Caribbean American Passport News Magazine - July 2024

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Kamala Harris for President

The Track & Field Clash between the Jamaica & the United States

In the grand arena of the upcoming Summer Olympics, a story of David versus Goliath is set to unfold on the track. The powerful United States, a titan in the world of athletics, will face the fierce and determined Jamaica in a sprinting showdown for the ages. This epic clash between Goliath, USA, and David (Jamaica) promises to captivate the world, as both nations vie for supremacy intherealmofspeed.

The United States, with its vast resources and deep talent pool, stands as the Goliath of track and field. For decades, American sprinters have dominated the sport, leaving an indelible mark on Olympic history. Legendary figures like Carl Lewis, Florence Griffith-Joyner, and Allyson Felix have set the standard for excellence, with their names etchedintotherecordbooks.

As the Olympics approach, the American squad is once again a force to be reckoned with. Rising stars like Noah Lyles, known for his dazzling speed and vibrant personality, and Trayvon Bromell, with his incredible comeback story, are poised to lead the charge.TheU.S.women'steam,featuringthe dynamic Sha'Carri Richardson, and Gabby Thomas are equally formidable, ready to defend their legacy with unmatched determination.

In this tale of athletic prowess, Jamaica takesontheroleofDavid...Cont'd on Page 6

Kamala Harris made history on January 20, 2021, when she was inaugurated as the 49th Vice President of the United States, becoming the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to hold the office. Her journey to the vice presidency is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to public service.

Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland,California,Kamala Harris the daughter of Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian cancer researcher, and Donald Harris, a JamaicanAmerican economist. Growing up in a multicultural household, Harris was exposed to the civil rights movement from a young age, shaping her understanding of justiceandequality.

Harris attended Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C., where she majored in political science and economics. She then earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings CollegeoftheLaw.

Harris began her career as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California, where she gained a reputation as a tough but fair prosecutor. In 2003, she was elected as the District Attorney of San Francisco, becoming the first woman and first Black woman to hold the position. During her tenure, she focused on criminal justice reform, including creating a program to provide first-time drug offenders with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma andfindemployment..Cont'd on page 5

LIFEST Y LE

Dialogue, Conversation and Engagement the Foundation of Life.

Inanincreasinglyinterconnectedworld, the importance of dialogue, conversation, and engagement cannot be overstated. These three elements are the cornerstones of effective communication and are essential for personal growth, community building, and the fostering of understanding and cooperation among diverse groups. Whether in personal relationships, workplaces, or larger societal contexts, the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue and conversation can bridge divides, resolve conflicts, and createamorecohesiveandinclusiveenvironment.

Dialogue is more than just an exchange of words; it is a process of mutual understanding and respect. At its core, dialogue involves active listening and the willingness to see things from another person's perspective. It requires participants to approach conversations with an open mind, free of preconceived notions and judgments. Engaging in dialogue is crucial in diverse and multicultural societies. It allows individuals from different backgrounds to share their experiences, beliefs, and values. This exchange fosters empathy and can reduce prejudice and misunderstandings. Through dialogue, we can find common ground and build relationshipsbasedonmutualrespectandunderstanding.

Conversation is the vehicle through which dialogue occurs. It is the everyday interaction that shapes our relationships and our understanding of the world. Conversations can be casual or profound, spontaneous or planned, but all serve the purposeofconnectinguswithothers.

In personal relationships, conversations are essential for building trust, intimacy, and mutual respect. They allow us to share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, creating a sense of connection and belonging. In professional settings, conversations are vital for teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving. Effective communication can lead to increased productivity, innovation,andjobsatisfaction.

Moreover, conversations play a significant role in mental health and well-being. They provide an outlet for expressing emotions, seeking advice, and receiving support. Regular, meaningful conversations can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, contributing to overall happinessandlifesatisfaction.

Engagement goes beyond dialogue and conversation; it involves active participation and involvement in the issues andactivitiesthatmattertous.Engagementisabouttaking

an active role in our communities, workplaces, and social networks, contributing our ideas, energy, and resources to makeapositiveimpact.

Community engagement is vital for social cohesion and collective problem-solving. When individuals actively participate in community activities, volunteer work, or local governance, they help build stronger, more resilient communities. This participation fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, empowering individuals to effectchangeandaddresslocalissues.

In the workplace, employee engagement is linked to higher productivity, job satisfaction, and retention. Engaged employees are more likely to be committed to their organization's goals and to go above and beyond in their roles. Creating an environment that encourages employee engagement through open communication, recognition, and opportunities for growth is essential for organizational success.

The importance of dialogue, conversation, and engagement is evident in every aspect of our lives. They are the keys to building understanding, resolving conflicts, and creating a more inclusive and cohesive society. By prioritizing these elements in our personal relationships, workplaces, and communities, we can foster a culture of empathy, collaboration, and active participation. In doing so, we pave thewayforabrighter,moreconnectedfuture.

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 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'.

Guenet Gittens-Roberts

In 2010, Harris was elected as California's Attorney General, again breaking barriers as the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian person to hold the office. As Attorney General, she tackled issues such as the foreclosure crisis, environmental protection, and civil rights.

In 2016, Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate, representing California. In the Senate, she served on several committees, including the Judiciary, Intelligence, and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committees. Harris was known for her sharp questioning and advocacy on issues like immigration, healthcare, and criminal justice reform.

In January 2019, Harris announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President. Although she ended her campaign in December 2019, her performance in the debates and her policy proposals left a lasting impact on the race.

On August 11, 2020, Joe Biden selected Kamala Harris as his running mate, making her the first woman of color on a major party's presidential ticket. The Biden-Harris ticket won the election, and on January 20, 2021, Harris was sworn in as Vice President.

During her first term as Vice President, Kamala Harris has achieved several significant accomplishments including the COVID-19 Response and Vaccination Efforts. Vice President Harris played a crucial role in promoting COVID-19 vaccination efforts, particularly in underserved communities. She traveled across the country to encourage vaccination and address vaccine hesitancy.

Vice President Harris was instrumental in the economic recovery and infrastructure efforts under President Biden administration's efforts to pass the American Rescue Plan, which provided relief to families, small businesses, and local governments affected by the pandemic. She also advocated for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aims to rebuild America's infrastructure and create jobs.

Vice President Harris has been a vocal advocate for voting rights, leading the administration's efforts to pass legislation to protect and expand access to the ballot. She has engaged with lawmakers, civil rights organizations, and community leaders to address voter suppression.

Vice President Harris has worked on addressing the root causes of migration from Central America, focusing on economic development, corruption, and violence in the region. She has led diplomatic efforts to strengthen relationships with countries in the Northern Triangle.

Vice President Harris has been involved in the administration's climate agenda, emphasizing the need for environmental justice and addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities. She has supported initiatives to transition to clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Kamala Harris's path to the vice presidency is a story of breaking barriers and making history. Her accomplishments during the first term of the Biden administration reflect her dedication to addressing pressing issues and advocating for justice and equality. As Vice President, Harris continues to inspire and lead with a focus on building a more inclusive and equitable future for all Americans.

Kamala Harris has shown why she is the best candidate to be President of the United States, with her extensive experience and demonstrated leadership in public service. With a career that spans roles as a prosecutor, state attorney general, U.S. Senator, and Vice President, Harris has a deep understanding of the law, governance, and policy-making. Her ability to address complex issues and her dedication to public service make her a compelling and the best candidate for the presidency.

Track & Field @ the Paris Olympics 2024

David & Goliath

Despite its smaller size and limited resources, the island nation has carved out a reputation as a sprinting powerhouse. Jamaica's emergence as a global sprinting titan began with the rise of icons like Usain Bolt, the fastest man in history, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a sprinting queen with multiple Olympicgoldmedalstohername.

Jamaica's athletes have become symbols of hope and pride, their performances on the track inspiring generations. As the Olympics draw near, the Jamaican team, led by veterans like Yohan Blake and the indomitable Fraser-Pryce, along with rising stars like Oblique Seville and Elaine Thompson-Herah, arereadytotakeonthemightoftheAmericansquad.

The stage is set for an epic battle, with the United States and Jamaica preparing to clash in the sprints. In the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the relay events, the tension is palpable. The mighty Goliath, with its legacy of dominance, is set against thedeterminedDavid,whoseheartandspiritareunyielding.

In the men's 100m, Noah Lyles and Trayvon Bromell will face off against Kishane Thompson, Yohan Blake and Oblique Seville, each runner pushing the limits of human speed. On the women's side, Sha'Carri Richardson's electrifying performances will be pitted against the legendary ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce and the unstoppable Elaine ThompsonHerah. Gabby Thomas will be representing the United States in the Women's 200 meters and she is on fire this season. The clash will be between Gabby Thomas and Shericka Jackson of Jamaica. Jackson isthesecondfastest

.....Cont'd from page 1

woman in history in the 200 meters. The relay events, particularly the 4x100 meter and 4x400 meter races, will be a spectacle of strategy and teamwork. The American relay teams, with their history of precision and power, will face the relentless Jamaican squads, known for their speed and seamless baton exchanges. These races promise to be nail-biting, with every handoff and every stridecarryingtheweightofnationalpride.

This David versus Goliath narrative is more than just a series of races. It is a celebration of resilience, determination, and the spirit of competition. Jamaica, with its smaller size and fewer resources, exemplifies the underdog spirit, challenging the mighty United States in theultimatetestofspeedandstrength.

As the world watches, the athletes from both nations will strive for glory, each step on the track echoing the timeless tale of David's courage against Goliath's might. The upcoming Olympics will not only showcase the raw talent and skill of these sprinters but also the heart and soul of theirnations.

In the end, whether it is the powerful Goliath or the determined David who stands victorious, the true triumph lies in the spirit of the competition, the breaking of barriers, and the celebration of human potential. As the athletes cross the finish line, they will not only be racing for medals but also for the enduring legacy of their countries, forever enshrined in the annals of Olympic history.

Kishane Thompson

Track & Field @ the Paris Olympics 2024

The Track & Field Clash between the Jamaica & the United States David & Goliath

Gabby Thomas Sha'Carri Richardson

These are my picks for the 2024 Olympics Sprints: Men's 100 meters: Heats on 3rd August, and Finals on 4th August -

• Gold Medal - Kishane Thompson

• Silver Medal - Noah Lyles

Women's 100 meter Heats on 2nd August and the Finals 3rd August -

• Gold Medal - Sha'Carri Richardson

• Silver Medal - Julien Alfred

• Bronze Medal - Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce

• Bronze Medal - Oblique Seville Men's 200 meters: Heats on 5th August and Finals on 8th August -

• Gold Medal - Noah Lyles

• Silver Medal - Letsile Tebogo

• Bronze Medal - Kenny Bednarek

Women's 200 meter Heats on 4th August and Finals on 5th August -

• Gold Medal - Gabby Thomas

• Silver Medal - Shericka Jackson

• Bronze Medal - Julien Alfred

Noah Lyles
Trayvon Bromell
Yohan Blake
Oblique Seville
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Elaine Thompson-Herah.

Annie's Island Breeze opens in Metro West

dishes like doubles,roti&curry,currychicken(andchicken curry), curry goat, Caribbean styles Chinese food, Aloo pie, and oxtail, alongside fresh seafood, tropical drinks and a full liquor bar. The friendly staff and lively environment create a welcoming ambiance that reflects the island spirit. Whether dining in or taking out, Annie's Island Breeze provides a delicious escape to the Caribbean right in the heart of Metro West, making it a go-to destination for flavorfulandcomfortingmeals.

Congratulations to Roni, Annie, Bobbie and the whole family team. FYI - Annie's is now the unofficial home of the Orlando Carnival Downtown, visit any day and you'll find some from the Orlando Carnival Downtown either eating orhavingadrinkatthebar.

nnie's Island Breeze in Metro West offers an authentic taste of Caribbean cuisine, making it a beloved spot
visitors.

On behalf of the Pine Hills Community Council we want to thank the residents, participating candidates, the Central Florida Fairgrounds Inc., Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office, and GGR Consulting & Management LLC for your efforts in helping to make the 2024 Greater Orlando Hob Nob and Straw Poll a successful event! As much a part of Americana as Old Glory and apple pie, the political “Hob Nob” presented a unique opportunity for candidates and potential voters to mingle and become personally acquainted with one another.

This event was more than just a voting straw poll, it was an opportunity for candidates to showcase their position on political topics and issues voters are challenged with today. The “Hob Nob” hosted by the Pine Hills Community Council at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on July 18th from 5-8 PM brought together candidates and citizens of diverse

origins and cultures. Over 25 candidates for local, state andnational offices showcased themselves and their campaign themes. Orange County Supervisor of Elections was onsite, and attendees had an opportunity to participate in a voting straw poll during the event. Results of the straw poll were shared at the end of the event. It was a great community event mixed with informative political focus, food, and fun.

This event was hosted by the Pine Hills Community Council, Inc. and its community partners, United Foundation of Central Florida, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, The Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership,andTheMidtownPress.

Hereareafewpicturestosharingtheexcitementattheevent! LatanyaNichols,Ed.D.,PHCCPresident SandraFatmi-Hall,PHCCVicePresident

Are you looking to access the vibrant, diverse, and influential Caribbean diaspora that exists in Florida Look no further than Caribbean American Passport News Magazine!

Band of the Year - Unruly Mas

2nd Place - Illusion Mas

3rd Place - Fete Massterz

Best Sound Truck - Unruly Mas

Queen - Unruly Mas

Carnival
Carnival King - Fete Massterz

Hurricane Beryl Devastates Caribbean

Hurricane Beryl, a compact but potent storm, significantly affectedtheCaribbeanwhenitstruckinearlyJuly.

As the first hurricane of the season, Beryl prompted widespread preparations and alerts across the region. Despite its relatively small size, the storm brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous surf conditions. Several islands, including Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, St. Vincent, & the Grenadines, Dominica and Puerto Rico, faced devastation, destroyed buildings, homes turned up sidedown,floodingandpoweroutages.

The damages caused go beyond the personal and residential, in many cases the agricultural sectors in these areas also suffereddamage,impactinglocaleconomies.

The swift response from emergency services and the resilience of the Caribbean communities were crucial in mitigatingthestorm'simpactandensuringarapidrecovery.

Support efforts continue across the Caribbean as neighboring Countries, International aid organizations and diaspora groups across the United States step-up support effortsandcommunityoutreachefforts.

We all need to be prepared for the Hurricane seasonpreparation involves securing homes, stocking up on essentials like water, food, and medications, and creating an emergency plan. It's crucial to stay informed through weather updates, have evacuation routes planned, and safeguard important documents. Proper preparation can significantly reduce risks and ensure safety during a hurricane.

There are may local churches, community organizations, NationalCaribbeanAssociations,ChambersofCommerce

and others who are rallying support and collection efforts tohelpthoseimpactedbyHurricaneBeryl.

For local organizations call our office at 407-427-1800 or drop off your locations to Lara's Shipping ( 731 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 3281), our community partner helping offset the expenses associated with shipping. In South Florida reach out the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)-1850NW84thAve,DoralFL33126

Tony the King Fisher

Kingfishers are brightly coloured birds famous for hunting and eating fish. If that is not me, it is my son Zubin who will be fishing with me in Tobago on Monday. Kingfisher is also a beer, and while your line is out and you’re waiting for a bite, you just have to grin, beer it, and get involved in some fishing business and not fishy business. One kind of fishy business you have to stay very far from is dishonesty.

For instance, if your doctor was giving you a rectal exam but he had both hands on your shoulders, that is fishy to the bone, or burn. It is different from when a cop tells you, “There is something really fishy about the evidence” and it turns out to be a red herring.

In my case, I don’t trust marine biologists. Something about them feels very fishy. The worst is when an artist, a mathematician, and a fisherman commit a crime. The police investigator found that it was not only very sketchy and didn’t add up, but with a boatman involved, it had to be very fishy. What made it worse is when one of them told the officer, “Go fish yourself.” It turned out to be a Board Game and had nothing to do with the sea. While they were still in hot water, it was not as bad as being hard of herring and when you ask the boatsman for help he refuses. He turns out to be totally shellfish.

Fishing in Tobago is fun because of the challenge. The flying fish there are very bright. They swim in schools. When I throw out my reel fishing tackle, it is a case of nearer my Cod to thee. And when I boast about catching a hundred-pound biggie. I make it clear that it is not me that weighed it, the fish used its own scales. And when it comes to boasting, I am not the worst. Nothing makes a fish bigger than when you almost caught it, or the line broke and it disappeared. If you don’t believe me, ask the fish. All you have to do is drop it a line. Or you can put a girl with you on the side of the boat and call her Annette.

However, enough of this. It is just me and my anxiety to be in Tobago when you’re reading this column. It is unlike Trinidad where the fish don’t always bite, and I have to lie like my partner Mike who was out in the north of Trinidad in some really bad weather and never caught even a sardine. So, he stopped by the vendor and ordered four catfish, making it clear that he wanted them to be thrown and not handed to him because he had to boast to his wife that he, and he alone, caught four big ones. The vendor smiled and told Mike: “In that case, I really feel you should ask for Red Snappers.” Mike was upset and asked: “But why? You know I like catfish more than any other fish.” The vendor laughed loudly, “Well it is because your wife stopped here earlier today and told me that when you come later to buy fish, make sure I give you Red Snappers because she wants to have it for dinner tonight.”

While my wife has no problems with my son Zubin going fishing with me for an entire day, some women are not into fishing at all. In fact, if a woman never went fishing with her husband, she would never know what – a patient and quiet man she married. Or to put it in the fishy business column, a woman was very upset by the way her husband was treating her. She complained that before they were married he used to buy her a lot of gifts but now he had stopped. His response was, “Darling, have you ever heard about a fisherman putting bait on a hook for the fish he already caught?” He was lucky she didn’t fry him dry. But he had his way when one day he reached home and his wife was dressed in a very sexy outfit ”

with everything showing and she grabbed him and after a kiss told him, “Tie me up and you can do anything you want with me. He tied her up and went fly fishing. What she did not know is that the best way to a fisherman’s heart is through his fly. Actually, what many in that position eventually find out is that if you give a man a fish, he has food for a day but one you allow him to fish, you can get rid of him for an entire weekend and, in his absence,bothofyoucandosomeseriousflyfishing.

Some men and women believe that fishing is like dating. It’s all catch and release until you find a keeper. However, the men and fish have more in common than the men and women because they both get into trouble when they open their mouths. On the other hand, whether they are out fishing or at home, women see men differently. As Gloria Steinem, the American journalist and socialpolitical activist insisted, “A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.” No wonder men head out to the sea, not to catch fish but to catch themselves.

There is something in fishing that makes me, and many other men, feel we are doing the right thing. The fish don’t feel so. They go out of their way to make us look foolish. First, we find out that all men are equal before fish. Then, Nobel Prize winner, John Steinbeck, added, “It has always been my private conviction that any man who puts his intelligence up against a fish and loses had it coming.” John Ruskin, the English writer and philosopher, took it into another ocean, “No human being, however great, or powerful, was ever as free as a fish.”

When I worked for the West Indies Cricket Board, I joked that when I die I want to be buried at sea and have the members of the board as my pallbearers, That was a joke of sorts but not my love for the sea. From the first time I saw the sea I was caught hook, line and sinker. It was like being in the third heaven. It is said that the ocean stirs our hearts and inspires our imagination, giving us eternal joy. I look at my son Zubin when he’s home and has something to read, or complete, and smile. He takes the car and goes to one of the seaside hotels, buys a beer (which lasts the entire day), and does his work with the sea in his eyes, heart and mind.

It is clear to him, me, and so many others that, as the poet Navvirah Waheed said, “If the ocean can calm itself, so can you.” I go even deeper and learn the truth. As the poet, Henry David Thoreau, wrote, ” Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.”

*Tony Deyal was last heard responding to a friend who asked, “How you going to Tobago? By plane or by ship?” He answered, “Boat.”

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