Caribbean American Passport News Magazine - June 2023

Orlando Carnival Downtown

CaribbeanAmericanHeritageMonthholds great importance in the world of cultural tourism. This month-long celebration, observed in June, provides a unique opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the vibrant and diverse cultures of the Caribbean diaspora in the United States. Through a wide array of cultural events, festivals, and activities, visitors can experience the richness of Caribbeantraditions,music,dance,art,and cuisine.

Caribbean American Heritage Month not only educates tourists about the historical and cultural significance of the Caribbean diaspora but also fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. It showcases the contributions and influences of Caribbean Americans in shaping American society, particularly in fields such as music, sports, literature, and entertainment. By participating in these celebrations, tourists gain insights into the experiences, values, and aspirations of the CaribbeanAmericancommunity.

Furthermore, Caribbean American Heritage Month promotes economic growth and supports local businesses within Caribbean American communities. Tourism during this month drives footfall to cultural venues, restaurants, shops, and markets, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and artisans to showcase their talents and products. This not only boosts the local economy but also encourages cultural exchange and interaction between visitors and communitymembers.

Caribbean American Heritage Month serves as a catalyst for cultural tourism by offering a vibrant and immersive experience that celebrates the Caribbean diaspora's heritage. It facilitates a deeper understanding of Caribbean cultures, fosters cross-cultural appreciation, and supports local economies, making it an essential component of the cultural tourismlandscape.

The Orlando Carnival Downtown weekend of events, featuring Carnival on the Runway, J'ouvert, Back in Time Lime, and the Mas Band Costume Parade and Concert, offered a vibrant and culturally rich experience for participants and spectators alike. Let's delve into each event and explore their significance

Carnival on the Runway (26th May): Carnival on the Runway set the stage for the Orlando Carnival Downtown weekend. This event combined showcased vibrant costumes, elaborate designs, and energetic performances. Participants took to the runway, embodying the spirit of Caribbean carnival traditions. The fusion of colorful costumes, pulsating beats, and enthusiastic dancers created an atmosphere that celebrated the diversity and creativity of Caribbean culture.

J'ouvert (27th May): J'ouvert, derived from the French term "jour ouvert" meaning "daybreak," is a traditional Caribbean festival that takes place before sunrise. It is a lively

and energetic street party where participants cover themselves in paint, mud, or powder, symbolizing the shedding of inhibitions and embracing of pure enjoyment. Orlando's J'ouvert was an exhilarating experience The event served as a joyous expression of freedom, encouraging participants to let loose and revel in the spirit of Caribbean carnival.

Back in Time Lime (27th May): Back in Time Lime invited participants to take a nostalgic journey through the evolution of Caribbean music, from the classic rhythms of calypso that evolved into modern soca. The event payed homage to the rich musical heritage of the Caribbean and allowed attendees to reminisce in the sounds that have shaped the region's culture. With live performances and a lively atmosphere, Back in Time Lime offered an opportunity to dance, sing, and connect with the timeless melodies that resonate with Caribbean communities - cont. pg 10

Guenet Gittens-Roberts

Owner/Publisher/Editor

LIFEST Y LE

National Pride and Caribbean American Heritage

Samuel J. Roberts

Owner/Publisher/Editor

As a Caribbean American, holding on to your cultural heritage is of immense importance. It is a way to preserve your roots, honor your ancestry, and maintain a strong connection to your identity. Embracing and celebrating your Caribbean heritage can have profound personal, familial, and community-level benefits.

One of the primary reasons for holding on to your cultural heritage is the preservation of traditions and values. Caribbean cultures are rich with customs, rituals, and belief systems that have been passed down through generations. By embracing and practicing these traditions, you ensure their continuation and prevent their erosion over time. This preservation allows you to maintain a strong sense of belonging, a connection to your ancestors,andaculturalanchorinanever-changingworld.

Cultural heritage also provides a sense of pride and self-esteem. It empowers you to embrace your unique background and appreciate the diversity that shapes your identity. Understanding and valuing your Caribbean heritage can boost your confidence, as it reminds you of the resilience, creativity, andstrengthofyourancestorswhofacedvariouschallengesand triumphed. It instills a sense of pride in your cultural contributions, whether through art, music, cuisine, or other formsofexpression.

Moreover, holding on to your cultural heritage as a Caribbean American allows you to build a bridge between generations. It provides an opportunity to pass on your traditions, language, and values to your children and future generations. Sharing these aspects of your heritage strengthens family bonds, promotes intergenerational understanding, and ensures that your cultural legacy lives on. It allows younger family members toappreciatetheirroots,understandtheirhistory,anddevelopa senseofidentitythatisgroundedintheirCaribbeanheritage.

Maintaining your cultural heritage also fosters a sense of community and belonging. By actively participating in Caribbean cultural events, connecting with fellow Caribbean Americans, and supporting community initiatives, you create a network of support and a sense of unity. It allows you to find common ground with others who share your experiences, challenges, and aspirations. This sense of community not only provides a support system but also creates opportunities for collaboration, cultural exchange, and the preservation and promotionofCaribbeancultureonalargerscale.

Additionally,holdingontoyourculturalheritageoffersaunique perspective and enriches your worldview. It exposes you to diversewaysofthinking,problem-solving,andapproachinglife.

Understanding and embracing your Caribbean heritage can broaden your horizons, foster cultural empathy, and enhance your ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. It promotes tolerance, appreciation, and respect for other cultures, contributing to a more inclusive and harmonioussociety.

Holding on to your cultural heritage as a Caribbean American contributes to the cultural landscape of the United States. Caribbean Americans have made significant contributionsto variousfields, includingart, literature,music, sports, politics, and so much more. By embracing your heritage and sharing it with others, you contribute to the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make up American society. You become an ambassador for your Caribbean roots, raising awareness and appreciation for the diverse heritage that Caribbean Americans bring to the country and help continue the long history of our Caribbean cultures that make us who weareforgenerationstofollow.

When we hold on to our cultural heritage as a Caribbean American it is essential for to preserve our traditions, foster pride and self-esteem, bridge generations, build community, expand perspectives, and contribute to the cultural fabric of the United States. Embracing and celebrating your Caribbean roots allows you to maintain a strong connection to your identity, honor your ancestors, and create a legacy that will endureforgenerationstocome.

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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

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Drug Policies, Testing Methods Adapt to Growth in Cannabis Use

Editor's Note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M

Consider this hypothetical scenario: Two weeks ago, during a vacation in California, you lawfully purchased and consumed marijuana intended for adult use. But now you are back at work in Florida, where recreational cannabis remains illegal, and you have been chosen for a random drug test by your employer.

It is highly likely that your past marijuana usage, although legal at the time, would be detected by urine and hair follicle tests. A urine analysis can find traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in cannabis, for up to 30 days following marijuana consumption, while a hair follicle sample offers up to 90 days of potentially incriminating evidence.

If your employer has a strict drug-free workplace policy, you could be fired regardless of the circumstances. The same consequence could happen even if you had legally used low-THC medical cannabis because employees with Florida medical marijuana cards are not protected by state law.

One commonly observed and blatantly obvious tactic individuals employ is intentionally showing up after the scheduled test date, allowing them more time to cleanse their system. Both Ms. Dobbins and Mr. Boutan have stopped attempts to use concealed drug-free urine samples

University

A particularly daring method used to cheat a urine test involves obtaining a urine sample from a non-user.

According to drug testing expert Zathan Boutan, employees whose job roles pose safety risks, such as those working in law enforcement and transportation, are often subject to random drug testing as a condition of employment, unlike employees in desk-bound positions.

“Oral fluid is one of the newer methodologies, and it goes back a day, possibly two if you're a heavy user,” says Kelly Dobbins, who has 25 years of experience in administering drug and alcohol tests for public and private employers, courts and the federal government.

“Oral fluid is one of the newer methodologies, and it goes back a day, possibly two if you're a heavy user,” says Kelly Dobbins, who has 25 years of experience in administering drug and alcohol tests for public and private employers, courts and the federal government.

One commonly observed and blatantly obvious tactic individuals employ is intentionally showing up after the scheduled test date, allowing them more time to cleanse their system. Both Ms. Dobbins and Mr. Boutan have stopped attempts to use concealed drug-free urine samples. A particularly daring method used to cheat a urine test involves obtaining a urine sample from a non-user.

Celebrating Caribbean Roots and Hip Hop Legacy at BET Lifetime Achievement Award - Busta Rhymes

Caribbean American Heritage Month serves as a timely occasion to recognize the profound impact that Caribbean Americans have had on various aspects of American culture. One such influence is the invaluable contribution of Busta Rhymes to the world of hip hop, a genre deeply rooted in the African American and Caribbean communities. On the momentous occasion of receiving the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, Busta Rhymes not only celebrates his own success but also acknowledges the shared experiences and cultural fusion that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of hip hop.

Busta Rhymes: A Hip Hop Icon

Busta Rhymes, born Trevor George Smith Jr. in Brooklyn, New York, on May 20, 1972, emerged as a lyrical powerhouse in the 1990s and has since solidified his place as one of the most influential artists in hip hop history. With his energetic delivery, rapid-fire flow, and captivating stage presence, Busta Rhymes became synonymous with innovation and creativity within the genre.

His breakthrough came as a member of the iconic group Leaders of the New School before embarking on a highly successful solo career. Busta Rhymes' extensive discography boasts numerous hits, including "Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check," "Gimme Some More," and "Pass the Courvoisiere Part II," among others. His ability to seamlessly blend complex wordplay with infectious hooks solidified his status as a hip hop legend.

Honoring Caribbean Roots

One of the defining aspects of Busta Rhymes' artistry is his unapologetic celebration of his Caribbean heritage. Born to Jamaican parents, his music often pays homage to his roots through the inclusion of reggae and dancehall influences, infusing a distinct flavor into his tracks. Busta Rhymes' pride in his heritage has resonated with fans worldwide, allowing him to bridge the gap between hip hop and Caribbean music.

Honoring of Busta Rhymes' Caribbean heritage at the BET Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony highlights the profound influence of Caribbean culture on the foundation of hip hop. It is well-known that hip hop, born in the Bronx during the 1970s, was heavily influenced by the vibrant Caribbean-American community present in the area. The blending of Jamaican sound system culture, Trinidadian calypso, and other Caribbean musical elements played a crucial role in shaping the unique sound of hip hop.

Shared Experiences: Caribbean American and African American Communities.

Caribbean Americans and African Americans have long shared a history of intertwined experiences, particularly in urban areas where both communities have built a strong cultural bond. The fusion of their respective cultural traditions, languages, and music has fostered a rich and dynamic cultural heritage.

Growing up together in neighborhoods across America, the African American and Caribbean American communities faced similar challenges, including discrimination, economic disparities, and social inequalities. Through these shared experiences, they formed deep connections and influenced each other's cultural practices, ultimately cocreating a vibrant tapestry of music, fashion, and language.

The collaborative spirit that emerged from this cultural fusion was instrumental in shaping the evolution of hip hop. From the early days of DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash to the present-day trailblazers like Busta Rhymes, the voices of Caribbean Americans and African Americans have woven together to create a genre that speaks to the experiences of both communities.

Busta Rhymes' well-deserved recognition at the BET Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony not only celebrates his extraordinary career but also acknowledges the deeprooted influence of Caribbean Americans on the foundation of hip hop. As we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month, it is crucial to recognize and honor the interconnectedness of the Caribbean American and African American communities, whose shared experiences have given birth to a unique culture that continues to shape the world of music and beyond.

Busta Rhymes stands as a testament to the power of cultural fusion and the transformative impact it can have on artistic expression. His unwavering commitment to his Caribbean roots and his contributions to hip hop illustrate the profound influence of the Caribbean American community on American culture as a whole. As we move forward, let us continue to embrace and celebrate the diverse contributions of Caribbean Americans and African Americans, recognizing the richness that emerges when cultures come together.

A Proclamation on National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2023

During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the achievements and dreams of the millions of people of Caribbean origin now living in the United States while honoring the shared history of joy and perseverance that has united and enriched life across our region for centuries.

There is no single Caribbean American identity. The mix of cultures, languages, and religions alive across the United States and the islands reflects the diversity of spirit that defines the American story. Meanwhile, our countries are bound by common values and a shared history — overcoming the yoke of colonialism, confronting the original sin of slavery, and charting new opportunities across borders and generations.

Since our founding, Caribbean Americans from Alexander Hamilton to Colin Powell have contributed to the United States in the most profound ways. Today, pathbreakers like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor continue advancing our work toward a more perfect Union. I am especially proud of the extraordinary leaders of Caribbean heritage now serving in my Administration - from Vice President Kamala Harris to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. And I take equal pride in the generations of Caribbean Americans who literally built this country — bringing tremendous hope and energy to bear as small business owners, teachers, health care workers, military service members, union organizers, community leaders, and so much more.

For too long, too many have faced systemic barriers to success. As President, I have issued two separate Executive Orders to change that, pushing to advance racial justice across every policy that my Administration pursues. As we have passed historic laws to rebuild our Nation’s infrastructure, lower prescription drug costs, create a clean energy economy, and transform American manufacturing to once again lead the world, we have done so with an eye for equity, rebuilding our economy from the middle out and bottom up. As a result, we have created 12.7 million jobs — bringing Black and Latino unemployment to record lows — and we have helped millions to start and grow their own businesses. At the same time, we are using all the tools we have to make our Nation’s broken immigration system as orderly, safe,

and humane as possible, sending support to the border while expanding lawful pathways for Cubans, Haitians,

Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans — among others — to come to the United States without taking the dangerous journey to our southern border. What we really need is for the Congress to finally pass comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, farm and essential workers, and temporary status holders, many of whom are from the Caribbean. I will not quit pressing the Congress to act.

Beyond our borders, we are working with our Caribbean partners to expand opportunity and keep the region safe so more of our neighbors can build lives at home. We partnered with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in November 2022 to launch the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit and disrupt firearms trafficking in the region. We are also working to improve access to development financing and advance clean energy projects across the Caribbean through the United States-Caribbean Partnership to address the Climate Crisis 2023.

A central promise of this country is the idea that everyone is created equal and deserves to be treated equally throughout their lives. It is a cornerstone of our common heritage in this hemisphere, even as we keep striving to finally make that vision real. Caribbean-American Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate the rich diversity that covenant has brought us and to renew its promise for future generations of Caribbean Americans and for us all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2023 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to join in celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortyseventh.

Roslyn M. Brock to keynote U.S. Virgin Islands’ 175th Emancipation Day Commemoration

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands (June 27, 2023) – Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman Emeritus of the NAACP National Board of Directors, will deliver the keynote address for the historic 175th Emancipation Day commemoration taking place at Buddhoe Park on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands on Monday, July 3, 2023.

The recognized health policy and equity advocate and social justice change agent will join local, national and international dignitaries for the program which marks the abolition of slavery in the former Danish West Indies some 17 years prior to the “Juneteenth” declaration of freedom in 1865 on the mainland.

The U.S. Virgin Islands is known as the “birthplace of emancipation in the USA”, and the 175th Emancipation Commemoration includes a series of educational programs and cultural events designed to inspire Virgin Islanders to renew and strengthen their commitment to honor their ancestors and forebears, such as John Gottlieb, known as “General Buddhoe”, and others who successfully organized a revolt on the morning of July 3, 1848, and demanded that enslaved persons be immediately declared free.

Islands who fought for freedom not only for themselves but also for all people who suffer the injustices of slavery. We must renew our commitment to honor their legacy and continue the work of achieving true freedom for all.”

Also attending the ceremony will be Christina Markus

Lassen, Denmark’s Ambassador to the United States; John Brewer, Director, Office of

Insular Affairs (OIA) in the U.S. Department of the Interior; and Basil Ottley, Director of Policy – U.S. Virgin Islands, OIA. The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917.

In addition to the official Emancipation Day ceremony on July 3, which will be simulcast, broadcast and live streamed, activities include the Fort to Fort Freedom Ride, the Fort to Fort Freedom Walk, the Fort to Fort Freedom Race, and the Emancipation Day Parade, which starts in “Freedom City”. There will also be a Tribute to the Ancestors with a Libation ceremony, Emancipation Luncheon and fireworks. The “Unshackled” Music Festival begins at 8:30 p.m. that evening in “Freedom City”.

Sponsors of the 175th Emancipation Commemoration include The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, Cruzan Rum, Diageo USVI’s Captain Morgan, FirstBank, Royal Caribbean Group, Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands, Tropical Shipping, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), and the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA). WTJX-FM and Viya are also providing support.

Brock, the Chief Global Equity Officer at Abt Associates – a global social impact firm that improves the health and economic well-being of people worldwide – was unanimously elected the youngest person and fourth woman Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors in 2010.

“The Emancipation Day Commemoration Committee is grateful and honored that Roslyn Brock has graciously agreed to deliver the keynote address at our historic 175th Emancipation Day Commemoration ceremony. As former Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, Ms. Brock brings immense expertise and a powerful voice to this significant occasion. Her presence and insightful words will undoubtedly inspire and uplift us as we reflect on the abolition of slavery in the former Danish West Indies,” said Carol Burke, Chairwoman of the Emancipation Day Commemoration Committee.

Of her participation Brock said, “It is an honor to gather on St. Croix next week to commemorate the 175th Emancipation Day. We on the U.S. mainland share in the struggle of African peoples worldwide, and are reminded of the resilience and strength of those throughout the Virgin

For more information and a detailed schedule of events, visit the official website of the Virgin Islands 175th Emancipation Commemoration at VI175.com.

Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman Emeritus of the NAACP National Board of Directors

Why A Lack of Black Physical, Mental Health, Occupational Therapists?

In America there is a lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the healthcare therapists’ field, and there is a need for more organizations to address this problem. The National Association of Black Physical Therapists’ goal is to address the emotions and feelings of the lone minorities embarking on a journey to become a physical therapists and physical assistants.

The population of underrepresented minorities (URM) in the health-related professions does not reflect the increasing population of minorities in the United States. Therapists are needed in the physical, mental health, and occupational fields, but the high cost of attaining a graduate degree can leave students with massive debt.

Candidates not only have to be in a position to afford the education, but to get a license to practice the therapy, it takes time. During this period you work as an unpaid intern, and many of the students are falling deeper in debt. In 2021 mental health therapists were 85% white and only 5% were Black.

It is easy for many to say that the system is racists, and set up for minorities to fail. Without a doubt, it is extremely difficult to get through the system, and where do you find time to pay your bills.

To increase diversity in all the therapies, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy, American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, and National Board for Certified Counselors are all aware that Black Therapists are overlooked, and the numbers are dismal. By having more Black therapists available, clients are empowered to open up about their backgrounds, their concerns, and their families. Making a decision to become a Black therapist will improve Black patient outcomes.

by Roger Coldwll

More Black folks are starting to speak up and seek help with mental health care. Some of this is based on the fact that more Blacks are financially stable, and the stigma of mental health is being removed.

As the different Black therapists’ organizations work to increase the numbers of accreditation, it is time to make conscious hiring and staff choices. Many Black therapists are business owners and each one should teach one. Get the community engaged and teach the young students to the benefits of being a therapist. Many young students don’t know that therapy is a viable career.

Black therapists are a challenge that will not go away because the numbers are terrible, and they must be improved. There is a need for sponsors and scholarships, because the work is just starting. Be a mentor and help with research on diversity and inclusion.

Racism and social justice in the therapy field will remain something that is sweep under the rug while most White colleagues refuse to talk about it. Black therapists must pick their battles, and they call it code-switching. Codeswitching is when Black therapists speak in their best White voices to be understood.

With only 5 to 7% of Black therapists in America, the majority of White therapists don’t care about the numbers. Black therapists must be “Agents of Change”, and make an effort to educate parents and students on the journey and the benefits of being health care therapists.

Orlando Carnival Downtown

Mas Band Costume Parade and Concert (28th May):

The Mas Band costume parade and concert was the grand finale of the Orlando Carnival Downtown weekend. Mas (short for masquerade) refers to the dazzling costumes worn by revelers during carnival celebrations. This event showcased creativity, craftsmanship, and pageantry as they took center stage. Each Mas Band represented various themes as they danced through the streets, captivating onlookers with their vibrant colors and intricate designs. The parade culminated in a concert where attendees enjoyed live performances from the most impressive performers, including Adam O, Mr Killa, Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons, and more.

By Staff Writer

The Orlando Carnival Downtown weekend of events presented a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant culture, music, and traditions of the Caribbean. From the fashion-forward Carnival on the Runway to the wild and colorful Jouvert celebration, and the nostalgic Back in Time Lime, culminating in the grand spectacle of the Mas Band costume parade and concert, this cultural extravaganza was an unforgettable experience for all who participated. It was a testament to the spirit of unity, expression, and joy that Caribbean carnival traditions bring to communities around the world.

Tourists Are Leaving Their Hearts All Over the World

ByPeter White Jun 27, 2023

Despite higher travel costs, global tourism has increased. Experts say it will take 4-5 years for the industry to return to pre-pandemic levels.

The Covid-19 pandemic was possibly the worst catastrophe to hit the tourism industry: experts predict that the US alone took a $2 trillion hit in that sector.

But tourism is surging back to pre-pandemic levels and is expected to fully recover by 2027, despite unprecedented levels of street crime and homelessness in some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. “Many people around the world have been stuck at home for a year, 2 years, 3 years; there is definitely a strong will to travel at the moment,” said Dr. Frederic Dimanche, Director of Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Toronto Metropolitan University.

People are done with cabin fever. Borders and hotels are open; and tourists are returning to the Caribbean, Great Britain, and Europe. “People are experiencing a hunger for travel like we have never seen before,” he said at an Ethnic Media Services news briefing June 23.

At the same time, travel costs have gone up dramatically. Airline tickets and hotel rates are up and inflation has also increased consumer prices. “It seems like everybody’s trying to catch up on the lost revenues of the Covid times,” said Dimanche.

Climate Change

But wildfires in Canada, Australia, and California — as well in Spain and Southern France — are putting a damper on international tourism. There are more tropical storms and hurricanes and more floods in Germany and Italy. Global warming is impacting tourism in many countries, he said. And the ongoing war in Ukraine has restricted tourists from Russia and Eastern Europe. Chinese tourists are not traveling abroad as much as they used to either, said Dimanche.

Iuliana Popa, a doctoral student in the Conrad Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston noticed a troubling trend as Covid-19 vaccine

rollouts began in 2021. Although many workers had been laid off, once those jobs returned to the industry, many of those workers didn’t come back.

Hard-Hit Hospitality Workers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the hospitality industry lost nearly 8 million hospitality jobs were lost, making it the hardest-hit industry in the U.S. by the pandemic in terms of workforce reduction.

Popa and Dr. Juan Madera, the Curtis L. Carlson endowed professor at Hilton College, wanted to explore the phenomenon of hospitality workers not returning to their jobs.

“So we designed a study where we specifically wanted to focus on the emotions of fear and anger that hospitality employees might have experienced in response to having been laid off amid all the uncertainty right after COVID-19,” Popa said.

“We wanted to evaluate to what extent they would experience fear or anger in response to this COVID-19 scenario presented to them, and what we found was that anger was a very significant predictor of their intentions to change their career.”

‘Turnover-Intention’

Popa and fellow researchers gathered data from 300 participants and conducted a hundred online surveys from workers who had been sidelined by the pandemic.

This “turnover-intention” continues to impact the industry, she said.. Employers responded by increasing wages — which are now about $15/hr — but even with a base wage double the federal minimum wage, the industry is having trouble attracting workers. Many people who once worked part time hours with tips can’t make it without a full-time job with better pay and health benefits, said Popa.

'City By the Bay'

Cassandra Costello, Executive Vice President, Chief PolicyCont pg14

Tourists Are Leaving Their Hearts All Over the World

and External Affairs Officer, San Francisco Travel Association says the beautiful City by the Bay is “as vibrant as ever.”

“It’s the time to visit to experience our neighborhoods, our culture, and our culinary scene. There’s strong demand, both domestically and internationally, and we are a safe welcoming city ready for visitors,” she said.

Costello noted the city will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in November 2023 at the Moscone Center. APEC meetings are intergovernmental forums between industry and political leaders from 21 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. San Francisco will also host the Superbowl and the World Cup in 2026.

While tourism from China is down, travelers from India, Europe, Canada, and Mexico are making up the gap. India is the largest emerging market, said Costello. While international tourists are just 29% of all tourists traveling to San Francisco, they make up 62% of the spend, due to longer stays.

Is New York Dead?

If the positively sunny Costello has a nay-saying nemesis it could be New York native James Altucher. He is the author of a best-selling Wall Street Journal book, “Choose Yourself” and since 2014 has produced a top-rated podcast of the same name. It has millions of listeners. In August 2020, Altucher wrote an article called “New York City is Dead Forever.” He wrote the piece because New York City was facing serious threats with the pandemic and lockdowns, and said it still hasn’t recovered.

“Some of the consequences of those issues are going to be around for a very long time, if not, as I mentioned in the article, forever,” said Altucher. He noted that New York City’s population has dropped almost a million while homelessness is at the highest level since 1931 during the Great Depression.

With lower taxes, better weather, and cheaper living, other states like Texas and Florida have benefited. Overall this has been a good thing for the country because opportunity isn’t just found in one or two cities. But it’s been bad for New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and other big cities,

Money is the Root of all Weevils!!!

By Tony Deyal

Today, I just had it with landlords, and worst, landladies. One of my friends asked me, "If you were to drop a Slug and a Landlady off the roof of the 600-foot-tall Calgary Tower, which one will hit the ground sooner?" Who cares. He asked again, "What do you get if you cross a Landlord with a Weasel?" Absolutely no changes occur whatsoever.

WHO THE CAPP FITS

I live in a rented house and, like Andy Capp, I can hear the landlord shouting loudly, “Rent.” Like Andy, the word ‘spent’ comes into my mind but instead of shouting it, I feel it. I am totally and completely spent, much of it from dealing for the past 11 months with a landlady. I have lived in about 30 OPHs (other people homes) in five countries – Canada, the US, Barbados, Belize, Antigua and, of course, Trinidad. I only owned two houses in the 30 years I was mostly on the road. The first one, I had to break down and sell the land. The second is one I have to build back up, a process that is now taking place at great cost, time, and prayer that the weather will improve and make Bret leave the Caribbean, head into the Atlantic, and become ‘un-Don’ together with Emily and all the others.

My landlady, who is more a ‘never-done’ than a don, was upset that I kept demanding that she repair the air conditioners that were not working properly from the first day I entered the house. I emphasised my rights as a tenant that are set out in the agreement which we both signed. Who tell me to say so? Worse, I had sent pictures of the flood that had damaged my car and locked us up in the house while my son had to wait for hours in a nearby mall. She had assured me that there were no floods in that street. Worse yet, I had sent her two articles on the ‘Crime Spree’ and ‘Heinous Crime of Home Invasion’ in our area. She fired back a rhetorical question, “Is this meant for me?” and followed it with some hard talk on the phone. When I replied, “As a tenant, I have my rights and you have no right to speak to me with threats…I am not a slave.” She grabbed me in the short and curly, or at least thought she did with, “You are a writer and you obviously love to write!” She then added some other aggressive stuff. I replied very nicely, “I am a writer and I do love to write. Unlike you, I won’t tell you what you are and what you might love to do.”

Instead of keeping cool and quiet, she took a different approach. She wrote out what she wanted from me and then at the end put in questions demanding, “A simple yes or no to my questions will suffice for a start. We are not going to make any progress otherwise.” She did that twice and I ignored her because I did not want to tell her my favourite ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ story that caused me to break down a courthouse. I was saving it for you, my readers. I am sure my landlady doesn’t know or ever heard the calypso composed by Winsford Devine and sung by King Austin. If she did, she would have chosen another calypso like ‘Mama Ban Youh Jaw’. Essentially, as she will find out, ‘The Price of Progress is High’. What is even higher is the hard talk I gave a lawyer when he was questioning me in a matter where I was a witness for the West Indies Players Association against the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), where I was once the corporate secretary. I actually broke the house down, but fortunately for my landlady, not hers.

LAUGHING STOCK

While I regret making the lawyer the laughing stock of the people present, including a member of his family, the fact is that this lawyer had represented the WICB against me in a matter where I was fired for standing up to the president for trying to use the company’s money for his own house. It was not so much the last straw as the last piece of concrete, steel and furniture, or what my aunty Moon used to call ‘funny chairs’. The lawyer was asking question after question, and I kept trying to answer each at the best of my ability. He did not want me to explain anything

He demanded, “You have to answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.” After the third time, I had more than enough. I told him nicely, “There are some questions that cannot be answered as ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. For example, “Have you stopped beating your wife? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.” Then I raised my voice and thundered, “Have you stopped beating your wife? Answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’!” Almost everyone present was in tears of laughter. The judge looked me up, down and sideways and then, despite not having a shotgun, he made me shut up and sit down. So when my landlady asked me to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, she didn’t know what she was letting herself in for. Fortunately for her, I have the greatest respect for her husband and said nothing. It was a payback to him, because when we once asked him how he dealt with his wife he admitted that he kept both his eyes, ears and mouth shut.

In the rest of the Caribbean, people, and not just their mouths, are being shut or kicked out of the places they’re renting. Some of these are as costly as they are squalid. Right now, most of the Caribbean countries are losing the middle class mainly because the rich are getting richer and the poor, who will eventually become everybody else, are getting much poorer by the minute, faster even that the ‘birth-fate’ in Niger (47.28 per 1,000 people) or China, which has the world’s biggest population. In Jamaica, according to one newspaper, there are ‘Tenants from hell’ and ‘Landlords flouting laws by barring families with children as tenants’. In Barbados, a newspaper article on ‘TO PROTECT RIGHTS OF EVERYONE’ mentioned, “The relationship between landlords and tenants in Barbados has always been strained due to the fact that there are some unscrupulous persons who take advantage of the rules, to the detriment of others. This could lead to unnecessary homelessness, inability to pay bills, damage to property, along with verbal and physical altercations.”

NOT MUCH LIKED

Generally, landlords and landladies are not much liked. Sociologist Matthew Desmond put it very clearly, “Poverty is a relationship that involves a lot of folks, rich and poor alike. I was looking for something that brought a lot of different people in a room. Eviction does that….”

US Democrat Nydia Velazquez stressed, “Too often, the landlord-tenant relationship is unbalanced, with all the power on the side of unscrupulous landlords.” It is why there are so many landlord and landlady jokes, like “What do cuckolds and landlords have in common?” Neither of them wants to give you your deposit back. Or, “What’s the difference between a landlady and a pit bull?” Lipstick. Then there is one that is for game players, “What is a landlady’s favourite game to play?” Monopoly. The toughest, roughest one of all is, “Do you know how to save a drowning landlord?” Take your foot off his head.

*Tony Deyal was last heard responding to a question from his son, ‘Daddy. What would you say when you’re leaving this place you’re renting?’ Namaste.