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Message from the Consul General of Trinidad & Tobago at the Inaugural Flight of CAL

Caribbean-American Heritage Month

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t is both my pleasure and honour to raise the toast on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago as we gather here in the beautiful Hyatt Regency to salute the inaugural flight of the Aircraft Boeing 737 BW 482.

This industry’s tradition of welcoming and offering best wishes to a new addition to a fleet merges seamlessly within the ongoing evolution of Caribbean Airlines/ Air Jamaica as the region’s premier Airline of choice.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is pleased to extend to our Caribbean Community the benefits of this enhanced fleet. The Airline industry as we all know is not without its own set of challenges but I am proud to say that Caribbean peoples have never run from their challenges but have confronted them with respect and maturity.

In this regard, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has put the region first...as we brand the Airline we brand the Region.

Mayor Buddy Dyer proclaimed June Caribbean-American Heritage Month to recognize those who have contributed to the growth, development and cultural diversity of our beautiful City while promoting the heritage and culture of their native countries. He also recognized the “Heads of the Caribbean Organizations of Central Florida.” The City of Orlando played an active part in the Celebrations held in June as part of the month of activities done on a joint basis by the Caribbean American Heritage Month Committee, known as “CAHM” to celebrate. Mayor Dyer followed up with a congratulatory call to head of CAHM, Sam Roberts to send personal congratulations to the Caribbean Community, on the month of activities and to offer his support for the activities next year.

Guyana’s President Bharat Jagdeo visits Florida and makes a trip to Orlando So long...but not good bye

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erhaps by October or so, he will be unemployed but President Bharrat Jagdeo is not now looking for a new job.

In fact he has turned down the opportunity to be the Secretary General of the 15-member regional grouping, CARICOM, of which he had been part of for the past 12 years.

In this regard, Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to thank especially, our Caribbean community residing here in the United States who at all levels have generously supported this national airline.

I wish to thank too, the efforts of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and

— Continued on page 2 —

The President of Guyana, Bharat Jagdeo in the middle President Jagdeo, with Publishers of Caribbean of the Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Anil American Passport News Magazine, Sam and Ramnanan and the Hon. Consul of Guyana, Mr. Roshanali.

Guenet Roberts — Continued on page 18 & 19 —

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Caribbean Airlines touches down at MCO International Airport

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aribbean Airlines operated its inaugural flight to Orlando, Florida on Tuesday 5 July. Landing at MCO International Airport the day after the United State celebrated its independence, most were still in the mood for celebrating as the airline was greeted with the traditional water salute upon arrival in Central Florida.

The airline announced its intention to operate the Orlando route in mid-April. The flight left from Piarco International Airport at 10 a.m. on Tuesday with the airline’s Vice-President, Operations, Capt Thomas Lawrence, piloting the 737 aircraft to Orlando. Following arrival into Central Florida, Caribbean Airlines personnel were guests at a flight reception hosted by the Greater Orlando Airports Authority at the Hyatt Regency.

Guests included Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz and Trinidad and Tobago’s General

Counsel, Miami, Dr Anil Ramnanan, among others.

The arrival of Caribbean Airlines and its connections to tropical getaways is great news. It furthers our plans as an airport and as a community to cultivate and connect to markets that have historically been under served. This is good business for Orlando International and the 35 million people we serve and is good business for all of Central Florida”, says Cesar E. Calvet, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. Also speaking at the reception in Orlando was Vice-President of Operations Captain Thomas Lawrence who reinforced the message that since finalising its deal with Air Jamaica on 26 May 2011, Caribbean Airlines would now operate as one airline with two brands Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica. Caribbean Airlines will operate the Orlando route from Trinidad twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays for the duration of the summer period.

Message from the Consul General Continued from page 1 in particular those of the Hon Kamla Persad Bissessar Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago for their ongoing support and commitment to the region which has remained manifest and unwavering. In addition to our Government’s vision for the regional carrier by its emphasis of human capital and resource personnel at Caribbean Airlines Limited, I must mention also the vision of having a dedicated Ministry of Transport in its recent Cabinet realignment.

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To the Honourable Devant Maharaj Minister of Transport under whose portfolio this airline now falls may your own commitment to our region continue to redound to benefit of the airline. May we raise this toast to the warmth of the islands.

Thank you all!

L I F E S T Y L E

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hew, Caribbean American Heritage Month is over!

It seems as though every step I’ve taken over the last few months have all been towards a united Caribbean Community in Central Florida. June was a wonderful month - filled with people passionate about the Caribbean Community who united and worked together to bring you the community together. Some people feel that it started with Sam and I, but it really did start years ago in Orlando, with people who had the vision to see that this needed to be done. It just didn’t take off as it should have. Last year, the Heads of Caribbean Organisations met and decided to unite again, under the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, this led to the formation of a Caribbean American Heritage Month committee under the Chamber. I decided to put the resources of this magazine squarely behind any effort towards Caribbean unity in Central Florida, and so anytime we had a public forum, we used it to speak about Caribbean Unity. My message is and always has been the same - We’re in the United States now, and we have to think the way they do here - if we want to be recognized or listened to - we have to show that we’re worth it.

Due to the diversity of the US, you have to show numbers to stand out, politician understand your value if you have enough numbers to sway an election, companies sponsor your events if you show that you have enough people in their target market. We have to show unity first, so that we could all show numbers. Our radio stations aren’t free - most radio personalities have to pay to play. Why? It’s because we don’t show enough of a demographic here for them to be taken seriously by the larger stations. Enough! Those of us active in the Caribbean Community know that as a group we’re quite large in Central Florida. We have small businesses and we keep starting them even in this down economy. Most of us are in the larger american community, where we’ve assimilated and have gotten on with our lives. Last month, many people that I didn’t know were from the Caribbean, stepped up and owned it.

This past June was a beginning, the event is over, but I’d like to encourage all of the people who stepped up in June, to keep it up. We’ve gotten off to a fantastic start, next month we’ll celebrate at the Jamaican and the Trinidadian Independence Galas, we’ll put on our fancy stuff this time, most of us will see each other again and again as we usually do and we’ll smile and laugh about how hard we worked, how much we enjoyed those few hours before the rain and how could you believe that after all that work - the event was rained out. Some will talk about the launch at Circa Restaurant and how they didn’t even know about Park Ave, and others will talk about how great the soccer match was and ways they plan on making it better next year, others will talk about the BBIF, business networking and the new people they met, some were introduced to cricket for the first time and realized that most of the fun is in the liming and about the good food that was in the back of the trunk that was opened at the end of the night. We all watched the rain chances all week and just a few hours into the event down at Lake Eola,

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

the rain came tumbling down, only a few of the 26 acts scheduled to perform got their chance that day. You would think that it spoilt it all, but it didn’t - everyone who was out there that day and who worked towards putting it together, all said the same thing - Same Place, Next Year, See You! I’d like to leave you with part of a poem that captured the spirit of the planning for last June It’s not where you end up that means as much As the road that you travel along.

And it’s not the result that counts as much As the progress that makes you strong.

Since it’s not the destination. . . It’s the journey.

It’s not meeting your aim that matters as much As the course that you take day by day.

And it’s not reaching your goal but who you touch As you share from your heart along the way.

Because, it’s not the destination. . . It’s the journey.

It’s not the objective that’s important to meet As the trail’s challenge that you weather.

And it’s not making the finish but who you greet As on the highway you work together.

You see, it’s not the destination. . . It’s the journey.

— Arlene Alpert

OOPS! Last month we printed the wrong year of birth for Alexander Hamilton.

It was actually 1755 or 1757 instead of 1775 or 1777 as we printed.

GGR Marketing & Public Relations 1969 Alafaya Trail, Suite 133 • Orlando, Fl 32828 407.421.8118 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor .............................................................................Audrey Johnson Contributing Writers: ................................................. Natasha Gittens . .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell ........................... ........................................................ Heather Chisolm ..................................................................................... Marilyn Graeves ................... ............................................... Natasha Waldron-Anthony Contributing Photographers ................................. Raymond Massenat ........................................................................................ MarkBannister ..................................................... ...........................................K.P. Singh Copyright (C) 2010 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

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Sukree Boodram’s Documentary on Domestic Violence premiered at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana

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especially when she spoke about the day she had planned to take her own life but later returned home and realized that she almost deprived her children of their mother.

ukree Boodram’s documentary, Breakout: Surviving Abuse and Alcoholism. Voice of a Survivor launched this past June in Georgetown , Guyana to a packed audience with her daughter at her side. The event saw women pledging to stand up against domestic violence.

However, even though Boodram is willing to talk about the mental and emotional abuse she, like so many women, was not willing to The launching of the docuopen up on the issue of mentary is part of ‘Break the sexual abuse. Madray, who Silence’ campaign organized is a mental health profesby Boodram, Varshnie Singh sional, pointed out that vicof Kids First Fund, overseastims of sexual abuse have based Guyanese Dianne to be counseled repeatedly Madray of the Irene Madray before they can attempt to Recreational Arts and Retalk about it. Boodram said sources Centre (IMRARC) and it is something she is adnewspaper columnist Stella dressing and she hopes that Ramsaroop. At the launch, Women from our Break the Silence, No to Domestic Violence Group some time in the future she the women repeated that their group is non-political, non-religious and non-racial. “So we would be able to speak on the issue at a forum for a minute are not here for politics or anything like that. We are here as and not cry “but currently I am not able to do that because part of a group. We are sisters who join in the effort to build it is probably the most personal part of my life...” public awareness. Because what I know is that we cannot eradicate domestic violence but we can minimize it...,” Madray told She said she now has more happy days than she had when she was in the abusive relationship “but it is not a virtual healing the attendees. that you never feel pain again.” One of the important points The group launched the campaign last year with a massive raised by a member of the audience was whether Boodram rally at the Bourda Cricket Ground. That launch was followed can now trust men following her experience and she made it by several educational sessions around the country. Boodram, clear that she has no issues with men as abuse is an individual who currently lives in Central Florida, plans to take her fight issue and all men cannot be lumped into one category. against domestic violence not only around Guyana but worldwide and she will work with any group or individuals to make “I am still healing and I will have to continue to seek help because like someone who is addicted to alcohol who always a difference wherever needed. has to seek help, I will always be a victim who needs help,” Opening to a large crowd that included the members of various Boodram answered when asked by a member of the audience advocacy groups - Minister of Human Services & Social Security whether she will ever be really healed.

Priya Manickchand, PNCR Presidential Candidate, David Granger and AFC ‘s Prime Ministerial Candidate, Sheila Holder Following the premiere, there were several breakout sessions among others. The evening opened with the haunting voice of held throughout Guyana by the group. They visited Boodram’s a little girl recounting how she had witnessed her mother and hometown and did a session in New Amsterdam as well as brothers being abused by her father and the evening revealed traveled to Black Bush Polder where Boodram held a session at that many women have suffered as Boodram did. Some the Mibikuri Community Development Center. The message women, most of whom are well known in Guyanese society, of ‘Break the Silence’ was well received and the group plans to stood up and revealed that they identify with what Boodram continue to do these sessions globally. In addition, Boodram revealed in the documentary. The documentary featured visited her former high school and spoke to the students and mostly Boodram being interviewed and being asked questions staff, all in a continued effort to spread the global message of that were not pre-prepared. She became emotional a few times; Speaking Out against Abuse.

Sukree Boodram and her daughter Samantha walking down the red carpet at the premiere

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Cross Section of the audience

States’ immigration drive hits impasse in the courts

By Tim Gaynor

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year ago, immigrant labor activist Salvador Reza thought Arizona’s tough state immigration crackdown could empty the work site he ran in north Phoenix.

But 12 months on, after a federal judge blocked key parts of the law, day laborers still line up from dawn to tout for work, occasionally heckled by protesters who want them gone. In short, deadlock.

“This is low intensity warfare that’s going to go on for years,” said Reza.

The stalemate at the sun-baked day labor site in Phoenix is emblematic of the impasse around the country as other states have followed Arizona’s lead on immigration, only to be knocked back by the courts.

Parts of Arizona’s law — notably a measure requiring police to quiz those they detained and suspected of being in the country illegally about their immigration status — were

immigration system, tightening security along the porous Mexico border and tackling the status of 11 million unauthorized immigrants living in the shadows.

“We promised the people of Alabama we would take action to combat illegal immigration in this state, and that’s what this law does,” Mike Hubbard, the Republican speaker of the Alabama state House said in a statement last Friday after the state’s law was challenged in a suit.

While each court ruling adds to the impasse, any resolution remains far off, analysts say, either in terms of Washington overhauling immigration laws, or the courts reaching a final ruling on the states’ measures.

Under pressure as he heads for reelection next year, President Barack Obama reiterated his support for a major immigration shake-up in a k e y - n o t e speech in El Paso in May,

“If you look at the Republican House, it’s complete intransigence. There’s no desire to look for some realistic compromise reform.”

On left: Salvador Reza

blocked hours before they took effect last July, after a judge ruled that immigration matters are Washington’s responsibility.

The wave of judicial rebuttals continued in May, when a federal judge temporarily blocked Arizona-style enforcement provisions in a package of immigration laws passed by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert in March.

Then in June, key parts of tough state crackdowns due to take effect in both Georgia and Indiana on July 1 — seeking immigration powers for police and other restrictions — were stayed in temporary injunctions imposed by the courts.

In Alabama, civil rights groups last week filed a challenge to a law widely seen as the nation’s toughest, requiring public schools to determine the immigration status of students and punishing employers who hire people who are not legal residents and landlords who knowingly rent property to them.

“It’s been kind of one step forward and one step back,” said Bruce Merrill, an Arizona State University pollster and political scientist, of the emerging pattern of deadlock.

“All it does for me is emphasize the need for true reform at the federal level,” he added.

giving millions of illegal immigrants a shot at citizenship if they pay a fine and go to the back of the line.

But while he said his Democratic administration had met Republican concerns over border security — by boosting the number of federal border police, among other steps — there is no mood for compromise in the U.S. Congress before he seeks reelection in November next year.

“If you look at the Republican House, it’s complete intransigence.

There’s no desire to look for some realistic compromise reform,” said Mark Jones, a political scientist at Rice University in Texas.

The legal battle in the courts is also likely years from any final resolution.

Arizona has yet to petition the U.S. Supreme Court in its immigration battle, and any resolution of the state’s appeal there could be delayed while lower courts thrash out appeals lodged by others states, legal experts say.

‘NO DESIRE FOR COMPROMISE’

“At the moment it seems likely that it’s going to take a couple of years before there’s a final decision from the Supreme Court,” said Gabriel “Jack” Chin, Chester H. Smith Professor of Law at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

The states passed the laws amid frustration at the federal government’s failure to overhaul the United States’ broken

“I think we are still in the early to middle stage of the legal journey here,” he added.

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

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BRYAN AND GARY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING A PUBLIC FORUM FOR SOME OF THE MOST PROVOCATIVE AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING TOPICS THAT DEAL WITH EVERYDAY LIFE. TODAY THEY’RE ASKING THE QUESTION: WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOUR TEENAGER COMMITTED A SERIOUS CRIME, WOULD YOU TURN HIM/HER IN? BRYAN: Well Gary I think that’s a very good question. Defi- BRYAN: Well I wouldn’t RAT OUT my son, I tell you that. Now nitely thought provoking and something that could happen to I hear you with the responsibility and respect argument, and I anyone. So what would you do? definitely see where you’re coming from but at the end of the day it’s quite simple for me (SON or NO SON). I choose my son.

GARY: Well I agree that it’s a good question and one that most people wouldn’t think about, but I would GARY: Yeah Bryan , but wouldn’t you want to teach like to think that I would do your son that there are consequences to his actions. the RGHT thing.

BRYAN: Of Course, But I still wouldn’t turn in my son. My job as BRYAN: Which is what exactly, a parent is to LOVE, PROTECT and EDUCATE my kids. As far as because your definition of consequences, I didn’t say there wouldn’t be consequences for his RIGHT might be totally different actions. I just said I would not from mine?

INFORM on my son to the police. I’m not gonna purposely GARY: Bryan, in a world send my son to prison so they now filled with pants below can de-flower him and take your backside, gold teeth, away his innocence. I’m not platinum dentures, low ridgonna do it. ers and “bling bling”, I think some where along the GARY: LOL, “De-flower” I way a lot of parents have like that, But how would Bryan forgotten to pass on to their you punish him for comchildren the basic fundamentals that ruled society not mitting a serious crime? so long ago.

Gary BRYAN: I don’t know Gary , BRYAN: Gary, I know that society and pop culture has had an Maybe I’ll cut off one of his fingers so he knows there are conaffect on our kids, but you still haven’t answered the ques- sequences to his actions. I don’t know. All I know is that when tion. Would you turn your son or daughter in? Would you a parent loves his child the way that I INFORM on them? Would you RAT them out? ..... (LOL)..... love my son, this is not as clear cut as you make it seem.

What would you do?

GARY: Well the fact that it would not be an easy deciGARY: Well, it is my belief and you may agree or dis- sion is about the only thing you’ve said that I agree agree, that kids are to be taught to be responsible and with, everything else....RUBBISH. respectful to and of others. With that said, my child that I love so dearly would have to understand that BRYAN: O.K. Mr. INFORMER, but I’d really love to hear what the same daddy that held their hand as they took their our readers have to say. first steps, that taught them how to ride a bike, that went to show and tell, protected them when they were LIFE IS A JOURNEY THAT’S FULL OF UPS AND DOWNS, TWISTS bullied, and taught them right from wrong could do AND TURNS, SUCCESSES AND FAILURES, AND A LOT OF THINGS nothing other than the RIGHT thing. My grandmother IN BETWEEN. SO WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF FACED WITH THIS would say “trouble neva setup like rain” and when DECISION? E-MAIL US AT BACK2BASICLIVE@GMAIL.COM . “story come to bump”, “the fowls must come home to roost” and you shall surely “meet your waterloo.” Sim- BACK 2 BASICS ply put you have made your bed, so will lay in it. I would have no choice Bryan but to report my child. TUNE IN EVERY SATURDAY FROM 5PM-7PM ON YOUR RADIO OR LISTEN TO US LIVE ON WWW.WOKBRADIO.COM What would you do?

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Grenadian diaspora encouraged to get involved

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renadians in Central Florida were recently presented with an opportunity to express their thoughts and make suggestions on the working draft of a new constitution. The consultation provides Grenadians with an opportunity to have input into the content of their fundamental law.

This is the first time Grenada’s constitutional reform consultative process has been taken to the Diaspora. The process continues the work done by Constitution Review Commissions in 1985 and 2006.

According to organisers, “The feedback so far has been excellent. Obviously, many Grenadians have read the document and they have raised lots of questions. It has been very encouraging so far.” The team has also visited Toronto, Fort Lauderdale, Montreal, New York and Washington. “The Diaspora contributes to Grenada economically and it also influences the process back home,” he said.

Grenadians who have sworn allegiance to another country cannot run for public office in the country of their birth under the current constitution. Under the draft constitution, they could do so once they satisfy the residency requirements of at least up to five years and their adopted country is a constitutional democracy with which Grenada shares diplomatic relations and a commitment to the protection of basic human rights.

illegitimacy no matter how much we venerate it or how enthusiastically we embrace it. And this has been compounded by the fact that we have retained the British monarch as our head of state and its judicial committee as our final appellate tribunal.”

Grenada is committed to the Caribbean Court of Justice established in 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s final court. “The Privy Council is a British institution and not ours,” McIntosh has repeatedly said. “It has merely agreed to do us a favour in serving as our final appellate court. Therefore, the British Parliament in a one-sentence piece of legislation can take that institution from us following an overwhelming vote by the electorate on a public referendum in favour of keeping the Privy Council as our final court of appeal. Incidentally, in the very same sentence, the British Parliament may also put an end to our silly pretences of claims to the crown.”

In August of this year, Grenadians across the United States will engage in the first Diaspora Conference. The Office of Diaspora Affairs has been established in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the Grenadian Diaspora in national development, by creating opportunities for partnerships between government agencies, the private sector, civil society local communities and Severing constitutional ties to Britain and forming a parlia- the Diaspora communities. mentary republican state are key recommendations in the draft constitution. Grenada achieved independence on Feb- A Diaspora Conference has been slated for August 2nd - 3rd, ruary 7, 1974. “This means that the originating conscious- 2011 to be followed by a Diaspora Homecoming in 2012. All ness behind the making of our fundamental law was not our Grenadians in the Diaspora, including community organizaown,” said McIntosh, one of the speakers on the overseas leg tions, are invited to attend. For additional information go to of the tour. “This law will therefore bear the taint of political www.grenadaembassyusa.org/

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Back to School Day Festival

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n July 30th, 2011 the Caribbean Community Connection of Orlando in collaboration with the Pine Hills Neighborhood Center For Families (funded by the Orange County Florida) and in partnership with Victoria Siplin, will be celebrating its 8th Annual Back to School Day Festival at The Pine Hills Neighborhood Center For Families, located at 2000 Beecher ST, Orlando, FL from 10am-2pm. This is a festive event and a day full of food, music, and fun. Although we provide a host of other services, this day, our main focus is to provide free school supplies to needy children in the community.

The Caribbean Community Connection takes a proactive response to the concerns of the Caribbean community and values education as a key component to success. We believe “An Educated Community is a Proactive Community.”

For more information: Margalite Stinvil, Event coordinator 407-704-5397.

Campaign for Education School Supply Drop-off Sunday, August 14th, 2011 — 11am - 4pm Columbia College Lobby, 2600 Technology Dr, Orlando, FL 32804

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aiti Health & Rehabilitation is launching “Campaign for Education” and will be collecting back packs and school supplies for the children of both Haiti & Central FL. We are also looking for volunteers, sponsors and donors.

E-mail odette@haitihealthrehab.org for more information and visit our website www.haitihealthrehab.org. Follow us on twitter @ HaitiHealthReha.

FOR SALE

House and Land in Tobago 4 bedroom with Toilet & Bath Signal Hill

Contact: Carl 321-663-6533

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WAOPF Members and friends at their recent Family Fun Day at Orlo Vista Park

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AOPF recently completed a 5k walk around Lake Eola which had about 75 attendees walking to raise awareness for Diabetes.

Plans are in place for their Third Annual Tour De Life 5k walk in Jamaica on September 4th. We are One People Foundation has thirty confirmed people travelling from Central Florida to Jamaica to participate in the walk. For more information on joining the trip to Jamaica or on the foundation go to www.waopf.com

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Image, Caribbean Cultural Society Inc. gets ready for The 4th ANNUAL Staging of the Ms. Orlando Caribbean Pageant 2011

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mage, Caribbean Cultural Society Inc. is a non-profit organization that emerges with the mission of contributing to the growth and development of minority women living in Orlando. The Caribbean Pageant is implemented by Image Caribbean Cultural Society, Inc to facilitate the empowerment of young women and provide an entertaining, unique and elegant night of culture and festivities with the Ms. Orlando Caribbean Pageant 2011.

Grooming Project in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The goal remains the same today which is to assist women to cultivate values and attitudes that would lead to personal growth and goal achievement. The idea was to motivate young women to persevere through strenuous, demanding and time consuming processes long enough to acquire the attitudes that would sustain outstanding achievement. At the conception of this vision the participants were not involved in a pageant. The holding point was a modeling agency, “the something glamorous” The ladies are taken through a 4 month grooming program to keep them interested. which will lead to the coronation on September 18, 2011. The program focuses specifically on building self esteem, fostering After relocating to the United States, the drive to help, guide, cultural awareness, cultivating personal values, developing the encourage and teach character building through the same ability to assert self, building relationships, and creating role media remained strong. Through a team that personifies temodels. The ladies are constantly being exposed to opportu- nacity and the desire to share and inspire others the Image nities that help them to become more aware of self and de- Caribbean Cultural Society emerged as a non-profit entity with velop direction. the same mission. The Pageant was used to replace modeling as the “the something glamorous” to keep the young women The organization and its programs are driven by sponsorship interested long enough to persevere in spite of the demands derived through a social partnership with individuals and or- required to make it through to the goal. ganizations sharing in true community spirit. According to Heather Chisholm, the support largely comes from local spon- The pageant has now expanded to include a wider array of sors, but she is delighted to have the participation of a few ethnic minorities as the need for direction and character buildinternational organizations this year. The event is expected to ing does not only exist in the Caribbean community among attract at least 500 persons with 8 finalists show casing talent, Caribbean women. Today the team is moving forward with intellectual capacity, cultural awareness, community aware- The Ms. Orlando Caribbean and Ethnic Minority Pageant to ness and ability to present the best of themselves. accommodate women who are not of Caribbean descent. The planning team said they are not sure where this journey will The Ms. Orlando Caribbean Pageant, formerly the Ms. Orlando take them tomorrow but they are however positive that this Caribbean Pageant is the culmination of years of thought, ef- organization will get stronger in its continued dynamic efforts fort, and experience of founder Heather Chisholm and her deep to respond to varying needs in our community. They are desrooted community spirit. In 1992, she founded The Image tined to make an impact.

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Caribbean Heritage Festival I

t is now my pleasure to report that the month of activities planned under our 2011 CAHM committee have all been completed successfully. On Saturday June 25th we all turned out in numbers to celebrate the CAHM Festival at Lake Eola. It was a beautiful experience to stand at Lake Eola and watch members from every Caribbean organization working together to put the finishing touches on our 1st annual CAHM Festival – from one of the Barbadians, Ryvan working with the security forces, a Jamaican, Dahilia working at the Volunteer booth, a Guyanese, Carol working with vendors to identify their booths, a Trinidadian, Tobago-John with a Guyanese, Dharmendra talking to the attendees on stage and directing the next performance, a St Lucian, Big Mike working at his association's booth, a Haitian, Jackson working on the beer booth, an Antiguan, Nicole working in the chit sales booth, a Virgin Islander, DJ ‘Stone Face’ playing music, a Puerto Rican, sound engineer working the sound controls, a Grenadian, John Munroe was working the crowd, a St Vincentian, Adonal Foyle (Former NBA/Magic player) was making his way to the event, we even had an American, Charlyn Watts discussing her ‘Bean Together’ coffee products . . . this was a truly Caribbean American Heritage month moment.

Today we can all stand proud and say “we did it”, we organized, planned and implemented our first CAHM month of activities and most importantly . . . We’ll be back next year and every year thereafter showcasing our style, our flavor, our music, our culture . . . Our Caribbean.

Thank you Samuel Roberts, CACCF-CAHM Chairperson, 407-810-6435 Cell

Taste of the Caribbean

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Caribbean Heritage Festival Caribbean Chamber Zone at the Black Business Investment Fund’s Annual Networking Event

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Caribbean Heritage Festival Nirvana Financial Cup

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Caribbean Heritage Festival CAP Cup SoccerTournament

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The answers to your marketing success are within you. We collaborate with you to design the best marketing plan to achieve your business vision and goals. Strategy first and execution second! Where do you want your business to go—share that vision with us!

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Contact us to schedule your free consultation.

Tel: 407-421-8118 • Fax: 407-386-7925 Guenet Gittens-Roberts CEO GGR Marketing I Public Relations Email: guenetroberts@yahoo.com Web: ggrmarketing.com Social Networking: www.ggrmarketing.ning.com

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GTLime selects its Charity of Choice in Guyana

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T LIME REUNION’S 10th Anniversary, gets ready for Caribana weekend in Canada and they have selected The Ruimveldt Children’s Home and Care Centre as their Charity of Choice.

For the past 10 years the GT Lime community has supported several worthy and needy Charities in Guyana at their Annual Reunion and this year the Ruimveldt Children’s Home and Care Centre is getting their support.

The organisers are asking that all attending the Reunion, donate items listed on their website www.gtlime.com or clothing, toys and books. Plans are in place to have a “drop off bin” at the event which will be shipped to Guyana

by Laparkan at the earliest opportunity. The children of the Ruimveldt Children’s Home are referred to as the “Forgotten Children” of Guyana and organisers feel that this is a chance to show that they remember them as everyone gets ready to “ Lime” again this year. This is an opportunity to bring some smiles, hope and love to those children in Guyana. .

Information and details about The Ruimveldt Children’s Home and Care Centre can be found on their website, http://www.rchcc.org.

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Governor Scott Making an Impact on Prescription Drugs

By Roger Caldwell

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here is a prescription drug epidemic in Florida, because pain-clinic operators were able to sell pills to the public, and there was no effective enforcement in the state. Under a new state law that took effect last week, clinics and doctors can only write prescriptions for pain drugs, which now must be filled at pharmacies. Leftover pills can be returned to distributors or given to the state to be destroyed.

announced that more than 105,000 pills were surrendered at 24 locations during a statewide compliance operation. “Earlier this year, I made a promise to crack down on pill mills and stomp this scourge out of our state. The results we are seeing this week show we are making good on that promise. By shutting down pill mills, we are saving lives and making our communities safer places to live,” said Governor Scott.

In December 2011, the new Florida database comes online, and this will be another tool in the state on the crack down of prescription drugs. The pharmacies and doctors who dispense drugs will be required to report in 15 days, information on anyone who has a prescription filled for drugs. The doctors will be able to see if the patient asking for pain pills recently Governor Scott and his statewide Drug Enforcement Strike Force got a month’s supply down the street. are cracking down on pill mills. The goal of this project is to make Florida which at one time was the easiest to obtain pre- No system is fail proof and there are always individuals trying scription drugs, to now make it the hardest. to cheat or circumvent the system. But the good news is that there is a system in place to enforce and control drug distribuThis program is in its infancy stage and 85% of prescription tion. The prescription drug epidemic impacts every culture, drugs in the country are dispensed in Florida. According to the community and age group in Florida. state, more than 2,500 people in Florida die each year from painkiller abuse. Last year, 681 people in the Tampa Bay area “One of the most effective ways to stop prescription drugs abuse fatally overdosed on prescription drugs. is to cut it off at the source. It was gratifying to accompany the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the South Florida Strike Before the new law was passed, it was not uncommon for one Force and see them quarantine prescription narcotics and predoctor to see 80 patients in one day, and give out 20,000 pills a vent the easy access that had long exacerbated this epidemic,” day. It is not possible to blame all the doctors for this behavior, stated Pam Bondi. but many of the doctors operated from a profit point of view.

The question that was raised in many circles was whether the Governor Scott and his strike force are making inroads in the doctors were “healers or dealers.” prescription drug problem. As the database comes online the state will have another tool and weapon to combat this preLast week Governor Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi scription drug epidemic, and get it under control.

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Culture Minister promotes “Jamaica 50” at Diaspora Convention Jamaican Diaspora Urged to Support Country’s Development

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s Jamaica approaches its 50th year of independence, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange , is urging members of the Diaspora to adjust their thoughts to ‘a new Jamaica’ and play their role in the country’s development.

raise our families,” Minister Grange said.

Meanwhile, she informed that plans for the country’s 50th Anniversary celebrations were well underway and assured that it would be a celebration with a difference.

“We are focusing on brand Jamaica and how we can leverage In his remarks, Communications Manager at Jamaica Probrand Jamaica . We are also looking forward to London 2012 motions Corporation (JAMPRO), Mark Thomas, said the and the Olympics while we agency was pleased to be colcelebrate our 50th anniverlaborating with the Ministry sary,” Minister Grange said, in planning for the 50th anwhile addressing Diaspora niversary celebrations. representatives from Canada, the United States, Jamaica, “Our anniversary will be and the United Kingdom, at amazing; it will be memothe 2011 Jamaican Diaspora rable and it will be equal to Convention at the Sunset Jaor surpass the euphoria of the maica Grande Resort in Ocho year 1962,” Mr. Thomas said, Rios, St. Ann. adding that it would be an explosive spring of national The three-day convention (June 15 to June 17) was held pride, energising Jamaicans both here and abroad. under the theme, ‘One Nation: Jamaica and its Diaspora in Partnership’.

He said that a wide variety of activities, to include sports, agriculture and education, among others, were being planned to “Your presence is another demonstration of your commit- mark the significant milestone. ment to your country and of your pride in being Jamaican.

Our collective mission must be to forge a mighty partner- “Marketing ‘Jamaica 50’ is about engaging the population and ship such as the world has never seen and which will bring securing financial support from the private sector and from memgreater strength, dynamism and activism to our determi- bers of the Diaspora to ensure that the programmes come off very nation to prepare our country to first world status by the well,” Mr. Thomas said, encouraging members of the Diaspora to year 2030 as the place of choice to live, do business and support and participate in the activities planned for ‘Jamaica 50’.

“Our collective mission must be to forge a mighty partnership such as the world has never seen and which will bring greater strength, dynamism and activism to our determination to prepare our country to first world status . . .”

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G uyana’s President Bharat Jagdeo visits Florida and makes a trip to Orlando — Continued from page 1 — Guyana’s Constitution bars him from seeking a third consecu- day, I think we can do it in a day and a half and have a very very tight agenda with practical outcomes”. tive term in office.

“I will be a private citizen which I am not unhappy to be,” he said, adding when the suggestion was made for him to take over from Sir Edwin Carrington, who stepped down in January after 18 years “ I said I don’t want to be secretary general of CARICOM”.

Jagdeo said that for the 12 years he has been attending CARICOM meetings “I have had my frustrations” but he still believes the regional integration process is the best way forward for the region and is encouraging his soon to be former colleagues to promote the “good things” about CARICOM.

Asked to explain his decision, Jagdeo laughed adding “I am just “I am not unhappy to go. I know in Guyana (for example) our not cut out for it, I am not cut out for it. I don’t want to get into all democracy has matured, our people are more comfortable with of that. I just would not like to be secretary general of CARICOM. each other and the economy is doing well, so I leaving at a good time”.

But even though he is not taking the job, Jagdeo has a few words of advice for the person who will emerge victorious at The Russian educated economist, who in recent years has turned the end of the interviews to be conducted by the CARICOM his attention to dealing with climate change issues, says he will be quite willing to lend a hand to push initiatives of Bureau of Heads in Barbados later this month.

CARICOM. For starters, he doesn’t want the annual summit to drag on over four days.

“Here in the region where I can continue to support regional initiatives, I will do so but from a different capacity as a pri“If the European Union with 27 members can meet in half a vate person which I am not unhappy to be”.

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Guyana’s President Bharat Jagdeo visits Florida and makes a trip to Orlando — Continued from page 1 —

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Invest Caribbean

he Caribbean is being urged to compete for the global “wallet share” and step up the promotion of “its invest ment story.” That’s the advice from W. Dave Dowrich, vice president of investment at Goldman Sachs and the keynote speaker at the inaugural Invest Caribbean Power Forum, convened by digital media solutions company, Hard Beat Communications and the Caribbean Tourism Organization in New York City on Thursday, June 9, 2011.

past June. Others included Minister of Business Development & Tourism of Bermuda, Patrice Kimberly Minors; Martin Mohabeer, the Guyana-born Managing Director of Spackman Group and CEO of Spackman Capital and David Brillembourg, CEO of the Brilla Group.

Among the over 120 attendees at the event were several money managers from the New York’s investment community as well as top tourism officials from the Caribbean including the Hon. Dowrich, addressing a Chairman of the Caribbean packed room at the New Tourism Organization and York Marriot Marquis Hotel Minister of Tourism and Inin Times Square, insisted ternational Travel for St. that the Caribbean’s investKitts/Nevis, Ricky Skerritt; ment “product” stacks up Hon. Richard Sealy, Minister against most other regions of Tourism, Barbados; Hon. of the world, including the Ed Bartlett, Minister of TourBRICS (Brazil, Russia, India ism, Jamaica; Commissioner and China) on several of Tourism of St. Eustacius, fronts, such as political staClyde Van Putten; Secretary bility, accessibility and ease General of the Caribbean of doing business.

Tourism Organization, Hugh But “where we fall down is in W. Dave Dowrich, VP of Investment at Goldman Sachs, 2nd from r., with Riley; Sylma Brown Bramble, selling and telling our invest- Chairman of the CTO, Ricky Skerritt, l; Minister Minors of Bermuda, 2.d from l., director of CTO North and Brian Lilly, r., CEO of Lilly Broadcasting and owner of WSEE TV and One ment story, i.e. the ‘Promo- Caribbean Weather, premier sponsors of the event. (Sharon Bennett image) America; Alec Sanguinetti, Director General of the Cartion - P’ of the principles of marketing,” he said of the CARICOM region, whose combined ibbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Josef Forstmayr, President, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, and other top Gross Domestic Product is put at US$90 billion.

CTO officials as well as Caribbean directors of tourism.

Comparing the Caribbean to private companies going public and the need to ensure that their story continues being told to “This event surpassed our expectation,” said Felicia Persaud, their existing and future investor base, Dowrich said the Car- CEO of Hard Beat Communications, which conceptualized and ibbean and its leaders must see investment in a similar vein. co-presented the event with the CTO. “We look forward to “We therefore need to be sure that at every opportunity, our making this an annual part of Caribbean Week in New York.” story is told on a consistent basis and told by credible and trust “The Caribbean Tourism Organization was proud to team up worthy folks such as our senior ministers, and then reinforced with Hard Beat to present this event, since in these tough ecoby our teams on the ground, who can ‘talk the talk’ of those nomic times, investment in the Caribbean is critical and the CTO believes strongly in continuing to boost the tourism secthat need to hear it,” he said. tor of this vibrant region by presenting investment opportuniDowrich was one of four speakers who addressed the event yhis ties for its members,” commented Brown-Bramble.

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his section is dedicated to “you” the creative person who is always thinking of ways to network your church, your temple or your ministry. The goal is to get more people familiar with your vision and ultimately join forces with you and thus you’ll experience growth.

he or she is, without compromising their privacy or my own.

The_Urantia_Book on page 124:6-9 gives the account of Jesus and his parents going to Jerusalem and having to pass on the eastern slopes of Olivet they paused for rest in the borders of a little village called Bethany. The hospitable villagers poured Outreach is an effort by individuals in an organization or group to forth to minister to the pilgrims, and it happened that Joseph connect its ideas or practices to the efforts of other organizations, and his family had stopped near the house of one Simon, who groups, specific audiences or the general public. Unlike marketing, had three children about the same age as Jesus—Mary, Martha, outreach does not inherently revolve around a product or strategies and Lazarus. They invited the Nazareth family in for refreshto increase market share. Typically non-profits, civic groups, and ment, and a lifelong friendship sprang up between the two churches engage in outreach.

— Wikipedia, 07/12/2011 families. Many times afterward, in his eventful life, Jesus stopped in this home.

Once you have decided to reach out, you will become a growing entity.† At the point where outreach stops, a religious organiza- Everyone was introduced to Martha as a complainer. She might tion becomes internal and ultimately stagnation and death is have been but can’t help but to reflect how her family ministered not far behind. I am not here to tell you that my approach is the to Jesus’ family by inviting them in without knowing who he best or it’s the only way†but you should find it contagious enough was. Their only concern was that they were travelers who could to jazz the “old” method a notch or two to keep up with the use a drink. They saw a need and they reached out. Yes, that changing times by using modern resources and tools. traveling family included Jesus. And Martha’s kindness helped to build a lasting relationship between Jesus, her sister Mary and Outreach is like networking. We get to put our best foot for- their brother Lazarus. In St. John 11 it gives us the ultimate outward and meet new people. It’s connecting to people to col- reach where Jesus was present at the funeral of Lazarus. Here the laborate on a project or to join us. It’s sharing a thought through entire village came out to watch or to mourn the death of Lazarus a seminar, an idea as a play, a concert as entertainment; it’s but experienced something more powerful. They saw a dead man being available to listen to a story and forgetting about our walked from the grave and was released to his family. Jesus conown. I’ve learned to be friendly and approachable to reach my nected with many persons and they saw Him as the Son of God. audience.† Story telling has helped me to be more self-confi- Others walked away angry (another story). dent when I am faced by a new person or situation just to put them and myself at ease.

This outreach section invites your temple, your ministry or your church to submit information about your religious services The Bible has many examples of Jesus reaching out to the sick, which will be published. the lame, to caretakers and to the grieving. I have learned from Him the art of reaching and touching a person right where Rosemarie Roth, Outreach Pastor at Alpha Point, Inc.

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Bridges to Success

Tanisha Carter, John Stover, Manager and the staff of the Bridges to Success Department, did a wonderful job of putting want to take this opportunity to congratulate my class from together this luncheon for the students from the West, East and Osceola Campuses. The Rosen Center’s staff, headed by Osceola Campus for making me proud to be your teacher.

Michelle Williams, Banquet Manager, did a fantastic job with the food and allowing the students to participate in putting Andujar, Claribel Valentina Jerez their table settings together themselves. As it was an Etiquette Caraballo, Keyshla Ashly Medina Luncheon, Miss Williams spoke and directed the students on Clendinen, Dilesha Daniela Occelus how a formal dinner table is laid out. She proceeded to exCruz, Alexis Pedmarlin Pagan plain what the function was of each cutlery on the table and Cuadrado, Maynard Frank Ramos how to fold the napkins.

Ivonne De La Cruz Cristina Ramtahal Ashley Decastro Amrita Rios The Office of Bridges to Success program is very diverse. This Diosmery Dominguez Jeremy Rubie office is responsible for opening the college doors to the differAlfredo Dominguez Nicole Sadat ent cultures from our high schools. In this program the stuAngelo Figueroa Tausef Sanchez dents gain knowledge on Health, Etiquette, Community SerGenesis Gaynor, Priscila Tran vice and Finance. This knowledge that they are gaining can Shavelle Georgiev Kathy Vazquez be used in their personal and academic life. The Bridges proBoris Gonzalez Andy Veron gram is heavily involved with the different companies and Hillary Harvey Stephanie Wallace groups within the communities in Central Florida. With this Lenora Hincapie Shanice Zayas, Gabriela partnership, doors are opened to students to do volunteering, I had the opportunity to attend the Etiquette Luncheon at the internships, mentoring, workshops and skill shops. At the end Rosen Center for the Bridges to Success program for the stu- of this program, students will understand what productivity dents at Valencia College. Today, as one of the Professors in and being a responsible adult means. this program, I was very proud of the students (especially my class from Osceola Campus) who attended the luncheon. The For further information on the Bridges to Success program at Valencia students presented themselves in a professional manner College, you can visit our website (http://valenciacollege.edu/bridges/ throughout the luncheon. The Department, headed by Dr. overview.cfm#53)

By Marilyn Greaves

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