April2014

ONE LOVE Free Publication

Volume 7 Issue 4

APRIL 2014

ARIBBEAN

COMMUNITY • CULTURE • CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY

My Marriage and My Green Card Page 4

CARIBBEAN

Barbados Seeking To Abolish Mandatory Death Penalty Page 7

CONNECTION

Caribbean Leaders Approve Reparation Plans Page 12

OWER

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Contracting & Consulting Residential Commercial Industrial 6603 Harvest Trail Ln, Katy, TX 77449 281-780-7116 Fax 281-345-4254 www.powerelectricalsystem.com

281-769-2253

TRANS CARIBE

Office: 281 568 8960 Cell: 281 740 8868

SHIPPERS AND MOVERS 11450 Bissonnet St. Suite 103 Houston, TX 77099

TRANS CARIBE SHIPPERS MOVERS

We Ship

trans.caribe@yahoo.​com

Barrels, Boxes, Vehicles, etc.

Send to Family and Friends Door to Door Delivery

www.olchouston.com

LOVE BIRD

Caribbean and American Cuisine New Name - Same Great Food

P

Kennedy Gordon Master Electrician TECL # 27075

9750 Hwy 6 South, #102, Sugarland TX 77478 Oxtail Jerk Pork Curry Goat Jerk Chicken Curry Shrimp Stew Peas Escovitch fish

281-933-1448

WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE COOKING... ...LET ME COOK FE’ YU.

One Love Caribbean

Page 2 • ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN • APRIL 2014

CONTENTS The Publisher’s Thoughts Community • • •

Pages 4 and 5 The Caribbean Bash at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin HPD Takes Corrective Action in Its Homicide Division GM Recall Their Vehicles

Caribbean • • • • • • •

Pages 6 and 7 Jamaica to be a Transshipment Hub Chikungunya in the Caribbean VI Celebrates Transfer Day Dominica To Use Translucent Ballot Boxes in the Next Elections Barbados Seeking To Abolish Mandatory Death Penalty The Trinidad and Tobago Police in Action Guyana to Spend $338M on Demerara Harbor Maintenance

Connection • • • • •

DIRECTORY

Where to Eat LOVE BIRD RESTAUANT 281-933-1448 Front Page THEE TRINI HUT 832-367-4771 Page 2

CARIBBEAN CUISINE (713) 772 8225 (713) 774-7428 Back page CARIBBEAN PEPPERPOT (281) 208-7964 Back Page

TMW Medical Mission to Jamaica Triston Thompson - Faith even in the most difficult times Dancehall Artist Vybz Kartel Receives Life Sentence Caribbeanites Urged to Explore Challenges to Sustainability Because of Jesus…

Open Editorial •

Caribbean Leaders Approve Reparation Plans

Health and Wellness • • •

Should you have your silver fillings Check-Up Checklist Know the Sign of a Heart Attack

•

Easter in the Caribbean

The Saint Lucia Association of Texas Serving the Saint Lucia Diaspora in Texas since 1979

Memorial Day Picnic At the Ranch in Baytown Thompson Rd Baytown, TX 77521 Sunday, May 25, 2014 From 3:00 to 10:00 pm For more information

Call Joan at 832-414-1172 ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT ON THIS PAGE AT A LOW RATE

The Publisher’s Thoughts Okay folks. Have you ever dealt with a person who is trying desperately to sell you something and you quickly realize that they are blowing smoke in your face? Have you ever worked with a so-called expert who knows very little about their expertise?

Better yet, have you met someone who uses “big words” and do not know its definition?

Trying to look important, they would bellow out words in the wrong context and connotation. Does that irk you?

One Love CARIBBEAN P.O. Box 742291 Houston, TX 77274 281-769-2253

Website

www.olchouston.com

Sylvanus Donaie

Founder/Publisher Phone: 832-881-9745 sdonaie@olchouston.com

Andrea Jean Baptiste

Business Manager Phone: 281-705-5774 ajeanbaptiste@olchouston.com

Main Office

P.O Box 742291 Houston, TX 77274 Phone: 281-769-2253 info@olchouston.com

Billing Department

P.O Box 742291 Houston, TX 77274 Office: 281-769-2253 billing@olchouston.com

Entertainment Editor DJ Uncle L djunclel@olchouston.com

Medical Editor

Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade kwade@olchouston.com

Staff Writers

Sylvanus Donaie DJ Uncle L Marcelline Chitolie

Dr. Daintee G. Jones

Terry Layne Thecia Jenkins Leslie A. Richardson Charmaine Bailey Advertising Tel: 281-769-2253 Tel: 832-881-9745 Tel: 504-460-9638

Like us on

one love caribbean

What’s wrong with just being quiet? Or researching and understanding the subject at hand? In today’s world, with a few keystrokes, you can find practically any information you want.

Well last month, some so-called Caribbean experts in Houston tried to school me on the relationship of the United States Virgin Islands with the United States. During that time, a quote from the bible, just engulfed my reaction, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (NIV Luke 23:34) I eventually concluded that some folks just cannot keep their naïveté on a subject matter to themselves. They find it a difficult task to say, “I don’t know?”

Take for example, if your “expertise” deals with the Caribbean, it would be logical for one to assume that you have some strong background on the history, culture, economies, and attractions of the Caribbean islands. But to my surprise, the expert did not know that the Dominican Republic is not Dominica, Anguilla in not Antigua, or Bermuda is not Barbuda. Quite embarrassing!

Another amazing perception was the thinking that Bermuda is in the Caribbean. I am still unsure of its origin. For goodness sake, the island is in the middle of the North Atlantic in the same longitude as North Carolina. But, what was even more surprising, my friend-expert did not know (nor have never heard) about Carriacou, Petite Martinique, Bequia, Saba, St. Eustatius, Marie Galante, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Vieques, or Culebra. The excuse is these are “smallie.” But I have news; these islands are the jewels of the region. Go figure.

Now back to the subject at hand, the US Virgin Islands (USVI). What I have found out that not much is known and understood about USVI in regards to its history and culture by the folks of the CARICOM countries. And if they do, they most probably lived on one of the islands. Therefore, I want to take this time to dish out some information about the USVI. When we look at the history of the USVI, there are some key points one should remember.

1. First, the Virgin Islands early peoples were primarily the Tainos; however, archeologists have found many indictors to show some existence of Caribs on the islands.

2. At one point or another, most of the key European players have laid claim to the Virgin Islands: Holland, England, France, Spain, and the Knights of Malta. Like the game of monopoly, these islands served as the play toys of rich Europeans, selling and buying them as they please. But it was the purchases by Denmark and its Danish West India Company who began the development of the islands. But, at the end of the nineteenth century, Denmark was bankrupt and broke by the complexity of the industrial revolution, and was forced to sell the

islands to the United States.

So why did America purchase these islands?

What was so important? Read on. I’ll tell you soon.

3. Virgin islanders are proud of their history in particular Emancipation Day, and the Fireburn. Emancipation Day commemorates the day in July 3, 1848 when enslaved Africans on St. Croix revolted, demanded, and won their freedom, along with freedom for all slaves in the then Danish West India territory.

“At the sound of the ``conchshell,’’ slaves from across the island of St. Croix converged on Fort Frederik under the leadership of Moses ``General Buddhoe’’ Gottlieb and threatened to destroy the island unless their freedom was granted immediately. In response to the reports of the uprising, Danish Governor Peter Von Scholten rushed from the town of Christiansted and encouraged by his mulatto mistress Anna Heegaard, issued his famous proclamation, ``All unfree in the Danish West Indies are from today free.’’

(VI History) Thirty years after slavery ended in the Danish West Indies, the African were being paid a pittance for their labor. The 1878 Labor Riot on St. Croix, also known as Fireburn was a labor riot on St. Croix started on October 1, 1878, led by four women. These V.I. heroines were Queen Mary Thomas, Queen Mathilda Macbean, Susanna “Bottom Belly” Abrahamson and Axeline “Queen Agnes” Salomon.

Now you have read the interesting history of VI before the US purchase.

So, the United States purchased the now USVI (St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Islands) and the transfer of ownership was on March 31, 1917. So the question I have most often been asked is, “Why would the US purchase “dem smallie island?” Of course, I can explain it in two word: money and security.

You see, at the begin of the 20th Century, the United State faced two major events: World War I and the opening of the Panama Canal.

Both had a direct link to the Virgin lslands.

With its natural deep water harbors, the VI was a resupply point for sea traffic to and from Europe, the Panama Canal, and the US east coast. And of course, the US wanted security for its ocean traffic. But most importantly, with Denmark being broke and the Germans wanting a foothold in the Caribbean, the US was not going to allow the Germans to purchase the islands. They were just not having it.

Upon the purchase, Congress gave the Department of the Navy to manage the islands.

So go figure. The Navy, whose job is to fight, managing a populace of primarily Africans, who at the time were not US citizens, had a basketful of problems to deal with.

In 1927, Congress gave US citizenship to all Virgin Island natives.

All persons born in the Virgin Islands of the United States on or after January 17, 1917, and prior to February 25, 1927, and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States are declared to be citizens of the United States as of February 25, 1927; and all persons born in those islands on or after February 25, 1927, and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, are declared to be citizens of the United States at birth. (US Congress) The government of the Virgin Islands is organized under the Organic Act, which was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1936 and amended in 1954. The government has three

branches: executive, unicameral legislative, and judicial. The governor serves a maximum of two consecutive fouryear terms in the executive branch.

Senators serve a two-year term.

Virgin Islanders elect a delegate to Congress from their at-large congressional district, which is currently held

by Congresswoman Donna M. Christensen. However, the elected delegate, while able to vote in committee, cannot participate in floor votes.

Having said all, I can say the relationship the Virgin Islands have with the US is complicated. It almost like having one foot in and the other out. And I believe that the islanders love it in that way.

Today the USVI is an unincorporated United States territory; the islands are considered an insular area, which is a U.S. territory that is not related to any of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia. It is administered by the Office of Insular Affairs at the US Department of the Interior.

As with any U.S. citizen, Virgin islanders are free to travel in the US without a passport, just as they may travel freely between states and other territories without a passport. If any US Citizen takes residency in the VI, then they may vote in Democratic and Republican Party presidential primary elections. However, they do not vote in general elections for the U.S. president and vice president. If they reside in one of the fifty states, then they can.

Products manufactured in USVI are considered to be “Made in the USA.” Most federal taxes are not levied and no federal income tax is collected from island residents, except for federal employees.

Currently, Virgin Islanders serve in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and have served in every conflict since World War I. I have to add this… As a Virgin Islander, I served in the US Army: 4 year active and 12 years reserve. It was my ticket to the world.

This is a very brief history about the VI. Of course, we can go on and on.

So until then, One Love!

Sylvanus Donaie,

BA, BSEE, MTM, MPM, MBA Publisher

Page 4

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

APRIL 2014

A SPECIAL REPORT ON IMMIGRATION If all is fair in love and war, does that mean I lose my green card too?

Latania Mena Immigration Attorney Contributing Writer to OLC OLC: Zig Ziglar once said “many marriages would be better if the husband and wife clearly understood that they are on the same side.”

Sometimes however, it is easier said than done, and in spite of all the cooked food, romance, roses and compromises, many a marriage will fail. More often than not, Caribbean Nationals find themselves on U.S soil, on a quest to follow their hearts and the ones they choose to love. Many will marry their U.S. citizen “soulmates” and apply for green cards to stay and build new lives here in the U.S. For those persons with marriages less than two years old, they must first file for a two-year conditional green card and at a later date, submit a Form I-751 to remove the conditions on residence and obtain a 10 year green card. Typically an I-751 filing is a joint endeavor done by both the U.S Citizen spouse and the foreign national.

But what happens if you pack all your Bob Marley CDs, your best island T-shirt, Aunt May’s favorite conch soup recipe, and take that bold trek to the U.S. and it doesn’t work out? What happens if divorce becomes imminent and you can’t reconcile your differences? What happens if your spouse becomes abusive to you and the children?

Will you lose your green card and be forced to return home to pick up life where you left off?

Many folks believe that once the marriage ends, the memories, the sentiments, the investments and ultimately, the green card are lost for good. Others opt to continue in marriages that are not working for fear of losing it all, or in hopes that their U.S. citizen spouses will change their minds, complete the joint filing and agree to go to the interview.

Now while I can’t tell you what will happen to the memories you created, or if you will be able to retrieve your painting of Dunn’s River Falls you were forced to leave behind, I can tell you that it is still possible to obtain the permanent resident card with-

out the U.S. Citizen spouse.

Many of us have heard of stories of U.S. Citizens threatening their foreign national spouses with withdrawing their support on the eve of that dreaded interview for the permanent green card. The horror stories are endless, but it is important for you to know that you can seek the permanent green card by yourself by filing the I-751 Waiver.

This means filing the I-751 Form as a “Waiver of the Joint Filing Requirement” and submitting certain evidentiary documentation to prove that you entered the marriage in good faith.

There are multiple grounds on which a person with a conditional green card may obtain a waiver of the joint filing requirement; however this article is focused on the ground of divorce.

First, if you find yourself in this predicament, you would benefit tremendously from seeking the advice of an experienced immigration attorney; the I-751 waiver is not for the faint of heart, nor an application to take lightly. Yes, regrettably, the marriage must legally end; therefore you will need to seek a divorce to pursue the permanent green card.

Crucial to the I-751 Waiver is evidence to establish that the marriage was entered into, in good faith. You must be able to show how you and your spouse met, how your feelings grew for each other, the courtship, wedding, and any events chronicling the union you had together.

Secondly, you must gather certain vital documentation, such as your marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, photos, ticket stubs of trips together in happier times, letters addressed to you and your spouse, love letters and gifts to you from your spouse and photos. You must also get in touch with people who have knowledge of the relationship between you and your former spouse, ask these people if they would provide written statements regarding their knowledge of the relationship between you and your former spouse.

Gather proof of all the assets you and your spouse commingled, that is: bank accounts, insurance policies, credit cards, mortgages, automobiles, leases,

joint income tax returns that you and your spouse signed together and filed jointly with the IRS. You must also obtain a copy of your divorce decree, and finally prepare yourself for an interview with a USCIS officer.

The I-751 Waiver interview is different from the initial green card interview. The USCIS Officer is not interested in how you came to the U.S., or if you committed fraud, but it is equally intense because the officer will want to know if you had a real and genuine marriage and why the marriage broke down. They will want to know who initiated divorce, when you moved out of the matrimonial home, and what steps were taken to resolve the issues.

The key to the I-751 Waiver, is establishing that the marriage was real, that it was irretrievably broken down so you had to seek a divorce and it was not your fault. Therefore if you had an extra-marital affair and this resulted in a child being born outside your marriage, you are not likely to succeed in your waiver application.

But what happens in instances that are not so clear cut? Typically to remove the conditions, you are required to file the I-751 before the two years of conditional residency expires. It can be filed up to 90 days in advance of that date. In many instances the marriage encounters problems and it is often not possible to obtain a divorce without the couple first being separated for an extended period of time.

Legal requirements for separation vary from state to state, with common timeframes ranging from six months to two years.

An I-751 Waiver can be filed at any time, even after the two year period has passed. The I-751 Waiver can also be filed by persons who are legally separated but not divorced, as long as you can provide proof when required that the marriage ended in divorced or annulment.

You will need the legal dissolution of the marriage to get the case ultimately approved, but you can file your I-751 Waiver before you obtain the divorce.

Another variation with I-751 Waiver filings involves couples who file jointly, but who become legally separated or in the pro-

Attorney Latania Mena

cess of a divorce before the permanent green card is approved.

In these instances USCIS will review the cases carefully for fraud at the inception of the marriage, request that the joint petition be treated as a waiver application and request proof of termination of the marriage. This allows the foreign national to obtain the waiver, if the marriage has been terminated, without having to refile the I-751 application. If the marriage is not terminated within the timeline and any extensions granted, USCIS will adjudicate it as a joint petition and the results will depend on evidence of a bona fide marriage.

The reality of life is that sometimes happily ever after ends abruptly. In those instances you must jump the hurdle of the I-751 Waiver to secure the permanent green card. You can vie for the permanent card on your own. It becomes imperative in these instances to seek legal advice on how to tackle your situation. Every situation is different and the I-751 when

filed jointly, during those moments of marital bliss, can be a simple exercise, but one which can turn into many sleepless nights and deportation if you are forced to file it as a Waiver Petition and you fail to meet the eligibility requirements. Do not however close the chapter on your life in the U.S., if you are in a failing marriage. Educate yourself on the steps you need to take and consult an experienced immigration attorney.

You owe it to yourselves to know your rights as you live, work, study and travel throughout the U.S. Until next time, walk good!

The analysis and suggestions offered in this article do not create a lawyer-client relationship, is for information only, and are not a substitute for personalized representation that is essential to every case.

Latania Mena is an Immigration Attorney and a Caribbean National based in the Southwest Houston, Texas.

Introducing the “Caribbean Breast Cancer Foundation”

A Texas non-profit organization, established to provide literacy and support for women affected by breast cancer, and promote wellness, through education and early detection, among those who are unaffected.

1st Annual Caribbean Breast Cancer Foundation Walk.

Saturday, May 17, 2014.

Buffalo Run Park 1122 Buffalo Run, Missouri City, Texas 77489

For information or registration call: 281-222-3415 or 832-573-1794 or 713-256-7033 or 832-892-9523.

Volunteers needed to assist at the walk

Register your Team to win a prize for the best decorated head or face gear (hat, cap, mask, etc.)

APRIL 2014

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

Tropical

EXTERMINATING CO. We guarantee a bug free environment

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE PEST EVALUATION

281-564-BUGS (2847)

www.tropicalexterminating.com Getting Rid of Bugs one Home or Business at a time for Over 25 Years P.O. Box 722406, Houston, Texas 77272-2406

The Caribbean Bash at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin

By Laura Dowrich-Phillips March 12, 2014: Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Soca Super Stars Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez and his wife, Fay-Ann Lyons, took the stage performing at South by South West (SXSW) in Austin, Texas.

Garlin, hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the Top 25 Must See acts for SXSW, performed at The Empire Garage, which featured a two-part show, one in the day featuring American electronic music star Skrillex as the headliner and another in the evening featuring rapper Riff Raff and electronic music producer Paper Diamond as the headliners.

Garlin performed in the night on the main stage, delivering his hits Differentology, Carnival Tabanca and the Tun Up remix

by Jus Now. Lyons performed her 2014 releases Catch Me and Gimme Dat. “It’s the first time soca ever represent at SXSW and it is an honor for me and Fay to bring it, we sell it off,” said Bunji, via telephone from Austin, Texas,

Soca’s first couple, Bunji Garlin and Faye Lyons where the festival is held.

Garlin and Lyons were invited to SXSW by Mad Decent, a record label spearheaded by Diplo of the DJ collective Major Lazer, and when word got out that they would be at the festival they were invited to perform at other events, namely the Large Up and House of Marley showcases.

“The first day we did the House of Marley and after our performance the DJ went into half an hour of level soca he didn’t know he had there,” he said.

The excitement evident in his voice, Garlin said this experience is one that he cannot stop smiling about.

THE WORLD A Change in South Africa After Apartheid The eloquent Judge Thokozile Matilda Masipa

By Shamin Chibba Media Club South Africa

The judge presiding over the Oscar Pistorius trial is accustomed to high-profile cases.

Since becoming a high court judge in 1998, Thokozile Masipa has presided over numerous ground-breaking trials. But despite gaining so much media attention over the years, she remains reserved and averse to the spotlight.

While working as a crime re-

porter for The World, Post and The Sowetan newspapers, she reported on the difficulties of life under apartheid. It piqued her interested in law and she became an advocate in her late forties before being the third black woman in South Africa to be appointed to the bench in 1998, following Constitutional Court Judge Yvonne Mokgoro and High Court Judge Lucy Mailula.

In the years that followed, Masipa has presided over cases that attracted media attention. Two in particular showed her willingness to hand out maximum sentences to men convicted of violent crimes against women.

In May last year she handed down a 252-year sentence to serial rapist and robber, Shepherd Moyo, after he was arrest-

“It was really, really good, it was fruitful. The first day we started making crazy links and connections, it is a healthy atmosphere for every artiste and we would like to be a part of it every year,” he said.

Describing the festival as a real melting pot, Bunji said SXSW is where people come to discover new sounds and new people.

Asked what benefits he could see emerging from their experience, he would only say: “We have some surprises for T&T soon.”

In APRIL 2014, South by Southwest (SXSW) hosted its 28th annual conference, trade show, and festival in Austin, Texas.

Source: T&TGuardian Online

ed and tried after a seven-year crime spree. Moyo terrorized residents in northern Johannesburg; he would ransack their homes and in some instances, rape his victims.

Masipa presided over a landmark case in 2009 that gave precedence to the rights of the poor. In June 2005 Blue Moonlight, the new owners of a building in Saratoga Avenue in Berea, Johannesburg, posted notices asking its 86 occupiers to vacate the property. The City of Johannesburg followed this up in October that year by issuing their own notice to occupiers to vacate the premises under its Fire Brigade Service Act. The residents did not move.

When the matter reached the court, Masipa sided with the occupiers, saying the City had failed to fulfil its obligations to find alternative accommodation for squatters who were Continue on Page 14

Page 5

HPD Takes Corrective Action in Its Homicide Division

OLC: Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland disciplined eight Houston police officers and supervisors and terminated one sergeant after an Internal Affairs investigation into processes and procedures within the HPD Homicide Division.

The investigation showed that in about 24 cases, going as far back as 2004, had deficiencies.

Talking to the press, McClelland said, “There were some cases where their supplemental reports were inadequate. …

Did not contain the details that reflect the professionalism of the investigative process that we have come to expect.”

“A lengthy and intensive investigation determined the major problems identified were the direct result of the actions of one individual, Sergeant Ryan Chandler, and not pervasive throughout the division. Out of the 24 cases, 21 were connected to Sgt. Chandler. The investigation determined Sergeant Chandler was less than forthright with his supervisors and fellow employees, failed to conduct proper follow-up in the manner in which he was trained and expected to perform, and appeared to have taken advantage of the trust placed in him as a supervisor in the Homicide Division. Also, during the Internal Affairs investigation, Sgt. Chandler was untruthful.

Sergeant Chandler was cited for attention to duty, untruthfulness, insubordination, evidentiary procedure and controls and sound judgment. As a result, Chief McClelland indefinitely suspended Ryan Chandler today,” the department released.

Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland

“When we mess up, we fess up, and we clean up,” said McClelland In addition the department said, “In addition, four other officers, K. Carr, B. Oxspring, R. Moreno and L. Lovelace were each cited for Attention to Duty for other policy violations in these cases.

Officer Carr received a 10-day suspension, Officer Lovelace received a 5-day suspension, Officer Moreno received a 2-day suspension, and Officer Oxspring received a written reprimand. Also cited for their involvement were three other supervisors, Lieutenants J. McGalin and R. Lakind and Sergeant B. Roberts. Sgt. Roberts received a 5-day suspension, Lt. McGalin received a one-day suspension and Lt. Lakind received a written reprimand.”

The internal affair department has fully investigated 15 of the 24 cases and the remaining nine are still under investigation and waiting for additional leads, testing and evidence.

Continue on Page 14

GM Recall Their Vehicles A defect in 1.4 million GM cars sold in the U.S could cause the car’s engine and electrical system to shut off, and disable the air bags. For a decade GM and government safety regulators reportedly failed to address this defect, which has been implicated in the deaths in crashes where the front air bags did not deploy.

From January through APRIL 2014, GM recalled the following cars: • Chevrolet Cobalt – 2005 to 2010 • Chevrolet HHR – 2006 to 2011 • Opel GT – 2007 • Pontiac G5 – 2007 to 2010 • Pontiac Pursuit – 2005 to 2006 • Pontiac Solstice – 2006 to 2010 • Saturn Ion -- 2003 to 2007 • Saturn Sky – 2006 to 2010 In the recalled cars, the ignition switch can turn off the engine and shut off the car’s electrical system on its own. This can occur if the ignition key is inadvertently jarred.

Or it can occur when the car goes over a bump. GM has also stated that if the driver has a heavy key ring attached to the ignition key, the weight of the ring can pull the key into the “off” position.

If the ignition switch is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury or fatality.

Until the recall repairs have been performed, GM said it that is very important that you remove all items from your key ring, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from your key ring.

GM will repair vehicle at no charge to the owner, and because of scheduling requirements, it is likely that dealers will need to keep affected vehicles longer than about 30 minutes.

Page 6

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

ARIBBEAN Briefs

APRIL 2014

Elite Caribbean Disaster Managers Enhance Their Skills

Jamaica to be a Transshipment Hub The Government has signed a Framework Agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the development of a transshipment hub in the Portland Bight.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on March 28, at the offices of the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, in St. Andrew, portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Omar Davies, emphasized that all regulations will be adhered to in the “normal way.”

“We treasure the preservation of the environment, as much as any other group, and we are concerned about the human beings and the plight of pov-

erty, and the impact which that has on the environment,” the Minister said.

The proposed transshipment hub, which is part of the Logistics Hub Initiative, is expected to create 2,000 jobs during the construction phase, and 10,000 jobs when the project is fully implemented.

Dr. Davies argued that a project which does not harm the environment, and will improve people’s living standards, must be explored. “After all the required studies are carried out, including the environmental assessment, this project will be going ahead,” he said.

“If we can find a project which provides productive employment for our citizens…and at the same time restricts any damage, then we have a win-win situation,” the Minister argued.

With the assistance of the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), CHEC has made moves to engage the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) in its feasibility study of the project.

Once the economic benefits are clearly void of environmental harm, implementation will begin, and “in China Harbour, we have a trustworthy partner,” Minister Davies said.

USVI Celebrates Transfer Day Ambassador Jarl Frijs-Madsen, Consul General of Denmark with Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress, Congresswoman Donna M. Christensen at Transfer Day Ceremony in St. Croix on March 31, 2014 “We are just three short years away from the 100th anniversary of the Transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States,” She reminded the attendees. “This should be a time of reflection and introspection on the past as well as a time to plan for the future,” the Congresswoman concluded.

Attorney Latania Mena latania@menavisahelp.com

713-884-6353

Don’t tackle immigration issues alone.

Get help from Attorney Latania Mena, a Caribbean native, who understands Caribbean culture and issues.

We are experienced in the areas of : Dream Act Applications, Green Card Issues, Deportation, Citizenship, Fiancé Visa, & Appeals

e e Freial phon

e nt ffic fide con nd in-o tion a a sult con

10039 Bissonnet St. Suite 337

Houston, TX 77036 (between Belfway 8 and Hwy 59) Evening and weekend appointments available.

Admitted to practice in New York Eligible to represent clients throughout the U.S. on immigration matters.

Practice in Texas is limited to Immigration & Nationality Law Not Certified by Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Members of the CARICOM Disaster Response Units are briefed by Airmen from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Air National Guard on C-130 loading procedures March 21, 2014 on St. Croix. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Raymond Hoy)

St. Croix, Virgin Islands — An elite team of emergency managers came together March 17–24 at the U.S. Virgin Islands National Guard Regional Training Institute to enhance their disaster-response skills. It was delivered through the partnership of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and the United States Southern Command (US SOUTHCOM).

at a moment’s notice when a disaster strikes the region.

The CARICOM Disaster Response Unit (CDRU) is a 35-person quasi-military team made up of military members, firefighters and police officers from 18 Caribbean nations that are members of CARICOM. When deployed their main tasks include the management of relief supplies and emergency telecommunications support and the provision of appropriate personnel for repairing critical lifeline facilities.

When people think of hazards in the Caribbean, most only think of hurricanes. However, the region is host to just about every known hazard there is.

These include floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanoes. The CDRU specializes in preparedness for all disasters.

They came to St. Croix to complete their annual training, ensuring they are ready to deploy

The need for such a unit was first realized in 1988 after Hurricane Gilbert struck Jamaica.

The following year, the first iteration of the CDRU deployed in support of relief operations following the devastation of Hurricane Hugo. However, the unit has really hit its stride in the last decade.

While the training event is annual, this is the first time that troops from the U.S. Virgin Islands National Guard were included. “This initiative came about two years ago,” said Hilda Cruz, a Southcom regional Continue on Page 14

Chikungunya in the Caribbean OLC: If you are traveling to the Caribbean, the CDC advises you to be aware of Chikungunya. It is a mosquito borne disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same vector that transmits dengue fever. This is the first time that local transmission of chikungunya has been reported in the Americas.

to Africa, Asia, and islands in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific are also at risk, as the virus is present in many of these areas. The mosquito that carries chikungunya virus can bite during the day and night, both indoors and outdoors, and often lives around buildings in urban areas.

Chikungunya is an illness caused by a virus that spreads through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of chikungunya are fever and joint pain.

Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.

The best way to prevent chikungunya virus infection is to avoid mosquito bites.

There is no vaccine or preventive drug currently available. Prevention tips are similar to those for other viral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue or West Nile virus.

Travelers who go to these islands in the Caribbean are at risk of getting chikungunya. In addition, travelers

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 on exposed skin. Al-

ways follow the directions on the package.

• Wear long sleeves and pants (ideally treat clothes with permethrin or another repellent).

• Have secure screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

• Additionally, a person with chikungunya fever should limit their exposure to mosquito bites to avoid further spreading the infection. The person should use repellents when outdoors exposed to mosquito bites or stay indoors in areas with screens or under a mosquito net.

APRIL 2014

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

Barbados Seeking To Abolish Mandatory Death Penalty The Government of Barbados will be seeking to remove the mandatory death penalty imposed on people convicted of murder when it pursues amendments to the “Offenses Against the Persons Act” in April.

Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs, Adriel Brathwaite, made this disclosure during an interview with the media, following the opening ceremony of a ‘Boys to Men’ workshop at University of the West Indies, Barbados.

The Attorney General said that he was aware that it would be a ‘battle’ to remove the mandatory death penalty, but stressed that the entire country will be en-

gaged in dialogue on the issue, as Government prepares to take legislation before Parliament.

Chief Elections Officer Steven Larocque confirmed that the Government of Dominica has purchased three hundred ballot boxes, which will replace the wooden boxes previously used.

This move is in keeping with international best practices.

According to Larocque, use of the translucent ballot boxes at the next general elections is a deliberate move by electoral commission to improve the methods of conducting elections in Dominica.

It increases the trust of voters, candidates, observers and the media, in the proper conduct of the election at polling station level and beyond. In addition, the durability of the new trans-

The Trinidad and Tobago Police in Action

“Barbadians generally feel that once you commit murder, you should forfeit your life, but that is until one of their family members is involved,” he stated.

However, Brathwaite said he hoped those views would change, following the expected public dialogue on the issue. “I know it will be a battle, but… I believe that it is a better path for the country,” he said.

Brathwaite also disclosed that Cabinet had agreed to the concept of parole, but stated that

the necessary infrastructure needed to be in place before it is implemented.

“We need to address issues of resources, training those who would work with such a system, and the space,” he said, adding that the electronic monitoring of persons on parole would also have to be considered.

Dominica To Use Translucent Ballot Boxes in the Next Elections Dominica will use translucent ballot boxes in the next general elections, constitutionally due in 2015 to ensure free and fair polls.

lucent ballot boxes the government of Dominica will realize significant savings.

March 23, 2014 - In keeping with the Ministry of National Security’s drive to strengthen law enforcement operations to more efficiently combat crime, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service conducted overnight anti-crime operations that resulted in the following success: Northern Division Police conducted an exercise during which several persons were arrested and the following seized: • Thirty-six (36) rounds of 0.44 ammunition • One (1) round of 0.45 ammunition • One (1) AK-47 assault rifle with magazine • One (1) Mossberg 12-gauge pump-action shotgun • One (1) Ruger 0.357 revolver with six (6) rounds of ammunition • One S&W 0.44 revolver with six (6) rounds of 0.44 ammunition (Photo Courtesy: guardian.co.tt)

The election official said the translucent ballot boxes will be used in approximately two hundred and fifty polling stations across the country.

Larocque explained that the ballot box and the opening in the lid can easily be sealed with seven uniquely serialized security seals, either to facilitate a safe pause in polling or the transportation of ballot papers or other sensitive materials.

Guyana to Spend $338M

Demerara Harbor Maintenance The Demerara Harbour Bridge has continued to attract very special budgetary attention with regards to its continued longevity, as evidenced by the significant sum of $338M allocated to its program of maintenance, thereby ensuring its serviceability.

The translucent ballot boxes come in three sizes: 45, 60 and 80 liters.

This is part of budgetary measures that involves investment in the construction and upkeep of vital physical infrastructure, said Dr. Ashni Singh, Guyana’s Minister of Finance, during the presentation of the country’s largest budget of $220B.

“Plans are to meet with the political parties to discuss with them the new concept of the ballot boxes,” Larocque concluded.

The allocation continues a similar initiative of sustained funding for restorative works

Goat Roti Beef Roti Chicken Roti Shrimp Roti Aloo Pie Oxtail Jerk Chicken Doubles

Page 7

towards this very strategic link, when $300M had been given in Budget 2013. During the period 2002 to 2011 government provided more than US$12M to support the bridge’s operations.

Commissioned on July 1978, the Demerara Harbor Bridge is a 6,074 foot (1,15 mile) long floating toll bridge. It consists of a retractor to allow ships to pass under and a pedestrian foot walk to allow foot traffic.

The bridge allows crossing of the Demerara River at the south of Georgetown, the capital of Guyana. It links East Bank Demerara at Peter’s Hall to West Bank Demerara at to Schoon Ord.

Authentic

ROTI MADE FRESH DAILY

19214 CLAY RD, KATY, TX 77449 832.683.4231

OPEN

TUES. 4PM - 2 AM WED - SUN 11AM TO 2AM

Happy Easter 2014

Page 8

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

Texas Multicultural Women Medical Mission to Jamaica

Care, Inc. to conduct a medical mission in rural Jamaica.

Africa Cancer Care Inc. under the leadership of Dr. Eucharia Iwuanyanwau, is a non-profit group based in Houston, Texas devoted to educating the masses about cancer and providing support to victims in and outside of the United States.

APRIL 2014

Islander on the Move Triston Thompson

Faith even in the most difficult times

The overarching goals of the TMW and Africa Cancer Care partnership are to improve healthcare access for medically underserved individuals in rural Jamaica and to empower them to lead healthy lives.

TMW Mission to Jamaica 2012 Texas Multicultural Women (TMW) hosted its annual Prayer Breakfast at the Hilton Houston Westchase on March 14 at 9:00 a.m. The event featured Rev. Wycliffe Bailey, keynote speaker, Triston Thompson, guest soloist and Jessica Dowdy, emcee. TMW is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization that offers

community support through volunteering and collaborating with other organizations that support humanitarian needs locally and internationally, including women’s advocacy groups.

In addition, next month (April 28 to May 4, 2014), TMW will be partner with the Africa Cancer

Through health education, TMW seek to enhance both self-advocacies in healthcare systems and commitment to well-being by giving people the tools with which they can address health issues at any stage of their lives.

The staff will provide medications that will meet their immediate health needs. Volunteers confirmed for the trip include physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, health educators, physician assistants, and medical assistants.

Headed by Veronica Ricketts, TMW’s membership consists of a group of women with a variety of international backgrounds, interests and experiences who reside in the Houston Metropolitan area.

Texas Multicultural Women at their Prayer Breakfast 2014

Introducing the “Caribbean Breast Cancer Foundation”

A Texas non-profit organization, established to provide literacy and support for women affected by breast cancer, and promote wellness, through education and early detection, among those who are unaffected.

1st Annual Caribbean Breast Cancer Foundation Walk.

Saturday, May 17, 2014.

Buffalo Run Park 1122 Buffalo Run, Missouri City, Texas 77489

For information or registration call:

TMW’s mission is to meet the needs of women from multicultural environments living in and outside the United States. The extreme disparity in health outcomes and access to healthcare that exists today between the world’s rich and the world’s poor is unjust and unsustainable. TMW recognizes these disparities and supports organizations providing health services to people across the world.

For more information or to make a donation to this worthy event, please contact texasmulticulturalwomen@ymail. com or 832-890-6725 or 713320-2950.

281-222-3415 or 832-573-1794 or 713-256-7033 or 832-892-9523.

Volunteers needed to assist at the walk

Register your Team to win a prize for the best decorated head or face gear (hat, cap, mask, etc.)

Happy Easter

One Love Caribbean

The story of Triston Thompson takes on a world of its own. It would inspire everyone to have faith even in the most difficult times.

But let’s begin with him as it reflection of today. Triston works as a Cardiac Sonographer/ Vascular Technologist at the Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston. And for the past three years, he has work in the field of Echocardiography both in Houston and Jamaica.

But it was not always that bright.

He grew up in Portland, Jamaica, and attended the Titchfield High School where his love for the sciences and talent for singing grew. After graduation, he moved to Louisiana on a partial academic scholarship to study Chemistry at the Grambling State University.

At Grambling, he continued to excel academically and musically; he was a member of the University’s choir. Being in the choir saved him a “penny here and penny there.” Later, after a few semesters, he was broke, and he realized that his financial situation could no longer support his aspiration of finishing his Chemistry degree. Having nowhere to go, he stayed on campus as long as possible until the campus police threatened to put him out on the street. Later, his friends were hiding him from room to room.

But destiny is always timely, and a Houston based organization, “Repairer of the Breach” (ROTB) under the leadership of Carol Williams and Jennifer Norman came to his rescue. It

happened that Triston’s brother was a recipient of the non-profit work that ROTB was doing in Jamaica. The connection was made and Triston headed to Houston by bus. He considered it as, “The longest bus ride of his life.” Nonetheless, He was welcomed to the home of unknown Jamaicans, who he now considers his adopted family.

Being safe in Houston, the Caribbean Community rallied around the former Grambling student. At that time, the question, he had to answer, was what’s next. He was pointed to Joan Douglas of the Cardiotech Ultrasound School. He mentioned in particular Marilyn D. Jones of Caribbean Impact, who networked him with the school and a number of people and organizations who supported him during that period of uncertainty to include the Jamaica Foundation of Houston and the Houston Panamanian Association.

Upon having met all requirements, Cardiotech Ultrasound School accepted Triston to study Cardiac Sonography.

There he discovered his talent in Sonography and affinity for the medical world. During this Sonography program, he was privileged to complete his externship at St. Luke’s Episcopal hospital (now Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center).

At the end of his clinical rotation, he went back to Jamaica, where he worked in Kingston at the Heart Institute of the Caribbean. There he shared much of his knowledge and experience with the medical community through presentations at Echocardiography Conferences Continue Page 11

APRIL 2014

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

PHOTOS

Houston Caribbean

Page 9

CARIBBEAN

LIEE LIFE

Dancehall Artist Vybz Kartel Receives Life Sentence

Justice Lennox Campbell of the Jamaica Supreme Court handed down sentences to Jamaican dancehall and reggae star, Vybz Kartel, along with three other co-defendants in a 65-day trial; it was the longest criminal court proceeding in Jamaican history.

Justice Campbell sentenced Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, to life in prison for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. He and the other defendants was found guilty of killing Williams at his house in Havendale, a suburb north of Kingston, on August 16, 2011.

The other convicts include Shawn Campbell, 35, and Kahira Jones will serve 25 years before they can apply for parole. André St John, 26, otherwise called ‘Mad Suss’, will serve 30 years before he can be eligible for parole. A fifth defendant, Shane Williams, was found not guilty.

“As far as [Kartel] is concerned, we are not surprised about the sentence based on the posture of the judge at this stage,” one of Kartel’s lawyers, Christian Tavares-Finson, told the Jamaica Gleaner. “We will be appealing both conviction and sentence on instructions from our clients. Kartel has maintained his innocence, and that he’s interested in appealing his conviction.”

According to the Jamaican police, Williams was killed after being accused of stealing two guns from Kartel and other members

Happy Easter

One Love Caribbean

of his crew. But, the victim’s body was never found. However, Kartel was said to have described the corpse in text messages: “Tween me an u a chop we chop up the bwoy Lizard fine fine,” [Translation: Between you and I, we chopped up the boy “Lizard” fine, fine.] Kartel allegedly wrote.

“Yeah man a mince meat dat …

As long as u live dem can never find him.” [Translation: Yes man, he is mincemeat… As long you live, they will never find him.]

In August, Kartel will face further charges related to the Williams murder case. He is accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Meanwhile, should Kartel, one of the world’s biggest reggae artists, be allowed to record and release music from prison? This is a ruling the Justice Lennox Campbell is currently considering. Vybz has already record a 61-song album since his arrest in 2011, which he recorded on his smartphone.

Justice Campbell is also reportedly evaluating whether profits from Kartel’s recordings made in prison should be diverted to the family of the victim.

Page 10

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

ONNECTIONS

Caribbeanites Urged to Explore

APRIL 2014

THE NATION

Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin Found Guilty of Corruption

Challenges to Sustainability

By Terrance Layne Staff Writer In early March 2014, I tuned into a popular local media talk show when Dr. Lester King of Rice University’s Shell Center for Sustainability was guest speaker on the topic of “Disparities in Education and Income in Houston. Actually around the same timeframe, Amy Hodges, a Senior Media Relations Specialist at Rice’s Office of Public Affairs did a report summarizing the major issues of sustainability outlined by Dr. King during the talk show. In fact, these disparities were seen as “staggering.” And essentially, the report could be seen as a public call for improving our educational levels in Houston to protect the city’s current economic expansion.

To understand this publicized concern, we need an appreciation for the degree of “intellectual capital and skills reservoir” it takes to attain and sustain a thriving economy for the fourth largest city in the United States of America. And when reliable research shows that we have 39% of persons not having a high school diploma were unemployed; and 50% of Houstonians with no degree beyond high school, then it becomes clearer what lies ahead for HTown, if no remediation occurs.

Clearly, this is not to say that we don’t have people actively engaged in higher learning beyond high school. The concern seems to be first, a quantitative matter.

Additionally, Dr. King explored “sustainability” in 88 super neighborhoods and found that only 4 had more than 25% of the population with graduate degrees.

Incidentally, a super neighborhood is an area, geographically stipulated within which residents, community organizations and institutions work together with businesses to identify, plan, and set goals to address needs or concerns in that particular neigh-

borhood. Implicitly then, not only do we need to improve our rates of graduation from high school within the Houston area, but additionally, we also have a need to encourage greater numbers of people to enroll in and complete Masters level academic programs. Lester King also stressed the significance of Trade School Degrees as being “just as essential” as academic programs in order to be viably competitive in the 21st century.

In a related point King added that it was almost common knowledge that communities having proportionately higher levels of education and skills training would ultimately attract or produce better jobs and higher incomes. And because of this correlation between training and income, the report underscored existing income disparities across the super neighborhoods throughout Houston. While he found neighborhoods with median incomes far exceeding $100,000, he also reported other neighborhoods with median incomes below $25,000.

And when we closely examine the issue of income inequality, it invariably brings us to yet another consideration covered in Dr. King’s report on sustainability in Houston. The sore topic well known to most African American communities across the country is that of unemployment. There were hardly any revelations made by the demographic findings in the study. But simply for the sake of reminding ourselves of the work yet to be completed, these numbers are cited. In 2010 Houston had an unemployment rate of 10%. According to the report, our numbers in unemployment by demographic groups at that time was Caucasians 6.2%, Hispanics 9.5%, and African Americans (including Afro-Caribbeans) 16.5%.

Lester King used a scholarly description of this picture as “disproportionate hiring or employment instability” for African-Americans in Houston.

Again, the point here is not so much to bring new light on this matter, as it is to raise public consciousness about what needed to be purposefully addressed in our plans for improvement of living within the Greater Houston community.

I applaud and thank the many

families, who are already engaged with preparing themselves or children with learning beyond high school in academics or skills training. I also thank and commend the members of our local Associations and civic organizations who work tirelessly at raising funds for annual scholarships, as they encourage others toward self improvement and professional development. And while we may not all reside in any single geographic community, we continue to reach out beyond boundaries to support these efforts that make our community better than we found it. In addition, I want to publically thank our friends and supporters throughout the large community who assist and contribute time and money to the different initiatives aimed at improving our neighborhoods as we know them.

But in the end, we can’t stop here with self satisfaction. We’ve got to keep doing more, and encouraging more. In fact, our work will never “end here” not in one lifetime! These challenges which confront our neighborhoods at least affect us all collectively. And history teaches us that an individual response to a collective threat is not our optimal corrective action.

I understand our current approach in working for community improvement within autonomous groups and established organizations. This is a good model, and it may even be better to continue our current course. But when we consider the magnitude and chronicity of our “employment instability” among African Americans, for example, I wonder if there might a “best model” hidden out there somewhere unexplored and untapped. The “concept of improvement,” as I understand it, implies good becoming better, and better becoming “best.”

And if an appetite to improve should ever be ignited concerning how to proceed, perhaps the conceptual model of a super neighborhood might be a good place to examine. Just thinking right now…wherever it leads, nobody knows.

Terry is a retired counselor with broad experience in the fields of mental health and education for more than thirty years. As a part of his retirement activities, he now enjoys freelance writing with a strong interest in people their social institutions. Layne hold a M.A. in Counseling Psychology.

The once-popular mayor of New Orleans, Mayor Ray Nagin walks out of federal court in New Orleans with his wife, Seletha by his side. His is also escorted by his attorney, Robert Jenkins (right).

On Feb. 12, 2014, a jury found the 57-year old former mayor guilty on 20-21 counts of corruption including bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud. He faces 10-20 years in prison.

Ray Nagin served two terms as mayor, but is most remembered for managing New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina.

Nagin is on home confinement in Frisco, Texas, until his sentencing by U.S. District Judge Ginger Berrigan on June 11, 2014

Son of Immigrants

Accepted into American 8 Ivy League Schools

Kwasi Enin. the first-generation son of immigrants from Ghana has accomplished the rare feat of being accepted to all eight of the “Ivy League” universities: Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Yale and the University of Pennsylvania. He was also accepted by SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Geneseo, Stony Brook University, and Duke.

Seventeen-year-old Kwasi of Long Island, NY is a straight-A student and scored in the 99th percentile on his SAT. He is a also a shot putter, viola player and a cappella singer.

DID YOU KNOW In the United States, slave reparations has often been a controversial topic. Though the House apologized for slavery in 2008 and the Senate in 2009, neither has mentioned reparations for African Americans descended from slavery.

APRIL 2014

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

Because of Jesus…

But, what effect has Jesus had in your life?

Recently I heard a speaker pose this challenge to his listeners: “Write the phrase “because of Jesus” and complete it with a phrase of your own”. This caused me to stop and think about the things in my own life which took place “because of Jesus” and I decided to share them. I accepted Jesus at age 16 and my heart and life were completely changed. It wasn’t overnight, but I learned a new way of living, stopped being fearful and insecure, learned to trust Him for my past, present and future, and developed a new attitude to life and people. I learned to live by faith and not just by what I see happening around me, even during difficult times.

By Charmaine Bailey, Staff Writer cbailey@olchouston.com

Nowadays, it is possible to go to church, interact with people, listen to a sermon and leave without hearing the name of Jesus mentioned. Most times, people will speak extensively about God, but there is reluctance to mention the name of Jesus.

Jesus was and still is the center of controversy but He also is the agent of radical change in the lives of many and it is impossible to ignore Him since He is the central figure of the Christian faith. Acts 17:28 says that “in Him we live and move and exist”, but who is this Jesus? In Isaiah 9:6-7 it is said of Him, “…he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end.

He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.”

In Matthew 28:18, Jesus announced Who He was saying: “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” He further stated that He was “the truth, the life and the only way to God the Father”. (John 1:14) In Philippians 2:9-11 the apostle Paul validated him by stating “…God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord...”

From Page 8 Triston

attended by physicians practicing in Jamaica. This proved an excellent platform for building both his confidence and knowledge in the field of Echocardiography.

But, his love for music never died, as his church choir in Port Antonio won national awards under his leadership. He also recorded his first original single “You Reign” produced by his older brother, Clenton Thompson.

Upon deciding to move back to Texas, Triston accepted employment at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center where he continues to do what he loves and expand his knowledge in the field of Car-

Because of Jesus...

• I am a new person; I have new life abundant and eternal.

• I am healed from past hurts and am can to forgive those who hurt me.

• I have the power of the Holy Spirit living in me, directing me and helping me to grow in faith. I live a supernatural life; I am growing to be a person of character.

• I now live with purpose and I can do the difficult things that alone, I would not be able to accomplish.

• I have been healed and walk in health.

• I love my husband, my family and myself and gained a loving church family.

• I love others and have learned to be generous.

• My life is dedicated to serving others and to being a blessing to the Kingdom of God. • I have peace. I do not fear death or any type of evil.

This list could continue, but suffice it to say that Jesus is a Life-changer and He still changes hearts and lives. This Easter is the perfect time to let Him come alive in your heart and life and bring about the positive changes that you have always wanted. Simply ask Him! Charmaine Bailey is a speaker and a Christian Education Teacher. She studied Christian Education at Jamaica Theological Seminary and hold a BA Linguistics from the University of the West Indies.

Page 11

BIRTHDAYS IN THE DIASPORA

Dr Patricia Janki Guyana

Marva Layne Panama

Linda Newton-Joseph St. Kitts

Lawrence Herman St. Lucia

Andre Trinidad and Tobago

Michelle Burt St. Kitts

Michelle Duncan Trinidad and Tobago

Roselle Joseph Trinidad and Tobago

Garnet Jean Baptiste St. Lucia

Alex St Clair St. Lucia

Rebecca Romeo Panama

Thecia Jenkins Texas

Francis Theodore Mitchell St. Lucia

Dr. Junior Thompson Barbados

Ke’vaughn Waldon Jamaica

Jerry Castro-Cayetano Guatemala

Choco Trini Guevarra Trinidad and Tobago

Milton Royer Dominica

diac and Vascular Ultrasound.

Triston never allows himself to forget the God has always been moving on his behalf and continues to move even today. Changing career paths was not an easy move for him but he firmly believes that God is constantly in control of and is concerned with every facet of his existence.

He continues to make mention, and speak highly, of the many individuals and organizations who gave a helping hand in his time of great need: Repairer of the Breach, Cardiotech Ultrasound School, Caribbean Impact, Jamaica Foundation of Houston, and the Houston Panamanian Association.

Happy Easter 2014

Email your birthday announcement to info@olchouston.com

Page 12

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

OPEN EDITORIAL

APRIL 2014

Caribbean Leaders Approve Reparation Plans CARICOM Nations Plan to Sue Europe for Problems Stemming from Slavery Last month, Caribbean leaders met in St. Vincent to discuss a landmark legal claim to sue European states to include Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. They claim that the root for many of the problems lingering in the Caribbean can be traced back to the slave trade.

But is monetary reparation the answer? No! Instead, the leaders have adopted a 10-point plan demanding, among other things, European aid in strengthening the region’s public health, and educational and cultural institutions such as museums and research centers.

The plan also seeks debt cancellation and an apology from former colonizers.

The group of 15 Caribbean countries, called Caricom, intends to seek reparations for slavery and the genocide of native peoples. They created the Caribbean Reparations Commission to push the issue and present their recommendations to political leaders.

The idea of the countries that benefited from slavery paying some form of reparations has been a decades-long quest but only recently has it gained serious momentum in the Caribbean.

1. FULL FORMAL APOLOGY

The healing process for victims and the descendants of the enslaved and enslavers requires as a precondition the offer of a sincere formal apology by the governments of Europe. Some governments in refusing to offer an apology have issued in place Statements of Regrets.

Such statements do not acknowledge that crimes have been committed and represent a refusal to take responsibility for such crimes. Statements of regrets represent, furthermore, a reprehensible response to the call for apology in that they suggest that victims and their descendants are not worthy of an apology. Only an explicit formal apology will suffice within the context of the Caricom Reparations Justice Program (CRJP).

parallel in terms of man’s inhumanity to man.

This trade in enchained bodies was a highly successful commercial business for the nations of Europe. The lives of millions of men, women and children were destroyed in search of profit. The descendants of these stolen people have a legal right to return to their homeland.

A Repatriation program must be established and all available channels of international law and diplomacy used to resettle those persons who wish to return. A resettlement program should address such matters as citizenship and deploy available best practices in respect of community re-integration.

3. INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The governments of Europe committed genocide upon the native Caribbean population.

Military commanders were given official instructions by their governments to eliminate these communities and to remove those who survive pogroms from the region.

Genocide and land appropriation went hand in hand. A community of over 3,000,000 in 1700 has been reduced to less than 30,000 in 2000. Survivors remain traumatized, landless, and are the most marginalized social group within the region.

The University of the West Indies offers an Indigenous Peoples Scholarship in a desperate effort at rehabilitation. It is woefully insufficient. A Development Plan is required to rehabilitate this community.

4. CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

European nations have invested in the development of community institutions such as museums and research centers in order to prepare their citizens for an understanding of these Crimes against Humanity (CAH).

These facilities serve to reinforce within the consciousness of their citizens an understanding of their role in history as rulers and change agents.

There are no such institutions in the Caribbean where the CAH were committed. Caribbean schoolteachers and researchers do not have the same opportunity.

Descendants of these CAH continue to suffer the disdain of having no relevant institutional systems through which their experience can be scientifically told. This crisis must be remedies within the CJRP. 5. PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS

The African descended population in the Caribbean has the highest incidence in the world of chronic diseases in the forms of hypertension and type two diabetes.

This pandemic is the direct result of the nutritional experience, physical and emotional brutality, and overall stress profiles associated with slavery, genocide, and apartheid. Over 10 million Africans were imported into the Caribbean during the 400 years of slavery.

At the end of slavery in the late 19th century less than 2 million remained. The chronic health condition of Caribbean blacks now constitutes the greatest financial risk to sustainability in

the region. Arresting this pandemic requires the injection of science, technology, and capital beyond the capacity of the region.

Europe has a responsibility to participate in the alleviation of this heath disaster. The CRJP addresses this issue and calls upon the governments of Europe to take responsibility for this tragic human legacy of slavery and colonization.

6. ILLITERACY ERADICATION

At the end of the European colonial period in most parts of the Caribbean, the British in particular left the black and indigenous communities in a general state of illiteracy. Some 70 percent of blacks in British colonies were functionally illiterate in the 1960s when nation states began to appear.

Jamaica, the largest such community, was home to the largest number of such citizens.

Widespread illiteracy has subverted the development efforts of these nation states and represents a drag upon social and economic advancement.

Caribbean governments allocate more than 70 percent of public expenditure to health and education in an effort to uproot the legacies of slavery and colonization. European governments have a responsibility to participate in this effort within the context of the CRJP.

2. REPATRIATION

Over 10 million Africans were stolen from their homes and forcefully transported to the Caribbean as the enslaved chattel and property of Europeans.

The transatlantic slave trade is the largest forced migration in human history and has no

Caribbean Heads of Government at the 25th Intersessional Meeting of the Conference in St Vincent and the Grenadines (Photo from facebook.com/cc.secretariat)

7. AFRICAN KNOWLEDGE PROGRAM

The forced separation of Africans from their homeland has resulted in cultural and social alienation from identity and existential belonging. Denied the right in law to life, and divorced by space from the source of historic self, Africans have craved the right to return and knowledge of the route to roots.

A program of action is required to build ‘bridges of belonging’.

Such projects as school exchanges and culture tours, community artistic and performance programs, entrepreneurial and religious engagements, as well as political interaction, are required in order to neutralize the void created by slave voyages.

Such actions will serve to build knowledge networks that are necessary for community rehabilitation.

8. PSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION

For over 400 years Africans and their descendants were classified in law as non-human, chattel, property, and real estate.

They were denied recognition as members of the human family by laws derived from the parliaments and palaces of Europe.

This history has inflicted massive psychological trauma upon African descendant populations.

This much is evident daily in the Caribbean. Continue of Page 14

Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade

Should you have your silver fillings

By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, DDS

it is well-known to science that mercury is dangerous. It’s dangerous to touch. It’s even more dangerous to ingest. Mercury is the most toxic non-radioactive metal known to man and many people have it in their mouths.

Is this safe?

The silver fillings that most of us have in our teeth are composed of 50% mercury, 35% silver, 15% tin and other metals.

In spite of having long been a subject of debate over patient safety, the silver amalgam fillings are still widely used by dental professionals in most areas of the world.

While there have been no conclusive studies relating the mercury in amalgam fillings to any dangers, mercury by itself is very toxic. Since it is known that a miniscule amount of mercury vapor is released from amalgam when the restorations are placed or removed, and through chewing and tooth grinding; many opponents of amalgam have blamed the substance for a variety of general health problems (i.e., nerve damage, autism, allergies, Parkinson’s Disease, ADHD, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, kidney problems, birth defects, compromised immunity, arthri-

tis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and several “auto-immune” illnesses.

There is now a growing mountain of evidence that it is not safe to have the amalgam fillings. Currently, some countries like Sweden, Canada and Germany, have either banned or imposed serious limitations on amalgam usage. The FDA even acknowledged that mercury vapor is released during chewing on an amalgam filling.

Their website declares these fillings could have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing fetuses and children. The website goes on to further state that, “Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner.”

Whether or not the amount of mercury released from silver fillings is harmful to the body is a subject of controversy. Most people have some silver amalgam fillings in their teeth with no apparent adverse effects.

No harm from the mercury in amalgam fillings has ever been absolutely proven. However, it has never been proven that

the greater the damage to the heart. Having high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol, smoking, increased age, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and having had a previous heart attack or family history of stroke, obesity, or diabetes can increase a person’s chances of having a heart attack.

If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, you should call 9–1–1 immediately.

According to the American Heart Association, about 785,000 Americans have an initial heart attack and another 470,000 have a recurrent heart attack each year.1 According to a CDC report,2 almost half of the cardiac deaths in 1999 occurred before emergency services and hospital treatment could be administered.

If the blood supply to the heart muscle is cut off, a heart attack can result. Cells in the heart muscle do not receive enough oxygen and begin to die. The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow,

It is important to recognize the

Check-Up Checklist

Things to Do Before Your Next Check-Up

Getting check-ups is one of many things you can do to help stay healthy and prevent disease and disability.

Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, DDS

it is not harmful, either. Many people prefer the mercury-free fillings because of this health issue. Most in the dental community do not endorse the idea that amalgam causes illnesses, but they don’t call it safe, either.

It is a personal decision to have your silver fillings replaced with a safer tooth colored resin composite filling, also known as porcelain fillings.

If you are interested in more information about the effects of silver amalgam fillings and the options to replace them, talk to your dentist.

Dr. Ka-Ron Wade is a practicing Cosmetic dentist at The Dentistry of Dr. Ka-Ron Wade in Houston, Texas. Wade is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Orthodontic Society, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Association of Women Dentist.

Know the Sign of a Heart Attack OLC: The five major symptoms of a heart attack are: • Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.

• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.

• Chest pain or discomfort.

• Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.

• Shortness of breath.

Health & Wellness

So, you’ve made the appointment to see your health care provider and reviewed the instructions on how to prepare for certain tests. In addition, you’ve done the usual paperwork. Done, right?

Well, not quite.

Before your next check-up, make sure you do these four things.

Review your family health history.

Are there any new conditions or diseases that have occurred in your close relatives since your last visit? If so, let your health care provider know. Family history might influence your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer.

Your provider will assess your risk of disease based on your family history and other factors.

Your provider may also recommend things you can do to help prevent disease, such as exercising more, changing your diet, or using screening tests to help detect disease early.

Find out if you are due for any general screenings or vaccinations.

signs of a heart attack and to act immediately by calling 9–1–1. A person’s chances of surviving a heart attack are increased if emergency treatment is given to the victim as soon as possible.

CALL 9-1-1

Have you had the recommended screening tests based on your age, general health, family history, and lifestyle? Check with your health care provider to see if its time for any vaccinations, follow-up exams, or tests. For example, it might be time for you to get a Pap test, mammogram, prostate cancer screening, colon cancer screening, sexually transmitted disease screening, blood pressure check, tetanus shot, eye check, or other screening.

Write down a list of issues and questions to take with you.

Review any existing health problems and note any changes.

• Have you noticed any body changes, including lumps or skin changes?

• Are you having pain, dizziness, fatigue, problems with urine or stool, or menstrual cycle changes?

• Have your eating habits changed?

• Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, distress, or sleeping problems?

If so, note when the change began, how it’s different from before, and any other observation that you think might be helpful.

Be honest with your provider.

If you haven’t been taking your medication as directed, exercising as much, or anything else, say so. You may be at risk for certain diseases and conditions because of how you live, work, and play. Your provider develops a plan based partly on what you say you do. Help ensure that you get the best guidance by providing the most up-to-date and accurate information about you.

Be sure to write your questions down beforehand. Once you’re in the office or exam room, it can be hard to remember everything you want to know. Leave room between questions to write down your provider’s answers.

Consider your future.

Are there specific health issues that need addressing concerning your future? Are you thinking about having infertility treatment, losing weight, taking a hazardous job, or quitting smoking? Discuss any issues with your provider so that you can make better decisions regarding your health and safety.

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE WITH

Your Community Paper

APRIL 2014 • ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN • Page 14

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE Mount Bethel House of Prayer in Houston 6818 Cullen Boulevard Houston, TX 77021‎

Spiritual Baptist Church

ERIKA THOMAS

Licensed Cosmetologist Specializes in Brazillian Knot Extension, Fusion Extension, and Regular Services

Mother Kathleen Joseph

(713) 842-2990

From Page 12

Reparation

Only a reparatory justice approach to truth and educational exposure can begin the process of healing and repair.

Such an engagement will call into being, for example, the need for greater Caribbean integration designed to enable the coming together of the fragmented community.

9. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER For 400 years the trade and production policies of Europe could be summed up in the British slogan: “not a nail is to be made in the colonies.”

The Caribbean was denied participation in Europe’s industrialization process, and was confined to the role of producer and exporter of raw materials. This system was designed to extract maximum value from the region and to enable maximum wealth accumulation in Europe.

The effectiveness of this policy meant that the Caribbean entered its nation building phase as a technologically and scientifically ill-equipped- backward space within the postmodern world economy.

Generations of Caribbean youth, as a consequence, From Page 5 HPD

threatened with eviction. She criticized the City for trying to distance itself from the problem. “This, indeed, is at odds with the Constitution and is tantamount to failure by the City to comply with its constitutional obligations,” she said.

In December 2010, Masipa ruled against an R85-million lawsuit that former Eskom chief executive, Jacob Maroga, brought against his previous employees for unlawful dis-

have been denied membership and access to the science and technology culture that is the world’s youth patrimony. Technology transfer and science sharing for development must be a part of the CRJP. 10. DEBT CANCELLATION Caribbean governments that emerged from slavery and colonialism have inherited the massive crisis of community poverty and institutional unpreparedness for development. These governments still daily engage in the business of cleaning up the colonial mess in order to prepare for development.

The pressure of development has driven governments to carry the burden of public employment and social policies designed to confront colonial legacies. This process has resulted in states accumulating unsustainable levels of public debt that now constitute their fiscal entrapment.

This debt cycle properly belongs to the imperial governments who have made no sustained attempt to deal with debilitating colonial legacies.

Support for the payment of domestic debt and cancellation of international debt are necessary reparatory actions.

From Page 5 HPD

Houston Mayor Annise Parker released a statement which read in part, “The severity of this cannot be minimized. The victims and family members involved in these cases deserved better. However, the action of a few individuals should not devalue the work done by the rest of the homicide division, or From Page 6 Caribbean Disaster

outreach specialist. “We want the Virgin Islands National Guard to stay engaged with the CDRU so they can step in to assist them when needed. It is important for the teams to be familiar with each other when there is a disaster.”

Of all the American forces, the Virgin Islands National Guard is the perfect American representative for its Caribbean neighbors.

“The Virgin Islands (VI) is a microcosm of the entire Caribbean basin, to include Central and South America,” said Army Lieutenant Colonel Ken Alleyne, Manager of the VI National Guard’s Strategic Initiatives and Plans Division. “When you come to the VI, you’re going to find pockets of people representing every one

by the 5,300 men and women who serve and protect our city on a daily basis. Chief McClelland has taken effective and corrective action regarding the officers involved and has tightened policies and procedures to keep this from happening again. The public can rest assured that HPD will pursue every possible lead when it comes to murder investigations.” of these island nations. We want to continue to support our Caribbean island brothers and sisters.

For us, these are our relatives, our family, they are our friends.”

Training has expanded over the years. The first CDRU training was two days. It gradually expanded to three days, and then five. Now the training has expanded to eight days and includes training alongside members of the Air National Guard in the Virgin Islands and in Puerto Rico.

“We always try to stay engaged with CARICOM and by supporting CDEMA, we are supporting CARICOM as well,” Cruz said.

“We want to help strengthen the capacity of CARICOM so they can be there to help their neighbors when they are in need.”

The capacity of the CDRU con-

tinues to grow with Southcom’s help. With the completion of this training, they are one step closer to their ultimate goal.

“Over the last nine years, with the support of [U.S. Southern Command], the CDRU system has flourished,” said Joanne Persad, program manager for response and recovery at CDEMA. “The unit has grown, it has been equipped, and has been deployed in several instances. Two critical instances were in Grenada in 2004 for Hurricane Ivan and in Haiti for the earthquake in 2010.”

“The ultimate goal is to have two teams per year fully equipped and ready to go,” Persad said. “We also want to be recognized, more so than it is now, as a key aspect of the regional response mechanism.”

missal. He asked that he either be reinstated as the utility’s chief executive or be compensated. However, Eskom maintained that Maroga offered to resign and the board accepted his resignation.

According to Masipa, Maroga’s story was contradictory, unreliable and “demonstrably lacking in credence” and she concluded that his version of events was a fabrication. Masipa ordered Maroga to pay the costs of the trial, which included the employment of five counsels.

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE WITH

Your Community Paper

Guyana President Donald Ramotar and St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves

Jamaica PM Portia Simpson-Miller and St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves

DID YOU KNOW August 15, 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Panama Canal, a milestone which is of importance to Barbados as approximately 50,000 Barbadians migrated to Panama to work on the Canal, with the resulting remittances being used to assist many families. This also contributed to the emergence of a Barbadian middle class society.

ISLAND STYLEE

April 2012 • ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN • Page 15

JOKES, SATIRE AND POEMS

ULTURE

ISLAND RECIPES THE ART OF CARIBBEAN COOKING

Easter in the Caribbean

Antiguian Ducana

Pain D’ Espices (Penepis)

SWEET POTATO DUMPLINGS Ingredients: 2 cups grated coconut 2 cups sweet potatoes 2 cups of sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp grated nutmeg 1 tbsp of vanilla extract 1 cup of raisins (optional) 1 ½ cups of flour Directions: Cut coconut in one inch cube. Place in a blender. Add 1½ cup of water . Grate sweet potatoes. Add grated coconut.

Blend well. Place mixture in a large bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients to the mixture and mix well.

Ducana and Saltfish

Cut 10×12 pieces of foil paper to wrap the mixture. Use a ladle or large spoon to scoop the batter into the center of the foil then fold and seal the mixture. The foil and batter should look like a flattened cylinder.

Lucian Penepis

Place ducana in boiling water and allow cooking for 30 minutes at medium heat.

Remove it from water and allow cooling for before opening them.

Mackerel Run Down

Mackerel Run Down water. Place mackerel with water in pan.

Allow to boil for 30 minutes to remove to remove salt from the mackerel.

Ingredients: 2 lbs pickled boneless mackerel 2 cups coconut milk 1 cup water 1 large onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 stalks scallion, chopped 2 large tomatoes, chopped 4 sprigs thyme 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped 1 tbsp vinegar Salt and black pepper to taste

Drain water of the mackerel and cut into small pieces.

Sauté onion, garlic, scallion, tomatoes, scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, and vinegar. Add mackerel and 1 cup water and cover the pot. Allow to cook for 10-12 minutes on medium heat

Directions: Soak mackerel in water overnight. Drain

Add coconut milk and allow to simmer for 10 minutes at low heat.

Add Salt and Pepper to taste.

A Thin Oval Biscuit Ingredients ½ lb. fresh ginger, 1 cup water 2 tbsp. butter, 2 tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp. nutmeg 2 cup all purpose flour Directions: Peel ginger. Grate ginger. Place ginger in a mixer. Add sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Blend in water and sugar. Mix in flour and butter. Knead until it is very smooth.

On a flat surface, spread and roll the dough in a very thin layer about 1/8 of an inch.

Place in a greased cook sheet. Cut off excess. Cut in 3 inch squares or oval shapes.

Not one hand went up.... So she took them home and ate them.

Over the PA: Man Down A Grenadian man and his wife went shopping at their local Real Value Supermarket in Spiceland Mall, St Georges

Easter Lamb Roast

‘They’re on sale, only $10 for a dozen,” he replies.

Ingredients: 1 Leg of lamb (4-5 lbs).

1 tbsp. of rosemary 1/2 cup of chopped onions 1/4 cup of minced garlic 1/4 cup of chive 1 tsp. of salt 1 tsp. of black pepper

Directions: Rinse lamb with cold water. Dry meat with a paper towels. Make small slits with a small knife. Rub the lamb with salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, onions, and garlic.

Place lamb in a baking pan. Add water and cover lamb with foil paper. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.Then place lamb in for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees. Roast for about 25 to 30 minutes per pound.

Sit and dine to the comfort sounds of Caribbean Music and enjoy Trini delicacies Rice

Meat

Trini Tings

White Peas & Rice Veggie Rice

Curry Goat Oxtail

Roti Doubles Polorie

713-728-1113

Needless to say, she was annoyed by his behavior. Shortly before landing in Antigua, she used the intercom to announce to the entire cabin, “Would the lawyer who gave me the crabs, in Trinidad, please raise your hand.

The husband picks up a small case of Guinness and puts it in their cart.

“What do you think you’re doing? Man, how come you so fast,” asks the wife.

For de best Trini food in Houston

Curry Stew Jerk Fry

She took the box and promised to put it in the crew’s refrigerator. The lawyer advised her that he was holding her personally responsible for them staying frozen, mentioning in a very arrogant manner that he was a lawyer, and proceeded to rant at her about what would happen if she let them thaw out.

Keep a watchful eye, it burns fast.

Bake in medium hot oven for 3 minutes or until baked.

Kathleen’s Kitchen

Chicken / Fish

The Lawyer of Frozen Crabs A Dominican lawyer boarded LIAT Airline in Piarco International Airport in Trinidad traveling to Antigua. He was traveling with a box of frozen crabs and asked a blonde hair flight attendant to take care of them for him.

13114 South Post Oak Road Houston Texas

Bake Good

Currant Roll Cake Coconut Drop

‘Put dem back, we can’t afford dem,” demands the wife, and so they carry on shopping.

A few aisles further on Aisle 25, his wife picked up a $20 jar of facial cream and puts it in the basket “Wah tis be? Wah you think you’re doing?” asks the husband. “It’s my face cream. It makes me look beautiful,” replies the wife.

Her husband gave some backchat.

“So does a dozen Guinness and it’s half the price.”

Suddenly you heard over the PA system, “Man down on aisle 25.”

A Smart Haitian Three Caribbean men were arguing about what kind of moon it was. The first man, a Dominican, said it was a full moon, the second man, a Lucian, was arguing that it was a half moon and the third man, a Vincy, was saying that it was a quarter moon.

They could not agree, so they called in a fourth man, a Haitian, who was passing by and asked him what kind of moon it was. The Haitian took one look at the three men, then looked up at the sky and said: “Let me tell you this. You asked the wrong man. I just came into Houston after the earthquake. I am not from around here.”

One Love Caribbean Call 281-769 2253

Caribbean Proverb Poems

James Berry Jamaica

Dog mornin prayer is, Laard what teday, a bone or a blow?

Tiger wahn fi nyam pickney, tiger sey he could-a swear e woz puss.

If yu cahn mek plenty yeyewater fi funeral, start a-bawl early mornin.

Hungrybelly an Fullbelly dohn walk same pass.

Fullbelly always a-tell Emptybelly ‘Keep heart’.

Yu fraid fi yeye yu cahn nyam cowhead.

Yeye meet yeye an man fraid!

Yu si yu neighbour beard ketch fire, yu tek water an wet fi yu.

When lonely man dead, grass come grow a him door.

Satan may be ol but Satan not bedriddn.

Man who is all honey, fly dem goin nyam him up.

Trini Dad and Son Camping An illiterate Trinidad father with his educated son with a PhD in Astrology went on a camping trip.

They setup their tent and fell asleep.

Some hours later, the Father wakes his Son and asks: Look up to de sky and tell me what yuh see?

Son: I see millions of stars.

Father: What does that tell yuh Son? Son: Astronomically, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and planets in our solar system !

Father remains silent for moment then says, “No jack! You stupid! Dem thief we tent!”

The Guyanese Joke To End All Guyanese Jokes!

There was a Guyanese woman who was having financial troubles so she decided to kidnap a child and demand a ransom. She went to a local park, grabbed a little boy, took him behind a tree and wrote this note. “I have kidnapped your child. Leave $10,000 in a plain brown bag behind the big oak tree in the park tomorrow at 7 AM.” She signed as ‘The Guyanese.’

She pinned the note inside the little boy’s jacket and told him to go straight home. The next morning, she returned to the park to find the $10,000 in a brown bag, behind the big oak tree, just as she had instructed.

Inside the bag was the following note.... “Here is your money. I cannot believe that one Guyanese would do this to another!”

NOW NOW OPEN OPEN on on Sundays Sunday 12 noon to 6pm Sunday Buffet 12 noon to 3pm

April 20, 2014 EASTER IN THE PARKING LOT Family Fun Day Food, Music, Dominoes, and Games Bun Eating Contest

Daily Specials Daily Lunch Box $5.99 includes Jerk or Jamaican Style Fried Chicken with Fries or Festival

Mon: 50 cent Jerk Wings Tue: Patty with a meal Wed: Buffet Thu: Fish day 12.99 Fish Dinner

Fri: Buffet/Jerk Friday Sat: Family Pack - Jerk or Jamaican Style Fried Chicken with Cole Slaw, Rolls, or Festival

7433 Bissonnet St. Houston, TX 77074 Tel: (713) 772 8225 | Fax: (713) 774-7428