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Miami Broward One Carnival Why I loved it!
Haile Salassie's Grandson, Joel Makonnen marries Grandaughter of Lord Mayor of Guyana, Ariana Austin in a lavish Ethiopian Orthodox Christian wedding.
By Kadeem Roberts This year, I attended Miami carnival at the fairgrounds at Florida International University for the first time. Carnival is an event that used to be held as the beginning of lent. In America, it is used to meet people who share the same culture and music as you, and enjoy some of the treats we left at home in the Caribbean. I usually hate these events, but I went to represent my parents because, I know that in business you must do a lot of networking - mixing and talking to strangers, you have to sell your business to the people you talk to in order to have people invest and pay attention. At Carnival, I worked at my parent’s booth, Caribbean American Passport speaking to people that walked by. Continued on Page 14
The groom, Mr. Makonnen, was born in Rome, his parents, Prince David Makonnen and Princess Adey Imru Makonnen, had been forced into exile after a communist coup in Ethiopia, and he grew up in Switzerland and France. Mr Makonnen, 35, is related to Haile Selassie, through the emperor's second
son, Prince Mankonnen. The royal family traces its roots back to the Biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Haile Selassie was the 225th emperor of Ethiopia and he ruled the east African country for four decades until he was overthrown in 1974. He died in 1975 under mysterious circumstances. Continued on Page 8
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L I F E S T Y L E
Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor
MOVING FORWARD, LOOKING BACK For years, like many immigrants, we Samuel J. Roberts, always told ourselves that we would be Publisher/Editor moving back home - to Guyana. At first we were waiting on a change of Government. We never argued with anyone who said that they loved the Governement that was in power. We didn't. We fled our country because we felt unsafe, we felt that it was becoming a lawless country where we did not want to raise our kids. Drugs and drug dealers were mixing with everyone else. Money laundering was becoming the norm, even for legitimate business people. Business people that were successful under the previous regime were targeted to be stripped of wealth. I'm not writing what I was told. I'm writing what I lived in Guyana. It was time to leave. Sam and I were nervous about the children we would raise in a society of decaying moral values. We weren't just afraid for them, we were afraid of the compromises that we would start making - in friendships and in business. It has been 18 years, 18 years where we owned a home on land that my father developed under the PPP regime. He developed the land but was not paid for the development. 18 years, during which we owned a home that we would not be given a title to due to country politics. Now that the government has changed in Guyana, we started to make plans to return home. But as most immigrants soon learn - home is not what you grew up in or imagine in your mind it's going to be. Sam and I didn't discuss this plan with many people, but we started making plans to move our home base to the Caribbean while still running our businesses here in the United States. It seemed like the best plan. Things were only getting messier and messier in the US. The election of the President Trump, the rise of white nationalists and the anti immigrant fervor only highlighted our feelings that this was not our country. But we faced the conundrum that many immigrants face - our children felt so wonderfully American that they didn't want to leave. At this point it felt like straddling a fence; the elders are in Guyana and the youth are in America. You're involved in every bad, good and indifferent thing happening in both of your homelands. You expected at some point to live out your life in the glory of home. But are you willing to miss the moments with your children and grandchildren - graduations, births and weddings? Are you willing to tear and rend yourself away again from everything comfortable to start again? It's a hard decision that leaves many of us living with regret, half lived lives and what if's running through our brains.
feeling of belonging. But what about our elderly community, the ones that cannot find that connection because we don't have the time to find them the events, the people and the culture that keeps them connected to their roots? They usually come here and live a half lived life, they're here for their children and grandchildren, but we can tell that they're not as happy as they would be if they were living their authentic Caribbean lives. My family recently lost our two oldest living relatives to violence back in Guyana. It is what we were most afraid of when we left Guyana. We were afraid that the next generation would be cold and ruthless; They would have no value for human lives...but be more interested in a quick hustle. Eighteen years later, we see that we made the correct choice in moving our children out of a society that has desensitized young people of their morals and rules. We are offically off the fence for a few more years. The urge to return home has been squashed. That means Sam and I will be doing more than we have ever done to create a warm welcoming home away from home for immigrants old, young and in between to thrive.
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.
We don't talk about it openly but we find comfort in our Caribbean clubs, events and communities. They give us a true www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
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The first half began and immediately you could sense something in the air was different. This time it was the US who were lethargic, they seemed completely out of their comfort zone.
By Ryan Davis
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“TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE”
ear Russia I am writing, to inform you that the United States of America will not be attending next year’s World Cup in your country.
You see, twenty eight years ago in an island far, far away, on November the 19th 1989, Trinidad and Tobago and the US were in the midst of an intense battle to see who can qualify for the 1990 World Cup in Italy. At this point the twin Islands known as “Trinbago” merely needed a draw to become the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup. The Americans on the other hand needed a win to qualify and to justify the privilege they had been granted by FIFA to host the following World Cup in 1994.
It didn’t take long for the night to unfold, in the 17th minute the visitor’s CB Omar Gonzales miskicked a cross that came into the box and what seemed to be a scene out of a Harry Potter movie came to life. The ball came off his foot in the opposite direction than he intended and looped over the head of the US keeper, Tim Howard in goal. It was as if someone with a wand directed the ball into the net. Twenty minutes later and the magic show was not finished. Alvin Jones the T&T midfielder unleashed a 30 yard “screamer” just past the half line that crashed into the net and with it sinking the hopes of the visitors coming away with their much needed draw.
I was there that day, when the National Stadium was later described as a “sea of red” by the American players. For two weeks prior to the game what seemed like the entire country wore red. Teachers, students, businesses, children and adults alike wore our nation’s colours with pride. After hours of pregame lead up from local performers like “Super Blue” that stirred the crowd into a frenzy, the game finally began. However all the pressure leading up to the occasion seemed to have taken a toll on the players. What once was an energetic and creative T&T “Strike Squad” now seemed lethargic and overwhelmed by the moment. With little to cheer for in the first half, the second half proved to be excruciating. With the game winding down to a much welcomed draw for the host…the unthinkable happened. Paul Calaguri scored the most unlikely of goals for the visitors thus propelling the Americans into immortality and leaving behind the twin islands in its wake. Shaka Hislop described it best when he said the nation was playing for something much bigger than the World Cup, they were playing for their national identity in a World far too big for Trinidad and Tobago. Fast forward 28 years later and the US were back in the country where their magical run of 7 consecutive World Cup qualifications spanning 24 years had begun. This time the host team was not in contention to qualify but had only one thing in mind ……….Revenge. The table was set. The game was played away from the capital, in a rural town simply known as Couva. The heavy rains the day before meant the pitch was wet and muddy. Something the American professional soccer players were unaccustomed to as no one in their squad earned their trade near the equator.
USA’s Russia 2018 ended with 2-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago
The Americans now had to rely on the results of other games that were being played simultaneously with theirs to qualify. They were still confident that the two other teams (Honduras and Panama) contending with them for the last remaining spots could never beat the Concacaf giants Mexico and Costa Rica. The soccer Gods had other ideas. Starting with the Hondurans. They somehow willed themselves over the finish line with a dramatic three goals to two win over the Mexicans and with the US result putting them on the plane to Russia. Honduras beats Mexico 3 to 2
The Americans turned their sights on the game between Panama at home against Costa Rica and could not believe what they saw. The host team was awarded a goal that never actually Panama against Costa Rica
scored. A scrimmage in front of the Costa Rican goal, saw the ball never crossing the goal line yet the goal was given. Which meant the US were out of the world cup due to a “phantom goal.” So you see Russia, Uncle Sam had to repay an old debt. He was served a dish that is best served cold and as a result will not be joining the “The Greatest Event on the planet.”
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What Do Blacks Have to Lose Under the Reign of Trump? After Obama’s historic two terms as the first African American president, Trump’s election was a major blow to progressive movements and democratic principles. But progress and protest does not stop, and there are more Blacks and people of color running for major political offices, than ever before. They are running for high-level positions such as governor, senators, congress/men/women, mayors, and commissioners, and many are going to win.
By Roger Caldwell
President Trump has made it clear to Americans that his administration and signed executive orders will destroy and decimate every policy and law implemented by former President Barack Obama. It does not matter if the bill or policy is helping millions of children, seniors and Americans; his goal is to eviscerate President Obama’s policies and laws. What Americans are experiencing during Trump’s watch is a major destruction of democratic values, principles, and the rule of law. Trust matters and it is extremely difficult to trust anything that comes out of our president’s mouth. “Once again: Donald Trump is a liar. To some this lying may seem small, just another defect among many, but to me it is so much more. Honesty is the foundation of character. The truth is the common base from which all else is built,” says Charles Blow of the New York Times. To many it appears that Trump lies for the pure joy of it, and not enough Americans are talking about the possible mental illness that encapsulates the leadership of America. White supremacy and systemic racism is not being challenged on a regular basis and when it is challenged, the narrative is being changed.
If you believe that America must move forward, Trump’s administration is a small bump in the road, and lies can never win. “It seems odd that we have to defend the merits of truth, and yet we do. We must. This is not simply about a flawed man; this is about the function of our democracy and American positioning, in the world. How is one supposed to debate policy with someone who almost never tells the truth? How can a liar negotiate treaties or navigate international disputes? Without truth, everything falls apart, or more precisely, nothing can be established, “explains Charles Blow. Black lives and truth matters. In Trump’s world, the Black community is invisible, but a Black united front is starting to emerge in American sports, and Black issues are driving the protest and conversation. As Blacks are defiant in American sports, our communities will start to organize and come together because we have everything to gain. Trump’s insanity and mistreatment of Blacks and people of color will give us the reason to fight and resist.
As NFL players protests police brutality, inequality, and racism, Trump switched the talking points to the disrespect of the flag and the country. There is nothing new with our leaders changing an issue and many have no any idea why Blacks and people of color are upset and angry. During the election Trump defended his platform and actually had the media thinking that he would improve the quality of life for the Black community. Even though Trump had a record of discriminating against Black tenants in his family’s apartment buildings, he argued that he was not a racist. Although Trump had called Hispanics rapist and criminals, he also said some of his best friends were Hispanic. The Washington Post calculated that Trump made 492 false or misleading statements in his first 100 days – “That’s an average of 4.9 claims a day” – and that there were only 10 days without a single false claim. There were five days with 20 or more false claims. As Trump continues to battle with the NFL, Black unity is beginning to blossom. Trump is using sports to divide the country, but it is having the opposite effect on Black NFL players and our community. For once, Blacks and people of color are united and defiant, and Trump’s rhetoric is bringing us together. www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
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ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RANKED #1 FOR OVERALL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION The traveling public has spoken and Orlando International Airport (MCO) is their choice as the top mega-airport in North America. In the 2017 J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction StudySM released today, MCO ranked highest in the Mega Airport category (32.5+ million annual commercial passengers). With a score of 778, Orlando International had the widest margin over second place of any of the three size classifications.
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Haile Salassie's Grandson marries Grandaughter of Lord Mayor of Guyana Continued from page 1
"It combines sheer black power and ancient Christian tradition." Mr. Makonnen’s family is part of the Solomonic dynasty, whose reign ended in 1974. That year, a civil war in Ethiopia broke out after Haile Selassie, the 225th emperor of Ethiopia, was deposed by a Marxist Derg military coup. By the time of his death under mysterious circumstances in 1975, it was clear that Mr. Selassie had presided over a country divided by his legacy. He was deposed after months of political unrest directed at his administration, which was accused of being spendthrift and out of touch. The civil war lasted until a coalition of rebel groups overthrew the government in 1991. Ms Austin also has an impressive lineage - she is of African-American and Guyanese descent, and her maternal grandfather was a lord mayor of Guyana's capital, Georgetown.
"We've always believed that when it came to our love - it was written - and we're thrilled to experience the next chapter unfold," the couple say on their wedding website. The bride and groom wore crowns and capes for the day of festivities, which started at 11am and went on until late in the evening.
“It was a happy melding, I think,” said Ms. Austin’s mother, Joy Austin, the executive director of HumanitiesDC, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. “We, as the New World, felt that the Old World was very receptive of us, and we were of them.” Of the reception, Mr. Austin, the president of the Neighborhood Associates Corporation, a group focused on community engagement in Washington, said that it had been “a little bit daunting” to throw a multiday party that drew several members from one of the oldest families in the world. But he relaxed as he jokingly chided his three daughters for dancing and thanked several high-profile guests for attending. Mr. Makonnen’s mother, a retired United Nations international officer, was among those in attendance. Other guests included several of Mr. Makonnen’s relatives who have connections to the family dynasty; Brandon T. Todd, a council member of Washington’s Fourth Ward; Eleanor W. Traylor, a scholar of African-American literature; and J. R. Deep Ford, Guyana’s ambassador to United Nations organizations in Geneva and the Government of Switzerland. Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington, could not attend but sent along her best wishes. “Saturdays are prime politician days,” Mr. Todd said from his seat near the reception dance floor. “I had five things I canceled to be here. When Bobby and Joy ask you to show up, you show up.” Ms. Austin has studied arts, education and creative writing at Harvard, she now works in philanthropy. Mr. Makonnen works in the legal department of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, and Ms. Austin works in philanthropy at the Executives’ Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, a division of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Nearly 12 years after that initial nightclub exchange, the couple tied the knot in an extravagant Ethiopian Orthodox ceremony in Temple Hills, Maryland on September 9 involving 13 priests and clergymen and more than 300 guests.
City vs. Puerto Rico National Team
Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.
In the wake of the recent hurricane devastation, Orlando City SC will play a friendly game against the soccer team in our neighboring sister island of Puerto Rico to raise funds and aid its recovery efforts. The match against the Puerto Rico National Team, which we are naming the Fuerza Puerto Rico Friendly, will take place on Saturday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Orlando City Stadium. One hundred percent of net proceeds will go to the United for Puerto Rico Fund. The friendly marks Orlando City’s last game of 2017, as well as the last game for team captain Kaká, who announced he will not return to the team as a player for the 2018 season.
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October Breast Cancer Awareness Caribbean Artist KES featured on main stage of Komen Race For Cure in Miami
KES with Team DLIMERS captain, Carla Hill & her husband Attorney Marlon Hill
For the 22nd Anniversary of the Komen Race for the Cure in Downtown Miami, Kees Dieffenthaller, popularly known as KES, joined Team DLIMERS on the main stage at Bayfront Park in raising greater awareness on breast cancer prevention and research. Twenty-two years ago, the Susan G. Komen Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Race for the Cure® started with a few hundred participants and a band of warriors who were determined to raise money to find a cure for breast cancer. On October 14, at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, Team DLIMERS, composes a number of Caribbean owned small businesses and organizations, celebrate the 22nd Anniversary of the Race in Downtown Miami. Celebrating her 10th Anniversary as a breast cancer, Team DLIMERS captain, Carla Hill, received a tearful surprise when KES, one of her favorite artists, appeared on the main stage of the Annual Race in Downtown Miami. “It was a joy to give some love back to one of our biggest fans. Carla captures the essence of strength, love and positivity. This is what it takes to beat this disease that impact so many around the world,” stated KES. “We organize this team each year to empower our community to take their health into their own hands. We are proud of the impact we have made and the community’s response to using our music and culture as a source of strength” noted Carla Hill, Team DLIMERS captain.
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BLOW HARDS AND WHISTLEBLOWERS Long time ago, when there was no electricity in our village and in the candlelight or flickering flames of the sootblotched pitch-oil lamp, we heard stories from our grandparents and neighbours about the many ghosts, spirits. douens and other supernatural beings who roamed the night looking for innocents like us to drink our blood, eat our flesh or leave us stranded in the deep, dark forest where nobody could find us ever again. By ourselves, and even with friends, we would walk through deserted roads at night whistling in the dark. These days, even though the illumination throughout the country is better than it was then and most of us have got over our childhood fears, except of douens who are still around, we still have a powerful interest group whistling in the dark. This is not something to hold against anyone in these turbulent economic times unless, as some critics contend, it is a case of the blind leading the blind. Since the stick of the blind man creates a new darkness, there is then the distinct possibility of a total blackout of reason and common sense. However, as one of my friends contends, it may be that some people in power want to keep us in perpetual darkness about their activities and that is why we may all have to start back whistling even though it might be fruitless. In other words, we will be whistling in the wind. I am not sure how to respond. In those dark days of my childhood, the first whistles were childhood toys that were noisy and quickly seized by our parents because they could not stand the noise. Then there were the midnight robbers who around Carnival time blew their whistles at key moments in their speeches about “mocking pretenders” and suchlike. Later, when I was introduced to football, the referees blew their whistles to keep order and direct proceedings during the game.
I did not know that there was another type of whistle blower. I later found out from WIKIPEDIA that in 1883 the Janesville Gazette called a policeman who used his whistle to alert citizens about a riot a whistle blower, without the hyphen. By the year 1963, the phrase had become a hyphenated word, whistle-blower. The word began to be used by journalists in the 1960s for people who revealed wrongdoing, such as Ralph Nader. It eventually evolved into the compound word whistleblower. Many countries including Jamaica have laws protecting whistleblowers and in November 2015 the present Government introduced in Parliament An ACT “to combat corruption and other wrongdoings by encouraging and facilitating disclosures of improper conduct in the public and private sector, to protect persons making those disclosures from detrimental action, to regulate the receiving, investigating or otherwise dealing with disclosures of improper conduct and to provide for other matters connected therewith.” Since it has not reached any further most of us are forced to conclude that the putative law is appropriately named an “ACT”. It could even be a joke like “Why couldn’t the whistleblower leave his house?” Because he was Snowden. Since there is no snow in Trinidad, our equivalent is ensuring that the process is bogged down, mired and admired simultaneously, or even, with all the banditry around, held up indefinitely. A senior manager of the port was suspended allegedly for leaking confidential information followed by the Acting General Manager for, among other things, wiping information from her computer. But the ultimate irony is the regiment looking for the whistleblower who leaked pictures of two armed youngsters supposedly the children of the functionary piloting the whistleblower bill, Attorney General Faris Al Rawi.
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Sunrise Airways first direct flights from Haiti come into Orlando Sunrise Airways has expanded flights to include Orlando and Miami! CEO Philippe Bayard as well as Haiti's Minister of Tourism, flew in on the inaugural flight to provide an update on all the exciting news surrounding Haiti’s national airline. Sunrise has previously worked with Haiti’s government to support initiatives to increase tourism to the country. The airline also offers intra-Caribbean routes between Haiti and Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and the Turks & Caicos.
Haiti's Minister of Tourism in center between Sunris Airways CEO and Haiti's Consul General
Artist Patrick Noze
Caribbean Passport Publisher Guenet Gittens-Roberts with Hotelier Harris Rosen and CACCCF President Sandra Fatmi
Sunrise Airways CEO Philippe Bayard receives a specially crafted gift
“As Haiti’s hometown airline, Sunrise is especially proud to be the first to bring the convenience of nonstop service between Port-au-Prince and Orlando to the Central Florida market,” said Philippe Bayard, the company’s president. “For us, as an airline, and more importantly for the sizable Haitian community living in the Orlando area, these new flights are a tremendous development.”
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Happy Diwali
DIWALI is now underway, with the five-day celebration being enjoyed by millions around the world. The festival of light sees Hindu homes decorated with candles and lights and people sharing gifts - but what is the celebration all about? Why does the date of Diwali change? The date of the festival is calculated according to the position of the moon and the Hindu lunar calendar and is usually in October or November. This means the date of Diwali changes each year and, in 2017, the main date is TODAY (October 19). But Diwali itself began on October 17 - and celebrations continue for five days. Diwali is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world and is often celebrated by street parties and fireworks.
Indian sweets which come in a range of colours and flavours are also eaten during the celebrations, as well as various rich savoury and sweet dishes. What is the festival of light all about? Diwali is marked by huge firework displays, which are supposed to reflect the celebrations of Lord Rama's return. Traditional earthen diyas or candles are lit, and houses are decorated with colourful rangoli artworks – patterns created on the floor using coloured rice or powder. During the festival, families and friends share sweets and gifts and there is also a strong belief in giving to those in need. It is also traditional for homes to be cleaned and new clothes to be worn. Indian sweets which come in a range of colours and flavours are also eaten during the celebrations, as well as various rich savoury and sweet dishes.
What do the different dates of Diwali mean? 1. Dhanteras (October 17): 'Dhah' means wealth - and this day is dedicated to celebrating prosperity. 2. Naraka Chaturdasi or Chhoti Diwali (October 18): Known as 'small Diwali', Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna are believed to have destroyed the demon Narakasura on this day. Kali is worshiped in West Bengal, while demon effigies are burned in Goa. 3. Amavasya (October 19): The new moon day, and the darkest day of the month, which is the most significant day of Diwali. 4. The fourth day (October 20): This day has various meanings in different parts of India. In the north, it's the day Lord Krishna defeated Indra. In Gujarat, it's the start of the new year. 5. Bhai Dooj (October 21): A feast and celebration of brotherly-sisterly love. What is the festival of light all about? Diwali is marked by huge firework displays, which are supposed to reflect the celebrations of Lord Rama's return. Traditional earthen diyas or candles are lit, and houses are decorated with colourful rangoli artworks – patterns created on the floor using coloured rice or powder. During the festival, families and friends share sweets and gifts and there is also a strong belief in giving to those in need. It is also traditional for homes to be cleaned and new clothes to be worn.
From
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Orlando Fashion Square Mall Relief Benefit Festival
Commissioner Pete Crotty with event team
Donation from Elizabeth Arnaud of Hi Kid Foundation
Commissioner Ortiz with Orlando Fashion Square Mall rep Tania Hernandez and the event team including William Diaz, Guenet Gittens -Roberts and Maria Bell
The mall outreach team that worked together on this hurricane benefit festival William Diaz, Cara a Cara, German Lymus, Culture Xchange and Guenet GittensRoberts, Caribbean American Passport
Tania Hernandez of Orlando Fashion Square Mall Presenting the winner's prize to for the tournament to Domino USA
State Rep Bruce Antone stopped by the event
Donation from Patricia Rumph
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MIAMI BROWARD ONE CARNIVAL 2017 It helped me to understand that I do enjoy these events, I like going out and talking to strangers, hearing what they have to say and knowing where they come from. It reassured me on my career and educational choice. A lot of people give me slack because people don’t take business majors serious. The two things that I took away were that I love the people that show up to carnival, they are interested in what you say while still coming ready to party. The other thing that I learned is that events are surprisingly fun, even through the heat and loud music, there is still fun to be had working them.
Photos courtesy Trini Jungle Juice
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My Ride...sit on and control the movement of (an animal or vehicle) By Rosemarie G. Roth My son invited me to the race track recently; car racing that is! Yes, my friend, I was in my glorious moment because my passion is to hear the turbo engines, and the excitement of winning. This day was different because I did not have a ride of my own. My van was parked and we did not know what was the matter with it. Some said it was the engine, it needed a tune up, the transmission; no, it needed a battery. An eighty-year-old gentleman found the answer… talk about experience! The road to Bradenton was interesting to say the least because he was driving me and playing his music; after all this was his car and I was his passenger. This race only takes place once per year so all car owners and drivers fine-tuned their vehicle for twelve months with great expectations to show off their handy work. Cars drove an eight of a mile in five seconds, a few of them drove off so fast that the front end of their cars were lifted off the ground. Could you imagine my excitement when the first car deployed their parachute? The Honda Civic challenged the Corvette to a street race and won by one hundredth of a second. This is like David against Goliath. My biggest up-set was a one hundred and fortythousand-dollar car pulled up and when the green lights came on he never moved and the competitor was off to the winning mark. He broke his drive shaft. Back to me and my dilemma of not having a running vehicle! My dream was to get a vehicle so I started off by searching on craigslist, google, CarMax, Auto Trader and the list goes on. I went to the regular car dealerships, the” buy here pay here” lot and the wholesaler who was willing to get me a vehicle at the auction. With all this searching, and choices I couldn’t make up my mind as to what I was looking for. I saw a van that I was sure it was close to a good purchase (it was huge and with steel bumpers I was thinking protection). I Climbed into it, turned the engine on and the computer said, “5.5 mpg”. Say what? I just backed out slowly and told the seller it was too high to step up into. Imagine, I would have to put gas in the tank each time I saw a fill up station! A friend loaned me his car to go around for a week. It was an older four-cylinder model with manual transmission and a twelve-gallon gas tank. Four trips to Orlando and I had gas left over. I asked them to sell me the car and they said “yes”. Done! This was easier than ABC.
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Here are some names of the cars that passed me on the highway: GT, Rolls Royce, Honda, Mercedes, Hyundai, Land Rover, Jeep, Bugatti, Maserati, Mazda, Mini, KIA, Ford, BMW, etc., But that didn’t bother me because I was moving and maintaining the speed limit. I have seen accidents, blown out tires, overheating and electrical problems to name a few. But my little car changed gears and kept up the speed with everyone. I started to reflect about the ride Jesus took on the back of a young donkey through town. The people shouted praises, waved palm branches and laid their clothes on the ground for the donkey to walk on. Yes, the praises were for Jesus but the donkey took it for all it was worth. I always joked that His “ride” today would be a Honda Accord…Bam! I couldn’t stop thinking about a story I heard of a family‘s preparation in case thieves broke into their home. They described how they would beat the life out of them, throw pots and pans at them or even pull out the hidden gun and machete. But the day the thieves showed up they froze…they saw death coming in their home. We are like those cars and the home owner; our engine and machete is like our faith. They’re no good if we don’t use them. So, what kind of faith do we have? Divine Faith: Absolute confidence in God, His word and His Being Unfeigned Faith: Not showing off, constant Strong Faith: Refuses defeat. Will not take “No” for an answer Great Faith: Considerable expectations Active Faith: Action faith not waiting to be beaten up. Temporary Faith:Sad when there is a red light or a flat tire. Weak Faith: we get unhinged when something goes wrong Simple Faith: innocent faith like a child, very trusting Daily Maintenance of our faith is required by reading the bible, positive teachings of men and women of faith. Faith is the one thing that can get us through life no matter how difficult our situation is. Or how sad and challenged we feel. By having a strong faith, refusing to accept “no” for an answer we will feel more confident and at ease because we know who to turn to when the weight is too much to bear. Faith effects all aspects of our lives and will make us a better person in the end; but we must be prepared to use it when the time requires.
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Consul General announces awardees for the Consulate General of Jamaica’s Diaspora Awards
Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, Franz Hall, has announced the awardees selected for the Consulate of Jamaica Diaspora Honours 2017. Ten awards will be presented in the category of Luminaries including a Diaspora community organization, and one as Special Community Award. The names of the honorees will be inscribed on the Honour Roll of Jamaicans in the Southern United States of America. The Luminary Honours will be awarded for areas of: Public Service, Ms. Merlene Barton, President and CoFounder of the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, Inc., Coconut Grove; and Ms. Georgia Robinson, Attorney and community activist. Faith and Religious Leadership, Rev. Dr. Wesley Green, Senior Pastor of the Christway Baptist Church, Miramar. Cultural Arts and Entertainment, performing artist and Executive Director of Rootz of Music, Inc., Mr. Eugene Grey. Business Leadership to Hugh Ferguson, Publisher and Chief Executive, Caribbean National Weekly. Philanthropy, Ms. Julie Mansfield, author, social activist and entrepreneur. Law and Justice to Jamaica’s Honorary Consul, Atlanta, Mrs. Jewel Scott, Attorney.
Education to Ms. Sandra Fatmi, Executive Director of United Foundation of Central Florida Inc. The Atlanta Jamaica Association (AJA) will be awarded for Outstanding Community Group. The AJA is this year celebrating 40 years as a community group. The Special Community Honour will be presented to Dr. Malou Harrison, President of the Miami Dade College (MDC), North Campus and InterAmerican Campuses. The annual Diaspora Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017, at the Sunrise Civic Center Theater, and will form part of the ongoing celebrations of Jamaica’s 55th Anniversary of Independence. The presentation of the awards continues the tradition of recognizing Jamaicans in the Diaspora who have positively impacted their community. According to Consul General Hall “recognizing members of the Jamaican Diaspora for their indelible contributions to community development takes on a special significance this year, as the theme of Independence is “Celebrating Jamaicans at home and abroad” Extending congratulations, Mr. Hall added that the awardees are being recognized for services directly supportive of Jamaica’s national development goals as well as community service to the positive mission of the Diaspora community positively impacting the local and wider international community.
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Nyala Chamberlain is the new Ms. Orlando Caribbean 2017
Ms. Orlando Caribbean 2017 Nyala Chamberlain of Jamaica, to her right First Runner- up Tia Chisholm who is also from Jamaica and on the left Kimberly Adams from Guyana was second runner up.
Image Caribbean Cultural Society, Inc., is branded as a program for young ladies who usually represent their country of origin. A teacher is usually not celebrated as most people do not see how many students become famous because of the molding, mentoring and teaching they receive from their teachers. Some usually pay tribute to teacher/s who contributed through motivational speeches and who created a change of direction for the student. My question is; does it pay off for a teacher to go beyond the call of duty? Let’s find out!
Heather Chisholm is one of those teachers who is willing to go beyond the call of duty to instill values of higher standards for the young ladies she mentors. She affectionately calls the pageant a grooming program which culminates in a competition for a crown and title of distinction for a year. She solicits businesses or organizations from the community to partner with the program by sponsoring a protĂŠgĂŠ for the duration of the mentoring which lasts four months and hopefully for a life time. All of the ladies of this pageant are now winners.
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DIWALI
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TREND: Americans Slash Their Taxes...as they move Overseas— By Internationalliving.com
By retiring overseas, U.S. expats are shrinking their tax bills by as much as 99%, according to a new report from the editors at International Living. Though it may be year-round warm weather, access to affordable healthcare, and a higher quality of life that draws retirees abroad, once on the ground, they cite super-low taxes as a strong benefit of life overseas. In the United States, single-family home owners pay an average of $3,296 in property taxes a year. In some states— like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Texas, Virginia, Connecticut, and California—the average is $7,000 a year… and higher. By contrast, many overseas retirement havens have extremely low property-tax rates, which contributes to the relatively lower cost of living in places like the Caribbean, Belize, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Expats report slashing their property tax bills by as much as 99% when going overseas.
“Property taxes in Belize are ridiculously low when compared to those in the United States,” says Ann Kuffner, IL Belize Correspondent. “I’ve interviewed a number of expats who own three-bedroom houses, on half-acre properties, and none of the expats I’ve interviewed pay more than $50 per year for property taxes in Belize. Mark and Jackie Baker moved to Belize full time in 2014 from Arizona. They live in Cristo Rey, a bucolic village in the Cayo District. It’s a region of meandering rivers, productive Mennonite farmland, and dense rainforest where howler monkeys patrol the canopy as exotic birds flit by. This is also the Mundo Maya, the center of the ancient Maya culture in Belize, with amazing palaces and other archaeological sites to enjoy. “Our land taxes are only $5 a year, so we pay five years at a time,” says Mark. Our property taxes in Arizona were $8,400 a year!”
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Update on Hurricane Impact in the Islands It’s been a month since Hurricane Maria slammed into the Caribbean turning the lives of its residents upside down and sending them back in time overnight. While the mainstream US media has focused largely on the impact of Maria on Puerto Rico – that ‘other’ U.S. territory – St. Croix and the struggle of most nationals on the U.S. Virgin Islands remains largely under reported. Here are 10 things that have become a new ‘normal’ on the island of St. Croix and remains true of most of the islands affectd by the Hurricanes: 1: Generator power More than 90 percent of the island is without electricity. The new ‘precious’ commodity is a generator. For those lucky to have one, the daily routine now is ensuring you find extra cash to buy propane, diesel or gasoline daily to fill and run the generator for three hours per day to do the basic chores. Generators must be off by latest 10 p.m. island-wide leaving many sweating buckets in the dark. 2: A curfew. Islanders are under a curfew that allows them to be out from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 3: Cold water out of a cistern. Many have to bathe with water drawn from a tank or cistern into a bucket. There is no luxury of hot water and the only hot water comes from boiling it in a pot or kettle. 4: A cash only society Cash is king in St. Croix today. Without cash you cannot buy the basics to survive as there is no electricity to process card payments and getting cash from the bank is a mega chore, with long lines and lengthy wait times. 5: Making a telephone call is a chore. Making a telephone call is now a major chore as many of the cell phone towers are out and getting a signal is hit or miss
and many have to drive around the island and pull over at the side of the road to catch a signal. Getting a Wi-Fi signal is also ‘iffy.’ There are some hot spots on the island but low speed rather than high is definitely the order of the day. 6: No traffic lights island wide. No power island wide now also means no traffic lights islandwide which is a scary driving proposition. Especially at darkness steps in and power poles and tree limbs and branches remains jutting into roads in many parts of the island. 7: Blue Roofs. It’s now quite normal to see blue roofs – tarpaulin and plastic covered roofs where galvanized zinc sheets once were. With many losing their roofs to Maria, tarps are the order of the day. 8: Ice and Food shopping is now daily. With no electricity, ice is now an "in demand item" to help brave the heat and stay cool. Food shopping must be done daily as there is no way to store perishable items. Many supermarkets shelves are also bare as they are unable to keep restocking often. 9: Radio is now important again. Battery operated radios are in again. Those with battery operated radios are able to stay up to date on information from the government and federal agencies including road debris clearance and road closures, filing of FEMA applications etc. This has also made batteries a precious and expensive commodity. 10: Mosquitoes and rodents are angrily trying to make it inside. Mosquitoes, insects and rodents are now trying to also make it inside. With the nights now very long, swatting mosquitoes is also fast becoming part of the normal nights in St. Croix. Central Florida's United Promoters got their first round done! Barrels are packed and heading off to be shipped off to various islands! 10 pallets of water and boxes of clothing are going next! The iDoCare Hurricane Relief would like to thank everyone for all of their assistance.
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12. 3. 17
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Tickets: $15.00 ADV. $20.00 DOOR PART PROCEEDS BENEFIT HURRICANE RELIEF TO THE ISLANDS FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SAM ROBERTS 407-427-1800 WWW.CARIBBEANAMERICANPASSPORT.COM SPONSORSHIP AND VENDOR BOOTH OPPORTUNITIES DONATION OF CANNED GOODS ARE WELCOME www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
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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 have been in the US for the last 2 years. I came here because of my relationship. My husband and I have been married for a little over a year and he has not been treating well. Our relationship has gotten really bad in the last year. We have gotten into arguments, he has punched holes in the wall, and he takes my phone so I can’t call my family, friends or even the police. When he is not home he texts me constantly to send him pictures so he knows I am home alone. He calls me names and accuses me of having an affair. I have become very depressed and I am afraid to leave my husband because I have no other family here. He has not submitted the applications for me to get my green card and he says if I leave him he will call immigration and get me deported. I don’t know what to do and I am afraid my husband my kill me one day. Please help, Helpless Victim
Dear Helpless Victim: Your personal safety must be your priority at all times. For immediate help and resources contact the Florida Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-500-1119 for help with finding shelter and possibly getting financial help that may save your life. There are also several immigration options for victims of domestic violence. Many people do not realize they are victims. Domestic abuse can range from very violent physical abuse to more subtle forms of intimidation, threats, isolation and emotional abuse. Immigrants, such as yourself, may file a petition on your own under the Violence Against Women’s Act to obtain a green card. You do not need your husband’s help and your husband will not be notified that you have accused him of domestic violence as part of your application. In order to be eligible for a green card under VAWA you must be married to a US citizen or lawful permanent or your marriage was terminated by the death of your spouse or divorce within two (2) years of the filing of your application. You must have resided with your spouse and were battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by your US citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse. You must also be able to demonstrate that you entered into the marriage in good faith. You may be also be able to obtain work authorization prior to the approval of your VAWA petition which will aid in you getting financial independence from your accuser. Depending on the exact facts of your case, you may also qualify for cancellation of removal or a U nonimmigrant visa as the victim of a crime. You should contact an immigration attorney as soon as you are able to discuss the different options available to you as the victim of domestic violence. 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
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