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FREE Your Passport to the Caribbean American Community
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President Obama Commutes Oscar Lopez Rivera's Sentence By Maria Padilla
Cuba - USA
Cuba and the United States restored diplomatic relations on 20 July 2015, which had been severed in 1961 during the Cold War. U.S. diplomatic representation in Cuba is handled by the United States Embassy in Havana, and there is a similar Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C.. The United States, however, continues to maintain its commercial, economic, and financial embargo, which makes it illegal for U.S. corporations to do business with Cuba. Although the U.S. President, Barack Obama, has called for the ending of the embargo, U.S. law requires congressional approval to end the embargo. President Barack Obama recently ended the longstanding "wet foot, dry foot" policy that allows Cubans who arrive in the United States without a visa to become permanent residents, on Thursday January 12th, 2017.
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scar López Rivera will go free after 35 years in prison, thanks to President Barack Obama’s order granting clemency to the 74-year old imprisoned on charges related to violent activities in support of Puerto Rico independence.
Community activists in Florida, New York and Puerto Rico had stepped up
pressure on Obama – wrote, called, held marches – to draw attention to López Rivera. The president issued the order Tuesday as part of commuting the sentences or pardoning a total of 273 individuals; 209 commutations and 64 pardons, according to the White House...Continued on Page 6
Exxon Mobil finds more oil offshore Guyana ExxonMobil announcedThursday positive results from its Payara-1 well offshore Guyana. Payara is ExxonMobil’s second oil discovery on the Stabroek Block and was drilled in a new reservoir.
The move, which wasn't previously outlined and is likely one of the final foreign policy decisions of Obama's term, terminates a decades-long policy that many argued amounted to preferential treatment for a single group of migrants. "By taking this step, we are treating Cuban migrants the same way we treat migrants from other countries," Obama wrote in a statement Thursday. ...Continued on Page 6
ExxonMobil offshore in the waters of Guyana
...Continued on pg 6
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L I F E S T Y L E
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2017 & the Cards You Hold
anuary is about starting fresh, starting new, it’s a month that is filled with hope. My column today borrows from a 2013 commencement speech that Oprah Winfrey gave at Harvard University that has stuck with me throughout since. “My one hope today is that I can be a source of some inspiration,” she said. “I’m going to address my remarks to anybody who’s ever felt inferior, disadvantaged or screwed by life.” That’s why we’re sharing this with you. After the election on November 8th, most of us felt screwed by life. But it’s now 2017. A new year, time to shake that off. Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor
Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor
Oprah had the following five points to share -
On the good that came come from failure. “It doesn’t matter how far you might rise. At some point, you are bound to stumble. If you’re constantly pushing yourself higher and higher, the law of averages predicts that you will at some point fall. And when you do, I want you to remember this: There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction. Now, when you’re down there in the hole, it looks like failure. When that moment comes, it’s okay to feel bad for a little while. Give yourself time to mourn what you think you may have lost. But then, here’s the key: Learn from every mistake, because every experience, particularly your mistakes, are there to teach you and force you into being more who you are.”
and inevitably in their own way, everyone asks this question: ‘Was that okay?’ I heard it from President Bush, I heard it from President Obama, I’ve heard it from heroes and from housewives, I’ve heard it from victims and perpetrators of crimes. I even heard it from Beyonce in all her Beyonce-ness … They all want to know: ‘Was that okay? Did you hear me? Did you see me? Did what I said mean anything to you?'”
On the key to success and happiness.
“You will find true success and happiness if you have only one goal. There really is only one, and that is this: To fulfill the highest, most truthful expression of yourself as a human being. You want to max out your humanity by using your energy to lift yourself up, your family, and the people around you. Theologian Howard Thurman said it best. He said, ‘Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.'”
Be blessed this year with hope and courage to live to your full potential. From the Caribbean American Passport Family and mine. Blessings for 2017.
On her own biggest personal failure. “The Oprah Winfrey Show was number one in our spot for 21 years, and I have to tell you, I became pretty comfortable with that level of success. But a couple of years ago, I decided, as you will at some point, that it was time to recalculate, find new territory, and break new ground. So I ended the show and launched OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network. One year later, after launching OWN, nearly every media outlet had proclaimed that my new venture was a flop … I can still remember the day I opened up USA Today and read the headline, ‘Oprah: Not Quite Standing On Her OWN’ … It really was the worst period in my professional life. I was stressed and I was frustrated, and quite frankly, I was embarrassed … Then the words came to me, ‘trouble don’t last always,’ from an old hymn. This too shall pass. And I thought, I am going to turn this thing around and I will be better for it. And I am here to tell you that I have turned that network around.”
On the common thread of all the interviews she’s conducted during her career. “The single most important lesson I learned in 25 years talking every single day to people, was that there’s a common denominator in our human experience. The common denominator I found in every single interview is we want to be validated. We want to be understood. I’ve done over 35,000 interviews in my career. And as soon as that camera shuts off,
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Print Archive.
Editor & Publisher ............................................................... Sam Roberts Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Graphic Design & Layout ......................................Jan Longwell-Smiley Contributing Writers: ............................................................ Tony Dyal ..............................................................................................Ryan Davis
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ImmigrationINFO
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Immigration News For Our Community Change in Cuban Immigration Policy - illegal entry no longer lead to legal status By Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Gail@GailLaw.com 1-877-GAIL-LAW
@GailSeeram FREE In-Office Consultation FREE Live Chat www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com
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ffective January 12, 2017, the United States of America is changing its Cuban Immigration Policy. The Cuban Adjustment Act or “Wet FootDry Foot” gave legal status ("green card") to Cubans who entered the U.S. illegally once they made it to U.S. soil and remained in the U.S. for 1 year and 1 day. Cubans were the only group of immigrants in U.S. history who were rewarded for illegal entry and given legal status in the U.S. President Obama has now ended this “Wet Foot-Dry Foot” policy and Cubans are now subject to the same rules as any other immigrant to the U.S.
The United States and Cuban spent months negotiating the agreement. The end to the “Wet Foot-Dry Foot” policy will discourage people-trafficking and dangerous boat journeys from Cubans to the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security also ended a parole program that allowed entry for Cuban medical professionals. Statement by the President Obama on Cuban Immigration Policy
rants the same way we treat migrants from other countries. The Cuban government has agreed to accept the return of Cuban nationals who have been ordered removed, just as it has been accepting the return of migrants interdicted at sea. Today, the Department of Homeland Security is also ending the Cuban Medical Professional Parole Program. The United States and Cuba are working together to combat diseases that endanger the health and lives of our people. By providing preferential treatment to Cuban medical personnel, the medical parole program contradicts those efforts, and risks harming the Cuban people. Cuban medical personnel will now be eligible to apply for asylum at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world, consistent with the procedures for all foreign nationals. The United States, a land of immigrants, has been enriched by the contributions of Cuban-Americans for more than a century. Since I took office, we have put the CubanAmerican community at the center of our policies. With this change we will continue to welcome Cubans as we welcome immigrants from other nations, consistent with our laws. During my Administration, we worked to improve the lives of the Cuban people - inside of Cuba - by providing them with greater access to resources, information and connectivity to the wider world. Sustaining that approach is the best way to ensure that Cubans can enjoy prosperity, pursue reforms, and determine their own destiny. As I said in Havana, the future of Cuba should be in the hands of the Cuban people." Copyright © Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2016. All Rights Reserved. 1-877-GAIL-LAW or 407-292-7730 www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com
"Today, the United States is taking important steps forward to normalize relations with Cuba and to bring greater consistency to our immigration policy. The Department of Homeland Security is ending the socalled "wet-foot/dry foot" policy, which was put in place more than twenty years ago and was designed for a different era. Effective immediately, Cuban nationals who attempt to enter the United States illegally and do not qualify for humanitarian relief will be subject to removal, consistent with U.S. law and enforcement priorities. By taking this step, we are treating Cuban mig-
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WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU?
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ho says you can’t take it with you? In Ancient times, the Pharoahs and Emperors wanted to be remembered for their great deeds and power so they built impressive tombs because to erase one's memory on earth was to erase one's immortality. Many surrounded themselves with what they thought they would need when they arrived at their final destination. The Chinese were big on personal property. Like the Egyptians, they believed the dead would need their favorite objects, as well as things of value, in the other world. The tomb of the first emperor of Chin, Qin Shi Huangtai, is the most famous example of Chinese burial practices in the ancient world. Shi Huangti’s tomb was designed to symbolize the realm he presided over in life and included all he would need in the next - including a terra cotta army of over 8,000 men.
The journey to the afterlife was long, and so Egyptian rulers were buried with food, water and wine to help them on their travels. In Tutankhamun’s tomb, archaeologists found thirty six jars of vintage wine and eight baskets of fruit. Beautiful jewelry and clothes were buried with a Pharaoh so he could travel in style to the afterlife. Tutankhamun was buried with over fifty garments of the finest linen…lots of jewelry, including bracelets, buckles, pendants, necklaces, rings and scarabs made from gold and precious stones. There were also fans to keep him cool; one was made from ivory with huge ostrich feathers. In comparison, the last wish of a Ugandan public servant to be buried with money is no big thing. Charles Obong, 52, who worked as a senior personnel officer in the Ministry of Public Service wanted to use the cash to redeem his soul before God. As one report put it, “The hereafter, more so meeting the Creator on Judgement Day, is without a doubt a spine-chilling thought. This was the terror-provoking imagination that tormented a former Public Service officer who saved more than US$55,000 to bribe the Almighty Father on Judgement Day so He could forgive his earthly sins.” Mr. Obong died on December 17, 2016 and subsequently his wife, a principal immigration officer, confessed that her husband had told her to bury him with huge sums of cash which he would carry to heaven to offer God on Judgement Day. He also instructed his brother Justin Ngole and sister Hellen Aber to bear witness to ensure his wife followed his instructions to the letter and put the money in his coffin. The will was silent about the sins Obong wanted to make amends for but, it was noted, that he worked at the Public Service ministry which was reportedly guilty of a major pension scam involving about US$70mn. News of Mr. Obong’s overture to the Almighty reached the Head of his Clan and a tempestuous meeting followed which led to the hurried departure of the hearse and the exhumation of the body on the grounds that burying clan members with money was taboo. When the coffin was opened US$ 5,700 in $100 notes was found in it.
That said, would God accept a Lamborghini? A report from Florida stated that hip-hop mogul Alexander Bernard Harris was murdered in 2002 while he was at a barbershop and his last wish was to be buried in his banana-yellow Lamborghini Murcielago. The performer’s memorial ceremony featured his embalmed corpse sitting in the driver’s seat of the luxury sports-car but it looks like his widow did not agree with his request and buried him in a glass coffin. Poor Harris. He could not drive it through the Pearly Gates or offer St. Peter a turn at the wheel. According to the website CRAVE, fancy wheels and money are not the strangest things that accompany the deceased into the underworld. One man who ate at Burger King every day took a Whopper with him. When New York attorney John Jacobs died, his wife put his fully-charged new Motorola T720 cell phone in his hand. When he cashed in his chips, Arch West, the Frito Lay executive who developed Doritos, the Taco flavored chips, had cheese flavored Doritos sprinkled in his grave. A Tennessee man, William Wise, was buried with his horse, hunting hound and a sharp sword because he was afraid that his soul would be consigned to Hell and if that was the case he planned to track down Satan and kill him. While Wise might not have been all that wise, what would you have done if you were Mr. Obong’s wife? Here is what another wife, faced with the same final request to bury money, did. Her husband loved money and told her that when he died she had to take all his money and put it in the casket with him. She promised with all her heart she would do so. At the funeral, she had a shoebox with her and just before the interment placed it in the casket. One of her friends was aghast and exclaimed, “Don’t tell me you were crazy enough to bury the money with him? She said. “Yes, I promised. I’m a good Christian, I can’t lie. I promised him that I was going to put that money in that casket with him.” The friend asked, “You mean to tell me you put every cent of his money in the casket with him?” “I sure did,” said the wife. “I got it all together, put it into my account and I wrote him a check.” *Tony Deyal was last seen saying that Frank Sinatra was buried with a bottle of Jack Daniels whisky and a carton of Camel Cigarettes. However, unlike King Tut, none of his fans was buried with him.
The Rev. Joel Agel Awio, who presided at the funeral, clarified that no amount of money can buy eternal life, adding that God cannot accept such a golden handshake.
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By Tony Deyal
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President Obama Commutes Oscar Lopez Rivera's Sentence ...Cont. from pg 1 Clemency Not Pardon López Rivera, however, was not pardoned for his bombmaking activities in connection with the FALN (Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación Nacional) that is believed to total over 100 bombings, six deaths and many others injured.
The Puerto Rican community reacted joyously to the news that López Rivera would be out of federal prison in May.
A clemency is not a pardon, which means López Rivera’s record is not wiped clean and his rights are not restored. “These … individuals learned that our nation is a forgiving nation, where hard work and a commitment to rehabilitation can lead to a second chance, and where wrongs from the past will not deprive an individual of the opportunity to move forward,” according to the White House statement.
Exxon Mobil finds more oil offshore Guyana...Cont. from pg 1 Steve Greenlee, president Company. “We look forward and our co-venturers to exploration potential on Liza area.”
of ExxonMobil Exploration to working with the government continue evaluating broader the block and the greater
“These latest exploration successes are examples of ExxonMobil’s technological capabilities in ultradeepwater environments, which will enable effective development of the resource for the benefit of the people of Guyana and our shareholders,” Greenlee said.
The well was drilled by ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, and encountered more than 95 feet (29 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. It was safely drilled to 18,080 feet (5,512 meters) in 6,660 feet (2,030 meters) of water. The Payara field discovery is about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of the 2015 Liza discovery.
Drilling on Payara began on Nov. 12 with initial total depth reached on Dec. 2. Two sidetracks have been drilled to rapidly evaluate the discovery, and a well test is underway to further evaluate the successful well results. The well data will be analyzed in the coming months to better determine the full resource potential. The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.
In addition to the Payara discovery, appraisal drilling at Liza-3 has identified an additional high quality, deeper reservoir directly below the Liza field, which is estimated to contain between 100-150 million oil equivalent barrels. This additional resource is currently being evaluated for development in conjunction with the world-class Liza discovery.
Cuba - USA...Cont. from pg 1
"The United States, a land of immigrants, has been enriched by the contributions of Cuban-Americans for more than a century," he continued. "Since I took office, we have put the Cuban-American community at the center of our policies. With this change we will continue to welcome Cubans as we welcome immigrants from other nations, consistent with our laws."
The policy, in place for more than two decades, had applied solely to Cubans. Following a mass exodus of Cubans to the United States, former President Bill Clinton in the mid-1990s changed the "open door" policy on Cuban refugees, first established by President Lyndon B. Johnson, to the "wet, foot, dry foot" policy that repatriated Cubans intercepted at sea but allowed those who reach land to stay. The Administration said Cuba had agreed as part of the announcement to accept migrants who were turned away from the United States back into the country. Havana, Cuba has long argued the policy encourages Cubans to make the dangerous crossing from Cuba to Florida. Immigrants from other nations have argued the policy amounts to preferential treatment for one group.
The decision was likely Obama's last move in his historic dealings with Cuba. In 2014, he reopened ties to the island nation after a half-century of frozen diplomatic ties. During my administration, we worked to improve the lives of the Cuban people, inside of Cuba, by providing them with greater access to resources, information and connectivity to the wider world," Obama said. "Sustaining that approach is the best way to ensure that Cubans can enjoy prosperity, pursue reforms and determine their own destiny." Critics of the change in relations with Cuba, though, charge that the Cuban government hasn't improved its treatment of dissidents and other anti-democratic actions, and now lack pressure from the United States to changes its ways. The US government will now consider residency requests from these Cubans in the same way other migrants are processed when they arrive into the country. Officials said Thursday's decision does not affect Cubans already inside the United States, only future migrants who have not yet arrived.
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A Decade of Warmth in the Skies
In January 2017, Caribbean Airlines marks its tenth anniversary — a milestone for the airline’s dedicated staff and passengers. Caribbean Airlines was founded in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on 27th September, 2006, however their first ever flight took place on the 1st January 2007. At that time they had 128 weekly departures to 10 destinations and just five Boeing 737-800 aircraft In the first two months of operation, their on-time performance was 93.9% surpassing the average aviation industry’s standard of 85%. Caribbean Airlines also exceeded industry standards with an impressive lost baggage rate of just 0.7 for January 2007(less than one bag lost per thousand passengers). Caribbean Airlines customers were able to have easy connectivity to London, a city well loved by travelers. To meet increased travel demand for major regional events, like Cricket World Cup and the Tobago Jazz Festival in March and April they added a Boeing 737-800 aircraft and a hundred extra flights to their schedule. The enhanced schedule also included special charters to St. Kitts, Bermuda and Grenada, and is a clear example of Caribbean Airlines’ commitment to the Caribbean region.
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In the latter part of their maiden year, more than a dozen flight attendants from throughout the Caribbean region joined Caribbean. The recruitment from other CARICOM nations showed a commitment to being the airline for the entire Caribbean. By the end of 2007, Caribbean Airlines was firmly established as the corner stone for regional travel as evidenced by its steady growth. In early 2008, Caribbean Airlines began a daily service to Caracas, Venezuela. The new daily return flight was the first network expansion since the start of operations in January 2007. The introduction of a daily service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida soon followed, as did the expansion into Orlando, and they became the regional-airline with the most direct services between Trinidad and Florida. Today, 10 years on, Caribbean Airlines operates more than 600 weekly flights to 18 destinations in the Caribbean and North and South America.
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STILL TO QUALIFY
By Ryan Davis
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GOLD CUP QUALIFIERS 2017
he Concacaf Gold Cup qualifiers were in full swing this weekend as Caribbean/Central America and North American teams came closer to finding out their fate in the region’s top tournament this season.
WHO’S QUALIFIED
Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, all finished second in their respective groups, as a result they took part in a round robin tournament to see who will finish first and get the opportunity to play against Central America’s 5th place team for a chance to qualify for the Tournament. Les Grenadiers took care of business, finishing on top of the group by beating Suriname (4-2) and hosts Trinidad and Tobago (4-3) ousting the Soca Warriors from qualifying whilst moving on to a home and away battle with the 5th place Central American team.
The United States (hosts), Canada and Mexico along with Jamaica who finished 2nd in 2015’s Gold Cup will take part in their 10th regional championship. They will be joined by Martinique, the French speaking island qualifying for the 5th time. CINDARELLA The qualifiers has seen some upsets but it also created great stories. Curacao and French Guiana top the headlines for becoming the competition’s two debutants.
CENTRAL AMERICA Panama will host the Central American qualifiers from Jan 13th – 22nd. Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Nicaragua will all play in a round robin tournament. The top 4 will automatically qualify and the 5th place team will play against Haiti for the final spot in this summer’s competition. VENUES Back on November 6th 2016, French Guiana beat host Haiti 5-2 in the Caribbean Cup quarterfinals to book their place in this year’s tournament. In doing so they also qualified for the semifinals of the Caribbean Cup. French Guiana’s captain and goal keeper Donavon Leon stated: ‘’qualifying for the Gold Cup is the country’s greatest achievement.” He then went on to say that “the Gold Cup is our World Cup.” Two years ago, this virtually unknown football nation was on the cusp of qualifying for the 2015 Gold Cup. They lost a heartbreaking play off to Honduras (4-3) after leading by three goals to one in the first leg at home. However, this time they made no mistake. Now the eyes of the region will be looking at this potential Cinderella story.
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The cities and stadiums that will host the 2017 Gold Cup are as follows: Alamo dome – San Antonio, FirstEnergy Stadium – Cleveland, Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara Calif, Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, AT&T Stadium – Arlington VA, BBVA Compass Stadium – Houston, Qualcomm Stadium – San Diego, Raymond James Stadium – Tampa FL, Red Bull Stadium – New Jersey, Rose Bowl – Pasadena CA, Sports Authority Field in Mile High – Denver, Toyota Stadium – Frisco TX and University of Phoenix Stadium The 2017 Gold Cup will feature four first-time hosts: Alamodome (San Antonio, Texas); FirstEnergy Stadium (Cleveland, Ohio); Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California); and Nissan Stadium (Nashville, Tennessee)
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National Mentoring Month – Conversations with Stephen Powell “A Champion of Change” National Mentoring Month is a campaign While Stephen is an achieved mentor held each January to promote youth with awards and honors from Black mentoring in the United States. A Enterprise BE Modern Man, GQ/ highlight of the campaign is Thank Your Movado Leader, White House Mentor Day, in which Americans thank Champion of Change for Following in and honor their mentors. This campaign the Steps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrates mentoring and the positive effect he stopped to pause in honor to what it can have on young lives. Its goals are to: one would call, Master Mentors (if you Raise awareness of mentoring in its various will), First Lady, Michelle Obama also Stephen Powell forms. Recruit individuals to mentor, espeborn in January, who has been a driving force behind the Let’s Move Campaign and other mentor cially in programs that have waiting lists of young people. related initiatives for the White House “I am an example of With every generation, our Nation has expanded the essential what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their idea that no matter who you are or where you come from, lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was America is a place where -- with hard work and perseverance surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught -- you can make it if you try. Although obstacles and me about quiet strength and dignity.” – Michelle Obama challenges along the way can be discouraging, the mentorship He stopped to pause in honor of Susan L. Taylor who he says and support of others have always motivated our people to has not only been a mentor to him but a guiding light who’s persevere -- even in the toughest of times. At the start of each ignited the flame of mentorship around the world through New Year, we observe National Mentoring Month to honor her work, her writings and her influence as the founder of the parents, families, teachers, coaches, and mentors who National CARES Mentoring. pour their time and their love into lifting up America's daughters and sons. Nobody succeeds on their own: each Stephen ended our talk in a low and raspy voice as he said young person's strength and resilience is fostered by those “to mentors like Master Sgt. Debra Clayton of Orlando who who have taught them they can do anything they put their the world has come to love for her courage and care for mind to. In challenging situations and overwhelming young people who lost her life doing what she did best circumstances, or after a setback, mentors provide mentees protect, serve, honor community. Sgt. Clayton’s actions as a the chance they need to move forward and set their sights mentor was evident in the endless pictures of her even higher. involvement in youth and community oriented events. Her works will follow her forever. He said that not just Orlando “In too many communities, many children still have the odds but people around the world love her and will miss her stacked against them, which is why my Administration has dearly” (pause for a moment of silence) … striven to increase mentorship opportunities across our … It’s only fair to share that I too have a birthday in January country. Among other steps we have taken, we established the and for me it was a milestone and entrance into the Fabulous My Brother's Keeper initiative, which has inspired private 50’s. I’m more encouraged today than when I first became a organizations and communities in every State to address part of NCMM to keep the flame burning. As we concluded opportunity gaps and encourage mentorship as a tool for our conversation we came to this truth - in helping mentees helping all young people reach their full potential.” President achieve their goals, mentors can inspire them to reach back Barack Obama and provide the same support to someone else in need of a During this month, I had the honor of talking with Stephen mentor. Thank you Mentor Day may have passed but we Powell, Chief Program Officer for National CARES pause to thank Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, who placed a high Mentoring Movement headquartered in New York City, New value on National Mentoring Month. York. National CARES is founded by Susan L. Taylor, Editor by Nouchelle Hastings, Co-Chair, Greater Orlando CARES Emeritus Essence Magazine. January is National Mentoring Mentoring Movement contact: gocaresexecdr1@gmail.com Month but also the birth month of Ms. Taylor and the month BECOME A MENTOR NOW of For the Love of Children Gala which takes place annually at Our goal is filling the pipelines of existing local mentoring organizations with caring and committed men and women coming together to do the most the completion of the NCMM Summit and Leadership important work of our life--the critical quest to save and secure our young. development training. I asked Stephen for advice or what words of wisdom he could offer to mentors and organizations at large – one key component that would benefit both mentor and mentee. His immediate response was “SELF-CARE.”
Go to http://www.caresmentoring.org to find an organization nationally.
He went on to say “Self-love and prioritizing self-care are key ingredients to being a healthy mentor. Healthy mentors heal community so we must be intentional about staying healthy and whole to keep our children and community healthy and whole. It’s the whole part of the mentor that the mentee needs – they need in a mentor what’s missing in their personal lives or areas of their home, school or social life. At National CARES and our affiliates around the nation, we use “A New Way Forward: Healing What’s Hurting Black America” as a means to provide culturally affirming, traumainformed curriculum to shift consciousness in our community. www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
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Around Town
Pictures by Nancy Jo Brown
Members of the Delta XI Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha with Keynote Speaker Ms. Joy-Ann Reid
Keynote Speaker Ms. Joy-Ann Reid
Brother Reginald McGill
City of Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill
MLK Luncheon Committee Members 2017
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MLK Committe Members Presenting Award www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Chapter President Gerard Merritt
Thousands are expected To Visit Orlando To Celebrate 30 Years of Carnival. Orlando Carnival Celebrates 30 Years of Mas with a rebranded look and feel with the introduction of their OCD for Mas Campaign. This campaign in conjunction with the Carnival Takeover Series launched by their marketing and event coordinator GGR Marketing & PR takes the Color, Costumes and Culture of Carnival into the mainstream.
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rlando Carnival Downtown has been rebranded to showoff that the Caribbean Community is #OCD FOR MAS. This year’s 30th Anniversary celebration includes partnerships with Downtown Development Board, Church Street District, Visit Orlando, City of Orlando and Orange County as well as a group of local business people to bring wider attention to the festival of Carnival in Orlando on Memorial Weekend. The colorful costumes and vibrancy will as usual provide over the top pageantry, created by the designers of the masquerade bands who will take to the streets to celebrate 30 Years of Orlando Carnival at McCracken Field (Citrus Bowl) on Sunday, May 28th, 2017. The parade of bands will be led by Grand Marshals made up of Orlando’s best, including the first Black Ms. Florida and Ms. America 2004, Orlando’s own Ericka Dunlap. Prize packages have been created to stir the competitive juices of the Masquerade bands to entice them to bring their best to the streets. This year the event is being produced for The Original Orlando Carnival Association by GGR Marketing & PR, part of the Caribbean American Passport NewsMagazine Team. According to GGR Marketing’s CEO, Guenet Gittens-Roberts this event will feature a collaborative team of event promoters that under-
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stand the financial benefit that a huge Carnival brings to the Downtown Orlando area. “This year’s Carnival will tap into the multicultural community that celebrates Carnival, Carnaval and Mardi Gras. Splicing the cultures of the Caribbean, America, Latin America and Haiti to produce our distinct feel that will be a different vibe from any other City.” She said at a recent meeting. “ This year’s event will have a family friendly feel with the usual food, drinks and culture, but it will also feature a fete in front of the stage that will be a bacchanal area.” Carnival is a serious part of Caribbean Culture and this year’s 30th Celebration will showcase that Orlando is #OCD for Steel Pan #OCD for Culture and #OCD for Fete. We are happy to be #OCD to celebrate the arts, music, history and cultural identity of Caribbean people. Follow Orlando Carnival Downtown online at www.orlandocarnivaldowntown.com
.....Continued on Pg 15
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Cop Killer of Officer Debra Clayton Caught By Roger Caldwell
rlando police have caught Markeith Loyd around 7 pm Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in an abandoned home. Police surrounded the home, but Loyd tried to escape through the back of the home before SWAT teams arrived, Chief Mina said. Loyd then ran back inside the home and left again through the front door, wearing body armor and carrying two handguns. Loyd threw the guns to the ground and resisted arrest when police officers tried to detain him. He suffered minor injuries in the scuffle and was treated by firefighters.
Loyd was placed in Clayton’s handcuffs when he was caught as part of a “tradition in law enforcement,” Mina said. Orange County records show Loyd was booked on charges of first-degree murder with a firearm, unlawful killing of an unborn child, attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and two counts aggravated assault with a firearm.
and co-workers on the Orange County Police Department. Detectives have arrested three people so far in helping Loyd avoid arrest since December 13th. Lord’s niece Lakensha Smith-Loyd and ex-girlfriend, Jameis Slaughter faces a charge of accessory after the fact to first degree murder and bail has been set at $750,000. Former employer Zargher Mayan has also been arrested. Every day in Orlando and in Black neighborhoods across our country Blacks kill Blacks and very little is said about it in the local news. But when police in our neighborhood are killed, a $100,000 award is put up to locate the individual.
“Master-Sergeant Clayton has a warm heart and a deep care for the community that she took an oath to serve and protect 17 years ago. When someone tells you, hey there is a murder suspect right there, we have to act. We’ve not like regular citizens where we can just go hide in our car, or wait, or call 911, we have to act,” says Orlando police Chief John Mina. Clayton was alone when she encountered Markeith Loyd at the Walmart at John Young Parkway and Princeton Street. Clayton was well known in the community for volunteering her time to help at-risk youth. She was involved in numerous outreach programs through the Orlando Police Department. Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill spoke about the difference Clayton made in the community she served. “She gave it all to see transformation in the streets of Ivey Lane. In the corridor of Mercy Drive and up and down North Lane where she was a servant leader, she worked. At the time of her death, she was preparing to start a non-profit to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.”
The warfare of killings that take place in the streets of Black communities must stop, and this will only happen when we come together and say we have had enough. Deputy Debra Clayton and Deputy Norman Lewis were great heroes and they both died doing what they loved.
Some call her an angel and others called her love, but there was a life behind that badge. Officer Clayton had just married her soul mate last year in Jamaica. “Everything she worked for, she died for,” said her son Johnny.
“To all the families, loved ones, co-workers, and friends, we all have to keep pushing forward so we can make a better city,” says Johnny, Deputy Clayton’s son .
January 9th was a sad day for both local police Departments, because First Class Deputy Norman Lewis was killed on his motorcycle as he searched for the suspect Markeith Loyd. Deputy Lewis was an 11 year veteran and had played football on the University of Central Florida team. His ex-supervisor called him a hero and he will be missed by his family, friends
On Saturday at First Baptist Church Orlando, there were over 1,000 family members, police officers, and friends who attended Deputy Debra Clayton’s funeral, and on Sunday at First Baptist Church Orlando over hundreds of family members, police officers, and friends attended Deputy Norman Lewis’ funeral.
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View Point - by Justin Fortune
My name is Justin Fortune. I am a Caribbean-American youth of Haitian-Jamaican decent, and these are my ‘view-points’ on the events of the last several months in American Politics; and how they relate to our community.
E
lection Day 2016 – A day which may inspire visceral reactions from many of our readers was
a day that can only be described as one of dramatically mixed emotions. Hours before we realized whom would succeed the nation’s first American-American President – we witnessed two more historic victories for our State, and for our community. These beautiful moments can, and should provide us hope – Hope which will be vital for us as we continue forward during these next four years, and beyond. I am referring to the historic elections of State Attorney, Amaris Ayala, and Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan with United States Congresswoman, Val Demings and her family as she takes her Oat of Office United States Congresswoman, Val Demings. fulfilled what many considered to be her On January 7th, 2017 – Amaris birthright after losing by slim margins in a Donell Ayala was sworn in as the heavily gerrymandered district back in 2012. first African-American State Attorney in Florida’s history. As Former Chief Val Demings overcame a very the first woman or man from our strong Democratic field of highly-qualified community to ever hold this candidates to secure the nomination, as well important office, State Attorney as prevailing in the General Election to Ayala has finally shattered one of become the our new Representative, and dethe few remaining glass ceilings we facto leader of our Congressional delegation had left in our local politics. The Ofin the incoming Congress. Whether you agree State Attorney Amaris Donell Ayala fice of State Attorney is critical, and with her politics or not, Congresswoman Val having representation which reflects the diversity of the Deming’s leadership is undisputable, and invaluable as Ninth Judicial Circuit is just as important – if not more so an example of graceful strength for the youth of Central important than it’s incredible symbolic value. With her Florida. election, Mrs. Ayala has already made tangible strides toward restoring the public’s faith in the office, and those These two incredible women, and their respective public executing the duties of the chief criminal prosecutor in services should provide overwhelming evidence that this region. hope is not lost. Rather, Hope is very much alive in our Later that same month – another icon of our community, community – that’s my view point. former Orlando Police Department Chief Val Demings,
Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh's Oath of Office Brian Bacchus with the legendary Robert "Kool" Bell from Kool & the Gang and his wife Sekinah Bell
Orange County Property Appraiser, Rick Singh along with his family
Members of the United Foundation of Central Florida w/ Students from Evans High School
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by Kamal Abdool
OBAMACARE
R
epublicans are obsessed with repealing Obamacare with no viable alternative in place. It has been six years, over forty motions in the House of Representatives and any reasonable thinking person would assume the GOP worked on a Replacement Plan once Repealed. I heard Speaker Paul Ryan voice that the GOP is working *on Ideas. Folks, you can't pass Ideas in Congress, only written legislation in the form of a Bill. Speaker Ryan suggested that once the Affordable Care Act is Repealed an alternative will be in place within two to three years. Imagine you're on dialysis, the Republicans will take your machine with the promise that within three years you'll have a more efficient and cost effective replacement. GOP logic for you. So why this obsession with Repeal, why not improve the ACA as was done to Medicare over the years. It’s about destroying President Obama's legacy. Their goal is to ensure that the Obama's Presidency is relegated to a footnote in history. The hate the GOP displayed towards the President, questioning his legitimacy, his very birthright and these are good Christian men. Their behavior reinforces my resolve to keep religion out of my life. I'll concede that President Obama should have implemented the original Democratic Plan and the two billion dollar cost to set up the ACA Website is ridiculous. This is what the 2010 ACA Act should've looked like: 1. Americans remain with their current Group Employee Plan with the following adjustments. Remember, with Group Coverage pre-existing conditions do not come into play. A. You cannot be dropped if you got sick once enrolled. B. Set figure for the maximum out of pocket and increase the maximum annual coverage limits to $1 Million C. Women have access to reproductive coverage. If Catholic owned businesses have a problem with this, then relinqish ownership and keep your religion within the confines of your church.
*Note, I'm not advocating abortion coverage except in cases where the mother's health is in danger. 2. Private Health Insurance. Same rules at Group Coverage and Insurance Companies have the option not to enroll if prospective client has pre-existing conditions. Government must stay out of this category with the exception of ensuring compliance on the three requirements listed above. 3. Citizens who do not have access to Group Coverage or with a pre-existing condition. A. Same three requirements as Group Coverage. B. Remove current subsidies. C. Small co-payments for Preventative Services. D. Fixed co-payments for often used services, for example, Primary Care, Physician, Specialist Lab Work, X-Rays, Scans, Ambulance and Emergency Room. E. Insured must have a designated Primary Care Physician and PCP must Approve Additiional F. Let Insurance compete for the business. Will drive premium down. G. Three prescription categories - Generic, Brand and Special Drugs with co-payments of Ten, Twenty and Thirty Dollars. H. Medicaid assistance for the poor and working poor. Folks, column space limit additional details. However, this article's intent is to stimulate thought process as Republicans pursue Repeal and Replace. Do the recommendations sound simple, almost naive? Maybe. Remember, the more complicated plans get, the rich benefit.
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Letters to My Lawyer™ The Other Man
This column is primarily for educational purposes as well as to give the reader general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide any legal advice whatsoever. By reading this column you understand that there is no attorney-cliet relationship between you and writer/pub-lisher. This column should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney. This column is not published for advertising or solicitation purposes. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.
By Sasha Watson, Esq D
ear
Dear Lawyer: I was in a relationship with a married woman for about two (2) years. She complained constantly about her husband who was a truck driver and always out of town. She got pregnant and told me the child was mine. I was really excited as this is my first child and I figured we would be a family. However, that has not been the case. The baby was born about in August. She named the child after her husband and has cut off all contact with me. I know this is my child. What can I do to see my child and be a part of his life.
In Florida, whether a man may be recognized as a father to a child, and therefore afforded certain protections under the law, is often unrelated to the issue of biology or genetics. For you to be recognized under the law, the husband would first have to initiate a case in court to terminate his parental rights, created by virtue of the marriage. As the biological father of the child, you could then be joined in such a case to legally establish your rights as a parent. The problem herein is that the ball is in the court of the married couple, more so the husband. Many similarly situated fathers have filed paternity actions to get access to their biological children born during a marriage between the mother and another man. All these cases have not succeeded in changing Florida’s long standing jurisprudence on paternity and legitimacy. Please submit your letters to letters@hawmlaw.com. Each month a reader’s letter will be chosen for response. Letters to My Lawyer™ is a publication of Karlyn Hylton & Sasha Watson of Hylton, Adamson Watson, PLLC 1820 W. Colonial Drive |Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-802-3223 | F: 407-377-1971 Email: letters@hawmlaw.com
From The Other Man Dear The Other Man: Your case presents some very contentious and troubling issues. I applaud you for wanting to be a part of your child’s life. However, in Florida, the law is clear and well settled that a child born in wedlock is the legal child of the husband of the marriage. Although the child may have a different biological father, if the mother and her husband do not want to include the biological father in the child’s life, the law is clear that he has no parental rights and cannot legally force mother to do otherwise.
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