Caribbean American Passport News Magazine June 2017 by caribbeanamericanpassport

FREE Your Passport to the Caribbean American Community

6 Orlando Carnival Downtown 2017 ROCKED ORLANDO

In June 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted H. Con. Res. 71, sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, recognizing the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. On February 14, 2006, the resolution similarly passed the Senate, culminating a two-year, bipartisan and bicameral effort. The Proclamation was issued by President George Bush on June 6, 2006. Since the declaration, the White House has issued an annual proclamation recognizing June as CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month. This year marks the eleventh anniversary of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. The campaign to designate June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month, was spearheaded by Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies. Through the commemoration of this month, we hope to ensure that America is reminded that its greatness lies in its diversity, with Caribbean immigrants from founding father Alexander Hamilton, to journalist Malcolm Gladwell, who have shaped the American dream.

Photos by www.calypsofineart.com - Continued on Page 10

Taste of Haiti - Orlando 2017

Taste of Haiti started in Miami in 2012 as an annual event usually held around May 18th for Haitian Flag Day celebration. The event has grown from its humble beginning of 1,500 guests first year to now, 4 years later, Taste of Haiti has gathered over 5,000 guests from the Haitian and International communities in South Florida and its surroundings. This year, it had close to 7,000 guests for its 5th addition in May. Orlando's Taste of Haiti Celebration featured fun cultural games such as Domino games, “Rosle”, “La Marelle”, and a jump rope games tournament.

Taste of Haiti (Orlando) brought together the community of Central Florida and surrounding cities and provided an opportunity to discovery Haiti’s Culture and flavors primarily through its food and all its cultural components. The festival offered a blend of the best of Haiti’s cuisine, music and art. Taste of Haiti was presented on June 3rd in Orlando to an excited crowd. Activities included kite flying, food tasteing and live dance/ musical act...See Pictures on Page 5

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L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

Strength In Unity and Celebration of Diversity

ne of the greatest assets of the Caribbean American community is its diversity. The Caribbean American community is a combination of just about every race, religion, culture, color, ethnic group and stereotype. Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor

We have almost, if not totally, pure ethnic groups and a multitude of combinations that just add to our amazing diversity. We’ve got the Indo-Caribbean, the AfroCaribbean, the Asian-Caribbean, the European-Caribbean, the HispanicCaribbean, the French-Caribbean, the Creole-Caribbean and then we’ve got the melting-pot-Caribbean, which is a combination of 2 or more of the above races…I happen to fall into this category… I’m a fully qualified ‘Other’ on the U.S Census Form. Central Florida has the potential to be the ‘Heart of the Caribbean American’ in Florida. We’ve got Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Aquatica Orlando, Mangos, The Eye…..and we’ve added our ‘flava’ over the Memorial Weekend with our ‘Cooler Fetes, our Ilan Fetes, our Jouvert, our Flag Fetes, our Rum Jungle, our ORLANO CARNIVAL, our Carnival Rehab and all our Fetes and Dances in between that are presented over the Memorial Weekend. The money we spend and bring into the Orlando/Central Florida area represents major contributions to the local economy. We need to start taking this to the next level by documenting our economic impact, document the ‘heads-in-beds’, the Bar sales we impact, the Park rentals we pay, the Orlando Police Department/Orange County Police Department we pay (over-time - $40+ per hour). These are real tangible financial impact on the economy yet our tax dollars are spent elsewhere. We have the numbers, both financial and voters, to impact the changes we want to see. It is TIME to be the change you want to see, unify our numbers and try to speak with one voice. The old saying that our parents and grandparents always said…’There’s Strength in Numbers’. Memorial Weekend in Orlando starts from the weekend before and goes all the way to the Monday, Memorial Day; that’s more than a week of dates available for Fetes, Dances, Jouvert, Last Lap and all the events in between. Can we establish a planning committee with representation from all the Promoters, DJ’s, Event Planners, Mas Bands…all the players? I know this has been attempted in the past but the past is the past, let us plan for 2018 and beyond to OWN MEMORIAL WEEKEND in Florida and eve the Southeast.

We are one Caribbean separated by water, wave your national flag with pride, many flags but one Caribbean. Let us try to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Caribbean brothers or sisters and show our strength. Let us not fight like crabs in a barrel to pull each other down while we can do so much better by supporting and building each other up from strength to strength. Let us come together support each other, there’s enough potential attendees in this town for every Fete, Dance, Jouvert, Jungle event, Party, Mas Band and Wine-downs planner/promoter to have a successful event over the Memorial Weekend. United we stand … Divided we fall… Let us stand together and show unity while also celebrating our diversity. There’s nothing like a good cook-up (rice & peas) dish out with a goat curry spoon, mixed with roti and some bake with salt-fish on the side…that’s a meal for a true Caribbean Man/Woman/Child.

1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 Office: 407-427-1800 Fax: 407-386-7925 Toll Free: 877-220-8315 For Media Information email: Publisher: sroberts@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Sales: sales@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Info: .Info@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Should you desire to review past copies of the publication go to http://caribbeanamericanpassport.com and click on the

Print Archive.

Editor & Publisher............................................................... Sam Roberts Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Graphic Design & Layout .................................................Samuel Roberts Contributing Writers: ............................................................ Tony Dyal ................................................................................................Ryan Davis .............................................................................................Sandra Fatmi ...............................................................................................Gail Seeram ...........................................................................................Sasha Watson ..........................................................................................Kamal Abdool Contributing Photographers ............ ...................................Ted Hollins ..................................................................................................Dilia Castillo .......................................................................................... Sandra Fatmi .............................................. .......................................Nancy-Joe Brown Central Florida Distribution...................................................Roy Benn South Florida Distribution ...........................................Norman Williams

ImmigrationINFO

Immigration News For Our Community DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) 4.

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

5. 6.

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

he Homeland Security Department announced on June 15, 2017 that it would keep in place the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, allowing undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to remain in the country. Trump has broken his key campaign promise to terminate DACA and immediately deport all illegal immigrants under the DACA program. DACA recipients will continue to be eligible as outlined in the June 15, 2012, memorandum executed by President Obama.

In June 2012, President Obama announced that certain young people who were brought to the United States as young children, who do not present a risk to national security or public safety, and meet several key criteria will be considered for the relief of deferred action for two years and will be eligible for work authorization. Under this directive, termed DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) individuals who demonstrate that they meet the following criteria will be eligible for deferred action, on a case-by-case basis AND can apply for work authorization in the U.S. if they meet the following criteria: 1. Were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012; 2. Arrived in the United States before turning 16; 3. Continuously resided in the United States from June 15, 2007, to

the present; Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, as well as at the time of requesting deferred action from USCIS; Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or any lawful immigration status expired on or before June 15, 2012;

On the date of the request, are in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from school, have obtained a general education development (GED)

It is important to understand that deferred action is not a legal immigration status. Deferred action is a discretionary decision by DHS (Department of Homeland Security) not to pursue enforcement against a person for a specific period. A grant of deferred action does not alter an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing immigration status or provide a path to citizenship. Thus, deferred action cannot be used to establish eligibility for an immigration status that requires maintenance of lawful status. Deferred action, however, may allow a person to qualify for certain state benefits, such as driver license, though state requirements vary. While deferred action does not cure any prior or subsequent period of unlawful presence, time in deferred action status is considered a period of stay authorized by the Secretary of DHS. An individual does not accrue unlawful presence while in deferred action status or while a DACA request is pending if the individual filed a request before reaching age 18. DHS can renew or terminate a grant of deferred action at any time. Copyright ÂŠ Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2016. All Rights Reserved. 1-877-GAIL-LAW or 407-292-7730 www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com

Accredited & License # ST38788

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Taste of Haiti - Orlando 2017

Special thanks to the sponsors and supporters for making the 1st Annual 'Taste of Haiti - Orlando a successful event - Commissioner Ings, Commissioner Siplin, Consulate of Haiti, Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, Caribbean American Passport, Tele Anacaona, Refresh Beverages and Bernard Chery Law Office

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By Ryan Davis

A HISTORIC TOUR iving in the Western Hemisphere, when we hear the name Afghanistan, two things come to mind. A war stricken land and a hot bed for terrorism.

The negative portrait of this country in the Middle East was painted by the American media after the horrific events that happened on September 11th 2001. It was reported that Afghanistan was then the home of Osama Bin Laden, the culprit responsible for that horrific event that claimed close to 3000 lives. Fast forward sixteen years and that same country is trying to rebuild its land and also its reputation. One area that has helped bring light to a country that is constantly living in its shadows is its national cricket team. Since 2001, Afghanistan has become a member of the International Cricket Council and a member of the Asian Cricket council in 2003. Now in 2017, Afghanistan has created a World Class cricket team and they’ve embarked on their first official tour to the West Indies.

As for the 50 over format, the Afghanis came roaring back. In the first game in the 3 game series they defended their modest total of 212 thru their up and coming star Rashid Khan. The eighteen year old Khan spun a web with his leg breaks and googlies, bowling out the home team for only 149. He finished with figures of 7 wickets for 18 runs. It is the 4th best bowling figures in the history of One Day Internationals (50 overs).

The two regions could not have been on more different ends of the spectrum. The Afghanis are the new boys on the block. Trying to create a consistent competitive team that can move up the rankings and be included in cricket discussions. The West Indies on the other hand, are the old guards who lost their luster; trying to rebuild a team and move back to the top of the rankings to where they once belonged. The tour consisted of 3 T20 games and 3 fifty over games. In the T20 format the West Indies flexed its muscles in a format where they are still relevant. They swept the visitors 3-0. Winning all three games comfortably behind veteran Marlon Samuels who amassed 146 at an Average of 73. The series victory will no doubt solidify the team’s current 4th place position in the ICC T20 rankings.

The second ODI saw the West Indies fast bowlers literally “bounce back.” By using short pitched deliveries they bowled Afghanistan out for a modest 135 which the West Indies batsmen made light work of, thus evening the series at one a piece. The third and final game was scheduled to be played today, Wednesday June 14th, in St Lucia but was abandoned due to heavy rain. As a result, the series ended 1-1 thus giving the Afghanis an historic draw in their very first tour of the West Indies. This young cricketing nation can hold his head up high and continue to make strides on the international front.

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Generation X - Mas Band Launch in South Florida

enerationX, the largest and most popular band in Florida brings to you it's presentation of ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS for Miami-Broward Carnival 2017.

The sections depict various aspects of ART such as Dance, Music, Abstract, Origami, Graffiti, Metallica and Avant Garde. GenX, as they're affectionately called, had its Band Launch filled to a capacity crowd at Mana Wynwood in Miami last Saturday June 10th.

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They will be holding their GENXkidz Band Launch on Saturday July 8th at Central Broward Regional Park and their GenXJ'ouvert Band Launch - "Paintology n' Lazer" on Saturday July 29th in

Wynwood, Miami. Register early at www.GenerationXMiami.com to secure your costume of choice before sections are sold out early as is usually the case with GenX. GenX-perience - the Ultimate Carnival Experience. #GenXMas #GenXJouvert #GenXKidz

A Rising Caribbean Star in the Architectural Design Industry

arold Bosfield was born and raised in Nassau Bahamas. He was born with the natural gift of art, he is very skillful in pencil sketching, color pencil sketching and sometimes paint. After graduating high school in 2007 and entering his first year of college, his initial choice of profession was to become an artist, however he also had a fascination for buildings, in all shapes and sizes. It was this interest which pushed him in the direction of architecture where he can still use his artistic skills but also gain the technical knowledge of building and construction.

Recognized by his rendering skills, in 2015, Harold was hired by one of the top architecture firms in Orlando, Charlan Brock & Associates. He became their lead 3D designer and produced numerous beautiful renderings for multi-family residential designs, some that have been featured online, others in newspapers.

His mother introduced him to a family member who was and still is in the profession today, where he was taught the fundamentals of architecture. He graduated with his A.S. degree in Architecture in 2010 from the College of The Bahamas, now the University of The Bahamas. He was then offered an architecture scholarship from Florida A&M University where he attended for the remainder of his collegiate career. It was during his years at FAMU that he learned and developed his skills in 3D rendering. He attained both his B.S. degree in Architecture in 2013 and his M.S. degree in Architecture in 2014.

Harold’s favorite quote comes from architect legend Frank Gehry, “I have always felt, if you know what you’re going to do in advance, then you won’t do it.” He takes this approach to all his designs, which gives him pleasure in his work when he sees his results. This young talented arichitect of Caribbean heritage has been selected to for this month's 'Caribbean Rising Star', keep an eye out for more amazing renderings to come from Harold Bosfield and his designs.

Vice Mayor Beam Furr and Commissioner Dale Holness at Broward County Commission Meeting celebrating Caribbean-American Heritage Month with a book that Commissioner Holness is featured in. The book will be in the Broward County Library.

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Memorial Weekend in Orlando Florida 2017

MACHEL MONTANO AT RUM JUNGLE

Photography by UKSocaScene.com

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Memorial Weekend in Orlando Florida 2017

Photography provided by Flag Fete

Photography provided by TriniJungleJuice.com

POWERLINE SOUNDS COOLER FETE

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Photography by Sergii Lakhno and Quinten Reid.

Orlando Carnival Downtown 2017

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Orlando Carnival Downtown 2017

rlando Carnival 2017 was presented by The Original

Orlando Carnival Association under UIF executive direction of Richard Yates, President, Gloria Chandler, Secretary, Kathleen Ali, Treasurer and Satish/Maureen Brizan, Assistant Sec/ Tre with the Marketing and Event Planning managed by GGR Marketing, LLC. 2017 was viewed as pivotal year by the executive for many reasons, mainly the celebration of the 30th year of Carnival in Orlando and they were committed to providing a FREE Carnival as their way of saying "Thank You" to the community, the supporters and the general public who have supported the efforts to keep the Orlando Carnival alive for 30 years.

Planning started back in 2016 and the excitement built from day one until 'D' Day - May 28th 2017. The planning and delivery of a FREE Carnival is never easy and even more so when started from ZERO budget but that was the vision and plan for The Original Orlando Carnival Association 500$" . Plans for 2017 started off with the intent to deliver a low cost, locally focused, and family fun carnival in the heart of downtown Orlando. The first glimmer of hope came when they received approval for a $5,000 grant from the Downtown Development Board; then in early 2017 when TOOCA received it's first performance invoice, in excess of $29,000 for the Venue, Police, Port-O-Lets, Solid Waste, Security, clean-up and maintenance. Then in February/March the opportunity came along to get Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons with the support of Mr. CC Promotions and Ichunes Entertainment. This was seen as the “icing on top of the cake” if TOOAC could find the funding to budget for the King & Queen of Soca, Bunji & FayAnn with the help of the local promoters. The challenge then became finding an investor to purchase one of the only assets, the

bar. There were 3 potential investors, 1 fell out and there were 2. TOOCA decided to go with what they considered one of their own, a Caribbean investor. Thanks to the efforts of Ichunes and Urban Roots the investor was secured and we were moving forward with Orlando Carnival Downtown 2017 as a FREE Carnival. In March/April the Mas Bands and TOOCA came to an agreement with the plans, guidelines and prizes for Orlando Carnival 2017 so all engines were firing and things were falling into place. Meanwhile, with the marketing efforts of GGR Marketing and their team the excitement was growing and the community engagement was starting; over 15,000 Carnival enthusiasts had registered to attend. The final number of registered attendees for the Orlando Carnival Downtown was over 25,600. TOOCA is especially thankful to the community for coming out to support their 30th Anniversary of Carnival in Orlando, the Mas Bands for joining in with their support, the Downtown Development Board, the City of Orlando, Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Office, Commissioner Regina Hill, Sharon Grimes from Special Events Permitting, Orlando Police Department, Orange County Police Department, the Venues/McCracken Field Management and Staff, Mr. Cc Promotions, Ichunes Entertainment, Urban Roots, Gemini Promotions, Brindley Peiters and Associates, OUC, Caribbean Airlines, Caribbean Sunshine, Golden Krust Orlando, Rum Jungle, Soiree Events, Carib Beer, Triple S Entertainment, PS Freight Systems, Caribbean Supercenter, Camille Sebreth Law, Bailey's Pharmacy Da Deacon, Luxury Ride Limo Service, Rosen Center Hotel, CJ’s RV Rental, Stone Face, Mr. Smallie, DJ Ichunes, Curry Fest and last but not least Special thanks to the Caribbean American Passport Team Stephney, Imani, Sonia, Brandon, Ariela, Jonathon and Sandra.

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Caribbean Profile

"RONNIE KISHORE" uilding a startup is hard. I recently read an article that der, a storyteller, a visionary, a recruiter, a marketer, a described how difficult it was and it’s true, lots of peosales person, a risk taker, a fundraiser and the list goes on. ple look at it from the outside and think of You have to be adaptable and flexible, the hype and glamour associated with communicate humbly but firmly, learn entrepreneurship. In reality, a great deal of quickly, implement sound business processes, self-belief and hard work goes into being a and execute-execute-execute pragmatically successful entrepreneur. Being an with purpose and focus. If not, success will be entrepreneur is hard, but being a young just a pipe dream or fleeting experience. entrepreneur is even harder. Starting with Great ideas can knock on anyone’s door, it’s significantly less experience than their the successful entrepreneur who pursues it seasoned counterparts, they have to believe in and turns it into reality. themselves, convince others to trust and From 21 to 30 Ronnie built successful products that have believe in their vision and then convince employees and enhanced the Caribbean community in Orlando. In his 30’s customers that they do in fact know what they’re doing. This he has upped the game. Rum Jungle is his newest product. month, during Caribbean American Heritage Month, we Some people may be familiar with the name Rum Jungle feature one of Orlando’s young entrepreneurs – Ronnie since it was a trademarked name of a popular Las Vegas Kishore. restaurant and nightclub built as part of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. It closed in 2010, but the concept has Known popularly as the man behind Lux nightclub, Ronnie been revitalized by Ronnie in Orlando. He now owns the has developed restaurants and clubs with a Caribbean focus trademark to the name Rum Jungle, which will be turned from the young age of 21. Lux nightclub was started in into a franchise. The first of many that he plans on building Orlando in 2007, which is approximately 10 years ago, which was created on International Drive. However, South Florida means that in his early twenties Ronnie was convincing people and the Caribbean are ideal venues on his projected horizon. to support him, identifying and targeting growing markets and seeing the vision of a club on International Drive to serve Another important lesson for the Caribbean market. entrepreneurs is a major key to The journey towards entrepreneurship didn’t start there, success “Keep innovating.” however. It started in New York when a young family from Once you stop, you’re on your Trinidad & Tobago started their own roti shop. Annie’s was a way to a downward decline in solution to the problem of being taken advantage of by an whatever you’re doing. employer. Ronnie’s mother Annie, ventured out on her own Innovation is the hallmark of a to start her own roti shop. Without advertising, and based true entrepreneur, and solely on the quality of her food and her family’s support, innovation is what led Ronnie to Annie’s shop in New York was successful. At that time, create Rum Jungle. As he said “IDrive was changing and to Ronnie was just around 14 years old, but it was where he got stay current and even ahead of the curve, he had to change his start in building a successful business through hard work too.” What’s next is creating his own Rum Jungle Rum and and great quality serving a need in the Caribbean Community. building the Rum Jungle Brand. The keys to his success, I One of the keys to success in business that every entrepreneur knows it that they have to differentiate themselves from their competition, all the while remembering whom you and your team serve. Ten years after opening Lux Nightclub, one of the first dedicated Caribbean clubs in Orlando, Ronnie’s mission is the same behind most of his projects – to create a great experience in entertainment to showcase Caribbean Culture.

believe lie in his visionary mind, the will and passion to create and a solid base in his parents Bob and Annie who support and work hard with him behind the scenes to create a legacy of success.

After building Lux, Ronnie moved on to promoting Tavern on the Lake in Metro West and building Island Breeze Restaurant. But I remember at the time that he built Island Breeze, his parents Bob and Annie kept saying how much they would prefer a simple roti shop. Build them a roti shop he did, and in 2016 Annie’s Roti shop was created. A year later, much like the New York roti shop, the quality of the food has led Annie’s Roti shop to success. They say that another vital component of a great entrepreneur is that you don’t have just one job, you have a dozen: he's a lea-

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NINE MILLION HAPPY BIRTHDAYS by Tony Deyal

oday is my wife Indranie’s birthday and I wanted her to know how I felt on the last birthday that I wrote about, my 56th on August 10, 2001 – a spacious oddity desperately trying to lose weight. I am back there again as I am heading for my 72nd this year. I also wanted my readers to see that the more things change, the more they remain the same…

On Thursday night, just a few minutes before my birthday officially started, I looked at my birthday suit and realized that it needed pressing. I looked like the abdomenable slowman. I had not planned any birthday celebration since that usually involved a cake and I did not have fire insurance or air conditioning to deal with the heat that such a large number of candles would generate. The fans I have are scattered around the region and diaspora. Additionally, I wanted a party not a torchlight procession. Climatologists might defy the Donald and suddenly arrive in Trinidad looking for this latest cause of global warming. I wish that I were like William Lamb, later Lord Melbourne and British Prime Minister. His wife, the notorious Lady Caroline Lamb, known for a passionate love affair with poet Lord Byron, celebrated Melbourne’s birthday by having herself served to him as a birthday banquet dish. On that occasion (according to the Boston Globe) she emerged naked from a large tureen. Talk about an appetizer! Much better than shrimp cocktail in a Chinese restaurant. More like wanton soup. When I told one of my friends, who knew me in the old days when I indulged in the pleasures of drink, tobacco and the flesh (beef, pork etc), that I was celebrating my birthday, he asked, “How?” A look at some weird facts did not help. I share my birthday with at least 9 million other people. China has more English speakers than the United States, about 8 million of whom would probably be saying, “I am celebrating my birthday today.” If the population of China walked past me in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction. Women blink twice as much as men, which explains my wife’s reaction to my birthday suit. A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out, which means that it is deprived of certain aspects of pleasure. Perhaps the realization of what it’s missing is the origin of crocodile tears. However, the strongest muscle in the body is the tongue, which might mean something but again might not. The good news is that only one person in 2 billion will live to be 116 years old or older. This is the person who did not eat the shrimp cocktail or the wantons. Author, Robert Louis Stevenson (Kidnapped, Treasure Island), had a young friend who, in addition to having 9 million people share her birthday, was born on Christmas Day. This clearly added to the number of people with whom she competed for attention and to her concern that she received presents only once a year and felt cheated. When, as death approached, Stevenson in drawing up his will remembered the girl and bequeathed his own birthday to her. He subsequently added the following clause, “If,

however, she fails to use this bequest properly, all rights shall pass to the President of the United States.” Fortunately, the Donald was not around then, or Clinton. I recently moved to a seaside home near the southwestern coastal village of Oropouche. I generally boast about how healthy a place it is. I tell people that when I came to Oropouche I could not walk, talk or eat solid food. While they marvel at my recovery, I never mention that I was born here. However, when someone who knows that it is my birth-place foolishly asks, “How come you were born in such a remote place?” I invariably answer that at that time I thought it was important to be near my mother. I thought it was important as well to count my blessings. I have been through some traumatic times and tribulations in the last few years- leaving the Pan American Health Organisation, moving from Barbados, taking up a new job, re-marriage, change in employment again, court, lawyers, moving again, and having to position myself as an international consultant once more. I came up with several blessings including my family. In the meantime, Trinidad seems to be in the process of being torn apart by racial divisions instead of becoming more united by its rich diversity. I realise, however, that life is a blessing and its greatest value comes from its use. I also realise that some blessings can never change and the important things in life can never die. Whatever happens, people will worship God, honour education and pursue truth and knowledge. The greatest things will endure- love, faith, hope and the essence of humanity. I know, too, that tough times never last. Tough people do. The most important thing, though, is to keep your sense of humour and to be able to laugh at yourself. For his wife's birthday party, a man ordered a cake with this inscription, “You are not getting older, You are just getting better.” Asked how he wanted the message arranged, he said, “Just put ‘You are not getting older’ at the top and ‘You are just getting better’ at the bottom.” When the party started and the man unveiled the cake to the assembled guests, he saw the inscription for the first time: “YOU ARE NOT GETTING OLDER AT THE TOP, YOU ARE JUST GETTING BETTER AT THE BOTTOM.” * Tony Deyal was last seen saying that he got a great birthday gift, another sixteen years. However, the best might be a steel drum- it takes a lot of beating.

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“I am tired!”

By Rosemarie Roth

I was wondering if anyone is listening when I say, “I’m tired”. The cry is getting louder everyday as parents, workers, even children are tired but it’s not for the reasons you might be thinking. There's mental tiredness, spiritual tiredness, financial tiredness and physical tiredness. We seem to be not getting satisfaction with things anymore and seek for a moment of “rest”. Rest in the bed is usually the suggestion yet that is not enough during times of “fatigue”. We are living souls that must experience “rest” either on a “Sabbath” or by the renewing of our spirit.

For support, prayer or supplies: please call Rosemarie Roth at (352) 321-0932.

The Muslims are going through a period call Ramadan:

Ramadan the ninth month of the Mohammedan year, a kind of Lent, held sacred as a month of fasting by all Muslims, being the month in the life of Mahomet when, as he spent it alone in meditation and prayer, his eyes were opened to see, through the shows of things, into the one eternal Reality, the greatness and absolute sovereignty of Allah. During this time of fasting a Muslim seeks for God to purify their heart and help them to emerge as a better person. Sure, I would like to test my friends and see if they would tell me the “truth” and make promises to me during this time. Of course, it’s with snickering but it’s not nice! I respect their commitment. I am not to make fun knowing they are abstaining from food or drinks for a month. During this period, it’s a “rest time” from worldly pleasures and to seek for greater insights of their faith. My time of fasting has been proven to be a time to get closer to God. Yet so often many of us fast for a special blessing. I have discovered that “fasting” does not change the mind or hands of God but instead it changes my mind to see what He has planned for me (you can give me a call for clarification). Life could be overwhelming but that’s when God is looking to burst through with a blessing. An invitation is given in St. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Surround yourself with good people:

People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group.

Get help when you need it: Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives. See Resources for Stress and Mental Health for campus and community resources.

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BARBADOS WINS TOP CARIBBEAN CULINARY HONORS

The Barbados Culinary Team in Miami Tuesday

"Bimshire" Wins Top Team, Bartender and Seafood Honors; BVI Takes Chef of the Year Category at Taste of the Caribbean 2017.

Chef of the Year, Kenneth Molyneaux of the British Virgin Islands with Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and Taste of the Caribbean officials.

Barbados is the Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year.

The Bajan team won the top honors in the finale of the 2017 Taste of the Caribbean culinary competition at the Hyatt Regency in Miami yesterday evening, after also bagging individual honors for Ryan Adamson, Caribbean Bartender of the Year, and Damian Leach for Seafood. Kenneth Molyneaux from the British Virgin Islands was crowned Caribbean Chef of the Year and also took home the top prize in the Beef Competition. The Cayman Islands' Melissa Logan was Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, while Kenria Taylor from The Bahamas was Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year. The Chocolate winner was Bonaire's Sherundly Bernabela. "We really applaud all these Taste of the Caribbean participants, their national hotel and tourism associations, team managers and sponsors for developing 14 astounding Caribbean national

Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year, Kenria Taylor of The Bahamas

teams to compete at this event," said Frank Comito, Director General and CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). "The teams' commitment to the region showed in the heart and soul that each of the participants invested in their presentations," he added. For more details and a full listing of the results visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/taste-of-the-caribbean-2017-winners

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Landslide Victory for Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board Contributed by Dr. Maureen F. Linton

amaican Diaspora Advisory Board Member, Attorney Wayne Golding, has been re-elected in a land-slide victory to represent the 13 States in the Southern United States Region.

Golding received over eighty seven percent (87%) of the votes, and will be appointed to serve another two-year term. Speaking at the celebrations held by supporters, family, and friends, at the Caribbean Resource Center, located at Fashion Square Mall, Orlando Florida on Tuesday, June 13th 2017, Golding thanked his team and supporters for their unwavering support and firmly renewed his commitment to continue to participate in the building of a stronger, viable and solidly organized Jamaican Diaspora in the region. He reaffirmed that the Jamaica Diaspora Southern United States of America (JDSUSA), will continue to maintain an Advisory position to Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, to enhance and maintain the close relationships and interests of the people and government of Jamaica, while working closely with the Jamaican foreign missions and Embassies in their respective regions.

Team Members: From left to right: Rick Esberry, Allie Braswell, Sandra Fatmi, Lois Golding, Wayne Golding, Guenet Gittens-Roberts, and Samuel Roberts. Team Members Missing from the Photo: Dennis Hall, Mike Donaldson, Shellie-Ann Braswell, Winston Hobson, and Shannon Baruch

The Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board, comprises of seven (7) regional members; three members from the United States; two from Canada and two from Wayne C. Golding, Sr. Esq., the United Kingdom. JDSUSA serves all Jamaicans, who are automatically endowed membership by birth, by naturalization, or by ancestry living in the Southern USA region. It is estimated that JDSUSA serves an eclectic mix of approximately 700,000 Jamaicans in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Jamaicans were called upon to support the Jamaica 55 Diaspora Conference, under the theme ‘Partnering for Growth’ to be held in Kingston Jamaica from July 23-26, 2017. This event has been traditionally supported by Jamaicans living in all regions of the globe with strong interests in making contributions such as giving time, expertise and resources; as well as making donations to assist in areas including education, health care, crime prevention and intervention. The Diaspora is currently arranging partnerships to assist in the advancement of the case management system of the Jamaican Court System. Golding, was born in Kingston, Jamaica, the child of a St. Mary born mother, Minette Brown - Gayle, and a Clarendon born father Louis Golding. He is married to Lois Johnson and has two children, Tassanee and Wayne, Jr.

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Police & Politics -

he presence of two Capitol Police Officers at the baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia prevented a massacre

of Republican Congressmen and their Friends and Family. House Representatives and Senators expressed shock and surprise at the shooting. Really! Didn't we see this coming? We could take the easy way out, pray and convince ourselves to leave it in God's Hands. When are we going to accept that Prayers without a Plan do not work?

Last June I visited Ephesus, Turkey, an area where Mother Mary is reputed to spend her last days. The site of her home is a shrine where visitors can leave a prayer request. I'm naturally a curious person and of course I read some of the prayer requests. Smiled when I saw many asked Mother Mary to prevent Donald Trump from winning the US Presidential Election. Well we now know prayer request didn't work as Trump is now our 45th President. So what's the point? 51% of the Americans voted in the 2016 Presidential Election and with better Democratic planning just 50,000 more votes in three States would've changed the result. Pray with a Plan. Without doubt the level of hate has increased since the candidacy of Donald Trump. However, the buildup started with the Republicans. Both Democrats and Republicans have their nuts and a closer examination of the facts will reveal the Republican Nuts are more dangerous. I'll share some points and start with a personal experience. Every year for Medicare Enrollment I work the phones taking incoming calls from Medicare recipients in all 50 States who want to change plans for the next year. As always, and in any endeavor, there are rude and crude idiots with a higher percentage coming from the Red South States. Last enrollment season I noticed an upswing in the level of hate and intolerance especially towards immigrants including the Hispanics. In the past it was subtle, now as I answered the phone and stated my name, a higher percentage bluntly asked to speak to an American. David Bailey and Crystal Griner are the two Capitol Police Officers whose quick-thinking instinct to confront and shoot the gunman prevented a bloodbath of GOP Congressmen. They risked injury and possible death and rightly hailed as heroes. I thought how proud they must have been to work in the Capitol and see the ascendancy of the first African American President. What were these Officers thoughts as they had a close-up view when Republicans sought to destroy Barack Obama. Republicans placed Party before Country doing everything in their power to block the President's agenda. There's politics and then there's Hate. Remember when a GOP Congressman shouted at the President "You Lie" during a State of the Union Address. What if the GOP had shown President Obama the same loyalty, commitment and concern these two Officers demonstrated at the baseball field. We're fortunate African Americans did not resort to violence in response to GOP belittling directed at President Obama.

that their current economic difficulties are the result of immigrants taking their jobs away and African Americans and Hispanics accessing free healthcare and food stamps. Trumpers claim White people are being marginalized and depressed and the only way out is to Take Back America. Here's food for thought. For the past 500 years White Europeans have invaded countries of people of color and stole their resources to enrich themselves. Massacred and stole the gold and other precious metals of the Aztecs of Mexico and the Incas of Peru. Decimated the Native Americans and grabbed their lands. Ditto for the Australian Aborigines and Caribbean. The pillage continued in Africa and India and to this day England has refused to return the 106 carats Kohinoor Diamond they stole from India. For over 300 years African Americans were made to work for free for White America. If you're a White American and your ancestors stole the resources of many countries and you're struggling, pissed that factory or call center jobs went overseas, people of color are not responsible for your predicament. Think who really are your enemies. I expected an American will attack members of Congress as there's so much a person can take. Expect further violence from White Trump Supporters as they come to the realization that factory jobs are not returning to the United States and they were sold a dream by a master conman.

Juneteenth and Emancipation Day in Florida June 19th is celebrated in many parts of the United States as “Juneteenth,” to commemorate the end of slavery after the Civil War. Many Floridians, however, celebrate a separate Emancipation Day on May 20th. So… which date is correct, May 20th or June 19th? They both are! In 1865 when the Civil War was coming to an end, many telegraph lines had been destroyed during the conflict, and news about the war was often either incorrect or contradictory. Neither the end of the war nor the end of slavery was absolutely confirmed until Union troops arrived in each locality to receive the surrender of their Confederate counterparts. This process happened in stages, with areas farther west learning the news weeks after the folks closer to the east coast. In Florida, the process began in May 1865. Union General Edward M. McCook arrived in Tallahassee to receive the surrender of Florida’s Confederate troops on May 10th. On May 20th, McCook formally announced President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, effectively ending slavery in the state. As a result, many Floridians celebrate May 20th as Emancipation Day.

On the night of the baseball field shooting Republican and Democratic Congressmen held a Unity Dinner in Washington. It's a step in the right direction and part of human nature to hope that differences can be addressed and rectified. Even FoxNews is working to mend its ways and recently dropped their slogan Fair and Balanced. I truly believe we can change course and through education and example reverse the damage done over the years. Maybe this shooting incident will drive home to Republicans and Democrats alike how vulnerable they are to the consequences of instigating hate. Now what are we going to do with President Trump? A huge portion of Trump voters were led to believe by the Trump Campaign

by Kamal Abdool

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Importance of Worksite Wellness Plans By Aleia Roberts, University of Florida Health Education & Behavior, Pre-Med Student

n the medical community, there has been an overall shift in focus from treating ailments to preventing them. This is because, in today’s society, we no longer have to deal with as many infectious diseases. Instead, the most frequent illnessrelated deaths occur due to heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. With this, there has also been a shift in the way companies approach employee wellness programs. Americans are becoming more and more health conscious. But due to higher stress, longer work days and constant multitasking, it is difficult to find the time to act on wellness goals. Creating an on-site wellness program is important because the majority of an employee's time is spent at the workplace. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, • • • • •

59% of employees do not get adequate exercise. 50% or more have high cholesterol 27% have some form of cardiovascular disease 26% are significantly overweight 24% have high blood pressure

70-90% of the money spent by companies on healthcare costs are to treat preventable problems, much like the ones previously mentioned. The health of a company’s employees has an effect on more than just their immediate medical costs, though. A healthy workforce is a more productive workforce. Worksite health promotion should be viewed as an investment in a business’ most important asset, its employees. Studies show that employees are more likely to be on the job and performing well when they are in optimal health. Benefits of implementing a wellness program include attracting the most talented workers, reducing absenteeism,

improving on-the-job utilization, decision making, and productivity, as well as improving employee morale. There have also been findings that successful worksite wellness plans reduce job turnover rates. Employers may utilize a wide range of wellness initiatives such as smoking cessation programs, flu shots, health fairs, gym memberships, newsletters, and more. While some businesses have instituted very comprehensive wellness programs, others have achieved savings or increased productivity with just a few simple activities that promote healthy behaviors. What’s most important is to commit to wellness promotion in the organization. It is imperative to keep in mind that any successful company wellness program needs to be taken seriously if it is going to make a difference in overall employee health. Programs need to be well thought out, engaging, motivational, and seen as a long-term plan for improvement, not a Band-Aid used to cover the problem.

Comprehensive Employee Wellness Plans

Schedule a Complimentary Assessment 407-732-7777 www.thinkuebsc.org

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Letters to My Lawyer™ This column is primarily for educational purposes as well as to give the reader general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide any legal advice whatsoever. By reading this column you understand that there is no attorney-cliet relationship between you and writer/pub-lisher. This column should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney. This column is not published for advertising or solicitation purposes. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

by: Sasha Watson, Esq.D

ear

Dear Lawyer:

I came to the US as a visitor and I have been living in the United States for the past twenty-five (25) years and my mother filed for me about four (4) years ago. I have two children ages twenty (20) and fourteen (14) that were born in the United States. I was recently laid off from my job that I had for over twenty years. Since then it has been very difficult since I can’t legally find a job and my driver’s license recently expired. Is there anything that can be done to speed up the application my mother filed or can I get a temporary work permit or license in the meantime? Please help, Struggling Mother

come this bar on admission but they can sometimes be difficult to obtain. Because you are over 21 years of age another hurdle to your application will be your inability to adjust status in the US. You are not considered an immediate relative of a US citizen and will need to return to your home country for visa processing and approval once the visa number becomes available. There is no provision under the Immigration & Nationality Act that would afford you the ability to adjust based on the petition filed by your mother. On the other hand, your daughter may file for you once she becomes twenty one. As a parent of US citizen, who is 21 years or older, you fall within the immediate relative category which affords you much more benefits than any other category, such as the ability to adjust status and obtain your permanent resident card within the US. Moreover, this type of application can take anywhere between five (5) to nine (9) months for processing depending on where you reside. Additionally, your period of unlawful presence will be less problematic as your immediate relative status would be given more deference. All in all, your immigration status is one that can be fixed by a competent immigration lawyer. You should seek a consultation immediately.

Dear Struggling Mother: Rest assured that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, your visa may not be available for another couple years based on the petition your Mother filed, as processing times for visas for adult sons and daughters of US citizens are taking approximately 10 years to be approved, provided you are unmarried, and longer if you are married. Further, this type of application will not be a simple process. You have been accruing unlawful presence in the United States since the period of stay you were granted in the US expired. This unlawful presence means that you are barred from being admitted to the United States for a period of 10 years because you have been unlawfully present in the US for more than 180 days. There are waivers available to over-

Please submit your letters to letters@hawmlaw.com. Each month a reader’s letter will be chosen for response. Letters to My Lawyer™ is a publication of Karlyn Hylton & Sasha Watson of Hylton, Adamson Watson, PLLC 120 E. Colonial Drive |Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-802-3223 | F: 407-377-1971 Email: letters@hawmlaw.com

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