State House Representative for House District 47, Anna V. Eskamani stated, "It is my honor to help co-chair the 19th Annual Caribbean Health Summit right here in Orlando! This event is the only one of its kind with a crucial focus on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our community. In Tallahassee and back home in Central Florida, we’re doing everything we can to reduce barriers to accessing healthcare and invite our family, friends, and neighbors to take advantage of this great opportunity for Whilecare."
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“19th Annual Caribbean Health Summit will host first Face-to-Face event in two Years”
Orlando City Commissioner, Bakari Burns of District 6, said “I’m delighted that the 19th Annual
The theme of this year’s event “Make Mental Wellness a Lifestyle” was adopted by the planning committee to emphasize the importance of taking control of one’s mental wellness, which has affected so many Americans over the past two years due to the pandemic. At this year’s summit, health experts will share important strategies to make healthy choices in prevention of diseases; as well as improving wellness and quality of life. This year’s event is being co-chaired by two community leaders who have been active in promoting healthy lifestyles and health equity in our communities.
BY: Janine Mendes-Franco SOURCE: GlobalVoices
The Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention is committed to saving lives through prevention, education, awareness, linkage and referral. The summit is the perfect vehicle to highlight the importance of early detection through the various health screenings, such as Blood pressure, Cholesterol, Body Mass Index (BMI), Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), Alzheimer’s, HIV/STD’s, Dental, Eye exam, and mental wellness, just to name a few. The community will have the opportunity to take advantage of these free screenings during the day, in addition to some fun activities for everyone.
Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago celebrate 60 years of independence
On August 6, Jamaica celebrated its diamond jubilee of independence from Britain, and Trinidad and Tobago is hot on its heels; the twin-island republic will mark its own 60th anniversary of independence on August 31. Both Caribbean nations are marking the occasion with pomp and circumstance.Jamaicaorganized an event itinerary that began on Emancipation Day (August 1) and lasted until Independence Day, culminating with a very well-attended float parade and grand gala in the national stadium, at which there was a drone display and light show — reportedly the first of its kind in the region — which was very well received. Described as “the zenith of the celebrations,” the drones formed the shape of some of Jamaica's beloved personalities, including poet Louise Bennett, reggae icon Bob Marley and sprint star Usain TrinidadBolt.and Tobago, meanwhile, has planned an extensive calendar of events in honour of the occasion, including the production of a commemorative stamp and coin, concerts and exhibitions, a steel pan parade, and even a television series that explores the country's pre- and post-independence journey. Cont' pg 6
The Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention Inc. (CMWP) in collaboration with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida Inc., Florida Department of Health in Orange County, Advent Health, and Florida Hospital will host the 19th Annual Caribbean Health Summit. This free community event will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the Dr. James R. Smith Center, located at 1723 Bruton Blvd., Orlando. The event will start from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in the afternoon.
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LIFEST Y LE 3 Copyright (C) 2016 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved. Publisher ............................................................................. Guenet Gittens-Roberts Publisher&Editor Sam Roberts Editor&ContributingWriter ....Aleia Roberts Contributing Writers: Tony Dyal Contributing Photographers Ted Hollins Central Florida Distribution......................................................... .Danielle Browne NorthFlorida Distribution Kadeem Roberts 1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 Office: 407-427-1800 Fax: 407-386-7925 Toll Free: 877-220-8315 For Media Information email: Info:sroberts@caribbeanamericanpassport.comPublisher:.Info@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Should you desire to review past copies of the publication go to http:// caribbeanamericanpassport.com and click on the 'PrintDilliaArchive'.Castillo South Florida Distribution.............................................................Norman Williams Tampa Distribution...................................................................................Julian Pina www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com Guenet Gittens-Roberts Owner/Publisher/Editor Samuel J. Roberts Owner/Publisher/Editor Moving into the new times Every two years,we are back at what seems like the most important election of our lifetime. But here we are again, encouraging you all to vote, pushing shoving messages into the faces of folks who spend their time online watching the same reel multiple time, but not spending the time to read past a headline to the article. I feel nervous about it, because how do we reach and energize people that are frankly not interested in anything except their immediate interests? Even this newspaper, has to change to remain current and Werelevant.have to shorten the articles, enlarge the photos and add video content. How do we message in a tweet, instagram or facebook post...we are about to find out. It's not all gloom and doom though, we have been able to start the process and while we have to create shorter videos, it is simple to get the content out to our readers online in an easier way. So we are really going more digital than ever- we ask that you follow us online - find us at: @Caribbeanamericanpassport platforms on social media. We have started producing a great series Sankofa, a series that delves into the people we swear we know. The first two guests are Congresswoman Val Demings and Sandra FatmiHall. We invite you to go to our website www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com so that you can join our email database or learn to get your content there. We need your support as we navigate these changes to our Itplatforms:willbea mixture of events and videography. We ask that you subscribe, follow and support us as we strive to bring you great content, with substance that continues to show our community in the best way that we can.
St Kitts and Nevis, takes top spot at this year’s annual CBI Index
The Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis tops this year’s CBI Index rankings for offering one of the best citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes in the world. St Kitts and Nevis was rated against 12 other countries with operational CBI programmes, which, in 2022, include Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Cambodia, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Jordan, Malta, Montenegro, St Lucia, Turkey and Vanuatu.
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St Kitts and Nevis scored top marks for the Citizenship Timeline pillar – which looks at the average time taken for citizenship to be secured by the applicant – due to the Accelerated Application Process where for an additional fee, an applicant can obtain their citizenship within a maximum of 60 days instead of the standard processing time of approximately three months.
Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago celebrate 60 years of independence
cont from coverBY: Janine Mendes-Franco SOURCE: Global Voices
The CBI Index, published by PWM Magazine, a publication from the Financial Times in collaboration with CS Global Partners, is a rating system designed to measure the performance and appeal of global CBI programmes across a diverse range of indicators and its purpose is to provide a rigorous and systematic mechanism for appraising programmes in order to facilitate the decision-making process for individuals considering them, and to bring value to the CBI industry
The Mandatory Travel or Residence pillar examines the travel or residence conditions imposed on applicants both before and after the granting of citizenship.
The primary methodological objective of the CBI Index is to isolate pillars that measure CBI programme features and jurisdictional desirability. The nine pillars that constitute this year’s CBI Index include: Freedom of Movement, Standard of Living, Minimum Investment Outlay, Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family and, Certainty of TheProduct.country received full marks – 10 out of 10 in the Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family and Certainty of Product pillars.
There has also been a recommendation put forward by the Criminal Bar Association for the government to consider releasing 60 “deserving” prisoners as a 60th anniversary of independence initiative, and there is talk of a beautification project for the capital city, Port of Spain. However, as with Jamaica, there were concerns about the country's priorities. As a Trinidad and Tobago Express editorial outlined, the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet in the rearview mirror, and the threat of monkeypox is on the horizon. In addition, the public sector is in the midst of salary negotiations, the cost of living is on the rise, and crime is a serious concern. Nevertheless, in lauding positives such as “a free public health system,” “free education for all,” “a vibrant democracy even if it is yet to achieve maturity”, and “a national unity at the level of the people,” it Weopined:have reason to celebrate this Independence anniversary as a milestone achievement. Our democracy has endured and we have gained, among other things, significant control of our natural resources and deployed them to improving the lives of our citizens. In the words of Hosein, “Independence was not only a historical moment, something that happened and is over, but a continuous and collective act of forging a nation from an unapologetic love for liberty, as its meaning evolves over time.” Perhaps even more than celebration, 60 years might be a time for reflection and regeneration.
St Kitts and Nevis, along with the rest of the Caribbean countries, does not have any travel or residency requirements for CBI applicants. This makes it easy for busy entrepreneurs to continue running their businesses and still be eligible to get their second citizenship while not having to fulfil any minimum stay requirements.
Ease of Processing measures the end-to-end complexity of the CBI application process. St Kitts and Nevis makes the process of obtaining citizenship easy and straightforward, the country has an official government website and a dedicated CBI unit. It has also done away with burdensome application requirements such as interviews, language, culture or history tests, proof of minimum business experience and evidence of the purchase of tangible or intangible assets.
“Despite the economic, political, and logistical challenges, MMC Development has delivered sustainable projects and we are always committed to complying with the government’s mandate to develop green structures,” Haiden said.
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MMC Development Ltd. has complete eight housing projects since working closely with Dominica’s government.
The recent climate change mitigation efforts by the United States and Australia encouraged Davis, but he acknowledged that “we are commitmentfatigued and we are pledge-fatigued.” He said that rich nations had failed to meet the $100 billion pledge in climate aid to poor countries by 2020. In recent years, the Caribbean countries have been experiencing stronger hurricanes and the accompanying floods. TeleSUR English reported that in the Bahamas, “the consequences of natural disasters have increased sovereign debt by some US$5 billion.”
The two-day meeting in Nassau, Bahamas was attended by 18 Caribbean leaders. The event is expected to produce an “outcome paper” that will be presented at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly referred to as COP27.
The government has entrusted MMC Development Ltd., the developing arm of UAE-based company Montreal Management Consultants to oversee the remaining eight residential projects in the island, along with infrastructure projects on health care, transportation, and education.
In the Commonwealth of Dominica for example, the Housing Revolution Programme has provided more than 2,000 Dominican families with climate-resilient houses and continues to do so.
https://thecaribbeannewsnow.com/caribbean-leaders-urged-to-push-for-climate-financing-at-cop27/
In a previous interview, MMC CEO and President Anthony Haiden said that sustainability is their utmost priority for all the projects they embarked on.
Make developed countries honor past pledges for climate assistance.
COP27
Caribbean Leaders Urged To Push For Climate Financing At
This was the call of the Bahamas Prime Minister to his fellow Caribbean leaders as they convened in the recent meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Nassau to discuss about climate change resiliency.
In a speech, Bahamian PM Philip Davis said that small nations that have already begun to experience severe effects of climate change must pressure developed countries to contribute more financial aid in mitigating its effects.
Davis also suggested that the create new criteria for determining which countries can receive such assistance at the at the upcoming climate talks in Egypt in November.
“If we advance our interests merely as individual Small Island Developing States, our voices will be dispersed, unable to be heard above louder, wealthier, carbon-producing interests,” he said as reported by Reuters.
Even with less support, some Caribbean countries have begun their mitigation efforts to address climate change.
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The Cayman Islands Team (from left): Deputy Director, International Marketing and Promotions Gary HendricksDominguez; Director of Tourism Rosa Harris; Public Relations Officer Hannah Ebanks; Kayla Frauenheim of Coyne PR; PR Assistant Theresa Cole; along with Bevan Springer, President & CEO of Marketplace Excellence.
Recognizing the close bonds which both African Americans and Hispanic Americans share with the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands participated for the first time in the premier conference for journalism education, career development, networking, and industry innovation, attracting leaders and influencers in journalism, media, technology, business, health, arts, and entertainment.
Thousands of top journalists, media executives, journalism educators, public relations professionals, and students from the United States and further afield gathered in Las Vegas, August 3-7, 2022.
The spirit of carnival was on full display during a Cayman Islands Department of Tourismsponsored Founders’ reception, and Director of Tourism Rosa Harris provided a substantive destination update while participating in a stimulating discussion on building bridges between the African American and Caribbean communities.
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com 7 Cayman Islands shines at national media convention
The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism strengthened its diversity marketing efforts by participating in the 2022 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) joint convention in Las Vegas last week.
The alcohol industry has blossomed in recent decades, and the growth of the global village and easier international transportation have made great rums more easily accessible across the world. You can likely pick up your favorite Caribbean rums — like Trinidad’s Angostura brands, Guyana’s Demerara, Jamaica’s Appleton, or Barbados’ Mount Gay — in fine liquor shops in many countries, and even order them online. The story behind a drink or alcohol is often the most fascinating part of drinking. Not only do you get to sip on a delicious beverage, but you are able to be transported through history and learn about the culture of a people and sometimes even an era. At times it’s an uplifting, fun story. Other times there’s a darkness to it. Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that one of the most famed rum cocktails is called the Dark ‘N Stormy.
There are many stories dating back as far as I can remember about the use of Rum for medicinal purposes and much more. Records show that the first distillation of rum in the Caribbean took place on the sugarcane plantations back in the early 17th century. This discovery came at the hands of plantation slaves who discovered that molasses, a by-product of the sugar refining process, could be fermented into alcohol and that was the beginning of our beloved 'Caribbean Rum'.
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Rum’s history isn’t an easy or pretty one, but it is an important part of the world’s history. Back as far as 350 BC in India is when sugar cane first got fermented, sugar cane was first cultivated in New Guinea. However, remember that back then, these fermented drinks were primarily used medicinally purposes. In the 1400s we all learned about the explorers, back when we were in grade school, who started opening up the worlds trade routes through their vast sea explorations. As remote islands began to be discovered, so was a perfect climate for growing sugar cane. Sugar, similar to spices of that time, was highly valued on the trade route, yet it required incredible manpower and water. The Caribbean countries and Islands had plenty of access to water and, by this time, slaves were an obvious and unfortunately easy choice. Explorers began to increase sugar cane production on islands such as the Azores, Canary Islands and eventually the Caribbean. In order to do that they also needed to bring in more slaves. While the African slavers accepted many forms of payment to supply slaves, to the European colonists the most highly sought after payment was alcohol. And while beer, wine and mead were easily made in certain regions of the world they didn’t fare well on the long ocean journeys. Nor were they very strong. Brandy was one of the early spirits to step up and fill the need for lower volume with a higher punch, but as the trade routes allowed for increased supply of sugar a new spirit became a fast-favorite of slave traders, slaves and explorers alike. Until quite recently, rum was fighting for a place in international markets. Only a select few producers and brands had global reach, resulting in a bland and inaccurate representation of what Caribbean rums were all about. Distinctive rums and small producers were largely relegated to their respective home regions, and connoisseurs would travel far and wide in search of new and interesting brands.
Rum & the Caribbean - A relationship of history and passion
For many of us in the Caribbean, rum flows figuratively (and for some maybe literally) through our veins. There’s a wide variety of styles and flavours: some are light, others more caramel, and some are dark. Many are sweet and smooth, others more brash, strong and bold. Some are born high up in the mountains, and others (like one in the Cayman Islands) spend much of their life ageing below the surface of the sea, where the tidal movement of the water helps the rum to interact with its wooden barrels and accelerates the ageing process. Some are from a single district, a pure representation of their location, while others are a blend of the best the Caribbean has to offer.
Regardless of colour or country, Caribbean people are intensely proud of this precious elixir that we are proud to call our very own.
The word alone conjures up images of white sand beaches, sunny skies, palm trees and good times with family or friends — especially if it’s being enjoyed on a cold New York or Toronto evening in February.
Caribbean Rum created in the Caribbean by Caribbean people, rum is now embraced by the world as an essential presence in every self-respecting bar and restaurant. It’s become a lifestyle brand.
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Caribbean Health Summit is being hosted in District 6 at the Dr. James R. Smith Center. This free event will provide essential health screenings for residents in not just my District but our city, county, and region. From eye and dental exams to mammograms and mental health assessments, the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention Inc. is providing information and access to healthcare that so many in our community need.”
Since its inception of this event in 2002 attendees have traveled from many different cities, such as Miami, Winter Haven, Daytona Beach, Haines City, Ocala, Kissimmee, and Gainesville to attend the event in Orlando. This family-oriented event will include activities for both adults and children alike.
“19th Annual Caribbean Health Summit will host first Face-to-Face event in two Years”
Cont'd from page 1
St Kitts and Nevis offers one of the most affordable routes to alternative citizenship, and even though it ended its limited time offer of US$150,000 for a family of four at the end of December 2021, it did not impact its score, five out of 10, as the scores are based on minimum investments for a single applicant.
The longest standing CBI programme, St Kitts and Nevis, takes top spot at this year’s annual CBI Index
St Kitts and Nevis scored a seven out of 10 in this area as it offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 countries.
The Minimum Investment Outlay pillar measures one of the most practical and foremost considerations of CBI: how much capital is required for the investor to become an eligible applicant for the programme of their choosing.
The overall effortlessness of the application process is a particularly important component, and the promise of a smooth, hassle-free process can generate readiness to engage with a programme.
In the 2022 CBI Index, the Freedom of Movement pillar measures the relative strength of each country’s citizenship based on three equally weighted factors: the number of destinations to which a country’s passport allows travel without restriction, the number of prime business hubs to which it provides access, and the degree to which a given citizenship provides settlement rights in other nations.
The CBI Index recognises that the rise of increasingly complex family relationships is driving investors to seek programmes that allow for a more diverse range of family members to be included under a primary application. St Kitts and Nevis retains a perfect score for their family friendliness as, in addition to a main applicant, they allow the applicant’s spouse, children under 18 and over 18 in certain circumstances, siblings, parents and grandparents of both the main applicant or their spouse to be included in an application.
One of the areas where Caribbean nations really differentiate their programmes, is the area of due diligence. St Kitts and Nevis’ due diligence process is multi-faceted and is undertaken by the country’s CBI unit, law enforcement and external third-party duediligence agencies from the UK and USA. This ensures that the process is stringent and comprehensive, applicants are required to provide either fingerprints or a biometric passport, police certificates from both an applicant’s country of residence as well as their country of citizenship and comprehensive supporting information in respect of an applicant’s source of funds.
The St Kitts and Nevis CBI programme is a family-friendly route for those looking for a reputable and trusted programme that prioritises both applicants and its citizens the stringent due diligence process upon application ensures that only honest hard-working families are approved. The citizenship can also be passed down to future generations, giving investors who want to leave a legacy, peace of mind.
St Kitts and Nevis’ CBI programme is one of the oldest in the industry, having been established in 1984, it assures investors of a certainty of product. The CBI Index measures certainty across five different dimensions: longevity, popularity and renown, stability, reputation, and adaptability – aspects which St Kitts and Nevis’ programme can tick off confidently.
Bouterse, 77, was sentenced to 20 years in Jail in December 2019 after he was found guilty of planning and ordering the extrajudicial execution of 15 political prisoners. The former president has previously denied the allegations. He claimed the victims, who included lawyers, union leaders and journalists, were shot while trying to escape a colonialera fortress in Paramaribo.
Suriname's Former President Bouterse Appeals Conviction
Former President of Suriname, President Bouterse Kanhai said that Naarendorp, a former foreign affairs minister, will testify as to whether or not there was an invasion during the military rule.
When the matter began before the Court of Justice, it was decided that witnesses will be heard at the next sitting of the Bouterse,court. who led the Dutch-speaking CARICOM country during the 1980s as head of a military government and de facto leader, along with Benny Brondenstein, Iwan Dijksteel, Ernst Gefferie and Stephanus Dendoe – all of whom had received a lesser jail sentences – filed the appeal claiming that the Court Martial had failed to produce many exculpatory statements in connection with the verdict.
The December 8 criminal case was started in 2007 with 25 suspects. In the end, seven suspects were convicted, 12 were acquitted and six died during the trial. In November 2019, the main suspect Bouterse was sentenced to 20 years in accordance with the request made by the Public Prosecution Service. In 2012, the National Assembly passed an amnesty law granting Bouterse immunity, which was later invalidated by a court ruling. He took office as president in 2010, following a democratic election and was elected for another term in 2015, but lost the 2020 election.
The appeal by former president Desi Bouterse and four others regarding their convictions for their roles in the execution of 15 political opponents in 1982, has been adjourned to August 17.
Attorney, Irvin Kanhai, who is representing all five men, said he intends to call three witnesses, including John Hardjoprajitno and Harvey Naarendorp who were acquitted during the trial.
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Former president, Desi Bouterse , is surrounded by suppo rters after leaving the Court on the first day of his appeal.
The Public Prosecution Service said it has no witnesses.
According to the prime minister, the American Canadian School of Medicine will offer four-year degrees in medicine and will be run by “an experienced team comprising doctors who have held positions at major universities in the United States.” This roster also includes a former vice president of operations at the Ross University School of Medicine. The construction is overseen by CSOM Holdings Limited, and its completion is targeted before school begins in September next year.
MMC Development Ltd. is in charge of the development of the New Marigot Hospital and the twelve other health and wellness centres across the island. The centres are “comprised of two floors, and fitted with an emergency area, out-patient clinics, treatment room, as well as accommodation for medical staff,” according to MMC CEO Anthony Haiden.
At a budget hearing in July, Dominica’s prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced the opening of the American Canadian School of Medicine next year, filling in the void left by the departure of the premier medical school in the Caribbean. Skerrit said that “the government has received several expressions” about establishing another medical school in the island.
The Dominica China Friendship Hospital is almost completed, and the new Marigot Hospital is now complete and the medical equipment and furnishings are currently being installed. The construction of the new Reginald Armour Hospital, which will also be in Portsmouth, will commence soon.
“Most of the students are expected to come from Canada, the United States of America and the Caribbean,” said AsideSkerrit.from the American Canadian School of Medicine, Dominica is also set to open more hospitals and healthcare facilities in the island.
One of the developing companies mandated by the government of Dominica to construct healthcare facilities in the island is Montreal Management Consultants (MMC) Development Ltd., a Dubai-based firm that has been instrumental to the housing initiative of the government.
https://thecaribbeannewsnow.com/american-canadianschool-of-medicine-in-dominica-to-open-in-2023/
Ross University was the longest existing medical school in Dominica, operating for more than four decades in Picard, Portsmouth. The campus that used to be full with aspiring Dominican doctors and nurses remained unused for four years. But this will change in 2023.
15 American Canadian School Of Medicine In Dominica To Open In 2023
Four years ago, the students of the Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, along with the staff, had to leave the island and move to the main campus in Barbados to continue with their studies. Hurricane Maria left the island in ruins in 2017, and continuing school in Dominica had been difficult to bear.
Orlando Carnival Downtown team prepares to go to Guyana with a Mas Band for Cricket Carnival
We enjoy being outside so please follow these tips:
• Stay home and contact your healthcare provider if you: o feel sick o have a fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes, o have a new or unexplained rash, which may look like pimples, blisters, or sores
• Contact with respiratory secretions, through kissing and other face-to-face contact. This contact can happen in certain social and sexual situations •Hugging,including:massage, and kissing.
•Contact with objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox. With monkeypox in the news, why are people talking about smallpox?
•Touching fabrics and objects that were used by a person with monkeypox and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, fetish gear, and sex
Both smallpox and monkeypox are caused by orthopoxviruses. The symptoms are similar, though monkeypox is rarely fatal. The diseases are so similar, in fact, that the same vaccine is used for both: Jynneos. So the monkeypox vaccine is the smallpox vaccine; they are not different shots.
What if you were vaccinated against smallpox pre-1980?
Why are we talking about smallpox again?
"Unless you were recently vaccinated for smallpox, like the last two to three years, most likely you probably want to go ahead and get vaccinated if you're exposed," he Withsaid.
"I've been working on this virus for 20 years. It's a virus that does not spread as easily as something like SARSCoV-2. Its most efficient route of transmission is close, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact," she said. we know about Monkeypox?
•Oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butt) of a person with monkeypox.
What should
Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact including:
Thetoys.risk to most people remains low, but knowledge empowers us all and keeps us healthy!
monkeypox cases rising in the United States, are we all going to need to get vaccinated for smallpox? Right now, it doesn't seem like that will be necessary.
The virus is estimated to have killed more than 300 million people in the 20th century. But by 1980, thanks to a successful vaccination campaign, it was eradicated. No one today receives routine childhood vaccinations for smallpox, because you can't catch it anymore
•Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
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Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus not commonly seen in the United States. However, monkeypox cases recently have been found in the United States. Monkeypox can make you sick, with symptoms like a rash, which may look like pimples, blisters, or sores, often with an earlier flu-like illness. We are monitoring the situation and are working with public health authorities to stop the further spread of the current monkeypox outbreak. If we all know the facts and work together, we can help to stop the spread of monkeypox.
•Direct contact with monkeypox rash, sores, or scabs from a person with monkeypox.
Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, said you would likely have some degree of protection from monkeypox, but you should still get the Jynneos vaccine if you're exposed or are otherwise eligible.
It's alarming to see another infectious disease gain a foothold while we're still attempting to fend off COVID-19. But COVID and monkeypox are very different, said Anne Rimoin, a professor of epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and a member of the World Health Organization's emergency committee on monkeypox.
GOD’S GIFT The way I see it, though, is that every day beyond three score and ten is God’s gift to me. Some people say it’s better to be a has-been than a never was, but for me that is only when my son prepares the beans as he did this morning for my birthday breakfast. My daughter made scones and I thought of what Jesus said to the crowd of bakers, “Let him who is without sin cast the first scone.” This led me to the extremely appropriate Psalm 77 in my favourite, the King James Bible, which says, “I will remember the words of the LORD. Surely I will remember thy wonders of old.” It is why I call it the present. Even though my birthday suit needs pressing, I believe that life is a blessing and its greatest value comes from its use. I have learnt that some blessings can never change and the important things in life will never die. Whatever happens, I will continue to believe there is a God, regardless of the name by which HE is known. For me, all religions are like rivers that enter into the same sea. For as long as I live, I will continue to honour education and pursue truth and knowledge. In every moment that is left of my life, I will make sure that the greatest things in it continue to endure – love, faith, hope and the essence of humanity.
CONSOLE MYSELF I console myself with what some people did at 77. John Glenn, the astronaut, was the oldest person to go into space where he spent 11 days. Some people claimed his wife had finally relented and told him he could come back. Supposedly, the most famous person born in my birth year, 1945, is Eric Clapton, the English rock and blues guitarist. What I can’t understand is why the world’s ‘Number five’ guitarist should be put at the top of my age group. Clearly, somebody in the English media pulled some strings.
I know, too, that tough times never last. Tough people do. I tell my children, and live by my belief, that none of us can change the past. But we can learn from it. In fact, the present is the past condition of the future and we need to see climate change and other issues like a world war in that light and prepare, or at least start getting ready, for it now. The most important thing for me as an individual is to keep my sense of humour and continue to have the ability to laugh at myself. This is why one of my best friends sent me a birthday card this morning which read, “Tony. Forget about the past, you can’t change it. Forget about the future, you can’t predict it. Forget about the present, I didn’t get you one Tony Deyal was last seen saying he bought a fridge for the same friend on his birthday and boasted, “You should haveseenhisfacelightupwhenheopenedit!”
www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com Seventy Seven and Counting - By TONY DEYAL 18
I was born to be an optimist. My blood type is AB positive. If life gives me a bag of horse manure, I tear it apart looking for, and expecting, a horse. I don’t ask for much and am always willing to take much less. This morning, as I woke up remembering I was 77, I thought about the story of the old man who kept calling his wife all kinds of ‘sweet’ names like “honey”, “darling”, “love” and “baby”. A friend complimented him for being such a loving husband and, at 77, still showing so much love for his wife. The man replied, “Listen. About 10 years ago I forgot her name and, since then, I’ve been too scared to ask her.”
But getting old is no joke. When I was young, I always felt like a male trapped in a female’s body. Then I was born. Now, at 77, I am in the double whammy of the seven ages of manspills, drills, thrills, bills, ills, pills and wills. Yet, I don’t feel old. This is what the American cartoonist, Kin Hubbard, after wishing a friend a happy birthday said, “You’re now living proof of the old saying, ‘Boys will be boys, and so will a lot of middle-aged men’.” In my case, I’m beyond middle age. I am at that point where you lose your memory and even your mind and the worst thing about it is that you don’t miss either very much. This is where a short nap once in a while helps you to prevent getting older, especially while driving.
The old man, still crying, explained, “It’s my birthday today. I am 77 years old. My wife is a 25 year-old beautiful young woman and we make love every day.” The young man said, “So why are you crying?” The old man cried even harder, “I’ve forgotten where I live.” I would prefer being the 77 year-old husband who got a call from his 60 year-old wife. She went to the doctor complaining of nausea and cramps and was told that, although medically impossible, she was pregnant. She screamed, dialled her husband, and shouted, “You’ve made me pregnant, you dirty old man.” There was a long pause at the other end of the line, and then her husband asked, “And to whom am I speaking?”
Fortunately for me, I still remember where I live and to whom I’m speaking, but 77 for any man is when you’ve been out with a girl all night and the only thing that comes is daylight. In fact, you’re like a dog chasing a car, even if you catch it, you can’t drive it. A friend sent me this story yesterday as my very special birthday gift designed to tell me where to draw the line. A 77 year-old man who already had a mouthful of dentures was having a drink in a bar. Suddenly, a gorgeous girl entered and sat down a few seats away. She was so attractive he couldn’t take his eyes off her. After a while, the girl noticed him staring and approached him. She looked him deep in the eyes and said in a very sultry tone: “I’ll do anything you’d like. Anything you can imagine in your wildest dreams. It doesn’t matter how extreme or unusual it is, I’m game. I want $100, but there’s another condition.” Completely stunned by the sudden turn of events, the old man asked her what the condition was. She teased, “You have to tell me what you want me to do to, with, or for, you in just three words.” The old man took a moment to consider the offer, whipped out his wallet, and then put $100 in her outstretched hand . He then said slowly and clearly: “Paint my house!” I suppose that was the only way he could have a brush with anything except the law.
Fortunately, it did not make me cry like the old man who was sitting on a bench, tears streaming down his face, when a young man approached him and asked, “Sir, are you okay?”
19 www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
20 www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
