NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, JUN 15 – JUN 21, 2017 | VOL. 14 NO. 24
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F L O R I D A
Color him father George Yap is Dad in charge
Family ties... Andrew and Livingston Yap
by Karyl Walker
The most lasting impression Livingston 'George' Yap has made on his four children is his never-say-die attitude and indomitable spirit. Seventy-six year-old Yap, head of LEASA Industries, has been part of the South Florida business landscape for forty years. And despite facing challenges and disappointments in building his business, has always found time to bond with his children. According to his son Andrew, the patriarch of the Yap clan has passed on many positive traits that have shaped him and his siblings' outlook on life. “I have learnt from him the value of hard work, perseverance and never giving up. When things were turning sour in Jamaica, my parents decided to leave for Florida. They only had $50 in their pockets, things were tough. It was very, very difficult but he kept on going. Until this day he will keep on going,” Andrew Yap said. Like many Jamaicans, the Yaps migrated during the 1970s, a period of political turmoil in Jamaica.
DAVIE
An event for 'ordinary' People Before the opening of LEASA
Their first business venture was growing bean sprouts. Over time, the Liberty City-based business evolved into manufacturing natural products. LEASA grows bean and Alfalfa sprouts and are the largest manufacturers of tofu in Florida. Data released from the Soyfood Industry and Market Report ranks the company among the top twenty in the United States with an annual revenue of $5.7 million. Andrew is the eldest of four children; his siblings are Sean, Allison and Lisa. The acronym LEASA represents members of the continues on A6 – Yap
Oliver Samuels
The second People Profile Awards takes place on Sunday at Bailey Hall in Davie, Broward County. Several persons who have contributed to South Florida's Caribbean community, will be recognized. But it is two veteran Jamaican entertainers who have pride of place --actor/comedian Oliver Samuels and deejay Michigan. A6 – Ordinary People Van Niekerk
WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER
LOCAL
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
JAMAICA’S POLITCAL STALWARTS TAKE A BOW A3
RECENT RAINS COULD SPAWN ANOTHER ZIKA OUTBREAK A4
WILLIE STEWART: KEEPING THE BEAT B3
FAREWELL TO A LEGEND C1
Rudisha
DJ Michigan