ONE LOVE Free Publication
Volume 7 Issue 2
FEBRUARY 2014
ARIBBEAN
COMMUNITY • CULTURE • CONNECTIONS
COMMUNITY
Setting the Trend Houston Caribbean Page 4
CARIBBEAN
Pope Elevated Caribbean Bishops to Cardinal Page 7
CONNECTION
Living the Love! Page 11
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One Love Caribbean
Page 2 • ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN • FEBRUARY 2014
CONTENTS The Publisher’s Thoughts Community • • • • • • •
Pages 4 and 5 Setting the Trend --Houston Caribbean Achievement Awards Top Ten Stolen Vehicles - January 2014 Caribbean Athlete Fundraising To increase awareness of sickle cell trait Big Dreamer Dominica Opposition Party Visit the Diaspora In Search of Ms. Houston Caribbean
Caribbean • • • • • •
Pages 6 and 7 Drugs Hidden in Fake Trinidad Juices Cans Barbadians Flock To Job Fair Dominica Approved for One Caribbean Union in OECS Pope Elevated Caribbean Bishops to Cardinal RBC to Sell Its Jamaican Banking Operations Saint Lucia Renews Geothermal Exploration
DIRECTORY
Where to Eat LOVE BIRD RESTAUANT 281-933-1448 Front Page THEE TRINI HUT 832-367-4771 Page 2
All CARIBBEAN SEAFOOD 281-575-1013 Page 16
Island Spice Restaurant 281-859-1499 Front Page
Connection • • • • • •
Christmas in the Caribbean: British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, and Guyana Utah Democratic Party hires Houston Caribbean advocate Barbados Association - Independence and Scholarship Award Gala American Middle Class - Where Did They Go? Jamaica launches MediCanja, It’s First Medical Marijuana Company Four Gifts of Christmas
Open Editorial • • • •
China Hold the Big Checkbook - Are they the Caribbean Don? Haiti - Diaspora in Guyana Haiti’s Recovery Won’t Happen Overnight
Health and Wellness • •
Cavity Prevention Can Save You Thousands The History of Blacks in Dentistry
•
Women and Heart Health Awareness
SAINT LUCIA Celebrating 35 Years of Independence “In Unity and Dedication For The Good of The Nation”
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The Publisher’s Thoughts Let’s remember, one of Jamaica’s national sons, Nesta Robert “Bob” Marley. The Senate of the State of Texas issued a proclamation to honor him and named February 6, 2014, Bob Marley Day. Today, his words, songs, and music resonate in the hearts of people around the world.
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Staff Writers
Like the old Crucian saying, “You gon learn.” On that note, I am remaining silent. So until then, I would prefer to conclude with my favorite song of Bob Marley, One Love.
Listen to the song at http://www.azlyr“Life is one big road with lots of signs. ics.com/lyrics/bobmarley/onelovepeoSo when you riding through the ruts, plegetready.html don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury One Love / People Get Ready your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live...” Bob Marley. One Love! One Heart! Let’s get together and feel all right. This month, I have nothing much to say. Hear the children cryin’ (One Love!); However, if I would have written some- Hear the children cryin’ (One Heart!), thing, I would definitely write about the Sayin’: give thanks and praise to the unsuccessful election candidate. Lord and I will feel all right; Sayin’: let’s get together and feel all Marley sung songs of unity, justice and right. Wo wo-wo wo-wo! peace. But I tell you there are some within this Houston Caribbean com- Let them all pass all their dirty remarks munity who do not adhere to his mot(One Love!); to. There is one particular individual There is one question I’d really love to who by his past and current actions ask (One Heart!): seeks to cause confusion and division Is there a place for the hopeless sinner, and pit individuals against each other. Who has hurt all mankind just to save You may know him! He is usually at his own beliefs? Caribbean events with a video camera slung across one shoulder, and a cam- One Love! What about the one heart? era on the other. He is usually wearOne Heart! ing a Cheshire cat smile (you know the What about - ? Let’s get together and one when the cat has ate the canary). feel all right Now, don’t say that I did not warn you. As it was in the beginning (One Love!); So shall it be in the end (One Heart!), WARNING! If you choose to do busiAll right! ness with him, watch your back; dot Give thanks and praise to the Lord and your I’s and cross your T’s. You never I will feel all right; know when he is going to throw a hisLet’s get together and feel all right. sy fit. People you need to understand One more thing! what some in the community has already learned about him. It is not about Let’s get together to fight this Holy community. For him, it is about ego. Armagiddyon (One Love!), So when the Man comes there will be
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no, no doom (One Song!). Have pity on those whose chances grows t’inner; There ain’t no hiding place from the Father of Creation. Sayin’: One Love! What about the One Heart? (One Heart!) What about the - ? Let’s get together and feel all right. I’m pleadin’ to mankind! (One Love!); Oh, Lord! (One Heart) Wo-ooh! Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right; Let’s get together a nd feel all right. Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right; Let’s get together and feel all right. 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.
Page 4
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
FEBRUARY 2014
Top Ten Stolen Vehicles January 2014 Setting the Trend
Houston Caribbean Achievement Awards
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
By Sylvanus Donaie Staff Writer Last month, many from the Caribbean Community of Houston turned out to attend the first Houston Caribbean Achievement Awards (HCCA) at the Strafford Civic Center. 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 Caribbean Community abounds with people who deserve recognition for their contributions to Houston, the Caribbean and the United States. Having this rationale, the HCCA seeks to acknowledge the achievements of individuals and businesses that have positively impacted the community through education, culture, philanthropy, and business development. “HCAA will set the standard for innovation and creativity” said the Executive Director, Dane McAlpin. “The awards are a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of the members of Houston’s growing Caribbean-American and immigrant community. It is a source of great pride, and shows our dedication to creating the best possible environment for Caribbean residents so that we can provide the highest level of service to our community.” Mrs. Ina Foster and Father Owen received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Foster, who recently retired, owned and operated the legendary Caribbean Cuisine on Bissonnet Street for over twenty nine years.
Houston Police Department reports of the “Top 10” makes of vehicles, which was stolen during the month of January 2014. Ford Trucks Chevrolet Trucks Honda Cars Dodge Trucks Chevrolet Cars GMC Trucks Toyota Cars Ford Cars Nissan Cars Buick Cars
207 179 132 76 42 40 31 30 26 21
Caribbean Athlete Fundraising
To increase awareness of sickle cell trait Best Costume Display/Mas Band 2013: Houston Madd Colors
Father Owen owns and operates the iconic nightclub Club Riddims. Supa Neil from 90.9 KTSU and Go Dj GT from 97.9 The Box received the Caribbean Acknowledgement Awards. One Love Caribbean received the Special Outstanding Achievement Award for Outstanding Print Media 2013. Others receiving the award included Peoplez Choice for Outstanding Cultural Representation /Mas Camp, Jerry Castro-Cayetano for Houston Caribbean Community Advocate 2013, and Mike Miller - Outstanding Youth Leadership 2013. On the entertainment front, awards were given to the following: • Best Sound Engineer 2013: MIKIE FAITH • Disc Jockey of the Year 2013: DJ SILENT KILLA • MC Of the Year 2013: MC FIRE KYLE • Best Caribbean Restaurant 2013: COOL RUNNINGS JAMAICAN GRILL • Best Monthly Caribbean Event 2013: SOCA PASSION • Best Out Of Town Disc Jockey 2013: SELECTA 62 • Best Online Caribbean
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Media Website 2013: MYSOULREBEL.COM Most Recognized /Influential Party Crew 2013: PARTY ANIMALZ ENT Photographer of the Year 2013: TOMMY BRAVE Best Live Concert 2013: BUNJI GARLIN Local Artist of the Year 2013: T-ROCK Birthday Bash of the Year 2013: SOCA PASSION Best Reggae Promoter/ Promotion Team 2013: NYAM CASH PROMOTIONS Best Promoter/Promotion Team 2013: HOUSTON CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL Best Hostess 2013: MERLISA DETERMIND Best Host 2013: FATTA CAREY Best Costume Display/Mas Band 2013: HOUSTON MADD COLORS Best Live Band/Live Entertainment 2013: GALAXY BAND New Disc Jockey of the Year 2013: DJ SMITHY “RED ASSASSIN” #1 Venue for Caribbean Events 2013: D’ VYBZ NIGHTCLUB Best Houston Carnival Event 2013: OPERATON CAMOUFLAGE (CAMO)
Faithful Supporters Recognition: Jennifer “MamaJen” Gordon and Laverne McKoy
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Devard Darling, Austin High School (FBISD) alumnus and former NFL wide receiver, will be hosting his annual Fun Run/ Walk in Sugar Land, Texas at 8:00am on Sunday, February 23, 2014 at the Sweet Water Country Club. The 4th Annual Darling Dash 5k & 1k is a fundraiser to benefit Darling’s As One Foundation which Devard started in honor of his late twin brother Devaughn to educate students and increase awareness of sickle cell trait while encouraging youth to achieve their dreams in the face of life’s challenges. Themed “Celebrating the Heart of Devaughn Darling”, the Darling Dash 5k & 1k brings together pro-athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLS and Olympics along with other celebrities each year to meet and greet race participants and raise funds for this great cause that not only provides scholarships to Fort Bend ISD college bound seniors, but also helps fund efforts to prevent future deaths of young athletes by promoting sickle cell trait awareness through Operation Hydration. Devard Darling, who currently resides in Houston, Texas with his wife Cicely and their two sons Devard Jr, and Devaughn II, is a native of Nassau, Bahamas and one of the first Bahamian athletes to play professional football in the United States. The February date of the Darling Dash commemorates the anniversary of the passing of his identical twin brother Devaughn who died during a spring football practice session at Florida State University in 2001. Both twins carry the sickle cell trait, which alone is no real threat to the 8%
of Americans born with it annually, but coupled with physical rigor and lack of hydration, it could be fatal – as it was for Devaughn. As the founder and visionary leader of the As One Foundation, Devard has brought to life what he and his brother Devaughn had envisioned accomplishing together: bringing the game of American football to their native country of The Bahamas. Despite his deep loss, Devard persevered and made it to the NFL, remaining committed to their dream. He brings their love of football to children of the Bahamas every summer through the Devard& Devaughn Darling Football Camp with plans to open a state-of-the-art sports facility in his brother’s memory called The Devaughn Darling Sports Complex in Nassau. For additional information on the As One Foundation and Operation Hydration, please visit the website www.AsOneFoundation.org
One Love Caribbean Call 281-769 2253
FEBRUARY 2014
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Big Dreamer By Sylvanus Donaie Staff Writer Since you’re probably wondering, let’s just get this out of the way. The “Big Dreamer” was a reminder of my good old days in the Caribbean. Neighbors and friends visiting without announcement, the melee and gossip, and remembrance of a “bad man” in every town that the neighborhood would fear. Wilbert J. Oliver, creator of “Big Dreamer” was born in Jamaica. In New York, he joined the “Harlem Writer’s Guild,” in Harlem where he wrote his first play, which had several production in New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Jamaica, and London. Big Dreamer is set in a small town in Jamaica bringing on stage the sights and sounds mixed with the reggae music of the island. A young Ronald Covingley, 22, returned home in the mid hours of the night, six year after he ran away from home and ended up in Kingston. Luckily, he found employment with a lawyer, who saw his talent and gave him a scholarship to study law in London. His returned home
Wilbert J. Oliver, creator, and Gloria Campbell, director, of “Big Dreamer”
was simply and act to ask his mother, June, for financial help. Meanwhile, June, a widow of thirteen years, has been working hard saving to build a new house, which she desperately needed. Adding to her life, June took in 18 years old Louise into her home after her (Louise) mother died. June tried desperately to be matchmaker trying to get Ronald to marry Louise and become the man in the home. However, Ronald was dead set on going away; he feared becoming a farmer and dying at an early age like his father.
Ronald’s best friend, Jojo, was supportive and reliable; he also had a secret crush on Denette, who is the wife of a mean police sergeant. Denette, an abused wife, keeps June informed of her husband determination to arrest Ronald on false charges from Ghata, whose intent is to buy June’s land. To keep Ronald out of jail, June secretly booked passage for Louise and herself to move to England with her son. Gloria Campbell directed the production, and Marlene Hunte emceed the event.
Dominica Opposition Party Visit the Diaspora By Sylvanus Donaie Staff Writer
Houston was a city of significance for the team. “We have a lot of Dominicans living here in Houston, and as you can see from today’s event, they are elated about their homeland,” said Linton. “We have taken our message of change across Dominica to all 21 constituents, and we felt it was necessary to engage with our brother and sister who lives outside of Dominica, and a number of them are in North America,” he continued.
The 1st annual Houston Caribbean Queen (HCQ) Pageant will be held in June of 2014. Houston Caribbean Queen Pageant is a cultural, educational, and festive event that seeks to celebrate the talent and intellectual abilities of young Caribbean women. The HCQ pageant will be a distinguished public affair held in Houston, which will showcase feminine charisma, poise, congeniality, and positive spirit among contestants. The pageant will present an opportunity of a life-time to aspiring young Caribbean women in Houston and surrounding areas. The pageantry aims to bring out the best qualities such as talent, public speaking skills, commitment to public service, discipline, and drive for success from young pageant hopefuls. It will offer the female ambassadors the opportunity for personal enhancement through an educational scholarship, as well as other cash prizes and
gifts. The HCQ winner will be a role model and an inspiration to young women both in Houston and the Caribbean. Contestants are eligible to participate in the Houston Caribbean Queen Pageant if they meet the following requirements: • A naturally born female • Must be of Caribbean Basin origin/descent • U.S Citizen or Legal alien • Never married and never given birth to a child • Between the ages of 17-24 • Responsible for individual pageant sponsorship • Must be able to speak and write in English • Must be a resident of the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area • Must submit a non-refundable $150.00 pageant entry fee once selected For more information, visit houstoncaribbeanqueen@ gmail.com or call Kelly St. Rose at 281-624-6011 or Shamah Lloyd at 281-624-6012.
THE NATION Tracking Down Your Tax Refund By Kay Bell Bankrate.com
If all goes as planned, Lennox Linton, the leader of the Dominica United Workers Party (UWP), will be the next Prime Minister of Dominica. As a result, the leadership team, including Linton, embarked on a seven city tour to bring their message of hope and change to the thousands of Dominicans in the Diaspora. And Houston was one of the important stops. On January 18, 2014, the UWP team met with Houston’s Dominicans at the Hotel Preet on the southwest side of Houston. The meeting was engaging. Overall it appears the people were overjoyed to see a team of politicians from their homeland engaging with them and willing to share their planned vision for a brighter Dominica.
In Search of Ms. Houston Caribbean
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The United Workers Party team (back row) with members of the Dominica Houston Association (front row).
Prior to Houston, the team visited Washington DC, New Jersey, New York, Atlanta, and Miami. The team continued to Toronto in Canada, Paris in France, and London in England.
workers from China to work on major projects that the local work force can do. Worse yet, the UWP leader echoed, Dominicans will be paying for these projects in the years to come.
Linton spoke on key issues. On crime, he said, “The combating of crimes begins with examples. …government ministers themselves are fond of breaching the constitution.” On the economy, he said that the government must give attention to renewable energies, develop agriculture, tourism, and water resources, and cultivate the island music and sport talents.
“As a government in waiting, we cannot stress how critically important the Dominican Diaspora is to the country’s overall development thrust. Already they are making a significant contribution through their level of remittances. However, we need to engage them in an even more substantive way because we understand the tremendous contribution that they can make,” says Linton.
He explained that the Chinese behavior is biggest concern to people of Dominica. In particular, the Chinese brings in their
The Dominica United Workers Party team was hosted by the Dominica Houston Association.
Now you can go online, call a special toll-free number or even use your smartphone to check your refund status. The tracking options work regardless of whether you’re awaiting a check in the mail or you’ve instructed the IRS to directly deposit your tax cash into one or multiple accounts. The waiting game Since 2003, taxpayers have been able to use the IRS’ “Where’s My Refund?” Web page to track down refunds directly from their own computers. But exactly when you need this service depends on how you filed your tax return. The IRS says you can find out exactly where in the system your return is within 24 hours after the agency has received your e-filed tax return. If you mailed your return, you must wait four weeks before you can track it
via the online search tool. However, the IRS recommends that taxpayers not call too early or too often. The agency says that refunds are generally issued within 21 days after receipt of a tax return and taxpayers should call only if they’ve been waiting longer than that. The best times to call, according to the IRS, are evenings and weekends. Also, one call a day should be sufficient since the system is updated just once every 24 hours. However, if it’s been more than three weeks since you filed and you’re still waiting for your refund, it’s time to log on and locate your money. Necessary tracking data To get started, you’ll need your Social Security number, the Continue of Page 14
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
ARIBBEAN Briefs Drugs Hidden in Fake Trinidad Juices Cans OLC - U.S. Customs officers seized 732 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of about $100 million on December 20, 2014. The drugs were hidden inside cans of fruit juice carrying the label of S. M. Jaleel, a prominent Trinidad manufacturing company. According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release, the drugs were discovered during a a container inspection by customs and border patrol agents in Norfolk, Virginia. Some 50 Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other federal agents scramble to Trinidad to investigate the origin of that huge shipment of cocaine. They are to understand the emerging of a well-organized ring that probably smuggled hundreds of tons of cocaine into American cities in the past two years. S. M. Jaleel denied any involvement in the shipment. The 20-foot container in question was shipped from the port of Port of Spain to Norfolk Virginia by one of two shipping lines which operate a service to Norfolk Virginia. SM Jaleel ships to the USA with Seaboard Marine from Point Lisas Port to Brooklyn, not from the port of Port of Spain with any other company. The company also pointed to discrepancies in the packaging and labeling of the juice cans. The bust has thoroughly embarrassed the Government to Trinidad and Tobago as well as the administration of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. She easily acknowledged the difficulty that authorities encountered in dealing with the drug trade, smuggling of guns, and stopping trans-border crimes. The Guardian of Trinidad report that Persad-Bissessar says this country was
Hundreds flocked to the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in Bridgetown with the hope of finding employment in Canada. They attended a job fair hosted by Canadian recruiting firm, Diamond Global, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Human Resource Development. Vice President of Diamond Global, Benjamin Guth and Director of Operations, Sean Stewart, headed the visiting group.
manufacturing, and transportation sectors in Canada. The orientation session was filled to capacity with long lines of persons still waiting to enter the Center. A presentation from Diamond Global explained the requirements for working in Canada, expectations of employers of their workers, and understanding of Canada’s work culture.
Successful applicants will be offered contracts for an initial period of two years with the possibility of having them renewed for an additional two years, According to Diamond Global The Ministry of Labor officials were quite pleased with the turnout, and stated that there were larger numbers than initially anticipated.
Dominica Approved for One Caribbean Union in OECS OLC - Dominica has finalized all legal and administrative arrangements to able to make the $644 million cocaine give effect to the OECS bust with the help of allies. “The matter Economic Union. is under investigation and very sensitive and it would be inappropriate to comWhen Parliament in the ment,” she said, although she said that House of Assembly met in every nation would have issues with October 2013, they passed a narco-trafficking. She said her governnumber of bills. One gave efment is working with Customs and Exfect to the Revised Treaty of cise and the relevant ministries to deal Basseterre establishing the with the scourge of illegal drugs in the Organization of the Eastern country. Caribbean States Economic Union. Other bills included Investigations so far indicate that the amendment to the Immigrasmugglers had been using a number of tion and Passport Act and dormant or defunct private companies an amendment the Vehicles to produce paper work to make the shipand Road Traffic Act. ments and hide their true identities but former owners have stepped forward The bills were signed by bravely to say that the shipment had His Excellency the Presinothing to do with them. dent, Charles Savarin.
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Barbadians Flock To Job Fair
OLC: The Government of Barbados faces and ailing economy and wants it to turn around. However, there may be light at the end of the tunnel for some unemployed Barbadians.
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As a result, Dominica has met all requirements re-
garding the free movement of OECS nationals in the one economic and financial OECS space. Therefore, OECS nationals are not required to present a passport at any port of entry in Dominica and can enter the country with a photo identification card. OECS Nationals do not require a work permit to work in Dominica and can drive using a valid driver’s license, which issued in an OECS State. The actions of the Government of Dominica in meeting its obligations and commitments have pushed forward the integration process in the OECS. As a result, Dominican Nationals are expected to receive the same treatment in other OECS Member States, as the free move-
ment of OECS Nationals intensifies. To date, Antigua, St. Lucia and Grenada have not met all the requirements with respect to the free movement of OECS Nationals. The Governments of these countries have expressed the commitment to pass the relevant legislation as required by the Revised Treaty of Basseterre.
Jamaica to Spend $2.4B in Sugar-Dependent Parishes The Government of Jamaica will be spending approximately $2.4 billion on social program to benefit sugar-dependent communities over the next three years. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, made the announcement on February 6, as she addressed a ceremony for the handing over of 39 housing units at the Steelfield (Spicy Hill) housing development in Duncans, Trelawny. She informed that the expenditure will go towards schools, health and sport facilities. “This funding is in addition
to the approximately $900 million, which has already been disbursed to sugar workers and small cane farmers, to cushion the effects of the fallout from divestment of the public sector sugar estates,” the Prime Minister said. She stated that the government is working to significantly transform the
sugar-dependent communities. She said that there is an “integrated program” of development for these areas, as part of the process of rural development. “We believe passionately that we will never be able to deal with urban decay and under-development Continue on Page 14
FEBRUARY 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 7
Pope Elevated Caribbean Bishops to Cardinal OLC: Two Catholic bishops will be elevated to Cardinal by Pope Francis on February 22, 2014 in Rome. The Holy Father will induct retired Archbishop of Castries, Kelvin Felix, and Bishop of Les Cayes, Chibly Langlois, into the College of Cardinals. The College of Cardinals exists to advise the Pope in the governance of the Catholic Church and to elect his successor should he die or resign. In essence, Cardinals are chosen by the Pope to serve as his principal assistants and advisers in the central administration of the church affairs. In understanding the College, there are three degrees within the College of Cardinals: Cardinal Bishops, Cardinal Priests and Cardinal Deacons. According to the Catholic News Agency, the distinction between the three degrees of Cardinals has little practical significance except in determining the order and rank for ceremonial processions. Cardinal Bishops are members of the highest order within the College. Those appointed from dioceses around the world are made Cardinal Priests. Cardinals appointed from within the Roman Curia are made Cardinal Deacons. However, after having been a Cardinal Deacon for 10 years, the Cardinal can petition the Pope to be promoted to Cardinal Priest. However to elect a new Pope, there is only one position within the college. Kelvin Felix is the first cardinal to be named from the Antilles bishops’ conference, which is based in Trinidad and Tobago. The prelate was born in Domi-
nica on February 15, 1933 and ordained a priest on April 8, 1956 at the age of 23. On July 17, 1981, he was ordained archbishop. Felix led the archdiocese of Castries, Saint Lucia, for nearly 30 years and was away from his home country so long that people believed he was Saint Lucian. His purview included responsibility for the dioceses of Castries in Saint Lucia, St. George’s in Grenada, Roseau in Dominica and St. John’s-Basseterre in Antigua and St. Kitts. Archbishop Felix retired from active duty on February 15, 2008 and returned to his native Dominica where he works as the parish priest of the Parish in Soufriere.
Cardinal-designate Kelvin Felix, retired archbishop of Castries, St. Lucia, is among 19 new cardinals named by Pope Francis Jan. 12. He is pictured in an undated photo. (CNS/Courtesy of Our Catholic Community)
Bishop Chibly Langlois of Les Cayes is the first cardinal ever to be named from Haiti. Interestingly, Pope Francis announced his appointment on Jan. 12, the four-year anniversary of the Haiti earthquake.
“Consistent with our strategy of being a competitive leader in the markets where we operate, we determined after a careful and thorough review that the best decision for the long-term future success of RBC Jamaica was to sell it to Sagicor,” said Suresh Sookoo, CEO of RBC Caribbean. “Sagicor is a wellestablished financial franchise in Jamaica with the size, scale and complementary capabilities that RBC Jamaica does not currently possess.”
OLC: Saint Lucia has the potential to benefits from its Sulphur Springs as major alternative energy source, in light of extensive research conducted on the subject over the years. in the town of Soufriere on the west coast of the island.
Langlois was born Nov. 29, 1958, in the southeastern city of Vallee in Haiti. He entered the seminary at Port-au-Prince in 1985, where he studied philosophy and theology. He was ordained a priest on September 22, 1991. Later, he served as vicar of the Cathedral of Jacmel.
Bishop Chibly Langlois of Les Cayes, President of the Haitian Bishops Conference
In April 8, 2004, Langlois was named Bishop of Fort-Liberte, and on Aug.15, 2011, after seven years in his first diocese, he was named Bishop of Les Cayes.
Church’s mediation efforts in talks between Haitian President Michel Martelly, the opposition and the parliament, in order to help carve out a path towards rebuilding their homeland.
As president of the Haitian bishops, Cardinal-designate Langlois has worked in recovery efforts. He has also led the
Bishop Chibly Langlois and retired Archbishop Kelvin Felix are two of 19 men who will be made cardinals
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OLC - Royal Bank of Canada announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell RBC Royal Bank (Jamaica) Limited and RBTT Securities Jamaica Limited to Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals
“RBC has operated in the Caribbean for over 100 years and remains committed to this region. This transaction will allow us to successfully reposition our Caribbean business for the future and focus on regions where we have significant market share,” said Dave McKay, group head, Personal & Commercial Banking, RBC. “We are focused on strengthening our business performance, service and competitiveness in markets where we can be a leading competitor over the long term.”
Saint Lucia Renews Geothermal Exploration
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“The Government of Saint Lucia is very aggressively moving towards developing this geothermal resource, for many reasons. We believe it gives us an excellent opportunity to bring down the price of electricity; secondly, it gives us some buffer in volatility in world oil prices. And the more we can move our dependence away from oil and diesel, then the better for us,” said Minister for Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, Honorable Dr. James Fletcher. According to Dr. Fletcher, the government has been in discussions with a developer, but before the geothermal resource can be operationalized, it is necessary to equate a value to it. “We felt it was important that the government has an idea of the value of that resource. So we asked the team from the World Bank to come down to do some investigations, using some of the studies that have
already been done on the geothermal facility, at the Sulphur Springs and to do some more intense investigations leading up to some exploratory drilling. We can then quantify that resource which will put us in a much better position when it is time to negotiate with the developer on how we value that resource and what sort of price we attach to the energy that we get out of that resource.” Fletcher said. The World Bank team consists of energy, environmental and social development experts, who will assess technical issues and evaluate the impact of developing this resource on the people living in the area. “What we heard from the team was very encouraging. They seem to think that we have a very good resource on our hands. There are people on the team who have actually done some work and are very familiar with the geothermal resource. There are one or two challenges; our Sulphur Springs is a very aggressive chemical environment. The acidity there is quite high and that’s one of the things we have to look at - what would be the best place to drill so that you get around some of the aggressive
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
The Caribbean at The Sochi Winter Olympics
FEBRUARY 2014
Congratulations
Joel and Kemer Imbert wed January 18, 2014. The Jamaican Bobsleigh Team has triumphantly qualified for the” Sochi Winter Olympics 2014” in Russia after a 12 years absence, and we need your support to get there. Embrace the Jamaican spirit of out of many one people and lets do this together. The games will not be the same without the trill and the passion of the Jamaican bobsleigh team... Source: indiegogo.com
Congrats to Angela Brown on her 50th Birthday celebration with her husband, Everton.
Dow Travers, 21, represents Cayman Islands competing in downhill skiing. Travers was born in the Cayman Islands and he’s been on a “hunt for snow” ever since leaving for an exchange program at 14.
The couple, the oldest Winter Olympians at 47 and 48, respectively, will represent Dominica in cross-country skiing competition. Angelica is scheduled for the 10Km. classical race and Gary for the men’s 15-Km race.
The Virgin Islands nominated Jasmine Campbell to The British Virgin Islands will be represented at its first represent the U.S. Virgin Islands at the 2014 Winter Olympic Winter Games in 30 years by halfpipe skier Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. She was born and Peter Adam Crook. raised in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Bajan Makes Mark on Ice
The Sochi Winter Olympics is just the latest stage to have a Barbadian presence as French figure skater Vanessa James had a creditable seventh-place showing in the Team Pairs event last week. The daughter of Barbadian June Burke-James, the Canadian-born French national paired with Morgan Ciprès to finish with a score of 57.45.
Cosmo Dennis celebrating his “latest” birthday surrounded by beauties.
It proved a significant step-up from the 14th-place finish four years ago for James, whose No. 1 goal entering the competition was to place within the top ten.
Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres of France competing in the team pairs short program figure skating competition. (Guest Photo)
But the 26-year-old figure skater is no stranger to the big stage, having made history by becoming the first black woman to win the British National Championships. With her partner Ciprès, James is a two-time French national champion and has won four international medals while finishing in the top ten at both the European and World Championships. The Russian pair of Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov was first in the event with a score of 83.79, followed by Canadians Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford (73.10) and the Chinese pair of Chenf Peng and Hao Zhang (71.01). Source: nationnews.com
Congrats to the newest group in Houston “Caribbean Women Association”
FEBRUARY 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 9
PHOTOS
Houston Caribbean
NOW
CARIBBEAN
LIEE LIFE
Chef Nina Compton-Millar. Saint Lucia Culinary Ambassador The island’s marketing agency explores ways of leveraging her international stardom The Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) extends heartfelt congratulations to Nina ComptonMillar, a true daughter of the soil, on her proud representation of Simply Beautiful Saint Lucia in the finale of the popular American reality TV show “Top Chef.” Although not emerging America’s Top Chef, Nina’s performance is being celebrated not only by herself and her immediate family, but indeed all of Saint Lucia and particularly by the hospitality industry. Over the years we have consistently extolled the awarding winning culinary delights of Saint Lucia, as exemplified in our indigenous recipes so masterfully brought to life by Nina, week after week, throughout her presence on the show. Thanks to her accomplishments, the culinary creativity of our chefs at award winning resorts and fine restaurants across the island is now further magnified.
As a marketing agency, we have reached out to Nina and have already begun seriously exploring tangible ways of leveraging her international stardom. The rationale is not only to further recognize her tremendous culinary expertise, but also to focus even more attention on our island as a truly award winning destination, one that produces extraordinary talents in various endeavors, be it academia, sports, or the much acclaimed culinary arts.
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
ONNECTIONS
Is Capitalism Really in Trouble? right about now…I concluded. It did seem a little odd to read David Blood’s quoted criticism about “a current situation in which success, as measured by wealth, is only attainable by the elite of the elite…and that is not sustainable.”
Terry Layne Staff Writer tlayne@olchouston.com
Additionally, Kurt Landgraf, the former CEO of Dupont Merck, reportedly went on record with what seemed like a note of caution about the disappearing of the middle class. “If we don’t do something to change the trajectory (income inequality), these people will eventually become advocates for more extreme change; and the country will experience significant social upheaval.”
I was struck by the title of an article written by Chrystia Freeland and published in a recent issue of the Atlantic Magazine (Dec 2013): Is Capitalism in Trouble? And I found myself thinking, could this be another one of those “the sky is falling alarms” that is sounded from time to time, or is it something to which we’d better be paying attention? So I continued perusing the report.
By the way, it might be important to mention that this “criticism” is not restricted to the ranks of the globally wealthy and powerful people. What is interesting to note is that the rich and powerful are now echoing what poor people have been complaining about for centuries, in my opinion. And beyond that, it’s clear that the super rich people want to prevent uprisings among the masses.
Following a nice fuzzy opening of two or three paragraphs which spoke about a growing movement of social good among big business leaders, the story went on to describe some troubling concerns related to our economic system from these same high level leaders of our capitalist world. So I pose the same question as a prompt to my readers; since we are all a part of the big picture; despite having different roles. Relevance to our own interests needs little or no elaboration.
Even President Barack Obama, in his State of the Union address last January 28, 2014, pointedly underscored how income inequality had deepened, and that upward mobility had been stalled. To paraphrase the President, too many of us are just getting by, not enough getting ahead, and still too many are not working at all!
According to the report, people like Dominic Barton, the Global Managing Director at McKinsey and David Blood, the former Director of Goldman Sachs Asset Management were making critical remarks about how dysfunctional capitalism had become, when compared to the capitalism of some 150 years ago. Seemingly, there was a greater sense of social conscience on the part of people doing business. So, I thought to myself, hey, wait a minute! If these obviously wealthy people are “concerned” about our economic system, then some of us ought to be having panic attacks
Now what is the relevance of this to our reading audience? Well, I would suggest that “fast and fanciful” answers will more likely to be misguiding. In my judgment, the matter is serious and complex; and well deserving of critically thought, comprehensive responses. But let me first add that the wealthy and powerful minority in numbers have already initiated a counter-culture movement among themselves to prevent any mass mutiny or broad social upheavals within the global capitalist marketplace, as I understand the published information. It comes by what I choose to call, a reparation strategy. The originators call it a “B Corp movement” or “B Lab Teams.” In essence, it
is an international movement of CEO’s, investors, Business School professors and leaders, who all hope to bring about necessary changes in the way business is conducted in America…and the world, for that matter. They aspire to re-create a more “sustainable” system of capitalism. This goal includes promoting more environmentally friendly business practices and more humane treatment of the working class people around the world. More specifically, these leaders in national and global business would ideally promote more higher quality jobs, pay more bonuses, provide more benefits to employees in health care costs, and choose more suppliers from within low income communities. Without judgment about motives, I believe these are good and potentially helpful! Clearly, they certainly represent a phenomenal shift from the current vicious and exclusionary market practices to ones which would promote more humane and inclusionary attitudes toward our working class people. This is what others are doing to make a difference. The remaining question is what are the working class people willing to do to help out? It was Marcello Palazzi, a European B Corp leader, who after acknowledging the dysfunctional state of being of our capitalist system, pointed out two viable options for society as a whole: “We can take to the streets like the 99%, occupying Wall Street, or we can join the B Corp movement. Personally, I believe there is yet a third option. We can choose to develop a quality of comprehensive planning, which potentially offers us greater personal and collective returns in present and future generations. Currently, and on simple face value, it seems clear that our individual returns in the working class barely survive two or three generations, if that many at all. Yes! Comprehensive planning necessarily includes visionary leadership and disciplined self governance among other qualities. Surely, there is so much that we can do! And to those who would choose to play it safely, I say…taking no risk at all is the greatest risk in life we could take.
IMMIGRATION NEWS ATTORNEY MENA SPEAKS ON DEPORTATION
How to Help Someone Facing Deportation By Latania Mena Attorney at Law Perhaps the most disheartening and frightening experience is having a family member whisked away by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and not know where to locate them. It often takes weeks to locate someone who has been detained by ICE, because ICE is often unresponsive and many people know very little about their loved ones’ status. The first step to helping someone with a deportation matter is to ask the right questions about the case, especially if the person is detained. You might be alarmed at the number of persons who do not know their loved one’s real names, the correct spelling, their date of birth and the person’s immigration status. Does the person have a green card, asylum/ refugee status, student, tourist, work or business visa, or some other legal reason to be here in the U.S? If the person has no legal status, did s/he overstay a visa or enter the country illegally (via the border or false papers)? Does the person have an old order of deportation? It is not unusual for persons to be ordered deported without them knowing. They may have an old order if they lost their asylum case, skipped an immigration interview or skipped an immigration hearing. What can you do? If you need to find someone who has been detained, you must be armed with certain basic information: full names and aliases, date
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.
FEBRUARY 2014
Photo Courtesy of ICE
Attorney Latania Mena of birth and alien registration number. The A# is on work permits, green cards, and all other documents that immigration provides. It looks like this: A99 999 999 or this: A999 999 999. Once you have this information you can first try to find out if the person has an old deportation order by calling the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR/immigration court). Simply call 800-898-7180 and follow the instructions. You will need the person’s A# to complete this check. If the hotline says the person has a deportation order, you will need to contact a lawyer specializing in immigration deportation immediately. To find someone in a detention center contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention and Removal Office (ICEDRO) at the following website: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/ homePage.do or simply search online for ONLINE DETAINEE LOCATOR. You will be prompted to enter the person’s A# and country of birth. If you do not have the A#, you will need to at least have the person’s full Continue on page 14 From Page 10
FEBRUARY 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 11
AN INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT
BIRTHDAYS IN THE DIASPORA
Encouragement from the Word of God
Living the Love!
nificant other? Applying this love would greatly improve our relationships on every level. Charity”, another translation of the word love, begins at home and there is where one starts demonstrating these behaviors. It is often easier to be kind and patient to friends than to family. Can you imagine what transformation would take place at home if kindness, humility, politeness, respect, encouragement and forgiveness were shown there? You may be agreeing, thinking that you ought to be on the receiving end of such demonstration of love. But decide to let the love revolution begin with you. Luke 6:31 responds: “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” (NLT) Start giving out what you would like to receive.
Charmaine Bailey Staff Writer cbailey@olchouston.com “Take hold of her heart!” declares the billboard with the picture of a man and a boy, each holding a bouquet of flowers behind their backs. Flowers, chocolates and other tokens of love are great gestures, but after a heart is captured, it requires a more powerful force to continue holding it. This powerful force which is called “love” is talked about a lot, however in reality it has to be in action in order to be experienced. What is love and what does it look like? The love chapter of the Bible, I Corinthians 13 goes to the heart of the matter: 4 “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” Powerful stuff! But how does it translate to the nitty-gritty of our daily lives with our family, especially our spouse or sig-
How do you start? With one small act of kindness! Pay a compliment to your spouse or your children. Apologize or say that you are sorry. Listen before you criticize or pass judgment; show interest and make eye contact with your loved one. Hold back that harsh word; show understanding and give some encouragement instead. Help out with a task; share your talent; spend time and laugh with your spouse. Remember how you used to be when you were courting or dating? Behave that way again. Hard to do? Yes. It requires sacrifice. I John 4:10-11: “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice…. since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” Flowers are nice for taking hold, but sacrificial love is the power to keep on holding. Love is action! Be the first to set it in motion, and let it start inside of you. Remember, you “can do everything through Christ, who gives [you] strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NLT) 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.
Samantha Cherubin Saint Lucia
Beverly Boothman Trinidad
Tessa Dornelly Saint Lucia
Francile Peter Saint Lucia
Camilo Antonio Layne Panama
Theresa Donaie Saint Lucia
Terron Henry Jamaica
Cosma Denis Jamaica
Dorna Isaac Honorary Saint Lucia
Claudian Joseph Saint Lucia
Reechel Paige St. Thaomas
Paul Davis Antigua
Odette C Scott Jamaica
Amanda Head Jamaica
Abdul Ali Nevis/St. Croix
Dr. Bernard Forrester Grenada
Bernard Forrester Barbados
Mauricio Brown Panama
Houston Caribbean Events Feb 22 - 5K Walk benefitting Medical Mission to Jamaica - Texas Multicultural Women February 22, 2014
Jamaican play ‘If Walls Could Talk’
Stafford Civic Center 1415 Constitution Ave Stafford, TX 77477
March 22 - Annual Prayer Breakfast Texas Multicultural Women, Inc
April 12 - 13, 2014 JAGA Reggae Festival Beach Centrak Park 2100 Seawall Boulevard, Galvestion TX April 26 - May 8 TMW Medical Mission - Jamaica June 2014 Houston Caribbean Queen Pageant
One Love Caribbean
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
OPEN EDITORIAL China Hold the Big Checkbook Are they the Caribbean Don?
By Guyana Time Editorial Chinese investment in the local economy has drawn fire from two quarters. Some in the local merchant community have complained of being undersold by cheap, substandard goods imported by Chinese businessmen, while at the national level, the opposition parties have protested Chinese loans to the government for several potentially game-changing mega projects. Richard Bernal, a former Jamaican ambassador to the United States and permanent representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), believes that the Chinese presence in the Caribbean is a positive development, but it needs a regional approach if the arrangements are to redound to the full benefit of the individual territories. Bernal points out the inexorable rise of the Chinese economy that is poised to eclipse the U.S.’s as the largest in the world and notes as follows: “With its economic ascent, China has amassed considerable reserves from increases in exports, substantial inflows of capital, and a carefully managed exchange rate regime. China’s reserves fuel more than US$74 billion of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in emerging markets, including about US$15 billion (or nine per cent of total FDI) in Latin America and the Caribbean. Investment abroad is expected to increase in the coming years as China expands its economic presence.” While initially, China’s investment was driven by “checkbook diplomacy”, as it sought to woo the Caribbean islands’ votes in the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, of recent, the investments have shifted in line with China’s newfound economic and political confidence. FDI increased by more than 500 per cent in relative terms between 2003 and 2011, with the estimated stock of Chinese FDI in the region totaling almost US$500 million in 2011. Chinese companies have initiated ventures in more than a
dozen Caribbean countries. Cuba, Guyana, Suriname, and Jamaica stand out as the most important destinations for investment. China’s agenda in the Caribbean now more closely approximates its interests in Latin America and Africa; however, Chinese firms are increasingly active in natural resources and infrastructure sectors, and are seeking avenues to employ Chinese equipment and construction teams. With China’s expanding, population and rapid economic development come a growing demand for energy and food. As they have elsewhere in the western hemisphere, Chinese companies have shown escalating interest in the Caribbean’s natural resources and agricultural sectors. Large-scale overseas construction projects are of considerable interest to both stateowned and private Chinese firms, which seek opportunities to employ their under-utilized service teams. The use of Chinese construction firms is often stipulated as a condition of financing. The US$3 billion Baha Mar project in The Bahamas alone, for instance, has employed some 5000 Chinese construction workers. However, as Bernal points out, the Caribbean faces competition for Chinese investment, most notably from neighboring Latin America. Higher wages, modest resource endowments, and smaller markets relative to Latin America make the Caribbean less attractive as a destination for Chinese capital. As Chinese investors look for new opportunities, Caribbean
governments will need to advance beyond traditional trade and investment to offer prospects in areas such as entertainment, sports training, and real estate. China is also a key market for high-end Caribbean products, among them Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee and Mount Gay, El Dorado, Appleton, and Angostura rums. The region is also attractive as a production platform for manufactured exports to the United States, Canada, and the European Union (EU). Preferential trade arrangements like the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, the CaribbeanCanada Trade Agreement (CARIBCAN), and the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement have generated some interest among Chinese investors. To attract more Chinese investment, Caribbean governments must establish themselves as attractive and diversified partners. Doing this requires an increased diplomatic presence in China and a higher profile in that country’s major business centers. Governments must also manage high levels of public debt – more than 80 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in some cases – and oversee ongoing natural resources extraction and construction operations in a way that attracts foreign investment, benefits local development, and encourages strategic business alliances and joint ventures.
One Love Caribbean Call 281-769 2253
FEBRUARY 2014
Haiti - Diaspora in Guyana A strong Haitian community of more than 40,000 members
It was in 1963, following extensive damage caused by the passage of Flora in Haiti, that the first Haitian immigrants from Jacmel, Les Cayes and Daquin are arrived in Guyana. Since then, the migratory movement has continued and today the Haitian constitute the most important diaspora in Guyana. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies French (INSEE) the Haitians would be 33,500 however, Jacques Raphael Marcellus, Consul of Haiti in Guyana believes that “if we refer to the index of consumption, I think that there are between 40,000 and 50,000 people in regular and irregular situation.” “It is also a thanks to the Guyanese population which has so
well received Haitians,” declared the Consul Marcellus, which explains why these two days will also help to make know this Guyanese population to the rest of the Diaspora “We invited several journalists of Haiti and members of government. We often speak of Haitian of New York or Canada, but abroad, you do not necessarily know where Guyana...” “Between 1963 and 2013, there is a world of difference [...] the first Haitian immigrants arrived barefoot, uneducated and had the wisdom to send their children to study. These children have chosen to return to Guyana [...] Today, there are even who engage in politics like in the town hall of Cayenne or that of Matoury,” stressed the Consul of Haiti
Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar greets Caricom’s Chairman and Haitian President, Michel Martelly
Haiti’s Recovery Won’t Happen Overnight By John Groarke Each morning, the bulky, unwieldy vehicle navigates an uneven, rocky path that in some areas of Haiti is a common road. Only my seatbelt keeps me from hitting the roof as I make my way to the U.S. embassy in Port-au-Prince. A newcomer to the country, I see each day during my journey a small remaining camp for Haitians displaced by the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. Living in temporary tent shelters, they, children among them, are still waiting for a new place to call home. Then, recently, I noticed that the camp was emptying. Almost four years after the earthquake, 89 percent of Haiti’s 1.5 million internally displaced persons have left the tent camps for alternative housing options. Almost 75 percent of earthquake rubble has been removed. Security throughout the country has improved and, recognizing the importance of employment, the government is committed to attracting foreign investment, with agriculture, tourism and the apparel indus-
A worker prepares a piece of metal art at Jacques Rony’s arts and crafts shop in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti.
try the most promising growth areas. Health indicators are up, with improvements in infant and child mortality rates and more public access to health services. International donors — among them the U.S. Agency for International Development — have learned lessons along the way in Haiti in terms of how we can do better. As the country leaves behind the era of post-earthquake relief and focuses now on longer-term development, USAID is striving to build the capacity of local organizations to lead and manage development initiatives. Continue on Page 14
Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade
Cavity Prevention Can Save You Thousands By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, DDS Medical Editor
The Data and Analysis Center reviewed more than 77 million Delta Dental claims and found that over a lifetime, a single cavity can have serious economic consequences. Your dentist can help you prevent tooth decay and save you a bundle. Especially with the new advances in Dental Technology and Treatment, tooth decay can progressively stop and damaged teeth can be beautifully restored. Once restored, proper home care will help your restorations last. However, just remember, there is no such thing as a “permanent dental restoration.” Regular dentist visits are also needed to monitor your dental health. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile stays beautiful. By routinely seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings, you can: • Prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath • Save money by avoiding cost-
ly and extensive dental procedures • Keep your teeth white by reducing staining from food and drinks • Shorten the time spent in your dentist’s office • Have a smile that will last a lifetime Keep Your “Pearly Whites” Pristine! The lifetime cost of treating just one molar that started with a small filling, on average, is about $2,187. If the cost is multiply by several teeth, you will conclude that the regular visit worth it. Let’s face it, by comparison, an exam costs next to nothing, and this is where real prevention comes in. We now know that when good oral hygiene is coupled with regular dental visits and cleanings, cavities are almost entirely preventable. Yet, 90% of all adults have had one or more cavities. And nearly 80% of young people have had a cavity by age 17. We don’t’ want you or your fam-
Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, DDS
ily to become another dental statistic. Keep your pocketbook and your pearly whites happy! Preventive dentistry is the way to go. For more information, call me at 713.654.7756 or visit my website at www.cosmeticdt.com. 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.
One Love Caribbean Call 281-769-2253
The History of Blacks in Dentistry By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, DDS In honor of Black History month, I want to reflect on the contribution of African American to the field of dentistry. In the 17th century, dental care was secondary to medical care and more often than not, medical practitioners supplied both. Prior to 1880 there were fewer than a dozen trained black dental practitioners in the southern United States, where the greatest number of African Americans resided. During the earliest days of dental practice in black communities, several African Americans were identified as providers of varying levels of acceptable dental services. In the 18th and 19th centuries, dentists were trained through apprenticeships and preceptorships. The dental profession received a boost in 1840 when the world’s first dental school, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, was founded in Maryland. African Americans were not accepted for training at any dental schools until 1867, when Harvard University initiated its first dental class and accepted Robert T. Freeman as its first black student. A second African American, George Franklin Grant, graduated from Harvard in 1870 and subsequently was appointed to the school’s dental faculty.
There were few trained black dentists in the early 19th century. However, preparation and training of African American dentists increased in the late 1800s with the establishment of Howard University’s dental college in Washington, D.C. (1881); and the dental department of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee (1886). Since their inception, these two predominantly black schools have produced the majority of black dental graduates. In order to meet the needs of underserved minority communities, efforts to increase the number of black dentists focused on improving facilities at Howard and Meharry. Better pre-dental education and dental student recruitment soon followed, and later advances in integrated education at so-called “white” dental schools assisted black student enrollment and graduation. An illustrious representative of that era
was Charles E. Bentley, D.D.S., whose 1887 graduation from the Chicago College of Dental Surgery launched his career as clinician, scientist, humanitarian, prolific writer, orator, public health pioneer and civil rights activist. A major contribution to health care for African Americans was the 1895 founding in Atlanta, Georgia, of the National Negro Medical Association of Physicians, Dentists and Pharmacists (NMA), with Robert F. Boyd, M.D., D.D.S., as its first president. The goals of the group were: to create a national instrument of post-graduate education for black physicians and meaningful experiences in the medical specialties, to combat racial discrimination and exclusion in hospital care and functions, and to represent allied health practitioners in actions to eliminate inequities in health care services. These aims helped to elevate the quality of health care available to African Americans.
Health & Wellness Women and Heart Health Awareness Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a “man’s disease,” around the same number of women and men die each year of heart disease in the United States. Despite increases in awareness over the past decade, only 56 percent of women recognize that heart disease is their No. 1 killer. That’s why it’s important to know the signs and symptoms and how to lower your risk for heart disease.
are at highest risk of dying early from heart disease and stroke (78 preventable deaths per 100,000 people), followed by American Indian/Alaska Native (46 preventable deaths per 100,000 people), White (36 preventable deaths per 100,000 people), Hispanic (30 preventable deaths per 100,000 people), and Asian/Pacific Islander women (22 preventable deaths per 100,000 people).
HEART DISEASE SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN While some women have no symptoms of heart disease, others get dull, heavy to sharp chest pain or discomfort, pain in the neck/jaw/throat, or pain in the upper abdomen or back. These symptoms may occur during rest or physical activity, or be triggered by mental stress.
Take steps to learn more • Know your risk factors, make healthy choices, and lower your chances for having a heart attack or stroke. • See your health care provider for a checkup, especially if you have any risk factors or symptoms. • Talk to your health care provider and ask questions to better understand your health. • Know your family history.
Women are more likely to describe chest pain that is sharp and burning and more often have pain in the neck, jaw, throat, abdomen, or back. Sometimes heart disease may be silent and not diagnosed until a woman has signs or symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), or stroke. Know your risk for heart disease and heart attack Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease. Smoking, poor diet, obesity, excess alcohol, and being physically inactive are also risk factors for heart disease. Heredity can also be a risk factor because heart disease can run in families. Among women, black women
There may be factors that could increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. You can lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack by taking simple steps every day. • Eat a healthy diet. • Maintain a healthy weight. • Be active. Exercise regularly. • Be tobacco-free. Get help if needed. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). • Limit alcohol use. Manage any medical condition you might have. Learn the ABCS of health. Keep them in mind every day and especially when you talk to your health provider: • • • •
Appropriate aspirin therapy for those who need it Blood pressure control Cholesterol management Smoking cessation
OneCall Love Caribbean 281-769 2253 The Voice of the Caribbean in Texas Among women, black women are at highest risk of dying early from heart disease and stroke
FEBRUARY 2014 • ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN • Page 14
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and correct name, and date of birth. Once you have identified the facility the person is being housed, ask to speak with the supervisory deportation officer assigned to the country your loved one is from, give the person’s full name, country of nationality and A#. Having a deportation officer answer your questions is not an easy challenge as they are often reluctant to speak to anyone other than the person being deported or Attorneys. The key is to locate your loved one and attempt to get information about their case. If your initial search yields no results, contact your Consulate. Consulates are often required by international convention or treaty to be notified when one of their nationals is detained. Many consular offices have case workers that work specifically on deportation cases. Also contact different county detention facilities, as it is not uncommon for people to be moved around from one facility to the next, without notice. If your loved one has been relocated to another facility, it may take a few days for their names to appear in the ICE loFrom Page 6 Jamaica
and to deal with poor communities in rural Jamaica … I want to ensure that we begin to pay special attention to our deep rural communities,” Mrs. Simpson Miller stated.
cator system. Importantly, give your loved ones the opportunity to call you. Remove any blocks from your phone for collect calls, as you will not be able to place any calls to anyone in a detention center; that person will need to call you instead and will have a greater chance of reaching you. It is also imperative that you understand the rules for visiting someone in a detention center, once you have located them. If you are undocumented, or think you might be at risk of deportation, contact an immigration expert first to see if entering the facility may pose a danger for you. Locating your loved one is only half of the battle! You must have sufficient information about their case to assist them and must act promptly. Every hour delayed puts your loved one at the risk of being removed from the U.S. Do not assume that your loved one will automatically get to fight his/her case before an immigration judge. Do not assume that because s/ he is a green card holder they will not be deported. Also important, do not assume that because the person is detained or dependents areas of Westmoreland, Trelawny, Clarendon, and St Thomas, are slated to benefit from improved housing under the Sugar Barracks Relocation project.
The housing units, constructed at a cost of $155 million, were provided under the European Union-funded Sugar Barracks Relocation project. The beneficiaries received the keys to their new homes free of cost with only payments made for their titles, which will be distributed soon.
“Since 2007 to the current time, some $9 billion has been contributed by the EU under the program. Some 400 housing solutions will be constructed in several relocation sites in four sugar parishes. Construction is expected to be completed in September this year at a total cost of $2.4 billion,” the Prime Minister informed.
Approximately 876 sugar workers and their relatives, who have been living in old sugar barracks, located in the sugar
Mrs. Simpson Miller has expressed appreciation to the government and people of the EU for their financial support.
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has a criminal history that they cannot fight their deportation. Use the time to get as much information on their criminal history and immigration status and contact an immigration attorney who is a deportation expert promptly, to see if the person has any legitimate claims to prevent them from being deported. By acting promptly you may be able to stay the deportation, request an expedited hearing before an immigration judge, or even have your loved one released from the detention facility while they fight their case. The deportation process is extremely complicated and frightening. It is therefore imperative that you arm yourself and your loved ones with the right information, as this may be the key to changing the “immigration course” of their lives. Next month we will look at what a detainee should do when they are inside a detention center. Until next time, walk good! Latania Mena is an Immigration Attorney and a Caribbean National based in the Southwest Houston, Texas.
One Love Caribbean Call 281-769 2253
From Page 5 Haiti...
This necessarily involves building public and private institutions so Haitians can lead and manage their own development. On our part, we are enhancing the capacity of the Ministry of Health to manage a national health care system using its own human and financial resources, so it will no longer be dependent on donors. Similarly, efforts are underway to build the financial and programmatic capacity of local NGOs to provide services and advocacy that are too often provided by international organizations. The country must also advance From Page 5 Tax...
filing status entered on your return and the amount you’re expecting. Joint-return filers should enter the name and tax ID number of the spouse shown first on the return.
the rule of law, a prerequisite to the creation of durable institutions and economic growth. Every USAID mission director’s goal is to help the host country one day reach a point when it no longer needs foreign economic assistance. Indeed, all donors and development organizations should be devoted to that goal. In Haiti, this will not happen overnight. But four years after the earthquake, Haiti remains a U.S. government priority to continue and improve our efforts to help Haitians building the opportunity and prosperity they are capable of and that they are so deserving. Dialing for tax dollars If you don’t have access to a computer or simply prefer using a telephone, you still can call the IRS to track down your refund.
And don’t do any rounding on the refund amount entry. The tracking program wants precise dollars and cents.
A special automated toll-free line is dedicated to refund status reports. When you call (800) 829-1954, you’ll need the same information the online system requires.
If you have any questions about exactly what information the IRS wants here, the “Where’s My Refund?” program has links that will open up new screens with explanations of where you can find the information on your copy of your tax return.
In addition to having a copy of your return on hand, it’s always a good idea to have paper and pen ready to jot down any information, additional instructions or follow-up phone numbers that you might receive during the call.
After you’ve entered the necessary data, click and wait for the good news that your check is in the mail.
And, as with the online system, don’t call unless it’s been the requisite number of weeks since you filed.
ISLAND STYLEE
Page 15 • ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN • FEBRUARY 2014
In Honor of
Nesta Robert “Bob” Marley
ULTURE
Listen on http://www.azlyrics.com/b/bobmarley.html Three Little Birds
“Don’t worry about a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right. Singin’: “Don’t worry about a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right! “
ISLAND RECIPES THE ART OF CARIBBEAN COOKING
Saint Lucian Top Chef BREADFRUIT BALLS
GREEN FIG AND SALTFISH
Ingredients 4lbs of green figs or green bananas 1/4 cup of chopped celery 1/4 cup of chopped parsley 3 cloves of garlic 1/4 cup green peppers 1 large onion, chopped 2 medium tomatoes, cube 2lbs of salt fish 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Ingredients 1 medium sized breadfruit 1 egg ½ cup finely chopped onions 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic 2 stems of celery and parsley (finely chopped) 2 cups of grated cheese 2 cups of bread crumbs salt to taste Direction
Direction Remove the skin of the green bananas, clean them and place them in a pan of warm water. Add salt to the water. Cover the pan and place on medium heat. Allow boil until bananas are thoroughly cooked. Use a fork to check for if bananas are tender and soft.
Breadfruit Balls
Cut the breadfruit in four and clean it by removing the skin and the center stalk. Boil the breadfruit in water with salt until it is soft. Drain the excess water and place the breadfruit in a bowl. Mash it with a potato masher and allow it to cool down. Add the rest of the ingredients, and mix it thoroughly. Allow it to cool.
Boil saltfish in water to remove excess salt. Remove salt fish from water and place it in a container of cool water. Once salt fish is cooled down, remove skin and bones and shred it.
Make balls with the mixture at the sizing of your choice. Roll in bread crumbs and they can be fried or baked.
Lucian Bread Pudding
If you are baking the dish, then place in oven for approximately 35 minutes at a temperature of 200*c. LUCIAN BREAD PUDDING
Take a medium sized frying pan and put your 1/4 cup vegetable oil in it and let it get warm. Add celery, parsley, tomatoes, onion, garlic and peppers in the pan of warm oil. Stir continuously for until cooked. Add salt fish and mix well. Remove the bananas from the water, chop a few onto a plate and place the salt fish on top.
Ingredients 6 slices stale bread 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup raisins 4 eggs 2 cups milk 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
MANGO IN SAUCE
Direction Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cut bread into small pieces and place into a mixing bowl. Add eggs, butter, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and raisins.
Green Fig and Saltfish
Direction Cut the mango into slices and put it into the bowl. Add the rest ingredients. Mix and chill for 15 minutes
Mix all ingredients together using a spoon or alternatively you can use your hands to mix all the ingredients together and break up the bread into even smaller pieces. Transfer mixture into a greased baking pan. Bake in oven for 30 minutes until top is nice and brown and mixture has slightly swollen. Allow to cool and serve.
Ingredients 1 green mango 1 crushed clove of garlic 1/2 tsp pepper sauce salt to taste dash of black pepper dash of oil
Mango in Sauce
Kathleen’s Kitchen
For de best Trini food in Houston Sit and dine to the comfort sounds of Caribbean Music and enjoy Trini delicacies Chicken / Fish
Curry Stew Jerk Fry
Rice
Meat
Trini Tings
White Peas & Rice Veggie Rice
Curry Goat Oxtail
Roti Doubles Polorie
Bake Good
Currant Roll Cake Coconut Drop
“Wake Up And Live” By Bob Marley
Wake up and live, y’all, Wake up and live! Wake up and live now! Wake up and live! Life is one big road with lots of signs, So when you riding through the ruts, don’t you complicate your mind: Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy! Don’t bury your thoughts; put your vision to reality, yeah! All together now: Wake up and live (wake up and live, y’all), Wake up and live (wake up and live), wake up and wake up and live, yeah! (wake up and live now), Wake up and (wake up and live) wake up and live! Rise ye mighty people, ye-ah! There’s work to be done, So let’s do it-a little by little: Rise from your sleepless slumber! Yes, yeah! Yes, yeah! We’re more than sand on the seashore, We’re more than numbers. All together now: Wake up and live now, y’all! (Wake up and live) Wake up and live! Wake up and live, y’all! (Wake up and live) Wake up and live now! You see, one - one cocoa full a basket, Whey they use you live big today: tomorrow you buried in-a casket. One - one cocoa full a basket, yeah, yes! Whey they use you live big today: tomorrow you bury in-a casket. Come on, man! How is it feelin’ over there? (Wake up and live now) All right! (Wake up and live!) Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Uh! Come on, man! You gotta wake up and live!
Rise up this mornin’, Smile with the risin’ sun, Three little birds Each by my doorstep Singin’ sweet songs Of melodies pure and true, Sayin’, (“This is my message to you-ou-ou: “) Singin’: “Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right.” Singin’: “Don’t worry (don’t worry) ‘bout a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right! “ Rise up this mornin’, Smiled with the risin’ sun, Three little birds Each by my doorstep Singin’ sweet songs Of melodies pure and true, Sayin’, “This is my message to youou-ou: “
Slave Driver
Slave driver, the table is turn; Catch a fire, so you can get burn, now. Slave driver, the table is turn; Catch a fire: gonna get burn. Wo, now! Ev’rytime I hear the crack of a whip, My blood runs cold. I remember on the slave ship, How they brutalize the very souls. Today they say that we are free, Only to be chained in poverty. Good God, I think it’s illiteracy; It’s only a machine that makes money. Slave driver, the table is turn, y’all. Slave driver, uh! The table is turn, baby, now; Catch a fire, so you can get burn, baby, now. Slave driver, the table is turn, y’all; Catch a fire: so you can get burn, now. Ev’rytime I hear the crack of a whip, My blood runs cold. I remember on the slave ship, How they brutalize the very soul. O God, have mercy on our souls! Oh, slave driver, the table is turn, y’all; Catch a fire, so you can get burn. Slave driver, the table is turn, y’all; Catch a fire...
Life is one big road with lots of signs, yes! So when you riding through the ruts, don’t you complicate your mind: Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy! Don’t bury your thoughts; put your dream to reality, yeah!
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