Caribbean American Passport News Magazine - May 2017 by caribbeanamericanpassport

FREE Your Passport to the Caribbean American Community

The Haitian flag has long been a symbol of pride for Haiti. Haitian Flag Day on Thursday, May 18, is all about celebrating the culture and heritage of the Haitian flag, which is emblazoned with the country’s coat of arms and the colors red and blue, adopted from the French flag. Haiti gained its independence from colonial rule in 1804, making it the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to do so, and the second republic to defeat a European colonial power in the Americas. The Haitian flag as it’s known today first came into use in 1806. The story behind the flag’s red-and-blue backdrop is that Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a leader in the Haitian Revolution against France, removed the white in the French flag to symbolize an end to white European influence. The blue is said to represent the former African slaves who were brought to Haiti by the country’s colonial rulers. The red stands for people of mixed ancestry. As we commemorate Haitian Flag Day, around the United States we hail the people of the Republic of Haiti and the diaspora for the global reach of their contributions.

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority South Terminal Complex Design

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board received an updated design rendering for the new South Terminal Complex from Curtis Fentress. “We want to go beyond The Orlando

Experience® to the future,” said Fentress. “Using our touchstones of design, we want to create a timeless design for the passenger experience now and for generations to come".

CAFA's Caribbean Fusion 2017

...Cont on page 11

CAFA President Andy King with City of Kissimmee Mayor Jose Alvarez & Commissioner Angela Eady

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

Government, Business, Community & the Diaspora

hat role should the Diaspora play in the development of Caribbean countries? Do you know and what are your thoughts? Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor

Engagement and strong relationships between the Government and the Diaspora is crucial to the long term development of the Caribbean. In 2014, approximately 4 million immigrants from the Caribbean resided in the United States, accounting for 9 percent of the nation’s 42.4 million immigrants. More than 90 percent of Caribbean immigrants came from five countries: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago. Immigrants from the Caribbean vary in their skill levels, racial composition, language background, as as well as migration pathways to the United States, depending on origin country and period of arrival. Do we truly understand the potential significance of that brain-drain? Caribbean nationals have studied, worked and established themselves as relative experts in their specific fields of study or experience; this fact MUST be taken into consideration by all Caribbean countries and plans MUST be initiated for direct Diaspora engagement. We MUST embrace this engagement and partnership from the top down and the bottom up. We sometimes get confused by our understanding of the term patriotism. Patriotism is not a measurement of time spent in your home land vs the time spent overseas. Too many times our political leaders, our community leaders and our local residents get the true meaning this word confused. Does the fact that an individual left their homeland to study abroad or simply for more opportunity, make them more or less patriotic that another person who stayed and fought the daily battles for survival? What makes us think that the ‘stay at home’ struggle is more important or harder than the ‘overseas’ struggle? Giving up everything you know and understand, giving up the sense of security of HOME to take on the challenges of starting from scratch in a foreign land….which is the harder choice? I truly think that a blended relationship between the local government, local community, local business and the diaspora is absolutely crucial to economic development and systematic growth. The understanding of 1st World business practices and business systems, the technology of 1st World industry and management structures can make for more efficient local systems and thus lead to better business practices and growth.

However, this engagement should not be seen or interpreted as the rule of law, but more as a starting point. There is also a different work ethic, a different socioeconomic system in the Caribbean that we have to be aware of. Therefore community outreach, local workshops with community engagement and consultation within the local workforce are crucial to forging a relationship and therefore blended approach to the implementation of almost any program. To quote the Jamaican Foreign and Foreign Trade Minister, Honorable Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, while she visited Florida last month “the building of sustainable, synergistic and symbiotic relationships with the diaspora is a fundamental component of Jamaica’s foreign policy “and is at the very heart of the Government’s economic growth agenda" There MUST be a mutual respect for our individual roles and responsibilities while working together for the benefit of our Homelands, our Caribbean, our Country...there's no place like HOME...there's no place like HOME! 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 ........................................Jan Longwell-Smiley 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 NorthFlorida Distribution ......................................................Theo Jack Jr. Copyright (C) 2016 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

ImmigrationINFO

Immigration News For Our Community Tips to Avoid Deportation – U.S. Deportation Statistics By Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Gail@GailLaw.com 1-877-GAIL-LAW @GailSeeram

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

resident Barack Obama was the champion of deportation as he deported or removed more legal and illegal immigrants than any other President before him. A total 2.4 million were deported under the Obama administration from fiscal 2009 to 2014, including a record 435,000 in 2013, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of the data. However, President Trump has promised mass deportation under his presidency. For fiscal year 2015, ICE apprehended 406,595 individuals nationwide and conducted a total of 462,463 removals (compared to year 414,481 in 2014). U.S. Border Patrol reported 337,117 apprehensions nationwide in 2015, compared to 486,651 in FY 2014. It is highly recommended that any noncitizen that is placed in removal or deportation proceedings exercise his/her right to see an immigration judge (do not waive a judicial hearing). There are many forms of relief under the immigration laws that allow noncitizens to remain in the United States and avoid deportation or removal from the U.S. Some forms of relief include cancellation of removal, asylum, withholding of removal, fraud waiver, pros-

ecutorial discretion, adjustment of status and many more. The Immigration Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram offers the following five tips to avoid deportation or removal proceeding: 1 – If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) with ANY type of criminal arrest for a misdemeanor or felony offense (even if not convicted), then speak with an immigration lawyer before traveling outside the U.S., before applying to renew green card or before applying for U.S. citizenship. 2 – If you have no legal status in the U.S., then do not drive. Note, Department of Motor Vehicle records are linked to Department of Homeland Security and a routine traffic stop can lead to an immigration hold if your immigration status is checked. 3 – If you are a noncitizen (do not have U.S. citizenship), then do not register to vote or vote in the U.S. and do not make any false claims to being a U.S. citizen. 4 – If you are at risk for deportation or removal because you have no legal status in the U.S. or have a prior removal order, then do not go to your local immigration office without an attorney. 5 – If you have no legal status in the U.S., then avoid taking Greyhound Bus or Amtrak as immigration border patrol frequently stops and checks the immigration status of passengers on these types of transportation services. Copyright © Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2016. All Rights Reserved. 1-877-GAIL-LAW or 407-292-7730 www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com

Accredited & License # ST38788

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

By Ryan Davis WILL LIGHTNING STRIKE TOKYO IN 2017

e all remember those summer nights in Rio when the fastest man alive lived up to his own astronomical hype. After Usain Bolt won his 9th gold medal in as many races and taking over an Olympic event like no other athlete has ever done before, the talk of his retirement surfaced for the first time,……that dreaded word that no athlete ever wants to talk about…had finally reached.

Surprisingly, the tall gangly boy from Trelawny who singlehandedly rewrote the record books seemed a lot more at ease with the subject than his adoring fans across the globe. After the Olympics he clearly stated that the World Championships in London 2017 will be his last race. Nine months later and the man they call “Bolt” seems undeterred from his decision. In a recent interview he was asked if there will be tears three months from now after that final race in London. His response……..”To be actually in the stadium and know that this is it, you never know.” He added. “What will I do? What should I say? How should I go about it? But I haven’t come up with anything solid yet. I’m open. Hopefully it’s not too emotional.” The rigorous training, strict diets and self-imposed curfews in order to be the best are the very things that Bolt dislikes about his job. He has been known to show up to training the next day after partying into the wee hours the night before and eating the type of fast food that would make a “couch potato” blush. These are some of the things that made his decision to retire a little easier to bear.

See you in Tokyo...

In a perfect world, Bolt should take a year or two away from the track, similar to what Michael Phelps did. Step away from the physical grind, enjoy life to the fullest, then come back invigorated and get the proper sendoff only an Olympic event can deliver. As for the competition; remembering Bolt coming down those tracks in Rio, he could’ve won all of those races with “dress shoes” on. His training partner Yohan Blake and Americans Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin, their best days are now firmly in the rearview mirror. As a result, the great man may only need to run a 9.70 to get the job done in Tokyo. There is a glimmer of hope for all the Bolt fans around the globe. A commercial has surfaced in Japan with Bolt pairing up with the unmistakable Japanese icon Pokémon. Is it another marketing gimmick for a Japanese game that has lasted the better part of twenty years or is it the ground work for something that is brewing? Simply put…….Bolt is too big in Japan to miss the biggest event the country has ever had.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

For More Information Please Call: 407-900-8137

Future Leaders United Congratulations to the recent Graduates of the United Foundation of Central Florida (UFCF), Future Leaders United (FLU. For more information Call:

For more information and to get involved or support these great efforts please call: 407-900-8137 or visit www.unitedfoundationcf.org www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Betsy DeVos Wrong Choice for Bethune-Cookman Graduation By Roger Caldwell

acism and White Supremacy are two topics that are not publicly exposed and discussed in America in 2017, because many Black leaders are in denial that these problems still exist. The significance of courage at HBCU’s and telling our students the truth will build character and integrity.

The boos continued throughout the entire speech, and the president of the Florida NAACP is calling on Bethune Cookman University President, Dr. Edison Jackson and Board Chairman Dr. Joe Petrock to resign effective immediately.

In 2017, Black Americans as well as the general population are having spiritual, mental, and economic warfare within their souls. With an epidemic of Black on Black violence, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions telling members in his department to increase sentences for drug offenders, he is bringing back the drug wars of the 1990’s. Drug wars put more Blacks and people of color in jail for possession of small amounts of drugs, and were mostly non-violent crimes.

This situation has turned into a circus and the school’s leadership has proven that they are not listening, and don’t care what the students are thinking or saying. It is important that prominent Black organizations and BCC students organize and present the school with a list of demands to improve the treatment of all the students and teachers.

Bethune Cookman students, alumni, friends, families, and Black organizations hand-delivered to the University’s President, Edison Jackson’s office 50,000 signed petitions rejecting Betsy DeVos as the commencement speaker at their 2017 graduation.

Commencement speakers should be decided by a collective group of students, teachers, and university administrative leaders. The commencement speech should come from an individual who exemplifies character and qualities of the mission of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, and should empower students to be great.

Parts of the petition read “Having DeVos speak at the commencement ceremony is an insult to the BCU graduating class, students, alumni, family, friends, and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s legacy. We, the proud alumni of BethuneCookman University, do not want Betsy DeVos to have a seat at our table. Please rescind her invitation to speak at the graduation ceremony.”

DeVos was a bad decision, when earlier this year, she said historically Black colleges were pioneers of school choice, and she had no idea that racial segregation and discrimination were the reason for HBCUs. Black students need leaders who will tell the truth, and have the courage to inspire them to change the world based on Black history.

The answer to the students and Black community’s request from the president and Board of Trustees was “DeVos was invited because her mission to empower parents and students resonates with the history and legacy” of university founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Once the president and the administrative leaders gave a ridiculous reason for inviting the new U.S. Secretary of Education to the commencement graduation, everyone was expected to agree and go away quietly. This did not happen; instead, groups such as the NAACP, American Federation of Teachers, The Florida Education Association, Change.org, Color of Change, Dream Defenders, and TJ Reddick Bar Association increased their disagreement and protest over the administration’s decision. Cynthia Slater, president of the NAACP Volusia CountyDaytona Beach Chapter, said the university is threatening to withhold the degrees and transcripts for any senior who protests. “They and undergraduate students would have a fine of $1,000. I don’t know where they get this arbitrary number of $1,000 from” said Ms. Slater. It is obvious that the students are expected to confirm and accept the decisions decided by the president and the board with no voice from the students and teachers. Without an organized and formal process to resolve the graduation speaker issues, the protest groups said hundreds will protest during her speech. At the graduation, when Secretary DeVos started her speech, students began to boo, stand up and turn their backs to her. This lasted throughout the entire speech, and at one time the president stopped the speech and threatened students that they would get their diplomas mailed to them if they continued to protest.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

4 Wealth Building Principles to Implement Today It’s Time to Break the Generational Curse The purpose of Wealth Building is the ability to fully experience life. Women are good stewards over our finances because we have to take care of the people we love. We work hard everyday to provide for our families, children, and grandchildren. Women aren’t selfish! We want to help the next generation and we want to make sure we are establishing a legacy. But sometimes, well more often than not, it’s difficult to make sure we have balance so we can also spend time doing things we love. Like giving back to our communities, living out our heart song, finding our purpose and really making a difference. Here are some simple steps to help you build wealth while enjoying your journey today: 1) Pay yourself first - 20% of your earnings should go towards Savings. This includes saving for retirement, savings in general and ensuring you have an emergency fund. My Grandmother always taught me to act like the very first bill I must pay each time I get paid is the payment go-ing into my savings account. Pay yourself before any other bill or responsibility. It’s the old adage that they use on airplanes: “In case of an emergency, air masks will drop from the ceiling. If you are traveling with a minor, please put on your own mask before helping the minor.” I can identify with parents who silently balk at this directive. Most children are their parents soul and reason for living each day so in the event of an emergency it’s almost instinctual to make sure your child is safe before taking care of yourself. But the airlines have a point, they know what they’re doing!! You see if there’s a loss of oxygen or cabin pressure you may become light headed or dizzy or your vision can become blurred. And your child may not be able to reach the oxygen mask and even if they could, would they really be able to help you and themselves?? You wouldn’t know because you’re probably passed out if you didn’t follow directions. So see, if you take care of yourself first, first, you are constantly in a state of well being to help those around you. Well, the same goes with wealth building. You must pay yourself first so you can make sure you’re con-stantly in a state of healthy financial wealth building. Your babies are depending on it!! 2) Know where things are - Boy is this a good one! I think we all know that person in a marriage or relationship who allows someone else to take charge of their finances. Please don’t be this person. Always know where your important financial documents are and always have access to all accounts. Know where your money is!! About one out of every four 65-year old women today will live past age 90, and one out of ten of those women will live past 95. Women are expected to live 7 to 10 years longer than men and must provide for themselves during those EXTRA YEARS. Make sure you’re in the know! 90% of women will have sole responsibility for their finances within their lifetime, yet 79% of women have not planned for this.

- By Tonette Delk

3) Spend less money than you make - I mean who knew this one would be so hard for us. And I did mean to say us!! This should be really simple for those of us that have a budget and/or are cognizant of what money comes in so we know the limits of what can go out. Not knowing is not an option. Not keeping up is not an option. Waiting is not an option. We must know exactly how much income flows into our household before we determine what bills we’re going to create and pay. A simple and easy starting point is balancing your bank account and debit card. Or if you’re old school, balance your check book! Trust me, your stress levels with thank me later. 4) Automate savings - We’re working hard and we’re earning a good living for the most part. But today, women still make only 77 cents to every man’s dollar, and the pay gap is even wider for women of color. Now I do believe that we all have good intentions to save, but as we all know too well, life happens. And when life happens it’s too easy to take care of the whatever it is that has come up and we put off saving until next time. Well if you automate your savings, you can set it and forget it! And you don’t have to put forth action. Money will automatically flow into your savings accounts. The best way to do this is by having a set amount automatically being deposited into our savings account. And most of us can do this by setting up a payroll allotment into a savings account. Set it and forget it! The Bureau of Labor Statistics report that of people retiring at the age of 65, who have worked for 40 years, only 1% are wealthy, 4% have just enough to get by, 3% are forced to continue to work, 63% live at or below poverty level, living on friends or family and 29% will have passed away. Let’s all put these 4 simple measures in place to break the generational curse! Tonette Delk, Director of Communications/Government Contracting Liaison - Tonette has been in the financial services industry for nearly 20 years. She is a member of the Federal Triangle Chapter of Federally Employed Women and a fully licensed Financial Services Representative and Retirement Planning Counselor. Tonette focuses on client relationships with an emphasis on Retirement and Estate Planning. She is a seasoned Financial Advisor to Federal employees and individuals of all ages and owners of small businesses. She will assist you in making financial choices and completing the appropriate forms to help reduce and/or eliminate costly mistakes and delays. For more information go to: www.thinkuebsc.org

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

STARTING JUNE 4TH, 2017

STARTING SUNDAY JUNE 4TH ENJOY REGGAE - SOCA - SALSA

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

CAFA Caribbean Fusion 2017 Photos By Caribbean Affairs & Ludlow Muir

The Caribbean And Floridian Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization that was formed in Central Florida. The Association is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, religious and scientific purposes for all members of the community. The Association also supports and participates in activities of other 501(c)(3) organizations located within Central Florida. 5IF $BSJCCFBO "OE 'MPSJEJBO "TTPDJBUJPO $"'" UIJT ZFBS QSFTFOUFE UIF "OOVBM $BSJCCFBO 'VTJPO JO ,JTTJNNFF 5IJT XBT EFGJOJUFMZ UIF MBSHFTU HBUIFSJOH PG BUUFOEFFT JO UIF IJTUPSZ PG UIF $BSJCCFBO 'VTJPO ,JTTJNNF 1PMJDF FTUJNBUFE PWFS BUUFOEFFT FOKPZFE UIF DFMFCSBUJPOT JO UIF IFBSU PG ,JTTJNNFF 8F EJE OPU FWFO IBWF JODJEFOU UP SFQPSU TUBUFE POF PG UIF MPDBM 1PMJDF 0GGJDFST.

Brandon Arrington - Chairman of the Osceola County Commission

Nadia Batson

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Welcome to Trinidad

elcome to Trinidad. As David Rudder says we have the goods and the bads and as your Orinoco mouthpiece I will give you the lowdown and a rundown on all who wining on who, dining on what and signing the cheques and balances. About three weeks ago, ship talk was back in town with a vengeance and making waves like Hurricane Janet especially in Tobago which is dependent on Trinidad for its goods, but without maritime communications links and suppliers it gets only the bads, sads and then mads. Basically the passenger ferries were breaking down frequently and the major cargo vessel was so tied up in red tape that it ceased to function in Trinidad and Tobago and despite the Government hearing its siren sound of goodbye, had no suitable replacement in place or Ferry Godmother or Godfather to wave a magic wand or make an offer no boatman, not even Charon could refuse. As it was then, Tobagonians were seeing Hades and catching Hell. There are reports that the new arrangements, especially for cargo carrying, are not suitable. The truckers cannot keep on trucking and the term “cargo” is really two letters (like “harass”) instead of one. In other words, pronounced in Trini dialect, the new boat “car go” anywhere fast and people are furious.

Marcia Ayers-Caesar, appointed as a Judge on April 12, 2017, was or still is the Chief Magistrate of Trinidad and Tobago. Then it became known that she might have left in her journey to the top about fifty “outstanding” cases. Even more outstanding was Ms. Ayers-Caesar’s resignation as a Judge on April 26, 2017, just two weeks after her appointment and a subsequent “bloody fracas” in the cell-block area of the Eighth Court in Port of Spain when some prisoners awaiting trial before her became enraged on hearing that due to her elevation to the High Court, their matters would be further delayed. Now the President of the country is being asked to “step in” and the group blamed for the appointment, the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC), is facing calls from lawyers and other to step down. While this is still in the public domain, a new claimant for attention has emerged. From “ship” talk we have moved to “sit” talk. The Minister of Health, Terrence

One view is that Trinis tend to mix up two English words, “commerce” meaning “the activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale” and “comess” which the Oxford Dictionary defines as a “confused or messy situation.” One of my friends on Store Bay, Tobago, who keeps gazing out to sea hopefully and with whom I was discussing events had a very simple explanation. He said, “Well if is a messy situation let them get help from Barcelona. They build an empire on Messi. But the problem is transport and if was me I will bring in Jason Statham and let him deal with all of them, from captain to cook and from Government to Opposition. I told him to keep on sea-gazing because the Trinidad and Tobago dollar would be floating even higher shortly. Before we knew it, from ship talk we arced into wood talk by the cubits. The Education Minister, Anthony Garcia, known behind his back as Noah (because anything you tell him he already knows), is a former woodwork instructor who became president of the national Teacher association. Despite knowing the sexual connotations of the word “wood” which takes it throughout the region beyond being a porous and fibrous tissue found in the stems and roots of trees, he carried it to an official function. Much aggrieved that his predecessor in the Ministry (a Doctor) referred to him contemptuously as “a woodwork teacher”, the Minister disclosed, “I told him that I was the best woodman in Trinidad and Tobago. I had six children to testify to that.” While in Trinidad parlance he might boast, “Ah drop some wood on him", many people thought that the Minister’s comment did more than show he has a chip on his shoulder. Basically he has to learn to distinguish the trees from the forest and his wood from his work. Now, thick and fast like the bands in the annual Carnival parade, another contestant is on the stage of public opinion and the nation is all Ayers and nobody knows whether to Caesar or desist.

by Tony Deyal

www.caribbeanamericanpassport. com

Deyalsingh, said this week that Trinidad and Tobago is suffering from ‘sitting disease’ and it was probably one of the worst things people could do for their health. Talking further about the situation, Deyalsingh, who won a seat in the last election, said, “We have to start to introduce into the national conversation a new disease called the sitting disease and you have to start to talk to your patients about this sedentary lifestyle.” He pointed out, “We drive to work, sit down whole day, your children sit down to play video games…The fact is we sit too much.” In other words, the entire nation must get off their butts and engage in sit talk. My cynical friends all asked the same question, “What else is new?” *Tony Deyal was last seen saying that the Minister’s war on fatty foods could well be called “Custard’s Last Stand versus Sitting Bull.”

Call For More Information # 1-877-220-8315 CAP Radio Online - GOLD Package (Unlimited Spots -$500) DJ Segments Available for the Following Segments - Chutney Wednesdays - Throw Back Thursdays - Sunday Classic Reggae

Children

any have set aside a day which they have dedicated as “Mother’s Day”. I must acknowledge that I felt the presence of the Lord when the doctor handed me my first-born child. I was amazed that this human being grew in my belly and came out with all his hands, feet, eyes, ears, toes, mouth, fingers, hair, nose and many more parts that were perfect. I was in awe when they told me I could take him home. He was mine! I could keep him. I told my husband to hurry up and get out of the hospital parking lot before they changed their mind. The love for children grew to a household of three beautiful humans who call me mother. For many the story ends happily but there is a flip side to all this as I listen to stories of women who have prayed for children and the child never shows up and those who get the baby and then snuff the life out of them. Life is not fair, but God is faithful! He has the power to open wombs or close them. Which usually leave us seeking for answers either way. I’m reminded of a woman name Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:1-17; she prayed silently in the temple for a child. The Priest thought she was drunk and so he rebuked her to “sober up”. “I’m not drunk as you may think. I am asking the Lord for a child” she said. 17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

By Rosemarie Roth I have had times when my circumstances have come dangerously close to taking away all facet of my faith and trust in the Lord I know who answered prayers for me in the past. So, what can be said that might give us some small glimmer of hope? Well, if someone who is currently desperate reading this, there likely is little that can be said to reaffirm your faith to strengthen you. But what I have done when I am desperate is to have an air of expectancy that God is about to deliver to me HIS heart’s desire for me.

God will never abandon His children when they are expecting an answer to their prayers. Remember that God is always close by, so implant truth in your heart and hold onto the tiniest ray of hope you can find. Never stop hoping! Prayer: My heart aches for those who are in this situation. Father, remind them of Your faithfulness. Help them to remember that you love and care for them. Wrap them up in Your arms and hold them close. Catch them when they fall. For support, prayer or supplies: please call Rosemarie Roth at (352) 321-0932.

I could hear her pain as she yearned for a baby to be held next to her breast. Or as my cousin who prayed until she conceived at age forty-six! God is always on time! When I encounter a woman, who is going through this kind of despair, I rarely know what to say. One thing I know for sure is that God is on top of the situation, and I know that God’s heart hurts as He hears the cries of His children. I also know that God has some plan in mind, one that we cannot comprehend in the life of that individual. But when a woman is in a state of desperation our words are of little consolation and we cannot offer false hope.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Taste the Islands Season II Rollout

ans can now take a deep breath, set their DVRs, schedule those weekly viewing parties and ready their aprons, because the long-awaited premiere of Taste the Islands (Season II) airs Sunday, June 11th on Create®TV, with staggered releases around the country on independent public television stations starting July 1st. Check your local listings for times and dates.

Taste the Islands creator and Executive Producer Calibe Thompson released the news via social media, showing the cast and crew, inclusive of co-producer, Lukkee Chong, gracing the cover of the American Public Television (APT) May Newsletter. With season one under the belt, it was an honor to hear the show had been picked up for a second season by APT, the leading syndicator of high-quality, toprated programming to the nation's public television stations.

(L-R) “Taste the Islands” Associate Producer Lukkee Chong, makeup artist Rory Lee, host Chef Thia, Executive Producer Calibe Thompson & host Chef Irie

“Taste the Islands” is a half-hour cooking series featuring Caribbean-themed recipes and travel segments. The cast and crew have been cooking up another batch of tasty treats for those gastronomes who fell in love with the show’s first season. Jamaican Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair, breakout star of season one, welcomes a new show host in “Lisa Lee” Arneaud, and rolls out the red carpet for fellow culinarian Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna from Haiti. The family friendly program presents an opportunity for viewers to learn about the fascinating food and culture of the Caribbean. Funding for “Taste the Islands” season two is provided by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, Grace Foods and Lakay Food. Said Executive Producer Calibe Thompson, “Taste the Islands offers a window into Caribbean culture for our viewers across the country, and inspires pride in our own community. We’re excited to see the response to season two and hope to showcase the cuisine of even more beautiful Caribbean islands in our next season!”

The cast of “Taste the Islands” Season 2: Chef Thia, Lisa Lee & Chef Irie. Photo by: David I. Muir

“Taste the Islands” season two premieres nationwide on Create TV June 11, and on South Florida PBS (Ch. 2) on July 1 at 3:30PM. Visit www.createtv.com or your public TV station’s website for local listings.

For Group Tours/Package Deals & more information please call : 1877-220-8315 or Fax 407-386-7925

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Caribbean Profile - Ian Davis

an Davis, born in London, England of Jamaican parents moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 1983. He is the oldest son born to Janet Davis from Mayfield, Jamaica who currently lives in Orlando, Florida.

Chief Davis has been a Chief Fire Officer for over 13 years and has mentored many members who today hold leadership positions within the organization. He is currently in his 23rd year as a Chief with the Orlando Fire Department. Deputy Chief Davis was hired in 1994 by the Orlando Fire Department (OFD) after serving 4 years in the United States Marine Corps. During his tour in the Marines, he served on an Amphibious Assault Vehicle and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Crew Chief.

He was instrumental in his early years at OFD while serving as Honor Guard Commander, Training Officer, Bike Team Coordinator, Officer Development Program and Recruitment Officer. Chief Davis’ promotion means a lot to him, his family, and the community as he will be the 3rd Black Firefighter promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief in the department’s 132 year history. He is the first Jamaican promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief in the Orlando Fire Department.

Chief Davis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management, an Associate Degree in EMS, and was a recent graduate from Valencia College’s Public Safety Leadership DevOrlando Fire Chief Ian Davis elopment Program, and recently attended 2017 Throughout his career at OFD, he has been involved in various Mayor’s Executive Leadership Program. committees and worked most recently in his second tour in the Fire Training Division as the Commander.

Admission is Free to the Expo EXPO WILL BE PRESENTED THROUGHOUT FASHION SQUARE MALL Seminars and Luncheon are Paid Only and through RSVP www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Country Before Party Politics - byKamal Abdool

FK proposed the Civil Rights Act in 1963 aware of the possibility that the Democratic Party could lose the support of the Dixiecrats in the South. The 36th President, Lyndon Baines Johnson, signed the Bill into Law and echoed the sentiments of JFK that the Democratic Party had just lost the South for generations. JFK's and LBJ's thoughts proved prophetic as the South continues to vote Republican even after fifty four years. These two Presidents put Country before Party as Civil Rights Legislation was in the best interest of the People of the United States.

Forty Seven years later a Democratic led Congress passed the Affordable Care Act knowing that some members would pay a price in the 2010 Mid-Term Elections and with the distinct possibility the Democratic Party could lose the Leadership of Congress. The Dems passed the ACA Legislation anyway and President Obama signed the Bill into Law. Why? Because it was the right thing to do for the American People and once again the Democratic Party placed Country before Party. President Obama took heat from a cross section of the American People including those who stood to benefit from the passage of the ACA. Socialized Medicine was the war cry from Republicans as if that concept would disintegrate America forever. In fact it should have been a single payer system from the beginning just like Medicare. You may have to change your Primary Care doctor retaliated the Republicans. So what if you have to change Primary Care Doctors. I did and am still alive. At least you have health insurance. Then the "know it all" Republicans chimed in that the United States has the best healthcare in the world. That may or may not be true and if it is, what good is it to you to live in a country with the best healthcare and you cannot access it. Sixty times in six years Republicans tried to repeal Obamacare and failed. How much of that effort was driven by the fact people were starting to reap the benefits of the Affordable Care Act or President Obama's name could be associated with success. At recent Town Hall Meetings, Republican Congressmen and Senators are experiencing

tremendous opposition to the GOP Healthcare Plan from constituents, most of whom are Republican themselves. It is sad to watch Americans plead their case for the retention of pre-existing conditions and ultimately, their lives. Blessed with visionary Founding Fathers, a Declaration of Independence, the Greatest Constitution, a First President who saw the wisdom of a defined time in power and passing the torch, a mixture of Democracy and Capitalism, the United States has grown to become the greatest country ever. You can own a business, choose to be self employed, get a job and make as much money as you want. There are no limits to profits. You can live in any of the fifty States, any US Territory or any country in the world and invest and earn profits from thousands of industries. Is it too much to ask that of the thousands of profit oriented options available, the profit motivation should be removed from just three, War, Private Prisons and Healthcare. Too much can go wrong. The United States Supreme Court refused to hear the case involving voter photo identification law in North Carolina. I believe you should have a Federal or State photo ID and cannot understand with today's Information Age technology, so many Americans are without a State or Federal photo ID. What's the real reason for not having one? I hear more excuses why someone may not have it, cost, access to the relevant office, lack of transport, don't have a birth certificate or don't know how to get one. The real question should be how important it is to you. Surely you have a friend or family member to assist you. Amazing that so many college students have a campus photo ID and lack a State or Federal ID. If you know someone in Central or South Florida, legally entitled to vote, and cannot get a Florida State Photo ID, email their name and contact info to komando54@msn.com. We have a team willing to help them. Folks, the photo ID is just a smokescreen for the shenanigans Republicans pull off to suppress the Vote. Gerrymandering Districts is just one.

www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Letters to My Lawyer™ Fed-Up Tenant

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 rented a home about 6 months ago. When we went to visit the property, it had everything we wanted and was in our children's school zone. However, since we moved in we've been having problems with the property and our landlord. We had plumbing issues and it took weeks for the landlord to fix. About three weeks ago, the air conditioning unit stopped working. I contacted the landlord and he stated he would send someone out to repair the unit. However, it has not been done. We have had some very hot days and summer is coming and I don’t know how long it will take for it to actually be fixed. Can I pay for the repair and deduct the amount from the monthly rent? What are my options? Please help, Fed Up Tenant Dear Fed Up Tenant : Landlord-Tenant issues can be very complicated and contentious. Under Florida law, a tenant’s obligation to pay rent is not contingent on the landlord meeting his/her obligations under the lease. Likewise, Florida law does not permit a tenant to make repairs to property and deduct the costs from the rent. If you do this and fail to pay your rent in

full, it is possible that your landlord can file an eviction action against you in court. The proper recourse is to send your landlord a seven-day notice to repair the property. The notice should be sent via certified / registered mail, so that you can have proof that it was delivered to the landlord at the address in your lease for providing notices. If your landlord fails to make the repair in the required timeframe, you have the option of terminating your lease and moving. However, not paying rent is not one of the available options. If there is a housing code violation (e.g. mold, electrical problems, water leaks etc.) you also have the right to contact Code Enforcement. This option should be reserved for the most serious situations and for the most difficult landlords. It is very difficult to find the ideal rental property that meets all your requirements and is in your school zone. Therefore, when possible it is better to find an amicable resolution with your landlord that will avoid you having to move, immediately or at the end of your initial lease term, and avoids the filing of an eviction action, which permanently becomes a part of the public record and will affect your ability to rent in the future. Please submit your letters to letters@hawmlaw.com. Each month a reader’s letter will be chosen for response. Letters to My Lawyer™ is a publication of Karlyn Hylton & Sasha Watson of Hylton, Adamson Watson, PLLC 1820 W. Colonial Drive |Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-802-3223 | F: 407-377-1971 Email: letters@hawmlaw.com

For More Information Call # 1-877-220-8315