Jan2016

ONE LOVE Free Publication

Volume 9 Issue 1

JANUARY 2016 Since AUGUST 2008

ARIBBEAN

COMMUNITY • CULTURE • CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY

Chef Terron Henry 2015 Person of the Year Page 4

CARIBBEAN

Donaie’s interview with the PM of Saint Lucia Page 7

CONNECTION

Caribbean Grown Folk Drink Recipes Page 15

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One Love Caribbean

Chef Terron Henry 2015 Person of the Year

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

Website

www.olchouston.com

Sylvanus Donaie

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

Main Office

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

Billing Department

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

Staff Writers

Sylvanus Donaie Marcelline Chitolie Terry Layne Thecia Jenkins Charmaine Bailey Latania Mena

The Publisher’s Thoughts

On the Question of Saint Lucia Government Representation in Houston On December 13, 2015, I had a forthright conversation with The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, the Honorable Dr. Kenny Anthony at the Houston Marriott Westchase.

He was visiting the city to meet with Saint Lucia nationals. Dr. Anthony is also Saint Lucia’s Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs.

I think we built an excellent relationship speaking on a whole range of issues to include the Caribbean Diaspora to the upcoming election in Saint Lucia to climate changes. We had a very informative conversation.

In beginning our interview, Dr. Anthony said, “May I thank you for the opportunity, through you, to address the Caribbean Diaspora in Texas. I will tell you that I’ve not being keeping in touch with the demographics across the US, but I was a little surprise there’s a huge population here. Of course, I can understand that... Caribbean people are well known for searching for opportunities. But there is no doubt, with the robust investments in the energy section in Texas that it’s attractive, particularly for our own nationals who have worked in St. Croix at the Hess facilities. So that has taken me by surprise, and I welcome the opportunities to reach them through you.

And may I take this opportunity to congratulate you and your newspaper for the work you’ve been doing.”

I want to thank Prime Minister Dr. Anthony for taking the time to reach out to Saint Lucians here in the Greater Houston Area.

Since I moved to Houston almost ten years ago, I have questioned why the Saint Lucian government have not seen the need to have an official representative of the country here in Houston. For the vast number of nationals in Texas, I think it’s a noteworthy gesture. Having a Consul General in Houston, Saint Lucian nationals can enjoy the assistance and protection of such office. Moreover, the office can facilitate trade and friendship between the homeland and the diaspora.

With the closest representative in Miami, Florida, one cannot expect much, if any.

I, first, raised the question of an official representative with the then Prime Minister, the Honorable Stephenson King in 2010 in Saint Lucia. I asked him to visit the diaspora in Houston, which he did, for a first-hand look. However, he lost the election and the momentum died. Also, I have spoken to the Hon. Alva Baptiste, St. Lucia’s Minister for External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation, on that very same issue. And last month, I raised the issue with the current Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Dr. Kenny Anthony.

But, I was completely taken by surprise, when a large sector of the Saint Lucian Diaspora in Baytown, did not want to meet and dialog with the Prime Minister. Their rationale was simple. They were upset that the government implemented a value-added tax in Saint Lucia, which according to these nationals, the government was taking advantage of the Maléwé. (Maléwé -- pronounced mal-lay-way -- is the Kwéyòl word to define poor person.)

Here is an excerpt of our conversation. It began with the Prime Minister explaining how Saint Lucia weathered the recent

financial crisis to a leaner and stronger country. He was proud that unlike other countries who seek shelter from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the population was able to work with the government. Here it is…

Donaie: Let’s touch on this for a moment. It one of my question, the IMF. You touch on it last night. Why not the IMF? Dr. Anthony: Because, we were able to maneuver internally. An IMF program would have meant dramatic adjustments for us. Mind you, it would have been helpful, in the sense that the pressure we would have had to endure because of extraordinary financing, particularly to raise loan.

Those pressures would have been easy, but it would have come with very dramatic demands. For example, cutting the public service wage for sure! They would have wanted that. A range of new revenue measures to help to increase revenue intake to cope with expenditure. A dramatic reduction in expenditure by the government itself ! A redefine of the cost of services made available to the population. So what really happened in our case was… curiously, we had some room.

economic viability.

Donaie: I don’t think that a lot of Saint Lucian over here understand that.

Dr. Anthony: There was something, an advantage they had, (and I touch on it last night). That is, they better understand that there was a dramatic changes occurring in the world economies, because it was experience here in the US. They saw, first hand, the effect of the fiscal crisis here in the US. So they are more tolerance of the issues than they counterpart in Saint Lucia.

As far as some Saint Lucians are concern, these thing don’t affect us. We are a little island …we are far remove and remote from these thing. Therefore, when the government tell them, “We have an economic crisis, [and] it’s impacting on us.” They are asking you, “What the hell you talking about.” And they don’t want to believe it.

But I sense that Saint Lucians, who live aboard, particularly in the US, have a better understanding. Of course, it does not mean that it is so everywhere.

First was the introduction of VAT, which my party has said we would have done during the campaign. It was in our manifesto. So the introduction of VAT really meant to have fairly decent increase in revenue intake. So that has help us to deal with some of the expenditures problem we have had.

Donaie: I may differ with you on that rank. As well as I understand your position and your accuracy, but I don’t think that the Saint Lucians here understand this. And I will tell you the reason why. I think that it’s a separation between the Government of Saint Lucia and the people over here. I don’t think that the people here think that they have any Saint Lucian government representation in Houston.

The second thing is [that] the government did introduce some adjustment in taxation, here and there, to raise additional revenues.

The population obviously was not very happy with these measures, but they were necessary. And the outcome is that we have now heavily reduced our fiscal deficit.

All the “news” they are getting is from the people back in Saint Lucia, and if it’s negative, they accept it as negative. I am probably bringing up a new concept, which is that there have no representation for Saint Lucians here in Houston. We have a large population here…

I think Saint Lucians are strong people.

When I inherited the government, we had a fiscal deficit of 9.6% of GDP. Now it is 3.6-3.7. People say, “Wait.” You were able to do this in 3 years, and I said, “Yes! We did it quiet and effectively.”

Dr. Anthony: …Ok, I’ll share this with you. Your point about representation is taken; it’s a valid consideration. But I don’t think if you had representation here, it you have necessary translate into Saint Lucians thinking differently about their economy.

You are absolute correct that they get a lot of views from Saint Lucians; they get the moans and groans of Saint Lucians. A classic case is VAT. You come to the US, you pay VAT. You come to the Canada, you pay VAT. You come to the England, you pay VAT. But for some reason, Saint Lucians, including those who lives up here, believe that they should not pay VAT in Saint Lucia.

But there are problem with the Saint Lucian economic. Don’t for one moment think, I am pretending, that major problems don’t exist. One, of course, is unemployment that we inherited. We have had the most dramatic increase in unemployment ever in the history of the country.

When you think of the fact that in 2006, the follow Labour Government left an unemployment rate of 12.5. By the time we got into office in 2011, it had climb to 22.5%. So what has happened! The government has been containing the increase [and] ensuring the increase is at a tolerable level, but at the same time, the big challenge is to begin the effective reduction of unemployment.

That can only come about by economic growth, which really means new investment in the economy. And it is for that reason, we have had to take some extraordinary steps [with] new incentives, including the introduction of Citizen by Investment program. So we now have country that is a little leaner. In other words, (don’t get me wrong) I mean the problem still exist, and we have to maintain fiscal discipline going forward. But at the same time, we need to take decisions that is so necessary, to ensure

Donaie: Maybe the point has not been made clear to them.

Dr. Anthony: I’m not so sure that’s the problem. I think the problem is more that we are very idealist. We live on a very small island, and we believe [that] we are immune from the wider world. When I was traveling up here, and having traveled all over the world recently on behalf of the country, I was saying to myself, just look at that. People forget how close we are to the United States; it’s just three hours away.

Miami is just three hours away from Saint Lucia, and there is every reason given the closeness between the two countries, that anything that is happening in the US, will impact us in Saint Lucia.

So sometimes there is a psychological willingness of our people to come to terms

Sylvanus Donaie

BA, BSEE, MTM, MPM, MBA with our own situation. Because we are island people, and we believe [that] we are different. We are not immune; we are not protected. I would say, even then, [that] there are a far greater understanding among Saint Lucians about the challenges and the issues, because they have been exposed to a world of information.

The social media in Saint Lucia is a challenging medium. It is challenging because everybody has an opportunity to express their views; some of the views are expressed through political lenses. It’s tough to meander through the different views, to get a clear sense of what is being said and what is not said… whether true or not true.

I am not sure.

While I accept your point, given your huge population here in Houston that a government will need to think about the government providing some kind of representation. I do not know if the first approach ought to be an honorary consul, because, what is happening, is that Saint Lucians are virulently opposed to paying the cost of representation. I quite often have to say to them, “What do I do about the thousands of Saint Lucians abroad that require services? Who needs passports, or who needs counseling of one kind or another? Or who get into trouble, or who need support with state authorities in their respective states?

What do I tell them? Because you do not want to pay the cost of having an honorary counsel. Saint Lucians on this side of the border do not understand those issues, that while they are asking for it, Saint Lucians at home are saying this is unnecessary expenditure.

The problem is our own people have not come to understand their obligations to the rest world and their obligations to their own citizens. But yes, you are right, that representation has to be considered, because you have a population here that justifies it. Am astounded to learn that there are far more Saint Lucians here in Texas than in Miami, and you are rivalling the population in New York. There are a lot of Saint Lucians living in other states coming to Texas, for opportunities. For me that is a very interesting discovery and clearly it is an issue that we will have to figure out.

................

So until then, One Love!

Happy New Year 2016 Sylvanus Donaie, BA, BSEE, MTM, MPM, MBA 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

JANUARY 2016

Chef Terron Henry 2015 Person of the Year

Sylvanus Donaie Staff Writer

One Love Caribbean has a long tradition of choosing one person who made the biggest impact in the Houston Caribbean Community within a calendar year. This year, we chose a dynamic individual, Chef Terron Henry, from a long list of talented Caribbeaners. Congratulations.

Our community is a growing one, and most of all, we are steadily creating footprints in the wider Houston area. We are a dynamic group of people for the civilization called the Caribbean. Hence the reason, the events have led to some difficult decisions on the part of One Love Caribbean as to who should be named Person of the Year.

However, we have simplified our benchmarks to meet the person or persons with the “WOW” factor. In simple terms, the search seeks to identify a person or persons who have crossed over to work not only on behalf of their individual homeland community, but for the advancement of the entire Caribbean Diaspora as a body.

As expected, the selection is done knowing that some within our community may disagree, and that’s respected, while others will welcome our choice.

As in past years, the decision to put forward an individual is always based on a range of selected criteria. However, that part of the process is always overlooked. Definitely, it is not a feel-good or popularity contest; there is a much bigger

picture.

food service business.

Again, here are the yardsticks by which the selection is made: • Present a positive image of the Houston Caribbean Community.

• Represent the Caribbean Diaspora and its culture.

• Show tangible contribution to the uplifting of the Diaspora.

• Uplift and promote the cause of the Caribbean people in Texas.

“The only plan that we had is to grow a successful business.

We just wanted it to thrive.

We wanted to pay our bills.

We never had any agenda, the biggest or the baddest. But it’s grown and taken a life of its own,” said Janay.

For almost seven years, Chef Terron Henry and his wife, Janay, have operated the Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill on West Bellfort in Southwest Houston.

The restaurant specialize in the creation of authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisines and some American favorites.

To further understand why we at OLC are honored to bestow this year’s award on Chef Terron of Cool Runnings, one has to understand his unwavering generosity of spirit, dedication through community outreach and the provision of job opportunities to numerous community residents, making him a stalwart of our community.

After years of working in the five star hotel arena, Chef Terron enter the market doing catering and outdoor events. And in 2009, he entered the restaurant market. But best, he open the business not to compete and put others out of business but to be part of the Houston family, serving an iconic taste of the Caribbean. Talking to Terron about his business, he will quickly explain to you how there are opportunities for everyone in the

The unwavering generosity of spirit of Terron and Janay takes complete responsibility for their deeds. They do not blame others or circumstances for their problems, but they step up and do the right thing. The result shows. Step into their establishment any time and you would not hesitate to say, “WOW.” As a result, Chef Terron has created another reason for Houston to embrace a bigger picture called the Caribbean.

Giving back to their community is at the center of their business plan. Providing job opportunities is another good deed of the Henry family. Janay explained, “We have to remind ourselves that when we do payroll, we are not just paying people, we are supporting families. And that’s humbling.”

Chef Terron Henry is definitely a community builder whose local pride and outstanding contribution propel the Caribbean Community forward. And in recognizing his hard work and engagement in the Houston Caribbean Community, One Love Caribbean newspaper names Chef Terron Henry as its 2015 Persons of the Year. Congratulations!

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What Caribbean Businesses should know

About Texas Open Carry Law?

By Sylvanus Donaie Staff Writer OLC: There appears to be an uneasy feeling about the understanding of the Texas House Bill 910 authorizing a licensed person to openly carry a holstered handgun.

Beginning January 1, 2016, licensed handgun owners can openly display their weapons in public, but it must be in a shoulder or belt holster, in accordance with House Bill 910.

Simply put, individual don’t need to conceal a gun like they did in the past. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the open carry bill into law in June 2015.

The State requires that in order to openly carry a gun, a citizen must have a handgun license. Other requirement includes that the individual must be at least 21, have a clean criminal and psychological record, complete classroom training, and pass a shooting test.

So Caribbean business owners,

the law specifically bans the carrying of guns, either openly or concealed, in schools, bars, sports arenas and secure areas of airports.

Moreover, the law allows all businesses to opt out of the open carry policy and prohibit open carry inside their establishments. However, they are required to display a specifically worded sign on their doors alerting patrons that the open carrying of guns is forbidden.

Several businesses have banned open carry to include The Galleria’s, Whataburger, Whole Foods, and HEB. Store such as Kroger and Home Depot are allowing open carry.

But, with about a million concealed handgun license holders in Texas, it’s a fine line to cross for a business owner. Talk to your attorney on any liability that you may be responsible for if any accidents or mishap occurs as a result of allowing open carry in your business.

JANUARY 2016

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

Page 5

The 62nd Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, Sworn In Ringing in the New Year with Immigration

By Prof. Marilyn Douglas-Jones Enforcement Strategies - Are You Ready?

After 26 years of faithful service in the Texas State Legislature and two previous attempts, the Hon. Sylvester Turner, Esq. has returned home to serve as the 62nd mayor in the City of Houston. His ride as the Grand Marshall in the Black Heritage Society’s 38th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Original Parade on Monday, January 18 will culminate a series of exciting celebratory events marking his victory in a close run-off election last December when he defeated former Kemah mayor Bill King to succeed Mayor Annise Parker, who was term limited. He formally resigned from his office as state representative on January 1.

The celebrations began immediately after the run-offs with his home congregation at the Church Without Walls in Northwest Houston. His official swearing in along with other City Council members on Saturday, January 2 at Houston City Hall was followed by a larger free pre-inaugural celebration at Market Square Park with fireworks and food trucks on January 3.

Some 3,000 officials and guests reflecting Houston’s diversity flocked to Jones Hall downtown on Monday, January 4 for the public inauguration, and about 1,000 guests, including University of Houston (Peach Bowl champions) football coach Tom Herman, attended an invitation-only party at the Museum of Fine Arts.

Throughout each event, Mayor

By Latania Mena Attorney at Law

The New Year commenced the way 2015 ended - with the same level of contradictions and hostility in the area of immigration. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), welcomed 2016 with increased enforcement activities, and Hispanic communities across the U.S. have been the main targets of extensive and aggressive immigration raids.

U.S. District Judge Al Bennett administered the oath to Mayor Turner

Turner often reiterated what gained him the support of voters by promising to address infrastructure repairs, budget/finance reform, income inequality and other types of discrimination, transportation challenges, and collaboration with area community colleges on workforce training programs. To demonstrate his sincerity on financial reform, Mayor Turner decided to hold the public ceremony on Monday for the purposes of avoiding overtime costs for police and other city employees, due to the city’s current financial challenges.

His campaign and victory speeches have often recounted his humble beginnings in Acres Home and the challenges facing his family due to the passing of his father, leaving his mother to raise 9 children… all serving to motivate him to work harder and achieve his goals. This UH graduate went on to Harvard Law School and owns his own

law firm in addition to serving as Texas State Representative for District 139 for over 26 years.

Some gems from his speeches include: “We recognize that this is the most diverse city in the country, and now we recognize that we’re one of the most inclusive and continue to fight against discrimination… What matters to me is that we are all Houston and we work together… Houston is a city of hope and opportunity. This is Houston, let us invest in it... We all have one common goal: to make Houston great… let’s move forward to make this the best city that this world has ever seen, and God bless us all!”

In addition to Mayor Turner, new City Controller Chris Brown and the members of City Council, which includes five new members, were also sworn in.

Obama’s Actions to Reduce Gun Violence

OLC: Calling it a “sense of urgency,” President Barack Obama grew emotional as he made a national call for the reduction of gun violence. And after many failed attempts to work with Congress, the President is taking executive action to help.

The White House noted that gun violence has taken a heartbreaking toll on too many communities across the country. Over the past decade in America, more than 100,000 people have been killed as a result of gun violence. Millions more have been the victim of assaults, robberies, and other crimes involving a gun. Many of these crimes were committed by people who never should have been able to purchase a gun in the first place.

Over the same period, hundreds of thousands of other people in our communities committed suicide with a gun and nearly half a million people suffered other gun injuries. Hundreds of law enforcement officers have been shot to death pro-

It is very easy to turn a blind eye to the situation, thinking it’s their problem not ours. But as an immigrant community at large, we have one thing in common – family. Immigration raids and other enforcement activities are detrimental to family life, regardless of your place of origin, ethnicity or background. As Caribbean Nationals it is imperative to treat these raids as a reminder that every individual at risk for deportation, must have a plan for his/her family and must know their rights in the event they encounter the immigration system.

It is a reminder that we must join the fight to defend and advance the rights and opportunities of vulnerable low-income immigrant families.

According to ICE, the current policy targets undocumented immigrants with or without violations or convictions, who entered the U.S., or who were ordered deported on or after January 1, 2014. But let’s face it, there is no special formula on how the raids are conducted, so anyone and everyone is at risk.

As an immigrant community, we must develop strategies to help the most vulnerable among us to prepare for the possibility of encountering the immigration system – be it a raid or at an immigration interview.

We must remind our Caribbean community members to plan for multiple scenarios and conduct mock interviews with family members on how to respond to any of these situations:

tecting their communities. And too many children are killed or injured by firearms every year, often by accident. The vast majority of Americans—including the vast majority of gun owners—believe we must take sensible steps to address these horrible tragedies.

However, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, responding to President Obama’s executive actions, said, “The President trampled the purpose and substance of the Bill of Rights by unilaterally imposing Second Amendment restrictions. After failing to pass gun control mea-

sures through Congress, the President is yet again resorting to unilateral executive action in place of the democratic process. Despite the President’s latest attempt to undermine our liberty, Texas will take every action to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.”

Here is what President’s actions are designed to do: Keep guns out of the wrong hands through background checks: The President wants the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,

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If the police or immigration comes to your home, you have the right to see a warrant signed

by a judge; do not open the door, ask the officer to slip it under the door. If they enter without a warrant, request the names and badge numbers of the officers and indicate that you do not consent to the search. Get a receipt for any property taken by the official.

If you are stopped on the street, and the officer does not have a warrant, he may not arrest you unless he has evidence that you are a non-citizen. Remember you have the right to remain silent and to refuse a search. Do not say anything about your immigration status or where you were born, do not carry around with you documents from your home country or false documents. Only produce valid immigration documents.

If you find yourself in detention, know who arrested you, remain silent and don’t sign any documents before speaking to a lawyer. You have a right to make a phone call after you are arrested.

Memorize the phone number of an attorney, a reliable family member/friend and contact him/ her immediately. If you are accused of a crime, you must determine if the crime will affect your immigration status, to do that, speak to an immigration attorney, and again do not sign anything.

Develop a safety plan. Make sure you designate individuals who can care for your children or other vulnerable family members, if you are detained. Identify someone who can access your money to pay for deportation expenses, or address living expenses for your family. Make sure

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Page 6

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

ARIBBEAN Briefs LIAT launches Helicopters flights to Dominica and Nevis

LIAT, The Caribbean Airline, has entered into a bespoke charter agreement with Caribbean Helicopters, based in Antigua & Barbuda, whereby the company will provide LIAT with charter flights into specific markets in the region.

Caribbean Helicopters operates a fleet of Piper Navajo Chieftain PA31-350 and Britten Norman BN2 aircraft, which are ideal for services into some of the smaller Caribbean islands, where demand is limited and a smaller aircraft is required.

Customers can continue to

book these flights through LIAT, and they will operate with LIAT flight numbers.

Beginning January 22, Caribbean Helicopters will operate new services into Dominica

Canefield and also to Nevis, on a daily basis. Services to Canefield depart Antigua at 1130 and return at 1240 daily.

Flights from Antigua to Nevis depart at 1635 and return from Nevis at 1720.

8000 Jamaicans to Work in Canada

OLC: More than 8,000 Jamaicans are to benefit from employment opportunities in Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) in 2016.

The first group of 310 farm workers left on January 6 to work in various agricultural industries, including greenhouse crop production, food processing, vegetable and plant nurseries. The workers will be sent weekly ending in September.

The season officially ends on December 15.

According to JIS News, Jamaica’s Director of the Overseas Employment Service, Delroy Palmer, said, “The crop and the duration of the crop will determine how long they stay. So, we have workers staying six weeks to three months and up

JANUARY 2016

US to Help Guyana Crack Down on Gold Smuggling

OLC: Authorities in Guyana say the U.S. government is helping Guyana crack down on a massive international gold smuggling operation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United Stated Homeland Security Department recently visited the country,” said Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

It was noted that gold from Guyana is being smuggled to places such as Brazil, Suriname, Miami and the Middle East. Reportedly, smuggled gold from Guyana also ends up in Europe.

According to the two US Agencies, gold is also being smuggled into this country also. This was confirmed by Trotman who said that the information was news to him which caught him by surprised. The FBI and the United States Homeland Security Department informed them of the development.

Guyana Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman

Asked if he believes that lowering the royalties and taxes on gold may reduce the instances of smuggling, Trotman told the media, “There is no empirical evidence to support that notion that could see an automatic rise in the declaration.”

“You have to examine the reason of why people are

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Dominica’s Resettlement Project – TS Erika

Some of the 310 Jamaicans to work in Canada

to eight months.”

province of Ontario.

The Ministry’s Overseas Employment Services Centre held a ceremony for the farm workers to Canada on East Street, downtown Kingston. Their work station includes Leamington, Simcoe, Owen Sound, West Lorne, Goderich, Stratford and Woodstock, in the

Minister of Labor and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, who spoke at the ceremony, said the program is an important contributor to the local economy. He noted that preliminary figures for the 2015 period show earnings in

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OLC: Dominica is continuing its resettlement project for its citizens who were displaced from the devastation of Tropical Storm Erika on August 27, 2015. The storm triggered mudslides and flooding destroying roads, bridges and homes. The count of fatality was more than 20 people dead.

The residents of Petite Savanne suffered severe mudslides such that the area was inaccessible from the rest of the island other than by boat or helicopter.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said that the government acquired 44.4 acres of land in Bellevue Chopin to resettle residents of

Area of Colihaut after TS Erika

Petite Savanne.

Speaking to the Dominica Government Information Services on Wednesday, January 6, Skerrit continued, “The Cabinet took a decision yesterday afternoon to compulsorily acquire

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JANUARY 2016

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

Page 7

An Interview with the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Dr. Kenny Anthony

On Integration and Crime in the Caribbean

OLC: For the second time in five years, a Prime Minister of Saint Lucia has visit the Diaspora in Houston. The first, on March 29, 2011, then Prime Minister Stephenson King made a visit to the area.

The recent visit of St. Lucia Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony to Southeast Texas, arriving late December 11, 2015 and departing December 14, 2015, has served to highlight increasing collaborations in the local Caribbean community. The Prime Minister’s short trip was for him to connect with a segment of his St. Lucian Diaspora community in both Baytown and Houston.

To his pleasant surprise, he was also fittingly greeted by the larger Caribbean community.

Also traveling with the Prime Minister was Dr. June Soomer, Saint Lucia Ambassador for CARICOM, OECS and Diaspora Affairs.

Sylvanus Donaie, the Publisher of this publication, One Love Caribbean, was at the center of it. On December 13, 2015, he had a candid conversation with The Honorary Dr. Kenny Anthony at the Houston Marriott Westchase. They spoke on a whole range of Caribbean issues.

In this piece, the Prime Minister touch on integration and crime in the Caribbean. Here it is…

Donaie: Thank you Mr. Prime Minister for the opportunity to interview you on behalf of the Caribbean communities here in Houston. Our communities is very large to the tune of some about 300 thousand people of Caribbean heritage. I know there is a growing movement for Caribbean integration with CARICOM and OECS. How can the diaspora here in Houston benefit from this movement?

Dr. Anthony: It is very important first of all that the Caribbean Diaspora here in the United States, understand that it is not just a Saint Lucian Diaspora, a Jamaican Diaspora, or a Trinidadian diaspora, but collectively it is a Caribbean Diaspora. It is the only way they will have the political clout or the political impact that is needed here in the United States.

To a very large extend, Caribbean governments are only now discovering the value of the Caribbean diaspora. There have been and unwillingness in the past to mobilize them for political purposes, for political objectives, [and to] protect the common interest of the Caribbean, and part of the reason for that is, we have been slow on the mark, because we have been dealing with our respective population on a country to country basis and not a Caribbean basis. The first thing that we need to do is constantly spreading the message, and that is why I admire the work that you doing. It is not just a Saint Lucian Diaspora but a Caribbean diaspora.

I was very please last night, for example, when I had the opportunity to meet Caribbean Nationals from across the region.

There were Trinidadians; there were Jamaicans, Grenadians, Dominicans, and citizens of St. Kitts/Nevis. Now that was a very pleasing encounter. And reinforces what I said earlier, how well established this Caribbean diaspora here is in Texas.

The second thing is this... there is almost an umbilical relationship, if you like, between what’s occurring in the Caribbean and what will occurred in the United States or in other country where that are Caribbean nationals. The fact of the matter

PM Dr. Anthony at Saint Lucican townhall meeting in Baytown, Texas is, while we promote Caribbean integration within our own regions, we have not done a good job in sending the message to our national overseas, so that the Caribbean agenda is sometime very divorced from that of the North American agenda. So we need to do is to close that agenda to say to our respective population that we are dealing with one agenda.

One of the intriguing things is, perhaps a sociological phenomenon, lot of our nationals, who come to the United States, come in search of opportunities (better lives); opportunity to improve their education, to learn new skill, to start a new life, to get away from things that have gone wrong in their respective countries, but they quickly became familiar with the Caribbean things because they have to rely on the Caribbean communities.

The curious thing is whereas they may pay no attention to the fact that they are Caribbean citizen and they belong to a civilization call the Caribbean, once they get here, they better understand the message that

PM Dr. Anthony met with an elder Saint Lucian after townhall meeting in Baytown, Texas

we’ve been trying to promote.

I think what we should do is to link what we are doing domestically with what we are doing regionally. That is to say, as individual countries promote their populations in the diaspora, so too, at a CARICOM level we need to link the two so there is one consistent message. The key issues is to deepen the relationship in what is occurring in the Caribbean to what’s occur in North America (NA).

Donaie: Let’s move to another issue. Crime is rampant in the Caribbean as well as in the United States. Here in America, we see a direct link between poor people going to prison and drugs. But as you can see, many States now, primarily for financial reason, understand it is not merely a drug problem because the poor man on the street is not bringing in the drugs, (Dr. Anthony interjects: But they are consumers) but they would be sentence to jail for 20 to 30 years for something that cost one to two bucks. How are Caribbean Governments dealing with this issue?

Dr. Anthony: Ok, you have raised two different but related issues. First you raised the phenomenon in crime. There can be no question that the Caribbean have a problem. It’s not a Saint Lucian problem or a Jamaican problem; it’s a Caribbean problem.

Recently, I had reason to say to a group of Saint Lucians, who were trying to suggest that Saint Lucia has the highest crime rate in the region. How then do you describe little St. Kitts with a population of 45 thousands and so far they’ve had 24 or 25 murders for the years …24 or 25 homicides. What are you talking about? It not that I am being protective of Saint Lucia or protective of my government, but merely to emphasize the problem is far more deeper

than we are prepared to admit.

It is not often explained by economic performers. Trinidad is a classic case in point. The most board economy! Trinidad has one of the lowest unemployment rates yet it has some of the highest crime figures in the region. How do you explain that? So it is not as simple as people think, but I believe, that despite the fact that we have establish regional mechanism to try to cope with the crime problem in the region and to try to deal with the individual issues that we have, we need to do much more. We need to get in the mysteries of crime to better understand what is happening.

But of course, there will be no changes until there are phenomenal adjustment with our respective police forces. The approach to fighting crime have to be different. We have to break the link between crime and corruption in the police force throughout the region. It is a big-big problem. We have to understand we have very small societies, and inevitably, what is going to happen, you going to have leakage between criminals in the community and officers in the various police forces in the region. It’s a real problem, but we have to have zero tolerance of corruption within the respective police forces We also have to change tactics and we have to change approaches; we have to revisit some of the tactics that we once used. Right now in Saint Lucia, we have seen the trend where police virtually abandon the street to the criminals. They resort the patrolling largely by vehicles on a constant basis.

That cannot work because a police force requires intelligence 24 hours a day, and they can only get intelligence, if they are in intimated contact with the Continue on Page 14

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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

JANUARY 2016

JANUARY 2016

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

PHOTOS

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HAP 10th Anniversary and Scholarship Award

Houston Caribbean

OLC: The Houston Association of Panamanians (HAP) celebrated its 10th year anniversary this past December 2015 with a gala attended by a cross section of supporters in the Houston Community. The event included the presentation of six Trailblazer Scholarship awards to college students of Panamanian descent, Trinidad/Tobago descent and African American.

The keynote speaker was Panamanian-born Dr. Ricardo Millett of Chicago, Illinois, who delivered a passionate speech covering a story about “Living in Latin America while Black.�

The story had a special focus on the trials, disappointments, joys and triumphs of Afro-Panamanians in general; including specific attention to the lives of Panamanians of Caribbean descent from the early beginnings of the country up through present.

Also in attendance was the guest scholarship presenter

Judge William Murrain from Atlanta, Georgia, who himself is a strong advocate for higher education. These special guests are descendants of Caribbean immigrants who came to Panama during the Canal construction period.

The entertainment for the evening was outstanding with Comedian Ezra Washington starting off the evening and ending with a folkloric dance presentation by the Grupo Folklorico Raices de Panama depicting early Panamanian Afro-Colonial dances and songs.

Dance music was provided later in the evening by DJ Felo, the singular Afro-Panamanian Dee Jay in Houston. For further information about the goals and objectives of the organization, please visit the website www.houstonpanamanians.com. As always HAP will be grateful for your continued support of the mission and goals of the organization.

BUSINESS FOR SALE

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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

ONNECTIONS

Caribbean Non - Profit Organizations Time to Re-Think Our Strategy things Mr. Egger strongly urges for all of the approximately one million NPO’s currently operating in the United States of America… that we merge. Again, that is not to become one organization; but rather, to remain autonomously many, which work more efficiently through strategically specified mediums of coalescence.

Terry Layne Staff Writer tlayne@olchouston.com Over the past month or so, I learned about a national personality by radio and print; someone whom I believe may bring relevance to our Caribbean civic organizations. Something that struck me about what he was saying had to do with Non-Profit Organizations (NPO’s). In fact he was straight-forward with his urgings for NPO’s. Accordingly, the important word for these groups now is: merger. Yes, merger! But not in the sense as most businesses would use this concept: “two becoming one.” What he had to say was a little different.

If I may, let borrow an analogy from known geometrical concepts: To merge without becoming one is compared to tangent lines. They are separate lines (having distinctive identities) that touch at one point without cutting across or cutting through each other. Organizational mergers in this sense are very similar. They come together for one purpose without cutting across or cutting through each other.

But before I elaborate on his premise, let me simply say that he’s not coming from some whimsical place; or even offering an uninformed opinion. Robert Egger is nationally known for leadership and advocacy work in and with NPO’s across the country.

Drawing from his early experience in volunteerism, he founded the Washington, D.C. Central Kitchen, where he served as President of that organization for some 24 years. He was also the Director of the United Way in the D.C. area.

In addition, he developed a similar Central Kitchen Operations in Los Angeles, California. But here’s another impressive detail about Robert’s experience.

These Kitchens were not built to feed the hungry, per se. They are food re-cycling operations, which were developed to re-direct foods that would have been wasted to industries, creating jobs for men and women in the local areas.

But now, let’s look at some of the

When we examine the current context of Egger’s urgings, it becomes clearer, what drives his passion for these suggested strategies of merging. First of all, many NPO’s, including our local civic organizations, are all seeking support from known shrinking pools of available grants, diminishing access to contracts, and dwindling quantities of monetary donations.

Merging in Robert Egger’s urgings, refer to a practice of reinforcing or improving services offered, consolidating costs, and obtaining better economies of scale.

My resources in the field of Economics tell me that Economies of Scale is that formula of operations where a Quantity of Production (Q1) increases as the average cost per unit decreases (Q2). Clearly then, this is about costs advantages that businesses obtain due to size, output, or scale of operations…the costs per unit goes down as fixed costs are spread out over more units of distribution. Sounds like a good business sense to me!

But in order to fully appreciate the hidden possibilities in these organizations, it is important keep in mind that NPO’s are small businesses. And further, NPO’s presently employ more than 10 million workers and contribute billions of dollars in taxes. All too frequently, many view NPO’s as sheer charities, avocations, or volunteer work. But while these activities might be related to NPO’s in many cases; it is clearly misguided thinking to limit the roles and characteristics of these enterprises to the attributes mentioned earlier.

It will be another great day in Houston if we should ever come to the realization about how we could develop ourselves into entrepreneurial partnerships at a “feast of making profits;” rather than acting like “gladiator combatants in an arena of entertainment” built for the elites; as it sometimes appears to be.

Robert Egger is further well written and frequently cited on the topic of operating NPO’s efficiently. His position on the matter is detailed in his published book, “Begging for Change (2004).” In fact, he specifically covers five levels of mergers, where people

JANUARY 2016

Thecia R. Jenkins

Take Your Life Back!

tjenkins@olchouston.com Happy New Year!

So here we are at the beginning having leadership responsibilities of another year and the opporin NPO’s may begin to explore tunity to reflect on the past and and develop strategies for mergers make decisions on what things we want to continue and what within their existential contexts. things to discontinue.

The levels are: 1) In Supportive Operational Services; 2) Asso- The number sixteen represents ciation membership; 3) Banking love, and so as we move (deposits); 4) Commerce (directed throughout the next twelve spending under an “NPO Seal of months, I want to encourage Approval”). 5) Votes. Because of you to make a decision to conThecia R. Jenkins the limited space for writing; this tinue or start walking in love. article simply summarizes some of Make a declaration to demon- this fear?

Egger’s prominent ideas. strate love in every area of your life, which is not an easy feat.

• Where did this fear come Obviously, I’m writing this artifrom? cle, not simply for public infor- Walking in love empowers us mation; but also with an attempt to take our lives back! After In order to address fear there to persuade our current cadre almost fifty years of living, I has to be dialogue within one’s of leaders of local NPO’s, Civic Organizations, and other like realize that so much of my own self. You are the only one who groups to actively explore the life has been consumed by fear. truly knows the fears that drive merger strategy for their respec- In the spiritual realm, we un- you. This can be your year to tive enterprises within the scope derstand that we have not been “Take Your Life Back” and reof their given authority. While I given the spirit of fear, but love lease fear. Now is the time embrace love which is manifested am skewed in favor of examining and a sound mind. by a sound mind. the idea; I anticipate there will be As a speaker, seminar leader those who will oppose the urging for any number of reasons. But and personal/professional de- A sound mind comes from I’m further convinced that when- velopment coach, I have indi- having confidence in yourself, ever “fate” evokes a comprehen- viduals, who share how their being able to manage your sive look beyond the obvious; I fears have paralyzed them and thoughts, connecting with othbelieve, not only will the need stolen their dreams. Dreams ers and assertively handling for these strategies become clear- of flying, starting a new ca- conflict. er; but so will those innumerable reer, forgiving, and yes, even possibilities for mergers become truly loving someone. When The absence of love makes it advantageously clear. we choose to walk in a state of difficult to carry out these bafear, love is not present. sic life skills because so many Predictably for many people, it times we are consumed with will be an “easy sale” to be inter- I want to challenge you during past unresolved hurts, disapested enough to develop a sense of the month of January to reflect pointments, shame, and other Egger’s proposal. Since these may on your life from holistic point issues that simply come with already possess a natural propensity for partnerships, joint advertis- of view by asking yourself the living. ing, collective initiatives, joint ven- following: Resolve to take your life back tures, alliances, or co-sponsorships.

• What is my greatest fear? and manage fear in every form Others, who might be inclined toin 2016; it is the year of Real ward the opposite direction, may require a little more persuasion. • If I were not fearful in this Love, One Love!

But you know what, I believe, once area of my life, how would my Thecia R. Jenkins Bold Profession all the data are in, the choice will life be different?

Seminars & Consulting Equipping you be made clear! In fact, we may not • What is one thing I can start to make a world of difference. Webhave an option, otherwise. doing this year to move past site:http//:www.theciajenkins.com But for now, sufficient enough to be hopeful that our cadre members, beginning now and through the years ahead, will execute the needed boldness in leadership to Texas Stranded Motorist Hotline connect our organizational objectives to the evolving generational A toll-free number was established in 1989 to get help needs. This is particularly as it to motorists whose vehicles are disabled on state and relates “bread and butter issues.” federal roads in Texas. The number, 800-525-5555, is I question the usefulness of that printed on the back of all Texas driver licenses and ID outdated philosophy, “every man/ cards, and is for motorists to use when reporting a need woman for themselves;” and esfor non-emergency assistance. It is not a substitute for pecially in a world of increasing9-1-1 and it is not a Customer Service line to answer ly global thinking. I’m afraid the Driver License questions or other routine matters for oth“lone wolf” approach to survival er divisions of DPS. would hardly be viable in a local or global situation, such as ours.

It is for motorists who have a legitimate need for assisIt is time to re-think our stratetance on Texas roadways. gies for doing business! We do it through mergers and alliances; or Examples of when a motorist may call the Hotline include we fail miserably as lone wolves stranded with car problems, hazardous road conditions, . debris in the roadway, suspicious activity at a rest area, Terry is a retired counselor in the and obviously intoxicated or dangerous drivers. fields of mental health and education

DID YOU KNOW

JANUARY 2016

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

BIRTHDAYS IN THE DIASPORA

Page 11

AN INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT Encouragement from the Word of God

THE BEST POWER TOOL need it most”.

Virgina St. Hilaire Dominica

Asia Reid Frederick Saint Lucia

Amanda Head Jamaica

Erika Chatman Panama

Ras Ipa St Kitts and Nevis

Luz Mouton Columbia

Sonia Erskine Antigua

Karen Layne Panama

There is no limit on the issues or situations that one can pray about. Philippians 4:6 says, “…pray about everything”; it does not matter how great or how seemingly insignificant.

Cherryann Donigan Trinidad and Tobago

Angela Browne Jamaica

Michelle Brookes-Worrell St. Kitts/Barbados

Uncle L Trinidad

Email your birthday to birthday@onelovehouston.com

Celebrating 52 Years of Marriage.

January 1, 2016: Terry and Marva Layne

Charmaine Bailey Staff Writer cbailey@olchouston.com The gift wrappings are now in the trash, the gifts sorted and even forgotten, but let me ask you this. Did you receive a power tool for Christmas? A power tool is quite valuable and handy and every household should have one to take care of necessary repairs and other projects.

But there is an even better power tool that every household and person should have. That tool is prayer. It is one of the best gifts that God has given to us; yes, we already have it, yet sadly it is one of the most neglected and underused.

Prayer is first of all, a direct line of communication with our heavenly Father.

Prayer is a privilege provided to us by a loving God without boundaries to restrict or hinder. It is available 24/7 and there never will be a busy signal or any problem getting through. It is available to whosoever chooses, an answer is always sure and best of all, there is no charge. There are no social or religious barriers; no special education or qualification needed, instead, Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “come boldly to the throne of… God. There we will receive his mercy, and… find grace to help us when we

I Thess. 5:17 says “never stop praying”; it is always appropriate. This means that prayer should be an integral part of our daily living. Prayer may be corporate or public but also very personal and private. Public prayer is great and wonderful, but there is no substitute for the prayer that takes place in the “closet” where one can completely and freely bare heart and soul before God. Prayer provides the calm that comes from quieting the heart, putting fear and despair on the back burner and trusting God with the situation. It dispels panic and fear, allows peace to take over and brings clarity of mind so that one can discern the answer and know the right thing to do. It fosters a close personal relationship with God and gives the ability to stand strong in patient expectation of the answer.

Here’s the most important prayer that you can ever pray – “Jesus, become the ruler of my heart and life”. Pray that today! It will change you forever.

Pull this precious tool off the shelf and let prayer become central to your heart and life starting this New Year. Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

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.

Celebrating 39 Years of Marriage.

Texas19: Multicultural - First Meeting January Wycliffe Women and Charmaine Bailey Celebrated 7 Years of Service

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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

OPEN EDITORIAL

ORGANIZING TO GOVERN HOUSTON

by Carroll G. Robinson, Jay Aiyer and Dr. Michael O. Adams

As this year’s Houston (Texas) mayoral run-off draws to a close, it’s time to move beyond the horse race and political polls to a focus on a substantive discussion on organizing the next administration to be more effective and efficient as it relates to governing our City.

As professors of public administration at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, we would like to offer the following recommendations to open up a broader conversation on recommendations for the new mayor on organizing to govern Houston.

First, the new Mayor should have a daily homeland security and public safety crime statistics briefing. The City must develop a ComStat (crime prevention) Center on par with

those in New York City and Los Angeles.

Second, the new Mayor should receive a weekly briefing on street repair and the City’s infrastructure Capital Improvement Projects – timeline for completion and funding status.

The Chairman of the City’s Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee should be invited to attend these briefings.

The Planning Department in coordination with Public Works and Engineering should develop a comprehensive 3D GIS Database of all public and private sector infrastructure, development, construction and transportation projects in our City. This database should also include Building Permit and Variance request application data as well as neighborhood

deed restrictions. The database should have the ability to do cumulative impact analysis on traffic congestion and flooding.

The database should be used to ensure better coordination and cooperation to help reduce construction delays and traffic congestion.

The Director of PW&E should be named a Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor as was done by former Mayor Bob Lanier.

Doing this would help ensure that fixing our streets and reducing flooding in our neighborhoods would be daily priorities for our new Mayor along with keeping our City safe and dealing with the City’s finances.

Third, the new Mayor should receive a weekly macro economic briefing on the City’s and our region’s economy.

JANUARY 2016

This briefing should be provided by a group of academic and private sector economists coordinated by the Director of Finance and Administration.

The Chairman of the Fiscal Affairs Committee and the City Controller should be invited to attend these briefings.

Fourth, the new Mayor should have a standing monthly meeting with his Department Directors as a “cabinet”. Those meetings should focus on improving operational efficiencies and the delivery of core City services.

Houston needs to develop a sophisticated CitiStat program similar to the one used in Baltimore when Mayor Martin O’Malley was Mayor of that City.

Fifth, the new Mayor should meet quarterly with the Superintendents of the Independent School Districts in Houston along with the leaders of our local community colleges and universities to discuss how to improve our local workforce and economic growth through

improved academic performance of the young people in our schools and colleges.

Sixth, on a quarterly basis, the new Mayor should meet with the City’s Super Neighborhood Council. The City needs to better protect our neighborhoods and empower our Civic Clubs to ensure that our neighborhoods remain the heart of our City.

Finally, the Mayor Pro Tem should be invited to all of these briefings. Under the City Charter, they are the first in line to succeed the mayor in case of an emergency.

An Interview with the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia,

Dr. Kenny Anthony

On Integration and Crime in the Caribbean From Page Page 7

communities. In other words, if they are part of the community...

And you cannot rely solely on technology, as valuable and vital as technology is today. Mobile phones, for example, are a great asset to criminals because they can now report to each other, relate to each other and communicate to each other. But at the same time, it afford slow enforcement agency opportunities because what it mean, we can now use legislations to be able to get access to communication via mobile phones to know when crime are being committed. So it cuts both ways.

But my point is, there have to be a dramatic change in approach.

One of the things that I am very deeply concern about, certainly in Saint Lucia, is the actions of appropriate leadership on the high echelon of the police force.

It’s a real problem that we are not training our police officers for responsibilities for the leadership in their respective organization. And I think we made a huge mistake by dismantling the regional training institutions for that purpose. We have got to return to establish a regional police academy to begin to train officers for senior position in the police force. I think it was a huge mistake and it need to be corrected as soon as possible.

But let me come to the heart of

you issues on drugs. You may know that an attempt was made

by CARICOM to revisit policies on drugs trafficking and drugs consumption. CARICOM had agreed to establish a regional commission to study the question of whether there should be reforms to existing drug laws.

Unfortunately that initiative was torpedoed by particular countries for all kind of reason, which I thought was very unfortunate.

But essentially, what you are doing is to engage on a fact finding mission to ascertain what is the extent of the problem in individual countries, but to determine whether there is enough regional solidarity and regional commitment to making changes to the body of drug laws that we have in operation across the region.

The second factor, and this is a more compelling one, is the dramatic changes that is now taking place in NA. Some States are legalizing marijuana allegedly for medicinal purposes. But you and I know otherwise. We’re talking about social consumption on marijuana. So I don’t think those states are really fooling anybody.

But that there purpose. It’s a different question as to whether marijuana consumption is sufficiently safe to allow it to exist.

We have seen a movement here in the US, States like Colorado that is moving in that direction.

galizing drug consumption and drug production. In Uruguay, for example, has legalize marijuana.

There is even a more dramatic change, and that is in Canada.

The new Canadian government has made it quite clear that they are going to legalize marijuana.

I had an opportunity to chat with the new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Malta.

I want you to stick a pin for a moment and consider implications for it. Tourist arriving from these States where marijuana consumption has been legalized, usually for medicinal purpose, or in Canada, whether you going to have broad legislations of marijuana. What is going to happen to those visitors from those parts of NA who visit the Caribbean?

It is true that the simple answer has to be introduced. You have to enforce your laws. It means that if a Canadian citizen enter Saint Lucia with a few joints of marijuana, then that Canadian citizen should be prosecuted. But that is not the political reality!

Apart from those challenges, you have the Jamaican challenge, because the Jamaicans have moved to some extent to decriminalize growing marijuana allegedly again for medicinal purposes. But I don’t buy that!

So the Caribbean is faced with pressures from NA, from within its own, from South America, At the same time, in Latin Amer- and there are dramatic changes ica, we seen a movement in le- also occurring in Europe. In oth-

er words, we cannot, in that kind of environment, maintain existing postures; we have to make adjustments. And, I predict [that], in the next five years, you going to begin to see individual countries taking steps maybe not necessary to legalize, but also begin to tackle the problem that you been talking about: the disparage sentences weeded out to young people. We are creating criminals to a lot of these young person that have been picked up because of drugs consumption.

However, there is a more complex and deeper problem. The key to tackling the marijuana problem is to recognizing it as a public health issue. In other word, it we begin moving in the direction and treating it as a public health issue in much the same way we treat alcohol consumption as a public health issues, then you have a better chances

of tacking the problem and the difficulties and complexities that it produces.

So we now have to prepare our institutions to fight marijuana consumption by treating it as a public health issue. So we are able to tell people that just as alcohol is bad for your health (excess consumption of alcohol is not good for you). Then we can begin to say excess consumption of marijuana is not good for you; as it did, the consumption of cigarette is not good for you because it is causing cancer of the lung and other related conditions. So I would imagine, you will begin to see dramatic adjustments in policy across our region.

JANUARY 2016

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

Health & Wellness More Computer Time May Be Causing Nearsightedness in Kids

Page 13

First case of Zika Virus reported in Puerto Rico

Eye experts suggest boosting outdoor time to get young eyes focusing on distant objects THURSDAY, Dec. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Children who spend lots of time indoors and on computers and other electronic devices may be raising their risk for nearsightedness, a panel of U.S. ophthalmology experts suggests.

The prevalence of Americans with nearsightedness -- also known as myopia -- has nearly doubled over the last 50 years, the ophthalmologists noted.

The ophthalmologists suspect the increase is due to “near work” -- focusing on something close to your eyes -- and the decreased amount of time spent outdoors in natural light.

“Kids are spending much more time doing indoor activities with their cellphones, iPads, computers, and so on,” said Dr. Rohit Varma, director of the University of Southern California Eye Institute in Los Angeles.

“Especially when children are young, when they play these games indoors where they’re seeing things very close to them and doing it in low-light level -that combination of doing near activities in low light is what contributes to these children becoming very nearsighted,” Varma said.

A panel of 10 ophthalmology experts discussed the global increase of childhood myopia at the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s (AAO) recent annual meeting in Las Vegas. Information presented at meetings is usually viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Anyone can be nearsighted, but it’s more common in people whose parents are nearsighted, said Dr. K. David Epley, a

December 31, 2015 spokesman for the AAO. The condition is also much more prevalent in industrialized and urban areas than in rural areas, he added.

Children of East Asian descent are genetically predisposed to nearsightedness, but children’s habits in those regions may be increasing the rates of myopia even more. The current rate of myopia in young people in China is 90 percent compared to about 10 to 20 percent 60 years ago, the experts said. That compares to a rate of 42 percent for Americans between the ages of 12 and 54, according to previous research.

The ophthalmologists noted the difference in Chinese and American work habits. Children in China spend up to 12 hours a day doing near work, compared to their U.S. peers, who spend about nine hours a day on near work, the eye experts said.

Dr. David Hunter, chief of ophthalmology at Boston Children’s Hospital, explained that nearsightedness is when your eyes are capable of focusing up close but not far away. It generally happens when the eye grows too long, and the best focus point no longer aligns well with the area at the back of the eye called the

retina. Hunter likened the retina to the film of a camera.

If the lens isn’t focusing the light on the film, then the image is going to be blurry, Hunter said. In the case of myopia, the retina is too far away from the focal point until objects are closer.

While myopia is not reversible -- or even stoppable -- its progression can be slowed, the eye experts said.

“We want to encourage our kids to read, but it’s not a great thing to read for hours straight without looking up from the page,” Epley said. “Encourage kids to take breaks. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break.

Get your eyes off the page with something that’s farther away.”

Although there are no conclusive studies that say dim light is harmful, Epley said, it does require more accommodation and focus, which can lead to a strain on the eyes. So always make sure your kids are reading in bright light.

There’s no specific number of hours shown to be too much time spent on near work, Varma said. But having kids spend more time playing outdoors is

Continue on Page 14

CDC: The Puerto Rico Department of Health reported today the first locally acquired case of Zika virus infection in Puerto Rico. Zika was confirmed in a resident of Puerto Rico with no known travel history. CDC is working closely with the Puerto Rico Department of Health to investigate how the patient may have contracted the virus.

Health officials in Puerto Rico are monitoring for other cases of Zika virus infection.

CDC has issued a travel notice advising people traveling to Puerto Rico to take usual precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites to reduce their risk of infection with Zika virus and other mosquito-borne viruses, such as dengue and chikungunya. These steps include wearing insect repellent, using air conditioning or window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when possible, and emptying standing water inside and outside the home.

Zika fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by Zika virus (ZIKV), consisting of mild fever, rash (mostly maculo-papular), headaches, arthralgia, myalgia, asthenia, and non-purulent conjunctivitis, occurring about three to twelve days after the mosquito vector bite. One out of four people may not develop symptoms, but in those who are affected the disease is usually mild with symptoms that can last between two and seven days. Its clinical manifestation is often similar to dengue, also a mosquito-borne illness Zika virus, originally identi-

fied in 1947 from Zika forest of Uganda, is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes are found throughout tropical regions of the world and are the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. Mosquitoes become infected with the Zika virus when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika virus infection.

Outbreaks of Zika have occurred in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Because the Aedes species mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are found throughout the world, it is likely that outbreaks will spread to new countries. To date, Zika virus has been reported in several countries and territories in the Americas. Brazil is investigating the possible association between Zika virus infection and cases of microcephaly (smaller than expected head size) in infants.

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Infection is thought to provide lifelong immunity. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. Deaths are rare. Travelers returning from areas with Zika activity should seek medical care if they experience a fever and symptoms of infection.

Health care providers in areas with reported cases should be on the alert for possible cases.

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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

JANUARY 2016

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 13 ...Computer an important way to help prevent myopia, he noted, adding that playing outside may benefit every aspect of a child’s growth, including their eyes.

“When you’re outdoors there’s more stuff that’s far away, and when you’re indoors the furthest thing away is still proba-

From Page 5 ...Obama’s Action...

Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to make it clear that it doesn’t matter where you conduct your business—from a store, at gun shows, or over the Internet. If you’re in the business of selling firearms, you must get a license and conduct background checks.

Make our communities safer from gun violence: The President wants the Attorney General to direct federal prosecutors to continue to focus on smart and effective enforcement of our gun laws. Also, ATF to enhance its ability to track illegal online firearms trafficking.

Increase mental health treat-

From Page 6 Dominica...

that property which will serve as the site for the relocation of the Petite Savanne residents and some from Pichelin whose homes were affected.”

“In the next couple of weeks, we will begin work on the infrastructure like roads, water

bly about 20 feet away,” Hunter pointed out.

Another benefit to kids spending time outdoors is the exposure to natural light. If kids do need to stay indoors, having large, glass windows in the home is helpful so kids can still get the benefit of seeing objects at a distance, and get exposure to bright light, Varma said. ment and reporting to the background check system: The Administration propose a new $500 million investment to increase access to mental health care. The Social Security Administration will begin the rulemaking process to include information in the background check system about beneficiaries who are prohibited from possessing a firearm for mental health reasons.

Shape the future of gun safety technology: The President has directed the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security to conduct or sponsor research into gun safety technology and to review the availability of smart gun technology on a regular basis. and electricity to start construction of the first 50 homes.”

“In Plat Ma Pierre, we are making progress. There is water and electricity on site,” he reported.

Plat Ma Pierre, Colihaut will be the site to resettle those displaced from the west coast of the island.

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From Page 5 ...Immigration your family knows your correct and complete name, date of birth and immigration status. If you have an alien number, they need to know this too. Make sure they know who to contact if you are detained. Identify the immigration detention centers near where you work or reside, and have the contact information of an immigration attorney who they can contact if you are ever detained.

Keep all your immigration documents, including paperwork filed with immigration at a secure, easy to find location so that your family can get access to the materials easily. Make a list of contact information on any lawyer who represented you.

dilemma facing our south and central american neighbors as inapplicable to persons from anywhere bounding and butting the lovely Caribbean sea, ask yourself these questions? Do you know anyone with a green card and a criminal conviction? Anyone who came here on a tourist visa and overstayed? Who came in someone else’s name? Had their conditional green card denied? Whose conditional green card expired, violated their student visa? Whose work permit expired or whose application was denied for marriage fraud?

Who has a pending application to fix their status? Whether you believe it or not, these persons and many others are potential candidates for deportation.

Before you dismiss the current

The immigration battle will

From Page 6 Guyana...

of concession and incentive for those within the mining industry. Despite, the State is not receiving value for it good deed.

smuggling gold; some of it has not only to do with a better price, which can be obtained in Suriname. It has to do with hiding income from the government to avoid taxes altogether, and other people may be using it as a means of laundering illicit or illegally obtained money.”

Government of Guyana give millions in income to large and small scale miners in the form

From Page 6 Jamaica. remittance from the program of over US$14.2 million (J$1.7 billion), an increase of 20% over the US$10 million earned in 2014.

“This overseas program must be seen as a critical part of the growth agenda for our country.

It must be seen as part of the

“Concessions are granted by the Minister of Finance and once he agree to give concession our functions will just be to allocate the actual acreage or size of the concession and physical size of the concession.

In terms of taxes and whether or not we are getting value economic growth of the country,” the Minister emphasized.

The program, which is in its fifth year continues to be an important contributor to the economic development as well as a job generator for hundreds of Jamaicans. Approximately 8,090 Jamaicans benefited from this employment opportunities in Canada last year.

continue well into 2016, and as a community we have to look at ways to lessen the impact on our loved ones and friends, who have not been able to gain legal status as yet. We must encourage them to use common sense in their daily lives, avoid contact with immigration and the criminal justice system. We must also encourage them to seek information from knowledgeable sources and plan ahead to tackle their immigration issues in a sensible and smart way.

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.

for is a matter for the ministry of fiancé and I think that I can safely say that Guyana has not received value for what it has given up and that is commensurate value that we may have received.

So the ministry is conducting reviews and it will be continued this year and much of it will be announced in the budged to be presented at the end of this month,” said Trotman.

JANUARY 2016

ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN

ISLAND STYLEE

ULTURE

JOKES | SATIRE | POEMS

The Irate Beggar

ISLAND RECIPES THE ART OF CARIBBEAN COOKING

Caribbean Grown Folk Drinks Planters’ Punch Ingredients 1 tbsp strawberry flavored syrup or 2 tbsp grenadine syrup 2 tbsp fine granulated sugar 1 tsp lime or lemon juice 4 oz dark or light rum Shaved ice Orange slice Diced pineapple Mint Sprigs

Grenada Rum Punch Ingredients Juice of fresh lime - 1 cup Juice of fresh lemon - 1 cup Juice of fresh orange - 1 cup Sugar syrup - 1 teaspoon Angostura bitters - 3 drops Grenadine - 1/2 teaspoon Dark rum - 3 parts Fresh lime - 1 slice Fresh orange - 1 slice Fresh lemon - 1 slice Pineapple - 1 slice Cracked ice - as per requirement Ground nutmeg - for serving

Directions Combine the syrup or grenadine, sugar, lime or lemon juice and rum. Shake well, Serve over shaved ice. Garnish with sliced orange, diced pineapple and mint.

Planters’ Punch

Directions In a cocktail shaker, pour the fruit juices and sugar. Shake the bitters into the mixture. Blend the grenadine, rum and fresh fruit; stir thoroughly. Refrigerate the mixture for 3 hours. Fill a lowball glass with cracked ice. Pour the punch and the fruit over the ice.

Sprinkle the top with nutmeg and decorate it with drink umbrellas and swizzle sticks before serving.

Puerto Rican Pina Colada Ingredients 1 1/2 oz light rum 2 oz Cream of coconut 2 oz pineapple juice 1 cup crushed ice

Grenada Rum Punch

Spiced Rum Punch Ingredients 4 cups fresh grapefruit juice 2 cups spiced rum 1/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons grenadine 4 cups ginger ale, chilled Lime wedges (optional) cherries (optional) Directions Combine grapefruit juice, spiced rum, sugar and grenadine, chill.

Add ginger ale, stirring well.

Serve over crushed ice, and garnish with lime wedges and cherries, if desired.

Rice

Meat

Trini Tings

White Peas & Rice Veggie Rice

Curry Goat Oxtail

Roti Doubles Polorie

13114 South Post Oak Road Houston Texas

John replied, “Boy, times have been hard. My eldest boy just started at UWI and my youngest daughter is now at high school...so you know how it a go...”

The beggar looked at him with impatience and asked, “Hexactly how much pickney dem yuh ‘ave, boss?”

“Four,” replied John.

The now irate beggar asked in a tone of disbelief, “Suh yuh mean fi tell me dat is out of mi money yuh a sen’ yuh pickney dem a school?”

After the first day, Timothy came home with a very serious look on his face.

He didn’t even kiss his mother hello. Instead, he went to his room and started studying. Books and papers were spread out all over the room and Timothy was hard at work. His mother was amazed. She called him down to dinner and to her shock, the minute he was done he marched back to his room without a word and in no time he was back hitting the books as hard as before. This went on for some time, day after day while the mother tried to understand what made all the difference.

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

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Later on, John began giving the beggar $20. The beggar, noticing this further decrease, became noticeably upset and decided to speak to John about it.

He stopped John one morning after accepting $20 and said, “Wha’ happening man? Yuh use to gi me $50, then yuh cut it down to $30, now dis!”

Banana Daiquiri Ingredients 1 ½ oz golden rum 4 oz orange juice Cracked ice (2 ice cubes) 5 dashes of Angostura bitters Lime or Lemon peel

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Curry Stew Jerk Fry

After a while John started to give the beggar $30. The beggar, noticing that his money was reduced, was not too pleased, but said nothing.

The Power of the Plus Sign Timothy was doing very badly in Math.

His parents had tried everything. Tutors, they tried everything they could think of. Finally, in a last ditch effort, they took Timothy down and enrolled him in the local Catholic school.

Kathleen’s Kitchen

Chicken / Fish

Every morning John would drive down Constant Spring Road on his way to work. And every morning he would stop and give the resident beggar man $50.

Directions Pour rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice into a blender with one cup of crushed ice. Blend until smooth, and pour into a collins glass. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry, and serve.

Directions Pour the rum and orange juice over cracked ice in a pre-chilled glass. Add the Angostura, stir, garnish with lime or lemon peel and serve

Banana Daiquiri

Page 15

Bake Good

Currant Roll Cake Coconut Drop

Finally, Timothy brought home his report card. He quietly laid it on the table and went up to his room and hit the books. With great trepidation, his Mom looked at it and to her surprise.... Timothy got an A in math.

She could no longer hold her curiosity.

She went to his room and said: “Son, what was it? Was it the nuns? Timothy looked at her and shook his head, “no.”

“Well, then”, she replied, “was it the books, the discipline, the structure, the uniforms? What was it?”

Timothy looked at her and said, “Well, on the first day of school, when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they weren’t fooling around.”

You Gotta Walk and Don’t Look Back Written by Peter Tosh

If it’s love that you’re running from

There is no hiding place Just your problems, no one else’s problems You just have to face

If you just put your hand in mine We’re gonna leave all our troubles behind Gonna walk and don’t look back Gonna walk and don’t look back Now if your first lover let you down There’s something that can be done Don’t kill your faith in love Remembering what’s become Places behind you, there to remind you Now if your first lover let you down There’s something that can be done Gonna heal your faith in love Remembering what’s been done Now if your first lover let you down There’s something that can be done Gonna heal your faith in love Remembering what’s been done How far you been walkin’ now about hundred miles You still got some more to walk I know, I got a little more to go I’m gettin’ kind of tired but I got to keep on walkin’ ‘I’m walkin’ barefoot You’ve got to walk and don’t look back The World Gives Her an Inch, She Takes a MILEAD Written By: Chuki Obiyo

One mile is equal to 63,360 inches, So walking a mile requires her to cover over 5,000 feet.

With only an inch given to you, Now imagine walking a mile in her shoes…

On a road of racism, A trail of tribalism, A path of paternalism, And a street of sexism.

But somehow this African Woman steps up to the challenge.

Like a Virtuous Woman, she thinks beyond a baby carriage.

She is no longer just a maid, Her leadership is made.

From grass to grace, Like lemons to lemonade.

If behind every great man there is a great woman, Then behind every great woman there is a great story.

The girl who lived in a tent that grows up to be president.

The student not allowed in the classroom that ends up in the boardroom.

Society slings her disappointments, and she turns them into blessings.

The world gives her an inch, and she takes a MILEAD. Donate to Women Leadership in Africa at http://www.moremiinitiative.org/

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