October Issue. Caribbean American Passport by caribbeanamericanpassport

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NEWS MAGAZINE Diwali

any Caribbean American Hindus plan to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights this October. In certain Caribbean Countries Diwali also known as Divali, Dewali, Deepavali is a National Holiday. It’s a five day Hindu festival which occurs on the fifteenth day of Kartika. Diwali means “rows of lighted lamps” and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. During this time, homes are thoroughly cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Laksmi, goddess of wealth. Candles and lamps are lit as a greeting to Laksmi. Gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared during Diwali. The celebration means as much to Hindus as Christmas does to Christians.

Miami Broward One Carnival Jump Starts the Carnival Week with the Jr. Carnival at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Facility in Miami, Gardens, FL

un Generation Too was the band to beat and they did not come up short at the Miami-Broward Junior Carnival, held on Sunday at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Facility not far from Sun Life Stadium, the new home of Miami Carnival. Portraying “Somewhere in Africa”, Fun Generation’s young masqueraders enthralled the attendees with their presentation, which started with African drummers and ended with moko jumbies. In between, their masqueraders included Junior Queen of Carnival Alexandria Irish and 1st Place Junior Female Individual Amala Brown. The band easily won Junior Band of the Year, with 278 points.

On left: Jaden Chan Tack (Junior Male Individual of the Year) Below: Jazmeen DeGannes, 2nd Place Junior Female Individual of the Year PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICARDO REYES — Continued on page 22 —

Here in America, many in the Hindu Community can’t celebrate Diwali in their back and front yards as is common back home. As children, Diwali was one of my favorite holidays in Guyana, we would drive down the roads and stare in wonder at the diyas lining the windows, verandahs, stairs and out the bridges to the road. When house after house is decorated to celebrate Diwali it is a spectacle to behold. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to experience that on one of the streets in Orlando? It would be a — Continued on page 22 —

L I F E S T Y L E

OW, the time between the first issue and this second one passed in a wild blur. During that time I realized that I absolutely adore this Central Florida Community that Sam and I call home. I wrote about this in a blog a few months ago where I said that everyone has a home and that certain cities have a vibe and the thought was that people who live in the same city generally have the same vibe. It's what drives the city and it could usually be boiled down to one word. For example in NY the word is ACHIEVE and in LA the word is SUCCEED. They say that the people who feel the same as their city's buzz word feel most comfortable in their city. It's an interesting concept. It doesn't mean that one word defines you for life, just that you're never really comfortable unless your word and your city's word fit. I realized that my buzz words were family and Caribbean which I think are both true in Orlando.

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

know that I need it for my soul or something wouldn't feel right. I'm not sure if it's true for all immigrants, but for me, wherever I live has to have lots of people with two words buzzing within them because one has to be Caribbean. I remember vividly writing that article and since this paper came out I know two things, I would not have done this without the wonderful people Caribbean and American that surrounded me in this wonderful city. I love Orlando, this is my town and Caribbean American Passport is here to promote the vibrant culture that is teeming in this city.

We're heading down to Miami for Carnival this weekend, they've really shown the economic impact that our culture can bring to a city. Next year for Caribbean American Heritage Month, the Caribbean Community Leaders have already started working with Orange County Government to make Orlando the city to visit for June Celebrations ( we Do you think I'm being too simplistic because of Disney taking over!) and the parks? I'm not sure, but I know that we moved from Guyana to NY, where I had been comfortable previ- Leaders are calling on the young, the old, performers, other ously (pre babies), to Atlanta, to Miami to Ft. Lauderdale associations and cultural groups to join the movement toand then finally to Orlando....where I quickly felt that we wards making Orlando more culturally diverse. How do had come home. With time the feeling has grown stron- we do it? By working together, putting our egos aside and ger. Friends, neighbours, community....quality of life is all pooling our strengths. Work has already begun...if you here for me. I'm not sure if we get to have two buzz words can't help because you're busy then do like one of my but I have to add that even though the word family is one friends did this week - pledge your money. Caribbean that I have in my head in Orlando, I need to have Carib- American Passport is a part of this effort and we've bean. I wouldn't be comfortable in a place that didn't have partnered with Caribbean Finder to support the effort an active Caribbean community even if it did have great through our media. We're giving each association a packquality of life for my family. I don't know why, but I do age that includes a free webpage, reduced marketing costs, free exposure for events and more. We're pulling together Caribbean media to work together and giving them the same tools, free exposure, a free web page and creating a Remember you're part of our strong link of community partnerships.

EYE Team in the Community send us your events on Facebook, tag us in your event photos, send us your articles. Visit our website: CaribbeanAmericanPassport.com for media kits and upcoming events in the Community.

CAP Memberships are $50.00 per year and include: a monthly subscription to the newspaper, discounted rates on advertising and discounted admission to passport events. For more information email: capassport@caribbeanamericanpassport.com

We're starting this month at the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk where we'll be building a team - we'll be walking around Lake Eola and I want the Caribbean Community to come out and walk with us so that we make a lot of noise, we draw media attention to our strength so that they see why they need to support us next year. I am urging Community Associations, Businesses and Individuals to come out to walk with Caribbean American Passport Newsmagazine on October 23rd. — Guenet

GGR Marketing & Public Relations 1969 Alafaya Trail, Suite 133 • Orlando, Fl 32828 407.421.8118 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com Publisher/Editor ................................................ Guenet Gittens-Roberts Contributing Writers: ............................................. Jackie Rampergas .............................................Natasha Solomon ....................................................... Dr. Thomas ...................................................Dr. Thompson .................................................... Keith Gooden ................................................. Samuel Roberts Contributing Photographers ........................................... Sandy Isaacs ................................................. KP Singh ........................................ Wendy Roberts Copyright (C) 2010 GGR Marketing & Public Relations All rights reserved.

NBA All-Star Dwight Howard Returns from Life-Changing Trip to Haiti

wight Howard continued his mission to help others by visiting with children and local organizations in Haiti in an effort to provide ongoing support to the youngest survivors of the devastating January earthquake. Adonal Foyle of the Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLF) accompanied him on the trip. KLF was founded in 2005 by Adonal Foyle, a native of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and professional basketball player. KLF uses basketball as a bridge to the next generation, promoting education and health awareness, providing free basketball clinics and building/refurbishing basketball courts.

ited several organizations, including the Haitian Olympic Committee (COH), where he visited COH’s youth recreation program within Parc Acra Camp, a tent settlement camp of over 4000 residents in Port-au-Prince. The program provides kids living in the tent camp an opportunity for organized playtime to give them the chance to be kids despite their harsh living conditions. There Dwight announced that the DHF is donating funds to ensure the program’s continuation. He also ran basketball drills with attending kids (approximately 300 children) and distributed black & blue DHF wristbands.

“My main goal was to go to Haiti and put a smile on the kids’ faces. Visiting Haiti has definitely changed my life. The people there still very much need our help; today, tomorrow and for many years to come,”

NBA All-Star Dwight Howard has returned to the United States after a life-changing trip to Haiti from September 17-19. Moved by reports coming out of Haiti since the earthquake and wanting to assess the situation for himself, Dwight ventured to Haiti to support educational and recreational programs that aid the youngest survivors of the massive January earthquake that left 250,000 dead.

Dwight Howard played basketball with the kids in the tent settlement at Cite Soleil and did everything he could to put a smile on their faces. The Dwight Howard Fund has donated funds to run the school for 1 year.

In April 2010, Dwight developed the Dwight Howard Fund (DHF) that specifically supports programs that address educational and recreational needs of youth in Haiti. “My main goal was to go to Haiti and put a smile on the kids’ faces. “Visiting Haiti has definitely changed my life. The people there still very much need our help; today, tomorrow and for many years to come,” states Dwight.

Dwight also visited the Association of Volunteers in International Service (AVSI) where he was a special guest at Maranatha School in Cité Soleil which has 129 enrolled students between the ages of 6 to 13 years. The school organized a special morning of play for the kids in honor of Dwight’s visit and their basketball court was flooded with over 200 children. The kids sang songs to welcome Dwight and put on a karate demonstration for him. There Dwight announced that the Dwight Howard Fund will support the school for the 2010-2011 school year by covering the cost of teacher salaries, uniforms and school kits.

The final organization visited during his trip was the Global Outreach Haiti Mission, TiTanyen, Haiti, just 15 miles north of Port-au-Prince. There, in partnership with Blessing in a Backpack, Dwight will provide daily nutritious meals for roughly 250 school Upon arriving in children throughout Haiti, Dwight vis- the school year.

Dwight Howard visited La Maranatha School in Cite Soleil, one of the roughest parts of Haiti, where he donated funds to run the school for 1 year.

Dwight Howard played basketball with over 200 kids when he visited the Haitian Olympic Committee’s recreation program at Parc Accra’s tented settlement. The Dwight Howard Fund is giving funds to continue the program and buy much needed sports equipment.

Dwight Howard brought former teammate Adonal Foyle with him on his visit to Haiti. Dwight had asked Foyle to help him manage his Fund for Haiti and identify appropriate grantees.

Commonwealth Games 2010 in India

he XIX Commonwealth Games started on October 3rd 2010 in India with a spectacular display of entertainment and a vibrant array of colors. Many of our home Countries will be participating in this year’s Commonwealth Games in a variety of sports including Swimming, Badminton, Track & Field events, Field Hockey, Boxing and Rugby. However, Trinidad & Tobago will be the lone Caribbean Country representing us in Field Hockey in both the men’s and women’s divisions and Gymnastics. Guyana will be the lone Country representing us in Rugby.

Central Florida Cricket Association

FCA executive committee and members extend congratulations to Caribbean Sports Club winners of the Division A Championship with a total of 49 points over Wesley Chapel, Orlando and Lucas with a total of 43 points each. Winter Haven Cricket Club has succeeded as Champions of Division B. Visit their website Jamaica will be the country to watch in the Track & Field events, f o r scores and updates at Trinidad and Tobago in Field Hockey and Guyana will be a coun- www.cflacricket.org try to watch closely in the Rugby on the 11th and 12th as they are the recent Caribbean and Central American 7’s Champions.

Orlando Netball Club

You can view all the medals won so far at results.cwgdelhi2010.org.

rlando Netball Club invites all present, past and interested players to come out and join them at their weekly practice sessions held Tuesdays from 6:30 -8:30 p.m. and Saturdays: from 5:30 8:00 p.m. Practice sessions are held at Dr. Sylvester Hankins Park Basketball Court (Corner of John Young Parkway & Columbia Street). For additional information please contact: orlandonetball@gmail.com or on Facebook at Orlando Netball Club.

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hef's orner

Banana Bread Ingredients

Jamaican Rum Cake Ingredients

1 1/2 Cup Butter 1 Cup White Sugar 1 Egg 2 Cups Flour 2 Tbsp. Milk 1 Tsp. Baking Soda 1 Tsp. Baking Powder 3 Mashed Ripe Bananas

1 lb butter 4 cups flour (sifted 4 times) 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup dark sugar 3 tbsp browning 1 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup Jamaican white rum Directions 2 cups port wine 8 eggs Preheat Oven to 300-325 Degrees F. 1 tbsp vanilla Mix the Butter, Sugar and Egg well. Then add the dry ingredi- 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg ents. Add the milk, mashed bananas and mix well. Bake in a 1/2 cup cherry diced 1/4 tsp ground cloves greased tin for 1 hour. 1 tsp rose water 1/2 cup raisins MIAMI CARNIVAL, Continued from page 1 1 tsp almond essence 2 oz dried papaya (chopped) 1/2 cup chopped dates

& Public Relations Creating Customized Marketing Products using your current strengths. Let us market your business for you. • • • • • • • • • •

Press Conferences Special Events/Grand Openings News Releases/Media Alerts Non-Profit Partnerships Sponsorships/Event Involvement Corporate Events Communication Strategy Media Training PR Programs Newsletters & E-Newsletters

Christmas is coming, we can plan your Christmas Parties, Client giveaways and more. The time to start planning is now. Let’s talk...to find out how we can bring Customers to your Business. The first consultation is FREE. Contact: Guenet Gittens-Roberts guenetroberts@yahoo.com 407-421-8118

Directions Place chopped fruits, raisins, cherries, dates in a saucepan and cover with port wine. Heat over stove until raisins are slightly puffed. Allow to cool and stand in a refrigerator for at least one day. Drain wine from fruits. Combine with rum to make 1/2 cup. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter and both sugars add eggs, nutmeg, vanilla and cloves. Mix together with flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add browning, then rum and wine. Add in prepared fruits, almond essence, rose water. Line bottom of baking pans with wax paper. Use butter to grease paper and inside of pan. Then lightly dust with flour. Place cake mixture into prepared baking pans. Bake at 325 to 350 degrees until a pick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pan for about 10 minutes, then cool on wire rack

Empty bag cyaa stan’ up. (A hungry man cannot work.) 5

Why Is The Nervous System and Your Chiropractor So Important? By Dr. Roslyn Thompson

he nervous system is that system that controls everything that happens in the body. It sounds quite simple, but consider this..... You go off to sleep, no instructions to your heart but it keeps on beating, pumping blood to every inch of the body. We just take all this for granted. We eat whatever our hearts desire and never give it a second thought, but our wise bodies directed by the nervous system allow that food to be digested producing energy and other raw materials that are needed for survival.

look at your labwork. All these chemicals must be maintained at a certain level to maintain life. This is no easy feat, considering all that we are exposed to. Can you even imagine what could happen when there is a dysfunction of the nervous system? Can you see the relationship between a properly functioning nervous system and health? Let’s get more specific. What if the nerve that supplies the heart, or the pancreas, or the kidneys was not functioning at 100%. Can you see what may occur over time? You Have A Responsibility To Care For Your Own Nervous System.

Everyone knows that if the spinal cord is severed, all function below that level is lost because there is no communication with the brain. However, in the case where there is loss of only some communication, most people accept the resulting loss of function as being normal and often will live with that loss as long as there is no pain or very little pain. In explaining this to patients, I often test the strength of a muscle. I then give a To truly appreciate the nervous system, which consists of the chiropractic adjustment to allow better communication between brain, spinal cord, and nerves, let us look at its role in a simple the brain and muscle, and retest the same muscle to show the difference in strength. They are usually action. You arrive home and open the amazed. I say this to explain that most door of your car, step out, close the door people are functioning at less than 100% and walk towards your house. Now let’s because of neural dysfunction that can look at these actions more closely. You be easily corrected by a chiropractor, but are about to get out of the car, so a mesthey learn to live with the decreased sage is sent from the brain to the muscles function and are often amazed that they in the hands and fingers allowing you can have better. to apply just enough pressure to grip the lever and move it to the open position, The nervous system is kept healthy by then you push the door open using just enough pressure to make a wide enough space to get out, then providing it with adequate nutrition, and by keeping it free of you step on to the pavement without jamming your feet be- interference. It is like a network of wires that take information cause your brain had calculated the distance, and you close the around the body at very high speed using neuro-transmitters. door again without excessive force because your brain had al- The wires must be in good repair, so we need good fats to mainready calculated the amount of force that the muscles of your tain the sheath that covers the nerve (myelin sheath). Here arm and hand needed to apply to close the door without slam- Omega 3 fatty acids are of importance and can be found in wild salmon, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts. ming it.

Are You Healthy or Just Not Sick?

Proteins are essential to provide the amino acids that make many of the neuro-transmitters, and B complex vitamins are essential in the production and circulation of the neuro transmitters. Dark green leafy vegetables are good sources of the B vitamins. Vitamin B6, B12, and Folic are of particular importance. If the brain, spinal cord, and nerves are healthy but there are interferences in the system, then there will be problems. Chiropractors are the doctors that look for physical interference in the nervous system and remove them. These blocks to proper nerve transmission are caused by spinal misalignments called subluxations. Unfortunately, the majority of the public do not know this because the general knowledge is that chiropractors are I just described a simple action that the nervous system is respon- back pain doctors. sible for coordinating, but there are functions that organs and glands in our bodies must carry out every day. All these functions are Consider all the little symptoms that you have learned to live completed under the direction of the nervous system. Just take a — Continued on next page — Many years ago, before I understood this, I used to give a ride to a girl in my French class. Every evening as she got out of the car, she would slam the door so hard that it would cause me to cringe and cover my ears. Could it have been that she had a dysfunction in how messages were being relayed between her brain and muscles? It is possible. You see, as long as we have function, we tend to feel that everything is OK. Very often, I meet people who tell me how healthy they are. Some will relate how they just saw their doctor, did lab work and received a clean bill of health. Yet as I listen more closely I’ll hear tales of constipation, digestive problems, numbness in the extremities, difficulty sleeping, weakness, pain, and more.

Have You Been In A Car Accident? Call The Injury Hotline Now! 1-800-CHIROPRACTOR. 6

Why Is The Nervous System and Your Chiropractor So Important? — Continued from page 7 — with. Consider even the ones that have been brought to the attention of a health care provider but no answers have been forthcoming. Could it be that you may be experiencing a loss of function because of neural interference? If a symptom is not dramatic, many doctors may just overlook it but you will be the one to pay in the long run, so be in command of your health. I have seen x-rays with blatant misalignments labeled as normal because there are no overt symptoms. You have to be the one to take charge because the system has not yet caught up with the reality of maintaining health. This system is directed towards taking care of you when your body is in a state of failure. It is your body and your responsibility. No one is going to do it for you. You care for your hair, nails, teeth, your car, your garden and your pets. None of these things are essential for maintaining your life. You cannot live without your nervous system, and you live a life of dis-ease and possibly disease when your nervous system is compromised. Take charge and nip minor symptoms in the bud. If you don’t, they will go on over time to become big issues and even though hospitals are nice places, I’d rather be in a resort. If you are experiencing headaches, neck and back pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities, sciatica etc. these are all symptoms that may arise from spinal misalignments. If you have children complaining of headaches, they need to be evaluated. Chiropractors are not just back pain doctors, they remove ner ve interferences caused by spinal misalignments (subluxations). You should realize by now that subluxations are silent killers. Dr. Roslyn Thompson is an honor graduate of Life University; Marietta, Georgia where she obtained her Doctor of Chiropractic degree. She is also an RN with a BSN degree from Florida Southern College. Her Chiropractic practice is located at 4100 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL.32804. She may be contacted at (407) 293-8890 or DrRos@newhopechiro.com

407-245-7395

New Hope Chiropractic Wellness Center and Beautiful Face and Figure will be hosting an open house on Thursday October 21 from 9 until 6 pm. Come and experience chiropractic care, massage, and beauty treatments on us. 7

8th Annual Caribbean Health Summit Caribbean Health Summit Provided Free Health Screenings to Hundreds of Central Florida Residents By Keith Gooden

tend the one day event, but is also measured by the support from sponsors, partners and the many lives that are saved those early ne of the most compelling challenges facing the Cen- detection and referral to a clinic or a family physician. tral Florida communities is the access to proper screening. Many of the people from the local communities, This year’s event, the 8th Annual Caribbean Health Summit particularly from the Caribbean , are not able to access the medi- was again supported by many dedicated partners such as, the cal system and obtain proper screenings, because of their immi- Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida Inc., gration status. Center for Multicultural Wellness & Prevention The Greater Haitian Chamber of Commerce of Orlando, Or(CMWP) was founded in 1994 by Marie-Jose Francois and a group ange County Health Department, Central Florida Partnership of health educators from Orange County who wanted to address on Health Disparities and Nirvana Health Services. The event health and wellness issues in the minority communities in Cen- also had many new sponsors that made this successful event tral Florida. It’s a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that reaches possible. Some of the sponsors were Florida Hospital , Orange those in the targeted communities regarding health issues through Blossom Family Health Center , Florida Department of Health, Liberty National, Sunshine State Health Plans, Wellcare, Care education, prevenPlus Health Plans, GGR Marketing & PR, Visionary Vanguard tion, case manageGroup and Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando. ment, and facilitation to access to “Your Health Matters”, was chosen as a theme for this event Health Care Serbecause the planning committee felt that many individuals do vices. Dr. Marie Jose not take their health seriously. They take their health for granted., Francois pulled towe hoped that by focusing on this year’s theme, people would gether several of her be motivated to make their health a priority, by taking the neckey advocates to essary steps to improve their health and well-being. The event start the Haitian was co-chaired by Daisy Lynum, Orlando City Commissioner, American Health District 5 and Florida Representative Geraldine Thompson, DisFair in 2002. In trict 5. Both Commissioner Lynum and Representative Thomp2005, she was approached by several individuals to change the name from “Haitian American” to “ Caribbean “ Health Fair. This was a big risk for her, as she had initially garnered the support of many of the Haitian community top businesses. She went back to what her vision was when she first started CMWP and saw that it is better to

The Health Summit put on each year by [CMWP} now serves more than 1,500 people by providing them free health screenings from blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, diabetes, mammogram, pap smear, DRE, PSA and HIV, all within five hours of the event. be inclusive than to be exclusive (the logo has an open door). She knew that it was a big risk to include all of the Caribbean people (Haitian, Jamaican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominicans, etc), instead of just focusing on one country. She has had the “Caribbean Health Fair” for the last eight years (since 2002) and has actually seen the support grow since she included every ethnic group in the program. The Health Summit put on each year by the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention, Inc (CMWP) now serves more than 1,500 people by providing them free health screenings from blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, diabetes, mammogram, pap smear, DRE, PSA and HIV, all within five hours of the event. The organization has successfully partnered with community and social agencies to effectively address the health education needs through the Annual Caribbean Health Summit. The Health summit usually takes place during the second week of September, with mammogram screenings taking place on the Friday before the day of the event and during the day of the event. The success of the event is not just measured by the total number of people who at-

son congratulated CMWP on the outstanding job they did in reaching so many underinsured and uninsured individuals in the Central Florida communities. Representative Thompson said “that the services provided at the Health Summit will assist countless number of families in Central Florida as we experience some of our worse economic times in recent history”. City Commissioner Lynum said that “as a retired educator and social worker, I support the mission to educate and inform the African American, Hispanic and Caribbean communities regarding disease prevention and awareness. “Your Health Matters” shows concern, compassion and commitment”. As Dr. Francois, event coordinator and executive director of CMWP said “without the support of our sponsors, partners, exhibitors, friends and participants, this important community event would not be possible”. Mens sana en corpore sano - A sound mind in a sound body.

What does Healthcare Reform me to YOU?

s many of us try to keep our head above water in this economy, we should also be informed with the help that is out there for vital needs such as Healthcare. Many are confused with the passage of the Healthcare Bill (Affordable Care Act) and are unsure what needs to be done to ascertain proper coverage for themselves and their families. There is a misconception that everyone is covered with the passage of the bill; that is FALSE. Most of the significant portions of the bill do not go into effect until 2014. However, the government has enacted certain parts of the bill, which can be very beneficial to many of us. First, each and everyone will still have to search for a Healthcare plan which best suits their individual situation. Yet, insurance companies can no longer deny coverage for children under the age of 19 with pre-existing conditions and put lifetime limits on benefits for those with serious conditions, such as cancer. Furthermore, insurance companies cannot cancel your policy without proving fraud or deny claims without a chance of appeal. With the new changes for insurance companies, there are also new amenities for consumers. Under the new plans all preventative care will be done at no cost, such as screenings, vaccinations and counseling. Secondly, parents can keep their children under their healthcare plan until the age of 26, if the child is not covered by an employer.

Is hazardous waste hiding in your house? Orange County has a better home for your paints, pesticides, car fluids, cell phone. Bring your household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronic waste free of charge to the upcoming October community collection event? Saturday October 16, 2010 8:00am - 3:00pm Orange County services Building 111 North Rock Springs Road, Apopka

Additionally, the new plans allow consumers to choose their own primary care doctor or pediatrician from your providerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s network, and be able to see an OB-GYN doctor without needing a referral. Also, for small businesses, there are tax credit exemptions available to encourage small employers to offer health insurance coverage to employees. Finally, these new plans allow consumers to utilize the nearest emergency rooms with no penalty: meaning no prior approval needed for out of network emergency rooms, and no higher copayments or coinsurance for out of network emergency room services. The new laws and amenities have benefits for all, but the plans are very much different for everyone. Rakesh Mungal, MBA, Financial Consultant Phone (407) 206-7645 rmungal@delaneyparkfinancial.com Delaney Park Financial, we specialize in detail orientated planning, which give each individual, family or business owner what best suits them for their family size, age, or business size: everything is individually constructed to promote great customer service. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

2009 Diwali Pageant — Continued from page 1 — great opportunity to teach Americans and our children about the beauty of other cultures. If anyone knows of any area that celebrates Diwali in this way - please contact us at Caribbean American Passport so that we can feature it in our Diwali Issue next month. We have at least three Diwali festivals to attend this month, look out for photos and a full description of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, this November.

All Caribbean Media in Central Florida: We want to know you Radio, TV, Internet - All Media CaribbeanFinder.com will be giving Caribbean Media Outlets in Central Florida, a FREE Web Page. Caribbean American Passport will be featuring you in the November Issue. Send us a message on Facebook, Email, Call, Write. Find us by October 20th so that you can be featured for free in the next issue. We want to showcase you to our readers. We’re creating a strong Caribbean Community Connection in Central Florida and this starts with our media.

2009 Diwali Pageant contestants.

New Businesses: Sonoma Coffee Cafe 3313B S. Orange Blossom Tr. Kissimmee, FL 34746 Mysonomacoffeecafe.com Sultana Law, P.A. 1643 Hillcrest Street, Orlando, Fl. 32803 www.SultanaLaw.com

9OCTOBER

QCAACF/QCAASF Annual Golf Outing

Saturday

Nikki’s On The Green. 1650 Johnson St. Hollywood, FL 33020 Cost $40 per person

Sunday

120 E Colonial Drive 32801 3-5 pm

IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE FAIR

16 OCTOBER

REGGAE SPLASHDOWN

Saturday

Club 57 West 57 West Pine Street Orlando, Fl 32891

Valencia Community College, West Campus Special Events Room. 1800 South Kirkman Drive Orlando, FL 32811

18 OCTOBER

Monday

6 - 8 pm

HYLTON, ADAMSON, WATSON & MOORE PLLC ESTATE PLANNING

21 OCTOBER

120 E Colonial Drive 32801

Thursday

6pm

JACKSONVILLE CARNIVAL - ALL WHITE AFFAIR Four Points Hotel, 8520 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville 32256 Admission $10 at the door

22 OCTOBER

JACKSONVILLE CARNIVAL - PARADE AND FESTIVAL Bay and Market Street Starting at 1:00pm

Friday JACKSONVILLE CARNIVAL - TAILGATE GRILLE

441 Haines Street , Jacksonville Starting at 11:00pm

MOMENTS IN TIME OLDIES DANCE By Break Away Moments & DJ Charlie Brown. Magnuson Grand Hotel, Altamonte Springs Food provided by Caribbean Sunshine Bakery Admission $20 per person. From 9:00pm to 1:00am

23 OCTOBER

10 OCTOBER

HYLTON, ADAMSON, WATSON & MOORE PLLC FIRM LAUNCH

Saturday

DIWALI SHOW

27 OCTOBER

Wednesday

OLDIES BUT GOODIES - Timehri Ballroom Food and drinks will be on sale Admission FREE.

Saturday

29 OCTOBER

Be there and be ready to show off your waltzing skills.

Friday

8:00pm

DR PATRICIA DOWNES, THE GREAT WORK AND THE WORKPLACE 6920 Aloma Ave. Winter Park Fl 32792 lmendeznirvana@gmail.com 10am-2pm Contact: Leo Mendez

23 OCTOBER

Saturday

EARLY VOTING HAS STARTED, VOTE ELECTION 2010. Nov. 2nd is the last day to go to the Polls. www.election.dos.state.fl.us/ For a Breakdown of the Candidates, go to www.CaribbeanAmericanPassport.com

GRAND DIWALI MELA, OCOEE HIGH SCHOOL 1925 Ocoee Crown Point, Ocoee, FL 34761

GUYANESE ASSOCIATION - FINANCIAL HEALTH FORUM Rotary Club Featuring A.A Ali /Accounting-CPA, Victor Baker/ Primerica, Marcia Miller/Credibility, Camille Sebreth/ Sebreth Law Firm FREE! Come listen, learn and ask all the questions you want about Mortgage Modification, Foreclosure, Bankruptcy, Taxes, Investment and Retirement Accounts. 5:30pm to 8:30pm

22 OCTOBER

Pegasus Banquet Hall (6934 Silver Star Road)

OCTOBER Barbados Association of Tampa Bay Presents DANCE FOR HOPE to support cancer research and patient services Music by DJ Charlie Brown Egypt Shriner’s Center 4050 Dana Shores Blvd Tampa, FL 33634 From 7:00pm-1:00am Adm $35.00

29 OCTOBER

Friday

DIWALI MELA Lake Eola 407-340-0954 407.522.6339

30 OCTOBER

Saturday

100 Shades of Pink Luncheon

he Health Care Ministry of Saint Mark AME Church recently hosted the 100 Shades of Pink Luncheon. Averjill Rookwood, one of the coordinators of the event is of Jamaican American Heritage. As Vice-President of St. Mark’s Health Ministry Averjill formed a sub-committee to organize this event. The focus was to help those women who were fighting everyday. This charity event educates women about breast health and celebrates those who are surviving breast cancer. Event proceeds from the 100 Shades of Pink Luncheon go to the Sisters Network, Inc. This worthy organization is passionately committed to their mission of increasing the attention brought to the indelible impact that breast cancer has on a local and national level.

Team Caribbean American Passport walking against Breast Cancer

oin Team Caribbean American Passport for a walk against Breast Cancer. In the last two years - two of my aunts have been touched by Cancer. One is in remission and the other one died. I want to walk in their honor. Breast Cancer alone claims 1 in 8 people. Grab eight friends and walk with us so that you bring attention to the fact that it could be one of you. We want to show the Caribbean Presence here in Orlando, so walk with us, we’ll have a steelpan drummer walkSponsoring this event were Women’s Care of Clermont, ing along with us - bringing attention to the fact that Dr. Shelly Glover and Life Worth Living Pharmacy we represent the Caribbean People and we’re not going (LWL). LWL was proud to sponsor this event, renew- to be silent about Breast Cancer. ing it’s commitment to the community and making health awareness a part of it’s mission. LWL Phar- Date: Saturday, October 23, 2010 Location: Lake Eola Park macy is passionate about empowering people with inTime: Registration Begins at 6:30am/Walk Begins at 8:00am formation so that they make good healthy decisions. LWL is a full service pharmacy that offers compoundThe Making Strides event is not a race; it is a celebraing in Metro West. tion of survivorship, an occasion to express hope, and a shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of Pharmacy compounding is when the pharmacist creates so many people we love. When you participate in the one of a kind medications based on the unique needs of a Making Strides event, you’re helping create a world with patient as ordered by a health care provider. less breast cancer and more birthdays - where breast cancer never steals another year from anyone’s life. There is no registration fee and people of all ages are welcome to participate. However we are going to raise a lot of funds to give to the American Cancer Society from us the Caribbean Community in Central Florida. Your support enables the American Cancer Society to save lives by: • Helping people stay well by educating and empowering women to live healthy lives and reduce their risk for breast cancer, and to get screening tests such as mammograms to find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable • Helping people facing breast cancer get well by providing information, day-to-day help, and emotional support to guide them through every step of their breast cancer experience • Finding cures by investing in and conducting research that leads to groundbreaking discoveries into breast cancer’s causes and cures • Fighting back by working with lawmakers to support laws that help women battle breast cancer and help all women get access to screenings and care

Guenet Roberts, Monica May of Star 94FM and Sara Segal - wife of Mayoral Candidate Bill Segal with the Elizabeth of W L L Pharmacy. There is still more work to be done to beat this disease though - and they need your help! By participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, you will provide hope and help to millions of people nationwide whose lives have been forever changed by this disease. Join us for a few hours of exercise, inspiration, camaraderie, entertainment, and most importantly, to honor someone you know who has been affected by breast cancer - especially if that person is you. Join us October 23rd. For more information email guenetroberts@yahoo.com or call me at 407-421-8118. Join us on Facebook for more information.

Event Sponsor LWL Pharmacy at their table.

Do you want to get your company involved and walking with us? Find out how you can be a part of this Caribbean Community Walk. Special t-shirts with your company name will be available for the walk...get involved!

Caribbean American Chamber of Commerceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 20th Anniversary Gala Ballroom at Church Street, September 25th, 2010

The planning committee represented a wide spectrum of the Caribbean Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Jamaica & Guyana and they are seen here taking a bow for a job well done. CACCF combined serious awards with vibrant colorful entertainment to create an engaging event for attendees.

Business After Hours On right: CACCF September Business After Hours at Spring Garden Restaurant Maguire Rd., Ocoee.

The Owner of Spring Garden with Chamber members.

On left: Slingshot performed for the attendees.

Open Auditions will be held on Oct. 17th 4-7pm. Call Sandra Fatmi 770-789-7004 for more info.

Members of CACCF joined Business Connections Open Network and The Asian American Chamber of Commerce at their recent Business After Hours at the Samba Room to meet new contacts and to network.

AGE Tea Party Alliance For Guyanese Expatriates 5th Annual Tea Party & Hat Parade Rotary Club

Bollywood Hungamana Night at Mela Room

Diya International Dancers

Roberts & Roberts Property Management Services Serving Orlando & Central Florida Property Management We provide property management solutions for homes, businesses and vacation rentals. Renters! we have homes available.

Queen of the Hatters Design Contest 2 Young Models during the Hat Parade, they were so cute they were declared winners.

Contact Sam for more details: 407-810-6435.

The Diversity Network WOKB 1680AM - African American With Haitian Evenings and Caribbean Saturdays

Listen Live! 24 Hours per day - www.WOKBradio.com

Breakout by Sukree Boodram . . .

. . . a stunning memoir about an Indian woman who survives abuse and

alcoholism and winds up triumphant.

I recently met with Author Sukree Boodram, to talk about her upcoming book Breakout. Sukree is from Guyana and was raised to embrace her cultural and traditional beliefs, so it was hard to make the heart breaking decision to leave her abusive marriage. She was raised to keep personal problems to herself, so she didn't seek help or stand up to her husband until she found herself in a bind. Sukree embraced education and even though at the beginning of her marriage she had been a naive young woman by the end she had raised two children, gotten a Master's Degree and was able to break free and find the courage to share her story with the public. In her new book, which will be available to the public early 2011, Boodram charts her emotional growth, showing step-by-step how she was able to protect her children and herself and exit her marriage safely. It's a story of a person’s courage, but Breakout is also a gorgeous story of heartbreak, disappointment, and survival, showing that our own inner strength can always be counted on, and that one can always triumph over the odds. Sukree is not making this book about the abuser, it is about her story, how Sukree Boodram she as a victim was able to change the course of her life. Stabroek News ran a story about Sukree Boodram and the book Breakout and it was clear from the overwhelming comments that this book has touched a nerve in the Guyanese society. Sukree Boodram currently lives with her two children in Howey In The Hills, Florida . I was inspired and amazed at this woman and can't wait for the book to hit the shelves, enjoy the excerpt below. Guent Gittens-Roberts

Breakout’s Introduction Excerpt

“

How many people do you know from Black Bush Polder, Guyana, South America, with conservative, traditional Hindu values? If you were born in that corner of the world, I would guess a whole lot. OK then, how many are willing to tell you their life stories, possibly enduring the shame, humiliation, and criticism that accompany the most sacred things we are taught to preserve, our private lives? I am sure not many. You are about to meet me, Sukree Boodram. I was born at Lot 50 Joanna North, Black Bush Polder, Guyana, South America.…………” “When I was still young, my dad told me that I was special and different. He told me that someday I would marry a “good man” and be happy. He told me I was the prettiest girl he had ever seen, and that one day I would travel the world and be rich in all things. I believed every word of it……………” “Life for me was not easy. I plan to take you through the struggles of being born into a family of overwhelming courage……………. I hope you will be

challenged to become the best of what you aspire to be. My cherished hope is that we all live with grace, humility, and kindness amid the almost constant turbulence of the world. I also hope you have or will like and fall in love with the person you see in the mirror each day. I hope I am able to touch the lives of my readers and encourage everyone, when faced with adversities, to stop, think clearly, and then act appropriately, specifically in that order, without hurting others…………….” “Please open your minds and your hearts to a wonderful, true story. As the story unfolds, you may cry and perhaps laugh. Most importantly, it might make you think about your own life and stimulate you to plan for the years ahead. I will share with you choices and heartbreaks I would have never dreamed of as a child. It might prompt you to show humility and thankfulness for the things you have. At times, like me, under the influence of intense bliss, you might feel like dancing without the sound of music. Let’s begin my journey together. “

It’s that time again! Diversity Visa Lottery Diversity Visa Lottery Aims to Widen U.S. Immigrant Pool

New Firm Launch

Starts from October 5th and runs until November 3rd

very year the Diversity Visa Lottery gives 50,000 qualified people from countries that send low numbers of immigrants to the United States a chance to apply for a permanent resident visa, or “green card.” This year, the entry period for the lottery lasts for 30 days, from October 5 to November 3. The lottery is open to individuals who meet certain education or work requirements and were born in an eligible country. Those whose names are selected by computerized random drawing are permitted to take the next steps in the visa application process.

Hylton, Adamson, Watson & Moore, PLLC Firm Launch Date: Sunday, October 10, 2010 Time: 3:00 -5:00pm Location: 120 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32801

ylton, Adamson, Watson, & Moore, PLLC is a general “The idea was to diversify the immigrant pool,” said John practice law firm servicing the legal needs of clients in Wilcock, a visa specialist with the State Department, in exCentral & South Florida. The firm has a diverse mix of plaining the 1990 law that created the new class of “diversity attorneys and specializes in Civil Law (Family, Commercial immigrants.” He briefed journalists at Washington’s Foreign Transactions & Litigation, Bankruptcy, Estate Planning), ImPress Center September 27. migration Law, Criminal Defense and Personal Injury. HAW&M is committed to providing clients throughout the State of Florida The Diversity Visa Lottery is open to natives of countries that have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the United States with high quality cost effective legal representation and unin the last five years. Countries that are the source of high num- paralleled customer service. The Firm offers free consultations to members of the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce and its bers of immigrants are excluded from the lottery. affiliated organizations. The ineligible countries are the same as last year: Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Re- The seminar details are as follows: public, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, South Korea, Topic: Estate Planning United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent Date: October 21, 2010 territories, and Vietnam. People born in the Hong Kong SpeTime: 6:00 p.m. cial Administrative Region (SAR) of China, Macau SAR and Sponsors: Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, Regions Bank, Taiwan are eligible. and Hylton, Adamson, Watson & Moore, PLLC To ensure that 50,000 permanent resident visas are issued each R.S.V.P.: Sasha Watson 407-377-6388 year, Wilcock said, some additional names are selected in the lottery to make up for people who decide not to apply for a Seminar Release /Description: A will is not an effective estate visa or don’t qualify. plan and if it is the only thing you have then your affairs are not in order. Come to this free informational seminar and find THE PROCESS out what are the legal and financial instruments you need in The only way to apply for the lottery is to register online at the place to 1) provide for yourself and your family in case of designated State Department website. Applications will be ac- incapacity or death; 2)avoid probate; and 3) minimize your cepted only from noon EDT (16:00 GMT), Tuesday, October 5, tax liabilities. Additionally, we will teach you how to calculate 2010, to noon EDT (16:00 GMT), Wednesday, November 3, 2010. the value of your estate and educate you about the do’s and No applications will be accepted after that. Each applicant will don’ts of estate planning. Light refreshments will be provided. receive a unique confirmation number at the end of the regis- Space is limited and only confirmed guests will be able to attration process. tend, so RSVP early. The lottery instructions urge applicants not to wait until the last week of the registration period to enter because heavy demand may result in website delays. Applicants for the DV-2012 lottery will be able to check the status of their entries on the State Department’s diversity visa Entrant Status Check website starting on May 1, 2011. (Until then, the site will provide information on the DV-2011 lottery, which was held last year.) Entrants will be asked to provide their confirmation number, last name/family name and year of birth. People who are selected in the lottery will be instructed on how to apply for immigrant visas. They may receive an email from the Kentucky Consular Center advising them to check the website again for additional information, such as confirmation of a visa interview appointment.

I busted a mirror and got seven years bad luck, but my lawyer thinks he can get me five. — Stephen Wright

It’s that time again! Diversity Visa Lottery Scholarship to be awarded to a Guyanese American Law Student

ttorney Gail Seeram will give an 3. Course of studies with the legal or international fields of study (including criminal justice, paralegal studies, pre-law, etc.) academic Scholarship to a Guyanese American Student Application Process: Submit the following to Gail@Go2Lawyer.com: at the Guyanese Republic Ball. 2011 - G.A.I.L. (Giving Abundantly In 1. Name, phone number, email address. Life) Academic Scholarship 2. Submit proof of Guyanese heritage (copy of birth certificate of qualifying relative) Amount: $500.00

Gail Seeram 3. Academic transcript Description: This scholarship will be awarded to a student attending college who is pursuing legal or international 4. 500 word essay describing how your Guyanese heritage studies. impacted your academic studies or career path Eligibility: The student must meet the following requirements: Deadline: January 7, 2011 1. Be a former Guyanese National (born in Guyana) or a The scholarship will be presented on Saturday, February 19, child of Guyanese parents or grandchild of Guyanese 2011 at 7:00pm at the 2011 Guyanese American Cultural Asgrandparents sociation of Central Florida Republic Ball at the Ballroom at Church Street in Orlando, Florida. The winner will receive a complementary ticket to this dinner. 2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0

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With a Copy of This Ad Offer valid until December 31st. 2010.

Caribbean Chamber Event Sponsors

By President Carol Singh

you make us look great everytime. Thank You.

The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida cel- Break Away Moments - Sandy, Thank you for infusion of color ebrated 20 years in Central Florida. An extravaganza of Carib- and creativity to our program with the fashion show. bean Culture as it was dubbed by the Planning Committee was held at the Ballroom at Church Street, Downtown, Orlando. Bahama Breeze - a Chamber Partner, whose representative Ron was a hard working member of the Planning Committee. This event had been in the planning stages for at least one Thank you for always supporting us. year and I was able to work on the team with some talented people in the Caribbean Community. The committee was a City of Orlando - Thanks for your support and commitment to diverse collection of Caribbean talent - Jamaican, Guyanese, working with us in the future. Trinidadian, Barbadian and Grenadian. The support received by the Caribbean Community that evening spanned the spec- Luxury Rides - Brian, thanks for your sponsorship, you comtrum from English to French and Spanish speaking, they were mitted to us without knowing much more than that we were all in the room that night celebrating with us. having an event. We had Caribbean Art, Cultural Performances and a live band Florida Hospital - you are an ardent supporter of the Cariball perform that evening. A few of the honorees that evening bean American Chamber from our directory to our Gala. Thank were CSA, Orlando Powerstars, Nirvana Health Services, You. Mustapha Baksh and Florida Hospital. Coco Bean Productions - Creig, we’re always and will always Any event of this magnitude would not have been possible remain ardent fans. We can always count on you. without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you for underwriting a fabulous event. Nirvana Health Services - Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber through your hard work and sponsorship Puff and Stuff - the food was delicious, thank you for your spon- dollars. sorship and generosity of patience. GGR Marketing & PR - Sam & Guenet for their hard work and Unique Linens - the floral arrangements created competition at support of the Chamber. Words fail me when I think of all you the end of the evening, between people to take them home. Truly two did. Thank you for pulling together our Marketing and your work was amazing. As always thanks for your support. Public Relations for the event. Laparkan Shipping - you supported the Chamber from the beginning as you do the Caribbean Community. Paul & Anita, you guys are wonderful assets to the Central Florida Caribbean Community.

A heartfelt thank you to the Planning Committee Sandra Fatmi, Chairperson and her team, Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Dahlia Hayles, Ron Roach, Sam Roberts, Sarah Ramlochan and Andre Allong. Great effort and job well done!

Florida Pain Solutions - Dr. Jaleel, you have been a tremendous supporter of most of the Chamber’s events during the past year. Thank you for your generous support.

Thank you to our Hosts for the evening - our wonderful members who hosted tables - A& A Logistics, Diamond Talent Management, Dahlia Hayles of Pre Paid Legal Services, Financial Solutions with Dahlia & Sandra, GGR Marketing & PR, First National Royalty Events - Sultana, WOW Member, thank you for your Bank, Nirvana Health Services, VIP Financial, Mark’s Caribbean enthusiastic support of our efforts. Cuisine, Roberts & Roberts Mgt. Services & LWL Pharmacy. Speedy Quick Printing - Cass & Mike, you always come through,

Mayoral Candidate Bill Segal and his wife with Mr. & Mrs. Leo Mendez of Nirvana Health Services

Keith Gooden & Karl Chung who accepted the award on behalf of Mustapha Baksh, Chairman Emeritus of CACCF

Handy business websites

y now, most of you should know websites like Facebook, Logotournament.com Need a new LinkedIn, Twitter, Ning and the others that are useful Logo for your business? for social networking and enhancing your web presence. However below are a few that you don’t hear about very often If you have ever paid a designer to create a logo for your busibut are great for your business: ness, you know it can be pricey. Worst of all, you may not like what the person designs. You can now circumvent this issue Weebly.com Create a website through a site called LogoTournament.com.

on the Fly at no charge

This site allows you to bid how much you would like to pay for your logo, with bids starting at $250. Logotournament.com You have a website that focuses on the general area where guarantees you will get at least 30 choices or the company will you work. You want to create a new website that focuses on a refund your money. Designers post their designs and you sespecific condominium building or a market niche such as wa- lect a winner you own the artwork and best of all there’s no terfront properties. You also have no budget. surprises about what you’re getting. You can now create multiple websites devoted to hyperlocal (narrow niche) Content with weebly.com. Just pic out the temFlowtown.com plate and the colors you like, put in the text, register the URL, and you’re ready to go. Best of all, there’s no charge. Use e-mail addresses to find social media connections This is a terrific tool. Oftentimes the only information that you have for a lead is an email address. Using an individual’s email Checkusernames.com Save your name address, flowtown.com can show you all the different social networks your customers are on, including facebook, Twitter, Checkusernames.com checks 160 other sites such as Active Rain, LinkedIn, Myspace and more. Flowtown is a great resource for Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, and Youtube to see if your username extending your reach using social media. is available on those sites. When you enter your name, the site displays those sites where your username is still available. This article is brought to you by GGR Marketing & Public Relations who asks - Do you have a plan for your social network To protect your online identity, register your name, especially marketing? Are you networking effectively by building relaon the major sites, even if you don’t use those accounts. A simi- tionships? Do you have a contact database set up for your lar service is available from namechk.com, which checks 149 business? If you’re not sure, about any one of these questions, different sites. set an appointment to talk with me NOW.

The Haitian American Chamber has unveiled a new website: www.ghaacc.org CALENDAR

Event

Contact Information

05:

SBDC Introduction to Federal Govt Procurement Seminar

407-420-4850

07:

SBDC Start Up Basics for Businesses

407-420-4850

12:

CACCF E Commerce Workshop

407-491-9192

13:

SBDC Sales Strategies for Small Businesses

407-420-4850

15:

BBIF Business Opportunity Symposium

407-649-4780

19:

CACCF Monthly Board Meeting

407-245-7316

27:

GACACF Financial Health Seminar

407-421-8118

20:

SBDC Bookkeeping & Taxes

407-420-4850

20:

Joint Chambers of Commerce Business After Hours Networking

407-245-7316

23:

Joint SBA & CACCF Workshop

407-245-7316

Miami Broward One Carnival — Continued from page 1 —

Miami Carnival Weekend of Activities

In second place with 271 points was Heritage TNT’s “Ole Time Something Come Back Again”, featuring Junior King of Carnival Marlon Marcano and his runner-up, Jordan Sinanan; Junior Male Individual of the Year Jaden Chan Tack (pictured) who tied with OCTOBER 8 - FRIDAY Joshua Saldenha of Wassi Babes; Junior Queen of Carnival runner-up Kaylah Foster, the 2nd and 3rd place Junior Female Indi- VIRGIN ISLAND BIG BANG viduals Jazmeen DeGannes (pictured) and Sasha Donaldson, and Daryl’s Hall, 1290 Ali Baba Street, Opa Locka FL 33238 Xavier Garcia, the 3rd place Junior Male Individual of the Year. Adv. $20 Third place went to Major Players portraying “Auras” and in fourth place was China 2010’s “Evolution”. In 3rd place for the Junior Queen of Carnival was Katesha Bynielle of Break Awae Kru and the third-place Junior King of Carnival was Gregory Whiteman of Wassi Babes. The Junior Carnival set the tone for the Carnival extravaganza. With the success of the children’s bands on October 3rd, expectations are high and the vibe is strong. Bands are distributing costumes and making their final preparations. On October 10th, at Sun Life Stadium in the City of Miami Gardens, the Miami-Broward Carnival will return to its roots, where it all started 26 years ago.

SCRUPLES 14TH ANNUAL BLOCK-O FETE! Bayside Hut. All Inclusive. $50.00 Adv. Tickets. ANTIGUAN PARTY Calder Race Course Rooftop, 21001 NW 27th Ave. Miami 33056. Adv. $20 JOUVERT/BLOCK PARTY INTERNATIONAL FLAG NIGHT Soho Studios, 2136 NW 1st Avenue, Midtown Miami Adv $37, VVIP $72 BLACK & WHITE The Solare Gardens, 3635 NW 78th Avenue, Doral 33166

For information about Miami Carnival please visit VINTAGE & GROOVEY SOCA JAM miamibrowardcarnival.com MahiTemple, 1480 NW North River Drive, Miami Adv $40, $45 at door

Note from Jackie

West Indian Men and the Women who love them

OCTOBER 9 - SATURDAY SOCA XPLOSION Galaxy Skateway, 3737 N. Davie Road Extension. Davie, FL 33024. Adv $40

By Jackie Rampergas

MIAMI DAY FETE Gulfstream Park, 901 South Federal Highway, hat makes a West Indian man interesting? It can’t Hallendale FL 33009. Adv $70 be the way most of them approach you “what a gwan gal you look good ina dem jeans” or even R.A.V.E - A Real Artist Vibe Experience “whats up browning give me yo numba mek me call yo” but there’s something special that keeps West Indian women interested. Calder Race Course, 21001 NW 27th Avenue, My aunt and uncle both born in Jamaica were married for over Miami Gardens 33056. Adv. $25, VIP $35 50 years, a few years before she died I asked her “what make uncle so special.” Her response “he not special, for the first 25 ONE NIGHT STAND years, I had to fight women daily over him, then I put him out Deco Lounge, 606 E Hallendale Beach Blvd. FL 33009. Adv $15 for a few years” however this same couple reunited, renewed their vows twice - she loved and stayed with him to her dying day. SOCA BACCHANAL Dania Jai Alai, 301 East Dania Beach Blvd. Fl 33004. Adv $35 I have a friend who was born in India, grew up in England and married a Guyanese man. She informed me years ago ULTIMATE ALL INCLUSIVE MIAMI DAY FETE that her husband after twelve years of marriage told her “he Gulfstream Park, Adv. $70.00 was tired of the same fire every night”. What would you do if your husband said that to you? KILL HIM YES!

OCTOBER 10 - SUNDAY

I was born in England and raised by Jamaican parents, they made ten kids together and I’ve never seen them kiss, hug or show any affection in public. I never saw my father ever buy a present for my mother, always saying “why take her to dinner...when she love to cook” I don’t remember them going to the movies or on dates, he just played cricket on Sunday and kept food on the table, paid the bills, they were married for over twenty years and never a loving word, but it worked for them.

PARADE OF THE BANDS AND STAGE SHOW Sunlife Stadium, 2267 NW 199th Street, Miami Gardens, Fl 33056 Gates open at 11 am. Adv $20, Gate $25. Grand Marshall at Carnival Parade Machel Montano

I myself am married to an Indian Guyanese man who is wonderful in many ways. He’s smart, talented, works hard, is creative but on the other hand today I was locked out of the home, the garage door wouldn’t open, I had my screaming one year old with me and could not find my keys. I called my husband at work to ask him what I should do and he calmly stated that he was at work and that I should “Jump the fence. Work it out, you’re resourceful, get back to me when you get in.” I asked a neighbor to borrow a ladder, left him with the screaming baby, climbed the 8' ladder, scrambled the extra few feet into an open window and was fine. Do you get what I mean, I did get in but just the fact that he put it in those words makes me wonder about West Indian men and the women who love them!

I LOVE SOCA Mango’s Tropical Cafe Adv. $20.00 / $35.00, VIP Tickets. DJ VID 917-709-1116

RAMJAM CARNIVAL AFTER PARTY Calder Race Course, 21001 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens 33056 Adv. $20

OCTOBER 11 - MONDAY RAMJAM ON FIRE Calder Race Course, 21001 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens 33056. Adv. $25 LAST WUK UP Tropics in Pines, 7100 Pines Blvd. Pembroke Pines, Fl. 33024 Adm $10

Unity By Dr. Cephas Thomas We all desire, wish, want, and need unity. Without it we are all doomed, doomed, to repeat unwanted, unpleasant, unproductive, and destructive existences.

one Caribbean nation under God, consisting of individual countries. Just like concrete is made. Each country contributes to the unified whole, because of its own individual uniqueness. This one nation does not look upon the differences of one another, but upon the similarities and uniqueness of each other, complementing and encouraging one another. Formidable as the rock of Gibraltar .

Without unity the horrors of life is exacerbated infinitely. Achieving unity is an arduous task. It is a journey met head on by difficult, demanding, exhausting, grueling, punishing, tiring, heavy, rigorous, back-breaking, and taxing dark diabolic forces, clandestine schemes, and surreptitious acts to say the least. Despite such formidable obstacles, for that’s what they are. Unity can be achieved among the most complex kaleidoscope patterns of cosmopolitanism peoples, Spanish, Dutch, French, Arawak Indian, Carib Indian, East Indian, West Indian, African, British, Scottish, Mulatto, and whatever mixture one can think of.

We all know what the problem is. In many ways and many different words we can describe the problem. Starting today, Yes, today, let us put our heads together and find the solution that will bring us all together, together as we are in the Caribbean Sea , together as we are in the sun. When we say Caribbean , sun comes to mind. When we say sun, Caribbean comes to mind. To gain something we must give up something. To gain something great we must give up something great.

Yes! Yes! Yes! Unity can be achieved!!! It must be done! We can dot it!!!

To gain more we must give more to get more.

We see a vision of Caribbean people coming together as one,

Nothing in this life is free. There is a price that must be paid.

St. Paul Community Church 8413 Clematis Lane Orlando, Florida 32819 (mailing address only) (407) 342-6461; stead6655@aol.com And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6: 17) Statement of Purpose (Mission Statement): We are a people of God devoted to living out the simplicity of the Gospel given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ so that others may come to know and be changed by the amazing love and grace of Christ. We believe: (a)

We are part of the Body of Christ (the Universal Church) and know ourselves not to be a mere idea, building or address. We are a redeemed community saved by God’s divine grace in Jesus Christ. As new creations we seek to live out the implications of our new life in Him. (b) The Good News about Jesus Christ is to be shared and so we are deeply committed to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment by which others can be encouraged by word and deed, to be followers of Christ. A relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ will result in lives being changed for the better. (c) One of the best ways to share Jesus with others is to live by the principles of gratitude and generosity. We are inspired and encouraged by the lives and work of the early Apostles of our Lord and by our Lord’s own generosity in giving Himself in completeness for us on the cross. We are fully committed to the principle that the people of God must be generous at all times and not mean-spirited. This generosity is born out of our gratitude for what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. (d) People of all persuasions who are prepared to abide by the teachings of the Bible in all matters pertaining to good morals and wholesome living are to be welcomed into our fellowship. We will not discriminate against or judge anyone on the basis of sexuality, gender, age, ethnicity or their status in society. As a redeemed community we are mindful of the frailty of human life and of our own shortcomings and so we are grateful to our Lord for our new life in Him. We however insist that people’s lifestyles must be consistent with that of the new life in Christ as it is supported by Holy Scriptures. We will extend pastoral care and guidance to all people as we are guided to in the work of our Lord. (e) Institutional and hierarchical structures of the Church have tended towards the building up of power structures that have not helped in demonstrating the shepherding care of our Lord in the lives of people. Often such structures have worked against the strength of the Gospel in the lives of those it is intended to serve. We therefore reject these institutional structures while at the same time remaining fully committed to good polity that will redound to good order and good governance in effectively carrying out the tasks committed to us by our Lord. St. Paul Community Church meets each Sunday at 10 AM at the Orlo Vista Chamber of Commerce building on 38 S. Hastings Street, Orlando, Florida 32861; phone number: (407) 352-6461.

New Site, New Look. Post your Events & your Business for Free on CaribbeanFinder.com