Caribbean American Passport News Magazine - May 2015 by caribbeanamericanpassport

FREE

Your Passport to the Caribbean American Community

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.

onday May 18th 2015 will mark the 212th Anniversary of the creation of our bicolor at the Congress of Arcahale. On behalf of the Consulate of the Republic of Haiti and myself. I invite you to exercise your patriotic duty and commemorate this historical milestone. Congress of Arcahale, was set from May 14th to 18th, 1803; the agenda had two essential points: the establishment of a united command of the revolutionary army under the authority of JeanJacques Dessalines and adoption of a flag. On the last day of the Congress, May 18th, Dessalines removed the white section out of the Red, White and Blue French Flag. The red and blue cloths were then sewn together by Catherine Flon, to form the first Blue and Red flag of the Republic of Haiti. The union of Arcahale led to the only successful slave uprising in the world and eventually the birth of our nation. May we continue to follow our motto “L’Union fait la Force,” with Unity there is Strength, as I take this opportunity to renew to you my fellow Haitians, my patriotic salutations. Non Tout Se Ayiti! Laurent Prosper Chief of Mission

Unity Unity–The people of Guyana have spoken . . . message of National Unity has been spoken by the people of Guyana. The 2015 National elections has made history on so many levels; APNU-AFC and all of

President Forbes Burnham and President Cheddie Jagan in the 1960s

Prime Minister Nagamootoo & President Granger

the supporting opposition (political) parties forming a coalition, the daughter of late President Forbes Burnham and the son late President Cheddie Jagan standing center stage endorsing the coalition,

Joey Jagan & Ulele Burnham

Continued on page 11

Consulate General Of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Hosts Networking Cocktail Event Featuring InvesTT Trinidad and Tobago he Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Miami, Florida, hosted a Networking Cocktail Event on Tuesday 28th April, 2015, at the official residence of the Consulate General, the Honorable Dr. Anil Ramnanan, featuring InvesTT Trinidad and Tobago, the islands’ main investment promotion agency aligned to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications.

The Consul General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honorable =Dr. Anil Ramnanan

Continued on page 6

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

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

POWER . . . the personal choice

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

us ensure that there is community connectivity from the grassroots level right up to the highest level of government; let us hold the government accountable to us as a people; let us constantly remind the government that we hold the power and that they actually work for us managing our resources. This is a democratic society and we sometimes forget that we THE PEOPLE hold the POWER:

he United States of America has been built on the foundation of the immigrant; whether your • Politically - we hold the power of our VOTE; we vote ancestors landed at Plymouth Rock or not, everyyou “IN” or “OUT one other than the Native Americans are immigrants. It matters not if this is acknowledged by • Economically we hold the power of where we spend the Republicans or the Democrats it is simply the facts. our hard earned MONEY It is time to call a spade a spade, with that said let’s hope the Native Americans don’t ever get into power • Socially we control our homes, our families, our neighborhood, our schools, and therefore our COMotherwise the deportation numbers would go through MUNITIES/VILLAGES. the roof. Whenever I hear these debates and discussions about ‘Immigration Reform’ and listen to all the opinions and perspectives of these political entities I’m always confused when they refer to the immigrants as “Them” and “They”. How many of these politicians are truly Native American? Are any of these objectors to Immigration Reform truly in a position to object? Aren’t most, if not all, of them descendants of immigrants? The POWER to change National policy and your political party’s position is in the hands of the PEOPLE……think about it – Who do you know that is not an immigrant – President Obama is an immigrant, Senator Rubio is an immigrant….who isn’t? Back to my point of ‘Power and personal choice’; so many of us have made the sacrifice to make this our home and thereby give up that true sense of home that you feel when you’re back in the Caribbean or wherever you’re from. I’m sorry but I’m feeling a little nostalgic; actually I’m not sorry, it’s simply the fact, I miss my homeland of Guyana. Guyana is going through its developmental ‘Growing Pains’, with political division and racial segregation and most recently our National and Regional elections – I truly feel a sense of appreciation for those who stayed in Guyana and worked on the development and growth. We in the diaspora are as engaged as we can be without actually being on the streets in Guyana engaging in the political process. The diaspora is connected via the internet, via social media and via the instant messaging platforms of ‘WhatsApp’, ‘BBM’ . . . whatever means necessary . . . we were connected, listening, and eagerly awaiting the results. I always feel the need to say this so that my message is clear and not misused or abused; I love America, I love Guyana and I love my Caribbean American culture. Now let’s talk Guyana. Change – let us, as Guyanese, commit ourselves to being more actively involved in the political process, in the socioeconomic development and in the community engagement platform to implement the changes needed. Let

We the people are the POWER; I’m not a Socialist, I’m not a Capitalist, I’m not a Communist, I’m not an Environmentalist – I’m a ME. I truly believe in the PEOPLE; I believe in a combined ideology that incorporates Socialism, Capitalism, and many of the other ideologies, including Communism. We the PEOPLE hold the POWER in every aspect of the governance of our Countries. Politicians MUST remember, or be reminded constantly, that their actions, their policies and their development strategies must be in the best interest of the PEOPLE, ALL of the PEOPLE and not based on Party Politics.

GGR Marketing & Public Relations 1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 Office: 407-427-1800 Fax: 407-386-7925 Toll Free: 877-220-8315 407-427-1800 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com For Media Information email: capnewsmagazine@yahoo.com Publisher: sroberts@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Sales: sales@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Info: .Info@caribbeanamericanpassport.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 & Publisher ............................................................... Sam Roberts Graphic Design & Layout ..................................... Jan Longwell-Smiley Contributing Writers: ............................................................ Tony Dyal ......................................................................................... Justin Fortune ...................................................................................... Daniel Dhanraj .......................................................................................... Allie Braswell .......................................................................................... Sandra Fatmi ...................................................................................... Rosemarie Roth ..................................................................................... Natasha Gittens ........................................................................................ .Karlyn Hylton ............................................................................................ Gail Seeram ........................................................................................ Kamal Abdool . .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell ................................................................................ Nouchelle Hastings Contributing Photographers ............ ....................................Ted Hollins .......................................................................................... Allie Braswell .......................................................................................... Sandra Fatmi ...................................................................................... Melissa Thomas ........................................... ............................................Willie David III ................................................ ............................................Sam Roberts ..................................................................................... Ronald Williams ............................................................................................. Gail Zucker .................................................................................................... Ray Ali Distribution & Sales.................................................... ...Delroy Edwards Distribution ............................................................................. Roy Benn South Florida Distribution .............................................Delroy Edwards Copyright (C) 2014 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Letters to My Lawyer™ Green card holder outside the US for longer than a year . . .

of US citizen family members, etc.); and 2) the stay outside the US was beyond his control or unintentional. If there is sufficient evidence, the officer will approve the application, and instruct him to submit an application for immigrant visa and alien registration. He will also be required to pay the immigrant visa fees. If the application is denied, you will need to file an I130: Petition for Alien Relative on his behalf and start the green card application process from scratch.

By Sasha Watson, Esq.

Dear Lawyer, I am a US citizen. My husband is Jamaican and is a green card holder. He has been in Jamaica for the last 2 years but is ready to return to the United States. However, he lost his green card just after he went to Jamaica. Is he able to come back to the US and, if so, how does he replace his green card while in Jamaica? Please help, Concerned Wife

He will then be scheduled for a second interview and will have to produce, like all other immigrant visa applicants, a medical, police clearance and affidavit of support. This not a new green card application but goes through the same process in order to determine whether he meets the requirements for admission to the US. All green card holders who have been outside the US for more than a year are deemed to be seeking admission upon their return. If he is admissible, a visa (SB-1: Returning Resident Visa) will then be placed in his passport and he will be given an immigrant visa packet (the big sealed envelope) that must be produced to Customs and Border Patrol upon re-entry into the US.

Dealing with embassies and consular offices can be very difficult, even for permanent residents. Therefore, I encourage permanent residents to apply for advanced In order for your husband to return to the US, he will permission to return to unrelinquished domicile, prior need to obtain an appropriate travel document. Gento their extended stays abroad, in order to avoid the erally, green cardholders who are outside the US for hassle and uncertainty that comes with applying for up to a year and don’t have the necessary travel docuan SB-1 visa. ments to return can apply through Immigration Customs and Enforcement at the consulate in the foreign Regards, country for a travel letter. Sasha Watson, Esq. HAWM, PLLC However, where the green card holder is outside the US for longer than a year, an SB-1 returning resident Please submit your letters to letters@hawmlaw.com. Each month a reader’s selection will be chosen for response. visa must be sought. Dear Concerned Wife:

First, he will have to submit an application to determine his returning resident status. An interview will be conducted at the embassy and he will have to bring, among other things, proof that: 1) he did not intend to abandon his permanent resident status (e.g. tax returns, lease, deed, bank statements, job letter, proof

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/publisher. 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.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Letters to My Lawyer™ is a publication of Karlyn Hylton & Sasha Watson of Hylton, Adamson Watson, PLLC 120 E. Colonial Drive |Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-802-3223 | F: 407-377-1971 Email: letters@hawmlaw.com

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Trinidad and Tobago Hosts Networking Cocktail Event Featuring InvesTT Trinidad and Tobago, Continued from page 1 NABOOD (National Association of Black Hotel Owners) and Kaye Chong, Community and Leisure Sales, Caribbean Airlines/ Air Jamaica. The function’s attendees encompassed a myriad of potential investors, all of whom possessed significant interest in the islands’ targeted non oil and gas sectors.

InvesTT is the first point of contact for investment opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago. Its Investor Sourcing team is a core business unit responsible for targeting, attracting and securing local, regional and international direct investment to Trinidad and Tobago’s growth sectors. InvesTT’s delegation at the event included the Vice President of Investor Sourcing, Mr. Shyamal Chandradathsingh, Investment Officer, Ms. Florence Ghany, and that of another representative.

The main impetus behind the hosting of this momentous event was not only to build awareness and provide knowledge to the investor community Mr. Chandradathsingh conducted a presentation painting Trinidad in South Florida of Trinidad and Tobago’s targeted areas for and Tobago as an entity that is investment ready, and spoke at investment, but to in turn, acquire investment and foster growth length on the sectors that are targeted and ripe for investment within within these very sectors. our energetic twin-island marketplace, which include Information and Communications Technology, Agribusiness, Clean Technol- The Consulate General, Miami, remains steadfast in its efforts ogy, Downstream Energy, Tourism, Creative Industries, Light Manu- to further develop Trinidad and Tobago, and continues to stand strong by its mandate to encourage the economic growth of facturing and Maritime Industries. the homeland via the fostering of trade and investment from Also speaking at the event was Andy Ingraham, President/CEO, the global sector into our twin-island republic.

Left to Right: Mr. Wayne Shah, Senior Vice President, Global Financial Institutions, Wells Fargo Bank, Mr. Abzal Hosein, Owner of Ashraff Halal, together with members of the business community

Mr. Raul Lopez and spouse, Assistant Vice President, International Marketing and Public Relations, Baptist Health International, Baptist Health South Florida (Middle), Ms. Leticia LopezBigott, Manager, Commerce and Embassy Relations, Baptist Health International, Baptist Health South Florida (Right), and Ms. Kelli Montoya (Left)

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Left to Right: Mr. Abzal Hosein, Owner of Ashraff Halal and Ms. Kaye Chong, Community and Leisure Sales, Caribbean Airlines

ImmigrationINFO

Immigration News For Our Community

E-Verify

Coming to your Employer Soon! E-Verify system showed a “no match” when their information was entered into the E-Verify system. This may occur if your name on your social security card is different than the name on your immigration documents or if someone is using your identity. There is a free internet-based “Self Check” service available for U.S. worker over the age of 16 to confirm his or her employment eligibility. After the user enters a small amount of information, the Self Check service will check that information against various government databases to determine the user’s work eligibility in the United States.

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

@GailSeeram FREE In-Office Consultation FREE Live Chat www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com

If you would like to use the self-check system, please visit: www.uscis.gov/mye-verify/self-check How to Correct a Tentative Nonconfirmation Notice? In the case that your employer used E-Verify to determine your eligibility to work in the United States, inputted your Form I-9 information into E-Verify and received a message that the information did not match records at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Social Security Administration (SSA), then a Tentative Nonconfirmation Notice (TNC) will be issued to you and the employer. At this point, the employee will ask the employer if he/she will contest the TNC or abandon the job application. If the employee decides to contest the TNC, then the employer will print out referral letter with the deadline date and details regarding the next steps.

he word “E-Verify” will soon be an everyday term or process used when applying for a job in the United States. E-Verify is free and voluntary and is the best means available for determining employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their social security numbers. The E-Verify program was implemented under former President George W. Bush as an initiative to prevent employers from hiring undocumented immigrants in the United States. The voluntary program has become a popular requirement in awarding federal and state contracts. Additionally, if immigration reform occurs, E-Verify will be made mandatory for ALL employers in the United States. An SSA Tentative Nonconfirmation may be issued if: 1. Your citizenship or immigration status changed since you last received your Social Security number. What is E-Verify? E-Verify is an Internet-based system that allows businesses to deter- 2. You changed your name but did not report the change to SSA. mine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. 3. Your name, Social Security number or date of birth was reE-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) corded incorrectly in SSA records. in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The 4. There is another type of mismatch with your SSA record. information inputted in the electronic system is taken from the 5. Your employer did not enter your information correctly in E-Verify. completed Form I-9, which all employees are required to complete to verify eligibility to work in the United States. In the past, em- 6. The name you provided on your Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is not consistent with your name in ployees would complete Form I-9 and employers would simply keep the form on file. E-Verify requires the employer to take an addiSSA records. tional step and input the information from Form I-9 into the internet based system and obtain electronic verification that the employee A DHS Tentative Nonconfirmation may be issued if: 1. Your name, A-numberI-94, and/or foreign passport numis authorized to work in the United States. ber were recorded incorrectly in DHS records. With the E-Verify system in place, unauthorized immigrants 2. Your U.S. Passport, Passport Card, driver’s license or state cannot work without a social security number, employment ID card information could not be verified. authorization card, permanent resident card, valid work visa, 3. Your information was not updated in DHS records at the or proof of U.S. citizenship. Further, when the documents autime your information was checked in E-Verify. thorizing employment are about to expire, the employer will 4. Your citizenship or immigration status changed. receive an email notification alerting them that these docu- 5. There is another type of error on your DHS record. 6. Your employer did not submit your information correctly to ments are about to expire. E-Verify. E-Verify’s most impressive features are its speed and accuracy. 7. The name you provided on your Form I-9, Employment E-Verify is the only service that verifies employees’ data against Eligibility Verification, is not consistent with your name in DHS records. millions of government records and provides results within seconds. There’s no other program that provides the same peace of mind in such little time. E-Verify compares the information What types of Employers use E-Verify? an employee provides on Form I-9 against millions of govern- Federal contractors and subcontractors are required to use the ment records and generally provides results in three to five E-Verify system to verify their employees’ eligibility to legally seconds. If the information matches, that employee is eligible work in the United States. More than 288,000 employers, large to work in the United States. If there’s a mismatch, E-Verify will and small, across the United States use E-Verify to check the alert the employer and the employee will be allowed to work employment eligibility of their employees, with about 1,200 while he or she resolves the problem. E-Verify works by com- new businesses signing up each week. paring information entered from an employee’s Form I-9 to: 455 million Social Security Administration (SSA) records and For more information, contact Gail Law Firm: 80 million U.S. Department of Homeland Security records. Email: Gail@GailLaw.com Phone: 1-877-GAIL-LAW or 407-292-7730 E-Verify Self Check System www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com There have been many reports of errors in the E-Verify system. Permanent residents and U.S. citizens have reported that the Copyright © Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2015. All Rights Reserved.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Ambassador at Large Dr. Moise inducted into the North Miami Hall of Fame ayor of North Miami, Mayor Smith Joseph, D.O., Pharm.D. and the City Council honored Dr. Rudolph Moise, Ambassador at Large for the Republic of Haiti, for his work and contributions to the North Miami community. The Induction Ceremony was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art court yard on Friday, May 8th.

Dr. Moise, or Rudy as he is popularly known, can truly be seen and recognized as a ‘man for all seasons’. To listen and read about his resume of accomplishments is absolute astonishing. For a person to have accomplished as much as he has done while maintaining a grounded personality, his own business, more than one medical office with offices both in South Florida and Central Florida, strong family commitment and engagement while also supporting the local community and working with the Haitian The Hall of Fame Ceremony was also part of North Miami Diaspora – what can I say, he must have a clone of himself. kick-off Haitian Heritage Month and included an enlightened panel discussion on the history of the Haitian flag, moder- Dr. Moise was also featured as one of the Caribbean Profile ated by Patrick Eliancy, of Island TV. The distinguished panel personalities in our publication. For more details about Dr. included Jean-Claude Exulien, Dr. Jean-Baptiste Luc Charlot, Rudy Moise please visit our website at www.caribbeanamer and Anthony Georges-Pierre. icanpassport.com

Dr. Rudy Moise and his Family along with the Mayor of North Miami - Mayor Joseph

Dr. Moise and his Family along with mayor Joseph Smith and his Family

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Everything IERE I read a lot as a youngster- consumed and devoured books by the day – and loved to torment a couple of my teachers with the saying I had picked up somewhere in the library, “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.” I got away with it except for one of them who responded, “And those who are incapable of either, talk.” My last two years in secondary school was all fun, games and preoccupation with girls, one in particular who saw me as progressing from a bosom buddy to a travel companion on the road to matrimony. Fortunately a landslide of emotions caused by another young woman prevented too far an advance along that path and the journey got sidetracked until I started catching my asphalt. I passed my “A” Levels, a big thing in those days, and after a lot of refusals got a job to teach in the nearby co-educational Presbyterian High School, separated from my home by an area called “Peyton Place” (formerly “Cassava Alley”). There were no roads there, only tracks in the sand that may still be the only outstanding feature of the Southern Trinidad town in which I lived and grew up – a place called “Siparia”, known as “Sand City” with a playground which was supposedly the “Savannah” but which we called the “Sand-vannah”. I make the comment about Siparia with love, and regret that I am no longer there. The many years I have been on the road have taught me to live from a suitcase but if I had roots they would extend to that little town in the oil belt where I learnt most of life’s lessons including that nostalgia is no longer what it used to be.

ran a road instead, straight to my aunt’s home in Duke Street. In Siparia though, I learnt football, cricket, drinking, partying, cursing, gambling, hunting and sundry other pursuits that may not have a statute of limitations to protect me from myself. All these attributes and achievements by themselves did not equip me for teaching but in those days my “A” Level certificates were enough. I put on a long-sleeved shirt and a tie on the second Monday of September 1964 and started a career based on a combination of effort and effrontery. The Principal, Reverend Cyril Beharry and I started on the same day. He had worked a Parish or two before he ended up at the school. He had a wonderful sense of humour which he kept hidden from most people except me since not all his jokes were as clean as he was. He and I got along fabulously and I ended up, at one point, teaching English, History and Geography at “O” and “A” Levels and in charge of all sports, including netball and athletics, drama, debating, preparing the team for the national College Quiz, and

Siparia was different. In Port-of-Spain, at “Picadilly E.C. School” which sounds fashionable (like Mayfair or Chelsea) but was definitely not . . .

I had gone there after a stint in a school “behind the bridge” in Port-of-Spain where after two days of torment I had learnt to hold my own in the survival stakes. My father had cut my hair so low that it tempted all the boys and some of the bigger girls to “tap” me resoundingly at that point where the head and neck meet. My story is that, perhaps punch drunk from all the blows, I learnt to fight back. The story from one of my colleagues is they stopped because my head was so hard that their hands started to hurt. We lived in the rural village of Carapichaima then, all sugar cane, coconut and alcohol – in fact it was the ambition of every male villager to have his own rum-shop and so houses built with loans from a housing fund for sugar workers were erected on stilts, leaving room at ground level for the eventual addition of a “business place”. We had one but it too went along with all my father’s jobs and dreams, victims of the alcohol that fuelled and finally finished them.

even teaching the girls who had written their final examinations to dance the Graduation Waltz (after Rev. Beharry taught me). I directed my first play then as an entry in the initial Secondary Schools Drama Festival. It was a high-spirited time for me and some of the older boys, as a former Chief Magistrate recounted recently, learnt to drink wine and sundry other spirits from me. We played rummy in the staff room and in a memorable “teachers versus students” cricket match I gave one of my colleagues (who was pestering me to bowl) the ball to bowl from both ends of the pitch. He was pleased and may still be boasting about the feat, unique in the annals of the game. Reverend Beharry was aware of all my inadequacies as a teacher but knew my capabilities and my worth to him and the school. I helped to organize the graduation dance but, unfortunately, did not myself honour or observe the stricture against alcohol. The goodly Principal knew this. Graduation day came and his guest was a Guyanese academic, Dr. Andrew Camacho, a mathematician of note with several books on the subject to his name and at the time Chief Education Officer in Trinidad. Dr. Camacho had come to the ceremony but had been persuaded to stay for the dance. He sat at the Principal’s table and it was evident from his demeanour that this time the great mathematician had figured it out wrong. His cup did not “runneth” over. The wine, women and song that he expected to highlight the event were only two-thirds present, lacking the party of the first part. Sagacious as ever, Reverend Beharry brought the great mathematician over to my table and Dr. Camacho enjoyed himself so hugely that by the time he had to be driven back to Port-of-Spain he could not tell Pythagoras from Pascal or even pronounce “hypotenuse”.

Siparia was different. In Port-of-Spain, at “Picadilly E.C. School” which sounds fashionable (like Mayfair or Chelsea) but was definitely not, the boys on the football team asked me to tell the Head Master, the formidable and fearsome Mr. Forde, that I was going with them. “I cyah play football,” I admitted. In those days little boys of East Indian descent played cricket but football was “too rough”. “Tell him you going to run a line,” one of the boys advised. This scared me because the only lines I knew were the train lines and the thought of running one of those was *Tony Deyal was last seen saying that the name of the school is frightening. One of the boys in the village had lost a leg trying “IERE”. Bob Marley would have been as proud of it as Kamla Persadto pull cane from a carriage and was pulled under the train. I Bissessar who went there, and Tony who was her netball coach.

Find Caribbean Restaurants, Plumbers, Events, Discount Coupons, Deals and Much More! www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

National Police Week By Rosemarie Roth

n 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives on the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. The idea of seeing a police car in my rear view mirror can be hair raising, nerve racking, OMG to say the least. I get anxious when they pull up behind me or when they give me a flash (only to realize that they are trying to get my attention to turn my head lights on). We think the worst of law enforcement officers because of all the cases of excessive police force that are making the headlines all over the country. It’s our duty, right now to make sure those headlines do not repeat in our community. I applauded that mother who recognized her son on TV and pulled him out of the crowd and reminded him that he was not raised to be a part of violence and destruction. I am pointing this out because we are the first law “enforcement officers” because policing begins in the home. The Bible in Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should grow so when he is old he will not depart from it”. In spite of all the evil around us “good” still prevails and therefore we will pause and highlight outstanding services from our sheriff department so let us reach out and say “thank you” to these men and women in uniform. Like it or not we need an enforcer of the laws so we can co-exist in peace and with order. To learn about our upcoming events of appreciation go to Caribbeanamericanpassport.com or call Rosemarie Roth at 352-321-0932.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Unity Unity–The people of Guyana have spoken... Continued from page 1

diaspora engagement of phenomenal proportions, and most importantly, a unifying voice for Change. Change – strong statements by the citizens, electorate and diaspora for political engagement and accountability; utilization of the electorate in the developmental progress, establish regional community groups that are reflective of that community (not a political party) to address platforms that are of concern to that specific community, Governmental contractual transparency – establish community review boards utilizing (qualified) members of the electorate to review project, contracts; and the electorate voted you in to office and the electorate have the power

Presidential David Granger, Dr. Joey Jagan & Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo the people and has done so much harm to community/ political relations and severely impaired the true developmental potential progress for Guyana. Guyana 2015 and beyond must show the true strength of the Unity needed to come together as a people and work together to continue the growth and development needed for ALL of the people of Guyana. Credit must be given to the people of Guyana and the political leaders (of all parties) in Guyana for maintaining calm and peace during this trying electoral process. The eyes of the world Crowd at APNU-AFC rally are on Guyana and the people must stand united, progressive to vote you out – “We vote you ‘In’ to do the job elected to and supportive of the electoral process. The moto printed on the Guyana Coat of Arms is “One People, One Nation and do or we Vote you Out”. One Destiny” – let that be the overwhelming message moving Unity – putting an end to racial politics that has divided forward for Guyana.

APNU-AFC - Nigel Hughes & Moses Nagamootoo

Vote - by any means necessary!

Gone But Not forgotten Courtney Crum-Ewing

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

407-839-5060

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Dedicated to the

....#partyforapurpose... www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

he Caribbean And Floridian Association, Inc. held their annual Caribbean Fusion on April 26th 2015 at the Lake Front Park located in Kissimmee Florida. This was an event that all attendee, sponsors, vendor and participants can be proud to support and celebrate; the event was presented to the community with the seemingly flawless precision of a well-oiled machine. The diversity of the vendors, the performers and attendees was a true reflection of the community. Congratulations must be extended to the Executive and members of the Caribbean and Floridian Association (CAFA) especially the planning committee who worked tirelessly to coordi-

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

nate the planning and implementation of this great community event. However, we must remember that these events would not be possible without the support of the community and the companies that provided the sponsorship to make it happen including Kissimmee Utilities Authority (KUA), the City of Kissimmee, Experience Kissimmee, the Osceola Gazette, the Caribbean American Passport, Back Yard Sounds, Metro PCs, PS Freight Systems and the many other whose names may not have been mentioned. The Caribbean And Floridian Association, Inc. is a 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Organization; please visit their website for more information and details www.cafainc.org

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

CRICKET 170 all out. Very emotional, as many friends and supporters enjoyed a tense match. And total drama. Ganesh, Man of The Match

By Daniel Dhanraj

In the A division Ivan has the highest batting average at 68 runs with Shyam Verasammy scoring the most runs at 325. Rokesh Mahese simply runs away with all the bowling stats. In the B division, Rudy Shivraj has the highest batting average at 73 runs and the highest run aggregate of 364. Errol Ramnarine, the best bowling economy at 3.74. Kenny Bire, the best bowling average of 9.47 International - England in West Indies

Local - OSCL finals he B division got the ball rolling. Caribbean won the toss and opted to bat for good reasons. They managed 140 runs all out with Abu Bacchus 23 runs and Tom Bacchus 18 runs. The two Krishnas bowled well for Ocala, however the match was already rendered a carcass when Krishna Singh put the final nail in the coffin, hitting boundaries at will, he mauled Caribbean. Krishna Singh finished on 65 runs not out, with eight sixes and two fours, nary a bot ball. Steve Sarju contributed a more human 45, opening. Rudy Shivraj was economical for Caribbean. So the match all waited for and were feted, Lions won the toss and when in to bat. Lions made 179 runs in twenty five overs. Shyam Veerasammy made 48 runs. Georgi 23 runs, Mike Sewsankar 33 runs and Adrian 31 runs; more torrid hitting. Tridents started in a professional manner, not losing many wickets and just under the required run rate. Bhim George was disciplined for his 71 runs, finally falling to Danny Dookie, taking a remarkable skier and turned around, off his own bowling. Beharry 35 runs and Rocky Mahase made a quick 27 runs. The final over, 11 runs to score, most batsmen, give Ganesh Chattergoon the respect he deserves for his bowling. But this final over was a Greek tragedy as they were literally perished as two were bowled and another run out, they were

The first test was a high scoring affair with England scoring 399 runs, IR Bell 143. West Indies were 295 runs all out. England declared at 333 for 7 and West Indies held on to the draw at 350 runs. The second test West Indies batted first and scored 299, Marlon Samuels 103. England countered impressively with 464 all out , JE Root 182, not out. West Indies managed 307, in reply, KC Brathwaite 116. England now needed 144 to win, they crossed the mark with loss of only one wicket. The West Indies second innings had all the hallmarks of a draw but only as they can, crashed and burned. Third test, a chance for redemption? England batted first, scored 257, Cook 105. On a rough track, West Indies managed only 189 in reply, J Blackwood 85. In a remarkable twist, reminiscent of the old days, West Indies bowled pure fire and England were skittered for 123. Permaul, Holder and Taylor took three apiece. One a tough pitch, spectators were on edge. And it might have been so, except for a brilliant 82 by Darren Bravo. Blackwook again figured in the match, 47 not out. West Indies 194 for five. A heartening victory in the final test. Johnathan Trott had a dismal series and will most likely lose his cap, similarly and more importantly Shivnarine Chandepaul, was not the rock this series. He is over forty runs shy of Laras record. It is difficult to see him playing for the West Indies again, at the ripe age of forty.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Western Union and GraceKennedy Announce Enhanced Investment in Caribbean Diaspora Youth through ‘Pride of the Caribbean’ and ‘GraceKennedy Birthright’ Programmes he Western Union Company and GraceKennedy Limited, kicked off their third annual town hall meeting series at the Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York and continued on to Florida at the Miramar Cultural Center in Florida and then Canada. Staged under the theme “Caribbean Diaspora - Borderless Possibilities”, and featuring as keynote speaker, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable P.J. Patterson, the event was intended to connect the Caribbean Diasporas in the United States and Canada with their home countries, while providing them with an opportunity to actively discuss issues relating to the Diaspora and its advancement.

During the event - which brought together hundreds of members of the Caribbean community - Western Union and GraceKennedy announced the expansion of their educational programmes for Diaspora youth: the ‘Pride of the Caribbean’ and the ‘GraceKennedy Birthright’ Programmes. The Pride of the Caribbean Scholarship Programme, started last year by the Western Union Foundation in collaboration with Western Union Agents, has now been expanded in the

United States to award a total of US$50,000 in educational scholarships to students who are Caribbean-born or second generation of Caribbean Americans. “As Caribbean families pursue the “American dream”, the sheer cost of education continues to be a barrier, especially for those who are unable to meet the criteria for federal loans. As an expression of gratitude for the continued support of our Caribbean customers, Western Union Agents throughout the Caribbean as well as Walgreens and Pay-O-Matic here in the U.S., want to elevate our outstanding future leaders as members of the Caribbean community,” said Sean Mason, Regional Vice President & General Manager, Western Union Caribbean. In announcing an additional and very important element, Mr. Mason said, “We want to support the academic endeavours of Caribbean youth no matter where they choose to seek a higher education. We are pleased to announce that this year we’ll also award scholarships to Caribbean students who attend the University of the West Indies.” “If you or someone you know qualifies for the 2015 Pride of the Caribbean Scholarship Programme, we encourage them to visitwww.PrideoftheCaribbean.com to review eligibility requirements and apply directly until June 3,” Mason said.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Orlando Carnival Weekend

✓ Wednesday, May 20th: Ready for D’ Road @ Caribbean Hut, 2141 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL • DJs: Supa Pudgie, Kemis, Kevorkian, Rocca and Nasheen • Hosted by: 3Starz ✓ Thursday, May 21st: Dawn of de Mas @ Soiree, 6394 Silver Star Rd., Orlando, FL • DJ: Singh Stylez, Code Red, Golden Child, Dappa, Professor GT and Iceman • Hosted by: Lyma Dunbar and Tobago John ✓ Friday, May 22nd: Electro Glo @ Studio One, 5263 International Dr., Orlando, FL • Sound provided by: Titanic Audio • Hosted by: Madman Smallie ✓ Friday, May 22nd: Cooler Fete and Breakfast Fete @ Fletcher’s Warehouse, 4355 Fairmont St., Orlando, FL • DJ: Several ✓ Friday, May 22nd: Paradise @ The Office, 360 State Ln., Orlando, FL • DJ: Several ✓ Friday, May 22nd: Flags & Rags @Lux, 5688 International Dr., Orlando, FL • DJ: Faisty Squad and Stamina • Music by: Reconn Music ✓ Saturday, May 23rd: Orlando J’ouvert Committee presents J’ouvert @ Turkey Lake Park, 3401 S. Hiawassee Rd., Orlando, FL • DJ: Several • All Inclusive J’ouvert Band w/ parade route • Additional Parking Fees Apply ✓ Saturday, May 23rd: We Don’t Give a Truck @ Soiree, 6394 Silver Star Rd., Orlando, FL • Wet and Dry Zones • Location: Soiree parking lot ✓ Saturday, May 23rd: Flag Fete @ Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL • Artists: KES, Beenie Man, Iwer George, Edwin Yearwood, Pumpa, Kerwin DuBois and more • Hosted by: Madman Smallie • Additional Parking Fees Apply ✓ Saturday, May 23rd: Instajam @ Gilt Nightclub, 740 Bennett Rd., Orlando, FL • Bunji, Faye Ann, Olatunji, Angela Hunte, Fadda Fox, Nishard M, Mystic Coolie Bhai, and more • Additional Parking Fees May Apply ✓ Sunday, May 24th: CARNIVAL SUNDAY @ Festival Field, 415 S. Rio Grande Ave., Orlando, FL • Bol’Face Productions on the road powered by BIC Sounds • DJ: Babbz, Steddie, Rocca, Supa Pudgie, Zoe and Mr. Magnum • All Inclusive Mas Band w/ parade route • Live entertainment after the parade by: Alison Hinds, KI 3Veni, Pumpa, Tallpree, Skinny Banton, Onyan, Cassie, Iwer, Lyma Dunbar, MonCherie, and more ✓ Sunday, May 24th: Sunday, May 24th: Carnival Rehab @ Lux, 5644 International Dr., Orlando, FL • DJ: Several ✓ Monday, May 25th: Scandal: The Ultimate Last L.A.P. eXperience Boatride @ The St. Johns Rivership Co., 433 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL • DJ: Kareem “Faisty Squad” Phillip and StylzMD • Hosted by Kareem “Faisty Squad” Phillip ✓ Monday, May 25th: All White Party @ Fantasy Hall, 6440 Old Winter Garden Rd., Orlando, FL • Hosted by Faisty Felines • Special discount to All White Party for anyone who purchases a Scandal: The Ultimate Last L.A.P. eXperience Boatride ticket ***proof required***

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Fit Like A Ras By Jeremy Roberts - NASM

Women and Weights Series: Aliann Pompey ell, Dread had a lickle break las’ month, but is back empowering, and was truly a game changer for me. mih back, wid something fuh de ladies. FLAR: Stop! Yuh bringin’ tears to mih eyes! Ah always tryin’ Ladies: no more nonsense. Get in de gym and get wid fuh tell women how getting’ wid de iron will change dem fuh some heavy weights! There’s no better form of exercise, de positive. Hopefully deh hear you, coh nobody don’ listen to in my view, to get you to LGN (Lookin’ Good Nekkid) status. Diet I. As a serious collegiate and professional athlete, your weight training was for performance, so not really focused on is de biggest part of de process, the aesthetics. Did you try to fit in any aesthetic imof course, but you have to provement type of lifting or was it more like you trained make the body do its part. The fuh yuh race and de aesthetics was a by-produck? treadmill won’t make that happen. AP: I guess it was just that the aesthetics actually complemented the performance. The idea was that the bigger and You can Google “Why therefore more powerful your butt and thighs are, the faster Women Should Lift Weights” you were. I quickly subscribed to that because it fit what I and see the whole slew of arwanted aesthetically. If done properly, you can use weight ticles that pop up. I won’t try training to lose weight, gain weight, alter your shape, there to rehash all those points, are so many options. The idea that lifting is going to make and I really don’t have anyyou bulky simply isn’t true. thing to add. Instead, I wan’ just introduce you to women FLAR: Now dat yuh retire, whuh kinda weight training who lift weights and who I do you do, if any? think can answer a whole lot of questions women might AP: Oh, I’m always going to be doing some kind of weight have about starting weight training. I think it’s so important to take health and appeartraining. ance seriously - I think those two things are closely linked. I am down to about 3-4 days a week, and I do about 45 minSo, fuh dis fus one in de seutes in the gym. I continue to always have a plan, which is a ries, I n I talk to Aliann continuation of my track Pompey, Guyana’s most actraining in some ways. I lift complished female track weights – a typical routine and field athlete. Akshully, might be deep squats, leg leh me correck dat by press, lunges, and a tekkin out de adjectives: superset of bent over rows/ most accomplished athlete. Career highlights include bench press. I’d then do a NCAA 400m champion, World Championship finalist, circuit, like an ab circuit or Commonwealth Games gold medalist and 8 years later, medicine ball throws, silver medalist, and now, sprints and hurdles coach at St. burpees, banana hurdles John’s University. …. basically exercises with a lot of movement. FLAR: Suh, Ms. Pompey: tell I about yuh sports and physical activity growin’ up. Were you ever a chubby child? FLAR: Mos’ impressive! Now that yuh “almost AP: Far from chubby! I was always a little stick figure, and had 40” and retire from combody issues growing up, since in Guyana and the Caribbean genpetitive track and field, erally, the preference is for “t’ickness” and curviness. As for sports, what’s next? I never played any organized sports in Guyana, but we were always running around outside. I was kind of a bookworm too. AP: Well, I’m really focused on my coaching career at the FLAR: So when did you start with track, and did you ever moment. It’s very time and play any other sports? energy consuming, but working with the young ladies and AP: I didn’t run until junior year in high school, and I did that being a mentor is really remostly so that I could spend more time with my sister Allison, warding to me. I may decide who was an exceptional athlete, much better than I was me. to go back to doing some fitBefore that, I played soccer, volleyball and field hockey, but none ness modeling and who of them were a good fit. knows, maybe masters track FLAR: Whuh kinda trainin’ were you doing in high school? if a certain friend of mine manages to finally convince me! Any weights? FLAR: Well, Dread is mos’ grateful fuh de time you took to talk AP: none at all. I weighed 92 lbs out of high school and distinctly wid me. I hope de ladies – an’ even some a de men dem – remember my college coach telling me the first time he saw me “Oh really lissen and tek example. Tek care. we’re going to have so much work to do”. I remember not even being able to bench the bar! But once I got into it and started seeing AP: Thanks, and you too. results, I became a huge fan of weight training. I had spent a lot of my life wanting to put on weight and when puberty didn’t do it, and GT Dread is an NASM-CPT, who competes in Masters Track, it became clear I couldn’t count on genetics, this seemed like the Field Hockey and Weightlifting. He can be contacted at only way. The fact that it was something I could control was really fitlikearas@gmail.com

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

By Kamal Abdool ’ve often wondered what American Exceptionalism meant. Look at the actions of American George Zimmerman. The Police Dispatcher was very clear with her instruction. Stay in your car, Police Officers are on the way. Now any right thinking person will follow that directive. No, not George Zimmerman. He had to personally confront Trayvon Martin, engage him and then fatally shot the teenager. Exceptional. Conser vatives and the NRA rallied to the defense of Zimmerman escalating the shooting as a second amendment right to bear arms. Truth is Zimmerman was a gun nut who should not be in any neighborhood watch program nor allowed to carry a concealed weapon. Subsequent shenanigans by Zimmerman confirmed he’s a nut case. You’d think the Conservatives and the NRA would apologize to the American people. Don’t hold your breath.

would keep a low profile, stay off the roads as he worked on his legal problems. No, Scott is caught driving without Insurance and Registration and then puts his life in danger by running. Exceptional? Why would Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice the 12 year old shot dead by Police, buy a BB Gun for her son. This gun looks like the real thing. Whether its justified or not, there’s mistrust between the Police and Black Community. Nothing good will come out from a kid waving a toy gun that looks real. Many

Whether its justified or not, there’s mistrust between the Police and Black Community. Nothing good will come out from a kid waving a toy gun that looks real. Many are of the opinion that the child had the right to possess the toy gun. They’re Right. Dead Right.

Michael Brown roughed up the store owner, stole merchandise and instead of hiding when the Police arrived, decided to confront the Officer. Exceptional. Amazing how many Americans expressed that Michael Brown was a good boy and should not lose his life for stealing a few cigars. Those who conveyed those words, I ask a simple question - Why don’t you open a store in the neighborhood and let teenagers abuse you and steal your goods? Police Officers have stopped me on several occasions. After pulling aside, I put on the hood light, if stopped at night, rolled down my window, placed both hands on the steering wheel and when the Officer approached, Good Evening Officer. I’ve never been abused by a Police Officer. Now why can’t Americans follow this simple procedure. Instead they come out of the car, run or open the glove compartment as the Officer approach. Now if you’re a Police Officer and you observe the driver fiddling with the glove compartment, what would you think. Gun! Right. Why can’t Americans understand that? Exceptional. Walter Scott had active warrants for his arrest. You’d think he

are of the opinion that the child had the right to possess the toy gun. They’re Right. Dead Right. Growing calls for ethnic diversification within the Police Service and leaning towards more of a community ser vice type organization. Why? I grew up in Trinidad and Tobago where there are two major ethnic groups. 95 plus percent of the Police Officers came from one ethnic group and those of us who are of the other ethnic group did not have a problem. We did not see Black or Brown but Grey & Blue, the colors of the Police Uniform. We respected the Police and wouldn’t think of confronting far less shooting at them. I look at Americans confronting and abusing Police officers and I think, Exceptional. In my opinion, a Police Officer is not there to be your friend, teaching basketball or giving pep talks during schools lunch breaks. That’s the job of a State/City/County Community Division. The Police is there to protect law abiding citizens, solve crime and lock your ass up if you’re involved in illegal or criminal activity. I’m probably naïve, not stupid. Aware there are bad cops. Cognizant of the abuse of African Americans in the United States. The unjustified imprisonment of Black Men. Will address it in my next column.

Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator

& Sari House

Immigration, Family, Wills & Trusts, Mediation

6100 Old Winter Garden Road • Orlando, FL 32835 Guyana, Trinidad & American Hand-made Jewelry!! GOLD!!! REPAIRS WHILE YOU WAIT WE BUY SCRAP JEWELRY All Your Scrap Gold Redesigned!! Latest CD’s, DVD’s & West Indian Music Cricket Gear Available

1073 Willa Springs Drive, Suite 1017 Winter Springs. Florida 32708 esquirebrown@nadinebrownpa,com www.nadinebrownpa.com

407-678-2224 Fax: 407-788-2225

POOJA CENTER Wedding & Janew Accessories Shalwar, Lehengas, Kurtas Children’s Clothing PUJA ITEMS & MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

LARGEST SELECTION OF MARBLE MURTIS

407-291-6900

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

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?”

Eloise Abrahams, RN, NHA Administrator, Guardian Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center he late great wordsmith quoted, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou. This powerful quote is the wind behind the selected Leading Lady for the Month of May. May is the month of love for mother’s, nurses and jubilant celebrations; from May Day to Cinco de Mayo to Flag Fete May is the month to move, groove and pay tribute. Paying tribute let’s go in that direction for a bend in paying tribute to the nurses overall but in particularly the nurses at Guardian Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Church Street in Orlando, (Orange County), FL.

who is without mobility. He heard my voice and called for me. He began by saying thank you and went on with a big smile to ask if I saw his picture on the board with Ms. Eloise. I was stunned by the revelation that he not only remembered that I took the picture but when I took the picture and how much value he placed on the picture. We laughed when I asked him if he would like to be in a picture centered with carnival women in feathered costume — without hesitation he began to move his head and shoulders and give me a Caribbean Ya Mon! and then he let a tear fall. He said he goes to look at the picture sometimes just because it makes him feel special. It is apparent that making the residents feel special is a specialty of Ms. Eloise. In a place where memory is not always in abundance all of the residents feel special and some forget their names at times or even what day of the week it is, but their smiles reveal that they feel special, they feel safe and they feel loved. This feeling comes from the head and flows down. “I am proud that Guardian Care Nursing Rehabilitation and Nursing Home is standing among the ranks of other centers that are delivering quality care,” said Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. Quality care undeniable; respect and dignity in abundance, love, joy, peace in overflow is why caregivers entrust their loved ones to this institution. Guardian Care recently added two viable outreach efforts The Alzheimer’s Awareness Group every third Wednesday of the month (open to the community) and the Family Council which serves as a liaison for the administration and residents and families as well as works hand in hand with the community outreach coordinator.

One cannot lend tribute to an institution without lending tribute to the person at the helm of the institution. Ms. Eloise Abrahams walks with a silent strength. Her leadership style and knowledge has placed Guardian Care in the national spotlight. A model of excellence in providing high-quality long term care, Guardian Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a national award-winning nursing home, was selected as a 2014 recipient of the highly coveted Silver – Achievement in Quality. The competitive award is one of three distinct awards possible through the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/ NCAL) National Quality Award Program. Guardian Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was awarded this distinction based on their outstanding performance in the health care profession. But there is a deeper, personal award that is given for the love of humanity and that’s the destination of the bend – the morale of the residents and staff from the receptionist to the janitor captures your attention. The multi-lingual team all speak the language of “It is a humbling experience to be honored nationally for our love (many accents but all the same culture). It’s because of Eloise collective tireless efforts in providing quality skilled nursing that the love culture is contagious at Guardian Care. and rehabilitation care and specializing in caring, compassion and consistency,” said Eloise Abrahams. One of the challenges when residents are housed in the nursing home for rehab or failing health is the feeling of purpose If you would like to volunteer or participate in the cultural or family. On a previous visit to speak about bringing a mini fete, contact mmurgo@guardiancare.org attention Family fete celebration to the center because they have many Carib- Council. To learn more about this award winning institution bean staff and residents, I encountered one of the residents visit www.guardiancarenursing.com

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Jazz in the Hills -2015 proves to be another success hat an amazing concept, what an amazing event; Jazz around the world streamed live into our communities. Have you ever been to an event and at the end you didn’t want it to end? Well if you missed this year’s staging of Jazz in the Hill’s you missed an event.

The press conference started at 7:30 am with a great representation of a diversified group from the media which included Caribbean American Passport Newsmagazine, Sentinel and Channel 2, to name a few. They had the pleasure of witnessing Gayle Pasquale Brown have April 30th 2015 declared her day. The local and international art displays had all in attendance choos-

ing the paintings and prints that would definitely make it home. At Soiree Event Center and Fashion Square Mall in Orlando there were the live video streams from Paris France; attendees and shoppers alike were given the opportunity to experience some of the world’s greatest Jazz musicians performing Live and they didn’t even need a ticket – WOW. Looking forward to more of these international events being brought to you right here in the heart of Florida. For more information about upcoming events in the Florida area visit our website at www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Anton Cardinal, Co-Founder/President Y.E.S. (Youth Eyecare Services) t twelve years old Anton’s heart lead him to participate in his schools’ holiday baskets can goods drive for less fortunate children in the Lake Alfred Community. This was the start of a passion he developed to serve. During summer breaks Anton, along with other family members, prepared hot food for distribution to homeless individuals throughout the city of San Fernando in Trinidad and Tobago. After the devastating earthquake disaster in Haiti, Anton and his father Anthony Cardinal partnered with Haines City Grace of God Church to contribute new clothing and shoes to Haitian residents. When Anton Cardinal was fifteen years old he took his saved allowance and donated that money to an organization that helped fund food drives and support kids who were fighting against the ravages of cancer. His selfless actions inspired his father to follow his heart and pursue helping those in need by founding 1st Veterans’ Kids Care and established and Y.E.S. (Youth Eye care Services) Vision and Literacy Initiative. When asked why he decided to give more than the $20 asked of him during the donation drive, Anton, an Honor graduate and a JROTC Battalion Commander of Ridge Community High School and Captain of the Haines City Police Explorers answers, easily and straightforward. “My life was good due to what my parents provided for me and I wanted others to live a better life, also.”

What I have done. Junior Reserve Officers Corps (JROTC) Training As a cadet in the 600 member Ridge High school JROTC I participated in change of command parades, Physical Training and Cadet Challenges. As a company First Sergeant I conducted in ranks inspection, drill and ceremony, and throughout the year prepared the cadets for army JROTC Annual Formal Inspections (AFI) which culminated in our corps receiving a Gold Star rating. After four years in JROTC I was promoted to rank of Lieutenant Colonel and the position of Battalion Commander, serving as a mentor teaching life skills and army values to the corps of cadets. My contribution to 1st Veterans Kids Care, Inc. 1st Veterans Kids Care, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that allows me the occasion to be a part of something that is greater than myself. Serving as a board member gives me the opportunity to apply all of the leadership skills I learned in JROTC, Police Explorers, instructing Martial Arts and coaching wrestling. I believe I can change lives by what I am able to give to the community. Why I care about the Y.E.S. Eyecare Services Vision and Literacy Initiative

I know from firsthand experience how it feels to sit in a classroom not being able to see the board due to vision problems. Unfortunately I also saw many other students in classes with their heads down, off For those who know Anton David Cardinal this type of behav- task, unable to compete with other students because they could ior is a reflection of his solid upbringing and instilled values. not see what the words of the lesson the instructor was presentBesides being a scholar and a leader Anton is also an accomplished athlete. As captain of his wrestling team he received All District and All Regional awards. An avid martial arts student and instructor Anton is a three time Taekwondo ing. I care about the Y.E.S. Eyecare Services Vision and Literacy Chung Do Kwan regional, state and national black belt cham- Initiative because it provides a solution to a problem that can pion. Anton believes that the positive results from these disci- be fixed. plined activities are things he would not want to live without. “Yes, it is hard work but it is what drives me every day. My Why I care about Veterans and their children vision is to create a foundation that includes thousands of kids in our community who are as motivated as I am about their Often military veterans and their family members are unable to support themselves due to circumstances beyond their confuture as I am about martial arts.” trol. These men and women, who have done some of the most Anton is currently attending college pursuing a degree in Business. courageous, selfless acts to protect our country, are often left As President of the board Anton is motivated to develop his role in behind to fend for themselves. During the years of service to the organization and wants to focus on developing a positive at- our veterans and their families 1st Veterans Kids Care discovmosphere where children can be confident that their urgent needs ered a large number our veterans and their families have viwill be met. He envisions playing an intricate part in the growth of sual problems. Y.E.S. (Youth Eyecare Services) was created with Y.E.S. (Youth Eye care Services) and 1st Veterans’ Kids Care, Inc. the goal of identifying veterans and their families with visual and believes that the services and programs will make the non- impairments, to eliminate or correct them and promote literacy profit so large that it would get the attention of communities and among children through outreach efforts, community partnerships and rehabilitative services. organizations at the national and international levels.

When Anton Cardinal was fifteen years old he took his saved allowance and donated that money to an organization that helped fund food drives and support kids who were fighting against the ravages of cancer.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

WATER ater is good for cooking, and it is important for drink- performance, so fill up your tank every day with water and ing. According to research our body is composed of enjoy all the health benefits. about 60% water. The function of water plays a very Jamaican-born Sandi Morais is the author of Recipe for important part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Life vegan/vegetarian cook book. For more information visit Water is an essential fuel your body needs for peek www.sandimorais.net

Functions of Water • • • • • •

Water transports nutrients to your cells. Water flushes your kidneys by removing toxins from your body. Water lubricates your muscles and joints. Water quenches your thirst. Water helps with blood circulation. Water helps to replenish the liquid that is lost from your body and prevents dehydration. • Water helps with digestion. • Water keeps your skin looking young and vibrant.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Top 5 Video Picks 1 Artist: Kabaka Pyramid Title: “Free From Chains”

Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Kabaka Pyramid is an ever-evolving, conscious musician. The name “Kabaka is Ugandan for “King” and Pyramids represents the house of mathematical proportions according to Universal laws. These days you can find him at Bebble Rock Studios in Kingston, JA. His latest effort “Free from Chains” is fresh off the Rebel Music E.P. For more info on Kabak you can follow him on twitter.com/kabakaypyramid.

2 Artist: Lil Vaugn and QQ Title: “Overdose”

Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Brand new release from Lil Vaugn, who is an artist hailing from Grenada. Generally speaking, soca music has been evolving in recent years where one can hear the fuse of soca, EDM, and dancehall. Lil Vaugn has been putting in work; 1st place St. Marks Soca Monarch in 2011, 3rd place Grenada Soca Monarch 2013 and voted top 10 young male Soca artist of the Caribbean. Lil Vaugns website is www.lilvaugn.com. Get to know this youth.

3 Artist: Dil e Nadan Title: “Famaly”

Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Everybody loves Raymond. Dil e Nadan band has been going non-stop with tours and releases of brand new singles. There is no wonder why they are Chutney Soca Monarchist. Their latest song “Famaly” is not your typical chutney song, but more of a soca bacchanal kind of vibe. “All of we is Famaly”, is the premise for this song. Good vibe. Dil e Nadan recently performed for the annual Chutney Soca Brass concert last month. You can follow them on twitter @dilenadan.

4 Artist: Orlando Octave Title: “Love Fiend”

Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: Orlando Octave formerly known as D‘ Original Rude Boy, is Soca / dancehall’s music’s youngest voice to make headlines in 2015. Orlando’s exposure came in 2008 when he was nominated for a National Youth Award for his song entitled “Darkie”. Orlando Octave is currently singned to Billionair Records wrapping up his tour in Africa and U.K. Check him out and support this youth. www.orlando-octave.com

5 Artist: Busy Signal Title: “Text Message”

Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks) JVTV Review: One of Dancehall’s top singer from “nineteen O Long”. Busy Signal has been rather busy these last few months. In our opinion, this is one of the most under-rated artist in today’s dancehall scene. In his latest video for “Text Message”, busy is poking fun at women on how they are constantly “blowing up” his phone when he trying to work. The video is clever and shot by Turf Music Entertainment. One thing for sure, Busy never disappoints. Can’t wait to find out if he will ever be allowed into the U.S. again. Follow him on twitter at @onebusysignal. Download the new junglevibes tv app for iphone and android devices// Advertise your business and increase visibility and revenue! For more information,call Rali at 407-625 2861 or log on to www.junglevibes.tv

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

VENDORS WANTED

Dedicated to the Promotion &

DOWNTOWN

Greater Orlando CARES Archer Western

Mentoring Movement

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

MICHAEL A. MILLS, LLC YOUR INJURY ASSISTANCE LAW FIRM

We are here for you!

823 N. Thornton Avenue • Orlando, Florida 32803 20 3rd Street SW, Suite 302 • Winter Haven, Florida 33880 Office 321-234-2900 • Fax 866-941-5780 Call 1-800-8-INJURY from the Accident Scene www.injuryassistance.org 28