Cooper City, FL (4:00 pm) JA. Independence Service at Grace Episcopal Church, 3600 N. Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (10:00 am) Jamaica Independence Celebration Service, Church of the Ascension, 11201 SW 160 Str. Miami, FL 33157 (5:pm) (305-238-5151) JA. Flag and Independence Day Celebration, Lauderhill Sports Park. 7500 W. Oakland Park Blvd. (954-336-6223) (12 noon – 10 p.m.) Jamaica Independence Festival – NE 4th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale (3:pm – 10:pm) (art, culture & cuisine) August 6: “A Likkle Bit O’ Jamaica” Celebration and Reception Miramar City Hall, Miramar, FL Willie Stewart & Friends (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) August 11: Annual Street Dance, “National Pride” Wear yuh Colors – Truck Stop, Weston, FL

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- We Are France- by Ryan Davis As the final whistle blew for the end of the World Cup final in Moscow, the so called “to young, to green” French national team had reached immortality. The country’s National Anthem played on the stadium speaker, chants of “Les Bleus” echoed around the stadium and a young man by the name of Paul Pogba was shrouded in his national flag. No sooner had the trophy been raised and the champagne drank the question of the origins of France’s players was asked. Sixteen players of the French twenty two man World Cup Roster came from African heritage and three others came from European countries other than France. A staggering statistic in the eyes of many and none more so than the USA. Comedy Centrals late night popular TV show host Trevor Noah quickly made light of the subject, saying, “Congratulations to Africa for winning the World Cup.” The French ambassador in the US immediately responded; “Unlike in the United States of America, France does not refer to it’s citizens based on their race, religion or origin. To us, there is no hyphenated identity…”

The players themselves did their part to rebuke those claims. French defender Benjamin Mendy responded to a tweet of all the players on the roster with the flags of their countries heritage next to their names with a tweet of his own. He made his own list with the French National flag beside each name. The message was clear: “We are all French!” If it’s one thing the “beautiful game” teaches us is that ethnic boundaries are there to be broken. Players from all over the globe, come together in different leagues, on different continents, speaking different languages, not only do they get along….they thrive. So instead of picking apart the differences of the French National team...let's celebrate them Sports has always served as a unifying platform, enjoy the Game whatever the sport.

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City Caribbean Cafe Opens in Haines City

New Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida Inc. The new Caribbean restaurant is in Haines City Check them out at: City Caribbean Cafe 304 E. Hinson ave, Haines City 33844

This is a paid advertisement by the committee to elect Dean Mosely Circuit Judge

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Generation X 2018 - Evolution

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IN LOCAL ELECTIONS - YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

Cont .from Cover page

There’s no place where one’s voice can be heard more than in his or her own backyard, so bypassing local elections because one thinks his or her voice won’t be heard is probably one of the most illogical claims of the 21st century. Participating in local politics is also the best way to become politically active. If more people participated in their local elections, then it’s probably more likely that they will want to participate in presidential elections, as well. Those presidential candidates that citizens are vying for all started to make their way to the presidency from the local level. If they can understand the importance of local elections and the impact they can have on a community, then why can’t everyone else? Changing America’s low voter turnout cannot start at the national level. Instead, it starts with voting for a mayor or voting in the next gubernatorial elections. One’s voice can be heard, and one still can make a difference, but it has to start where it matters most: at the local level.

Furthermore, not voting in local elections allows for small groups whose interests may not align with the majority to commandeer local politics. Taken together, the smaller groups’ interests become the only interests of the state, and people who do not vote become marginalized in their own community. It’s frightening to think that a state can pass laws and implement programs without the approval of the majority of its citizens. Even then, when a law is passed that citizens don’t like, they can still vote against it, which can be easily done at the local level. Yet Americans still refuse to participate in local elections.

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Tony Deyal | Tony and other old jokes When Indranie asked me what my column today was about, I answered, "Old jokes," and seeing her meaningful look, I added very quickly, "They much older than me. In fact, the first one we know about was from 1900 BC. She still grinned and I quickly continued, "Actually, many of them are still around, although the names of the persons involved and the circumstances have changed." This is what I find fascinating. I keep seeing jokes and memes about Trinidad and Tobago's prime ministers that are also Trump jokes that were Nixon jokes and go really far back in time. Take this example. President Richard Nixon, Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, humanist, Dr Albert Schweitzer and a Boy Scout were in an airplane flying over the African jungle. The plane developed engine trouble and the pilot told them that they would all have to bail out before the plane crashed. The pilot then grabbed a parachute, put it on, threw open the cabin door and jumped out. Richard Nixon then looked at the shelf where the parachutes were stored and realised that there were only three remaining. He put one on, saying, "I am the leader of the free world, I must have one of these," and jumped out of the plane. Henry Kissinger then picked up another parachute and said, "I am the smartest man in the world, I cannot perish in a plane crash," and bailed out. Dr Schweitzer then turned to the Boy Scout and said, "You should take the last parachute, young man." And the Boy Scout said "No, it is OK, the smartest man in the world just took my knapsack." I heard this one about Forbes Burnham and even Tom Adams. 'BUSTA' GUN There is a joke that one of my friends told me about former Jamaican Prime Minister and trade union leader, Sir Alexander Bustamante. At a political meeting in Montego Bay, the crowd started a riot which was rapidly spreading to the streets. 'Busta' (as the prime minister was known) called the police chief in Kingston over a crackling landline and said, "Things bad here. Come quick. We need gun, plenty gun." The man asked his prime minister to speak louder as the line was bad and he could not make out what he was saying. Finally, after several attempts, the exasperated Busta said loudly, "GUN. 'G' for Jesus, 'U' for Europe and 'N' for pneumonia." I have heard various versions and some new variations, including the one attributed to Chanka Maharaj, a Trinidad politician. When, addressing a crowd at an election rally, Chanka asked rhetorically, "Who give you bread? B-R-E-D, bread," his assistant whispered quietly, "You leave out the 'a'." Chanka nodded and then corrected himself, "B-R-E-D-A, bread." NO LESS FUNNY The ancient wits were no less funny. Around the fourth century BC, when his barber asked the king, "How would you want your hair cut?" His Majesty answered tersely, "In silence." This one from around 50 BC is still around. Emperor Augustus was touring his empire and noticed a man in the crowd who bore a striking resemblance to himself. Intrigued, he asked: "Was your mother at one time in service at the palace?" "No, Your Highness," he replied, "but my father was."

For those who think that we invented the off-colour, double-meaning and smutty jokes and riddles, this is one from around 800 AD. "What hangs at a man's thigh and wants to poke the hole it has often poked before?" Before you snicker at the obvious, and should your answer be anything but "A key," you're out of lock. Actually, even joke books existed in ancient times. In fact, the oldest joke was recorded on a Sumerian tablet (Yes, they had them in those days too but made from clay). The Greek collection, the Philogelos, was written around the 4th century, AD. However, the most complete of the ancient collections is one called the Facetiae by Poggio Bracciolini (1380-1459). HUMOROUS RECREATION Poggio was an Italian scholar who worked for the Pope and said he wrote the book, so that minds "weighed down by a variety of cares and anxieties, should now and then enjoy relaxation from its constant labour, and be incited to cheerfulness and mirth by some humorous recreation". It was easy for him to joke about priests. "A Friar, who was but moderately considerate, was preaching to the people at Tivoli, and thundering against adultery, which he depicted in colours of the deepest dye. 'It is such a horrible sin,' said he, 'that I had rather undo 10 virgins than one married woman.' Many, among the congregation, would have shared his preference." Bracciolini also wrote this joke. "I knew an old bishop who had lost some of his teeth and complained of others being so loose that he was afraid they would soon fall out. 'Never fear,' said one of his friends, 'they won't fall.' 'And why not?' enquired the bishop. His friend replied, 'Because my testicles have been hanging loose for the last forty years, as if they were going to fall off, and yet, there they are still.'" MIDDLE AGES FORKS If you think this one is bad, here's a Middle Ages joke from poet Jean de Conde of Hainaut (Belgium) in the 14th century. A game of truth-telling was being played at court by a queen and her retinue. The queen asked a knight if he had fathered any children. He answered that he was childless, and the queen responded, "I do not doubt your word for a moment. For it is easy to judge from the state of the hay whether the pitchfork is any good." When the laughter died down, the embarrassed knight countered her question by asking the queen, "Is there hair between your legs?" When the queen denied having any, the knight replied, "Indeed I do believe you, for grass does not grow on a well-beaten path." - Tony Deyal was last seen telling his wife a joke from the Philogelos about the man who was standing over the tomb of his dead spouse when someone asked him, "Who has gone to rest?" The man replied, "Me. Now that I am alone."