Caribbean american passport news magazine march 2014 by caribbeanamericanpassport

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Holi Festival he Holi Festival, also known as Phagwah, is an ancient Hindu religious festival, sometimes called the festival of love or the festival of colors. This Holi Festival was originally observed mainly in Nepal, India however with the globalization and movement of religions around the world, this festival is celebrated worldwide within the Indian/Hindu communities. Holi celebrations start with a Holika bonfire on the night before Holi where people gather, sing and dance. This is followed the next day by the more colorful celebration where everyone plays, and throws dry

NEWS MAGAZINE

Caribbean American Passport now covers the Entire State of Florida! Join our growing list of distribution locations and get listed on our distribution list for FREE! Copies will be delivered to your location monthly! See page 3 for more details.

Advocating for Open Opportunities FLCBB Hosts Bus Trip to Bring Black Businesses Together to Advocate for Business Opportunities at the Capitol

at 5:00 a.m. and arrive at 9:00 a.m. in Tallahassee. Upon arrival the attendees will participate in the Town Hall Meeting and Question and Answer panel from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; and the Matchmaking Sessions/ Business Expo with the state’s top procurement agencies from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The event will conclude with a small session between the FLCBB attendees and the black legislators, after which the bus will depart FLCBB is hosting the 2014 Florida Black Busi- Tallahassee by 4:00 p.m. and arrive back in ness Day and Bus Trip to Tallahassee in con- Orlando by 8:00 p.m. junction with Florida Conference of Black State Legislators Town Hall Meeting on Fri- This is an opportunity for black businesses day, March 21, 2014 to articulate the issues to have their issues heard and addressed1by of thousands of black businesses to Florida’s the Florida Conference of Black State Legisblack legislators. The bus will depart Orlando lators which is the first step in affecting lorida Consortium of Black Businesses (FLCBB), a collective group of black business owners and advocacy organizations, brings a united voice of the 187,000 black business owners in Florida to promote business opportunities and advocate for programs and services to strengthen existing businesses.

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Breaking Point Stars Erik Grey & Diana Lovell

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See story on page 18

Life Worth Living Wellness Center

The Life Worth Living Wellness family consists of two important components; LaVie Wellness Med Spa and Life Worth Living Pharmacy (LWL). The concept is that a healthy mind, body and spirit are essential to living a rich and fulfilling life. We approach health and fitness from both a medical and holistic perspective. Our beautiful 30,000 square foot facility features such amenities as a nutritional center, weight loss clinic, anti-aging program, massage therapies, full fitness and yoga studio, infusion suite and our Café, La Vie Cuisine. Our doctors, along with our certified professional staff, will provide you with individualized and personal consultations like bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and more. We also provide the necessary training to help you reach your health and fitness goals. Part of the family is our LWL full service compounding Pharmacy which is located in the same building as LaVie Med Spa. Unique and unlike ordinary pharmacies, LWL has the ability to assist physicians and patients pursue more positive therapeutic outcomes. Often, we may encounter a non-compliant patient whose needs cannot be met using traditional medications. For example, a dosage form may not be commercially available and the patient may be allergic/sensitive to dyes, preservatives or additives. We believe that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! We are excited to bring Health & Wellness education to the community of Metrowest! We want to make your health a priority and will be open to the public at the following events: • March 19th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours with a special presentation on the New Healthcare Laws. • March 20th, 8pm - 9pm Meet and Greet with Andressa Ribeiro First place and overall winner,Arnold Classic 2014 • March 26th, 6pm Ladies Night at the Spa in honor of Women’s History Month • May 3rd, 10 am - 2pm Restore Balance Health & Wellness Fair For more details on these events contact: 407.730.3048 Amanda Prana

March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. This March stop by Life Worth Living Pharmacy to pick up your FREE colon cancer screening kit. This offer is open to the first 200 people. Life Worth Living Pharmacy, 6488 Currin Drive, Orlando, Fl. 32835. Tel. 407-522-5685.

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Compounded Prescriptions Home Infusion Therapy Retail Prescriptions Weight Loss/Nutritional Coaching

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Be Smart. Get a FREE CONSULTATION with one of our expert trainers to assess your health needs and fitness goals. Additionally, this includes your choice of a Free Medical Review, Fitness Studio Day Pass or Free Personal Training Session.

L I F E S T Y L E Sam Roberts, Publisher

Chambers and Networking

any of us join our individual Chambers, or in some cases join many different Chambers and networking groups without a clear understanding or rather without a clear idea of how to utilize these Chambers, how to network and also what to expect from your Chamber. Before joining any Chamber or any networking group we should first and foremost be clear with ourselves about what are our motives and our expectations. Ask yourself a few simple questions: Why am I joining this particular Chamber/Chambers or networking groups; am I joining to grow my business, to meet people that share my perspective; to build my database by collecting business cards and email addresses or simply to socialize and possibly meet new people. None of the reasons listed above should be considered a ‘wrong’ reason. However, whatever your reason; be clear with yourself and your expectations. Over the years I have heard many people make negative statements about their individual Chambers or Networking groups simply because either they don’t know how to utilize a Chamber or they don’t know how to network and therefore they will never be satisfied. According to Wikipedia, A chamber of commerce (also referred to in some circles as a board of trade) is a form of business network, e.g., a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and Marseille Chamber of Commerce cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community. The first chamber of commerce was founded in 1599 in Marseille, France. The world’s oldest English-speaking chamber of commerce is that of New York City, which was established in 1768.[6] The oldest known existing chamber in the Englishspeaking world with continuous records is the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce,[7] which was founded in 1783. However, a chamber of commerce is not a governmental body or institution, and has no direct role in the writing and passage of laws and regulations that affect businesses. It may however, act as a lobby in an attempt to get laws passed that are favorable to businesses. According to Chamberme.com: The origin of the chamber; the concept of various businesses joining together in a mutual effort to increase commerce NYC Chamber of Commerce had its beginnings in Europe hundreds of years ago. Primarily as a defensive tactic, traders banded together for protection against com-

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

mon enemies and to establish policies to govern trade. This was eventually extended as a means of exerting influence on governments and legislation. The modern Chamber of Commerce is more of an American development. The first local chamber was founded in Charleston, South Carolina in 1773. The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce has evolved from simply the protection and promotion of commerce to many of the things presented on this website. The primary function of protecting commerce remains the same, but it is interesting to follow the changes and adaptations of chamber functions through the years as chambers have adjusted to the changing needs of society. Today the role of a chamber of commerce has expanded to address socioeconomic conGlascow Chamber of Commerce cer ns and social needs, going far beyond its original intent several centuries ago. Whatever your reason for joining a Chamber or a Networking group, be clear and fair to both yourself and the group; approach each event and activity with a positive and opened mind; be polite and respectful; smile, introduce yourself and be willing to listen and engage in polite conversation before going into your 30 second elevator speech and before making any judgments. Remember these simple secrets; you control your own destiny, your thoughts and your vision is your reality; worry not about yesterday because there will always be a tomorrow and last but not least……..’the grass is not greener on the other side’.

Distribution Points - we want to highlight your business on our website and on our social media pages. Please contact us to register your business as a monthly distribution point and get additional exposure for FREE! *WE'RE HIRING! CONTACT US TODAY!*

GGR Marketing & Public Relations 1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 407-427-1800 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com For Media Information email: capnewsmagazine@yahoo.com Should you desire to review past copies of the publication go to http://www.issuu.com/caribbeanamericanpassport and search for Caribbean American Passport News Magazine. Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor ..........................................................................Natasha Solomon Graphic Design & Layout ..................................... Jan Longwell-Smiley Contributing Writers: ................................................... Rosemarie Roth ..................................................................................... Natasha Gittens ........................................................................................ .Karlyn Hylton ............................................................................................ Gail Seeram ........................................................................................ Kamal Abdool . .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell ................................................................................ Nouchelle Hastings Contributing Photographers ................. Before and After Photography ......................................................................................... Dillia Castillo ..................................................................................... Ronald Williams ....................................................................................... Mark Bannister Distribution & Sales.................................................... ...Delroy Edwards Distribution.................................................................... Samuel Roberts ....................................................................................... Frank Ambrose Copyright (C) 2013 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

Guyanese Association Celebrating 44th Republic and 10th Anniversary n February 22nd the Guyanese American Cultural Association of Central Florida celebrated their country’s 44th Anniversary as a Republic and also the Association’s 10th year as a National Association and 501c3 Charitable Nonprofit. This showcase event was presented with true Guyanese style, class and culture; attendees were provided with an opportunity to sample authentic Guyanese food that represents the ethnic diversity – Indian, African, Chinese, Portuguese, English and Amerindian. This event was attended by his Excellency Ambassador Karan from Washington, Mr. Reginald McGill from Mayor Dyer’s office, local business owners, various Caribbean association members, Guyanese nationals and supporters from the greater Florida area. The Association took this opportunity to recognize their founding members and thank them for their vision and insight while also thanking their sponsors, the Caribbean Supercenter, Metro Health, PSFreight/SeaPack, Caribbean American Passport News Magazine, SeaWorld, Luxury Ride Car Service, Archer Western and 411 Pain. The cultural presentation and nostalgic rhythmic music of Dave Martins and the Trade Winds made for a perfect evening of celebration.

VENDORS WANTED

Do You Know Who Is Your Commissioner or Florida Representative? kept our governor from keeping our prisons from being completely privatized, and saving our public schools budgets from being cut.

By Roger Caldwell

s the legislature session starts this week most Floridians don’t know who are their representatives and probably don’t care. Most folks think politics is to confusing and most politicians are corrupt. So most people tune out politics, and they don’t even know who is their state representative or their local commissioner.

As the 2014 legislative session gets underway, it is very important that all Floridians open up their eye and ears, and pay attention on how a $74.2 billion budget is cut up and spent. Tallahassee has a $1 billion surplus and many are hoping that our representatives give a large portion to the public school system and poor folks. But when Floridians don’t know who their representatives are, our lawmakers can operate under the radar.

Many political experts think our public servants like keeping things secret, by using deceptive language and making laws to long to understand what our legislators are talking about. This allows organizations like Enterprise Florida to receive hundreds of millions from Florida taxpayers and spend it on lavish meals and parties. Big business is also spending millions of dollars in As an African American person in 2014, many Black Tallahassee to make sure that no changes take place in the men and women feel they are too busy, so they don’t “Stand Your Ground Law,” and Floridians wonder why young register vote. After knowing that many of our forefathers died Black males are dying. and were beaten for the right to vote, they are apathetic and disengaged. This does not just impact African Americans but it Things are not going to change in Florida until Democrats start to vote based on their advantage in the voting polls numbers. cuts across race, age and gender lines. The Republicans will continue to kill the ACA and Medicare There is an election in the country in 2014, and many residents expansion, until legislators start getting phone calls, emails, don’t know who is running in their district, because many think and watch their residents attend public rallies. When you don’t mid-term elections are not important. Many folks only think vote, you don’t have a voice. the presidential election is important, but most of the work and Remember if you don’t know who your representative or local policies that affect you is done on a local and state level. commissioner is, find out their name. If you have never been Every election is a big deal and every election makes a differ- engaged in the political process, it’s never too late to get started. ence. As an American, civic engagement makes your repre- After you find out their name, find out what they stand for, sentative accountable, credible and honest. In Florida it has and stay engaged.

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ubscribe to Caribbean American Passport News Magazine today. Get the news delivered directly to your door each month! For a limited time we are offering a one year subscription to CAP News Magazine at $25.00. This will also provide you with discounted admission to events, coupons for shopping at your favorite stores as well as updates on caribbean events coming up in our community. This school year give the gift of a subscription to CAP NewsMagazine to someone and we will personalize a card to them from you in that gift package. Name ______________________________________ Date ___________ St. Address __________________________________________________ State _____ City _____________________________ Zip _______ ______ Phone ___________________ Email ______________________________ Signature ____________________________________________________

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ImmigrationINFO

Immigration News for Our Community

Renewal of Deferred Action for DREAMers (Young Immigrants) be considered for Renewal of DACA if he or she:

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Gail@GailLaw.com 1-877-GAIL-LAW

1. Was under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; 2. Came to the United States before reaching his or her 16th birthday and established residence at that time; 3. Has continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;

@GailSeeram FREE In-Office Consultation FREE Live Chat – visit www.GailLaw.com hose individuals granted DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the period of June 15, 2012 until August 15, 2012 may submit a request to renew their status and renew their employment authorization. Back in June 15, 2012, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and President Obama announced that certain young people who were brought to the United States as young children, who do not present a risk to national security or public safety, and meet several key criteria will be considered for relief from removal from the country or from entering into removal proceedings. However, this “deferred status” is set to expire on June 15, 2014.

4. Did not depart the United States on or after August 15, 2012 without advance parole. 5. Was present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making his or her request; 6. Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or his or her lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012; 7. Has graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from a high school, has obtained a general educational development certificate, is an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; or was in

. . . certain young people who were brought to the United States as young children . . . will be considered for relief from removal from the country or from entering into removal proceedings.

If the previous period of deferred action (or DACA status) expires before you receive a renewal of deferred action under DACA, you will accrue unlawful presence and will not be authorized to work for any time between the periods of deferred action. For this reason, applicants are encourages to submit their request for renewal 120 days before your current period of deferred action under DACA expires (which is June 15, 2014). Note, guidance has not been issued regarding the renewal of DACA for those applicants granted deferred action status after August 15, 2012. An applicant whose case was initially deferred under DACA (during the period of June 15, 2012 until August 15, 2012) may

school at the time he or she requested DACA from ICE and: 1) has successfully completed an education, literacy, or career training program (including vocational training) and obtained employment, 2) is currently enrolled in high school, postsecondary school or a new/different education, literacy or career training program, or 3) has made substantial, measurable progress toward completing an education, literacy, or career training program and, 8. Has not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety. Lastly, if your application for renewal of DACA or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is denied, there is no appeal process or motion to reopen/reconsider. Thereby, it is important for each applicant to sufficiently document his or her eligibility under the above requirements.

SunRail starts testing schedule in preparation for service anford â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SunRail, Central Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new commuter rail system, began simulating train operations on March 4th to test the schedule planned for Opening Day on May 1, 2014. Train operations began shortly after 5 a.m. on March 4th, and will continue daily until approximately 11 p.m.

Motorists and pedestrians are urged to use caution, obey all railroad and traffic signals, and look both ways before approaching a railroad crossing. Trains will also make brief stops at each station, but no passengers will be permitted on board. As SunRail stations are still under construction, pedestrians should not walk on platforms or station area sites, access parking lots or attempt to board any train.

The Florida Department of Transportation The testing will continue for several weeks, cares about your safety. Around railroad tracks, so that SunRail engineers and conductors are please be smart, and stay safe. prepared to welcome passengers on board, and so that motorists and pedestrians become acclimated to train operations in advance of regularly scheduled passen- www.dot.state.fl.us Consistent, Predictable, Repeatable ger service.

Bun Rice Promotions opens to a sold out crowd un Rice Promotions opened to a sold out crowd of over 500 patrons on March 2nd 2014, for a one night only showcase presentation, at the Clermont Community Center. The attendees were provided with an evening of authentic Caribbean, culturally diverse entertainment which included the feature play performance staring, non-other than, Mr. Rohan ‘Maas Rufus’ Lawrence and his talented supporting cast of Marsha “Icymint’ Wilson and others. The program included a flawless praise dance by Michelle Williams, an upbeat Indian dance by Shiva Cultural Dance Group, John Truth, an orthopedic surgeon by profession, who provided a tribute to Bob Marley, Around the World Dance Group, a group of senior ladies who are still able to dance and dance well and Jennifer “Ms. Lou” Copeland, always a

crowd favorite bringing back Ms. Lou to life and an outstanding performance by Orlando’s own Lyma Dunbar. This was a truly diverse cultural presentation that brought together the many beautiful races and musical styles that make up the Caribbean – we look forward to the next production by the hilarious and multitalented Rohan Lawrence and his Bun Rice Promotions. The event sponsors were Caribbean Sunshine Bakery, Caribbean Super Center, Bennett Law Center and Dr. Phillip Lee Fatt from New Frontier Ministry. Partial proceeds will benefit the Caribbean American Association of Lake County (“CAALC”) Scholarship Fund and the sports department of the following schools in Jam a i c a : S t . E l i z a b e t h Te c h ( “ S T E T H S ” ) , Manchester High School and Holmwood Technical.

21st Annual 9 Mile Music Festival

n February 15th 2014 thousands upon thousands of Caribbean Nationals, reggae music lovers and culturally conscious musical enthuses turned out for an unbelievable line up of performances by some of the Caribbean’s best musical performers and entertainers…..The Marley – Stephen, Damian and Julian; Lauryn Hill, Sean Paul, Tito El Bambino, Mavado, Tessanne Chin, Alika, Chronixx, Ken-Y and Nyanda. It was an amazing event and attendees were entertained to the max. No-one could have left there unsatisfied. The music, the atmosphere, the food, the people ….. everything made

for a perfect night of top-class Caribbean entertainment.

The 9 Mile Music Festival which began back in 1993 was pioneered by Cedella Marley Booker as a labor of love. This showcase cultural festival is more than just musical event; it has a commitment to doing good and spreading love. The 9 Mile music Festival is responsible for collecting over two (2) million canned goods in an effort to give back to the community. Four canned goods are required as part of the admission to the festival. The canned goods collected are distributed to shelters in Miami.

Photos by Before or After Hour Photography.com

Trinidad & Tobago Carnival

in’t no Carnival like a Trini Carnival, Caribbean Air lines provided passengers arriving in Trinidad for Carnival 2014 with a brief introduction and exhibition of some of the ladies and their Carnival costumes that will be presented at the Nation’s greatest cultural extravaganza. As passengers sat in their seats waiting for the ‘Fasten Your Seat Belts’ sign to be turned off….the rhythmic music of Carnival spilled out into the aircraft and then following the music came the beautiful ladies dancing down the aisle in their costumes; many passengers could barely contain themselves and resist the urge to get up and join the ladies but that resistance only lasted a few seconds before many of them jumped up and joined in the dancing. It was a

beautiful experience, a heartwarming sensation as expressed by many of the passengers……..”we just knew we were home when the music started” said one of passengers, “Ain’t no place like home and ain’t no Carnival like a Trini Carnival” said another. Trinidad & Tobago officially celebrates Carnival for two days— the Monday and Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday; however, from Panorama, which is the annual musical competition that takes place 1 – 2 weeks prior to Carnival, the fetes don’t stop. The country shuts down and people of all ages, social sectors, races, customs and backgrounds parade on the streets dressed in beaded and feathered costumes.

LET US PLAN YOUR CORPORATE EVENTS FOR YOU! We work with your budget to make your event special for you and memorable for your guests. To reserve your space on our party planning calendar Contact Noorie at 407-427-1800 for a free event consultation or capnewsmagazine @yahoo.com Let GGR Marketing & PR plan your Event!

Unity Mixer in Honor of Black History Month

n honor of Black History Month an after work networking social was designed to bring together members of the Orlando African American professional organizations, corporate diversity programs and community leaders. The UNITY Networking Mixer promoted and encouraged relationship cultivation and business development, while celebrating the success of African American professionals and entrepreneurs in Orlando.

Manager, Pepsi North America & Tony Coley, President, Central Florida Region, BB&T. UNITY partners included African American Chamber of Commerce, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and employee resource groups from Lockheed Martin, UPS Florida and Walt Disney World. Celebrity guests included Sisaundra Lewis (contestant on Season 6 of The Voice) and Michael Baisden (author, radio personality The event was sponsored by Derek Lewis, SVP & General and philanthropist).

Derick Lewis, GiGi Moorman, Karen Anderson and Tony Coley

The Caribbean American Chamber and La Vie Group

LEADING LADIES BEHIND THE SCENES AND ON THE FRONT LINE Welcome to my column on Leading Ladies behind the Scenes. Our column will introduce you to leading ladies who have branded their own recognition and blazed their own trails. These ladies work behind the scenes but manage the front line with high impact results. You might have heard their names or admired their work, but never met them up close and personal. Our column will give you the chance to meet these ladies so you can place a face with the name and their trendsetting work in our community, various organizations and in business. Thank you for celebrating their value with us.

Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”

Leading Ladies to Fall in Love with, ackie Brockington Anchor News 13 Brockington, a Brooklyn, New York native, got her start in broadcasting as a weather person in Green Bay, WI. (she is a lover of all things Green Bay) expressively.

Continued from Last Month

feeling one has when they are able to look back and see from whence I came. Financial wealth has its place, but it can’t touch the power of belief, vision, purpose and faith says Hankins who has vowed to use her project to showcase positive progress and achievements.

The Project continues in the form of an acclaimed author of the book Trauma. Many roads traveled in life are not always Earlier in her career, Jackie worked in Washeasy. Some travels are more difficult than others in this read ington, D.C., Baltimore, MD and San Dithe journey of Vikki Hankins; a woman who endured everego, CA. and has anchored for WESH-TV. changing roads of extreme tragedies drives home the deafenCurrently, she is the face of confidence and ing reality that life happens with or without our consent. Evcharm anchoring as an American newscaster/anchor for the ery twist and turn of Vikki’s life robbed her of her psychologiBright House Networks Cable news channel Central Florida News cal structure, creating an entirely different person. Each event 13 which broadcasts continually 24 hours, daily throughout the that impacted her life was so severe and shocking, the Orlando, Melbourne and Daytona Beach market – she is the results...TRAUMA. Trauma destroys—which is exactly what face we all know and look for throughout the day. Jackie’s voice happened in the case of this young girl. It destroyed her life, is the kind of voice that commands your attention; almost like and the lives of those directly connected to her. Most people the harmony of the viola in the orchestra that brings the sound never recover from traumatizing experiences, nor do they surof the violin, cello and bass into perfect order. vive but the Vikki Hankins found a way to turn strands into ropes and ropes into cables and cables into a new foundation Jackie loves her family and get the gold medal as a grandmother – built to endure the test of time. she is relentless in the display of love and gratitude that many families are missing today. Of course you cannot leave out her cats Vikki started her project with little to no capital and often times and her admiration for jazz…she is some kind of special. Jackie a chose the project over proper nutrition but no one would know cancer survivor says “the excitement of something new each day is by her appearance or demeanor which has never failed to ofwhat fascinates me about my work; I like being in the middle of fer kind words and an invigorating smile. the action”. Jackie is a lover of humanity and human interest stories and when you meet her you will agree that she is the funniBetty Martinez Lowery est and kindest anchor on the planet that keeps it real simple and Manager MBD Walt Disney World let it do what it do. Currently Jackie holds the award for being a Betty Martinez Lowery is a manager of Micertified lover of collard greens who on any given Sunday will make nority Business Development at Walt Disney your taste buds do the cha cha…..yes she is quite the cook and World. Betty has more than 20 years of exextremely braggadocios about her skillsets –she is one groovy perience in human and public relations, woman with a style and zeal for life that can’t be denied. with an emphasis on cross-cultural communication. She is the ‘Specialist’ in organizaNancy Cannady Brown - 106foto.com tional development and human resource/ What I find so loving about Nancy is that relations training and consulting. Her daily her name and work are synonymous – life is advocacy against injustice, and Betty before I knew her name, I KNEW her work; is nationally known for her stance with hu106FOTO has successfully changed the man relations, dedication to fighting bias, bigotry and racism, way we see America. The lens of Ms. and to promoting understanding and respect among all races, Brown has traveled the globe and her ad- religions and cultures. She is a 2011 Women Who Means Busimirers have vicariously seen the world ness Award Recipient. because of it. She is self-proclaimed and is a photographer extraordinaire; her work She was the founder of the nationally recognized and award winis compelling and powerful yet calming ning Language Bank, providing translation and interpretation and loving. 106FOTO has executed several contracts to photo- services in 68 languages to the children and families of Orange graph major conferences and events throughout North County. Betty was the host for two seasons of Family Works, a America. “We attribute our success to our high degree of pro- magazine show focusing on all issues related to the family that fessionalism, our superior technical skill and our proactive, en- aired locally on PBS, and for six seasons as host and executive gaging attitude” says Brown. On average, 106FOTO photog- producer of Vision, a community-affairs show that aired on WRDQ raphers have at least 5 years of experience with event photog- Action 27, focused on discussion of issues of community concern, raphy. Providing excellent customer service with a smile, de- to provide a forum from which diverse individuals can learn from livering timely and memorable products and services which is each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect, in order to find their #1 goal and it’s unanimous that 106FOTO hits their goal solutions. Betty is the published author of two children’s Spanish one click after another. language books, and is currently working on her first novel, a semi-biographical story of her parents experience as survivors of Vikki Hankins the Cuban revolution and their immigration to the United States Fine Success Magazine as refugees in the early 1960s. Betty has received numerous local, Like Sadie Hawkins became a custom, it’s state and national awards of distinction in her field, including customary for her followers to know her as the President’s Award for the Pursuit of Excellence, the highest the Vikki Hankins Fine Success Project. honor presented to non-profit Executive Directors. And her biggest and most notable work is that of a successful marriage deFine Success Magazine forever inspires you cades long with children and grandchildren of valor representing to be the best ‘you’; never-ending. Success the essence of power a unified family brings to society. Betty is is not always measured by financial wealth, everybody’s boo and her heart beats bigger than a chorus line on material possessions or power. Success is the an illuminated stage.

Fit Like A Ras above, what lifestyle changes can we employ to get de fullest out of our genetically predetermined lifespan? I think the Blue Zones project (http://www.bluezones.com/) is a really interestBy Jeremy Roberts - NASM ing source of info. Yuh can go check it out yuhself, but dey come up wid 9 factors dey seh matter. Dey call them the “Power 9”: 1. Move naturally 2. Have a purpose 3. Deal wid stress positively 4. Don’ overeat 5. Eat mo’ plants 6. Drink alcohol moderately 7. Belong to some faith based org 8. Family first and 9. Social circle o, we know whuh “fit” mean: basically, bein’ able to “run wid de same habits. yuh race” to de bes’ a yuh ability. We definin’ mos people race as just livin’ as long an’ pain free as possible, doing Blue Zones is an interesting study, but it ain’t de full story. Mos’ a basic everday activities that bring you joy: playin’ wid we don’ really wan’ live wid a set a old people! Seriously, it might yuh chirren/granchirren, partyin’, sex, tings like dat. be more useful to look at exceptionally aged people who live in Some ol’ people – like me – does wan’ do a lil more the general population, and check how they’re different from the people around them. And we could reach around the world to see dan dat, but we gon talk bout dem another time. how many of these exceptional people there are. Most people have some issue being able to do all those things. Leh we look at the stats: 31% of adult Americans (yeah, even if yuh It look like a lot a de story is genetic: http://www.independent. co.uk/ born in de Caribbean, dat’s you!) have high blood pressure (http:// news/science/scientists-discover-what-makes-us-live-longerwww.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm). The percent over 20 who are 2016372.html. There are other contributory factors, but really nothing definitive. The best science I n I come across obese: 35.9. Overweight people is about 33.0% seh de usual tings: don’ smoke, don’ drink too (http://www.cdc. gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_ much, keep moving. And maybe be a woman: of adult_09_10obesity _adult_09_10.htm)….. ah the 68 verified supercentenarians, 65 are women wonder if is de same people!! As an aside, obesity (maybe what happenin’ is dat women drivin’ men is a complex issue, so I tend to ignore it when talkto a early grave!!). ing about wha’ people should do or when lookin’ at health stats. About 22% of US adults have diagSo how bout yuh quality of life? If we gon live suh nosed arthritis (http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/ long, we ain’t wan’ live it out in pain, and dependata_statistics/arthritis _related_stats.htm). dent on other people, or as is happening too frequently, mental degradation, with dementia/ Premature death, which is measured as the loss Alzheimer’s on the rise. Recent research suggests of years of life due to death before age 75 (http:/ that regular physical activity has a positive effect on /www.americashealth rankings.org/all/YPLL) cognitive function (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ is primarily due to 5 tings: cancer, unintentional pubmed/24427444). Nutritional effects include B12 injury, heart disease, suicide and deaths occurdeficiency, deficiency in Omega 3 fatty acids, or ring during the perinatal period. Fuh de mos’ part, more specifically the Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio, but diet, exercise and sleep can only really help wit mih nah wan’ get too technical – jus’ eat more salmon heart disease, although cancer might also be Dr. Alexander Imich, the 2nd oldest living and maybe supplement wid some fish oil. slightly reduced with a healthy lifestyle. At least man in the world, eating birthday cake yuh could get in a few mo’ good years. Most of at his 111th birthday on Feb 4, 2014. Suh, dis fit ting we tryin’ to do - live life as long the cancer death is due to lung cancer, so if yuh as possible, an’ mek it a good, healthy life - got some common stop smoking yuh tekkin’ care a dat. threads: be lucky (get good genes), don’ smoke, drink a little less, Dem’s de stats. Whuh fih do? Back to we goals: 1. Live as long and bes’ of all, from my perspective – wuk out more! as possible an’ 2. Be able to enjoy dat life – be as close to “new” as possible throughout life. Given de causes of premature death Mek dese changes, an’ invite de Dread to yuh 100th birthday.

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First African American Female Transplant surgeon in America r. Velma Scantlebury was born in St Michael, Barbados, and attended the Alleyne School in St Andrew, before migrating to New York in 1969 with her parents who moved the family to New York City because they wanted better opportunities for their children. Dr. Scantlebury completed her high school education at the Prospect Heights High School at in Brooklyn, New York. She went on to Long Island University in 1973, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology. In 1977 she graduated and moved on to Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she earned her medical degree. This was followed by an internship and residency in general surgery at Harlem Hospital Centre in New York. In 1989, Scantlebury became an assistant professor and later an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh which is one of the top transplant centers in the World. She completed her fellowship training in transplantation surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, and continued her career in transplantation under the leadership of Dr Thomas Starzl from 1988 to 2002.

have a better life through the gift of transplantation.” Dr. Scantlebury is the first African American female transplant surgeon in America. She is currently the associate director of the Kidney Transplant Program at Christiana Care in Delaware. She credits her mentor; Dr. Barbara Barlow, for her success, Dr. Barlow took the time to teach her the ins-and-outs of surgery and utilized her network to help move her forward - Dr. Barbara Barlow is a Pediatric surgeon. She is an active educator in the field of AfricanAmerican organ donation, she has served on the board for the American Society of Minority Health and Transplant Professionals and as a spokesperson for Linkages to Life, an organization that encourages African-Americans to become organ donors. She continues to mentor young students and residents, and encourages them to “reach for the stars” and follow their dreams. Many of Dr. Scantlebury’s patients are uninsured or underinsured. She often sees minority patients in dialysis because they can’t afford the medications to keep their kidneys strong. She works with social workers to get government funding for her patients.

One of her current and future endeavors is to increase the longevity of the transplant patient. The average survival time for a kidney transplant is 10 to 15 years for a living donor and 8 for a cadaver transplant. As the co-author of more than 85 medical papers, 10 monographs and book chapters, Dr. Velma Scantlebury is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American SociDr. Scantlebury has performed more than 200 living donor ety of Minority Health and Transplant Professionals. She has stated transplants and more than 500 deceased donor kidney that she refuses to retire until there are ten more black women in transplants in children and adults, according to USA Medi- transplant surgery in the United States. Currently there is only cine. In an article featured in Ebony Magazine in 2006 she one other black woman transplant surgeon. Dr Scantlebury-White was quoted as saying “My passion is to educate the Afri- is married to Dr Harvey White and is the mother of two daughcan-American community and to empower dialysis patients ters, Akela and Aisha. She has been featured as one of the Best with the knowledge and understanding that they too can Doctors in America by BestDoctors.com. In 2002, she was recruited from the University of Pittsburgh to the University of South Alabama. While at the University of South Alabama, Scantlebury was appointed professor of surgery and director of the University of South Alabama’s Gulf Coast Regional Transplant Centre.

Kudos to the President and His “My Brother’s Keeper” Initiative

By Roger Caldwell

The difference with President Obama is that he can see himself as one of these young Black men, and he has friends that were ny historian will tell his students that a president’s second unable to rise above the conditions in the community. “We term will define his legacy to the country and the world. just assume this is an inevitable part of American life, instead President Obama will go down in of the outrage that it is. These statistics history as one of America’s greatshould break our hearts. And they est presidents that held the office. should compel us to act,” says the presi“From the moment President dent at the My Brother’s Keeper event. Obama walked into the East Here are some of the statistics rattled off Room for the My Brother’s by the president: Keeper event, you could tell this initiative was personal for him,” says Jonathan • During the first three years of life, a Capehart of the Washington Post. child born into a low- income family hears 30 million fewer words than a Many will argue that for five years the child born into a well-off family. president has been asleep at the switch, when it comes to the deplorable condi• If a child can’t read well by the time tion of Black and Hispanic young men. he’s in 3rd grade, he’s four times less Some would say that the president has likely to graduate from high school by not done anything, but they are wrong. age 19. For the last five years, President Obama has allocated millions of dollars to young fatherhood programs around the country and continues to make a difference in thousands of young men’s lives. The leaders, teachers, and organizations on the front line have been engaged in this initiative for ten or fifteen years and our president has been their biggest supporter, since he took office. The media and Bill O’Reilly will take the credit for convincing the president to initiate a program for Black and Hispanic young men. This will be news-breaking information for two weeks and eventually it will evaporate, and there will be another hot item to take its place. But, this program for the president is more than just a hot news item, because when he was growing up, he had no dad. When he was growing up, he was angry, got high, made excuses, and sometimes sold himself short. This is why privileged white men cannot understand Black men, because there is no emotional connection to the African American experience in America.

• We know that Latino kids are almost twice as likely as white kids to be suspended from school. Black kids are nearly four times as likely. • We know that students of color are far more likely than their white classmates to find themselves in trouble with the law. If a student gets arrested, he’s almost twice as likely to drop out of school. When the president finished his remarks, there was not a dry eye in the East Room. It is a state of emergency with young Black and Hispanic men in the country, and everyone is affected. There are no simple steps to the solutions for these problems, but this is an American problem. Exposing these problems by the president is a step in the right direction, and it is essential that the entire country becomes engaged. Everyone needs a fair opportunity to succeed and reach their highest potential. The president continues to use his office as a platform for change.

Find Caribbean Restaurants, Plumbers, Events, Discount Coupons, Deals and Much More!

Advocating for Open Opportunities —Continued from page 1—

policy changes to the Legislature, Cabinet Officials, State Department Officers and Private Corporations throughout Florida. Since its inception in 2011, FLCBB events are intended to foster an open and positive communication of Florida’s black business owners with local and state elected officials as well as top procurement agencies in order to formulate strategic initiatives that would assist in “opening business” opportunities for black businesses. As well, FLCBB has researched and continues as develop a slate of policy issues to which they can lend their collective support to educate policy makers. Currently the organizations has many partners, including: BBIF Florida, Central Florida African American Chamber of Commerce, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, Florida Association of Minority Business Enterprise Officials, National Association of Black Women in Construction and Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation to name only a few. Black business owners throughout Florida are invited to become a part of this consortium. Over the course of the one day bus trip, Florida’s black business leaders will be able to network with key decision-makers at a legislative level and business level while stating the issues that impact their businesses to the state’s black legislators. Trip registration is open and organizers are urging the business community to join them to get their voices heard. In addition, to the Town Hall meeting in Tallahassee, the fee includes travel, food and 1-year FLCBB membership. Each ticket is $125.00. For additional event details and to purchase tickets, visit www.flcbb.com or call: 407-843-9901.

Holi Festival

Continued from page 1 powder and colored water, with some carrying water guns and balloons all filled with colored water. It is also a tradition that you wear white cloths so as to emphasize the colors as you are powdered and water soaked . . .anyone and everyone is fair game, friend or stranger, rich or poor, man or woman, children and elders. This year there will be many celebrations of the Holi Festival by various groups; join in the celebrations in your community or join us at Turkey Lake Park Sunday, March 16th from 12:00 noon to 7:00pm as we celebrate our cultural diversity.

JungleVibes.TV • Top 5 Video Picks 1 Artist: KI ft. Olutanji Title: “Runaway” Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Ki is dubbed the 2014 Chutney Soca Monarch King. Ki has a string of hits since his arrival on the chutney scene. This song was written and produced by Ki and Rishi Mahato for Maha Productions. It is definitely good to hear other chutney producers make hit songs other than the pungalunks factory. 2 Artist: Machel Montano Title: “Epic” Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Machel dropped this song and video just in time for TNT Carnival. This song is on heavy rotation amongst all west Indian pirate radio stations so much traditional radio stations have no choice but to play this song. This song was written by Machel, Jojo, Kurtis Wells from Full Blown Entertainment and and produced by Future London. 2014 is a big year for soca, chutney and carnival jump up music due to the fusion of hype and energy music like electronica and dance music. Next stop Orlando Carnival! 3 Artist: Jah Bouks Title: “Call Angola” Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Jah Bouks exploded on the reggae dancehall scene with his hit song “Call Angola”. This particular song receives “money pull ups” when its dropped in the dance. Jah Bouks sings with diasporic expressions of Unity, Rastafari, Africa, Equality, Love and Positivity. Call Angola was written by Jah Bouks and directed by Wayne Benjamin for Fabrikated Projex. #certified

4 Artist: Alborosie Title: “Play fool to catch wise” Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Alborosie is an Italian reggae artist. Born and raised in Italy, but now resides in Jamaica. His first solo album was called Soul Pirate. In the summer of 2009 he released his second album which was called “Escape from Babylon. Two albums worth a listen. Alborosie recently performed at the 21st Annual 9 mile concert and had the crowd feeling nice. Alborosie secured a major distribution deal with VP Records/ Greensleeves but continues to record under his own imprint, For ward Recordings. Check Alborosie out at www.alborosiemusic.com. 5 Artist: Snoop Lion ft. Eddie Murphy Title: “Red Light” Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Snoop Lion/dogg teamed up with Eddie Murphy and wrote this song titled “redlight”. Snoop has been getting a lot of flack for going back in forth from Rasta to gangster rapper and vice versa. JVTV definitely rates this song because two non reggae beings came together to produce this track that sounds like it came straight from Aswad, Burning Spear, even the likes of Morgan Heritage. This evolution that Snoop is embracing has landed him in some confortable positions like uniting Gully and Gaza (popcaan and Mavado) with the song “put your lighters up”. Lets see what Snoop pulls out his hat of tricks in the near future. Watch the only Caribbean Music Television show in Central Florida every Sunday at 4:00pm on Brighthouse Networks Channel 49. Advertise your business and increase visibility and revenue! For more information,call Rali at 407-340-2218.

Breaking Point Stars Erik Grey & Diana Lovell —Continued from page 1—

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The stars of Breaking Point Erik Grey and Diana Lovell chatted with Caribbean American Passport about their upcoming movie Breaking Point, filmed in Central Florida. Their interview in full will be featured in the April issue of Caribbean American Passport - however we wanted to share a bit about their Caribbean Connections: Actress Diana Lovell was married to a Guyanese and loves pepperpot, Actor Erik Grey has played the part of Jamaicans in previous movies and has a special love of Caribbean food and culture. Both are avid fans of chicken foot - something that only really Caribbean people could understand and love, so as a result we’re offering to adopt them both as honorary Caribbean Nationals. Of course they are both gorgeous, but they are so much more warm, engaging, smart, funny and talented. The Breaking Point is about Shawn Dickerson, a young, street guy who is accused of killing BRENDA SAWYER, a wealthy prominent woman, known for her compassion for kids from the inner-city. Shawn is hunted by Brenda’s grieving husband HARRY, the police, and a very ambitious and overzealous Assistant D.A. name BALLARD, who is willing to do whatever she has to do to make District Attorney even if it means breaking the rules. We look forward to celebrating the premiere of The Breaking Point with them on Sunday April 13th at 7pm and 9pm at the AMC Universal Cineplex @ Universal’s CityWalk. To find out more about this movie go to http://breakingpointfeaturefilm.com/.

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