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rinidad and Tobago celebrates its 55th anniversary of Independence on 31 August 2017. At midnight on 30 August 1962, the British flag (the Union Jack) was lowered and the red, white and black, Trinidad and Tobago flag was raised for the first time. Trinidad and Tobago’s history had been one of conquer and colonization with the superpowers of the day fighting at various times for possession of the southernmost of the Caribbean chain of islands. The original settlers, the Amerindians, were no match for the invading marauders…Tobago changed hands among the Spanish, British, French, and Dutch but eventually ended up in British hands. The island of Trinidad was a Spanish colony from the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1498 to the capitulation of the Spanish Governor, Don José Maria Chacón, on the arrival of a British fleet of 18 warships on 18 February 1797. In 1814, the British crown gained possession of Tobago, which it maintained for a century and a half. The British first ruled Tobago as a separate colony, but during much of the 19th century administered...Continued on page 5
2017
Bacardi Rum & The Caribbean Flava!!!
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Bacardi embraces the Caribbean culture & music with Major Lazer
arlier this Summer, Bacardi kicked off a oneyear partnership with EDM trio Major Lazer that unites each of them in the island vibe tied to their roots. A true Caribbean American Mixture Major Lazer —which includes Diplo from Mississipi, Walshy Fire from Jamaica and Jillionaire from Trinidad and Tobago.
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Called “Sound of Rum,” the collaboration between Major Lazer and Bacardi will take many forms. “Growing up in the islands, I worked in bars for many years learning how to master the perfect rum cocktail,” says Jillionaire...Continued on page 8
Trinidad & Tobago win World 4 x 4 Relay
for Trinidad, catching the American on the home straight to give Trinidad their first world title in this event and this added to the list of upsets at the championships 2017 Lalonde who was part of the Trinidad team which took bronze on The US led for most of the same track at the the race and appeared to J.Solomon/J.Richards/M.Cedenio/L.Gordon London Olympics five be on course for another win after Michael years ago and won silver at the Beijing Cherry ran a strong third lap to extend their World Championships in 2015. lead before handing the baton to Kerley. But Trinidad's 4x4 relay time of 2:58.12 was Gordon gave chase and ran a superb final lap the fastest this year.
rinidad and Tobago denied United States of a seventh successive world 4x400 meters relay title when Trinidad's Lalonde Gordon overhauled Fred Kerley on the final leg to win a breathtaking final at the World Athletics Championships.
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L I F E S T Y L E
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Racial Diversity and White Supremacy
magine if the white nationalists protesting in Charlottesville had ever actually faced any of oppression. There are no laws, nor have there ever been any laws, that denied them the right to get married to the person of their choosing. Legislators are not attempting to force them to pay more for insurance strictly because their gender alone makes them susceptible to multiple, ridiculous “pre-existing conditions”. The United States government has never enslaved their great grand-parents, robbed their great-grand parents, unlawfully imprisoned their great-grandparents, or shot them while they were unarmed with their hands in the air for simply looking like they might be a threat. Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor
There are no voting laws/requirements that infringe on their ability to participate in national and local elections. There is no history of evil, unethical science that was completely devoted to proving their inferiority. They have not been banned from entering the country due to their religion, nor do they face immediate police force for carrying weapons. Their churches have never been burned, their lawns have never been tarnished through the placement of a burning cross, and their ancestors were not lynched and hung from trees. These white nationalists have never experienced racial profiling, and their job applications aren’t overlooked due to the name at the top of the resume. In Charlottesville, there were many chants to be heard. One particular chant that resonated with this disgusting neo-Nazi white supremacist group was “You will not replace us”. Attention all white supremacists: no one is trying to replace you. We don’t want to take your roles as genocide enthusiasts who make every attempt to eradicate every ounce of culture and diversity everywhere you go, we don’t want to advocate for hate and intolerance, and we certainly don’t want your unseasoned food. So what exactly are they being replaced as? As the only voice in public discussions? Perhaps. As the only bodies in the public, business, and consumer arenas? Maybe. If white supremacists feel as though they are being oppressed, it is because they used to have the only voice, and that is changing. They used to be able to speak ignorantly without facing criticism, and that is changing. Christmas used to be the only religious holiday that was celebrated around that time of the year, and now it’s not. At the grocery store last December, and older woman told the cashier “Merry Christmas” then turned to her husband and said, “Now that Trump has been elected, we can say that again.”
Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor
By Aleia Roberts
If you happen to be reading this, or if you agree with this woman’s sentiments, allow me to address you. You have always been able to say “Merry Christmas”. No one has told you that you can’t say “Merry Christmas”. Recently, other religions have had more freedom to express greetings for their holidays as well, and companies have embraced the diversity by using the phrase “Happy Holidays.” If you are too thick-skulled to understand that, then that is no one’s fault but your own and I wish you the miserable life that you deserve. To top it all off, President Donald Dump had the most difficult time of his life condemning these oblivious, hatefilled people. For someone who gets on Twitter to grumble about anything and everything faster than any of my millennial peers that conservatives love to complain about, he took an awfully long time to grumble about this one. Then again, he was probably really busy at Home Depot looking for Tiki Torches so that he could join his friends. (By the way, the Tiki Brand denounced the white supremacists and their use of the Tiki Torches faster than Donald Dump did.) 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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ImmigrationINFO
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Immigration News For Our Community RAISE Act - Stops Legal Immigration & Dream Act of 2017 By Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Gail@GailLaw.com 1-877-GAIL-LAW @GailSeeram
FREE In-Office Consultation FREE Live Chat www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com
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AISE ACT - “The bottom line here is that the President believes we should have a merit-based system of immgration
tion in this country,” the first official told CNN. Today, Trump was joined by Republican Sens. David Perdue and Tom Cotton at the White House to discuss introduction of a new bill that looks to stop legal immigration into the United States by proposing a skills-based immigration system and reduce family-based immigration.
The bill cut back on what’s referred to as “chain migration,” ways of families immigrating to the United States that are based on family relationship and not based on skills. The bill would limit the types of family members of immigrants that can also be brought to the US to primarily spouses and minor children, would eliminate the international diversity visa lottery and limit the number of annual refugee admissions. Don’t be fooled by arguments made by supporters of this legislation: there’s nothing smart or “merit-based” about this extremist proposal. If passed, this bill will hurt our economy and most importantly, it will prevent grandparents, mothers, fathers, and siblings from being
able to legally reunite with their family members here in the U.S., reversing nearly a century of well-established policy that recognizes the value of keeping families together. “What I’d like to do is a comprehensive immigration plan,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One in July. “But our country and political forces are not ready yet.” DREAM ACT OF 2017 - On July 20, 2017, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the bill titled Dream Act of 2017 (S. 1615), which would provide young immigrants who were brought to this country as children and grew up, commonly known as Dreamers, in the United States the chance to apply for lawful permanent residence, if they meet certain requirements. A week later, two bills were introduced in the House of Representatives that would protect also Dreamers – the bipartisan Dream Act of 2017 (H.R. 3440), introduced by Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), and the American Hope Act, introduced by Nancy Pelosi (DCA), Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. #GailLaw welcomes these efforts and calls on both the Senate and House of Representative to pass legislation protecting Dreamers and to urge the Trump Administration to continue the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program until a more permanent solution is in place for these young immigrants. Currently DACA is under attack by a group of state Attorney Generals who have threatened to sue the Trump Administration if DACA isn’t ended by September 5, 2017. Copyright © Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2016. All Rights Reserved. 1-877-GAIL-LAW or 407-292-7730 www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com
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“Binding Together In Unity”By Rosemarie Roth Jamaican American Association of Central Florida
he sound for “Unity” was heard throughout the evening as the Jamaican American Association of Central Florida gathered for their annual Jamaica Independence dinner and dance. Thirty-two years lends itself to a solid purpose to raise money to be given to aspiring youth pursuing higher education, community outreach programs and emergency relief here and aboard.
Tonight, I wanted to experience the joy of celebrating Jamaica fifty-five years of independence so my heart began searching for the purpose for this “Binding Together in Unity”. The theme ambitiously was the driving force behind the gathering of several Islanders and guests sharing a few hours together and highlighting the importance of collaboration. The presence of Vice-Mayor Victoria Siplin, Dane Dawkins-former soccer player at Cornel University, Dr. Patricia Smith-current president of JAACF, Rev. and Dr. Morris, Dr. Phillip Lee Fatt-former president and Andrea Jackson only confirm that we are all celebrating the motto that we are “out of many one people” working together for the good of mankind
We heard the purpose of this association’s theme loud and clear; as we bond together in unity. The motivation to work together indicates we’ll accomplish remarkable things while the monetary contribution to our children’s education will allow them to thrive to be ambitious with the stars as their goal. As a last-minute reminder Mr. Burley reiterate that the youth will be the ones caring for us when we are old because they are the future. Therefore, we’re to treat them good! As Jamaicans, we have a soul that is driven to belong, to give, to be known and to leave an imprint large enough for others to follow. JAACF does want to make a difference in our communities! So, my question is; did we accomplish this in the association? Unquestionably, yes.
In the last hour of the celebration after the dancing with DJ Gary Chung; the feet say, congratulations mission accomplished!
Marjorie Brown, the first president was present to witness the steady addition of past presidents as their names were mentioned with a voice of gratitude. Dr. Herbert Dawkins was honored with a plaque for outstanding service to the association as their president twice. Many are not aware that he is a teacher with Orange County, pastor a church, teach literacy, is a missionary to Jamaica and still find time to mentor students. One could hear the cry in the speeches the importance for unity especially in the Pine Hills area of Central Florida. With dignity and eloquence Barrington “Orley” Burley shared the rise of Marcus Garvey with a “purpose” driven home to him as he completed law school and now practices as assistant state attorney. All this to make a difference.
Trinidad & Tobago celebrates 55th Anniversary of Independence...Cont from pg 1 ...the island from the Windward Islands government. Tobago then became a crown colony in 1877 and in 1888 amalgamated with Trinidad under the colony name of Trinidad and Tobago. The road to independence is linked to the granting of the rights to vote in 1924, the culmination of many cries for the franchise and a petition submitted to the Colonial Office calling for the inclusion of “local” representatives in the governance of the colony. The continued demands for increased participation in governance and the labour-based “Butler riots” of 1937 calling for internal self government, led to the British Parliament granting universal adult suffrage to Trinidad and Tobago in 1945. This was limited to persons aged 21 years and over. The evolution of the electoral and governing process was enhanced and refined since that time, due to the struggles of thinkers and labour leaders such as Tubal Uriah ‘Buzz’ Butler, George Weekes, Adrian Cola Rienzi, Arthur Cipriani, CLR James and the political and leadership skills of Dr. Eric Williams, the country’s first chief minister from 1956 to 1959, its first premier from 1959 to 1962, and first prime minister from 1962 to 1981. Self-government was gradually increased between 1946 and 1961 with the elections of those years serving as a dress rehearsal for independence. This was seen
as the final stage in a long road to self-government. The governor’s executive power was now limited. Political parties competed in an electoral process and a Chief Minister in which members of Cabinet and members of the Opposition were elected. A governor-general was appointed, who selected an Executive Council from the party with the winning majority. The governor then acted on the advice of the Executive Council. The return of Dr. Eric Williams from abroad, heralded a vibrant era of party politics since he was encouraged to form a political party. On 24 September 1956, Dr. Williams party, the People’s National Movement (PNM), won 13 of the 24 seats on the Legislative Council. In 1958, a Federation of the West Indies was formed; but when Jamaica withdrew in 1961, Trinidad and Tobago decided that it was time to receive full independence so that it could pursue its own governance. On Friday, Dec. 29, 1961 the House of Representatives and the Senate sat for the first time in the history of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. In 1962, independence talks took place between Trinidad and Tobago and Britain at Marlborough House in London, resulting in full independence on 31 August 1962.
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By Ryan Davis
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BOLT- The end of an era
ust in case you haven’t heard because you were living under a rock or worse….your WIFI went out. The fastest man in the history of planet Earth just retired.
Usain St Leo Bolt “called it a night” on an amazing career spanning 15 years (a lifetime for a track and field athlete) on Sunday at the World Championships in London. The man from a Parish on the North side of Jamaica known as Trelawney, left behind a legacy we may never see again. He is the only person to ever hold the world records for the 100 and 200 meters. He also holds the record for the 4 x 100m relay and is the reigning Olympian in all three events. He won the Gold Medal in the 100m and 200m in three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012 and 2016), a feat known only to him as the “triple double.”
Not only has Bolt dominated the athletic world in medals and world records but he did it in “style”……and he did it often.
On Saturday the 11th of August 2017, The World sat attentively in anticipation of Bolt’s last race smartphones in hand, Facebook, Twitter and every social media outlet locked and loaded and ready to upload. Everyone was ready to see Bolt win in his usual extraordinary fashion. Jump into his space ship with the Princess in hand and fly off to which ever planet he came from, however Bolt proved to us what we all did not want to admit…..he was human. In the final leg of the men’s 4 x 100m race, Bolt halfway down the final stretch, pulled his hamstring and collapsed to the floor. It was over…the race and the story. The fact that he didn’t win the gold in his last race, the fact that he fell to his knees because of an injury, somehow made his legacy shine brighter. He was somebody we could actually relate to. Mohammed Ali affectionately known as “the Greatest,” lost his last fight and we all treat the memory of his career in reverence. Bolt falling at the last “hurdle” will be remembered in the same light…….”the Greatest”.
Ever the entertainer, Bolt came up with his own signature pose known around the globe as the “lightning bolt.” Taking the image of a Track and Field athlete to a whole different dimension. He now belongs in the same lime light as Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Roger Federer and Lionel Messi.
Usain Bolt the charm, the talent, the personality, the humility...the Champion for us ALL...'The Greatest Track & Field Athlete'.
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Caribbean Profile - Dennis Wayne Briggs
ennis Wayne Briggs Jr. was born in the beautiful city of Kissimmee, FL, on May 23, 2000. He is the third child for Dennis and Shelley Briggs, both members of the Caribbean and Floridian Association, Inc. Born weighing 7lbs, 1 ounce, who would have guessed that he would develop into the “beast” you see today? Nicknamed “Beast” at the age of 6, he carried a large frame, which made him a standout recruit for several coaches.
Not knowing much about the area and the various teams, his parents took a chance on the local team, the Poinciana Predators. It was here that the story begins. Due to restrictions on size and Dennis’ large frame, he always found himself playing alongside and against children several years older than him. This was intimidating and a deterrent for Dennis at first as he cried and begged to be removed from the sport. Seeing how well he did perform on the field, his parents opted to keep him on the team, despite his reluctance to play. By the time Dennis reached middle school, he had developed a passion for the sport and desired to play and practice as often as possible. Entering Gateway High School as a Freshman, Dennis was one of three Freshmen to start on the varsity team, instead of spending his first year on the junior varsity team. From there he continued to excel, drawing to be one of the most dominant Defensive Ends in the state of Florida, and the nation. He attended several camps which helped further perfect his craft, along with the guidance he has received from head coach Marlin Roberts and the entire coaching staff at Gateway High School.
South Carolina State University, North Carolina State University, Pittsburgh University, University of Georgia, Duke University, and the University of Tennessee.
Dennis currently holds several honors within the academic arena, winning the Orange Belt Conference Title twice in a row, and Osceola County Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. He is also a member of the Osceola County AllCounty Team. Currently he is ranked #17 in the state for his position. As a senior, he narrowed down the 36 scholarship offers he has received to this “top 10” (no particular order): Florida State University, University of Miami, University of Oregon,
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For all those who are calling and asking the 'Big Question'...He plans on committing sometime in the near future, but until then, meet him at the Quarterback!
Bacardi Rum & The Caribbean Flava...
Cont. from Cover Trinidad-born member of the trio and designated“Minister of Rum” for the campaign. “It’s a big part of the culture, and something I’m passionate about. ”Bacardi, which in May released a limited-edition Major Lazer Rum, will support the group’s dance parties and in turn, the Major Lazer will appear at Bacardi activities. But more than that, the alliance gives both partners an opportunity to grow and introduce Caribbean music and culture to the world at large. “We’re happy to have found partners that are like-minded, that support us as much as we support them,” says Liz Walaszczyk, global head of music at Bacardi.
“It is about creating new and interesting ways to embed the brand into the culture, and bring the roots of where we come from and where Major Lazer comes from, and what inspires both of us, to the world.” As part of the brand’s music strategy, Bacardi worked with the group to ignite 'The Sound of Rum' concept: a conversational movement of sound that blurs lines between reggae, dancehall, soca, hip-hop and electronic music to bring fans of different genres together. With its roots set in Cuba, Bacardi is championing this global sound that pays homage to a distinct island vibe with a modern kick – and in line with the spirit and Caribbean origins of Major Lazer. Major Lazer’s single "Run Up", encapsulates the Sound of Rum. The crew are also working on a short documentary which follows them back to their island roots surrounding the creation of a limited-edition rum, overseen by DJ and producer Jillionaire. This is a special role as Ambassador of Rum at Bacardi, that taps into his extensive rum background having grown up in and around the service industry in Trinidad. Bacardi and Major Lazer will partner in additional events and social media efforts, including content initiatives on Spotify and the recently announced Music Liberates, Music program in which Bacardi will donate studio time for aspiring Caribbean artists each time fans play Major Lazer’s new “Front of the Line” track. “Basically the goal here, if I had to sum it up in a sentence, would be to make the world smaller by making the party bigger,” Walaszczyk says. Hey, we’re down with that.
List your business in print and online for $25.00 per month
C.A.P. DIRECTORY ATTORNEY Wayne Golding PA Tel: (407) 574-8691 Web: www.waynegolding.com
BUSINESS CONSULTING Roberts & Roberts Management Services Tel: (407) 427-1800 Web: www.robertsmgt-group.com
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS UEBSC Tel: 407-732-7777 Web: www.thinkuebsc.org
MARKETING GGR Marketing & PR Tel: 407-427-1800 Web: www.ggrmarketingandpr.com
NEWSPAPER Caribbean American Passport News Magazine Tel: 407-427-1800 Web: www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com RESTAURANT ACE Cafe Orlando Caribbean Sunshine Bakery Tel: (407) 996-6686 Tel: (407) 839-5060 Web:www.caribbeansunshinebakery.net Web: www.acecafeusa.com
New Restaurant Opens Island Thyme Caribbean Restaurant: Tel - 407-353-6044 Web: http://www.islandthymegrille.com
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Miami-Broward Carnival Launch 2017
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Pictures by Robyn O’Brien
International Music & Food Festival
Pictures & Article by Gail Zucker
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ore than a decade ago Miami Gardens hosted the Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival. It has since become one of Miami Gardens stellar events for the city. On August 5, the city featured a new music festival that added to that list of events. The city hosted the Second Annual International music festival at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, 3000 NW 199th St. It coincided with Jamaica’s Independence Week end, so it was a joyous time for all the patrons. The Vice Mayor Erhabor Ighodaro directed the event with the assistance of his wonderful team., along with the endorsement of Commissioner Barbara Jordan.
Jo Mersa Marley, is the grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, and the son of Stephen Marley. He was born in Kingston, Jamaica and moved to Miami at the age of 11, where he grew up around his father and uncle, Damian Marley, creating music in Stephen’s Lion’s Den studio. In 2014, Jo Mersa Marley released an EP titled “Comfortable.” Marley says the legacy of his family has helped to shape his life and his platform, he wants to use his platform to spread themessage of love from generation to generation, and the importance of family.
“Family can’t be left out,” Marley said. “Because for this generation, the generation I represent, many young ones are lost. I think it is important because that is one of the first things they should know: that it is family before you leave your house, before you come out of your mother’s womb. You don’t have nothing else other than family at the end of the day.” A Kids Zone will be offered at the festival and family ticket packages will be available for purchase. Individual tickets start at $10, with children under 13 entering for free. Abebe Lewis of Abebe Lewis Marketing and Branding, said the theme for this year’s IMFest is “We Are Miami Gardens.”“We feel like everybody is a part of Miami Gardens,” Lewis said. “Miami Gardens to me is like a melting pot. There’s Spanish, Jamaican, African, Haitians. Miami Gardens is different. They do very well with their events, Jazz In The Gardens, and hopefully we can turn up the International Festival the same way.” Lots of activities for the kids including a bounce house and food trucks on site made the event inviting for all ages and an enjoyable time had by all.
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CAHM Concert with Third World & Fab 5 Photos by Nancy Joe Brown
This Caribbean American Heritage Month Concert was the 1st in a series of cultural presentations that will be done by the Caribbean American Passport in Downtown.
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SUNDAYS WITH PETERby Tony Deyal
t Peter was someone I could get along with. As I sat in what was called First Standard of the village Anglican or E.C. school, learning to read, write and make the most of the teacher’s frequent absences from class, or in Sunday School, the stories in the compulsory Bible studies were the major attraction. My Aunty Haroon had already taught me to read from the Trinidad Guardian and my writing was doomed to be deemed “crapaud foot” so I admired Peter, the rock on which the Church of Christ was built. I found his behaviour entirely appropriate when Christ’s life was in jeopardy, double jeopardy in fact. Christ had the answer but Peter asked the question with a sword. My favourite, the King James Version of the Bible, says, “Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.” While one must ask what Peter was doing with the sword if it was not to protect Jesus and the others, few people will question his courage. Except me.
My reservation started at the Sea of Galilee. Matthew says, “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” This is where Peter and I part company. I don’t have a problem with Andrew. James and John left Zebidee their father and I can understand. When my father had me washing the car or cleaning the yard and I got a chance to run away, I did so. James and John were repairing nets and for those of you who appreciate that a net is a set of holes held together by twine, there is no joy in the work. But Peter and Andrew were actually fishing and they left the net and walked away. They had to be inseine. Look, if I had a net trying to catch some herrings for what we in Trinidad call “a la vive” or live-bait fishing, my mind already focused on heading out to catch some kingfish, and anyone comes up to me and tell me to stop fishing for fish and start trolling for men, I would have a distinct problem with that. I would be mannerly and courteous in my reply trying not to insult someone who could be, as he claims, the Son of God. “Mr. Jesus,” I would say with a smile, “We are a bit busy here this morning as we are trying to catch a few sprite and then go out and hook some big ones. We don’t have the right bait to fish for men. Women might be more our style but now is not the time for that either. The tide is rising. If you want to talk, or you want something to cook, check us later.” The fact is I can believe that Peter pulled a sword and cut off a man’s ear. I can believe that Peter was the rock on which the Church was built. But I cannot believe any true fisherman would leave his net without pulling it up and walk away from it. He must have wondered in all his wanderings what he caught that fateful day except religion. There is no greater joy in the world for me, no more satisfying feeling, than sitting in a fishing boat (or pirogue as we call them here) on a sea with a slight chop and a roll or two, hearing the Yamaha 55 purring, heading out to where we can reduce the speed of the boat, let the many fathoms of steel line out and wait for the fish to bite. I don’t have a rod and the staff on the boat has a gaffe at the end of it. I hate rods because fishing out in the Atlantic off the North Coast of Trinidad is a macho thing. When even the smallest bonito can bite like Mike Tyson, and the biggest kingfish has the power to pull you right out of the twenty-three foot boat into the ocean, you feel the surge when it grabs the artificial lure and you know you have a fight literally on your hands.
My wife Indranie knows that the lure in my heart is not artificial. It is a real passion for fishing and is a variation of the old Chinese saying. Cook a man a fish and you feed him for a day. But teach a man to fish and you get rid of him for the whole weekend. In my early days, it was cricket, football and whatever other game was in season, now it is game fishing for which I am always game. Sometimes, moving my handheld line to and fro hoping to attract a big fish, I think of how comfortable I am in a boat. I have never got seasick in my life and my two sons are the same. I always tell the story about my big son George. We were in a boat heading to Tobago and the weather heading straight into the Atlantic was really bad. Big waves and the ship tossing like an elephant with insomnia. We needed to eat and I bought roast beef sandwiches. I must confess that I was a little queasy after I ate mine and looked at George who seemed to have also succumbed to the combination of food and stormy weather. I asked him, “George, you all right? What happen? You feeling sick?” He looked at me and then said hesitantly, “Dad. Can I have another sandwich?” Zubin is the same. We leave before six, grab some water and put together cheese sandwiches. We rush to meet our friend Peter the fisherman who owns a boat named Pedro and who loves fishing and company in that order. We head out optimistically. Zubin generally has breakfast as we speed out through the heavy waves. Peter has a Christmas tree rig with pink artificial squids. The Scientific Community had an online petition asking for a group of squid to be called a “squad” instead of a “shoal”. Peter’s rig looks like a mod squad. When we start fishing he slips his foot into the rope to which the squid rig is tied and steers the boat. No conversation. That will start when we catch our first. Even though fish carry their own scales, we always argue about how much each one we catch weighs. When we don’t get a bite, I inevitably say that the school this bunch attends is no elementary school, it is a University and that is why they’re smart enough not to bite something artificial. And then, sometimes, I get a bite that feels like it can tear my arm off and all is forgotten, lost in the thrill. I can understand St Peter. If you see a man take two fish and feed five thousand people with them, you know that the bottom has dropped out of the fish market and you might as well get into the religion business. Ask Joel Osteen, Pat Robinson, Kenneth Copeland and the Vatican. *Tony Deyal was last seen saying that he loves fishing for the same reason fish love worms. He’s hooked on it
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Money, Money, MONEY! By Rosemarie Roth
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was talking with a friend about being an entrepreneur and she told me how much money she needed to make money. It didn’t make sense to me that she was broke and wanted to borrow money to make money. Yes, money makes money! Period. She was borrowing against her sweat… it makes sense! Consider a church and the offering plate; most times it is passed around about two times to collect, tabulate and then bless before the final “amen”. Some people, like myself thinks it’s excessive but I’m reminded in Malachi 3:10 (KJV)10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Meat here refers to substance. Tangible resources! If all the money came in the first round then there wouldn’t be a need for a second round. Or do we need prompting to release the money? If the people don’t bring money into the house of God then there won’t be any money to pay the bills. At home, no money for the oil; no chicken frying tonight! The tithes Malachi is talking about is the investment into the running of God’s house. Can you imagine if we invest into our homes and create a family how great the returns would be!
Today, most modern currency is not backed by silver or gold. Instead, today’s money is known as fiat money. Fiat is a Latin word that means “Let it be done”. Money has a certain value today because it was given that value by government fiat or decree. Legal tender laws now make it illegal to refuge legal currency in favor of some other form of payment. Google.com Nearly 700 years before Sweden issued the first European banknotes in 1661, China released the first generally circulating currency. Imagine that! China created the first paper money. Don’t feel broke today! Use the money you have; spend some sweat dollars!
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I remember growing up in Jamaica and a person getting married was looking someone to “make life” with them. It comes back to the investment of money to make more money. But according to Genesis 3:19 New (NIV)19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food/bread until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust, you are and to dust you will return.” It just dawns on me that if I go to work then money will come to me! Not a loan but a reward. The Lord created it this way and He is right. Money is the fair exchange for our labor! 1 Timothy 5:18 For Scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."
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The Founding Fathers -
he Founding Fathers designed a Constitution with checks and balances yet allocated tremendous power to the Office of the President of the United States. Their rationale, Congress may look after the interests of the rich and powerful and the President will look out for the poor and voiceless. Generally speaking, it has worked for the past 241 years until now with the advent of President Trump. We now have a Congress and President who want to severely restrict access to healthcare for the poor and middle class, cut Medicaid funding and use the savings to grant tax benefits to the rich and powerful. Additionally, we have a President whose credibility and sanity is at the very least, questionable. Why would the President stand against the back drop of the White House and make incorrect statements to the American People. Statements a rookie journalist can easily verify. Size of the Inauguration crowd comes to mind, Trump claimed he signed more Legislation in six months than any other Presidents signed in four years or the total bogus number of jobs he created within the Coal Industry. One of the low points of his Presidency thus far, was his invitation to Republican House Members to celebrate at the White House after the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, totally unaware the Senate also has to vote and approve.
It is a proven fact that Russia influenced the 2016 Presidential election. It is also a fact that the Trump Campaign colluded with the Russians to change the outcome. If you believe Donald Trump Jnr, Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort met with the Russian agents to discuss adoptions, then I have some mountaintop homes in South Florida to sell you. I believe the Special Prosecutor already has the facts and in the course of time, it will be proven that Trump not only knew but participated in the collusion. Given Trump's history, that is not a far fetched theory. Here's a thought, former Presidents get their full Presidential salary for life and Secret Service protection when they leave Office. Traditionally, they spend their time building and promoting their Presidential Library and giving paid speeches. Rarely do they comment on the current Administration. I believe the exception has to be made now giving the shenanigans of the Trump Administration. We have three fairly young former Presidents, Bill Clinton, George W Bush and Barack Obama who all won re-election and they must speak out. Our very democracy may be at risk with Trump in the Oval Office. Congress will return in September after their summer break. Let's face the truth, it's all about Republican ego in their quest to repeal and replace the Affordable Healthcare Act. Republicans and Democrats must get together and do what's right for the American people, not the special interests. The ACA was never perfect but it solved a critical aspect within our Healthcare system. Americans with pre-existing conditions can purchase Health Insurance; repair not repeal the ACA. Three things I'll like to highlight; firstly, the ACA detractors love to shout Obama said I can keep my doctor. Well, if you had to
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by Kamal Abdool
change doctors, so what. I had to change doctors and I ended up with a better doctor than my previous primary care physician. Sad part is that many who complained the loudest were recipients of a Government subsidy. Secondly, I've listened to many men, mostly Republicans, complain that they should not pay towards a woman's pregnancy. I listen attentively and then ask, since I do not have children in the Palm Beach County School System, why am I paying the Schools Tax on my property tax bill? I seldom waste time with them on the concept of insurance and shared risks. Finally, I listen to some Americans complain about Medicaid assistance to the poor as an abuse of public funds. These are the same people who work for the State of Florida or County and City. Their health insurance is subsidized by tax dollars.
What's the difference? 1. Remove the Company and Individual Mandates. 2. Allow Americans under 30 to buy hospital only protection. 3. Remove the pre-existing mandates from private insurance. 4. The pre-existing conditions do not apply to employer group insurance; that aspect should remain intact 5. Americans who do not have access to employer group insurance and have serious health issues are accommodated through an ACA Sponsored Plan. 6. Encourage Americans with common or shared interests to purchase Group Insurance. Set a minimum number of members to qualify as a Group, say 3000, if Caribbean people in Florida who do not have access to employer Group Insurance, form a group, the group could reach 100,000 plus. Think of the benefits we can negotiate. 7. Open Medicare to Americans 50 to 65. Medicare premium for 65 plus is $134.00 an month, the under 65 premium may be $300.00 monthly and I'll buy that plan in a heartbeat. Pay attention to Congress Plans when they return to Washington.
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HEALTH CITY CAYMAN ISLANDS PARTNERS WITH REGION ON TERTIARY HEALTH CARE
After three years of success providing medical services to regional and international patients, Health City, a Cayman Islands hospital wants to work with other regional health care providers to meet the urgent demand for high quality and affordable tertiary health care in the Caribbean. Presenting at the Caribbean Cardiac Society's 32nd Caribbean Cardiology Conference in Trinidad and Tobago last month, Health City Cayman Islands physicians Dr. Ravi Kishore, Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, and Dr. Binoy Chattuparambil, Chief Cardiac and Senior Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon, shared the hospital's latest achievements in the field including the growing regional demand for the tertiary care services offered at Health City. The hospital has treated more than 29,000 patients in its first three years, performing almost 2,000 procedures, including over 640 orthopedic surgeries, and more than 280 cardiac surgeries, with overall infection and readmission rates of less than 1 percent. "The first time we attended the Caribbean Cardiac Society meeting, we were considered as outsiders," recalled Dr. Kishore. "Nobody really knew about us, but I think now we are fully integrated into the regional community of cardiologists, and they're pretty appreciative of our work, and the scope of referrals for services such as electrophysiology and pediatric cardiac surgery," said the India-and UK-trained physician.
Based in Grand Cayman, the hospital has been spreading its reach by partnering with top Caribbean cardiologists and other physicians. It has treated patients from across the Caribbean, from Anguilla and Barbados to Haiti, Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands. In fact, Health City Cayman Islands recently began direct charter flights to transport patients from St. Maarten to Grand Cayman for specialized medical treatment. Based on that demand, Health City is considering collaborating with other facilities in the region to bring compassionate, high-quality, affordable specialized health care services to many more who need it. Dr. Chattuparambil, who believes demand for pediatric cardiology is likely to continue growing in the months ahead, said, "Sixty percent of all my work is pediatrics and ... we are getting (pediatric patients) from across the globe. Health City was the first hospital in the English-speaking Caribbean to use robotic navigation for joint replacements and the first to install two artificial hearts or left ventricle assist devices (LVADs). Other Caribbean firsts include performing transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVR) or implantations (TAVI); minimally invasive clot extraction for strokes, which dramatically improves poststroke outcomes; and renal denervation, a minimally invasive procedure using radiofrequency ablation to treat resistant hypertension. Earlier this year, Health City became the first hospital in the English-speaking Caribbean to perform cryoablation for atrial fibrillation. The new technology introduces a deflated cryoballoon into the heart. Doctors introduce the balloon catheter into the groin and thread it into the pulmonary veins, located in the back of the heart, where the impulses that trigger the atrial fibrillation come from, and then inflate the balloon and freeze the vein for about two to three minutes, quickly and effectively destroying the source of the fibrillation.
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Letters to My Lawyer™ This column is primarily for educational purposes as well as to give the reader general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide any legal advice whatsoever. By reading this column you understand that there is no attorney-cliet relationship between you and writer/pub-lisher. This column should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney. This column is not published for advertising or solicitation purposes. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.
by: Sasha Watson, Esq.D
ear
Dear Lawyer: I recently became a US citizen. I took my oath about a month ago. When I was green card holder, I filed for my husband and his two children. Now that I am a citizen, I was told the process would move faster. Is there anything I need to do to move the process along?
You will also need to file a new I-130, Petition for Alien Relative for each child. When you filed as a green card holder, the application was placed in a preference category that only granted a certain amount of visas annually. In the preference category, the children were eligible for the green card as derivative beneficiaries of the application you filed for your husband. In other words, you were only required to file one petition for your husband and get green cards for all three. However, as a citizen, you must file a separate petition for each individual, including the children. This does require more money but it will in certain cases result in them getting the green card faster than if you had remained a permanent resident. Please submit your letters to letters@hawmlaw.com. Each month a reader’s letter will be chosen for response. Letters to My Lawyer™ is a publication of Karlyn Hylton & Sasha Watson of Hylton, Adamson Watson, PLLC 120 E. Colonial Drive |Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-802-3223 | F: 407-377-1971 Email: letters@hawmlaw.com
Please help, Anxious Wife Dear Anxious Wife: Congratulations on becoming a US citizen. That is a very important milestone. In order to upgrade the petition you filed for your husband, you will need to send a letter to the service center handling your case if the I-130, Petition for Alien Relative has not been approved or if approved, send the letter to the National Visa Center. The receipt notice sent to you will indicate what service center is currently processing your petition. As an immediate relative of a US citizen, there is no waiting time for your husband to receive an immigrant visa (green card). However, there will still be some wait time while the documents are processed through the system.
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