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National Hispanic Heritage Month
Eid al-Adha On Monday September 12th Eid Al-Adha was celebrated marking the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for four days, during which Muslims usually sacrifice a sheep and distribute its meat in 3 parts: among family, friends, and the poor. Muslims around the world celebrated the Eid al-Adha holiday on Monday, one of the two most important festivals of the Islamic calendar. Marking the willingness of Ibrahim, or Abraham, to sacrifice his son on God's command, Muslims mark the holiday by slaughtering animals such as sheep and goats. The meat is shared among family and friends and also donated to the poor. Faithful across continents marked the festival which comes as the annual Haj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia draws to a close. ONE WORLD MANY RELIGIONS MANY CULTURES
Ricans, South During our National Americans, Central Hispanic Heritage Americans, and Month, which runs any other Spanish from September 15th heritage or culture through October 15, regardless of race. we recognize the many contributions Additionally, on made by our the 2010 US. Hispanic and Latino Census reporting Americans, brothers, form, people of and sisters. We Spanish, Hispanic understand the and/or Latino oriimportantance of gin have the opporttheir presence to the In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, unity to identify “Caribbean Whispers,” an exhibition of United States and we paintings themselves in more by Jose Acosta, Willie Baez, Isabell celebrate their great Villacis and Rosario D’Rivera specific terms; i.e as heritage and culture. Puerto Rican, Cuban, Mexican, Hispanics have had Mexican American, or any an amazing, proanother Hispanic, Latino, or found and unbeliSpanish origin. evably positive influence on our country through their Today, 55 million people, or strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, 17% of the United States and service. They have enhanced and shaped population are of Hispanic or our national character with centuries-old Latino origin. This represents a traditions that reflect the multiethnic and significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic multicultural customs of their community. population at 35.3 million or Hispanic Heritage Month, had roots as far back 13% of the total U.S. as 1968. This special recognition begins each population. year on September 15, the anniversary of Let us all share in this special independence of five Latin American annual tribute by learning and countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, celebrating the generations of Honduras and Nicaragua. However, Mexico, Hispanic and LatinoChile and Belize also celebrate their Americans who have made independence days during this period and their contributions to our Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12. nation and society. The term Hispanic or Latino, refers to Puerto
Come out and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month across the USA
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L I F E S T Y L E
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Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor
Democrats vs Republicans 101
nother 4 years have gone by since we elected President Barack Obama and we find ourselves at a point in todays history that is even more important than electing the First Black Persident in American history and it's not about electing the First Woman President either, it's about the basic foundations that America was built on "one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Now let us look at the two Candidates
The Presidential elections 2016 is probabily going to be one of the most important elections in our lifetime.
Health Care Reform
Supports
Against
Immigration Reform
Against
Gun Control
Supports Supports
Increased Min. Wage
Supports
Against/For/FlipFlop
Religious Freedom Womens Rights
Supports
Against
Supports
Against
Green Energy
Supports
Against
Protect Social Security
Supports
Against
Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor
Why: We've got the two major candidates representing two completely different platforms and I don't mean Democratic Party and Republican Party politics. However, let's first look at the main differences between the two parties Tax Policy: Democrats suport tax cut for middle and low income families, but believe they should be higher on corporations and wealthy individuals. Republicans believe there should be tax cuts for everyone, both corporations and people of all income levels. Social Issues: Democrats favoring abortion and gay marriage, but are strongly for strict gun control laws that limit ownership. Republicans oppose gay marriage and promote marriage being between a man and a woman. They also oppose abortion and promote the right of gun ownership. Labor and Free Trade: Democrats favor increasing the minimum wage and also favor trade restrictions to protect American jobs. Republicans oppose increases to the minimum wage, and favor free trade in order to keep costs low for consumers and make businesses more profitable so they can grow. Health Care: Democrats prefer government regulation and oversight of the health care system because it makes the health care system accessible to everyone. Republicans believe too much government involvement in the industry will drive up costs and have a negative impact on the quality of care that consumers receive. Social Programs: Democrats believe that government should run such social programs as welfare, unemployment benefits, food stamps, and Medicaid that support people in need. They believe more tax dollars should be funneled into these programs. Republicans favor less funding and tighter control. Republicans favor supporting private organizations that support people in need.
Hillary Clinton is an experienced politican, considered to be the mosted experienced candidate EVER in the history of America Donald Trump has absolutely no political experience. On the issues that matter to you Issue:
Hillary Clinton Donald Trump
Against
The choice is CLEAR...Hillary Clinton, but PLEASE DO NOT take it for granted that Hillary will win...GET OUT AND VOTE, make sure everyone you know gets out and VOTES, we have too much to lose in this election...VOTE HILLARY 2016 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
........................................................................................Sasha Dookoo ............................................................................................ Gail Seeram
.........................................................................................Sasha Watson ........................................................................................ Kamal Abdool Contributing Photographers ............ .................................Ted Hollins ...................................................................................................Gail Zucker .......................................................................................... Sandra Fatmi .............................................. ..............................................Brion Price 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 Proposed Rule for Parole Entry into U.S. for Entrepreneurs 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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here are many foreigners that would like to startup or expand their business into the United States. However, the burdensome immigration process has created roadblocks for many foreign entrepreneurs, that will soon change. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed a new rule, which would allow certain international entrepreneurs to be considered for parole (temporary permission to be in the United States) so that they may start or scale their businesses here in the United States. Parole means that the international entrepreneurs would not have to apply for a visa at the U.S. Embassy prior to entry into the United States.
“America’s economy has long benefitted from the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs, from Main Street to Silicon Valley,” said USCIS Director León Rodríguez. “This proposed rule, when finalized, will help our economy grow by expanding immigration options for foreign entrepreneurs who meet certain criteria for creating jobs, attracting investment and generating revenue in the U.S.”
Who have a significant ownership interest in the 1. startup (at least 15 percent) and have an active and central role to its operations; 2. Whose startup was formed in the United States within the past three years; 3. Whose startup has substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth and job creation, as evidenced by: (a) Receiving significant investment of capital (at least US$345,000) from certain qualified U.S. investors with established records of successful investments; (b) Receiving significant awards or grants (at least US$100,000) from certain federal, state or local government entities; (c) Partially satisfying one or both of the above criteria in addition to other reliable and compelling evidence of the startup entity’s substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation. Eligible entrepreneurs may be granted an initial stay of up to two years to oversee and grow their startup entity in the United States. A subsequent request for re-parole (for up to three additional years) would be considered only if the entrepreneur and the startup entity continue to provide a significant public benefit as evidenced by substantial increases in capital investment, revenue or job creation. The notice of the proposed rule invites public comment for 45 days. It will take effect on the date indicated in the final rule when a final rule is published in the Federal Register. At this time, there is no guidance as to where the application for parole entry would be submitted – at the port of entry or a USCIS office. When the final rule is published, greater details will follow on the step-by-step process for applying for parole entry for foreign entrepreneurs.
The proposed rule would allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use its existing discretionary statutory parole authority for entrepreneurs of startup entities whose stay in the United States would provide a significant public benefit through the substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth and job creation. Under this proposed rule, DHS may parole (or allow entry without a visa), on a case-by-case basis, eligible entrepreneurs of startup enterprises:
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For more information, contact Gail Law Firm: Email: Gail@GailLaw.com Phone: 1-877-GAIL-LAW or 407-292-7730 www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com FREE in-office consultation – FREE Live Chat
The registration deadline for the general election is 29 days before the election. General Election Voter registration deadline: October 11, 2016
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"Planning + Preparation + Opportunity = Success" FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND CULTURAL EXPO (FITCE) October 19 - 20, 2016 Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Broward County will welcome over 150 international businesses, 350 local businesses, multi-cultural global trade representatives from over 30 countries and government leaders from around the globe to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center for the 2016 Florida International Trade and Cultural Export (FITCE). CONFIRMED GUESTS OF HONOR: • • • • • •
The Honorable Erwin Contreras, Minister of International Trade and Petroleum for Belize The Honorable Oliver Joseph, Minister of Economic Development for Grenada The Honorable Karl Samuda, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries in Jamaica The Honorable Derrick Simmons, Commissioner of Tourism for the Island of St. Eustatius Mr. Noel Tshiani, Country Chair for Africa, World Bank (Washington) and 2016 Presidential Candidate for the Democratic Republic of Congo 30 countries represented by Consul Generals, Trade Commissions and/or Bi-National Chambers
THE GOALS OF FITCE ARE TO: • • •
Expand South Florida's position as a center for international trade, Fuel economic growth, and Promote cultural exchange.
FITCE will feature two days of panel discussions, workshops, networking and special events focusing on exploration of new economic opportunities around the world with international businesses, government officials, consuls general, bi-national chambers of commerce and key speakers from around the globe! www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
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elupe. St Vincent and the Grenadines did well to advance into this phase of qualification but were clearly outmatched by the opposition. It came down to the final round of games and the Americans and the Soca Warriors did just enough to get past the feisty Central Americans to move on to the final round.
By Ryan Davis
HALF WAY TO RUSSIA With Rio 2014 fading in the rearview mirror and Russia 2016 still 2 years away, it is the perfect time to take stock of the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers. The Semifinal round came to an end earlier this month. It consisted of three groups of four and the top two teams from each group advancing to the next round.
The final six teams advance into one group where all the teams will play each other in a round robin format both home and away. Coata Rica, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago and the U.S.A round out the six positions with the top three teams automatically qualify for World Cup 2018. The fourth place team will have to play a home and away play off with the 5th place team from Asia.
Group A: Mexico continued their dominance in World Cup qualifiers, blowing past the opposition and moving into the next round with relative ease. Honduras pipped Canada on the last day to move on to the next phase. Group B: Jamaica and Haiti were unlucky to be paired alongside Concacaf power houses Costa Rica and the ever improving Panamå. The Central Americans proved to be more consistent over the long haul, finishing first and second in their group respectively, thus ending the two Caribbean island’s hopes of qualifying for Russia in 2018. Group C: In the last group, an intriguing three horse race developed between USA, Trinidad and Tobago and Guad-
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THE COLLECTIVE IDENTITY
ften, on the campaign trail I mentioned the fact that I was about eight years old before I finally understood that I was, in fact, an African American person. Up until that point I only understood that I was an American, and that being an American was very special. To this day, American remains my primary identity, largely because I have spent so many years living outside this country, and in uniform serving in the Navy. Americans abroad can attest to the fact that the divisions we feel here at home have little application when we are strangers in a foreign land. There, any American is a friendly face and a comrade. What I failed to explain while campaigning was WHAT, exactly, I came to understand when I was about eight. I always knew I was brown. That was not news. But what I learned at eight was that I was part of a collective. I came to a consciousness and understanding about the history of African Americans in this country. I came to understand that people who looked at me when I lived in Lexington, Kentucky, had NO IDEA that I was the daughter of a U.S. Diplomat, a person feted and treated with great dignity and honor overseas. In Kentucky, I was treated as any other black little girl in 1977; in short, like I wasn't much of anything special. Indeed, I was treated by some (not all), as if I was to be ignored, distrusted, marginalized and scorned.
At eight, I came to understand that WHO I was meant very little to most people I encountered. It was WHAT I was that determined for them how I was to be treated. It was also at about that time that I learned about the history of slavery and Jim Crow in America. I actually went to a public school that had just been desegregated. My teacher conducted the class as if the black students in it did not exist. So it was then that I learned that being black was a bad thing, an undesirable thing. It was because I had such a strong sense of personal identity BEFORE I received these negative messages, that I was able to resist internalizing them and allowing them to shape how I saw myself. I bring this up because there is something FUNDAMENTAL about African Americans that needs to be explained and understood, and that is that we are FIRST AND FOREMOST viewed as a part of a collective, whether we wish to be in one or not. The bond that weaves the collective together is EXTREMELY STRONG. It is cultural. It is historical. But more than anything, it is INESCAPABLE. Those whose physical features identify them as part of the collective are NEVER able to escape from the collective because it is the larger society that places people within the collective. Men like Tiger Woods, or even Colin Kaepernick, may have mixed genetic background, but they are treated as BLACK MEN, because that is how this COUNTRY sees them. In this country, the rule is, and has ALWAYS been, if you have one drop of African blood, you are Black. That wasn't just custom, it was LAW. That rule applied no matter whether you chose to personally identify as mixed, mulatto, bi-racial, "Ca-Bla-n-Asian," as Tiger does, or any other variation. In this country, if you LOOK black, you ARE black. The consequence of this reality is that nearly all of us Black folk, no matter our financial circumstances or opportunities, experience similar incidences of disrespect, marginalization, injustice or harm. And even if we haven't, we know that it could happen at any moment. It also means that harm suffered to one in the collective is felt more keenly by the others in the collective. Just like triumph experienced by one is felt more
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by Pam Keith
keenly by the others, than those outside the collective. No doubt many Americans felt great joy when Barack Obama was elected President, but I am quite certain that AfricanAmericans felt that joy and elation far more keenly than others. Similarly, when Tamir Rice, or Philando Castille were summarily killed, African Americans felt the pain more keenly. Not just for the loss itself, but for the realization that if it could happen to those young men BECAUSE of their color, it could happen to us for the very same reason. If these young people died because different policing rules applied to them, it means those different rules also apply to EACH OF US TOO. I reiterate, THERE IS NO ESCAPING THE COLLECTIVE. Importantly, the converse is NOT TRUE! I ask my white, male friends and readers to please STOP FOR A MOMENT and ponder this. When a white man in Louisiana is shot by a police officer, I doubt that the white man in Manhattan thinks "Oh, Snap! That could happen to me!" And the reason is because THERE IS NO COLLECTIVE bond, no tie, between white men. Not like there is between and among black people. Women feel a part of a collective based on gender. And lets be clear, it isn't because they are women, but rather because of how society treated people BECAUSE they were women. Sexism, like racism, befalls the victims whether they choose to identify as part of the collective or not. In many cases, Jewish people feel similarly, because of how society treated Jews. White men made an controlled these societal rules for generations, and therefore were seldom the victims of them. I cannot overstate how much of an advantage it can be to NOT BE A PART OF ANY COLLECTIVE THAT IS NOT OF ONE'S OWN CHOOSING. When people talk about "white privilege," THIS is what they aretalking about. The privilege of sitting in the position of the actor, rather than the acted upon. This privilege exists, even if the beneficiary is unaware of the benefit. If a white man has a bad life, it is hardly ever BECAUSE he is male or because he is white. The same cannot be said for the many who were born into circumstances that created checks against them from the very start. And in this country, female is a step behind, and black is certainly a step behind. These disadvantages can be overcome, but they nevertheless exist. In response to Colin Kaepernick's protest, there have been some people who have pointed out all of the opportunities and advantages he has had, the millions he makes. That completely misses the point. On any given night, in any given alley, Colin is FIRST AND FOREMOST A BLACK MAN. Not because he chooses to be, but because that is how the officer, the passer-by, the witness will see him. Surely he knows that it is the grace of God that has kept him out of the kinds of incidences that have lead to so many dead young men. And so he is NOT protesting what IS happening to him. He's protesting what COULD happen to him, and IS happening to many others.....
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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 Kafi Kennedy Swanson, Esq D
ear
Lawyer: I went to apply for an apartment and they denied my application. When I asked them why, they told me because of my criminal history. When they ran a background check on me they found an arrest from over a decade ago. The apartment complex said they don’t’ allow anyone who has a felony criminal history to rent an apartment. I tried to explain that the charges were dropped. What can I do to stop this arrest from ten years ago from showing up on my background check? Apartmentless Dear Apartmentless: Many apartments and jobs run background checks on persons applying. In order to stop your arrest from coming up in your background check you need to have your record expunged. Since the charges were dropped your record can be expunged, if however, you had entered a plea in your case your record would have been sealed. In Florida you only have one opportunity to have your record sealed or expunged. Your record can only be sealed if you have no convictions or adjudications of guilt in your criminal history.
The first step is to go to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website (http://www.fdle.state.fl.us) and download the application for getting your record sealed/ expunged. You will need to complete your application and have it notarized. Next you will have to get a certified disposition of the case from the Clerk of Court of the County the case took place in. Most Clerk of Courts charge a nominal fee to get a certified disposition. Next you will need to get fingerprinted. Your local law enforcement agency should be able to take your fingerprints. You will need to check the fee they charge as well as the dates they conduct fingerprinting. Since you are trying to get your record expunged, your application must be submitted to the State Attorney or Statewide Prosecutor who handled the case. Next you will need a money order in the amount of $75 made payable to FDLE. After your application packet is completed with all the necessary forms you will mail it to FDLE. It typically takes from 4-6 months to hear a response on your application. After you receive the Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE you will have to petition the court to have your record sealed/expunged. Anyone can complete this process on their own, however, many people hire an attorney to make sure the application is completed and submitted correctly as well as the handling of the petition to the court. Please submit your letters to letters@hawmlaw.com. Each month a reader’s letter will be chosen for response.
Letters to My Lawyer™ is a publication of Karlyn Hylton & Sasha Watson of Hylton, Adamson Watson, PLLC 120 E. Colonial Drive |Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-802-3223 | F: 407-377-1971 Email: letters@hawmlaw.com
Accredited & License # ST38788
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WHY I VOTED FOR ARAMIS DONELL AYALA
by Camara Williams
have known Aramis for almost 10 years. When I was a wet behind the ears law student interning at the Public Defenders office (Some would say I am still wet behind the ears). I came across one attorney who took to mentoring me. She was not my division lead, but she was the person I would go to first whenever I had a question, or needed direction. I offer that story because it shows just a small portion, of how big Aramis heart truly is, furthermore it displays quite possibly her greatest trait. Aramis Donell Ayala invests in people. I have seen Aramis consistently without fail, time and time again service her community and advocate for the underrepresented. Her heart and her career never were far apart, her passion is nothing short of amazing. In the next coming months Aramis Donell Ayala will make her presence felt throughout the community, highlighting the importance of her being the FIRST BLACK STATE ATTORNEY in Florida history. But for now I want to lay out my reasons for my unequivocal support of her….
SHE IS READY. Aramis Donell Ayala has been practicing for more than a decade (thirteen years to be exact). She has taken on serious cases from both the defense and prosecuting side, and has been successful in each endeavor. SHE IS QUALIFIED. Aramis Donell Ayala has spent time in public and private practice. More specifically, she has had the benefit of working as an Assistant State Prosecutor and Assistant Public Defender. Where else will you find someone who has worked on both sides of the fence and can understand each side of the process? even the gray areas? I’ll wait….
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SHE IS COMMITTED. Her community service record will speak for itself. However, I want to add that NO ONE who has ever worked with Aramis (or against) will say that anyone works harder. That you can guarantee. SHE IS YOU. She is you, me and everyone else you know. She is a woman of the community, not someone who came from a perched position, but has risen in her professional status the old fashioned way, working in the community, and doing a great job, while at the same time being a loving wife and dedicated mom to her most beautiful daughters. SHE CARES. The problem with some State Prosecutors is that they have been in that office for SOOO long that they tend to be stuck in their ways. There is never any room for adjustment. The human element of treating victims, witnesses, and even the accused becomes lost. You will NEVER have to worry about that with Aramis, she will develop a culture in the office that is PEOPLE driven not just performance. SHE IS TOUGH…BUT WILL BE FAIR. Have you ever met a weak minded highly successful professional black woman?...I will wait…..I didn’t think so…I could go on and on, but you get my point.
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Usain Bolt Triple Triple - 3 Gold Medals in 3 consecutive Olympic Games...
THE COLLECTIVE IDENTITY..cont. from pg 9 Put simply, earning a good living, being able to make the most of one's opportunities, having a good life, a nice car, a big house, wealthy friends and lots of money DOES NOT REMOVE ANYONE FROM THE COLLECTIVE. It does not make one ANYONE LESS BLACK. And when we see so much irrefutable evidence that those who are black are treated differently by some law enforcement officers, and by some courts, and some prosecutors, the outrage of it is personal and utterly worthy of protest. One of our greatest gifts is freedom of expression. It is a right that I put on the uniform to protect and defend. I take great issue with those who say that because Colin Kaepernick makes good money, he has no business protesting. The notion is absurd! It is because he knows that money will not spare him from the injustices we see, that he has EVERY right to protest, and is to be commended for having the courage to do so at great personal risk. I have often said that my definition of patriotism is not loving some antiquated notion of America. Rather, it is LOVING AMERICANS. It is wanting for all Americans to share equally in the rights and liberties we value. Loving your country does NOT mean remaining silent in the face of injustice. Protest in many instances is the highest form of patriotism, for it is acting to bring about a more perfect union. Colin's simple act has started a much-needed national conversation and has forced people to reflect on the symbology of the flag and the anthem. Colin may never make it to the NFL hall of fame as a QB, but he has already made it into the history books. To my way of thinking, under the heading "courageous patriot."
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The 5th staging of the Annual 1-800-411-PAIN Orlando Jerk and Caribbean Culture Jerk Festival is set to kick-off in high gear. The festival will be filled with culinary personalities, delicious jerk inspired dishes and a fun family-friendly environment. Presented by Full-A-Vybez, Inc. in association with 1.800.411. Pain, A Medical & Lawyer Referral Service, this year’s 5th Annual Orlando Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival will take place on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. The gates open at 2p.m. Patrons will be hypnotized at the Main Stage by the stellar line up which includes The “Energy God” Elephant Man, International Reggae Vocalist Maxi Priest and the legendary “Queen of Reggae”, Marcia Griffiths. The flavors of the Caribbean will unveil itself in the delicious dishes as the aroma permeates the air igniting your tastes buds and urges you to immediately indulge in the different spices of the Islands. Attendees may also purchase desirable Arts and Craft from the Craft Vendors; enjoy an ice cold beverage while listening to the wide array of selection from the DJs. The sweet sounds of arguably one of Jamaica’s most prized gifts to the world, Reggae Music, coupled with the Smooth Groove of the rocksteady beats, fused with the most popular dance songs will take you on a musical journey. The festival features the best reggae artists to take you there. The sounds of kids’ laughter will fill the Kids Romping Zone as children 12 and under can enjoy various fun activities. Come out and meet with old friends and make new ones, all while nurturing all your senses. Leading up the eagerly anticipated Orlando Jerk Festival, the event and popular Caribbean restaurants have partnered to create the “Jerk Week”. Orlando families and friends will get an opportunity to win coveted tickets and sample the Jerk flavors that will be available at the event. . Children 12 and under are FREE. Established in 1996, Full-A-Vybez, Inc. is a full service entertainment and promotion company specializing in events of all sizes catering to the Caribbean diaspora communities. The highly skilled team of industry professionals leads several local and international experiences that typically draw crowds in excess of 15,000 attendees. In addition to other targeted experiences, Full-A-Vybez, Inc’s annual marquee events include the Orlando Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival and the Palm Beach Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival.
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Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention (CMWP) Caribbean Health Summit 2016 Hundreds of people of Caribbean descent from the surrounding Central Florida communities attended the 14th Annual Caribbean Health Summit on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando. This free community event attracted individuals from as far as Daytona Beach to Ocala and Miami. The theme of this year’s event, “Healthy Lives Matter”, was chosen to place an emphasis on the importance of making one’s health a priority and on improving the overall health of our community. The event provided free mammogram screenings on Friday, September 9th and on Saturday, September 10th by appointment only. Other health screenings that were provided were, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), eye exams, dental Exams, Body Mass Index (BMI), cholesterol, glucose (blood sugar), blood pressure, HIV/Syphilis and Flu shots. This year, Disney provide the first of its kind, the “Disney’s Kids and Family Zone”, which featured many fun and interesting activities designed for kids and family alike. More than 14,000 people have attended the event since its inception in 2002. The staging of this event would not be possible, were it not for the support received from local sponsors and supporters, such as Florida Hospital (Premier Sponsor), Department of Health/ AIDS Program Office, Disney, the Assistance Fund, Anthony-Smith Law, P.A., Cornerstone Hospice, Health Central Hospital, Orange Blossom Family Health, Sunshine Health, Caribbean American Passport Magazine, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, AWCD Vision Academy, Community Health Centers and Florida Blue.
Commissioner Regina Hill
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The University of Central Florida College of Medicine also played a key role by their commitment of several medical students made available to provide Poster demonstrations on various diseases. Blossom Family Health Center also played a large part in providing access to their mobile van for the male health screenings. The Center for Change also provided education for male with regards to the Prostate. This year’s event was also supported by three key community leaders who have been active in promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy communities. The three co-chairs of this year’s event are Florida State Senator (District 12), Geraldine Thompson, Orange County Commissioner (District 6) Victoria Siplin and City of Orlando Commissioner (District 5), Regina Hill. The summit was hosted by the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention Inc. (CMWP) in collaboration with many community partners; Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, Florida Department of Health Orange County, Caribbean American Passport Magazine, Central Florida Medical Society and Florida Hospital.
Commissioner Victoria Sipin
Val Demings wins Democratic nomination for District 10 in landslide Former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings won the Democratic primary for U.S. House District 10. Demings, Fatima Rita Fahmy, Bob Poe and Geraldine F. Thompson battled for the new District 10, which was created by redistricting, meaning there was no incumbent. "I plan on continuing to work hard until November and finishing this campaign how I started it, by listening to the voters," Demings says in a statement after her win. "Together, we are stronger and I am hoping the Democrats come together and work hard to turn the House blue and help Secretary Hillary Clinton win the White House." Demings won with 57 percent of the votes and will face Republican challenger Thuy Lowe, a business owner originally from Vietnam.
Val Demings & Sheriff Demings
Aramis Ayala defeated incumbent Jeff Ashton in State Attorney Race Attorney Aramis Ayala defeated incumbent Jeff Ashton in the Orange Osceola County State Attorney race. She now only faces a write-in candidate this November. In November, if elected Ayala would be the first black State Attorney to ever serve in the state of Florida.
Caribbean Americans Supporting Aramis Ayala
Aramis Ayala Victory Party at Sugar Canes Rum Bar & Lounge
Aramis Ayala with Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh
David & Aramis Ayala
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Guyana 50/50 Recognizing the TOP 50 Guyanese in Florida Nominations Received (to date):
Submit yours with the category today @ CAPnominations@caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Dionne Polite John Yates Glen Lall Larry London Vani Lowton Cecil 'Skip' Roberts Harry Bissoon Joy Anderson Chub Bedessee Conrad Taylor Ephraim Adams Creig Camacho Laini Schultz Mark Rodgriguez Lalman Persaud A.A. Ali Lakeram Narain Shivnarine Chanderpaul Ralph Seeram Sukree Boodram Russ Permal David Anderson Rudy Thackurdeen Glen Khan Dr. Hardowar Omawale Omawale Brindley Pieters Desiree Hanson
Maya Trotz Judge Majeed Lennox Griffith Rick Singh Allan Gopie Gail Seeram Brian Bacchus Naresh & Nadia Boodhoo Mark Bannister Dr. Patrick Coggins Sam & Guenet Roberts Andy King George Maynard Ramzan Roshanah Ali Frank Cummings Paul & Anita Singh Romeco Kissoonauth Lloyd Philips Colin Baker Hari Singh Gina Trotz Star & Rosemarie Moonasar Lance Gibbs Ravi & Zorida Manoo Christine Franklyn Wesley Kirton Somdat Jiawan Sybille Pritchard Rajesh Kandhai Clayton Chand Victor Boodhoo Kash Ramnarain Derek Basdeo Harry Subraj Prof. GT Joy Agness DJ Ichunes Ian Moffett Philip Scantlebury Narish & Diana Singh Dr. Wayne A. Sampson Cyril Norville Lloyd Houston Wayne Forde Richard Ramjit Sean Foley Joy Reid Ramko Kalicharran * Godfrey Chin *Alan Khan Michael Humphrey The winners with the most votes will be announced and honored at the 50-50 Gala on Nov. 5th
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Top 8 Zika Myths
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BERRIES
ccording to research eating high antioxidant fruits such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries can help to improve your health, your skin and hair.
5 Simple ways to incorporate berries to your healthy lifestyle and enjoy the benefits.
1. Berry Blend Smoothie: Add 1 cup of almond milk or coconut milk to your blender. Add 1/2 cup of frozen mixed berries, 1 small ripe banana and a little agave. Blend until smooth. 2. Berry Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of almond milk to your blender. Add 1/2 cup of mixed berries, 2 small slices of avocado and some agave Blend until smooth. 3. Berry Salad: Add 1/2 cup of mixed berries to your greens. Add some olive oil, lemon juice a little maple syrup and toss. 4. Berry Bowl: Add 1 cup of mixed berries to your cereal or oatmeal. Add walnuts and a dash of cinnamon.
5. Berry Dessert: Add 1 cup of frozen mixed berries into a bowl. Add sliced almonds, shredded coconut, maple syrup and mix. For information about the class call 407-730-30488 or visit www.vegantuneupcafe.com Jamaican-Born Sandi Morais has a BA degree from Florida International
Uni-versity. She is the author of Recipe for Life vegan/vegetarian cook book. Sandi has been featured in local and national magazines. Sandi teaches a vegan cooking class at La Vie Wellness Spa www.lavieexperience.com To order Recipe for Life vegan/vegetarian cook book visit www.sandimorais.net
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Nominate a person of Guyanese Heritage who lives in Florida who is at the top of their field whether it is in Business, Arts, Politics or Medicine by Oct. 15th. Nominate at: CAPNominations@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Call 1877-220-8315 for More Information www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
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Fit Like A Ras By Jeremy Roberts - NASM
Sprinting vs Jogging
H
ope awyuh/allyuh/unna/wunna had a good month of July celebration including the 4th. As is usually de case, I sure a lotta alcohol and calories were consumed. No worries ….. as long as dat didn’t continue t’rough de 5th, 6th Dread spent a few days wid family and friends in Orlando. We went to de gym 2 a de 4 days I was there. Good times. I always see nuff people on treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines when I in de gym, and on de way there, plenty mo’ runnin’ on de sidewalks. I sure I mention it before, but I gots to keep sayin’ it: I don’ like joggin’, or any form of long slow cardio. And while that is a personal preference (OK, bias), I believe the science is beginning to back me up. A Journal of Obesity review article from 2011 (online at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2991639/) found that “Regular High Intensity Interval Exercise (HIIE) has been shown to significantly increase both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. HIIE also significantly lowers insulin resistance and results in a number of skeletal muscle adaptations that result in enhanced skeletal muscle fat oxidation and improved glucose tolerance.” The online journal Science Daily reviewed a 2011 study from the American Journal of Human Biology that found that “The results revealed that both groups demonstrated improved CVD risk factors. However, the total exercise time over seven weeks was six times higher for the MOD group compared to the HIT group. Thus, significant improvements in CVD risk factors in the HIT group occurred in only 15% of the total exercise time.” Basically, you can get all the benefits from the sprinting in less time than with jogging or similar types of longer, low intensity exercise. There are many types of programs that you can start. A simple online search for HIIT programs or sprint programs should provide you with what you need to get started...........Gwaan go dweet!
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GT Dread is an NASM-CPT, who competes in Masters Track, Field Hockey and Weightlifting. He can be contacted at fitlikearas@gmail.com
Pick Your Body choice .....a Jogger or a Sprinter
by Tony Deyal
I
MAMMA LOOK A BOOBOO
knew what a “boo-boo” was long before I knew how to boo. I was a boy when Lord Melody sang his classic, selfmocking calypso about ugliness, “Mamma Look Ah Booboo Dey”. In Guyana “bubu” has a different meaning – it is essentially dry mucus around the eyes or what Barbadians and Jamaicans call “bugaboo”. Now, while any bubus or bugaboos are inadvertent and directly due to my increasing age, the boo-boos in which I generally evince an interest are embarrassing mistakes or blunders. I especially like those made by sports, particularly cricket, commentators. My favourite commentator who, like Lord Melody, was always full of self-deprecating humour was Brian Johnston. Describing one of his boo-boos he wrote: “1974 at Old Trafford – England vs India. It was raining heavily on Saturday morning. The covers were on, everyone with umbrellas or macintoshes, the Indian spectators sitting huddled up looking miserable and cold. Test Match Special came over to me at 11.25 a.m. – ‘Any chance of play Brian?’ ‘No, I’m afraid not,’ I said, ‘it’s raining hard, it’s cold and miserable, the covers are still on. It doesn’t look as if it will get any better either…’ (and here I meant to say, ‘There’s a dirty black cloud’)… ‘There’s a dirty, black crowd here!’”
At Trent Bridge in 1950 (Johnson recounted), England vs West Indies – Worrell and Weekes put on 283 for the 4th wicket for West Indies and on the Friday evening were hitting the English bowlers all over the field. We got a bit tired of showing four after four so as to vary things I said, “I wonder what Norman Yardley (England’s Captain) is going to do to separate the two batsmen.” The camera obediently panned round to Yardley at mid-on but unfortunately he was scratching himself in a very awkward place! To cover up this I had to say something quickly and came out with “Obviously a very ticklish problem.” Johnston quotes an unknown commentator who is reputed to have said, “He was bowled by a ball which he should have left alone.” This is my cue for another boo-boo or bu-bu or even vu-vu. It is the bubuzela or vuvuzela, also known as a "lepatata" or a stadium horn. It is an instrument blown by South African football fans and we found out how distracting it could be during the World Cup in South Africa a few years ago. The instrument emits a loud monotone like a foghorn or an elephant. It is extremely distracting and may also damage hearing. I know even from this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) that a conch-shell is soothing compared to a bubuzela. They are, however, not half as bad as the ones we cricket fans who are occasionally forced to listen to the matches on radio have to put up with. We have some booboos and bubuzelas who are far worse than anything Melody or South African can produce. I cannot forget the commentator who said that a player “elongated himself to the left”. There are the problems
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of pronunciation – Is it Chandrapaul or Chanderpaul? Kai-sweater or Keys-wetter? Key-run or Kai-Ron Pollard? Nar-een or Nahrine, Dinner-rine or DeeOnarine, Breas-man or Bresnan? This lack of professionalism and the endless talk about everything but the cricket was why I stopped listening to the coverage on radio. For instance, the Line and Length commentators, the WICB’s contractors for radio and some television, tend to go to great lengths to discuss side-issues like the relative merits of mangoes and bananas, or after lunch, the food. While the discussions might be fruitful or even filling, the subject tends to be so slippery that any reference to the cricket is perfunctory and coincidental. Then the endless arguments. For example, in one game the heated discussion was about who was the better candidate for the Captaincy – Bravo or Sammy. One commentator, and the show’s producer, insisted and repeated several times that Sammy is per capita better than Bravo. The term per capita translates literally into “for each head” but is used to mean “for each person” or “per person”. Perhaps the cricket expert thought that Sammy and Bravo suffered from multiplepersonality disorders but if he wanted to say that Sammy was “head and shoulders” above Bravo he could have cited the shampoo of the same name. The fact is that per capita West Indies cricket fans suffer more from poor quality cricket commentary by booboos and booboozelas than anyone else. We walk in the footsteps of legends like Arlott and Johnston. We had the incomparable Tony Cozier- master of the language, the statistics, and the great and glorious traditions of the game of cricket. Yet, we hear “forward is Smith” or “Taylor bowls and he hits the ball through the covers for a four.” Taylor has to be like the magistrate in the calypso by the Mighty Spoiler about himself charging himself. Most commentators keep the action going to infinity by saying, “The batsman is playing forward” instead of “The batsman plays forward.” One of the worst is by Andrew Mason. Describing a shot by a South African batsman, Mason said, “Not cueing it very well is the batsman Petersen.” There was also, “Coming down the wicket is De Villiers.” The worst and most stilted I ever heard is from Fazeer Mohammed. Speaking about how long it took before a particular fast-bowler was chosen for the test team, Mohammed commented, “Waited some time to make his debut did Rampaul.” That did it for me. Tony Deyal was last seen repeating a Howard Cosell observation: “There are two professions one can be hired at with little experience. One is prostitution. The other is sports-casting. Too frequently they become the same."
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