Caribbean American Passport News Magazine - April 2019 by caribbeanamericanpassport

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Apr/May 2019

National

Rick Singh says audits have recovered $1 billion in county tax money

_____ Month

It's not uncommon to find an article discussing whatever issue or commemoration a particular month is dedicated to recognizing in each monthly issue of Caribbean American Passport News Magazine. As we transition from April to May, we want to bring attention to two lesser known facts - that April is National Stress Awareness Month and May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. So, how does stress affect our mental health and how can we combat it in positive, healthy ways? Stress is something everyone experiences. Despite being unpleasant, stress in itself is not an illness. But... Cont'd on page 5

Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, CFA, today announced that his office has reached a landmark milestone by returning $1 Billion to the Orange County tax roll. The additional taxable value, amassed between 2013 and 2019, was generated from a combination of categories: Tangible Personal Property (TPP) audits ($174 million), agricultural classification audits ($317-million), and investigations of homestead and other exemption compliance ($578 million). “I am proud to report that our initiatives have been very successful in protecting the interests of Orange County taxpayers,” said Singh. “We are committed to holding everyone

accountable at the same level so that we all pay our fair share. Reaching $1 Billion in returned taxable value to the tax base is an enormous accomplishment.” The Orange County tax roll is comprised of the assessed value of all tangible personal property and real property within the county. Increasing the tax roll by returning taxable value that was previously withheld raises the overall assessed value that taxing authorities are able to tax. Tangible Personal Property Florida statutes require listing all personal property used by a business, such as computers, furniture, tools, and machinery on an annual tax return... Cont'd on page 15

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L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

Supporting and working together...it works! Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor

Each year, we start off in February by

supporting the growth of the Phagwah Festival that is presented by Indian Horizon of Florida. After that it is the Caribbean Fusion Festival presented by CAFA, the Caribbean and Floridian Association Inc. that we have worked and contributed toward the growth of. But these organizations need more than our support and our push. They need yours! They are hardworking groups that push for our continued growth as a community. When we wish for better conditions for our community...do we do more to make that a reality? Even if you don't, you have lots of folks out there that sacrifice their time and dollars to do that for you. Take the time to share their flyer, support by buying a ticket or a sponsorship. Too many of our people sit on the sidelines and criticize the efforts of the people who are actively working. Or worse yet, they actively fight against the progress of the folks who have worked hard for their organization or group event together by creating strife instead of collaborating. Last year, we faced just that with our work with the Orlando Carnival in May. This year, the Carnival community has come together to work together. But we are facing that within the CAHM ribbon cutting and CAHM Festival. Two events that Sam and I have fought hard to present at the highest level while maintaining both as free events. We believe in collaboration. We work hard to continue to uplift the community we live in. We do not steal people's ideas and present them as our own and we are tired of people doing that to us. It is time for the community to stand up and say to those who cause strife and division...STOP! We are stronger together. We work to see community development not individual glory. As we gear up to celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month in June, it will mark 13 years of it being marked in the United States. Can we safely say that we have shown the level of united progress that we should have for working together to celebrate our Caribbean people and culture and our contributions to this country. In Orlando, Sam and I have personally been at the helm of celebrations first supporting the Caribbean American Business Expo under Wesley Kirton and Keith Gooden from the inception of Caribbean American Heritage Month. That event made no money, but entailed a lot of labor from the organizers. They did it for the benefit of the Community. In 2010, we started working on the Caribbean American Heritage Month Festival as a collaborative effort by the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, Heads of Caribbean Organizations and Caribbean American Passport News Magazine. Our first event was at Coco Key Resort where we celebrated the unique culture of the Caribbean people even as we celebrated their diversity. The following year it was

held at Lake Eola. In subsequent years it has been moved indoors at Orlando Fashion Square Mall. This has helped to allow the festival to be presented in spite of sun or rain and to be a continuous celebration of Caribbean people during June. We are proud of the work that we have done to contribute to the growth of our community. The question is are you? At the end of the day, no one else is going to put in the work for us...we have to all put in the work that is needed to contribute to the continued growth of our community. We are Caribbean people, no matter our color, our race, our class or how we vote. We are only divided by water, not by culture and we have to support the groups that are here making us proud of our community. We invite you to meet those groups at the 9th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Month Kickoff Reception and Ribbon Cutting which will be held at City of Orlando, City Hall on June 1st. There you will find an organization that is working on something that you can connect with. We ask that when you find a group that matches your interest...you support their growth before you criticize their effort. Our payoff has been in the successful growth of our community and in the many people that we now can call friends. We look forward to hearing yours. 1969 Alafaya Trail â&#x20AC;˘ 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 .....................................................................Aleia Roberts Contributing Writers: ................................................................................ Tony Dyal .......................................................................................................................Ryan Davis ...................................................................................................................Sandra Fatmi .......................................................................................................................Gail Seeram .................................................................................................................Sasha Watson ..................................................................................................................Aleia Roberts Contributing Photographers ............ .......................................................Ted Hollins .....................................................................................................................Dilia Castillo .............................................. .............................................................Nancy-Joe Brown Central Florida Distribution........................................................Kadeem Roberts South Florida Distribution .............................................................Norman Williams NorthFlorida Distribution .....................................................................Theo Jack Jr. Tampa Distribution ..................................................................................Julian Pina Copyright (C) 2016 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

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Orlando Carnival - Events You Don't Want to Miss!

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National there are connections between stress and mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, psychosis and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research into stress - its causes, effects on the body and its links to mental health - is vital. The more we understand stress, the better we can tackle it. Chronic stress increases the risk of developing depression and anxiety in some people. The precise mechanisms of how stress is linked to mental illhealth are being uncovered. Scientists found that the earliest response to stress happens in the brain within seconds of perceiving a ‘stressor’. Chemicals which signal between nerve cells (neurotransmitters) are released. These include serotonin and adrenaline. Following this, stress hormones are released, which particularly affect areas of the brain key for memory and regulating emotions. Repeated stress changes how well these systems are able to control the stress response. Researchers are also investigating how these systems are involved in anxiety and depression, suggesting a biochemical link between stress and mental illness. Recent studies have shown that long-term stress can change the structure of the brain, especially in areas supporting learning and memory. It can affect both nerve cells (grey matter) and the connections between them (white matter). It is possible these changes, along with other factors, can increase the likelihood of developing mental illness. Another link between stress and mental health is the immune system. During the stress response, the immune system is activated, helping to keep us safe. But chronic stress and prolonged activation of the immune system could negatively

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affect how the brain functions. A prolonged activation of the immune system is also linked to depression. Researchers are working to understand how this activation can lead to depression and other types of mental illness in some people. About 30% of people with depression have increased immune activity in the body. Researchers are also undertaking clinical trials to find out if antiinflammatory drugs might be able to help people with this kind of depression. There are many ways to relieve stress. This month, we encourage you to partake in some of the following: Exercise. You’ve probably heard this one before, and even though it’s probably not exactly what you want to do when you’re feeling stressed (because laying on the couch and watching movies sounds more appealing), exercising gets endorphins pumping through your brain, which triggers a happy feeling. Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones like cortisol, and releases chemicals that make you feel more at peace. Natural Remedies. Think about taking natural supplements to help you feel more at ease. Natural remedies like lemon balm, omega-3 fatty acids, ashwagandha, green tea, and essential oils are very helpful. Create a relaxing atmosphere. Light a candle or turn on the oil diffusers, put on some soft, soothing music and dim the lights. Take a deep breath and count your blessings. Caffeine intake reduction can help (even though it’s tough to kick the coffee!) because caffeine tends to make us jittery, which can cause stress and anxiety. Use your loved ones. Spend time laughing with friends and family. Let yourself have a good time and get your mind off the busyness of the real world.

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Governor Bryan wants U.S. Virgin Islands in Top Tourism Spot The U.S. Virgin Islands is determined to position itself as the number one tourism destination in the Caribbean by employing robust public-private partnerships. Recently installed U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., who led the Territory's delegation to Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami last week, made the declaration during discussions with leaders of the cruise line industry when he also shared news of the Territory's tourism developments. Speaking at a welcome reception hosted by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), Governor Bryan said "as we build this new Virgin Islands product and we recover from two hurricanes, our main push is to make St. Thomas the premier port in the Virgin Islands, to (solidify) an identity for St. Croix, whether it's in Christiansted with our small cruise ship industry or in Frederiksted with the expansion of our port and what we are doing in (the) town." The Governor said positioning the U.S. Virgin Islands as the premier destination in the Caribbean requires continued investment in the Territory's infrastructure and its people. He said it was important that Virgin Islanders understand the importance of tourism, explaining that the industry's continued contribution to GDP is dependent on high levels of customer service.

Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. addresses cruise industry stakeholders in Miami. To remain competitive, the U.S. Virgin Islands has embraced public-private partnerships, is looking at creative ways of securing financing, and is examining the addition of new ports of call to the Territory's harbors. "We cannot do that without the support of the FCCA and all our tourism partners, whether they're in aviation or the cruise (sector)," Governor Bryan said. "Working with the cruise industry is a commitment. It's a partnership. But together, the economic impact that we deliver to the destinations is unparalleled," said FCCA President Michele Paige. "We are not only your friend ... we're your partner," she told Governor Bryan and Commissioner of Tourism Designee Joseph Boschulte during the reception. Developing "win-win situations", she declared, was critical to the partnership.

USVI Commissioner of Tourism Designee Joseph Boschulte (center) with journalist Matt Meltzer of Thrillist (left) and West Indian Company board director Rick Carrington.

While in Miami, Commissioner Designee Boschulte, who is Chairman of The West Indian Company Limited and a board member of the Virgin Islands Port Authority, held several meetings with cruise ship executives on plans to upgrade the Territory's ports and to enhance the visitor experience. He also held strategic partnership talks with representatives from the British Virgin Islands, Sharon Flax-Brutus, Director of Tourism, and Shereen Flax-Charles, the newly-appointed Junior Minister of Tourism. At a travel industry luncheon - attended by members of the media, travel agents and meeting planners - the commissioner shared positive developments taking place across the sector, from airlift and accommodations to cruise port developments and arrivals, which have now returned to pre-storm levels. The tourism leader, who appeared on NBC's "6 in the Mix" during his visit, also had media appointments with representatives of Caribbean Journal, Cruise Critic, Food & Wine, Prevue, Recommend, Skift, The New York Times, Thrillist, and Travel + Leisure. In Miami, the USVI delegation displayed the culture of the Territory through a live performance by Virgin Islands musician Pressure Busspipe, vibrant steel pan music, a mocko jumbie, carnival dancers and authentic Virgin Islands products, ranging from candies and guavaberry to bush tea and pepper sauce. Commissioner Designee Boschulte declared: "The cruise industry is vital to the U.S. Virgin Islands' economy and our future as a tourism destination. Our attendance at Seatrade has increased cruise interest in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and we look forward to positive developments in the future."

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Negril Jamaican Restaurant Opens New Location in Metro West

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THE REGGAE GIRLZ WORLD CUP SEND-OFF CELEBRATION providing fans and supporters with an exciting and fun evening. The Send Off Celebration will attract an audience of over 4,000 Caribbean Americans comprising of sports enthusiasts, music fans and others who share a passion for Jamaican culture, lending support as they celebrate this historical occasion.

October 17, 2018 Jamaica’s Senior Women’s National Football team, The Reggae Girlz, became the first Caribbean nation to qualify for a FIFA Women’s World Cup. In preparation for the games in France, The Reggae Girlz Foundation, Inc., in association with the City of Miramar/ Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis, under the mandate of the Jamaica Football Federation, and under the patronage of Consul General Oliver Mair and the Jamaica Tourist Board, will stage a fundraiser Send-Off Celebration in the form of a VIP Reception and Auction, as well as, a Fun Day featuring two matches and a halftime entertainment on May 22nd and 23rd respectively. The Fun Day will feature a friendly between the Reggae Girlz vs WPSL FC Surge and a second game featuring Jamaican soccer Masters and Entertainers vs. Haitian soccer Masters and Entertainers. The halftime concert will feature performances by top reggae, soca and kompa entertainers

The following list of fundraising and celebration activities have been planned under the patronage of the Consul General Oliver Mair, with support of City of Miramar; Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis and the Jamaica Tourist Board, and under the mandate of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) (not all inclusive). May 20, 2019 - Miramar Welcome – at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport May 21, 2019 - Miramar Sports Summit – hosted by Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis. May 22, 2019 - Pep Rally - hosted by County Line Chiropractic, Countyline Road location. 3:00 pm to 6:00pm. May 22, 2019 - VIP Fundraising Reception – hosted by Consul General Oliver Mair, Vice Mayor Davis and Cedella Marley (Global Ambassador for Jamaica Football) May 23, 2019 - Reggae Girlz 2019 World Cup Send-Off FunDay Celebration – hosted by the Reggae Girlz Foundation, City of Miramar and Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis. A funfilled evening of food, drinks and music, featuring a double header football match (additional details to be announced).

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National Museum and Art Gallery Celebrates T&T Festivals and Rituals

Trinidad and Tobago is a mecca for multi-ethnicity and

culture, celebrating a mélange of religious and cultural festivals on our national calendar. Each festival connects our individual identities with our shared beliefs, ideas, attitudes, and knowledge, resulting in a collective ownership of each experience.

February, 2019 and concludes on April 27th 2019. Keomi Serrette, Coordinator of this Fine Arts Exhibition stated that “this exhibition is considered extremely significant within the NMAG’s programme, as it is geared towards widening our public awareness of the Arts.

Further, the museum endeavours to highlight the Inspired by this cultural tapestry, the National Museum and Art impact of our diverse cultural heritage on visual art Gallery (NMAG) has created a unique opportunity to celebrate perceptions as evidenced by works of art”. our diversity through a “Festivals and Rituals” Fine Arts Exhibition. Blending the range of artistic media with our culture, artists were invited earlier this year to submit their depictions of our heritage ranging from paintings, to sculptures, designs, glass pieces, metalwork, photographs, videos, performances, mixed media and installation art pieces. From the submissions received, approximately 100 pieces were selected to feature in the exhibition, which commenced on 22nd

Landon Frauenfelder’s miniature house titled ‘Ole House Parang’ on display at the Festival and Rituals Exhibition

Nazim Baksh’s piece titled “Brushback” on display at the Festival and Rituals Exhibition

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Clermont Caribbean Jerk Festival Saturday May 4th

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Closer EU-Caribbean ties mean greater prosperity for all By Bocchit Edmond

This month ministers and officials from across the Caribbean assembled in Jamaica to discuss the future of our collective relationship with the European Union. This was the latest in a series of forums that have taken place in the past eighteen months, all with the aim of working toward a bolstered agreement that will further integrate our political and economic interests. The current African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) agreement with the EU was signed in 2000 in Cotonou, Benin. The eponymous agreement was designed to establish a comprehensive partnership, focused on three pillars: development cooperation, political cooperation, and economic and trade cooperation. It has been successful in many areas, but the time has come to renew its purpose and for fresh engagement among our nations. Much has changed over the past two decades for Caribbean nations as well as the EU. While in 2000 there were only nine member states of the EU, there are now 28, which has radically changed the dynamic of the Union's influence in the world. The global threats we share have also shifted. Climate change, for example, which poses unmeasurable risk to the Caribbean, is a fight which is more urgent now than ever before. My country, Haiti, is on the front line of that fight. A new agreement must, and I am confident will, take into account the context of the unfolding challenges we face as a global community, as well as anticipate those that may occur in the future. My confidence in that process is born by the exhibited commitment of ACP EU states to both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 and the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. In 2017, when the process for negotiating a new deal began, it was agreed that there should be a stronger emphasis on the individual needs of the different regions. After all Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean have different climates, cultures and economies. For the Caribbean there are very specific areas we are keen to develop, including on climate change, security, education, human rights, strengthening of democratic institutions and social mobility. African and Pacific partners will have their own specific needs that render a bespoke partnership essential. In Haiti, we are determined to utilise this opportunity to highlight the importance of using any future multilateral agreement to support our economy's development and that of others in our neighbourhood. Haiti's tribulations over the past ten years have been well documented. We have faced more humanitarian crises in the last decade than many nations will have faced in a century and our people have suffered immeasurably. Sustainable economic advancement is the only pathway to providing a better life for our citizens. And the new ACP–EU agreement can play a key role in that, helping to drive investment to nations, like ours, that not only need it most, but also offer bountiful commercial opportunities. The government of Haiti is focused on forging a new place in the world.

We have taken significant steps forward domestically, building the nationwide infrastructure that will make a modern economy possible, carrying out crucial structural and systematic reforms to our public and private sectors, and lowering unemployment. This government has secured record levels of foreign direct investment, ushering in a new era of funding and opportunities, but our road to recovery from the catastrophic earthquake in 2010 and the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew in 2017 requires a herculean effort from the Haitian government, people and the further financial engagement from the international community. Initiatives like the ACP–EU agreement acknowledge the need for inclusive growth and the shared benefits to be had by the wider global community once the economies of developing nations are in a position to grow and prosper. We are an ambitious country and an ambitious region, and our aim is to shift away from aid dependence as swiftly as possible – a transition that will be made possible with the influx of profitable investment from our international partners. And in a place like Haiti, which needs to radically improve entire infrastructure systems, build new cities, boost tourism and expand across all sectors, there is an unparalleled level and breadth of opportunity for European firms, should they grasp it. The new ACP – EU agreement needs to be signed by February 2020, and my hope is that this iteration takes into account the contextual changes that impact the world in which we all live today, as well as the benefits that come from creating shared economic growth among the agreement's would-be signees. Let's make a plan that will create something big for us all.

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Orlando Carnival Downtown United Band Launch

Photo Credits: Karma Imaging www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Rick Singh says audits have recovered $1 billion in county tax money

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Through an auditing process, all returns are thoroughly reviewed to ensure all TPP is claimed and valued. Agricultural Classification Audits Any AG classified property is thoroughly checked to ensure that the land is being used for bona fide agricultural purposes. If it is not, classification and exemption is removed. Homestead and Other Exemptions Compliance If a property is receiving a tax reduction from a homestead or another exemption and the owner of that property is abusing that privilege, OCPA investigates and revokes the

exemption. Since his 2012 election to the office, Singh has focused on putting taxpayers first by elevating the functions of the office through training and technology to increase the skills of the office’s appraisal staff. Returning $1 Billion to the tax roll will benefit the area for years to come. The resulting increased revenue can help fund schools, infrastructure, and parks in Orange County. “Remember, when we all pay our fair share, we all pay less,” added Singh. “This has more meaning than ever as we celebrate reaching this landmark achievement.”

2020 CENSUS COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and City of

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer joined local elected officials and stakeholders to provide important details about the 2020 Census. The Orange County Complete Count Committee organizes and plans the collaboration between all cities in Orange County in preparation of the 2020 Census. The committee is tasked to assist cities spread the message to residents about the significance of participating in the 2020 Census. By having everyone counted this will help facilitate maximum federal dollars are directed to our community.

local governments and community leaders to increase awareness and motivate residents to respond to the 2020 Census. The Orange County Complete County Committee plays an integral role in ensuring a complete and accurate count of the community. Join the Complete Count Committee by registering at OCCompleteCount@ocfl.net.

By April 1, 2020, Orange County households will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census and residents will have three options to respond – online, phone or by mail. Residents are required by law to participate in the 2020 count. All responses are confidential. Orange County Government and the City of Orlando along with other agencies are encouraging individuals who are passionate about the region to join the committee. Complete Count Committees are nationwide volunteer committees established by state,

Left: Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings Right: City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

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Orlando Carnival Downtown 2019

Caribbean Fusion Festival 2019

One of Orlandoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest cultural spectacles - Orlando Carnival Downtown - will take place once again over Memorial Day Weekend. On Sunday, May 26th join the annual celebration of Caribbean culture in the form of live performances, food, and a parade of Mas Bands through downtown Orlando.

On April 28, 2019 the Caribbean and Floridian Association - CAFA - will host their 28th Annual Caribbean Fusion Festival and free health fair at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Downtown, Kissimmee. This Annual Caribbean Spring Festival celebrates the diversity of Osceola County through Music, Food and Arts in the form of free, family friendly event.

The free parade runs along Church Street between the Amway and Camping World Stadium. The main event takes place on Tinker Field at Camping World Stadium, where live performances by the biggest Caribbean Artists -Bunji Garlin, Farmer Nappy, Iwer George, Motto, King Bubba, Ravi B. Pumpa, and more - will be held. A variety of local artists including Tara Lynne, Footwrk, New Generation Branches Steel Orchestra, and I-Land Rebels Band will also be performing. Orlando Carnival Downtown features a wide range of craft and business vendors as well as an array of food and drinks from all over the Caribbean. This year, the Orlando Carnival Downtown team is excited to present ONE Carnival highlighting UNITY and DIVERSITY. The event runs from 12pm - 11pm. Tickets are available now on Ticketmaster. Advanced Admission is $20, with VIP tickets and packages available starting at $75. VIP tickets may also be bought in bundles at a rate of 5 for $300 Sponsorship positions and Business/Food Vendor booths are still available. Applications can be found on OrlandoCarnivalDowntown.com. Contact 407-427-1800 with inquiries.

The Caribbean is a distinctive blend of African, Indian, Asian, European and Hispanic Cultures and those rich cultures are alive in Osceola County. At the Caribbean Fusion Festival, you will relish in this diversity in one place as you take in the sounds of kompa, reggae, merengue, steelband and soca while enjoying the food and drinks of the Caribbean. As you experience CAFA's Caribbean Fusion, be sure to visit the Free Health Fair, where health professionals provide screenings in all the vital areas of healthcare, as well as health and dental education. The health fair has become an integral part of the CAFA Fusion Festival and runs from 11am - 3pm. CAFA is a 501 C-3 non-profit organization and has to raise funds to host the Festival. Sponsors and vendors are key to creating this wonderful free family friendly festival. Current sponsors of the event include Experience Kissimmee, City of Kissimmee, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Center State Bank and Caribbean American Passport News Magazine. Companies are invited to sponsor or to reserve a booth at this event. For more information on participating go to www.cafainc.org. For more information contact : Donna: 407-846-4612 Andy: 407-826-5256 CAFA: 407-429-5303

Orlando Carnival Downtown 2019 Mas Bands Band Name

Contact

Phone

Fete Massterz Lituation Mas La Pasion Carnival Band Backyard Mas LLC Highlander Mas Unruly Nation Sound Quest Band Carnival Fantasy Masfeters Unruly Mas Band Marlon Carnival krew Andy's Krazy Krew

Kyla & Jessica Andrea Julceus Woody Woodside Karma K. Siewharack Victor & Barbara Vida Edward Kyemba & Afirno Danielle Khayyam Hosein Shalena & Bernell Tessa Downes Andy

407-432-7064 321-460-9741 407-580-1895 718-772-6329 646-387-1850/917-561-6146 321-594-3720 407-952-8840/229-944-0877 678-392-7200 /321-217-4474 407-492-9978 407-917-7895 407-234-2231 407-739-4425

fetemassterz@gmail.com andreajulceus@gmail.com devaughanwoodside@gmail.com backyardmas@gmail.com bwatson59@live.com vedward2@gmail.com sexykaye79@gmail.com firstlady0723@gmail.com caribbeanhut@hotmail.com unrulymasband@gmail.com carnivalkrew@gmail.com andyplaza26@gmail.com

FOR ALL INFORMATION VISIT - WWW.ORLANDOCARNIVALDOWNTOWN.COM OR CALL 407-427-1800 www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

What is Marriage Fraud? By Gail Seeram ny non-citizen of the U.S. who enters a marriage to a A U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident for the sole or

primary purpose of obtaining permanent residence (a green card) is deemed to have engaged in marriage fraud and is subject to various immigration law consequences. Marriage fraud is included in the grounds of deportability at Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.) § 237(a)(1) (G), or 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(1)(G). To be deemed to have engaged in “marriage fraud,” the person must enter into a marriage for the sole or primary purpose of evading U.S. immigration law. Also, once you have fraud or misrepresentation on your record, you are inadmissible under I.N.A. § 212(a)(6)(C)(i), which means to be barred from eligibility from virtually any sort of U.S. visa or green card. U.S. immigration law requires scrutiny of new marriages. Under the Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986 (“IMFA”), an applicant whose marriage is less than 24 months old when he or she receives approval for a green card will receive only “conditional,” not permanent residence. This status expires after another two years. Within the 90 days before that two-year expiration date, the immigrant must apply to have the condition removed (on USCIS Form I-751) to become a full-fledged lawful permanent resident. Since marriage fraud in the U.S. is prevalent, petitioners and beneficiaries have the burden to prove their marriage is a bona-fide good-faith marriage based on love and not for an immigration benefit. When trying to overcome a marriage fraud assumption by an officer, applicants should remember that three types of evidence may be gathered by the officer to ascertain whether it is a real marriage. There will be an in-person interview with the immigration officer, beneficiary and petitioner. There are two types of evidences presented at the interview: (1) oral testimony by the petitioner and beneficiary, and (2) documentary evidence. When oral testimony is taken from the petitioner and beneficiary, the officer may separate the two during questioning or may interview them in the same room. If applicants have an attorney, the attorney shall be present during questioning by the officer. Documentary evidence are bills, statements, insurances, leases, etc. that prove the petitioner and beneficiary are living together and commingling finances

The third type of evidence the officer may examine is “bed checks” or on-site investigations an officer conducts at the home of the petitioner and beneficiary. Lastly, an officer may cite fraud indicators or red flags such as cultural differences between the petitioner and beneficiary, language barriers, significant age difference, prior marriages when immigration benefits were obtained, etc. Marriage fraud is a serious allegation with lifetime consequences, do not the risk denial, deportation proceedings and future inadmissibility. Seek legal representation from an attorney who can prepare you for the interview, attend your interview and has experience dealing with possible marriage fraud allegations – contact Immigration Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram for your FREE consultation.

For more information on marriage fraud, text

| call 407-292-7730 gail@gaillaw.com

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The Cutting Edg e

In 1998, I left the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and

by Tony Deyal

Trinidad left surgical gloves, a surgeon’s mask and two surgical instruments inside his patient’s stomach. In fact, between 1962 and 1979, a legal insurance society in Britain reported 946 cases involving leaving swabs, instruments, needles and other paraphernalia inside patients after their operations. The leftovers have now reached about 4,000 a year. At the Petrotrin hospital, a ‘freelance’ ENT specialist left a bandage in my wife’s sinus after surgery and had the gall to demand money for the second operation to take out the bandage. WHERE IS MY HAT? There is a story about a patient who had just regained consciousness and heard other patients on the ward talking about surgical errors and the forgetfulness of surgeons. “They even left a swab in one of the patients and they had to reopen him to get it out,” one said. “Yes,” said another, “I heard about that. There was another patient with a scalpel in him.” At this stage, the surgeon who had performed the operation looked in through the doorway and asked, “Has anyone seen my hat?” and the patient fainted. A hat was at the centre of another celebrated medical incident. A man bought a hat and afterwards complained that whenever he put it on, he heard music. This became so annoying that the man went to the doctor with his problem. He explained the problem to the doctor who then took the hat, examined it thoroughly, and then took it with him into another room. Returning after a few moments, the doctor told the man, “Now try on your hat and tell me if you hear anything.” The man put on his hat and his face broke into a broad smile of wonderment and satisfaction. “Astonishing!” he exclaimed. “The music’s gone. What did you do?” The doctor looked at him smugly and said, “Nothing much really. I merely removed the band.” Something like that happened to a man who could not get songs like Delilah, Green Green Grass of Home and I’ll Never Fall In Love Again out of his head. When he complained about the problem, his doctor replied, “We call it the Tom Jones syndrome.” “Is it common?” the man asked. The doctor responded, “Well, it’s not unusual.” This was in my head as they wheeled me in again for a second round of surgery in a relatively short time. The same anesthetist was there holding out a wicked-looking hypodermic. “Just a little prick,” he said to me. I wanted to say, “I know that.” However, I didn’t want any complications with or from him. “Shut up! Shut up!” my mind yelled in alarm. Just before I sunk into merciful oblivion, I could hear myself say, “Story of my life.”

took up a job with Petrotin, the national oil company of Trinidad and Tobago. Petrotrin was recently shut down by the Government, and with it the hospital. This is a recollection of one of my longer visits and is dedicated to the dedicated and friendly staff who worked there. They wheeled me into the operating theatre. I was wearing the backto-front ‘gown’ that all hospitals insist on, and nothing else. I have long surmised that the idea of the gown is to ensure that you know you are naked, vulnerable and totally i the hands of the doctors. The anaesthetist, surrounded by masked nurses, was in the middle of a joke about being so forgetful that he left home without any underwear. It was the naked truth, he insisted. Even though the sedative they had slipped into me was already pulling me down into unconsciousness, I remember offering him my boxers, seeing that I had no need of it at the time. I had no idea what went on behind the masks, so I could not judge the reaction to my offer. At the same time, I thought that masks were a good idea for occupations like surgery and bank robbery. They guaranteed anonymity and freedom from recognition if things went wrong. That was not a comforting thought. The anaesthetist came over to me and said jokingly, as he waved a hypodermic, “I am going to give you a little Viagra here.” Just before sinking into complete oblivion, I remember telling him, “In which case, please don’t put me to lie down on my stomach.” As the surgery progressed, instead of my whole life flashing before me, what happened is that a string of ‘doctor’ jokes went through my head. Like the one about the doctor who told the patient she had acute appendicitis and she blushed saying coyly, “You really think so, doctor?” There was the woman who told the doctor that her husband thought he was invisible. “Tell him I can’t see him,” the doctor snapped. “Next.” There was the doctor who told the patient, “There is no specific cause for your complaint. I think it’s due to drinking.” “In that case,” the patient said, “I’ll come back when you’re sober.” A shopkeeper whose son had swallowed some twenty-five cent pieces called the hospital to find out about his son’s condition. “No change yet,” the doctor told him. Then there was the doctor who failed as a kidnapper because nobody could read the ransom notes. There is also the tragedy of the man who came home from a visit to the doctor looking very worried. When his wife asked him what the problem was, he explained that the doctor told him that he would have to take a pill every day for the rest of his life. His wife shrugged, “So what? Lots of people have to take a pill every day their whole lives.” “Yes,” the man said disconsolately, “but he only gave me four pills.” At some stage my mind brought up the fact that surgeons absentmindedly leave bits and pieces of equipment in people. According to Tony Deyal was last seen saying that after surgery, he kept seeing Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy in front of his eyes. It turned out to be a the Mammoth Book of Oddities, Dr Hector Vasconcelos from Disney spell.