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Mar/Apr 2022
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COVID-19 Pandemic Worsens the Mental Health of Minority Children By Jenny Manrique
Ramadan is the Muslim holy month, and even amid a pandemic, most of the world's 1.6 billion Muslims will observe it in some form. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims build stronger relationships with Allah through fasting, selfless actions, and praying Which means there's a good chance you — or a friend, a coworker, a neighbor, your child's teacher — will be celebrating, fasting, and doing all sorts of other activities that are unique to the holy month. But what is Ramadan, exactly? Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar. Healthy adult Muslims fast in Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and charity are also encouraged during the holy month. Muslims also believe the Quran was revealed in Ramadan. During the holy month, Muslims wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, and they break their fast with a meal referred to as iftar.It is common for mosques to host large iftars, especially for the poor and needy. Nightly prayers called Tarawih are also held in mosques after iftar. CONT'D ON PAGE 11
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that surveyed more than 7,000 high school students, revealed that 55.1% described suffering emotional abuse, 44.2% reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness and 9% attempted suicide. More young women and LGBTQ+ youth saw a rise in suicidal behavior, more Asian kids confronted racism and hate, more Black youth and Native Americans experienced hunger and economic devastation and along with Latinos, suffered mental stress due to the pandemic. A panel of experts convened by Ethnic Media Services explained that to avert a “pandemic” of future adults with serious emotional and mental disorders, it’s important to foster a positive ethnic racial identity. They argue that civic engagement in particular, can be a mental health intervention: building opportunities for young people
to speak truth to power and connect with their communities is key for their development. Angela Vasquez, MSW, policy director for mental health at The Children’s Partnership: “Nearly 50% of youth who are severely impaired with a major depressive episode did not receive treatment… Black and Latino children were about 14% less likely than white youth to receive treatment for their depression… Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Native youth, so nearly three and a half times higher than the national average. And high school girls across all races and ethnicities made plans to attempt suicide more than boys.” “Over half of Latina girls are worried about a friend or family member being deported. Nearly a quarter Cont'd on page 13
From the Management & Staff of
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L I F E S T Y L E
Guenet Gittens-Roberts Owner/Publisher/Editor
SOMETHING SPECIAL THIS WAY COMES
Samuel J. Roberts
There are many things we learned during the pandemic. The value of community was a high priority for us. We enjoyed the time with our family, but it has been wonderful to reconnect with friends. Owner/Publisher/Editor
As we move closer and closer to our events this summer, we can't wait to see everyone, catch up with them and see how they're doing. Last year, we came up with an event to socially distance attendees of the Carnival by creating four events across three days and it was such a hit that we are excited to bring it back to the festival weekend. The first night, we are doing Carnival on the Runway, a fashion show for the Carnival weekend and a showcase of designers, from novice to experienced. Saturday morning, it's a Jouvert celebration with all of the freedom that jouvert brings through paint, water, powder and music. Saturday evening we enjoy a cultural night with the sounds of steelpan, the riddim section, moko jumbies and go back in time through music- last year, it was simply oldies under the night sky at a festival...a good old fashioned lime with friends, food and music. And, we are bringing that back with a performance by Gypsy. On Sunday, it is Carnival day, with all of the Mas Bands and pageantry they bring. Attendees can come from 12pm to the park, enjoy the parade and festival before the concert in the park kicks off at 6pm. Last year we were the first Carnival to come back after the covic pandemic. It was no easy feat, we had to move parks to ensure we got it done. This year we have moved on to International Drive into the back of a new park called Dezerland Park. We are excited about this venue, as the parking wraps itself around you to create a street feel in front of the festival grounds. We are happy with this new venue and it will set the stage for all three nights of events. This year, Orlando Carnival is also the first Carnival in the world to be featured on a new Carnival Reality Show. The show Road Ready is hosted by Celebrity host Jodi Henrique, wife of Sean Paul.
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 publication go to http:// caribbeanamericanpassport.com and click on the 'Print Archive'. Publisher & Editor................................................................................... Sam Roberts Publisher ............................................................................. Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor & Contributing Writer................................................................Aleia Roberts Contributing Writers: ................................................................................ Tony Dyal Contributing Photographers ............ .......................................................Ted Hollins ....................................................................................................................Dillia Castillo Central Florida Distribution......................................................... .Danielle Browne South Florida Distribution .............................................................Norman Williams North Florida Distribution ...............................................................Kadeem Roberts Tampa Distribution ...................................................................................Julian Pina Copyright (C) 2016 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.
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Caribbean Creative Sector to benefit from ACP-EU 3 million Euro Grant Support Programme By %#4+%1/ 14) 56#(( 94+6'4
The Caribbean Culture Sector has received significant funding from the European Union with support from the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, under the ACP-EU 11th EDF Culture Programme as creatives seek to recover from the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO), the CARICOM Secretariat and The University of the West Indies have joined forces to implement the project titled Creative Caribbean – An Ecosystem of “Play” for Growth and Development” in the amount of Euros 3 million. The Virtual Launch of the project is set for Thursday, 21 April 2022, at 11:00 EST. The three-year project that will be implemented in 15 Caribbean countries aims to develop a robust creative economy in the region by strengthening the enabling environment and providing grant support for industry and training initiatives. The Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) targeted for grant support include music, fashion, festivals, film, animation and new media, visual and performing arts, among other areas of entertainment – a sector that provides millions in revenue and in which thousands of people find full-time and part-time work. The project is expected to strengthen research and data collection on CCIs, to facilitate market access opportunities, to support the development of national artists registries,
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Cultural policies and Creative Industry Development Acts to incentivise the sector. It will also provide grants to creative and cultural practitioners to grow more globally competitive businesses and enhance their professional development. “It is an unquestionable fact that the impact of Covid-19 on the cultural and creative sectors was tremendously significant, yet CCIs play a notable role in the economy and recoveryfrom the pandemic. The Creative Caribbean project seeks to shift the paradigm from “the struggling artist” to creating an enabling environment where creatives are incentivised to produce and thrive and become a key driver of sustainable development in the region,” explains Saadia SanchezVegas, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Cluster Office for the Caribbean. Artists and Cultural Entrepreneurs from the following countries are eligible to apply for grant support under this landmark project: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. UNESCO, CARICOM and The UWI have the pleasure of inviting you to the virtual launch of the Joint Project “Creative Caribbean” on Thursday, 21 April 2022, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (GMT-5:00).
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WOMEN LEAD THE WAY IN CARICOM – BASIL SPRINGER COLUMN
(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a Change-Engine Consultant. His email address is basilgf@marketplaceexcellence.com. His columns may be found at www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com/basil-springer-column/ and on www.facebook.com/ basilgf). Those of us World War II babies would have witnessed a significant change in the status of CARICOM women. Initially, it seemed that mothers were destined to play an important role in their children's lives, loving them, looking after the home, and teaching and caring for them. They were sometimes assisted by grandmothers and what better early childhood development attention could be given by mothers and caregivers. In October 1945, immediately after World War II ended in September 1945, the United Nations was founded to maintain international peace and security. One of the sustainable development goals which has been established is to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”, clearly recognizing that women’s potential in human development should not be restricted in any way. Over the years, women have taken advantage of improved education opportunities to redress gender inequality. Every year we celebrate International Women's Day and this year it was celebrated on March 8 under the theme “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”. Women have now demonstrated their contribution to national wealth as they continue to manage the home but have enhanced their external family earnings by assuming major leadership, management and workforce roles in many disciplines such as governance, the judiciary, politics, the public service, business, entrepreneurship, trade unions, community service and faith-based organizations. As gender equality initiatives continue to bear fruit, may women not only position themselves visibly in the highest posts of the land but continue to exploit their power of intuition to fulfil their natural potential and lead us to sustainable success. In the context of the family, this intuition is manifested as follows: (1) exhibiting caring instincts; (2) caregiving; (3) offering spiritual guidance; (4) embracing educational opportunities; (5) extending healthcare; (6) building relationships; (7) nutrition nurturing; (8) teaching others; (9) financial management; and (10) activity coordination. The ability to understand students' mental and emotional needs makes women a better choice for teachers in primary schools. They have a better understanding of child psychology. Not just as teachers, women are also excellent counsellors.
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It took 35 years after the end of World War II before the impact of gender equality-inspired initiatives yielded the first female CARICOM prime minister. But over the past decade, the progress of women in top positions has been stellar. Here is a list of some CARICOM women who have achieved top leadership positions in the region: (1) Dame Eugenia Charles – the first female Prime Minister of Dominica – 1980 to 1995; (2) Dame Nita Barrow – the first female Governor General of Barbados – 1990 to 1995; (3) Kamla Persad-Bissessar – the first female Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago – 2010 to 2015; (4) Professor Eudine Barriteau (Grenada/Barbados) – the first female UWI Pro Vice-Chancellor at UWI Cave Hill – 2015 to 2021; (5) Paula-Mae Weekes – the first female President of Trinidad and Tobago – 2018 to date; (6) Mia Mottley – the first female Prime Minister of Barbados – 2018 to date; (7) Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty (Barbados National Hero) – one of the world’s most successful musician entrepreneurs; (8) Dame Sandra Mason – First female and only President of Barbados – 2021 to date; and (9) Dr. Carla Barnett (Belize) – the first female Secretary General of CARICOM – 2021 to date. May you enjoy the remainder of Women’s History Month as we reflect on the pioneering accomplishments of the region’s women.
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USCIS Announces Online Filing for DACA Renewal Forms MESSAGE FROM USCIS.GOV
In FY 2021, approximately 1,210,700 applications, petitions and requests were filed online, a 2.3% increase from the 1,184,000 filed in FY 2020. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that individuals who previously received deferred action under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may now file Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, online. “The expansion of online filing is a priority for USCIS as we make our operations more efficient and effective for the agency and our stakeholders, applicants, petitioners and requestors,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “The option to file DACA renewal requests online is part of USCIS’ ongoing move to minimize reliance on paper records and further transition to an electronic environment.” At this time, the option to file online is only available for individuals who have previously been granted DACA. Such individuals must also file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, which is available for online filing, as well as the Form I-765 Worksheet, which is required as evidence in support of the filing for DACA. During fiscal year (FY) 2021, USCIS received more than 8.8 million requests for immigration benefits and other requests, including 438,950 Form I-821D DACA requests. Since launching online filing in 2017, the overall number of forms filed online has increased significantly.
To file Form I-821D and Form I-765 online, a DACA requestor must first create a USCIS online account, which provides a convenient and secure method to submit forms, pay fees and track the status of any pending USCIS immigration request throughout the adjudication process. There is no cost to set up an account, which offers a variety of features, including the ability to communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox and respond online to Requests for Evidence. With the addition of online filing for Form I-821D, individuals can now file 13 USCIS forms online, which can all be found on the Forms Available to File Online page. USCIS continues to accept the latest paper versions of all forms by mail. Consistent with a court order issued in State of Texas, et al., v. United States of America, et al., 1:18CV-00068 (S.D. Tex. July 16, 2021), the Department of Homeland Security continues to accept the filing of both initial and renewal DACA requests, as well as requests for employment accompanying authorization. However, under the July 16, 2021, order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, DHS is prohibited from granting initial DACA requests. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov.
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Canvassing Event: April 30th, 2022, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 44 West Michael Gladden Boulevard, Apopka, Florida 32703 What to Expect: The Campaign and volunteers will meet in the parking lot next door to the above address. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than the start time in order to receive instructions and volunteering guidelines. They will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. Please download MiniVAN on your cellphone devices. MiniVAN can be downloaded for free on the Android and iPhone App Stores. This app will be utilized during the petition gathering and door knocking activities!
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Caribbean “May Take Years To Recover” From Pandemic Many of the islands in the Caribbean have begun restarting their tourism sector, encouraging international vacationers to come out of their months-long quarantine and plan their out-of-the-country travel. However, a number of governments around the world are still cautious about having their citizens travel amid the pandemic. Japan, for instance, warned its people in a recent coronavirus advisory about traveling overseas, which includes to a number of Caribbean nations. The cruise lines, which have been a major contributor to the region’s tourism, are still struggling to set sail. A recent report said that the trips of the four of Royal Caribbean International’s ships are cancelled due to “shipyard closures and related issues.” “The sharp drop in tourism stemming from the pandemic will undoubtedly plunge most Caribbean countries into severe recessions, with few resources at their disposal to cushion their populations from the fallout,” wrote Robert Looney in his recent World Politics Review opinion piece. Looney is a distinguished professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California and specializes in issues relating to energy security and economic development in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Latin America. The professor further said that the perennial challenge with natural disasters have left the Caribbean extremely illprepared to address the economic effects of COVID-19. The islands have already been indebted from the damage
incurred from the category 5 hurricanes that visited the region in recent years. “A primary challenge for many Caribbean countries has been to balance lockdowns and other public health measures with attempts to maintain some level of economic activity,” Looney explained. The best strategy for Caribbean countries is to be more vigilant in curbing the virus “before attempting to return to anything resembling normalcy.” Further, the region’s economic recovery will also depend on a combination of “debt relief and concessional funding.” Expert’s Suggestions Looney believes that in order for the Caribbean to weather its worst crisis since 9/11, three regional bodies must seek the help of international organizations and governments. “The Caribbean Community, the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Caribbean Hotel and Travel Association must work in conjunction with the World Trade Organization and national governments to restore trust by implementing policies and practices that assure tourists of their safety,” he said. “This means implementing more rigorous safety and hygiene standards, which will ultimately raise the cost of providing services.” On this matter, the World Health Organisation has released its guidelines on mass gatherings amid the pandemic. Looney also suggested that businesses should develop new models to cater to their target markets.
@kw.com
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17th Annual Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival 2022 weekend is from this Fri April 29th - May 1st -A full weekend of Parade,Concert, Lots of vendors ,Pre party/Fete,Afterparty,and Carnival Cooldown Cooler Fete and lots more. Come on down to Tampa and join in the fun
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HAPPY RAMADAN CONT'D FROM PAGE 1
Different cultures have different traditions during Ramadan, whether it is a special food they must cook, or eating iftar with the extended family. Islamic tenets such as generosity inspired most of these traditions, including sharing food and inviting guests over for iftar. When is Ramadan? Since Ramadan is part of the lunar calendar, its date annually changes on the Gregorian calendar. Muslims tend to wait for the new month’s moon to appear before they announce the first day of Ramadan. However, they can still estimate the day beforehand. This year Ramadan begins on Friday, April 24 in most Muslim-majority nations. How long is Ramadan? Lunar months last between 29 to 30 days depending on when the new moon is sighted. If the moon is not seen on the night of the 29th day, then Ramadan lasts for the full 30 days. The Eid al-Fitr celebration marks the end of the month when Muslims celebrate a successful Ramadan of fasting and worship Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan? Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. There is also a verse in the Quran that prescribes fasting for all Muslims who are mature and healthy enough to do so for the full day. So Muslims fast as an act of worship, a chance to get closer to God, and a way to become more compassionate to those in need. Fasting is also seen as a way to learn patience and break bad habits. When does Ramadan end? This year, Monday, May 22, will be the 29th day of Ramadan for most Muslim nations. These countries will be on the lookout for the Eid moon that evening. If it is sighted, the first day of Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday, May 23. Otherwise, Ramadan fasting will carry on for 30 days and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 24.
According to Halal Travel Guide, "traditionally for many Caribbean Muslims, looking for the crescent entails a trek to the shores of the crystal clear turquoise waters of the magnificent Caribbean Sea. On the larger islands, that search for the crescent may be from the higher elevations like the famous Blue Mountains in Jamaica or the Northern Range of Trinidad. For the less adventurous looking for that crescent would have been from the balconies of the Mosques. Muslims have been part of the Caribbean for centuries. Before Columbus and definitely after. A significant number of enslaved African brought across the Atlantic by European slave traders were Muslim. They were stripped of their faith and identity. Some managed to escape the horrific practices of slavery and fought against its cruelty but by and large, most lost their identities and their beliefs. Muslims then arrived in large numbers as indentured servants or as economic migrants, most coming from the Indian subcontinent and in the case of Suriname also from Indonesia. Today, Muslims are found on almost every island of the 40+ islands that make up the Caribbean. There is an estimated population of a half a million Muslims in the region and some 400 to 500 mosques. Suriname, a country in South America but linked historically, culturally, and linguistically to the Caribbean boasts the highest percentage of Muslims for a single country in the Western Hemisphere; approximately 25% of its population is Muslim.
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5250 International Drive, Orlando FL 32819
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Dr. Myo Thwin Myint, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Tulane University School of Medicine, He serves on the American Academy of Child and Adolescent (AACAP) Training and Education Committee New Orleans, Louisiana: Cont'd from page 1
have been harassed because of their family name, or country of origin. Since the pandemic started, Asian youth have been experiencing harassment and bullying.”
“Disparity exists in terms of racial minoritized groups, as well as a gender and sexual minoritized groups. Particularly our LGBTQ and trans kids suffer disproportionately from the mental health challenges because of the unjust societal challenges. Across the country, many state legislatures are discussing passing laws that add additional stress to get appropriate care.”
“Family separation harms children’s mental and physical health; children of undocumented parents are at risk of behavioral problems. Having parents taken away undermines family economic security. The “Our Surgeon General has put out a general mental health climate of fear further restricts children, access to advisory and (recognized that) a crisis is happening. It was really good to see that there’s recognition from the federal education, public benefits, and other services.” government and we hope that what follows will be an “Direct and vicarious exposure to police investment in our youth’s mental health.” violence, including immigration enforcement are contributors to toxic stress…There is a large growing “We should being able to go out to the youth where the challenges are happening rather than waiting in our clinic campaign for police free schools.” and ivory towers where we know there are systemic challenges such as transportation. We need to be thinking Dr. Ilan Shapiro, Pediatrician, chief medical affairs very creatively how we are going to be providing care.” officer of Altamed federally qualified health centers, Los Angeles Sydney McKinney, PhD, Executive Director of the National “As a pediatrician, they never tell you about all the Black Women’s Justice Institute based in Brooklyn: tools that you need to bring on board for a pandemic, especially on the suffering of a community that has “Addressing the mental health and wellness of black lost so much from life complications. And it’s not women and girls is really vital to reducing their risk of just the Latino Hispanic community… We need to coming into contact with the juvenile legal and the criminal legal system… Among black teenage girls, suicide death make sure that we create structural changes.” rates increased from 2001 to 2017 by 182%.” “There’s something called the Internet that most of my patients don’t have… There was a year that they “Nearly 2 million young people are arrested by police every were at home doing nothing, eating whatever, they year. And data show that 75% of those have experienced were feeling depressed, anxious without moving, traumatic victimization in their lifetime… Black girls account for 43% of girls who are in youth detention which the (pandemic) ramifications were horrible.” is more than any other racial group.” “At least 50% of the patients that I take care of, were directly touched by COVID-19: they were sick, they “The pandemic has exacerbated the mental health needs of had a family member that was close to them that actually black girls and gender expansive youth who are directly impacted by the foster care, the child welfare system and died, or they were harmed because of the pandemic.” the juvenile legal system.” “Media can elevate and bring “We need to translate medical terms to an attention to mental health and wellness programs and actionable language that our community can actually services that are culturally affirming and gender responsive. do something with… It’s up to us to make sure that So much of what people know are clinical modalities, which we create open conversations and resources with many of the folks in our communities are reluctant to engage in for very well founded reasons.” media with healthcare providers.”
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may have been in serious trouble.” – Gaston Browne, Prime Minister, Antigua and Barbuda (Pointe FM 99.1)
Dr. Basil Springer “COVID-19 has been very destructive. Many people have lost their jobs and have little or no money available. The War in Ukraine has aggravated the situation as the price of fuel is increasing. Individual introspection is required ... we have to draw on that inner light to fill the hearts of human beings with a fresh cause for optimism.” – Dr. Basil Springer, Director, Marketplace Excellence Corporation / Caribbean Media Exchange Inc. “We have all lost, we have suffered and for most of us it was difficult to cope. But we found joy in the simplest of acts and we extended compassion to each other. We began to love. But now as the world has reawakened, we are wondering, ‘How do we move forward?’ Our answer is simple: learn to lead with love.” – Maxine Attong, Gestalttrained Certified Professional Facilitator “Notwithstanding the fact that I tested positive for COVID yesterday (Friday, April 8) I am doing fine. I have a little congestion so I am taking decongestants. But other than that, I think I am doing well. It is evidence that the vaccines that I took ... are working otherwise I presume I
“Right now, most of us are what you call skint. So, we are going into the summer period where a lot of us do not have the necessary cash reserves. We have exhausted all of the reserves we do have and so we are very mindful of the fact that this summer really is going to matter in terms of the survivability of many of our businesses and many of our members, and we take that very seriously.” – Renée Coppin, Chairman, Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (Barbados Today) “Carnival is a celebration of our Caribbean culture blended with great music, high energy and a mixture of exciting foods and drinks from over 91 different cultures … we are gearing up to put our talented local creatives on the world stage and show our visitors and friends a great time after being unable to host Carnival for two years. If you have been to St. Maarten for Carnival, you are familiar with the fascinating display of costumes, colors, dance and music that we have perfected over 51 years.” – Roger Lawrence, Minister of Tourism, St. Maarten (Caribbean Journal) “Anguilla is such a special place for me, and I have a deep love for the island, its people and their authentic passion for hospitality. The improvements that have already been made are incredible and Salamander is committed to helping realize Richard's (Richard M. Schulze) vision of excellence. We look forward to introducing Aurora Anguilla and the beauty of its people to our Salamander loyalists.” – Sheila C. Johnson, Founder & CEO, Salamander Hotels & Resorts “It’s time to redirect your thoughts to positive things … and it’s time to start counting your blessings.” – A.R. Bernard, Senior Pastor, Christian Cultural Center
NorthStar First Properties, LLC.
3 Lots for Sale Near UCF (University of Central Florida) and Quadrangle Corporate Office Park PRIME LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION Current Zoning can be 2 Homes on each Lot or Executive Homes Future Zoning Multifamily valdainternational@hotmail.com . 407-536-6635 www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
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FISHY BUSINESS- By TONY DEYAL Good things come to those who bait. This is the essence of the old Chinese proverb, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
down. When that happened, I had to whip the bamboo rod upwards to ‘hook’ the fish and then take it off the hook. Simple? Basically, a jerk at one end of the line waiting for a jerk at the other end.
The first time I heard it I was overwhelmed by the sheer simplicity of the aphorism. Then I heard the twist by comedian George Carlin: “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.”
HOOKED FOR LIFE The first bite I got, I pulled so hard that the fish, a small coscarob, or what we called a ‘coskie’ of the Cichlidae family, flew off the hook and ended up so high in the bamboo patch that we could not reach it, especially since the hook, freed of the fish, had continued its journey and ended up stuck in my back. Despite this initial setback, I was hooked for life.
There are other modern variations of the quip: “Teach a man to fish and he will be surrounded by people telling him how they can do it better.” My wife also knows that when a man is taught to fish you can get rid of him for the entire weekend. 'FRY-ME-DRY' But my mother found that out many years before when she allowed me to spend a weekend by my school friend, Trevor. Up to that point in my life, she gave a boy a fish and he would ask for more, especially something which we called ‘fry-me-dry’. It was essentially a sardine or small herring which she bought by the bowlful. She took out the scales with a knife, slit the stomachs, washed the fish in some lime and then marinated them in onion, garlic, salt and pepper. She later dipped each little fish in flour, threw it in very hot oil and fried it to a crisp. Recently, when my daughter Jasmine asked me what fish dish I liked best, I went through a long list in my mind, everything from grouper to pompano, tuna to salmon, and came up with the humble ‘fry-me-dry’. I would stand by the stove, crowding my mother, hearing the oil bubbling in an old, bent and blackened frying pan, sometimes getting hit by the splattering oil because I had crept up too close to the one-burner stove, then after grabbing one of the cooked fish in my hands, juggling it to keep from getting my palms burnt and stuffing it in my mouth, I crunched it and crunched it again – a mouthful of heaven. DIGGING FOR WORMS Trevor’s father taught me how to fish. But first we had to dig for worms. I came up with a multicoloured and many-legged creature and Trevor jumped back in alarm. “Dat is not ah earthworm,” he shouted! “True?” I asked. “What planet it from?” Eventually, we got a milk tin full of wriggling worms and headed for a pond at the back of Trevor’s house. There was a bamboo clump at the side of the pond and Mr Roop, Trevor’s father, cut two thin and supple rods for us. Trevor knew what to do but I had to learn how to take a piece of string, put a cork from a bottle on the string and then tie the end to a small safety pin, break off a piece from one of the worms but leaving enough wriggle room, thread it on to the sharp end of the pin and then immerse the pin and worm in the water and watch the cork bob until it got pulled
The next day, by then as boastful as all the other fishermen, I headed out on my first-ever camping trip with Trevor, his father and two other friends. We went to camp at a dam in the forest and having caught a few fish, left one of the men, ‘Ginger’, to cook while we went hunting. We returned empty-handed and hungry. TEACH HIM TO COOK On the little fire we had set up, our chef had boiled rice and curried the fish. I put some of the rice in my ‘enamel’ plate and poured the fish and curry-sauce over it. I bit into my fish first and it skidded right out of my mouth. The others gagged almost simultaneously. It turned out that Ginger had not taken off the scales or gutted and washed the fish. All he did was put some oil in the pot, pour in curry powder and ‘cooked’ the fish. Perhaps the Chinese should have known that teaching a man how to fish was not enough. You also have to teach him how to cook. Paras and Sam, two of my fishermen friends, did not need the Chinese. During a fishing trip, they introduced me to a delicacy which, 30 years later, I still remember. CURRYING CATFISH We left Carli Bay, a fishing village in Central Trinidad, and headed up the Gulf of Paria towards a group of islands off the North-West Peninsula, fishing all the way. We were well armed – beer for me, two bottles of overproof ‘Puncheon’ rum for the others, and seasoned catfish for all. We landed on one of the islands, Chacachacare, in the late evening and Sam quickly gathered some sticks and started a fire, currying the catfish. I made sure, this time, that the only scales involved were the ones that the fish was weighed on. Later, on the island, in the moonlight, bewitched by the sounds of the night and the rumble of the occasional smuggler heading to or from Venezuela, I had the second-best fish dish of my life. The experience led me to once more question the Chinese wisdom. I learnt to my joy and later sorrow that if you teach a man to fish he has to buy a boat and trailer, rods, reels, gas, a GPS and beer. *Tony Deyal was last seen trying to communicate with the fishes. He dropped them a line but they refused to respond.
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