LIFEST Y LE THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME

Samuel J. Roberts Owner/Publisher/Editor

The very first issue that we created thirteen years ago, was sent out digitally and as I read it recently I was surprised at how much what we wanted to achieve thirteen years ago is still at our core. It turns out the needs were the same as they are now. I know that over the years we did achieve this goal, however with the change in how media has been consumed, we have lost our hold again on connecting with our Caribbean community in a way that works through print

At the root of Caribbean American Passport's mission and vision is the connecting of our community. And we have found that our community is connecting through text, email, online and social media. We have to spend the time where the connections are best achieved.

Our community still needs connecting urgently and we have to create the best vehicle to do that.

Thirteen years ago, REV. DR. RAULSTON NEMBHARD sent us an email about an organization he felt was needed in the community:

"There are many Caribbean groups that are active in Florida and throughout the United States. Despite the great work that is being done the impact of these groups is hardly being felt in the American communities in which they reside. The power of Caribbean people to influence political and economic decisions is often taken for granted even though the Caribbean community is a potent and significant force to be reckoned with. The assumption often is that we cannot make a difference. The Council on Caribbean-American Relations believes that we can indeed make a difference; that a small, nimble dedicated group carrying out the purposes outlined below, and operating outside of the personal ambitions and agendas of the participants, can enhance the recognition and admiration that the Caribbean community truly deserves.

The objective of the organization is to function as a pressure and advocacy group on matters affecting the Caribbean community in Central Florida and the wider society.

2. To work with like-minded groups in the CaribbeanAmerican community to achieve common goals and objectives. To overcome the inertia and isolation that these groups often experience in getting needed change in the community. CCAR’s work is not intended to decrease or supplant the excellent work that is already being done by a number of these organizations and which can best be done by them in their particular contexts. CCAR will function more as a liaison partner between these groups on matters of mutual interest to the Caribbean community. CCAR will also work with other ethnic and minority groups to achieve mutual objectives, for example, in the areas of immigration, voting, mortgage, employment and youth concerns.

3. To be a think-tank that seeks to address and study serious issues that affect Caribbean people. To liaise with Caribbean governments on behalf of the Caribbean Diaspora with a view to fostering best practices of effective governance and other interests that need attention."

Thirteen years, later, the needs of our community remain the same. Much has changed and much remains the same. We are pivoting to be able to assist with these issues across our diaspora, more effectively. We ask for your support.

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'.

Publisher&Editor...................................................................................Sam Roberts

Publisher ............................................................................. Guenet Gittens-Roberts

Editor&ContributingWriter ....Aleia Roberts

Contributing Writers: Tony Dyal

Contributing Photographers King Visual

Dillia

Castillo

Central Florida Distribution......................................................... .Danielle Browne

South Florida Distribution.............................................................Norman Williams

NorthFlorida Distribution Kadeem Roberts

Tampa Distribution...................................................................................Julian Pina