Caribbean American Passport January 2012 by Guenet Gittens-Roberts

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2 years on: Haiti, Lest We Forget... By Lindsay Johns

anuary 12, 2012 was the second anniversary of the horrendous Haitian earthquake â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of the most terrible natural disasters ever to afflict mankind. In approximately 35 seconds on Jan 12, 2010 the malevolent earthquake ripped through the Haitian capital Portau-Prince, leaving death, destruction and tragedy on an epic scale in its impious and unfeeling wake. Some three hundred thousand people were killed, some immediately, but many died horribly protracted deaths after much excruciating pain.

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he Majestic Event Center, known as Majestic, recently opened their 22,000 square foot event center on John Young Parkway. This new venue now offers two large ballroom with a capacity for up to 2500 people. With a built in kitchen this event center is a dream come true for caterers with large parties and people who have an event that needs to seat 500 people but would like to retain the culinary de-

lights of their own caterer. Majestic is in the building popularly known as the former Tropical Magic Restaurant and many turned out with fond memories of events in the previous space and were stunned at the transformation that had taken place in the building. The opening celebration or inauguration as some people suggested, was attended by

Thousands of children and adults alike were hideously maimed by falling buildings or buried beneath rubble; limbs were crushed like flies with a flagrant and callous impunity. Whole families, whole streets and whole communities were erased in an instant. And perhaps those were the lucky ones. Many thousands of children were orphaned. 1.5 million people were left homeless.

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n preparing for this January issue, I wanted to include an article about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after doing my research (because remember I grew up in Guyana, not here in the US, so my American History is not at the tip of my brain). I was blown away by the realities of African Americans in the South 50 years ago with the strides being made in the Caribbean. During my research I researched Rosa Parks and her refusal to give up her seat on the bus and subsequent arrest which sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Parks’ act of defiance became an important symbol of the modern Civil Rights Movement and Parks became an international icon of resistance to racial segregation. She organized and collaborated with civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., helping to launch him to national prominence in the civil rights movement. At the same time that Americans in the South were facing segregation, and feelings of inferiority, Caribbean people in Guyana were two years into rule under the PPP Government before Jagan and Burnham split into two separate parties, in Jamaica, Norman Manley had formed the People’s National Party since 1938 and a few years later his cousin Alexander Bustamante spun off of that party and formed the Jamaica Labor Party. In Trinidad and Tobago, the 1956 general elections saw the emergence of the People’s National Movement under the leadership of Eric Williams. Six years after that Trinidad & Tobago achieved full independence in August 1962 during that same month in Jamaica, Independence was achieved as well.

Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor

the following in a letter from an Alabama prison “We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and Godgiven rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed toward gaining political independence, but we stiff creep at horse-and-buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter. Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, “Wait.” But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate-filled policemen curse, kick and even kill your black brothers and sisters; when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she can’t go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky....when you are harried by day and haunted by night by the fact that you are a Negro, living constantly at tiptoe stance, never quite knowing what to expect next, and are plagued with inner fears and outer resentments; when you go forever fighting a degenerating sense of “nobodiness”-then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait. There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair. I hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience.”

While Caribbean people were seeing their own races, leading, fighting and setting their own destinies, in 1963, Dr. King wrote Dr. King went on to say in that same letter “Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself, and that is what has happened to the ubscribe to Caribbean American American Negro. Something within has reminded him of his of freedom, and something without has reminded him Passport News Magazine today. birthright that it can be gained. Consciously or unconsciously, he has been Get the news delivered directly to caught up by the Zeitgeist, and with his black brothers of Africa and his brown and yellow brothers of Asia, South America and your door each month! the Caribbean, the United States Negro is moving with a sense of great urgency toward the promised land of racial justice.” For a limited time we are offering a one year subscription to CAP News Magazine at $25.00. This will also provide As we live here in America with our American neighbors, it is you with discounted admission to events, coupons for important that while we celebrate the accomplishments such shopping at your favorite stores as well as updates on as the 50th Anniversary of Independence that we’ll be celebratcaribbean events coming up in our community. ing this year for Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, we rememThis Christmas Season give the gift of a subscription to ber to celebrate the achievements made right here in the United CAP NewsMagazine to someone and we will personalize a States by pioneers like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. card to them from you in that gift package. Name ______________________________________ Date ___________ St. Address __________________________________________________ State _____ City _____________________________ Zip _______ ______ Phone ___________________ Email ______________________________ Signature ____________________________________________________

Please mail this subsciption with your check or money order to Caribbean American Passport News Magazine 1230 Hillcrest Street, Orlando, FL. 32803 • 407-427-1800 ❑ Yes this is a gift subscription from: _____________________________________________________

GGR Marketing & Public Relations 1230 Hillcrest Street, Orlando, FL 32803 407-427-1800 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com For Media Information email: capnewsmagazine@yahoo.com Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-Roberts Editor ............................................................................. Audrey Johnson Contributing Writers: ..................................................... Natasha Gittens ........................................................................................ Phillip Browne . .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell ................................................................................ Nouchelle Hastings Contributing Photographers ........................................ Gregory Griffith ................................................................................... .Colleen Matthias Distribution.................................................................... Samuel Roberts Copyright (C) 2010 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

Has Governor Scott Forgotten Who He Works for? By Roger Caldwell

overnor Scott is sticking to his platform, and he is refusing millions of dollars from the federal government. From the very beginning of his term, Scott refused to approve a $2.3 billion high speed rail that was 90% funded by the federal government. His decisions continue to cripple and devastate Floridians, and the

residents remain quiet. Governor Scott has a conservative agenda and his administration has refused to go after $106 million in federal grant money and returned millions of allocated federal money to the state of Florida. He has also ordered state agencies to reject any money tied to President Obama’s health care plan. There is federal money available to help Floridians, and our governor is too stubborn to accept needed funding to help balance the budget. Instead of balancing the budget and providing poor and sick Floridians with financial support and services, our governor is slashing money for hospitals. Governor Scott is also laying off state workers, and forcing public employees to pay 3% of their salaries to cover part of their pension costs. I was always under the impression that the elected governor of a state was in that position to help and support the residents. From Governor Scott’s point of view, he believes he has done a great job this year. Just recently, Florida has lost its bid to win $100 million to boost the care and education of young children. This program would have helped childcare children prepare for formal schooling by offering better preschool programs. There were many childcare supporters in Florida, who were excited about the federal funding program and would have used the funding to improve childcare programs for high-risk children. “With Florida’s dismal ranking on almost every indicator of child well-being, $100 million would have gone a long way to improve the quality of early childhood services,” said Mimi Graham, director of the Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy at Florida State University. In 2010 under Governor Crist, Florida won $700 million in the first Race to the Top competition, which funds public education reforms. But this year under the direction of Governor Scott, he stated that the state would accept money from the federal grant program if “no federal strings” were attached to the funding. Somewhere there is a disconnect with our governor and the federal government funding. When there is an opportunity to receive federal government funding, it would make sense for the governor and his administration to follow the procedures to qualify for the money. Instead, it appears that the governor wants to dictate the terms of the funding, and tell the government how they will spend the money. Our governor is forgetting that there is a hierarchy in the government bureaucracy, and the federal government is more powerful than the states. Governor Scott also tends to forget that the voters put him into office, and he works for the people.

“Wuh ain’ see you, ain’ pass you.” (Just because you got away with something so far does not mean that it won’t catch up with you later) Whatever you do, VOTE in the 2014 midterm election. Let’s get rid of this guy!

Caribbean Nationals are key to tourism, Walter Elmore tells New Yorkers By Bevan Springer

on’t be mistaken, warns an experienced Caribbean festival producer, Caribbean Diaspora communities drive tourism in the region, and also support the development of economies back home. Speaking to journalists, editors and community leaders at Sirius XM Satellite Radio studios in New York, Walter Elmore, chairman of Art of Music Productions Limited, asserted that festival tourism was key to Jamaica and the Caribbean region and that nationals overseas were key drivers of business not only to musical festivals, but to the whole region throughout the year. “Just look at the turnout today - Caribbean people have come out to find out what’s going on at home so they can make their travel plans as well as bring others along with them,” said Elmore who was in Manhattan for the New York City launch of the 16th annual Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival “The Art of Music”, a three-day celebration from January 26 to 28, 2012 at the Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny. Invoking a recent University of the West Indies study on “Strategic Opportunities in Caribbean Migration”, Walter argued that Diaspora tourism was critically important to the Caribbean. “The researchers have carefully documented that our nationals come home for educational, medical cultural and many other reasons and spend a lot of money with our telecommunications companies and the airlines,” said Elmore.

ister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett for taking the Diaspora seriously. “We pay tribute to our nationals for carrying the flag and sharing the spirit of our homelands here in America,” Elmore noted. Artistes confirmed for the 2012 festival include multi-platinum, fivetime Grammy award-winning singer Celine Dion, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Henry, Jully Black; and Jamaica’s Shaggy and Richie Stephens who both made a special appearance at the New York launch.

Shaggy (left) made a special appearance in New York on Friday. Here he chats with Walter Elmore of Art of Music Productions. Photograph available at: www.tinyurl.com/walterelmore2

“We’re no longer guessing,” said Elmore. “It’s time for all Caribbean countries to work more closely with their nationals in the marketplace,” he added, as he showered praise on Jamaica’s Min-

Walter Elmore addresses the New York media. Photo by Margot Jordan

In recognition of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence, the entire Thursday night line-up will be dedicated to the history of Jamaican music with performances from across the various musical eras: ska, rocksteady, dub and reggae. Other Jamaicans scheduled to perform are Toots Hibbert, John Holt, Yellow

Man and Half Pint. For further information, visit www. jamaicajazzandblues.com

The season for sharing, caring and new beginnings

ourteen years ago, Florette Lawrence convinced the Jamaican American Association of Central Florida to participate in a program called “Fresh Start”, a short-term residential program designed to rebuild and restore the lives of men seeking a new beginning. She has been involved with feeding them until now.

cal Jamaican-style meals such as curried chicken, jerk chicken, rice and peas, soups and salads, which Mrs. Lawrence said is well received by the residents. This past Holiday Season she stepped it up a notch by offering generous servings of ham and roast beef along with side dishes, including rice and peas, cooked and fresh vegetables, as well as dessert and drinks. Mrs. Lawrence has ten association members, including the chef, Trevor Wilson, who assist her with the preparation and serving of the meals. She utilizes the services of about six people each time, as she says the facility is very small and cannot accommodate them all at the same time. Other association members are anxious to volunteer but her assistants are committed to the program and stay for the long term. Kudos to Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Bulgin and the Jamaican/American Association “crew” for caring and sharing hope this Holiday Season. Outgoing Organization President Dennis Hall, who participated in the holiday event, offered the following comment on the program:

“Fresh Start” is under the auspices of the Christian Service Center, which provides short-term living accommodations, meals, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry. The program seeks to enable men, regardless of their previous circumstances, to improve their situation and become more confident and hopeful. It focuses on restoring dignity and providing a safe environment for personal growth while giving men a second chance to get back on their feet. Participants in the program are required to work during the day or be in constructive activities. In the evening, there are counseling sessions, Bible study, anger management classes as well as life skills courses. The maximum number of participants in the facility at any one time is twenty five (25), and the length of stay is three months to one year. Each individual’s participation is evaluated after one year to determine if they should continue in the program. A fee of $25 is charged on entering the program, so that participants can show if they are committed to the program ideals. They are provided with three meals per day, including a homemade evening meal which is prepared and served by volunteers from partnering churches and organizations. This is where Mrs. Lawrence, who came to Central Florida from St. Mary, Jamaica, and her “crew” from the Association, come in. Every three months Ms. Lawrence, along with side-kick Mrs. Cynthia Bulgin, coordinates and prepares typi-

“The Jamaican American Association of Central Florida Inc., a 501(C)(3) organization has been involved in disaster and community relief locally and internationally. As President of this organization I had the privilege on December 14th 2011, to witness first hand, community outreach at its best. I support this Fresh Start program very highly with much commendation to Mrs. Florette Lawrence and her committee for making a difference in the lives of these men”. The “Fresh Start” facility is located in downtown Orlando at the Christian Services Center, 808 West Central Boulevard, Orlando.

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‘Sister P’ in power

Jamaicans vote out govt 41-22 porters with love,” she added.

By CMC

amaica Prime Minister- designate, Portia Simpson-Miller “I want to thank all the voters of Jamaica,” she said, adding urged nationals to put aside their political difference and that they had “kept our democracy alive and well today”. join her People’s National Party (PNP) administration in a Simpson -Miller, affectionally referred to as “Sista P” and “Combuilding a new Jamaica. rade Leader” faces deep problems as she takes over the govSimpson-Miller, the first ever woman to head a government in ernment, with debt running at approximately 130 per cent of Jamaica, led the PNP to a 41-22 thrashing of the incumbent the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and unemployment at more Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in Thursday’s general election that than 12 per cent. was called one year ahead of the constitutional deadline, acThe prime minister-designate has already said her adminiscording to the preliminary results. tration will be seeking to renegotiate the multi-billion dollar “This leader with her team will be working with all Jamaicans Standby Agreement (SBA) from the International Monetary as one Jamaican family as we shape the future of Jamaica Fund (IMF). together,” she told supporters celebrating the party’s return to The next government may well be forced to adopt austerity power after it was defeated in the 2007 general election. measures, including sacking public sector workers, in a bid to In a victory speech interspersed with music, Simpson-Miller said tackle the debt, analysts say. she had already received congratulatory messages from outgoing prime minister Andrew Holness and some leaders within “We have plenty of work ahead of us ... you will hear from us soon as we move to put our team in place,” she told supportthe Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping. ers, urging all Jamaicans “to work with us as we move this Holness, 39, the youngest ever head of government in Jamaica, country forward together”. now has the un-envious record of being the only prime minister to serve one term in office since the island attained political “We will tell you as it is, we will hide nothing from you, when it is tough and rough we will let you know, when it is easy we independence from Britain in 1962. will let you know,” she said, informing all investors and busi‘Starting tomorrow we will be rebuilding. Our campaign for nesses “that you have a government you can trust”. the next government starts tomorrow. We are determined to She said her administration would be working with Jamaicans serve the people of the country in the best way possible. in the Diaspora to “move Jamaica forward”. ‘It is clear to us however that the people of the country still have certain concerns apparently about the Jamaica Labour “We are going to unite and move Jamaica as it has never seen Party and we will be reflecting on those,” Holiness said in his before,” she added. statement conceding defeat.

Simpson-Miller 66, who served as prime minister from 20062007 when then prime minister PJ Patterson resigned from active politics, thanked “everybody who played a role in ensuring the PNP’s victory”.

Second Chance Boutique

hen Second Chance Boutique, opened its doors last month, those looking to buy and sell clothing and accessories had a new option. The store, located at, “I am humbled by the support of the Jamaican people and I 2405 East Washington St. Orlando, FL 32803, is the brainchild ask you to ensure that you greet Jamaica labour Party supof Molly Sebreth, born in Trinidad, but who has made the US her home for many years. In an interview, she said the store will carry clothing, as well as jewelry, handbags and shoes. Sebreth also intends to offer the option of consignment for Indian Wear and Evening Wear. She currently carries all women's sizes, as well as juniors and misses.

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Sebreth said she was inspired to open Second Chance Boutique in this location as it just outside of downtown, so it's convenient to people traveling from around Central Florida and still has parking available. She's aware of the renewed interest in consignment shopping and wanted to offer an adult version of Plato's closet. "I've always been interested in this type of a business," she said. Second Chance Boutique will accept items that are clean and in good condition, Sebreth is looking at increasing her stock of indian wear, evening wear and quality bags. The condition the items are brought in will help determine their price, Sebreth said. "Appearance means a lot," she said, adding that today's fashions are welcomed. "We would like them current." Sebreth said her main goal for Second Chance Boutique is to help to give people the opportunity to buy name brand items at a low price. Additionally, people who are looking to both turn clothing over, and make a profit to be able to buy new clothing will be able to benefit from the consignment aspect of the business. This is something many people are especially interested in, she said, given today's economic state. Stop by to see Second Chance Boutique on the corner of Bumby and Washington. For more information or to make an appointment call 407-556-5650.

“I am humbled by the support of the Jamaican people and I ask you to ensure that you greet Jamaica Labour Party supporters with love ...we will tell you as it is, we will hide nothing from you, when it is tough and rough we will let you know, when it is easy we will let you know ...we are going to unite and move Jamaica as it has never seen before.” - Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, Prime Minister-designate, Jamaica (CMC)

“We are pushing for Foreign Direct Investment. Now is a very good time for the TT (Trinidad and Tobago) private sector and the private sector of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and the ACS (Association of Caribbean States) to come and take a look at these investment opportunities that we have.” - Hon. Laurent Lamothe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haiti (Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday)

“The Saint Lucia Tourist Board looks forward to working with Minister Lorne Theophilus. This is the first time the tourism portfolio has been tagged with heritage and creative industries, two sectors of the economy the new government says it wants to give added attention ... and sees the tourism industry as that vital catalyst and gateway for achieving this goal.” “Starting tomorrow we will be re- Louis Lewis, Director of Tourism, Saint Lucia building. Our campaign for the next government starts tomorrow. We are determined to serve the “They call me Mr. Fête, since ah born ah never miss one yet. If people of the country in the best way possible. sun shinin’ ah drippin’ sweat, thunder storm and ah soaking wet. They say Mr. Fête yuh mad? and I say miss a fête, yuh mad? I It is clear to us however that the people of the country still come here to get on bad. Fêting is we name, we doh play, we goin’ have certain concerns apparently about the Jamaica Labour night and day. No fête can tire’ we. We comin’ again every day, Party and we will be reflecting on those.” we full ah energy, is fête they calling we, like dat is we name.” - Andrew Holness, former Prime Minister of Jamaica (CMC) - Machel Montano, Trinidadian musician (2012 Carnival release “Mr. Fête”) Listen here “Our Comrades here of the SKNLP (St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party) are proud of the decisive victory of our Sister-Party, the PNP (People’s “Quotable Caribbean” is compiled by Marketplace Excellence, a full National Party), and look forward to closer collaboration and part- service, integrated marketing agency committed to excellence in nership in the future as you take on the mantle of leadership of the fields of public relations, marketing and media coaching. your country at a time when the region and the world are beset by so many social, economic and financial challenges.” - Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister, St. Kitts and Nevis “There is no future without earning incremental amounts of foreign exchange, and we are only fooling ourselves if we think otherwise. If we are serious about fixing our fiscal deficiencies we had better start talking exports fast.” - Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman, Sandals Resorts (Jamaica Observer)

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Transitions - How long does it take to adjust to a new country? By Emily Dickson http://thetravellingtrini.com

and moved to his hometown. Probably the biggest challenge was settling in with the family, due to cultural differences, and also the language.

f you are reading this, then most likely you are like me - a West Indian far from home, making a life in a new coun- What really helped me adjust was making new friends, mainly try. As we all know, moving abroad is never easy. You have other foreigners living here who were going through the same thing. Unfortunately many to deal with homesickness, missing your family, learning friends ended up leaving your way around, and making Croatia, so I decided to start up new friends. It can be a hard an International Group in oradjustment, and it takes time der to meet other foreigners to really feel at home. and new-comers in my city. It is very nice to have a new lime So just how much time does it here. really take? Six months? A year? Maybe it depends on where you Another thing that helped me go. Cities like New York, Toronto was joining all the arts and and London have large Caribcrafts classes I could find to bean communities, with roti keep me busy and creative. I shops, Jamaican markets and think if you want to adjust to Carnival fetes, so you can still a new place you have to make find a piece of home. But if you the effort to put yourself out move father away, the adjustthere and get involved. ment may take longer. Five years ago I moved to Tokyo to teach English, and had to pretty much start from scratch. Nobody spoke English, I didn’t speak Japanese, and I couldn’t even figure out how to flush the toilet! Sometimes it was frustrating , and lonely, but over time I learnt the language, made great friends, and had one heck of a time. Ultimately it was a wonderful experience that certainly made me a much stronger person. Was it hard? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely. In my travels, I’ve met other West Indians living in far-flung places, across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and everywhere in between, all taking on the challenge of living in a very foreign land. I decided to ask these bravehearts how long it took them to adjust, and what, if anything, helped with the transition. These are their replies:

Laura - Nanjing, China: I’ve lived in five countries, and coming to China has been my hardest move yet. It has taken me one full year (where as it usually takes me 3-6 months) to adjust and feel comfortable. The language, both written and spoken, has been a significant barrier. However, nothing could have prepared me for the cultural differences and social norms in China. I have never felt more foreign!

Making friends here who feel the same things I feel and understand what I am going through has been a huge help. A good laugh with friends is so important. More than anything though, it took time. With time I’ve learned to be patient, tolerant and accepting of our differences. I figured out how to get around, I found a place to get a pedicure, and a store to buy cheese and chicken breasts. I learned to say my address in Chinese, tell a taxi Nicole - Jakarta, Indonesia: driver when to stop, and how to ask for “one more cold beer”. With time I learned that I was saying “Chinese people are very Two years ago, if I had to pick the last place on earth that I’d bad” when really I was trying to say “My Chinese is very bad”. like to live, Indonesia would’ve made the top 10 on that list. In Dining out is always interesting and I’ve learned to surrender spite of that, when my company offered me a post in their Jakarta myself to eat whatever the server brings me when I go to a restauoffice, I accepted on the premise that it’d one day make for a rant. But definitely I’ve had to allow myself more time than usual good story and at the very least earn me a little extra cash. to figure things out and laugh it off with good friends. To say that Jakarta was a shock to the system would be an enormous understatement: I imagined a conservative tropical island with slightly less pork. What I found was a filthy overcrowded mess, pollution, perpetually gridlocked traffic, and some of the most seedy nightlife in Asia. This was a far cry from the postcards I had seen of Bali! Surviving in Jakarta requires a laid back outlook, and having on several occasions been called the “most uptight West Indian ever” I had doubts about my ability to cope. But in an effort not to be defeated, my attitude slowly changed. Over time, the things I hated about Jakarta gradually became things that I secretly liked. Three hours of traffic on a Friday afternoon? No problem! Have your driver stock a cooler with drinks and start the after-work lime in your car! The unpredictability of the city, which was the source of much frustration in the early days, became the most endearing thing about the place. Surviving in a new place requires a positive attitude, and a willingness to try.

Dionne - Rijeka, Croatia: I can’t say exactly how long it took me to adjust to life in Croatia, as I worked for many years on a cruise ship and had visited Croatia a number of times before actually making the move. But that doesn’t mean it was easy! I met my Croatian husband while working on the cruise ship,

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Majestic, Central Florida’s newest Banquet Facility and Event Center, continued from page 1 Mayor Buddy Dyer, local officials, news media and more than 500 people including many in the Caribbean Community. Majestic, is owned by Mathura Holdings and is another Caribbean owned business that has invested in Orlando and continues to create employment in this economy. Mayor Dyer had high praise for the venue saying “ Orlando has the Amway Arena, the best of it’s kind and now the Majestic Event Center, the best of it’s kind.” Guests were treated to the melodious sounds of Branches Steel Orchestra as they parked their cars and walked into the building. Upon entering, guests were ushered to the Crowne ballroom a 3900 square foot room with a 1500 square foot deck outside. DJ Al and BIC sounds provided the music in that area, where the crowd networked with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce for the first hour before moving on to the ribbon cutting and 2nd party space. After the ribbon cutting ceremony, in the front of the building, guests were taken into the Grand-Royale a combination of two rooms with a total of 7900 square feet with a 3200 square foot deck outside. In this room the energy was pumping and guests were treated to music by Powerline Sounds, fabulous delicious food by Puff & Stuff Catering and free drinks sponsored by Pinnacle Vodka and Miller Beer all in an atmosphere enhanced with the furniture provided by AFR Events. As you wound down the evening, the patio adjoining the

Grand-Royale ballroom was the stage for the final hour of giveaways and thank you’s, with the sounds of reggae provided by DJ Phayze Chambers of Vibrant Soundz. GGR Marketing & Public Relations, owners of Caribbean American Passport News Magazine were the event organizers for the grand opening and told us “every detail was thought out to set the tone of the Majestic Event Center as one of Orlando’s premier event venues with world class décor, food and service and a variety of spaces to choose to suit your mood and your event. “ “Whether you are catering to business meetings, weddings or other events, Majestic Event Center’s aim is to create memorable experiences for their guests so that they keep coming back, “ said event organizer Guenet Gittens-Roberts, “when you attend an event at the Majestic Event Center - always expect the best.” Majestic is 5 minutes away from downtown Orlando and 20 minutes from the Orlando International Airport. It is close to several main arteries and highways such as I-4, the Florida Turnpike, 408, State Road 50 (Colonial), and is found directly on John Young Parkway. According to the owners, the Mathuras’ this beautiful upscale venue was built to answer the needs of a broad range of customers - it can be used for Weddings, Wedding Receptions, Banquets, Business Conferences, Birthday Celebrations, Family Reunions, Religious Services, and so much more. Majestic will also be home to some of Orlando’s best Concerts, Shows, Comedy Nights, Plays, Recitals, and Upscale Parties.

Majestic, Central Florida’s newest Banquet Facility and Event Center, continued from page 1

The City of Deltona’s Christmas parade . . . . . . held on Decemer 17, 2011 featured The Caribbean American Association of Deltona’s float in the parade playing reggae christmas carols. For more information on this organization contact the President, Dawn at 386-717-9461.

Most Americans actually support earned legalization By Felicia Persaud

iven the abysmal reports on illegal immigration flying around the country, one could easily come to the assumption that all Americans are opposed to the undocumented. However, as the Pew Research Center revealed, this could not be further from the truth. The reality is that a whopping 72 percent of Americans support a path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants, once they if they pay a fine, have jobs and pass background checks. Especially since, as the Center also revealed, the undocumented population has dropped from the much bandied about number of 12 million to about 11.2 million. The recent decrease followed a two-decade period of growth and comes on the heels of reduced flows into the U.S. from Mexico.

Diabetes testing mall tour 2012 amaican celebrity chef Charles Mattocks, nephew of Reggae legend Bob Marley, and his team will travel the country for a Diabetes testing mall tour, the first of its kind. Their goal is to reach 1 million new diabetics. The team will visit key cities and test people for diabetes, and will also collect a database of newly diagnosed to pre-diabetic. The focus is urban areas with high minority traffic. The target demographic is middleaged persons to seniors, with a strong push to the younger Charles Mattocks cliental as they provide awareness through literature and brand recognition.

The support among Latinos for comprehensive immigration reform is higher still, in the upper 80 percentile, a factor that will become a Chef Mattocks and his team plan to visit Atlanta GA, Orlando major campaign issue leading into the 2012 Presidential elections. FL, Miami FL, Tampa FL, Jacksonville FL, St Petersburg FL, Dallas TX, Washington DC, Los Angeles CA, San Diego CA, and There is no denying that most rational Americans, whether Baltimore MA. native-born or naturalCharles Mattocks has made a name for himself as a celebrity ized citizens, chef, actor and best- selling author of “Eat Cheap but Eat Well.” support a His famous tag line: “What can you cook for $7.00”? took the pathway to country by storm. legalization for the undocumented, especially since as the Pew Research The inspiration behind his concept was his son, Armani. Tofound, these are not people who just came over the border or gether they created “The Poor Chef” and set out to change into the country. the way America eats. The idea was to inspire and educate As Pew researchers discovered, following analysis of the U.S. people how to shop for and prepare healthy and delicious Census Bureau’s March 2010 Current Population Survey, nearly meals without breaking the bank. Chef Mattocks appeared regularly two-thirds of the 10.2 million unauthorized adult immigrants on nationin the United States have lived in this country for at least 10 wide proyears and nearly half are parents of minor children. grams such as The Dr. The undocumented also make up 28 percent of the country’s Oz Show, foreign-born population and 3.7 percent of the overall population, making up a significant part of the country. But most Good Morning America, The Today Show, Fox TV, Martha importantly, the Pew Hispanic analysis finds that 35 percent Stewart, ABC, CBS and a host of others. He is featured in of unauthorized adult immigrants have resided in the U.S. for such publications as Cosmopolitan Magazine, Quick and 15 years or more; 28 percent for 10 to 14 years; 22 percent for 5 Simple, Edible Publications, RYSE and Martha Stewart to to 9 years; and 15 percent for less than five years. name a few.

The reality is that a whopping 72 percent of Americans support a path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants . . .

The idea was to inspire and educate people how to shop for and prepare healthy and delicious meals without breaking the bank.

Further, at least 9 million people are in “mixed-status” families that include at least one unauthorized adult and at least one U.S.-born child and there are 400,000 unauthorized immigrant children in such families who have U.S.-born siblings.

In late 2010, Charles’ life was forever changed. Given a devastating diagnosis of Type 11 diabetes, he quickly learned what a confusing and frightening time that is for millions of people just like him, and from that moment on he made it his life’s mission to become a beacon to those in search of answers and These are generally moral, law abiding and hard working people and to cover this globe promoting early detection of diabetes not the harsh criminals the right wingers and blue dog democrats through frequent testing, prevention through lifestyle, diet and believe are part of the undocumented populace. It is for this reason habit changes. why the humane approach, President Obama and lawmakers, should be to grant legal status to these immigrants. It is not only the humane, Charles has set a goal to test 150,000 people for diabetes within but the right thing to do, for a people who are already a big part of the fabric of this country and who keep the economic engines turning the next two years and to collect a data base of 500,000 diasmoothly daily. Without their labor, many industries, including the betics and to continually update them with the latest informafarms, will be affected, as we’ve already seen in states like Alabama. tion and educational resources. Charles has put his talents to work in a way he never imagined. He began directing and proMost of Americans get this and now the lawmakers really ducing what will become the most powerful full length docuneed to listen, instead of trying to march to the drum beat of mentary film of its kind on diabetes. The film will take him a few bigoted nuts, who would be happy to rid the country of around the world bringing education, awareness and inspiration across the globe. It is set to reach over 4 MILLION people all black and brown immigrants. worldwide. His gripping television series of the same name “The Felicia Persaud is founder of NewsAmericasNow, CaribPR Wire and Diabetic You’ is set to air early 2012 on a major network with a reach of over 10 MILLION viewers. Hard Beat Communications.

Central Florida Urban League GAIL Foundation & LaParkan hosts 2012 Financial bring Christmas to Guyana Empowerment Summit Orphanages Event features presentations to help Families, Women, Millennials and Entrepreneurs

his past Christmas was brighter for children at the Red Cross Convalescent Home in Georgetown, Guyana and Children of Promise Eden Orphanage in Berbice, Guyana. ecognizing the Attorney Gail Seeram, founder of the GAIL Foundation, identineed to equip fied the need for items at both toddler rooms during a trip to families with Guyana in September. With the donated shipment by Mr. Paul information and reSingh and Mrs. Anita Singh, owners of LaParkan Shipping in sources to navigate a still recovering econ- Orlando, Florida, the GAIL Foundation secured donated funds omy, the Central for the items and furnished two toddler rooms with plenty of Florida Urban League is hosting its 2012 Financial Empower- toys just in time for Christmas. ment Summit, powered by Fifth Third Bank. Ms. Martha McIntosh, donated through the GAIL Foundation, The Summit takes place on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to to provide the following items to the Red Cross Convalescent 3:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown, Home: floor puzzle mats, toddler chairs, 4 toddler walkers, leggos, toy guitars, toy pianos, writing easel, wall decorations, located at 60 S. Ivanhoe Boulevard in Orlando. walk & play rides, balls, Leap Frog activity table, books & cray“Attendees will leave this Summit empowered to reach their ons. The toddler room items were handed over to Mr. Ewin financial goals,” said Allie L. Braswell, Jr., Central Florida Ur- Enmore, director of the Red Cross Convalescent Home, two ban League president. “We’re delighted to have the support of weeks before Christmas and Attorney Gail Seeram furnished Fifth Third Bank in presenting an event to educate and pre- the rooms immediately. pare our residents in building and securing their economic futures, which will ultimately improve their quality of life.” Ms. Vani Chattergoon and Mr. John Lowton, also donated through the GAIL Foundation, to provide the following items Designed to assist Families, Women, Millennials, and Small to the Children of Promise Eden Orphanage: floor puzzle mats, Business Owners, the program is organized into four tracks with Disney Hut Tents, writing and painting easel, playdoh, toy tailored presentations about building, planning and growing guitars, toy piano, wall décor, books & crayons. These items financial resources. Participants will learn how to improve their overall financial position, protect themselves from identity theft, were handed over to Ms. Pansy Howell, founder of the Orphanpurchase a home in today’s economy, plan for their financial age, and she and Attorney Gail Seeram opened and placed all future, and discover resources available to help grow and sus- the items in the newly renovated toddler room. tain their businesses. The GAIL Foundation continues to work with children organiThe Summit will include continental breakfast and lunch. zations in Guyana to identify their needs and secure donaSpace is limited. Those interested in attending may visit http:/ tions from Guyanese-American abroad that are desirous to /www.cful.org to register. “GivingAbundantly In Life”.

2 years on: Haiti, Lest We Forget... Continued from page 1 Subsequently, cholera, famine, panic and rape spread through still unfortunately remain. Half the rubble has been cleared from the streets of Port-au-Prince, but much still strews the althe make shift camps erected for the survivors. leys and the public thoroughfares. Progress has been slow, not Disaster relief funds were immediately started. Public figures least because of the sickeningly large cholera epidemic (aplike Hollywood actor Sean Penn and Haitian American singer parently introduced by accident by UN troops). In short, Haiti Wyclef Jean flew out and helped bring attention to the situa- today remains a humanitarian disaster of staggering, biblical tion in Haiti. On reflection, and to our immense credit, we are proportions. Homelessness and disease are rife. 500,000 people good in a crisis and we share what we have with others well. are still living in tents in despicable sanitary conditions and Even in these tough economic times, we dug deep and made life is far from returning to even a vestige of normality for the city's millions of inhabitants. sizeable donations to the relief effort. But, prior to the earthquake, what did we really know of Haiti? Only what we had heard in the media: that it was a former French colony in the Caribbean, famous for voodoo, the brutal regimes of the dictators Papa Doc and Baby Doc Duvalier and their merciless band of hired thugs the Tonton Macoutes. What else? Possibly that it was the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Possibly also, depending on your knowledge of history, that it was the first independent black republic in the Western hemisphere and that a man called Toussaint Louverture, a slave revolt leader led his army of slaves to victory over Napoleon’s forces back in 1804. The reality was that, until that day two years ago, even for those of us from the Caribbean, Haiti was but a distant dot on the edge of our consciousness, sufficiently far away to not trouble our sleep or disturb our waking thoughts. Then the earthquake happened and it tore the heart out of our geographical ignorance and the sense of complacency we were in…was shattered.

On the second anniversary of the earthquake, let us spare a thought for the poor, bruised yet still standing people of Haiti. Bloodied and battered, but not defeated and not vanquished, they are an inspiration to us all. Against the most overwhelming odds, they are a hardy, resilient and dignified people who have endured their suffering, with courage.

Subsequently, cholera, famine, panic and rape spread through the make shift camps erected for the survivors.

Today, two years on, an island is slowly rebuilding itself. But human suffering, hardship and poverty on an immense scale

As the Haitian Creole proverb goes, admirably expressing their moral and physical fortitude in the face of crushing adversity, 'Fer ka plié, mais nou pa ka plié.' (Iron may bend, but we will not bend.) If the Haitian earthquake can teach us one thing above all else, then it must be that we are, our brothers' keepers, despite living in this age of rampant, materialism and egotistical posturing. In times of terrible anguish and vile suffering - times when we question the very fabric of the human condition wherever it may be in the world, we must pull together, dig deep and help those who could so easily be us, but with a different name or a different face.

Gone but not Forgotten

rinidadian, Ralph MacDonald, a Grammy Award-winning percussionist and composer whose understated Afro-Caribbean rhythms were known as “the ghost” behind the hit records of a multitude of 1970s and ’80s pop stars and who was a co-writer on the hit songs “Where Is the Love?” and “Just the Two of Us,” died Dec. 20th, 2011 in Stamford, Connecticut. He was 67.

uyanese and Central Florida’s own Godfrey Chin, social history icon and culture enthusiast Godfrey Chin has passed away. He was 74. He was the author of the very popular Nostalgia series in various media, as well as a book– Godfrey’s Nostalgias-Golden Memories of Guyana 19401980–and a pictorial enthusiast.

ImmigrationTALK

U.S. Visa Lottery Open from Oct 4th

Nov 5th

U.S. Supreme Court examines Arizona Immigration Law eral immigration law. A district judge in Phoenix entered a temporary injunction against four of the law’s provisions while permitting others to go into effect. A federal appeals court in San Francisco then upheld the injuncn Monday, December 12, 2011, tion, causing Arizona to file a petition with the Supreme the Supreme Court announced Court. The main issue is whether the States can enact what many supporters and op- their own immigration laws where federal immigration ponents of Arizona SB 1070 long ex- laws already exist in the areas where the States can trypected: that the Justices will themselves ing to enact legislation. have the final word on the validity of the injunctions entered shortly after the Which provisions of SB 1070 will the Supreme Court immigration law was enacted last year. Technically, the ques- consider? tion before the Justices is simply whether four of the law’s pro- The Justices will evaluate the temporary injunctions against visions should be temporarily blocked pending resolution of a the following four provisions of SB 1070: larger legal challenge. The Supreme Court may well provide broad guidance about what role, if any, local police and States • Section 2(B), which requires local police officers to investimay play in enforcing federal immigration law-which could gate the immigration status of any person they stop or dein turn affect legal challenges to copycat laws in other states, tain whom they possess “reasonable suspicion” to believe is such as Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. unlawfully present in the United States;

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram 1-877-GAIL-LAW www.GailLaw.com

• Section 3, which makes it a crime under Arizona law for Earlier last year, the Florida legislators tried to pass an immiforeign nationals to fail to carry or apply for registration gration bill but it did not receive the required number of votes. papers provided by the federal government; Since Arizona tried to criminalize illegal immigration on the • Section 5, which makes it a crime under Arizona law for State level, many immigrants left the state and the economy immigrants to solicit, apply for, or perform work without in Arizona has declined drastically. federal employment authorization; and • Section 6, which authorizes local police officers to arrest forHow did the case get to the Supreme Court? eign nationals whom they have “probable cause” to believe Soon after Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed SB 1070 into have committed an offense making them deportable from law, the federal government filed suit alleging its provithe United States. sions conflicted with, and were thus “preempted” by, fedThe Justices could vote to uphold or overturn the injunction against all, none, or some of the provisions. When will the case be argued and decided? The Supreme Court did not set a date for oral argument, though it will likely occur in March or April 2012. Regardless of when the case is argued, the decision, as always, is likely to come by the end of June 2012. If Arizona wins, will states have a “green light” to enact copycat laws? Certainly not. At present, the Supreme Court is only considering whether the four provisions of SB 1070 should be temporarily blocked while the underlying legal challenge is resolved. In addition, the suit brought by the federal government involves a much narrower set of issues than a companion case brought by a coalition of immigrants’ rights groups. Finally, even if the Supreme Court finds the injunctions were not required against the law as written, it would not prevent future suits from challenging how the law is actually implemented.

BRYAN AND GARY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING A PUBLIC FORUM FOR SOME OF THE MOST PROVACATIVE AND THOUGHT PROVOKING TOPICS THAT DEAL WITH EVERYDAY LIFE. TODAY THEY’RE ASKING THE QUESTION: WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF SOMEONE OFFERED YOU $10 MILLION DOLLARS FOR ONE NIGHT WITH YOUR SPOUSE? GARY: Bryan this sounds like that movie “Indecent Proposal.” BRYAN: You’re exactly right, the only difference is that the movie only offered $One Million Dollars. But that was almost 20years ago, so I guess with inflation $10 Million seems more realistic. GARY: Yeah Bryan , but in the movie the question was posed to the husband about sleeping with his wife. BRYAN: Yeah, So what? GARY: Well, What man in his right mind is going to agree to one night with his wife? BRYAN: Do you see the kind of economy we’re in? Do you see the unemployment rate? A lot of married men would offer up there wives for much less. But the question wasn’t geared towards one spouse over the next. What if someone offered you $10 Million Dollars for a night with you? GARY: Well if that someone was Halle Berry , Jennifer Lopez, or Nicole Scherzinger from X-Factor, then I would just have to take one for the team. It would be very tough and I don’t know how I would sleep at nights, but I would try. LOL BRYAN: I’m sure you would. But what if the same offer was made to your wife? What then? GARY: Yuh MAD! “NO WAY, HOSEH.” Forget the money; I will just have to continue to suffer. BRYAN: LOL, But that’s not fair. GARY: Well life isn’t fair. And that’s something we have to deal with everyday. Look I know that it sounds hypocritical but such is life. I would rather keep her all to myself; I wouldn’t even want him to get a whiff of her. BRYAN: Man that’s just a selfish position to take, don’t you think that she should have a say in all of this? What if this is a sacrifice that she would be willing to make for her family, shouldn’t she be given that option? Do you know how far $10 Million Dollars can go? Gary GARY: Maybe you didn’t hear me before so let me say it again; “NOOO.... WAAAY, HOSEH.” Look man, you can call me selfish or whatever name you want but he would have to keep his money. By the way, why yuh a tek set pah mi? WHAT WOULD YOU DO MR. BRYAN? Why don’t you tell us? BRYAN: LOL, You know I just find it funny that most men wouldn’t have a problem spending the night and collecting the money, but they would have a problem with their wives spending the night and collecting the money. GARY: Yeah, Yeah, Yeah....What Would You Do? BRYAN: Well Gary, My body is a temple and I don’t know if I would accept ANY MONEY from ANYBODY for a night of pleasure. GARY: Man Cut the CRAP. What part of YOUR body is a TEMPLE ? WHAT WOULD YOU DO? BRYAN: LOL, O.K.... But I still wouldn’t charge for the pleasure. They would just have to pay me for my time. The pleasure they can have for FREE, because it would be all mine. As far as my wife, I would like to think that I am a reasonable man, one who is confident and secure in his relationship....So I would give her the option of making her own decision. GARY: Yeah Right, and if she chose to spend the night, YOU WOULD BE FINE WITH THAT? BRYAN: I said I was a reasonable man, not a stupid one. Of course I would NOT be fine with that. The point I’m trying to make is that, the decision would still be hers to make. Now that’s not to say that there wouldn’t be consequences to that decision but the decision would still be hers. GARY: LOL, yeah that’s the Bryan I know. BRYAN: It’s funny though Gary that society would be more accepting of

the man doing it but not the woman. GARY: Well I think it’s because women tend to get more emotional and men can detach their emotions. BRYAN: Well whatever it is, I would like to get some feedback from our readers. LIFE IS A JOURNEY THAT’S FULL OF UPS AND DOWNS, TWISTS AND TURNS, SUCCESSES AND FAILURES, AND A LOT OF THINGS IN BETWEEN. SO WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF FACED WITH THIS QUESTION? E-MAIL US AT BACK2BASICLIVE@GMAIL.COM .

Bryan

Indo-Caribbean collection of books and literary materials unveiled by Queens Public Library, Richmond Hills, NY

aturday December 10th, 2011 marked a historic day for the Indo-Caribbean community in Richmond Hills, NY. The Queens Borough Public Library Lefferts Branch, opened its doors to the first Indo-Caribbean Library Collection, not only in New York, but in the US. This collection is a joint initiative of the Indo-Caribbean Alliance and Queens Library to significantly increase the amount of Indo-Caribbean materials in circulation within the public library system. This Collection is intended to give residents in this large concentration of Indo-Caribbean nationals, easy access to the rich and diverse history, culture and experiences of their community. The Collection features over 100 titles on various subject matters including migration, assimilation, food, art, sports, music, philosophy, gender issues, politics and social issues, including domestic violence. One of our own, Central Florida author and advocate of domestic

violence awareness, Sukree Boodram, www. sukreebood ram.com, was in attendance at this historic event. Ms. Boodram traveled especially for this unveiling to support a very active organization consisting of Indo-Caribbean youths. Indo-Caribbean Alliance (ICA) is a progressive nonprofit organization that seeks to unify and advance IndoCaribbean interests by fostering joint and collaborative Richard David, Executive Director of ICA with actions among resiAuthorof Breakout, Sukree Boodram. dents, organizations and businesses. They can be contacted at: www.indocaribbean.org or at 347-566-1422 and email: Indocaribbean@gmail.com. The Indo-Caribbean Alliance is part of a coalition seeking to introduce Indo-Caribbean & South Asian history and culture into the public school Curriculum in New York City neighborhoods with high concentrations of Indo-Caribbeans & South Asians. The event was well attended by members of the various related organizations as well as educational institutions in the community.

Caribbean Style Christmas in Orlando

ermia Steward Kerr smiles as she receives her hamper with Christmas goodies from RIDD Auto Sales representative. Mrs. Kerr outwitted all callers and won the Christmas quiz competition organized by Caribbean Vibes Radio Program (airs on WOKB Radio 1680am Saturdays 9pm to 12am.) Host Junior B praised the residents of Orlando and surrounding areas for their support and involvement. Many thanks to the following sponsors: Caribbean One Stop, RIDD Auto Sales, GAS N Go Kwik Stop, Jamaican American Association of Central Florida, Allied Auto Center, Cliff Entertainment New York, Finesse Electrical Installators, Singer Ochie and most importantly the many listeners and participants. Caribbean Vibes wishes all a very peaceful, productive and prosperous 2012.

The Caribbean Students’ Association at the University of Central Florida By Danielle Matthew and Meisha Perrin

n the city of Orlando, there is a vibrant Caribbean community that is ever-growing and ever-changing.

held several events with the theme, “Caribbean Television: Everyday a Different Channel.” Some of the bigger events were the talent show and music and dance exposition that showcased members, UCF students, and UCF minority organizations demonstrating aspects of the Caribbean culture through music and dance; and the “Taste of the Caribbean”, which allowed students to sample the cuisine of many Caribbean nations from Haiti to Curacao.

At the University of Central Florida (UCF), the community at large is definitely represented. UCF also has a growing number of Caribbean-American students each year attending the university and every semester more and more students of Caribbean heritage are added to its enrollment. To accommodate these students or The organization is also involved in the community, participatbetter still to create that “home away from home” atmosphere, is ing in such events as the American Heart Association Heart Walk, the Annual Knights Give Back event coordinated by VolunteerUCF, where members helped a youth football and cheerleading league, and bringing a Financial Fortitude Workshop in collabothe Caribbean Students’ Association (CSA). This organization cre- ration with the Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority ates a familiar place for students that resonates with the Carib- Incorporated to students to help develop financial literacy. As bean culture to create a family that will always be there for them the school year continues, the CS A has many events planned throughout their collegiate experience.

[The Caribbean Students’ Association] creates a familiar place for students that resonates with the Caribbean culture to create a family that will always be there for them throughout their collegiate experience.

This year, CSA’s executive board boasts 17 members—the largest executive board of any organization at the university— and each has their own unique approach to helping the organization grow and continually give the students what they seek; a sense of community. CSA-UCF is led by Aeryel “Sunshine” Williams, president, a senior who has been a CSA member her entire collegiate career. She hopes to continue the familial atmosphere that CSA provides to its members and wants students to absorb more than just the food and fun of the Caribbean; she wants them to take away a sense of pride and enriched heritage from it all. Alongside Ms. Williams, there are the other 16 members of the executive board that includes Kadeem Stewart, Vice President; Haydee Torres, Secretary; Shanece Joseph, Treasurer; Indiria Hill, Historian; Chayna Douglas, Public Relations Director; Danielle Chasten, Promotions Coordinator; Danielle Matthew, Events Coordinator; Symone Taylor, Campus Liaison; Kris Duran, Campus Liaison; Melvin George, Red Team Leader; Nedrick Louis-Jacques, Blue Team Leader; Seyi Akinyooye, Green Team Leader; and Gaslande Fleurimont, Yellow Team Leader—all of whom have various ethnic backgrounds. Some of them hail from Jamaica while others are from the United States Virgin Islands and even Nigeria. The board also has diversity in the range of degree programs that each is pursuing, ranging from Micro and Molecular biology and Mechanical engineering to Interdisciplinary Studies and International Relations. The collective goal of the executive board is to make this year an “EPIC” year for the members to remember and take away a little more understanding about themselves in the puzzle that is UCF, understanding that there are many opportunities available to minority students, especially students with diverse ethnic backgrounds, and just try to have balance between school and fun throughout their time at UCF. Most importantly, we want to enhance and expand their education and understanding of the many facets and attributes of the Caribbean. Working together for the Fall semester with different schedules, working styles, and an overflow of ideas has worked out well for the CSA executive board and the organization’s members. To date, there has been a myriad of successful events to bring the Caribbean student population and the campus-at-large together. During the annual “CSA Week” in September, the organization

for its members spanning from team events to large-scale events such as the annual CSA Lock-In and the 10th Annual “Miss CSA-UCF” and 4th annual “Mr. CSA-UCF” Pageant. The Caribbean Students’ Association at the University of Central Florida looks forward to continuing its outreach to the Central Florida Caribbean community and contributing to the success of its mission at the university’s campus.

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Caribbean Chamber of Commerce Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (CACCF) Announces Its Caribbean American Resource Directory, 2012 Edition Don’t miss the opportunity to have your business listed in 5000 print copies and available in pdf form online. Start your business off right in 2012. Join the Chamber that works for you. Get Involved Now! Go to www.caccfl.com to register as a member of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida. Ad space is limited. Ads close off March 1st. 2012. For more information: (407) 427-1800 or email directly to guenetroberts@yahoo.com Guenet Roberts - CACCF Resource Directory

Resource Directory Are you a member of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida? Free Listing in CACCF Directory. Free copy mailed to you. Free Networking Opportunities. Preferential discounts at participating vendors. Discounted ad rates. Mentoring Assistance from the Business Community. Your support keeps the Caribbean Community and their businesses vibrant and active in the eyes of City and Government Officials. Membership: $100.00 per year for small businesses CACCF Members get 20% off ad rates. Ad Prices: Full page $500 Half Page $250 Business Card $75 Listing Text $30 Not a Member? Then you won’t be listed in this year’s directory unless you contact us. You’ll pay $30.00 for your listing to be added to the book.

The Executive & Board of Directors of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida Cordially invites members and non-members to our Annual General Meeting & Elections January 24th, 2012, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Soiree Banquet Hall & Conference Center, 6394 Silver Star Rd, Orlando, FL 32818 If you would like to pay membership prior to elections so that you may run for office or vote - dues can be paid online at www.caccfl.com Membership is valid for 1 year. Join now!

Caribbean Science Foundation mobilizes local and international expertise in quest to spur regional economic development through science, technology and innovation

xperts from the Caribbean Region and the Caribbean leading eHealth consulting firm, discussed how his Diaspora gathered on 18, 19 November 2011 at the Lloyd company’s software engineers in Trinidad & Tobago are deErskine Sandiford Conference Centre in Bridgetown, Barsigning critical applications for the US healthcare industry. bados to discuss how science, technology and innovation (ST&I) can be effectively used to diversify the Region’s economy. The • Dr. Basil Burke, CEO of UWI Consulting, emphasized the workshop was organized by the Caribbean Science Foundation role that TheUniversity of the West Indies can and must play (CSF) with support from the Caribbean Diaspora for Science Techas a catalyst for growth and development of the CSF. nology and Innovation (CADSTI) and several other sponsors. The CSF is the first nonprofit funding agency specifically dedi- • Some of the UWI students in attendance agreed to help decated to enhancing and promoting ST&I in the Caribbean. sign a competition to recruit more students to pursue STEM degrees and careers. That offer was readily adopted as the Under the theme, “Mobilizing the Diaspora for Caribbean Develfirst educational project for the CSF Governing Council Eduopment through Science, Technology and Innovation,” the workcation Committee (Dr. Jeanese Badenock, Dr. Sheena Francis, shop harnessed the energy of representatives from business, and Prof. Maya Trotz) which said the project provides a government,academia, and non-governmental organizations framework to develop “CSF champions” through mentorship who came from various Caribbean countries, the USA, the UK, and training. Canada, and Germany. The main message was that the region is Selected Workshop Comments poised for change, but needs assistance in many areas - particularly in the translation of S&T research into economic benefits. “This first CSF Workshop was strategically held at the same time A distinguished panel officiates the opening of the CSF work- and place as the annual summit of the Barbados Entrepreneurshop. From left to right are CSF governing council members: Dr. ship Foundation so as to concurrently build synergy with the Arnoldo Ventura, a Region’s private secformer science adviser tor,” said Dr. Cardinal to Jamaica’s prime Warde, Chairman of minister, Senator CSF’s Governing Franka Alexis-BernCouncil. A Barbaardine, Grenada’s dian-born professor of Minister of Education, electrical engineering and Dr. Cardinal Warde, MIT electrical engineering professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Warde is himand Chairman of the CSF’s Governing Council. self an entrepreneur, having founded two technology companies: Optron Systems, Inc.and Radiant Images, Inc.

The main message was that the region is poised for change, but needs assistance in many areas - particularly in the translation of S&T research into economic benefits.

A few highlights from the two-day workshop

“The meeting brought into sharper focus the very important role and objectives of the CSF,” said Mr. Dodridge Miller, a CSF Governing Council member and CEO of regional insurance giant, Sagicor Group of Companies. “Our intervention into the current course of development in the Region is timely and required if future generations are to have a credible chance at engaging the rest of the world on near equal terms.” Sagicor is now working with CSF’s education committee on a project to develop sustainable Caribbean communities.

• Cutting-edge scientific research posters were presented by students and researchers from: UWI (Cave Hill and Mona Campuses), the Guyana Ministry ofEducation, the University of Montreal (Canada), the Caribbean Eco Health Programme, the Atlantis Mobile Laboratory (Dominica), the Bio-Tech R&D Institute (Jamaica), the University of Maryland (USA), The Johns Hopkins University (USA), Sri Krishnadevaraya University (India), Yogi Vemana University (India), Dartmouth College (USA), Barbados Community College, the Aquatic Ecosystem Protection Research “We welcome this initiative to set science and research at the Division (Canada), the University of Trinidad and Tobago, heart of regional efforts to boost innovation and business,” and the University of Technology (Jamaica). said Mr. David Elek, Global Director of Emerging Markets at Springer, one of the world´s largest academic publishers and • Prominent educational policy experts in the Region advised a co-sponsor of the conference. “Springer knows that many conference delegates on strategies for implementing educa- of the authors of tomorrow will come from emerging martion reform that would include a strong mix of STEM (sci- kets, including the Caribbean, and we wish to foster any efence, technology, engineering, and math) subjects. Those fort that will improve skill-sets needed to publish research in experts included Dr. Didacus Jules, head of the Caribbean top international journals.” Led by Mimi Hendricks, Springer’s Examinations Council (CXC), Senator Franka Alexis- Licensing Manager in the Region, the publishing firm already Bernardine, Grenada’s Minister of Education, Senator R. has agreements in place with the University of the West Indies Orlando Marville of Barbados, and Dr. Winston King, UWI- (UWI) that provides faculty and students access to its online Barbados education professor. journals database.

Fund-Raising • One of the region’s top financial experts, Dr. DeLisle Worrell, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, captured the attention of all with his presentation of a new economic Going forward, the CSF will continue its push to raise US $13 “theory of value” for the Region. million over the next three years to promote education reform and technology-based entrepreneurship in the Region. Indi• The Honorable Norris Prevost, a Member of Parliament in viduals or organizations interested in supporting either the Dominica, described the E-one Caribbean project, which educational and/or the entrepreneurships projects of the CSF seeks to engage the Caribbean diaspora in reinvigorating may do so at http://caribbeanscience.org/donation/or by comtheir home countries by volunteering and providing finan- municating with Dr. Cardinal Warde (warde.csf@gmail.com). cial support towardcapacity-building efforts at home through non-governmental organizations. For more information on the Caribbean Science Foundation, visit http://caribbeanscience.org, subscribe to the Caribbean Science • Mr. Geoff Seyon, Executive Chairman of Medullan Inc., a Foundation Facebook Page, and follow @caribsf on Twitter.

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