ONE LOVE Free Publication COMMUNITY
Volume 7 Issue 12
DECEMBER 2014
ARIBBEAN
COMMUNITY • CULTURE • CONNECTIONS
Houston Caribbean Achievement Awards
2015
Parang A Christmas in Trinidad Page 5
CARIBBEAN
Roosevelt Skerrit Five More Years of Power in Dominica Page 6
CONNECTION
So What! It’s Just Another Blackman.
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Page 12
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One Love Caribbean
Page 2 • ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN • DECEMBER 2014
CONTENTS The Publisher’s Thoughts The Community Immigration News Caribbean Caribbean Life in Houston Islander on the Move Connection Birthdays in The Diaspora An Inspirational Moment Open Editorial Health & Wellness Culture
One Love CARIBBEAN P.O. Box 742291 Houston, TX 77274 281-769-2253
Page 3 Page 4 and 5 Page 5 Page 6 and 7 Page 8 and 9 Page 8 Page 10 Page 11 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 15
Website
www.olchouston.com
Sylvanus Donaie
Founder/Publisher Phone: 832-881-9745 sdonaie@olchouston.com
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Staff Writers
Sylvanus Donaie Marcelline Chitolie Terry Layne Thecia Jenkins Charmaine Bailey Attorney Latania Mena
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The Publisher’s Thoughts Where are the religious leaders?
Excusez moi (Pardon me), I am about to bust your bubbles. Racism is alive and well in America. Despite the advancements the nation has made, the optics are clear. We elected and reelected a Black president. Interracial relationships are widely accepted; hardly anyone bats an eye at the sight of it. Most Americans do not consider racial hostility acceptable. But statistics have shown that race influences the lives of many. One such stats trends the truculent behaviors of police officers when they interact with people from the African Diasporas. But today, America is a far cry from justice. The nation is on its knees wondering what went wrong after a grand jury declined to indict a Ferguson police officer for the slaying of Michael Brown and New York City policeman in the death of Eric Garner. Is this the latest maneuver of “How to kill and Black person a get away with it?” Am I next in line? It’s a justifiable fear of many African American families. In at least one case, we all saw the video of how Eric Garner died. A USA TODAY/Pew Research Center poll finds “Americans by nearly 3-1 say the white police officer is responsible for the death of Eric Garner.” (www. usatoday.com, 12/2014) So what did the grand jurors see and hear, I wonder? How did they come to this conclusion? Is this how our nation of laws operates? Is this enough to cast doubt on our entire system? The questions are numerous. Historically, when America faces these behavioral crossroads, the religious leaders, Blacks and Whites, had been of the helm of this impasse. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that religious leaders and communities of faith play an important role in shaping the nation. But, on the issues of White cops killing Blacks, they are silent. However, in the next few days, you will hear the same boring stories of the Baby Jesus. Yes, it’s Christmas. …and take your money. We saw them mobilize during the civil rights era. When President Obama said that he believes same-sex couples should be able to get married, thousands of pastors reminded voters about the biblical stance on marriage. Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and black outreach director of the pro-life Priests for Life, also co-founded God Said. She commented, “We fully intend to shift 25 percent of the black vote from the 2008 election by charging every voter to examine each candidate and vote for the one that supports their core belief in natural marriage.” (www.christianpost.com) They mobilized against the Court’s
decision in Roe v. Wade on abortion. Later they adopted to work to make abortion legal under certain conditions—namely, “rape, incest, clear evidence of severe fetal deformity, and carefully ascertained evidence of the likelihood of damage to the emotional, mental, and physical health of the mother.” (www.pubtheo.com) The issues that our religious leaders’ support are endless to include school prayers, tithing, religious rights, church location, and tax. Would they support the nation’s protest against the open season of killing unarmed Black men by White police officers? You tell me! As we wait, I am monitoring our information mediums. But instead, we are left with half-witted people like Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, to corral and cajole the minds of the few Americans who are on the fence. Let me tell you how he insulted and offended me. In fact, his unintellectual assertion is a disgrace to the people of the African diaspora. And, he should be ashamed of himself and crawl under a rock. Why? For the past few weeks, Rudy is trying to equate the killing of unarmed young black men by White police officers with the conundrum of Black-on-Black killing. It is a false equivalency. During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Rudy questioned the rationale behind people protesting the killing of unarmed Ferguson teenager Michael Brown but not black-on-black crime. He touted the statistic that “93 percent of blacks in America are killed by other blacks.” Shame on you, Rudy! For those who saw Rudy’s theatrics on television, he was definitely not forthcoming. He was using statistics from Bureau of Justice Statistics, Homicide Trends in the United States, 1980-2008. Quietly! Now listen to me, this is a secret; you are not supposed to know this. Or so he thinks… From 1980 through 2008— • 84% of white victims were killed by whites • 93% of black victims were killed by blacks. While two-thirds of drug-related homicides were committed by black offenders (65.6%), black offenders were less likely to be involved in sex-related killings (43.4%), workplace homicides, (25.8%) or homicides of elders age 65 or older (41.9%) compared to their overall involvement as homicide offenders (52.5%). (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2011) Knowing these facts, governments are spending millions to stop a nonviolent, non-threatening, unarmed Black from selling a cigarette for a buck, in the name of fighting the criminal element. This is utterly absurd and ridiculous? A cost analysis will show zero gain but another
dead Black person. Folks, the bottom line is that White people are more likely to kill White people, and black people are more likely to kill black people. “Father, forgive Giuliani, for he don’t know what he is saying.” So where are the religious leader to rally America; when shall begin to sing, “We shall overcome.” There is only one lesson to be learned. Regardless of the circumstances, police officers had the legal mandate to gun down Black folks, especially our young ones. “Their lives are in danger” The police are supported (and can hide behind) by their managers, elected officers, and the judicial system. Be very careful! But while we wait for our religious leaders to speak out, we can expect the same result (no crime committed) for these embodiments of America’s racial paradox: November 22, 2014 Upon two seconds of exiting his squad car, a Cleveland police officer gunned down Tamir Rice, a twelve-year-old Black boy. The officer claimed that he mistook the toy gun for a real one. For heaven sake, the kid was only playing outside of at the recreation center. As his 14-year-old sister rushed to her brother’s aid, police officers tackled her, handcuffed her, and placed her in a squad car. His mother, Samaria Rice, was threatened with arrest as she “went charging and yelling at police” because they wouldn’t let her run to her son’s aid. November 20, 2014 Akai Gurley, a 28-eight-year-old Black man was kill by NYPD, who were on a reconnaissance mission through the housing project. Police Chief Bill Bratton said the shooting was a “tragic accident” and Mr. Gurley was collateral damage. November 13, 2014 Cleveland cops killed Tanisha Anderson, a 37-year-old Black woman suffering from mental disorder. Family members called 911 to help her through a difficult crisis. Family members said police (untrained to work with mental patients) used what they described as a “take-down” move in the minutes leading up to Anderson collapsing on the sidewalk. One wrestled her to the ground and cuffed her while a second officer pinned her “face down on the ground with his knee. Anderson went limp in a police cruiser as they were transporting her to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. She was pronounced dead at Cleveland Clinic. November 9, 2014: Ann Arbor (Michigan) police opened fire on Aura Rain Rosser, a fortyyear-old Black mother of three. Her boyfriend called the police, called to intervene in a domestic dispute. When the police arrived, she came out of the kitchen, where she was cooking, with a knife. That made it.
Sylvanus Donaie, September 10, 2014: Police in Saratoga Springs, Utah, pumped six bullets into Darrien Hunt, a 22-year-old Black man dressed kind of like a ninja and carrying a replica Samurai sword. August 24, 2014 A Chicago police officer fatally shot 19-year-old Roshad McIntosh. Despite the officer’s claims, several eyewitnesses reported that McIntosh was unarmed, on his knees with his hands up, begging the officer to hold his fire. August 12, 2014 Police in Victorville, California, killed Dante Parker, a 36-yearold Black man and father of five. He had been stopped while riding his bike on suspicion of burglary. When he became “uncooperative,” the officers repeatedly used Tasers to try to subdue him. He died from his injuries. August 12, 2014 Los Angeles Police Department officers stopped 25-year-old Ezell Ford, a mentally challenged Black man, in his own South Los Angeles neighborhood and shot him to death. August 2, 2014 The LAPD stopped Omar Abrego, a 37-year-old father from Los Angeles, and beat him to death. Shall we wait as more Americans, who happen to be Black, meet their grizzly fate? I will leave you with a few words. Educate yourself on the American system; understand how it works. Participate in the government: voting and jury duty. Rely less on your religious leaders: they will fail you. Most of all, remember this “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” (NIV Proverbs 18:2) Despite of this, I want to wish my readers, friends, family, police officers and writers a safety and merry Christmas. So until then, One Love! Sylvanus Donaie, BA, BSEE, MTM, MPM, MBA Publisher Of course, I love when you disagree with me, and I want to hear from you. If you disagree, please let me know. You can always email me at sdonaie@olchouston.com.
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
DECEMBER 2014
Houston Caribbean Achievement Awards
Set for January 25, 2015
Barbados Association of Greater Houston
The Annual Independence and Scholarship Award Gala OLC: On November 15, 2014, guests and members of the Barbados Association of Greater Houston (BAGH) celebrated the 48th Anniversary of Barbados in a grand style and fashion. The Annual Independence and Scholarship Award Gala was held at the Hilton Houston Westhase, 9999 Westheimer Road, in Houston. The leadership of the Barbados Association was proud to have the Houston-based attorney and member of the Texas House of Representatives, Sylvester Turner as their keynote speaker. Since 1989, he has faithfully represented the people in District 139. Turner spoke primarily to the students, who were receiving their scholarship awards. He reminded them that success does not come overnight. He, himself, used to cut grass with his Dad around the Houston areas. And in order to attend Harvard Law School, his mother had to place their home as collateral. He counseled the student to take the path of hard work to succeed. At the gala, the Barbados Association recognized and presented scholarship to deserving students. • Alexis Lauren Castleberry Ms. Castleberry is currently a senior at Prairie View A&M
L-R: Master of Ceremony, Jeffery Boney, The President of the BAGH, Ms. Judy Foster, and Representatives Sylvester Turner. University. Her major is Accounting. Her goal is to become a successful Accountant and someday open a community recreation center. • Nathan Andrew Kellman - Mr. Kellman is currently a junior at Texas A&M College Station is working towards a Masters in Computer Visualization and a secondary degree in Business Administration and Marketing. He aspires to become a computer software designer. • Jessica Cecile Bourne - Ms. Bourne is currently a first year student enrolled at Harris County School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging. Her goal is to have a successful career as a diagnostic medical Sonographer. • Bria Elaine Branon - Ms. Branon is currently a junior at Prai-
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rie A&M University where she is pursuing a degree in Mass Communications. Her short term goal is to pursue graduate studies in Human Resources Manager The President of the BAGH, Ms. Judy Foster, told her fellow Bajans, “As time marches on, most of us would probably have moved on to another milestone but before our departure, let us be brave, like our fore fathers, and pass the baton to our youth, so they can sow their seed and make their 50 years more productive than ours.” “Let us instill in our youth the spirit of sharing. Let us instill in our youth, the spirit of volunteering. Let us instill in our youth, a spirit to embrace those less fortunate, return to that pride of nationhood, and continue to bind our hearts from coast to coast. We, as members of BAGH must take pride in the foundation that has been built. We must move forward in peace and endeavor to achieve greater successes,” she concluded. Barbados, the homeland of Soul/R&B Female Artist, Rihanna, is located in the Eastern Caribbean. The island remained a British Colony until November 1966 when it gained independence from England. Barbados maintained ties with Britain by being a member to the Commonwealth of Nations. Barbados is a member of the United Nations and the Organization of American States.
HAPPY HOLIDAY
OLC The Caribbean Diaspora is abounds with people who deserve recognition for their contributions to Houston, the Caribbean and the United States. Early this year, Dane McAlpin, Executive Producer of The Houston Caribbean Achievements Awards, set out to accomplish this objective. January 25, 2014 marked the first year of the Houston Caribbean Achievement Awards. Hundreds from the Caribbean Community in Houston turned out to attend. The awards were primarily focused on the entertainment industry. However, other respected members of the community received awards for their dedication in a range of disciplines. It was truly inspiring to see one legend of the Diaspora honoring the other. The second Award Ceremony will be held on January 24, 2015. The award are categorize for business, entertainment, leadership and artistry. It poises to be a reminder of the talent, skills and ingenuity that the the Houston Caribbean community possesses as a whole. “HCAA sets the standard for innovation and creativity” said McAlpin. “The awards are a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of members of Houston’s growing Caribbean American community. It is a source of great pride, and shows our dedication to creating the best possible award program to recognize outstanding members of
our community. Our goal is to provide the highest level of service to our community.” Over the years the Caribbean population has been steadily growing and with that growth the community has not only achieved many accomplishments, but the local talents have created a national and international buzz. “The awards not only illustrate what’s established but encourages a new generation of individuals to contribute their passion to the promotion and preservation of Caribbean heritage and culture not only in Houston but throughout the great State of Texas.” Dane concluded. The 2010 US Census listed Caribbean foreign born as the 3rd Hispanic and Asian population. The City of Houston and surrounding metro and urban areas has an estimated of 300,000 Caribbean-Americans. During the local celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month, Houston’s Mayor Anise D. Parker praised the community’s presence and contributions to the city’s economy and diversity. “Houston is enriched by the presence and contributions of its residents of Caribbean ancestry”, said the Mayor in June 2013, “and is proud to be the recipient of their significant contributions to the cultural, civic and economic and spiritual life of our city.”
Best Costume Display/Mas Band 2013: Houston Madd Colors
DID YOU KNOW
Antiguans and Barbudans have for a long time felt quite comfortable with the White Christmas images on their Christmas cards. They even went a stage further. In the past, people would fetch white sand from the beaches and cover their yards with it at Christmastime in order to simulate snow. The practice is not common now.
DECEMBER 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 5
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Lawsuit challenging Obama’s action is misguided, meritless By Efrén C. Olivares Senior Staff Attorney South Texas Civil Rights Project Texas and 16 other states last week filed a federal lawsuit in Brownsville challenging President Barack Obama’s recent executive actions on immigration. At a moment when our country needs strong leadership focused on developing working solutions to the difficult issues facing our state and country, it’s disheartening to see politicians abuse our judicial system and plunder taxpayers’ money with such a political gambit. The “basis” of the lawsuit is twofold. The lawsuit first contends that the President’s Executive Action violates the Constitution’s “Take Care” clause, which charges the Executive branch with “faithfully execut[ing]” existing laws. The lawsuit further argues that the President’s action is illegal because the agencies implementing the program are not following “procedure required by law.”
As creative as they are, both arguments are unavailing. The president’s executive action does not change any law, does not grant permanent legal status to anyone and does not implicate any constitutional controversy. It is simply an exercise of prosecutorial discretion in the enforcement of our immigration laws, just as President Ronald Reagan did in 1987 and President George W. Bush did in 1990 in what was known as the “Family Fairness Program.”
Those exercises of discretion -like President Obama’s -- are permissible and even necessary for our legal system to function. With a finite number of resources, enforcement priorities must be set. The complaint, signed by 13 states and 4 governors, is rife with quotations by the president in which he suggested earlier in his presidency that deferred action at this scale was not feasible. It also attempts to link (somehow) this year’s influx of unac
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show up at your house for Parang, with a bandola, cuartro, cello, and a shak-shak or maracas, just to name a few, it is expected that you have food and drinks, especially the drinks. They want to see liquor!
Parang in Houston
By Hannah Guada, MS specifically for the Christmas Contributing Writer from Trinidad season; it can have a religious theme or more local to the activliving in Houston
Paranging is much like caroling, just that we sing carols in Spanish or with a Spanish/Venezuelan influence. Parang music is made
IN THE U.S. UNLAWFULLY, ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A GREEN CARD? By Latania Mena Attorney at Law The road to a green card is not always paved with smooth and clear directions. We could sit around with our cups of hot chocolate and some fried bakes and exchange endless stories and tears on the process and possible dilemmas. I’ve discovered that it is a part of the Caribbean culture to take immigration advice from relatives and friends, based solely on something they heard or experienced, instead of opting for a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney. Often times the consultation is either free or inexpensive and could save you a lifetime of misery.
Parang: A Christmas in Trinidad
Parang! Parang! It’s Christmas! Merry Christmas! On the island of Trinidad, Christmas is a happy time of food, drinks, and music, with family and friends. People can be seen paranging from house to house. It can be held at a hall or party place, as well.
IMMIGRATION NEWS
ities of the island at Christmas.
Scunter a big favorite artist in the Soca Parang circuit sings: “Ah want a piece of pork for meh Christmas” or “Leroy whey yuh muddar gone; she gone Parang.” The songs give recognition to the birth of Christ or to the hustle and bustle of preparation for the holidays or the merriment of Paranging from house to house. So your neighbors and friends
Some people come to buss (deplete) your bar. They want top shelf drinks to boot! You know the type: Hennessey, Patron, Cîrco; beers: Carib, Stag, and Heineken is a must; others want to drink ponche de crème, also known as eggnog on other islands and similar to Coquito in Puerto Rico. Parangers have expensive taste; others want Punching Rum or Babash. (Keep that quiet, babash is illegal.) After all, they come to make your home merry! Food is a must. On the island of Trinidad, Christmas food includes the pride and joy of those with “Spanish blood”: Pastelles. Pastelles are meat patties made with cornmeal dough; stuffed with ground beef, chicken, pork, or fish, Continue on Page 9
Many of our people are familiar with having a family member sponsor them, a petition filed on their behalf and subsequently getting their green cards. For those who arrived at a U.S. port of entry with their big envelopes, carefully sealed and only to be opened by the Customs and Border Patrol Officer, the wait ends, and life with a green card begins. For those persons who make the decision to call the U.S. home, once there is a family member capable of sponsoring them, but before a visa becomes available, careful analysis and planning are required. You may miss the hurdles you need to overcome while you try to figure out the next steps to get you closer to that green card. Our community labors under the misconception that as long as the sponsor is a U.S. citizen, they will be eligible to receive the green cards in the U.S. Think again! Unless you fall into category 1- parents, spouses, children under 21, of U.S. citizens or category 2 – those in lawful status when the visa becomes available, you must leave the U.S. to get the green card, when notified that it is available. WHAT IS THE CATCH? To be eligible to adjust status in the U.S. you must have entered the U.S lawfully or remain in the U.S lawfully (unless you are grandfathered by one amnesty or another). Simply put, if you came to the U.S. without inspection or overstayed your visa, you must return to the embassy assigned to your home country to get your green card. It will not matter that your
sponsor is a U.S. citizen if you came to the U.S. illegally. If you came lawfully, it will still not matter that your sponsor is a U.S. citizen if you failed to maintain lawful status, unless you fall into category 1 above. For those not eligible to adjust in the U.S., once a visa is available, you will be given instructions to start making final preparations for your interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate assigned to your home country. Before you venture to make that trip home, you want to make sure you are actually eligible for that visa. Everyone who applies for a visa is first checked to see whether he/she is “admissible” to the U.S. Most persons discover they are inadmissible to the U.S. because of the prior unlawful presence, upon departing the U.S. and attending the interview. If you remained in the U.S for more than 180 days but less than one year after your lawful stay ended, upon leaving the U.S., you will be subjected to a 3 year bar for your unlawful presence. This means the consulate will deny your visa on the day of your interview and you will be required to wait outside the U.S. for 3 years before requesting future permission to re-enter. If you remain in the U.S. for a year or more, after your lawful stay expired, you will not be granted admission to the U.S.
Continue on Page 14 From Page 5 Immigration...
unless you remain outside for at least 10 years. If you came to the U.S without inspection, you will also trigger the unlawful presence bar and be required to remain outside the U.S. for the requisite time. Continue on Page 12
HAPPY HOLIDAY
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
ARIBBEAN Briefs
DECEMBER 2014
Roosevelt Skerrit
Five More Years of Power in Dominica
Rounding up Haitians in the Bahamas OLC: In the early hours of November 1, 2014, officials from the Bahamas’ Department of Immigration carried an operation to enforce the new policy across the island of New Providence, the island of the capital city Nassau. The authorities detained hundreds of people calling them irregular migrants. The vast majority of those arrested were Haitians or Bahamians of Haitian descent. When family members presented documentation to the authorities proving their regular status to reside and/or work in the Bahamas, many were subsequently released. However, many are still in detention despite possessing documents. The action stemmed from a new Bahamian immigration policy. On September 17, 2014, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Hon. Fred Mitchell shared the policy with the Bahamian Parliament. However, the full text of the policy has not to be made public, creating uncertainty about its details and arbitrariness in its implementation. The new measures stated that as of November 1, 2014, everyone living in the Bahamas is required to have a passport of the country of their nationality. This extremely short deadline has made it very difficult
L-R: Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell and Prime Minister Perry Christie for people to obtain a passport from their country of birth, potentially making thousands fall into a situation of irregular migration.
challenge of illegal immigration, those governments acted in the best interest of their respective countries. The Bahamas is no different.”
The new policy also announced that “certificates of identity”, identity documents previously eligible to minors born in the Bahamas of non-citizen parents, would no longer be issued or renewed. As these documents are necessary to prove eligibility to apply for Bahamian citizenship, their removal could potentially leave thousands stateless.
But, according to Nassau Guardian Business, The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of American States (OAS) have both expressed concerns, at the diplomatic level, about the new immigration policy in The Bahamas that has touched such a nerve in some sectors of the international community.
In supporting the policy, National Chairman of the Bahamas Progressive Liberal Party, Bradley B. Roberts, at their Prayer Breakfast on November 16, 2014 said, “One needs only to look at the policies of the United States, Australia and Trinidad and Tobago to appreciate that when faced with the
Amnesty International is seriously concerned that the implementation of a new immigration policy purportedly aimed at curbing irregular migration is allegedly leading to human rights violations. There have been reports of arbitrary detentions being carried out by immigration officials and that the
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IMMIGRATION
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DLP Campaign included Gospel Concert with Donnie McClurkin L-R: Donnie, Roosevelt Skerrit and his wife, Melissa. OLC: For the fourth consecu- member of parliament to repretive time, The Dominica La- sent the Constituency of Marigbour Party (DLP) under the ot. “I wish to congratulate Mr. leadership of Prime Minister Lennox Linton, political leader Roosevelt Skerrit won the of the UWP, on his election to Dominica’s general election. parliament and also to the other According to unofficial results, new opposition members,” he Skerrit will be managing the said. affairs of state for the next five But was quick to understand, years. the opposition in parliament Skerrit’s party captured 15 seats would not be business as usual. to defeat the United Workers “In this new term, numerically Party (UWP), who grabbed speaking, there will be a stronger opposition in parliament. I only six seats. accept the will and verdict of In his reelection address to his the people.” nation, the prime minister expressed his thank saying, “I am The Government of Dominica humble by the overwhelming invited The Caribbean Comresponse of the electorate of munity (CARICOM), to mount Dominica, to our appeal for the a CARICOM Election Obsermandate to continue to gov- vation Mission to observe the ern Dominica for another five country’s General Election. The seven member Mission years.” comprising members of several And at the same time, he con- Member States of the Caribbegratulated his rival the leader an Community, and headed by of the opposition UWP, Lennox Miss Lena Sahadeo of Trinidad Linton, for being elected as a Continue on Page 14
Double Trouble For Trinidad Energy Sector By Asha Javeed PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad -- Energy economist Gregory McGuire says the Trinidad and Tobago economy is facing a double jeopardy, precipitated by the fall in oil prices from US$110 a barrel in June to US$65 on Friday. “The imminent danger posed by a sustained decline in oil prices was compounded last week by the news that a leak in National Gas Company’s (NGC) 56-inch pipeline aggravating an already tight gas supply situation and interrupting electricity generation at TGU,” he observed. “While these developments are completely unrelated, their joint impact on the economy could be devastating,” he noted. McGuire said it is “obvious” that the fall in oil prices will have a negative impact on government revenue.
Gregory McGuire “The minister of finance has indicated a loss of $1,879.4 million on an annualized basis. He further expects the reduction in fuel subsidy of $507 million thereby mitigating the overall increase in the deficit to $1,372 million. In seeking to calm our fear, Minister Howai reiterated that T&T is more of a gas economy, producing approximately 800,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, only ten per cent of which is oil. One is left with the distinct impression that gas will supplant the loss in oil.
DECEMBER 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 7
Jamaica Wants to Adopt Caribbean Court of Justice Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, says the move by the Government to adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as Jamaica’s final appellate court will ensure access to justice for all Jamaicans. “It’s about Jamaica’s identity, the exercise of its sovereignty and the protection of the legal rights of its citizens,” Simpson Miller said as she opened debate on the CCJ bills in the House of Representatives on November 25, 2014. She noted that the Privy Council is fundamentally inaccessible to the vast majority Jamaicans. “Litigants and their Jamaican lawyers need visas to travel to the United Kingdom (UK). Visas are not available or granted as a right. Jamaicans are the only people in the entire global structure, who are obliged to seek and obtain visas to access one of the courts.” She further argued that the costs
of retaining UK lawyers for representation in appeals are too high for the vast majority of Jamaicans. The CCJ, on the other hand, is so designed that it travels to its member countries to hear cases on home soil.
that the Jamaican court system is already substantially underfunded, and the fiscal reality that gives rise to this understanding is not likely to change anytime soon,” she noted. The Prime Minister appealed for bipartisan support of the bills.
Simpson Miller argued, “It would be misguided and unwise to have a new home-grown organ as our highest court, without the consistent and predictable budgetary support available to do so.”
“I believe that this House has another opportunity for bipartisan consensus in the interest of the people of Jamaica. The Senate will also have the same opportunity on this matter,” she stated.
“Everyone knows and accepts
The Bills being debated are:
Antigua and Barbuda Borrows to Pay Salaries Source: Daily Observer, Antigua ST JOHN’S, Antigua – “Government cannot now meet its payroll expenses from revenue and must borrow to supplement revenue.” Chief of Staff Lionel “Max” Hurst made the disclosure in a post-Cabinet interview with state media. Hurst said the Gaston Browne-administration had to borrow $15 million to pay government workers at the end of October.
the funds originated, and attempts to reach Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Lennox Weston for answers, were unsuccessful. But a likely source is the Regional Government’s Securities Market (RGSM) where Antigua & Barbuda obtained $20 million through auctioning Treasury Bills on October 8.
“That, I think, is the greatest challenge the government faces other than the challenge of creating jobs,” Hurst said.
Hurst said the Cabinet was very concerned about government’s inability to meet its wages and salaries on time, admitting that it has struggled to do so since taking office.
He did not elaborate on where
“We inherited this, and we are
Prime Minister Gaston Browne five months since the elections of the June 12th, and clearly this problem persists. We know that the way to ensure this problem disappears is to grow the economy of Antigua & Barbuda,” the chief of staff said.
Bahamian Dr. Myles Munroe and His Wife Perished In Plane Crash
OLC: Tributes are pouring in for the world renowned religious leader and Bahamian Dr. Myles Munroe (60) and his wife, Ruth. They perished when their private jet crashed in the Bahamas on November 9, 2014. Seven others were killed in the crash. His death sent shock waves across The Bahamas and throughout the world. Munroe was the senior pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International Fellowship, and his wife served as co-senior pastor. The Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Perry Christie, expressed his condolences. “It is utterly impossible to measure the magnitude of Dr. Munroe’s loss to the Bahamas and to the world. He was indisputably one of the most globally recognizable reli-
gious figures our nation has ever produced.” Munroe and his entourage were traveling to the Grand Bahama Island to attend his annual Global Leadership Forum, an event sponsored annually by Myles Monroe International and the International Third World Leaders Association. A National Memorial in honor of Myles and his wife, Ruthann was held on Wednesday December 3, 2014 at The Thomas A. Robinson Stadium Oaks Field Sporting Complex in Nassau, Bahamas. Munroe was born in 1954 in Nassau, Bahamas. He founded Bahamas Faith Ministries International in the early 1980s after studying at Oral Roberts University, a Christian liberal arts school in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Jamaica Issues Oil and Gas Exploration License to British Firm
The Treasury needs about $26
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Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining Minister, Phillip Paulwell (center), greets John McKenna (right) of Tullow Oil Plc. Looking on is PCJ Manager, Winston Watson. By Terron Dewar Jamaica Observer
Morant basins located off the south coast of the island.
In five to eight years, Jamaica should know if it has enough oil and gas to allow for commercial production, Tullow Oil plc officials said yesterday.
The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) signed a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Tullow, which essentially gives them the right to explore just about one-third of the area zoned for oil exploration.
The Irish oil and gas exploration company will put up an initial US$60 million to finance the exploratory phase in the search for the valuable commodities. The majority of that amount is earmarked as payment to a third party contractor, who will be entrusted with the task of carrying out three-dimensional seismic scans of the Walton and
In the event that Tullow finds oil, “the Government of Jamaica.... has secured a maximum of up to 45 per cent of any production over 50,000 barrels per day... apart from the royalties that the Government will collect”, Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell said at yesterday’s signing ceremony.
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
Islander on the Move Gylla Headley Rawlins Making of a High Achiever
By Sylvanus Donaie Staff Writer Caribbeaners migration to America is quite interesting. Many made the move for economic reasons, but at the same time, they want to introduce their children to advantages that this nation offers, such as having a sound education. They come with tenacity and the wherewithal teaching their children that even if, the decks have been stacked against them, they must press on. This is a simplified version of the life of Gylla Headley Rawlins. Gylla was born in Woodbrook in Trinidad, but she prides herself of being raise in Guayaguayare, a southeastern village on the island. “I was born in the town but raise in the country,” she echoed. And at very young age she moved to St.
DECEMBER 2014
CARIBBEAN
LIEE LIFE PHOTOS THE MONTH Scholarship Recipients Barbados Association of Greater Houston
Croix, United States Virgin Islands with her parents. It was a brief stay before her folks relocated to Baytown, Texas. Today, she is the Director of a federal program, overseeing the TRIO Student Support Services as required by the U.S. Department of Education. The TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate programs.
Sylvanus with his Mentors
As with many Caribbean parents, hers
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DECEMBER 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 9
PHOTOS
Buju Banton Christmas Wishlist Release me and Deport me to Jamaica
Houston Caribbean
OLC: Buju Banton hopes for an early release from prison and be deported to his native Jamaica. But the performer is likely out of luck. The Grammy-winning reggae star, whose legal name is Mark Myrie, is currently serving a 10year sentence for his 2011 drug trafficking conviction. This is the minimum mandatory sentence for his conviction on a charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. According to Tampa Bay Tribune, Buju Banton lawyers filed a motion in court early this month seeking an early release following some recent changes to the way drug traffickers are sentenced. Although more than 1,700 drug defendants sentenced in Tampa federal court have been identified as potential beneficiaries of a recent rollback in federal sentencing guidelines, the change From Page 5 Parang raisins, capers, and olives; and steamed in banana leaves. Paime, too, is a favorite; this is similar to pastelles just that it has no meat and made with coconut: It can be sweet or savory. In addition to pastelles, the queen of the holidays is the famous Black Cake, also known as Rum or Fruit Cake to other islanders. A fruit sponge is also popular, and don’t forget about Pone, made from cassava and coconut. A pot a pelau is well appreciated. For those who don’t know what pelau is, there is a difference between
won’t apply to most of those serving minimum mandatory sentences under the law. But Buju lawyers could be faced with an uphill battle since the changes don’t applied to him since he is already serving the minimum sentence. The only way around that is to make a full confession of the crimes you were convicted for and cooperate with authorities in any investigations. One highly doubt Banton will confess to any crime, knowingly that he did not commit. The reggae singer is currently serving his sentence in McRae, Georgia. He is scheduled to be released in 2019. In his legal docs, Buju Banton contends that he has been working since starting his prison sentenced and has “very good conducts.” pelau and peas and rice. Pelau is one pot dish of peas and rice cooked with chicken. This wonderful tradition is practiced in Houston by the diaspora of Trinidadians. These Christmas revelers visit homes and parties making merry with their wonderful instruments and lively songs. This musical band of merry-men and women play a form of music is distinctly Trinidadian, but different from the sounds of Soca. So the next time you hear some sweet melodious sounds that makes you want to do a slow salsa, it just may be the songs of Parang.
Parang in Houston
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
ONNECTIONS
DECEMBER 2014
DON’T BE A VICTIM THIS CHRISTMAS
American Middle Class Where Did They Go? clusively that the future growth and returns of our economy rest in the hands of a few wealthy families at the top, according to the report. In this state of affairs where the economic growth of a nation is powered by and largely consumed a wealthy few is reportedly called a plutonomy. And as a matter of fact, the term was coined by the three Citigroup analysts, Ajay Kapur, Niall Macleod, and Narendra Singh referenced earlier.
Terry Layne Staff Writer tlayne@olchouston.com It was about two years ago when Don Peck published his study in the Atlantic about a dwindling presence of what was known as the Middle Class in America. His report was based on a 2005 account by three Citigroup financial analysts, who outlined an observable development in the American economy at that time. In a matter of fact manner, these analysts described the U.S. economy as being made up of two distinct groups: the rich and the “rest of us.” And when it comes to investment decisions, they noted that the second group (the rest of us) did not matter. Isn’t that amazing? I said to myself. Clearly, their observations were based on measurable and reliable data included in the September 2011 publication. In fact, they added that if we should ever understand the future of our economy, including our stock market; we must first recognize “there was no such thing as the U.S. consumer.” Additionally, concepts like “average” consumer debt, and “average” consumer spending were highly misleading. As cold as some of this stuff sounds, the point becomes clear when we think more deeply about what these analysts were saying. At the bottom of all this lies the reported premise that all activities in our U.S. economy happen at the top. According to the report, the wealthiest 1% of U.S. families earn as much annually as the bottom 60% all together; and they possess as much wealth as the bottom 90% lumped together. This sounds unimaginable when you really think about it; at least from my perspective. And it stands to reason that with each passing year, a greater portion of this country’s wealth is going directly into the coffers the 1% people. So in this regard, it is almost ex-
My studied friends in the field of History will kindly help us to understand the clear division between the rich and the poor; if necessary. But that’s not the targeted focus of my writing this month. The real issue is more about what we have been able to see more clearly as a result of our experience with the Great Recession, which began as a national (U.S.) recession in 2007 and ballooned into a Global recession in 2009. As a result, we can see with what the writer called “brutal clarity;” what President Obama called, “a growing wage and income gap;” a widening gap between rich and poor; and what Pope Francis referred to as “an economy of exclusion and inequality.” Regardless of how you look at it, it’s a separation that’s destroying the dreams of a significant segment of our national social tapestry, the middle class. By closely reviewing our historical accounts, as we’ve been taught to believe them; the poor has always been. But the “middle class” is a little different. It is a historically new phenomenon. It is a concept which dates back to early 1900’s in its modern usage, as we know it. The Middle Class has been the historical host of our “American Dream.” It is now a threatened by extinction, according to whom we listen. And very few of our leaders have ever dared to build their “platforms” around mitigating issues of the poor; except they be dismissed as radicals. Throughout history, there had always been some kind of “tug of war” between rich and poor peoples. But as quality of life issues began surfacing more and more, the middle class was developed into a convenient “buffer zone” between the rich and poor groups. But Thom Hartmann of Alternet brought it home on November 5, 2013 when he made public something that many of the “rest of us” may have been increasingly concerned about; since the heights of our financial collapse in 2009. He wrote about a time past when the super rich really needed a middle
class in order to secure their financial success. According to the report, super rich people needed the “rest of us” for their businesses, their communications systems, and their transportation means, to be their customers. But you know what? Not anymore! Times have changed; the “market” was expanded; and the super rich people of this century no longer believe their success is dependent on the “rest of us.” As a result of our new state of affairs, globalization has deemed the “rest of us” in the U.S. to be irrelevant. In a sense, the “rest of us” was also expanded to include the total population of the whole world. And while we are now talking about a financial recovery, as slowly as it seems and not moving fast enough; I question whether or not it would be sufficient in itself to simply “restore” the middle class as it were. Something seems fundamentally lopsided about a system of things where decisions about goods and services remain squarely and solely in the hands of 1% of the population. And further, when the system fails; “corrections” are made at high tolls to those who are least able to afford them. Consider the following. As a part of our recession recovery plan, the federal government announced its approval of budgetary cuts in food stamps (USA Today, Nov 2013) that will affect more than 47 million Americans. Among other cutbacks, these cuts impact families dependent on nutritional support through the Supplemental Nutritional and Assistance Program (SNAP). As this is happening, the news media is talking about the more than $10 billion that Warren Buffett earned during the recession era (20082012) on investments he made on Wall Street specific to that period alone. Some estimated that amount to be $40 billion and more. All of this is totally legal; so there are no questions in this regard. But doesn’t it seem systemically odd that one person would earn this type of profit; while millions of others are losing jobs, homes, and other possessions vital to their basic needs? So while this study properly focuses on the seemingly disappearing “middle class,” I can’t help but wonder about the rest of
The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors. One Love Caribbean wishes you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season. Driving and Shopping • If you feel threatened, the best thing is to head for a public place where you know there will be other people, for example a busy service station or shop. • If you are at all worried, try and walk with a friend or stay with a group of people. • Avoid passing close to stationery cars with their engines running and people in them. • Try to keep both hands free and don’t keep your hands in your pocket. • Always take the route you know and try to use well lit, bustling streets • Be aware of your surroundings at all times. • Hold on to your purse. Credit Cards • Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused. • Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Double checks with the store clerk to ensure all IDs and credit cards have been returned to you before you leave the store. Parking • Avoid driving alone or at night. • Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device. • If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area. • Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows. • Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked. • Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside. • Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight. Automated Teller Machine • Go to the ATM in the daytime • If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need. • Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you. • Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
One Love CARIBBEAN is published monthly. All materials published in One Love CARIBBEAN is Copyrighted by OneLove CARIBBEAN and may not be reproduced without our written permission. All rights reserved.
“the rest of us.” And I keep asking myself, is this really the best we can do? What do you think?
Disclaimer: OneLove CARIBBEAN is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions express herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher.
Terry is a retired counselor with broad experience in the fields of mental health and education for more than thirty years. Layne hold a MA in Counseling and MA
OneLove CARIBBEAN assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscript, photographs, and other material unless accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope.
DECEMBER 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 11
BIRTHDAYS IN THE DIASPORA
Maggie Jean Saint. Lucia
Toney Campbell Jamaica
Steve March Jamaica
AN INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT Encouragement from the Word of God
Milo Miles Jamaica
Terry Layne Panama
“Proud Ah Yuh”
Ancil Lewis Trinidad
By Pastor Cliff & Charmaine Bailey brate and congratulate and encourage their children for the smallest achievement including graduation from Kindergarten. Back home, when our generation completed High School, we packed our suitcases and went home or moved on to the next phase of life with no celebration or fanfare.
Nichole Pelage St. Lucia
Carmen Morgan Panama
The Bible encourages us to rejoice with those that rejoice and not wait for their funerals to weep with their loved ones. In most situations, family members who are successful really want to share their success with their loved ones and our giving approbation is the approval, sanction and encouragement that they desire most of all.
Ed McDaniel Barbados
Charmaine Bailey Staff Writer cbailey@olchouston.com
Joan Douglas Grenada
Glenora Romans Jamaica
Dr Paul Johnson Jamaica
Dr. Simone Gardenar Jamaica
Arnold Richards Jamaica
Ana Valenzuela Dominican Republic
Is it a Caribbean thing that we seem to find it hard to rejoice and celebrate the success of others in the family? Is praise stuck in our hearts and unable to find expression through our mouths? When a young lady who was the first college-educated member of her family received her Master’s Degree, her friends, colleagues and acquaintances threw a party in her honor and openly praised her. Her relatives, on the other hand, attended the party but stood tongue-tied and distant. Is the family thinking that she did what was expected, so what’s the big deal or what’s the fuss about? Or is it, she already knows we are proud of her so we don’t need to say it? Well, there are many who did not stay the course and did not meet expectations, so it is a “big deal”. And even God Himself saw that it was important to endorse His Son by publicly declaring the fact that He loved and was proud of His Son. (Matthew 3:17) It is admirable how Americans cele-
Veronica Ricketts Jamaica
Roger Micthell Saint Lucia
Shamah Lloyd Dominica
Email your birthday to birthday@onelovehouston.com
So, the prayers, the slap on the back and the expressed confidence in them all help them to accomplish their success. A tangible present goes a long way but “congrats” and “well done” are priceless gifts of affirmation and cost nothing. Affirmation or verbal support inspire diligence and provide an incentive for success. It is free, so give generously to relatives and friends. It strengthens and extends the life of relationships and is really a fruit of love. Romans 12:10, 15 “ Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other…. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep”. These verses give us permission to take pleasure in the joys of others and to enjoy, respect and give open admiration to others; especially our family members What a special gift to give to a loved one at Christmas or any other time – to let the words in our hearts flow freely out mouths to say: “Mi proud ah Yuh!” 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.
Have a blessed Christmas
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
OPEN EDITORIAL
So What! It’s Just Another Blackman An African American Perspective
DECEMBER 2014
TRIO Student Support Education is never too late
By Abigail Monah The Baytown Reporter
By Rose Spencer Contributing Writer On August 9, 2014, Michael Brown an 18-year-old black college bound Black man was shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. Brown, had no criminal record, was unarmed and accused of man handling the officer. Reportedly, Wilson murdered Brown because he felt that Brown was threatening his life.
It is never too late to get an education. Education is a choice, either we want it or we don’t.
On November 24, a New York grand jury failed to indict Daniel Pantaleo, a White New York Police Department officer after murdering Eric Garner, a 43-year-old, Black father-of-six. Pantaleo placed Garner in an illegal chokehold while attempting to arrest him on suspicion of selling loose cigarettes in Staten Island on July 17, 2014.
My first stop was the neighborhood Lee College in Baytown. I was pointed to Gylla Rawlins MS, the Director of The TRIO Student Support Services Program. Well how do you know; she is a Trinidadian, a perfect match for forthright conversation.
SO WHAT! They were just black men shot down by the police. They don’t matter. Their lives aren’t worth the round the clock news coverage. Riot…for what? Why in the hell do you all act as if you care now? A Black man’s life means nothing to the police and to the justice system. You do not care about their deaths, just as you do not care about yourselves. These Black men don’t matter. The only thing that matters to you is the next party, the next concert, the next new star, not the next senseless death of a Black man. This has been happening since the first enslaved African disembarked the slave ship. So why do you care now? As a matter of fact, their deaths are our fault! Yes, I said it and I won’t take it back. It is our fault that the injustices that we have ALWAYS faced are surfacing, at epidemic rates. The racial disparities that we face in the justice system have always been an issue for Blacks. Moreover, that too is our fault. Why? …because we have been asleep. These incidents, that caused the riots, have been going on for many years. Our lack of response, to these injustices, have given law enforcement and the justice system carte blanche to murder Black men. Our lack of response has made it clear that Black lives do not matter, especially to ourselves. The circumstances surrounding Brown and Garner’s death
As adults, pride holds many of us captive, and as a result, we do not seek the vital information that will release us out of those hostage situations. For this month, I had an objective to seek out any tool to help us break free of this mindset. And I want to share it with you.
Behind the Video of Eric Garner’s Deadly Confrontation With New York Police
replicate a fear commonly held by many Blacks. Black’s lives matter less, particularly in the face of increasingly heavily armed police, who have tremendous legal freedom in whether they can kill a suspect that they merely perceive as dangerous. You have never done anything about it before, but the good thing is that you all still have an opportunity to right the wrongs, that we have committed against ourselves. It is never too late; we can still be a voice for those murdered at the hands of police officials. If you do not believe me, asks the parents, the wives, the siblings, or the children of the few murdered men and boys that I could fit into this article. None of the killers of the following men/boys has been convicted of their heinous crimes. This by no means is an exhaustive list; it lists only a few of hundreds of Black men that were unjustly murdered. We can be the voice of the following: KIMANI GRAY In Brooklyn, on March 9, 2013 Sixteen-year-old unarmed Kimani was shot four times in the front and side of his body and three times in the back by two New York City police officers as he left a friend’s birthday party. KENDREC MCDADE In March 2012 while responding to a report of armed robbery Pasadena, CA, officers shot and killed this nineteen-year-old college student. He was later found to be unarmed, with only a cellphone in his pocket. TIMOTHY RUSSELL After a car chase in December 2012, the Cleveland police officers fired 137 rounds into their car, killing Russell and his pas-
senger, Malissa Williams. Officers said they saw a possible weapon, but no weapon or shell casings were found in the fleeing car or along the chase route. AMADOU DIALLO
In 1999, a 23-year-old West African immigrant with no criminal record was murdered on the stoop of his New York City building. Four officers in plain clothes fired 41 shots and striking him 19 times, as he tried to escape. Their response was that they he had a gun. It was a wallet. The officers were all acquitted of second-degree-murder charges. STEVEN EUGENE WASHINGTON
Gang-enforcement officers in Los Angeles in 2010 murdered Washington after he approached them and appeared to remove something from his waistband. The officers said they had heard a loud noise in the area and the 27-yearold, who was autistic, began looking around suspiciously. No weapon was ever recovered. PATRICK DORISMOND In 2000, the 26-year-old father of two young girls was shot to death during a confrontation with undercover police officers who asked him where they could purchase drugs. The officers claimed that Dorismond -- who was unarmed -- grabbed the officer’s gun and shot himself. My hands are up! I can’t breathe! Black Lives Matter! How many more chants can we come up with? I say no more, stop chanting and start participating. Participate in the voting process. Participate in the jury and grand jury process. Participate in your children’s schools. Participate in your community. Stop the chanting and start doing! Only then, can we drop our hands, hold our heads up, and breathe again. Because OUR LIVES MATTER, now act as if they do!
Rawlins explained the nationwide TRIO Student Support Services Program, which is under the umbrella of the Department of Education. “It is one of the programs to help student who need to be college ready,” she said. The program is called TRIO because it started with three programs: one to target junior high students, another for high school students, and the last to work with college students. It was originally developed by President Lyndon B. Johnson War on Poverty; the program was birthed out of The Educational Opportunity Act of 1964. TRIO started of three programs, but has since then evolved to eight programs. However the name TRIO was kept. These programs assist low income students, first-generation college students, students with disabilities From Page 5 Immigration... POSSIBLE RELIEF? The dilemma - once you are unlawfully present in the U.S. and must go home to get the green card, you will face this denial. It is imperative to determine if you qualify for an unlawful presence waiver before you make the decision to leave. A waiver may be obtained by demonstrating that your U.S. citizen or permanent resident parent or spouse will suffer extreme hardship unless you are forgiven. Your U.S. citizen children will not be considered qualifying relatives for this waiver, and it takes a considerable amount of evidence to prove that a waiver should be granted. You will have to weigh the potential benefit –seeking the green card against the risks involved. Think twice about
and US veterans with the tools needed in achieving a superior education. The TRIO Student Support Services Program currently serves about 840,000 low income Americans, more than 6500 students with disabilities and precisely 6000 US veterans. The TRIO programs at Lee College provides services such as; Registration Assistance, Individual Education Planning, Financial Aid Assistance, Individual/Group Tutoring, Student Success Workshops, Graduation Assistance, Transfer Assistance (Community College to University) and much more. Over the years the TRIO programs has expanded tremendously, services is not only offered to high school graduates, but also to adults who would like to return to school. If you are interested in TRIO programs, follow this application process: 1. Fill out and submit TRIO application (Must have a US high school diploma or GED) 2. Include 1040 tax return and Texas ID 3. Schedule an appointment for an interview.
Continue on Page 14 pursuing the visa through the consulate if you do not have any qualifying relatives and if you cannot prove that your qualifying relative will face “extreme hardship”, as ultimately your case will be denied. Folks do not go blindly into an unintended immigration consequence, leaving yourself and family to suffer the ensuing hardships. Immigration law is complex and constantly changing. Inform yourselves adequately, using the right resources. 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.
DECEMBER 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 13
Health & Wellness RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ON EPILEPSY TREATMENT Fast facts on epilepsy
• Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. • Epilepsy affects about 2.3 million adults and 467,711 children 0-17 years of age in the US. • About 1 in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy at some point in their lives. • About 150,000 new cases of epilepsy will be diagnosed in the US each year.
What is epilepsy? People with epilepsy tend to have recurrent seizures (fits). The seizures occur because of a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain - there is an overload of electrical activity in the brain. This causes a temporary disturbance in the messaging systems between brain cells. During a seizure the patient’s brain becomes “halted” or “mixed up.” Every function in our bodies is triggered by messaging systems in our brain. What a patient with epilepsy experiences during a seizure will depend on what part of his/her brain that epileptic activity starts, and how widely and quickly it spreads from that area. Consequently, there are several types of seizures and each patient will have epilepsy in his/ her own unique way. The main symptoms of epilepsy are repeated seizures. There are some symptoms which may indicate a person has epilepsy. If one or more of these symptoms are present a medical exam is advised, especially if they recur: • A convulsion with no temperature (no fever).
• Short spells of blackout, or confused memory. • Intermittent fainting spells, during which bowel or bladder control is lost. This is frequently followed by extreme tiredness. • For a short period the person is unresponsive to instructions or questions. • The person becomes stiff, suddenly, for no obvious reason • The person suddenly falls for no clear reason • Sudden bouts of blinking without apparent stimuli • Sudden bouts of chewing, without any apparent reason • For a short time the person seems dazed, and unable to communicate • Repetitive movements that seem inappropriate • The person becomes fearful for no apparent reason, he/she may even panic or become angry • Peculiar changes in senses, such as smell, touch and sound • The arms, legs, or body jerk, in babies these will appear as cluster of rapid jerking movements. Recent developments on epilepsy treatment Brain stimulator reduces seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy - in 2013, the Food and Drug Administration approved an implantable medical device to treat epilepsy. Now, doctors from the Rush Epilepsy Center in Illinois are the first to couple it with a novel electrode placement planning system, which is enabling the device to better reduce seizures. The device, called the NeuroPace RNS System, works by using “on-demand” direct stimulation in order to find abnormal electrical activity in the brain
and send small bits of electrical stimulation. The doctors from Rush Epilepsy Center explain, by doing this, the device suppresses seizures before they begin.
Millions of Women Not Getting Cervical Cancer Tests By Stacy Simon A new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that 8 million women who should be getting screening tests for cervical cancer are not getting them.
Screening means looking for cancer or pre-cancer in people who have no symptoms of the disease. Screening can prevent cervical cancer or find it early when it’s easier to treat. According to the report, more than half of new cervical cancer cases occur among women who Researchers from University have never – or rarely – been College London (UCL) in the screened. UK believe that the new “on demand” seizure suppressant pill The CDC’s findings are reportthey have developed may offer ed in the November 2014 issue help to this 30% of epilepsy pa- of Vital Signs. Researchers tients who do not respond suc- used data from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveilcessfully to AEDs. lance System survey to find out Omega-3 fish oil ‘could reduce how many women ages 21 to seizure frequency for epilepsy 65 years had not been screened patients’ - A new study claims for cervical cancer in the last 5 epilepsy patients could reduce years. seizure frequency by consuming low doses of omega-3 fish oil ev- They used the CDC’s National ery day. The research team at the Program of Cancer Registries University of California-Los An- and the National Cancer Instigeles (UCLA) School of Medi- tute’s Surveillance, Epidemiolcine, says their findings may be ogy and End Results Program particularly useful to epilepsy (SEER) to calculate the number patients who no longer respond of women who were diagnosed with cervical cancer between to medication. 2007 and 2011. Cervical cancer deaths were based on death cerNew Epilepsy Drug From Fat- tificates submitted to the Naty Acids - Certain fatty acids tional Vital Statistics System. may form the basis for new epcancer cancer ilepsy medications in adults and CervicalCervical can be prevented children, scientists in London can be prevented reported in Neuropharmacology. According to the report, almost They suggest drugs based on all cervical cancer – as much as them could provide similar epi- 93% – could be prevented by lepsy control as a ketogenic diet, screening and HPV vaccinaa treatment often prescribed for tion. More than 12,000 women children with severe drug-resis- get cervical cancer every year. tant epilepsy and which mimics aspects of starvation but with In 2012, 11.4% of women reported they had not been troubling side effects. screened for cervical cancer in the past 5 years; the percentage was larger for women without health insurance (23.1%) and for those without a regular health care provider (25.5%). New pill developed to suppress epilepsy seizures - Within a decade, people with drug-resistant epilepsy may be able to take a pill to suppress seizures as required, in a similar way to how we take painkillers to relieve a headache.
Federal efforts to increase screening rates include the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which provides low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women access to breast and cervical cancer screening. In addition, the Affordable Care Act provides access to more women by requiring that health insurance
includes coverage for cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccines. For more information visit HealthCare.gov (for Spanish, CuidadoDeSalud.gov), or call 1-800-318-2596. The report encourages doctors, nurses, and health systems to use all medical visits as an opportunity to educate women about cervical cancer screening, and to screen or refer them to a place where they can be tested. Health care professionals should also strongly recommend that preteens and teens get vaccinated for HPV, the report says. “Every visit to a provider can be an opportunity to prevent cervical cancer by making sure women are referred for screening appropriately,” said CDC Principal Deputy Director Ileana Arias, Ph.D. “We must increase our efforts to make sure that all women understand the importance of getting screened for cervical cancer. No woman should die from cervical cancer.” Cervical cancer screening and HPV Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV). One way of preventing cervical cancer is to get vaccinated against HPV. A woman should be vaccinated before she has any type of sexual contact with another person. The American Cancer Society recommends that the HPV vaccine be given to girls at age 11 to 12. Even with vaccination, though, screening tests are still important for preventing cervical cancer or finding it early. Screenings are tests for people who have no symptoms of cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends regular cervical cancer screening for women age 21 and older. Source: http://www.cancer.org/
Page 14
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
DECEMBER 2014
COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE Mount Bethel House of Prayer in Houston 6818 Cullen Boulevard Houston, TX 77021
Spiritual Baptist Church Mother Kathleen Joseph
(713) 842-2990
From Page 6 Bahamas... Haitian-Bahamian community has been disproportionately targeted. There are also fears that those detained may be deported without due process. Other critics are Florida State Representative Daphne Campbell and the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (RFK Center). The RFK Center expressed alarm over the “discriminatory use of the new immigration policies in The Bahamas.” Campbell spoke out on the issue at a press conference in Little Haiti in Miami claiming the policy forces families of Haitian descent out of the Bahamas. “I’m asking all, all cruises and all tourists, to make sure every industry boycotts the Bahamas to end discrimination against Haitian children,” she stated. “Boycott Bahamas! Boycott Bahamas! Boycott Bahamas!” From Page 6 Gylla Rawlins was no different. They expected consistent performance at a high level, and she would often times exceed their expectations. In the fourth grade, Gylla was placed in the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, as one of the high achievers; she possesses a capacity for excellence far beyond that of her peers. In fact, she was the only and first Black student in the program in her school district until she graduated from high school. Now folks, when I am referring to a high achiever, take a look at some of Ms. Rawlins academic credentials: •
• •
Three Associates Degrees: Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Process Technology Safety, and Management Technology. Bachelor Degrees: Business Administration Two Masters Degrees: Behavioral Science and Business Administration.
As you can see, she has burnt the midnight oil and toiled for months and years. Let us step back and look at Gylla Rawlins growing up un-
Background information According to the Bahamian Constitution, anyone born in the Bahamas after July 1973 (the year of country’s independence) whose parents are not Bahamian citizens is able to apply for Bahamian citizenship at age 18. Before that they are eligible to apply for a “certificate of identity” which serves as a travel document to travel abroad. On their 18th birthday “certificate of identity” holders can then apply for Bahamian citizenship as per the Constitution.
without Bahamian citizenship they face many restrictions in their everyday lives - they have limited access to the job market and are unable to open a bank account. In the Bahamas, anyone arrested on the suspicion of not holding regular migrant status must be charged before a magistrate and then tried, with the decision subject to an appeal. It is Amnesty International’s understanding that this due process is rarely observed and many are arbitrarily deported. Amnesty International believes that irregular migration status should be treated as an administrative offence and therefore not subject to criminal charges and punishment, and detention of migrants should always be a measure of last resort.
It is believed that several thousand people, the vast majority of them of Haitian origin, are still waiting for their naturalization process to be completed, many of them several years after they have applied. For those still waiting to be granted Bahamian citizenship, this document is the only form of iden- The article incorporate information from tification they have. Even then, Amnesty International press release. der the guidance of her Caribbean parents, who supported her passion for the arts. She loves dancing, singing, and listening to music. “Immediately upon arriving in Baytown, my parent put me in [to learn] ballet, tap and jazz. …dancing calypso came natural,” she explained. But, what do you know, she is also a talented singer, and was a drum major and a musician? After her premiere singing performance at her eighth grade talent show, thereafter, Gylla began to win trophies upon trophies for her singing talent. Today, she continues to showcase her singing abilities at various church events and community functions. In school, the high achiever explained, “I was the hardest working student. …I stayed very busy.” She was so busy that her parents were drained driving her to activities. “They had to get me my own transportation,” she said. Today she continues to influence the youth celebrating 20year of her professional Caribbean dance company, the Essenz Dancers. Her real test came after she quit
Prairie View A & M University and returned to Baytown. She gave birth to her son, Ke’Erron Sims. As she would put it, with the blessing of God, she found an excellent babysitter, which allowed her to return to school. One year later, her daughter, Shanead Sims was born. It was her trying period. Despite the changes, Gylla pressed on. She did not give up but pressed onward. “My passion for helping people find the right path, was develop because to all I had gone through and all the changes.” Even today, she is still a hard worker, managing the careers of her children. Her son’ Ke’Erron’ is a gospel singer and owner of Carefree Clothing Company. Her daughter, Shanead, is a professional Soca singer. Gylla Rawlins
From Page 6 Dominica and Tobago, arrived in Dominica on December 4 2014. Speaking to Dominicans, “I congratulate you all for demonstrating to the world that Dominica is now a mature democracy,” he said. “I thank you for showing in the Commonwealth From Page 7 The agreement, which took effect on November 1, will see the Irish company begin exploratory work on just over 10 of the 31 areas, spanning approximately 32,000 square kilometer’s, zoned by the PCJ for gas and oil exploration. Tullow will put up all the finances required for the exploration phase, and will opt to sign a contract, not exceeding 25 years, in the first instance, if any of the wells contain oil and gas in commercial quantities. Thereafter, it could take up
of Dominica, common sense has triumphed over propaganda and the appeal to raw emotion.” Skerrit was very upbeat on his next five years in office. Laying out his objective, he said, “More resources will be devoted to wiping out poverty and ignorance from the island of Dominica.” to another 17 to 19 years before Jamaica could see what is termed “first oil”. “At the heart of our business is our exploration technical know-how and competitive edge that underpins our ability to discover new oil provinces,” said Tullow Business Development Manager John McKenna. The company, which up to June had a market capitalization of US$13.5 billion, has in recent years been hugely successful in its discovery of new wells in Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and French Guiana in South America.
Even a first year law student could see that after reading the complaint. It is doubtful anyone will be surprised if the lawsuit is dismissed in its early stages for failing to state a claim.
very foundation of our criminal law system is shaken by the events in Ferguson, Missouri, Staten Island, New York, and elsewhere, we need effective, determined leadership, not political gimmicks. Yet, some of our leaders chose to burden our already backlogged courts with a baseless lawsuit to pursue a political agenda. It is frustrating and a disservice to us all.
Whether you agree with the president’s executive action announced Nov. 20 or not, it is hard to deny that using taxpayer money to file a lawsuit that borders on the frivolous is a waste of resources. At a time when the
This unfortunate lawsuit is simply a political stunt that caters to the president’s political opponents. Our federal courts are not the forum for such stunts, especially when those stunts are financed with taxpayer dollars.
From Page 7 Antigua...
From Page12 TRIO Program
million each month for government salaries and wages and other emoluments. In addition, it must find money to pay other obligations to contractors and suppliers of goods and services.
Contact Kristi Pizana at 281425-6500 or email sss@lee.edu
From Page 5 Lawsuit... Obama companied children to the deferred action program. But these are not legal arguments but rather are political rhetoric.
The Browne administration has reported that since taking office it has secured over $3 billion in investment commitments. Hurst said it will take time before these are translated into growth in the economy.
As the saying goes, “sometimes in life, pride can be dangerous to our success.” Don’t let Pride hold you hostage. I am holding to this truth. I will leave you with the words of Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
DECEMBER 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 15
JOKES, SATIRE, AND POEMS
ULTURE
A CHRISTMAS WITH SAINT PETER
ISLAND RECIPES THE ART OF CARIBBEAN COOKING
Caribbean Christmas Baking
CARIBBEAN BLACK CAKE
CHRISTMAS SWEET BREAD
Ingredients 1 cup raisins | 1 cup dried currants 1 cup dried cherries 1 cup prunes, diced ½ cup candied lemon or orange peel, diced ½ cup sliced almonds 1 cinnamon stick
Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar | 1 tbsp. baking powder ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground cloves ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, freshly grated 1 1/2 cups coconut, freshly grated 1 tsp salt | 1 cup milk 2 tbsp. butter melted ½ cup dried cherries | ½ cup raisins
1 cup Cruzan rum | 1 cup Cherry wine 2 cups flour | 2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg | 1 tsp allspice ½ tsp ground cloves | ½ lb. butter 1 cup brown sugar | 1 tsp vanilla 5 eggs | 1 tbsp. burnt sugar
Direction Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 mini loaf pans or 1 large and dust lightly with flour. Set aside
Caribbean Black Cake
In a large bowl combine together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Lightly mix until mixture looks like mixed bread crumbs dough.
Direction
Mix all of the dried fruit and almonds, the cinnamon stick, 1 cup of cherry wine and 1 cup of Cruzan rum and port in a large airtight container and allow to soak for at least 2-3 days prior to baking. Preferably 4 to 5 week, the longer the better. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Lightly grease a pan and then coat with light flour. Set pan aside. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and spices in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar with a mixer for 3-4 minutes. Add in the vanilla and the eggs mix well. Chop 5 cups of the soaked fruit and add to mixture. Add in flour. Mix well. Add in the burnt sugar syrup and continue mixing. Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for an hour and a half or until a fork testing emerges clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool a bit in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Upend the cake onto a plate. Combine the ¼ cup each of rum and wine and brush this mixture over the warm cake.
Christmas Sweet Bread
The man from Canada fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. ‘It represents a candle’, he said. ‘You may pass through the pearly gates’ Saint Peter said. The man from England reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, ‘They’re bells.’ Saint Peter said ‘You may pass through the pearly gates’. The Jamaican started searching desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of women’s underwears.
breaks the glass of a pond and splashes toward a clear opening, for even the goats have come down off the stony hillside to rest by the roots of the allamanda--it’s time; time to wash away the smoke of the year’s turmoil, to put aside profits, gains, losses-the familiar ache that brings tears in the bathroom mirror--it’s time; time to listen to the wind’s chorus of the children’s carols, time to untie the knots in the old men’s arms, loosen the cords around the old women’s hips, crown
Add the coconut, cherries, raisins, and butter to dough and use milk to help in mixing all ingredients together.
The Jamaican replied, ‘These are Carols.’
time to smooth the lines, dampen the fires in the wrists, knees, elbows,
Pour into prepared pans and bake in the oven for 45 to 1 hour or until the bread begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove from pan and lightly cool serve warm sliced with butter.
And So The Christmas Season Begins...... Happy Holidays
and pour the balm of aloe over the new skin that we are becoming
Ingredients 1 cups golden cornmeal 3 cup all-purpose flour 2 ¼ cups brown sugar 5 cups coconut milk 1/2 cup butter 1 tsp cinnamon, freshly ground 1 tsp nutmeg, freshly ground ½ tsp salt ½ cup raisins ½ cup of the shredded coconut 2 tsp vanilla essences 2 tbsp. rum
ONE SUNDAY MORNING
The doors burst open; a white cloud rolls in with the devil in its midst. People jump out of the pews and run outdoors, screaming - all except for two people. One is the Pastor, and the other is a Grenadian.
Cornmeal Pudding meg, cinnamon, and coconut milk. Add to cornmeal mixture, stirring until there are no lumps. Add vanilla, rum, raisins and coconut. Mix well.
Topping Ingredients: 1 cup coconut milk 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
aimless as shooting stars over a pasture where a heifer
with poinsettias the young girls’ hair, garland the young men’s shoulders-its time;
Sunday morning in Dallas, Texas. The church is packed and the devil decides to pay a visit.
Blend together butter, sugar, salt, nut-
Pour into a greased pan. Bake in an oven at 350 degree F for half hour. In a small bowl, combine all of the topping ingredients and mix well. Pour topping over the cake and bake for an additional hour.
Kathleen’s Kitchen
For de best Trini food in Houston Sit and dine to the comfort sounds of Caribbean Music and enjoy Trini delicacies
Curry Stew Jerk Fry
‘In honor of this holy season’ Saint Peter said, ‘You must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven.’
The cool December breeze wanders through the town,
St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, ‘And just what do those symbolize?’
CORNMEAL PUDDING
Direction Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease pans and dust lightly with flour. Set aside Sift together flour and cornmeal.
Chicken / Fish
Three men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates.
CHRISTMAS NIGHT
Rice
Meat
Trini Tings
White Peas & Rice Veggie Rice
Curry Goat Oxtail
Roti Doubles Polorie
713-728-1113 13114 South Post Oak Road Houston Texas
Bake Good
Currant Roll Cake Coconut Drop
Satan is a bit perplexed. He points to the Pastor and says, “You! I can understand why you didn’t run away! You are in your Lord’s house. You preach against me everyday and you aren’t afraid of me.” But you (pointing to a Grenadian woman), why didn’t you run out scared like everyone else?” The Grenadian crosses one leg over the other and replies, “See one, see de other! I been married to your brother for 36 years!”
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.”
with every flicker of candles reflected in the circle of faces of those here, gone, and to come, whose only promise is joy. Christmas in my Caribbean Isle by Jose Bermudez It`s Christmas in my Caribbean isle Not white but blue as my Caribbean sky Splenderous as my Caribbean sea Enchanting and warm as “we” Church bells ring and children sing Glory to the new born king Children wait for Santa´s date To receive their favorite gift We drink rum and ponche crema Black cake, pastel and sorrel And something salt to put in “meh” mouth Parranderos sing “paran” This is Christmas in my Caribbean land
MERRY CHRISTMAS One Love Caribbean Call 281-769 2253
BISSONNET ONE STOP CARIBBEAN MARKET 13655 Bissonnet Street, Suite 205, Houston Texas 77083
281-468-5390 |
, 2014
ER 13
B DECEM
Specializing in Produces West Indian Product Kitchen
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