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1O Grace Jerk Fest in South Florida...wow!
Barbados is a small Caribbean island – 166 sq miles with a population of just under 300,000 people. After the English settlement at Holetown in 1627, it remained a British colony until achieving independence on November 30th 1966. Since then, November 30th each year has been a very special day of celebration. Independence Day is a national holiday and although this is the official day of festivities, Independence celebrations run throughout November and include sports competitions, fairs, community events and religious services – all of the things that make Barbados the great island it is. In the run-up to national independence, the British and the Bajans built up a close and keen relationship – so it’s no wonder that the island is still referred to as Little England.
The judicial system is British, as is the school system – and they drive on the left side of the road. Continued on Page 20
Chef Andre Fowles & Chef Irie Spice (Photo by David Muir)
Full article details on page 14...
New Reality Begins to Set In
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new reality is beginning to set in one week after the presidential election. The country appears to be poised to tear at the seams after a divisive presidential election filled with hateful rhetoric. Here are some ironies and random thoughts. The same people who rail about John Mica losing his congressional seat to inexperienced newcomer Stephanie Murphy say nothing about the entire country being run by an inexperienced Donald Trump-come-lately. About 22 years ago Mica was a freshman
by Maria Padilla, OrlandoLatino.com
congressman. We have all been freshman – in high school, perhaps in college. We like to think we all start at the bottom and work our way up, but that’s not true. Here’s a solid example: Trump, a man who has held no elected office, represents a special kind of dispensation, a special kind of affirmative action. But it’s funny how things work out. Mica’s name is being bandied about as a potential Transporttation secretary, ...Cont on Page 5
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L I F E S T Y L E
Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor
America Today & Politics of Yesterday
Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor
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his month's editorial we shall defer to our cousin Robert Meertins.
ometimes the right thing to say is the hardest thing to say and may be considered controversial, but I hope that most read this entire editorial before making a judgment. As I've watched the reaction to this election and observed people on the streets, and in shops, even in my own building for the first time in a long time, I see an underlying level of fear, confusion, uncertainty that is palpable. Questions like how did we get here, questions like is my country this racist, questions like what will tomorrow bring? For the first time in a long time, people are looking at their neighbors, friends, and family members and wondering where that person stands. I've seen and heard people cut people out of their lives due to the devastating nature of this election. So many don't understand why someone would take such a hard stance due to political differences. My hope is that this article helps people to understand why this election is so heated and how we may be able to bridge the gap. The first thing that everyone needs to understand is that every white person is not racist and every person who voted for Trump is not actually racist. That being said, there also needs to be a clear understanding of how minorities feel when they are talking to someone who may not be racist, but voted for someone who ran an entire campaign based on racist, prejudiced, misogynistic, bigoted rhetoric for what was perceived as "self-interest." You have to realize that it's a slap in the face to say that a job or moving our economy forward or blowing up Washington is more important than people's religious freedom's, than the lives of black and brown people, than the safety of women, who all by the way are suffering and struggling to survive in a changing economy just like the middle class "white man" who was being held up as the only forgotten person during this election campaign. You have to understand that people's fears come from a history of oppression and experiences that should not and cannot be denied. Back in the 1800s slavery existed not because all white people were racist, but because too many white people tolerated the racist act of slavery.
During the civil rights movement, human rights violations and atrocities did not occur because all white people were racist, they occurred because too many white people tolerated them and turned a blind eye to the reality of what was occurring. History has proven that what is commonly mistaken as issues between our races has very little to do with how and why we are divided. Those in power have routinely and systematically used race, religion, and fear of the unknown to keep the poor and disaffected under control. This tactic has been used time and time again throughout history to keep the focus off of those in power, by having those who are considered lower-class at each other's throat regardless of their race, religion, gender, cultural background. Once again, this election is a piece of that grand experiment. Too many people think this election has exposed a Darkside of America, and while I can see the divisiveness, this election only revealed what was already there..... Cont. on pg 14
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 ...................................................................................................Gail Zucker .......................................................................................... Sandra Fatmi .............................................. .........................................Roy Sweetland 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.
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ImmigrationINFO
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Immigration News For Our Community Trump’s Possible Immigration Action as President By Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Gail@GailLaw.com 1-877-GAIL-LAW
@GailSeeram FREE In-Office Consultation FREE Live Chat www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com
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s a female, minority, mother and immigrant, I took a huge hit on election night when Donald Trump was named the next President-Elect of the United States. It is difficult to embrace Trump’s nativism (a policy of favoring native inhabitants as opposed to immigrants) and his declaration to build a wall, deport millions, shut down Muslim Immigration, close our doors to those in need of protection against torture and halt globalization. Yes, I am incredibly saddened and disappointed by the nearly 90 million Americans that did not exercise their right to vote. If President-Elect Donald Trump survives four (4) years as President, then we will see a very different America by the end of 2020. On the day after election, Trump’s campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, stated on television that one of Trump’s priorities once he gets into office is to “curb legal immigration”. Many of my clients, legal and illegal immigrants, are scared for themselves and their families. My response to them was, “Yes, you should be scared but here are some steps to take to be proactive against any action that may be taken by President-Elect Donald Trump…”
1. File for Citizenship: If you are a lawful permanent resident that has lived in the U.S. for 3 years (if married to U.S. Citizen) or 5 years, then file for U.S. Citizenship immediately. President-Elect Donald Trump administration may not place a high priority on U.S. Citizenship processing and this process may get delayed to over one year (as seen during President George W. Bush administration). Under President Obama’s administration, processing time for U.S. Citizenship was 3 -4 months. Remember, a U.S. Citizen cannot be deported or removed from the U.S. whereas a lawful permanent resident can be placed into deportation. 2. File to Renew DACA & Advance Parole Simultaneously: If you are a beneficiary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA), then file to renew your DACA status ASAP. Renewals can be submitted 150-120 days before the expiration date on your card. DACA is an executive action taken by President Obama in 2012 to protect young immigrant children/adults (under age 30) from deportation and issued employment cards so they may work and go to school. Trump has said during his campaign that he would repeal DACA and deport all the beneficiary’s of DACA (young, innocent, immigrant children brought to the U.S. at a young age).
3. Apply for B-1/B-2 before limited by Trump Administration: As President, Trump will appoint new heads for Department of State and Department of Homeland Security. It’s my prediction that his administration will make it more difficult and limit the issuance of B-1/B-2 tourist visa. 4. File family-based immigration petition for brother/sister: Most legal immigrants enter the U.S. through a brother-sister family based petition. Republicans (including Trump) have talked about eliminating this family category all together so U.S. Citizens cannot sponsor a brother-sister. I advise U.S. Citizens to go ahead and file that brother-sister petition before the Trump administration proposed legislation to repeal this law. 5. Possible Limitation or Elimination of Waivers: The Immigration Court backlog for a deportation/ removal case from start to finish is about two (2) years because of the time required to file and schedule a trial on a waiver so the applicant (green card holder of illegal immigrant in the U.S.) can ask to stay in the U.S. An option that Trump may take in order to speed up deportation/removal and stop the re-entry of prior deportees to limit waivers for re-entry and limit eligibility for waivers to those in removal/ deportation. 6. Stop/Reopen Administrative Closure & Reopen Stay of Deportation: For those immigrants whose deportation/removal case was administratively closed (or paused due to the Judge’s discretion), be warned that Immigration and Custom Enforcement attorneys can reopen your case at any time due to a change in the law or directive from a President. Also, for those immigrants who were ordered removed/ deported by an immigration judge but a stay of deportation/removal was issued by an Immigration and Custom Enforcement officer, this is also by discretion. So, this means that discretion can change under a new President and Trump can easily order to reopen stay of deportation/removal and execute the already issued removal/deportation orders. Lastly, President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the deportation and incarceration with Executive Order 9066, issued February 19, 1942, of over 110,000 – 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry – 62% were United States citizens. So, it was done in the past and can be done again under President-Elect Donald Trump. God help us ALL! Rights Reserved. Copyright © Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2016. All www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com Phone: 1-877-GAIL-LAW or 407-292-7730
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GUESSING GAME
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is major was economics; his grades were strictly C's. “Most of my high school and college career, a C-average was eligible to play sports and I figured that that was the standard to shoot at and remain eligible,” he reasoned. Who was this man? He was the 40th President of the United States of America (USA) and one of the more interesting things he said was, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.” His name? Ronald Reagan, an actor who became President and whose view of Government was always an outsider’s. He believed, “Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”
This one’s mother wrote his themes and essays for him right through college. He got a “D” in argumentation, though to his credit he did make the debate team. The yearbook ran a picture of a jackass with his name under it and the caption, “As he looks to us on campus every day.” He was not a media fan and once said, “If one morning I walked on top of the water across the Potomac River, the headline that afternoon would read: ‘President Can't Swim.’” He was the 37th Vice President of the USA and its 36th President. His name? Lyndon Johnson. His insights into the Presidency include, “Being president is like being a jackass in a hailstorm. There's nothing to do but to stand there and take it” and “A President's hardest task is not to do what is right, but to know what is right.” The third “Guess Who?” among the “Who’s Who” boasted, “Even in elementary school I was a very assertive, aggressive kid. In the second grade I actually gave a teacher a black eye- I punched my music teacher because I didn’t think he knew anything about music, and I almost got expelled.” This person in 1998 said, “I’m not running for President but if I did, I’d win,” and summed up his attitude to life with, “I like thinking big. If you’re going to be thinking any way, you might as well think big.” Who is this? Here’s a quote that will definitely help to identify him, “I’ve got black accountants at Trump Plaza. Black guys counting my money! I hate it. The only kind of people I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes every day.” This one from my main source-book for this column (Great American Anecdotes) under “Financial Tea Leaves: Finding Character In A Wallet” will be the final picture in the mug shots, “No amount of night-times with Donald Trump could disclose more about his view of women than to pay his then-wife Ivana ‘a salary of a dollar a year and all the dresses she wants’ for running the Plaza Hotel in New York.”
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By Tony Deyal
This is the morning after the US Election 2016 and the first day of Donald Trump’s latest and largest starring role. Today, November 9, 2016 or what one writer called the second of the two worst days in American history, 9/11 and 11/9, he is President-elect of the USA. Here on the brink and shoal of time, what is his life to come? It is said that the Office of the President shapes and changes the individual who occupies it. In terms of power, it has been observed that the President of America is not the Government of the USA and that no president can lead unless he appreciates the perspectives of other elected politicians and accepts their legitimacy. Lyndon Johnson observed, "The presidency has made every man who occupied it, no matter how small, bigger than he was and no matter how big, not big enough for its demands." He also said, "Presidents quickly realize that while a single act might destroy the world they live in, no one single decision can make life suddenly better or can turn history around for good." The President-Elect does not seem to think so as yet. According to The Telegraph, “At an address delivered in Gettysburg, Mr. Trump laid out a ‘contract with the American people’ that would begin with a ‘very busy first day’. He proceeded to detail 24-hours designed to erase traces of Barack Obama's presidency and set America on a protectionist, nativist, track.” Stephen J. Dubner in his “Freakonomics” blog asks the question, “How much does the President of the United States really matter?” His conclusion is, “Americans’ widespread belief in the President’s absolute power — love him or hate him — is proof that the Great Man theory is alive and well. My simple argument is that this belief, as emotionally appealing as it may be, is not founded on truth. But just pretend for a minute that you do agree with me. If you do happen to dislike the current President, this is really good news, since he probably affects your life a lot less than you fear. Unfortunately, it’s also really bad news, because if you are hoping that a new President will swoop in and fix everything, that’s not going to happen.” *Tony Deyal was last seen asking who said, perhaps prophetically, “Hey, life is life. We’re here for a short time. When we’re gone, most people don’t care, and in some cases they’re quite happy about it.” Donald Trump.
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United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. approximately 20 kids throughout the school, our Future Leaders afterschool program of 23 kids, not to mention offer our 17 seniors graduating in May 2017 scholarships."
Sandra Fatmi and the United Foundation of Central Florida continue to make a difference by mentoring students from Evans High School in Pine Hills. United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc., (UFCF) is a nonprofit public foundation formed February 14th 2014 to fulfill the educational, mentoring, health, and financial literacy needs of our children in the Pine Hills area, utilizing a holistic approach. When the organization started in 2014, the focus was on early intervention, leading to prevention.
Their Fundraising Christmas/Holiday Event is slated for Friday, December 9th 2016 from 7:30 pm to 12:30 am at the hidden jewel of Orlando – The Crystal Ballroom at Veranda, located at 7065 Westpointe Blvd., Suite 140, Orlando, FL 32835.
Along the journey of feeder schools which included elementary, middle and high schools, they met with change in leadership at both the elementary and middle schools in the area. As a result, they continued their mission at Evans and they are proud to report 2 ½ years later that they have grown more than they could ever imagine. In an interview with Founder Sandra Fatmi, she said "We have provided support as a partner in and outside of the school, we have supported over 60 events over the past few years, we have fed the homeless, provided clothes and personal hygiene to our children and families, we fed the pre-game meals for the football team for the entire season, 4 seniors have graduated and gone on to College from our afterschool program, the graduation rate increased from 48% to almost 90% and our freshman mentees are doing really well. Thanks to our founding members, amazing board of directors and community partners we have been able to reach this far and realize our mission to partner with local community organizations to positively transform our children and families utilizing our education through mentoring program, to leave this world better than we saw it." She went on to ask for the community's help saying, "as 2016 comes to a close we need your help to raise $25,000.00 to continue our Freshman Success mentoring of our 9th graders,
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Attire is Semi-Formal. Tickets can be purchased on the foundation website... www.unitedfoundationcf.org Donations for the event are $80.00 per person. To sponsor one of the students for the event is $60.00, a table sponsor for a table of 10 is $1,000.00, and a table sponsor for a table of 12 is $1,400.00. Sponsorship levels are available on the website. As we look forward to the future, we are proud to announce that several other local schools have reached out to the Foundation to bring the same programs to their institutions and that will start in 2017. They are asking for your help in the form of supporting the event, making a donation, sponsoring a child for this memorable event, and/or sponsoring a table. Please come out and meet the young people and help United Foundation empower communities’ one family at a time. They can be reached at 407-900-8137 for more information.
The hosts, Pakistan, took first strike and mounted an insurmountable total of 579 for just 3 wickets. Opener, Azhar Ali, scored 302 not out. The West Indies took their turn at the crease and scored 357 all out with Darren Bravo getting 87.
By Ryan Davis
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TEST CRICKET’S NEW BALL
here are very few experiences in sports that can compare to the first morning of a Test match. It is a sport in its purest form. No field restrictions, no bowling restrictions, no time restrictions. Just two teams with five days to do battle. People come up with every excuse in the book to attend this experience, from calling in sick, to lengthy dentist appointments. Students skipping school with their teachers sitting two rows behind them, both captivated with the anticipation of the coming day’s play. Whether the “ground” was the Sabina Park in Jamaica, St John’s Recreation in Antigua, Kensington Oval in Barbados, Queens Park Oval in Trinidad or Bourda Cricket Ground in Guyana, the electricity was the same. Some of us have had the privilege to be a part of that unbounding excitement. Test Cricket is very much a part of our West Indian DNA. However, as society changes, so must the sport’s need to adapt to its people. Dwindling crowds and lack of viewers on television, test cricket can no longer commandeer an entire day’s work and expect the success it once had. Cricket’s decision makers then came up with the idea of the “pink ball.”
One hundred and forty years later and Test cricket, as we know, will begin its transition into a day/night affair. Australia and New Zealand were the first to try the new format in Adelaide, Australia. The game drew a whopping 123,000 people over the five days and amassed over 2 million viewers on television. It was a huge success. The West Indies soon became part of history as they played the first Day/Night test match on Asian soil against Pakistan under the lights in Dubai.
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In the 2nd innings, West Indian leg spinner, Devendra Bishoo, struck back for the visitors. Pakistan were all out for 123 with Bishoo picking up his career best figures of 8 wickets for 49 runs, giving the Windies a chance to save the match. However, on the last day, a heroic century by Bravo was not enough, as Pakistan won the match by 56 runs. Giving them victory in the historic day/night test and a 1-0 lead in the 3 match series. The West Indies went on to lose the series 2-1.
The Windies captain Jason Holder said the match was a success and the players need to give this new version of the game every chance to succeed. However, there were complaints about the ball on both sides. The batsmen had a hard time picking up the seam of the ball in midflight thus giving the bowlers an advantage. Since then, the makers of the ball – Kookaburra from Australia, have made the seam black, giving it enough distinction to where the batsmen now can pick it up in midflight.
Whether you are a cricket purist or a casual follower, test cricket needed a facelift. Players will be able to perform at higher levels as the temperatures become cooler. Kids and adults alike can now attend the games after school or work which translates to higher attendances and that is the most important statistic of all.
New Reality Begins to Set In
Cont from Page 1....
by Maria Padilla
allowing the 70-odd year old to spend many more years as a Washington insider, bringing home the pork we all hate, except when it’s for us.
Off to the Races • The dust hasn’t settled and already Seminole people are actively recruiting a Republican opponent to run against Murphy in 2018. Although I disagree, here’s a true confession: Democrats, this is how you win elections – by recruiting early and often. But I see in this shades of then Senate Minority Leader (now Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell stating that his job was to make sure Barack Obama was a one-term president. Obstructionism followed. A reminder to all of what McConnell said this past week about the GOP sweep, “Elections are not forever.” Republican State Rep. Bob Cortés, just re-elected to a second term in Tallahassee, is one name bandied about to challenge Murphy. Cortés won by about 52 percent each in the two-county, Seminole-Orange House District 30, a respectable showing considering that Orange is decidedly blue. Cortés, of course, is Hispanic – Puerto Rican, to be exact. If he were to run for Congressional District 7, it would be a Trojan horse candidacy aimed at dividing the Latino vote. That’s exactly what happened when he challenged incumbent Karen Castor Dentel for his first term. The fact is, many Hispanics are eager to see other Hispanics in office and will cross party lines to do it. Hence, the promise of a Cortés’ candidacy to keep the GOP’s hope alive.
Flattery May Get You Somewhere • To all the GOP people who say they’re not interested in running for Mica’s old seat: Stop it already. Just stop. It rings false. Marco Rubio said no to Senate re-election until he said sí. Plus, political flattery can make anyone think they can walk on water. Only the strong survive. • Vice President-elect Mike Pence has been elevated to be “the new Dick Cheney.” My friends, there is no comfort in that, no comfort at all, considering how Cheney and his inner circle got us into a bad war.
Obama may have toked a joint at a festival with friends. It blew over when folks realized, hey, Baby Boomers are legalizing pot everywhere. Oops! But imagine if Malia or First Lady Michelle Obama had nude photos all over the Internet as Melania Trump does? Would lightning and thunder ever cease? • Europe: Spare me the lecture and condolences. I’m not having that from the Brexit people. Same goes for Colombia, whose voters nixed a peace agreement with the FARC rebel forces. Nope.
Thanks But No Thanks • Thank you but no, I ain’t wearing no safety pin on my lapel, meant to indicate that the wearer might feel in danger in this new America because of their religion, nationality or other status. The Democratic Party truly is bankrupt if this is the best Cong. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida can come up with. I know a lot of people who feel anxious, myself included, due to the election outcome and 15 months of Trump campaign smack talk. Will he really do this or that? I’ll wait for the evidence. If you really want to do some good, go volunteer some place. A recent news story stated that Trump told Chris Christie he didn’t expect to last beyond October 2015 in the GOP primary season. But he outlasted everyone – including 16 other Republicans far, far, far more qualified than he – and won squarely if not fairly. Don’t boo-hoo; instead, do something. Trump, in true fashion, won’t be chastened for long.
Reality Check • To protest or not to protest? It’s your Constitution-given right to free speech and freedom of association. Go ahead, if it makes you feel better or if you must. But protest without an end game or action is … bawling.
Imagine • America almost went crazy this year because Malia
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Letters to My Lawyer™ If You Have A Criminal Record and Background Checks 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
Lawyer: I lived in New York and had a child with a lady while I was living there. She placed me on my child support six years ago. I have been living in Florida for the past 2 years and recently received a notice to go to court in Florida regarding this support. I have filed several documents in Florida to modify the amount of the support since I am no longer making as much money but I have been unsuccessful. What can I do in this case as I do not want to go to jail? From Dad in Distress Dear Dad in Distress: The child support system can be quite confusing to navigate through. However, there are both federal and state laws that provide a nationwide uniform system for child related cases, including, but not limited to, child support matters. Under Florida law, a child support order of another state may be modified under the following two scenarios: 1. Scenario 1: a. Neither the child nor any of the parents or custodial party resides in the issuing state; b. A petitioner who is a nonresident of this state seeks modification; and c. The respondent is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal of this state; or 2. Scenario 2: The child resides in Florida, or any of the parents or custodial party is subject to the personal jurisdiction of this state and all of the parties have filed consents to modify the support order and assume continuing exclusive jurisdiction. It is unclear whether your case meets the criteria for the support order to be modified in Florida. In the event, that you can satisfy the requirements, you will need to go back to the court that entered the original support order or go to the state where the child and mother currently reside in order to get the amount of support modified. Currently, Florida’s jurisdiction with respect to the support order is limited to enforcing collection of the ordered amount. You may need the assistance of a local Florida attorney to assist with avoiding the consequences of non-payment (e.g. license suspension or detention) and an attorney in New York to deal with the modification in order to lower the amount being assessed. 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
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Around Town Events "Save the Boobies"
The Law Offices of Michael A. Mills, The Injury Assistance Law Firm in conjunction with The American Cancer Society and Mercedes Benz of South Orlando presented an amazing night of networking and socializing all in support of Breast Cancer; the event even had a marriage proposal.
Mia Gormondy & The Pastiche Steel Ensemble
The Twin Island Cultural presentation of Mia Gormondy and the Pastiche Steel Ensemple showcased beautiful music and some creative talent from the future and next generation of Steelpan musicians. Attendees were engulfed with the rythmicsounds of both traditional steelpan
music and the new-age e-pan creative that were simply unbelievable. The Majestic Event Center was the place to be on Oct 23rd. Visit our website for more pictures www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
AACF Diwali Mela 2016
Lalman Persaud presented a talented line-up of young, charming and beautiful Miss. Diwali contestants this year for his Diwali Mela at the Lake Eola Amphitheater along with great performances. As always it is truly a pleasure to attend his Diwali Mela to see the enthusiasm and passion of the kids as they compete in a family friendly and community supported atmosphere. These events and festivities are extremely important
for the preservation and promotion of our culture and heritage. It is always a welcoming sight when we see the local businesses come out and support these events by providing sponsorships, making donations, sponsoring a contestant or by simply purchasing a booth to have a presence at the event. We look forward to more in 2017.
Rebel Salute 2016/17
- Pictures by Gail Zucker
The 'Rebel Salute' featured authentic Reggae and Rastafarian platforms and traditions with a strong history and message. Please visit our website - www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com - for a full article and more details about 'Rebel Salute 2016/2017 www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
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Guyana 50/50 Awards
The Roraima Award in Business & Entrepreneurship Mr. Brindley Pieters
The Roraima Award in Business & Entrepreneurship Mr. Ram Lakhan Singh
The Greenheart Award in Politics & Civic Engagement Mr. Lloyd Philips
The 1VSQMFIFBSU "XBSE JO 1PMJUJDT $JWJD &OHBHFNFOU Mr. 3JDL 4JOHI
The Pakaraima Award in Community Service Mr. Sham Tilak
The Harpy Eagle Trail Blazer Award Mr. Brian Chin
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The Roraima Award in Business & Entrepreneurship Ravi & Zorida Manoo
The 1VSQMFIFBSU "XBSE JO 1PMJUJDT $JWJD &OHBHFNFOU - Judge Majeed
The Gold Awardhead Award in Arts & Culture Mr. Rajesh Kandhai
The Pakaraima Award in Community Service Mrs. Joy Anderson
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The Gold Awardhead Award in Arts & Culture Mr. Ron Bobb-Semple
The Greenheart Award in Politics & Civic Engagement Mr. Russel Permaul
The Gold Awardhead Award in Arts & Culture Mr. Hari Singh
Guyana 50/50 Awards 2016
The Kaieteur Falls Award in Education Dr. Patrick Coggins
The Appakaima Award in Business & Entrepreneurship Mr. Brian Bacchus
The Orinduik Falls Trail Blazer Award Mrs. Dionne Polite
The Guyana History Makers Award Mr. Cecil Kippins
The Gold Awardhead in Arts & Culture Mrs. Barbara Lemoine Ms. Vashnie Ambu
The Harpy Eagle Trail Blazer Award Mr. Kash Ramnarain
The Pakaraima Award in Community Service Andy & Urla King
The Appakaima Award in Business & Entrepreneurship Naresh & Nadia Boodhoo
The Guyana History Makers Award Mr. Cecil 'Skip' Roberts
The Appakaima Award in Business & Entrepreneurship Mr. Raj Singh
The Guyana History Makers Award Mr. Vibert Boodhoo
The Pakaraima Award in Community Service Paul & Anita Singh
The Appakaima Award in Business & Entrepreneurship Ms. Shanti Persaud
The Pakaraima Award in Community Service Mr. Colin Baker
The Pakaraima Award in Community Service Mr. David Anderson
Please visit our website - www.caribbeanamericanpassport .com - to view the full album of pictures from the Guyana 50/50 Awards Celebration
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GRACE JERK FEST
By Sandra Fatmi
The 15th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in Sunrise, Florida did not disappoint. It was everything that was expected!
Year 15 of the largest Jerk Festival in the United States held at Markham Park in Sunrise, FL was action filled from start to finish. Doors opened at 10am, and the patrons came in eager and ready to patronage the several different array of vendors, get culturally connected with their roots and remained hopeful to win one or more of the many giveaways from a number of vendors, fill out any and all information required to win either a free rental from Toyota for a week, a free TV, free t-shirts, or $100.00 cash, just to name a few. Once you took a look around the park, there was no questioning whether or not this event was well supported. There was a mixture of t-shirts from all walks of life, cultural garb creatively adorned, but there was no mistaking the hundreds and thousands of patterns, shapes and designs representing the solid green, black and gold. There were 3 stages strategically placed in the park, showcasing local talent as well as our international sensations. So whether you were on the main stage, the 411 Pain Fuzion soundstage or the Western Union Cultural Stage with Comedian Chris Johnny Daley you were guaranteed to have an amazing time. On the 411 Pain stage, there was the Bahamas Junkanoo Revue, a group that actually takes your breath away. Singer Yanique Sasha and sons of Mystro sang like only they could. On the Western Union Cultural stage Chris “Johnny” Daley kept us engaged from the minute the stage opened to the time it closed, shifting everyone to the main stage. The main stage was opened with Gospel artist Sharon Wiles and Daniel Musgrove. Ikaya is a newcomer on the scene and based on her talents and music selections performed, she is here to stay. Singing Melody – sang some popular sounds. Rupee got the soca crowd jumping. Chaka Demus and Pliers are two of my all-time favorites and sang murder she wrote, and I was ready to press rewind. In preparation for the one and only Shaggy. The DJ’s took us way back to the 80’s and by the time Shaggy was ready to come out, the crowd was ready to dance to Mr. Lover Lover, Bombastic and It wasn’t me. The night ended on a positive note, and as expected it was a zoo getting out. Chef Irie Spice hosted the Publix Culinary Cooking Demo featuring Ashlie Barrett-Miss Jamaica World 2016 and Todd Tongen-local 10 (ABC) Weekend News Anchor.
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America Today & Politics of Yesterday But this is nothing new, there's no critical mass related to those who were racist and intolerant. There wasn't a severe increase in voters that predominately focus on Trumps racism, just look at the numbers… With all of the increase in voters' support from the white demographic, Trump received less votes this year than Mitt Romney did in 2012 and John McCain got in 2008. So where's all the anger and fear coming from you wonder; it has to do with the tacit approval of Donald Trumps racism, his misogynistic tendencies, his bigoted rants, his attack on religious freedom, and his subtle remarks that undermine our constitutional rights. For too many of us tacit approval of his rhetoric reminds us of a time that we all thought had passed. This tacit approval empowers those that are truly racist, the ones who utilize the fears of the masses to mobilize their movement. But here's the thing, the secret that they haven't figured out… Our society today is not the same as it was 40 years ago, not even 20 years ago. The things that were once tolerated, will not be tolerated any longer. That said, we all have to smarten up and stop voting against our own self interest.
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Editorial Continued from Page 2
We've got to stop allowing those in power to divide us with fear tactics, to use the fear of the unknown to keep us separated from each other, to allow them to reduce our strength and our power. Whether you're poor white and middle class or poor Black and middle-class or poor Latino and middle-class, to them you're just poor and middle-class. One of the things that only those close to me know is that I'm a very pro black person, but I've been lucky enough to grow up with a diverse group of friends. This diverse wellrounded background has allowed me keen insight into other cultures, religions, and communities. So when I speak about these issues I'm not coming from a monolithic place. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest and I do hope that we all take this opportunity that is now in front of us and use it to shape a future which will be beneficial to all of us and that will bring us together, because united we are stronger and more powerful than they would ever want us to believe. Robert Meertins
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Will President-Elect Donald Trump Heal the Divisions in America?
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By Roger Caldwell
he 2016 election is over, and Donald J. Trump is the 45th President of the United States. He will be the first president who is an unknown quantity because he has no political record or experience in a political office or capacity. As an enigma, he is a riddle who mobilized a movement in America that spoke to a forgotten segment of the country (White People).
President-Elect Trump is the voice of frustration from a White paradigm of voters, who believe that minorities are taking over the country. It starts with a Black president and ends with too many undocumented immigrants populating the country. After winning the election, Trump stated that he wants to be the president for all Americans, and it is time to heal the country.
The Republicans now will control Congress, the Senate, and the Executive Branch. This is an indictment on the Democrats who were too lazy to show up at the polling places and cast their ballot. Donald Trump has run on a platform of change, and during his campaign, he argued that President Obama was one of the worst presidents in the history of the country. As Trump prepares to ascend to the highest and most powerful office in America, and around the globe, he should no longer be allowed to say the first thing that comes to his mind.
There is a divide in America, and Donald Trump has an obligation to connect to those who believe he is a racist, a bigot, a misogynist, and a crook. As thousands of people have begun demonstrations around the country, America can’t pretend that it is not happening. With demonstrations in 12 cities around the country, it indicates that more lies will not bring peace to a fractured America.
In the national media, the question is being asked “Will the president-elect get a Twitter do-over?” Trump has his twitter account open again, and one of the first things he tweeted at 9:19 PM, 10 Nov 2016 was “Just finished a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!”
Both candidates for president were flawed. In my opinion, the most flawed presidential candidate won the election. But, this does not mean that our collective faith and our sense of unity cannot calm the nation after a contentious and bruising campaign. The nature of politics is bloody, and during the 2016 political war, many negative and disrespectful things were repeated.
At 6:14 AM, 11 Nov 2016, Trump tweets “Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud.” Obviously, the second tweet is more positive and inclusive, and this time he gets a do-over. But as president, Trump needs to get it right the first time.
History dictates that once the political war is fought, there is a winner based on the Electoral College votes, and the loser concedes. President Obama said standing next to Vice President Joe Biden “Sometimes you lose an argument. Sometimes you lose an election. The path that this country has taken has never been a straight line.”
After winning the election, Trump praised Hillary Clinton and at the White House meeting, he acknowledged President Obama’s accomplishments and exemplar record. In order for Trump to heal America, he must stop and learn to control his [bipolar] tendencies. It’s easy to say you are the president for all Americans, but the execution is very hard.
The test of any great nation is how people react after defeat. It is too late to demonstrate once your candidate has lost, because you decided not to vote.
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Guyana 50/50 Awardees 2016 Roraima Awards in Business & Entrepreneurship Stephen J Quaning, M.D., MBA Naraine & Rosemarie Moonasar Mr. Brindley Pieters Ravi & Zorida Manoo Mr. Ram Lakhan Singh Ms. Christine Franklin
The Kaieteur Falls Award in Education Dr. Patrick Coggins
The Greenheart Awards in Politics & Civic Engagement Mr. Ian Moffett Mr. Russell B. Permaul Mr. Lloyd Philips Mrs. Gail Seeram
Naresh & Nadia Boodhoo Mr. Brian Bacchus Mr. Clayton Chand Ms. Shanti Persaud Mr. Raj Singh Mrs. Vani Lowton Mr. Victor Baker Mr. Harry Sobhraj Mr. Khris Persaud
The Purpleheart Awards in Politics & Civic Engagement Mr. Rick Singh Judge A. B. Majeed
The Gold Awardhead Awards in Arts & Culture
The Harpy Eagle Awards for Trail Blazers Mrs. Sibille Pritchard Mr. Brian Chin Sam & Guenet Roberts Mr. Kash Ramnarain Ms. Maya Trotz
The Orinduik Falls Awards for Trail Blazers Mr. Earle Browne Ms. Sukree Boodram Ms. Joy Agness Mrs. Dionne Polite Mrs. Desiree Hanson
Mr. Conrad Taylor Mr. Creig Camacho Mrs. Barbara Lemoine Mr. Ephram Adams Mr. Hari Singh Mr. Lalman Persaud Mr. Mark Bannister Mr. Rajesh Kandhai Mr. Ramzan Roshanali Mr. Ron Bobb-Semple
The Pakaraima Awards for Community Service
The Arapaima Award for Future Leaders Ms. Laini Schultz Ms. Debbie Churaman
The Guyana History Makers Awards Mr. Cecil ‘Skip’ Roberts Mr. Vibert Boodhoo Mr. R.D. Singh Mr. Cecil Kippins Mr. Lance Gibbs
Appakaima Awards Business & Entrepreneurship
Andy & Urla King Mr. Sham Tilak Mr. Colin Baker Mr. David Anderson Mr. Harry Bissoon Mr. John Yates Mrs. Joy Anderson Paul & Anita Singh
The Jaguar Memorial Awards Dr. Glensford Craig Mr. Alan Khan Mr. Godfrey Chin Mr. Ray Seals
The Guyana 50/50 Selection Committee members were Mr. Allie Braswell, Mrs. Carol Singh, Mrs. Vanessa Churaman, Ms. Sandra Fatmi, Ms. Penny Simon and Mrs. Shelly-Ann Braswell and a wonderful group of people who voted by email for their candidate. Special Thanks to Seeta Persaud, Brian Bacchus, Ishree Singh, Rodney Rackley, Dave Martins & Terry Gajraj. For photos and videos of the 50/50 Awards Gala go to www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
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Humble Lion Productions taking on major film project. Please support the causeand make a donation
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THE RORAIMA GROUP of COMPANIES ROARING to GREATER HEIGHTS
ince before Guyana’s attainment of Independence in 1966 little or no real effort was placed on the development of Guyana’s tourism potential, despite the country's many offerings in the areas of eco, heritage and cultural tourism. Almost a quarter century ago, a young pilot and former army officer and his wife both of whom are Airline Transported Rated pilots had the vision to form a company—Roraima Airways...that would eventually offer a myriad of integrated and related services and be at the forefront of Guyana’s tourism development efforts. For more than two decades Guyana has embarked on a concerted effort to develop its tourism sector and over that period, The Roraima Group of Companies and its founders, Capt. Gerry & Debbie Gouveia, have been trailblazers in this effort. What started out as a one aircraft company shuttling mostly gold miners to far flung regions of Guyana’s interior is today a group of companies that offers multi aircraft air service around Guyana, packaged tours to several of the country’s nature and heritage sites including the magnificent Kaieteur Falls, hotel and other hospitality related services, and agent representation and airport ground handling services to international carriers serving the international traveling public to and from Guyana. “Ours has been a story in hard and smart work over the years by our loyal employees coupled with vision and foresight and the ability to think outside the box to realize the many opportunities that Guyana has to offer,” says Capt. Gerry Gouveia. From its humble beginnings back in 1992, the Roraima Group of Companies now employs more than 260 people directly with an upgraded and expanded fleet of aircraft from one to six planes,
opened two hotels...Duke Lodge in Kingston and Residence Inn in Bel Air Park which include swimming pools, restaurant and conference facilities, opened a tour operator company offering packaged tours to Kaieteur Falls and other historic sites and to its own Arrowpoint Resort in the historic Santa Mission area up the Kumuni Creek off the Demerara River. They also have a ground handling service for international airlines serving Guyana at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri inclusive of an executive first class lounge. The company today is managed at its helm by a family of pilots, the father, the mother and the two sons. The children were schooled in Canada. Both of the boys , Gerry and Kevin graduated from York University and the University of Toronto respectfully. After completing their flight training and returning to Guyana, where they now live...Gerry Jr manages the day to day operations of the airline operations at the Ogle Airport while Kevin , who is also a chef manages the food and beverage operations of the hotels and restaurants. Just recently the company launched a special package tour from the United States which includes air transport, hotel accommodation, meals, ground transport in Guyana and tours to Kaieteur, an overnight stay at the Arrowpoint Resort which offers an experience of a lifetime and a visit to one of Guyana’s oldest and very historic Amerindian villages which offers the visitor an on-the-spot view of the lifestyle of the people of Santa Mission. Continued on Page 20...
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THE RORAIMA GROUP of COMPANIES ROARING to GREATER HEIGHTS... cont. from page 19 “What we are offering here is an all inclusive, hassle free opportunity for Guyanese in the Diaspora, the Caribbean Diaspora and American travelers to explore and enjoy a different holiday experience. This package takes care of the travelers from the time they hit the airport in the US to the time they return there,” points out Dellon Murray, Roraima’s manager for marketing and promotions. He advises that the package is competitively and affordably priced and the quality of service provided at every point “is nothing but high quality customer service for which Roraima has developed a reputation over the years.” The company’s ground handling and entire operations at Cheddi Jagan International Airport encompasses all the paperwork and deliverables which go into having an international airline land and take off from an international airport and over the years Roraima has provided efficient service to many such airlines including Delta. However, today the company has entered into partnership agreements for services for Dynamic Airways, Easy Sky Airways, Insel Air and others including special VIP charters and official private planes which take government leaders and celebrities to Guyana.
of the victims of this unfortunate episode and the site remains as it was back in 1978 for interested visitors to see, and hopefully to bring closure to the families and friends of those who lost loved ones in the tragedy. Captain Gerry Gouveia who himself used to fly Jim Jones back and forth to Jonestown and also was the first pilot that landed on the runway the morning after the tragedy, will personally guide the visits to the Jonestown site.
Capt. Gerry Gouveia Jr. alongside the Trilander aircraft which is part of the Roraima fleet.
A recent addition to the airlines, which the company handles, is the Honduran based Easy Sky which over the past six weeks has been serving the Cuba /Guyana route via Honduras. The airline ferries hundreds of Cubans each week —in fact five times weekly-between Havana and Georgetown where they come to shop. At a recent reception hosted in Havana during its annual international fair, Easy Sky and Roraima officials pointed to the significant injection of revenue which this air link is facilitating. It is estimated that each Cuban passenger spends between three and five thousand dollars during their stay in Guyana, the lion’s share of which is to purchase goods for resale in Cuba.
Arrow point Resort
“Overall, the Roraima Group of Companies mission is to provide a range of top quality services to our customers through the dedicated and smart work of all our employees without whom none of our initiatives would be successful,” sums up Captain Debbie Gouveia, often considered the real boss at the Roraima Group of Companies.
On November 18 this year, Roraima Tours will launch another of its visits to historic sites in Guyana. This time to Jonestown, the site of the 1978 murder suicide disaster which claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent Americans who placed their confidence and hopes in religious leader, Rev. Jim Jones. A monument has been erected in honor
For more information about the services offered by Roraima Group of Companies and to plan your trip to Guyana call (592)-225-9648 or email marketing.roraimaairways@gmail.com
Barbados Celebrates 50th Year of Independance
Cont from Cover page .....
The Bajan accent is, in fact, strongly influenced by the West Country dialects of Devon and Somerset as well as those of Ireland. One of the main factors that makes Barbados such an intriguing place to visit is the harmonious mix of cultures that has created the rich Barbadian heritage that visitors and locals enjoy today. In the 17th century, Barbados was a mix of English, Scots, Welsh and Irish along with a strong contingency of Spanish and Portuguese as well as a small community of French and Dutch. In 2011, the capital city of Bridgetown and its Garrison was
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designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. It has been described as an outstanding example of British colonial architecture with a well-preserved old town built between the 17th and 19th centuries. The island is known for its rum with Mount Gay being perhaps the most famous export. The history of rum strongly suggests that the little island of Barbados is the birthplace of rum. When they discovered that a byproduct of the sugar industry – molasses – could be fermented into alcohol, distilled and served to powerful effect, it marked the start of the Rum era. For more information visit our website www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
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BROWARD COUNTY BRINGS 34 COUNTRIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO SOUTH FLORIDA
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n October 19-20, 2016, Broward County welcomed over 34 countries from around the world to recognize the region of South Florida as one of the top business opportunity destinations in the world at the 2016 Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) held at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. FITCE 2016, organized by the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD), presented a two-day program which included educational panels and workshops covering topics such as the “11 Steps to Exporting”, “How to Import into the United States” and “ Expanding your Global Sales to Latin America and the Caribbean” just to name a few. The second day featured country presentations by consul generals, trade commissioners and international government representatives via a special segment entitled “Doing Business with the World”.
“This is the second year this expo takes place inviting businesses of all sizes and residents alike for a rare chance to meet one-on-one with international government leaders, business delegations, consulates, trade commissions, binational chambers of commerce, international trade experts, seasoned importers/exporters as well as representatives from Broward County’s leading public economic engines, including Port Everglades and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.”, says SandyMichael McDonald, Director of OESBD. There were representatives from over 34 different Countries which included France, Grenada, Jamaica, England, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Guyana, Italy, and Haiti, providing detailed information about the individual countries, about doing business with those countries, direct contact names and departments. The presentations by the various USA departments also provided a great resource for small and meduim sized businesses. Attendees had the opportunity to meet with and connect directly the various representatives. For more information on this event and on services provided by the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development including small business certification assistance as well as entrepreneurship and international trade training programs, please visit www.broward.org/ econdev or call 954-357-6400.
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Thank You Message From Rick Singh ate this office as efficiently as possible and to provide accurate appraisals and assessments to the residents of Orange County. We have done that in a big way over the past four years and look forward to providing you with the same quality service going forward. I'd like to personally thank Orange County residents for putting their confidence in me. Thank you for your vote, providing your voice and your finances to my campaign. I vow to work hard for you every day.
Friends, thanks to you, the good people of Orange County, I was fortunate to be re-elected as your Orange County Property Appraiser. My goal as your Property Appraiser has always been to oper-
I'd like thank my lovely wife, Debbie, my son, Avinash and daughter, Amrita, for always believing in me. And a special thanks to my campaign staff and group of volunteers who worked tirelessly on my behalf. It will be my honor to serve as your Orange County Property Appraiser over the next four years.
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823 N. Thornton Avenue • Orlando, Florida 32803 20 3rd Street SW, Suite 302 • Winter Haven, Florida 33880 Office 321-234-2900 • Fax 407-826-1607 www.injuryassistancelawfirm.com 24
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