ONE LOVE Free Publication
Volume 7 Issue 9
SEPTEMBER 2014
ARIBBEAN
COMMUNITY • CULTURE • CONNECTIONS
COMMUNITY
Houston Panamanians Celebrate the Legacy of the Forefathers - Page 4
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One Love Caribbean
Page 2 • ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN • SEPTEMBER 2014
CONTENTS
The Publisher’s Thoughts - Page 3 • The Prudent Man Sees Danger and Take Refuge
The Community – Page 4 and 5 • • • • • •
100th Anniversary of the Panama Canal Houston Panamanians Celebrate the Legacy of the Forefathers Caribbean American March for Justice The Next Governor of Texas: Wendy or Greg HPD Chief wants officers equipped with body cameras Texas Governor Rick Perry Indicted
Immigration News - Page 5 • Can You Pass Secondary Inspection at a U.S Airport?
Caribbean - Page 6 and 7 • • • • • •
OECS citizens can now stay in St. Lucia indefinitely T&T Parliament approves Constitution Reforms Dominica Citizenship by Investment to fund Capital Projects Jamaica opens segment of the North/South Highway ALBA rejects subversive US programs against Cuba Grenada Integrity Commission Warns Police Officers
Caribbean Life in Houston - Page 8 and 9
• Islander on the Move: Dr. Tomeka Nicole Mena • Photos of the Month • Reggae Artist: Glen Washington
Connection - Page 10
• Pell Grant Changes May Impact College Enrollment • Chiropractic is the Way to Overall Wellness
Birthdays in The Diaspora - Page 11 An Inspirational Moment - Page 11 Open Editorial - Page 12
• Jamaica: Wanted: Light-Skinned Only, Please The Nation - Page 12 • Bank of America Settles with US Government
Health & Wellness - Page 13
• Sleep Problems: An Emerging Global Epidemic • Healthy Sleep Tips
Culture - Page 15
• Island Recipes • Jokes, Satire, and Poems
One Love CARIBBEAN P.O. Box 742291
CARIBBEAN EVENTS HOUSTON
Houston, TX 77274 281-769-2253
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Saturday, September 20, 2014 St. Kitts-Nevis Association of Houston Annual Scholarship Gala IG&G Reception Hall 16427 West Little York, Houston, TX 77084 (Hwy 6 @ W. Little York) Music: Galaxy-Band Houston and Texas Steel Pan Orchestra
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Sylvanus Donaie
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Sunday, September 28 at 12:30pm Caribbean Breast Cancer Foundation Breast Cancer Luncheon and Awards Ceremony Oak Plaza Banquet Hall. 504 FM 1092, Stafford Texas.77477
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October 4, 2014 at 7:00pm Houston Missouri City Domino Club Fifth Annual Award Banquet Sugarland Ballroom 869 Dulles Ave Stafford Texas
P.O Box 742291 Houston, TX 77274 Office: 281-769-2253 billing@olchouston.com
National Black United Front Houston Chapter 17th Anniversary Sankofa: Caravan to the Ancestors.
DJ Uncle L djunclel@olchouston.com
Entertainment Editor
Medical Editor
Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade kwade@olchouston.com
Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 pm *Wear Black for Unity* Caravan Education and Preparation NBUF, 2428 Southmore Blvd, Houston Saturday, October 18 at 7:00 pm Wear White for Spirit* Call Time 6:00 am Caravan Departs: NBUF House at 7am from 2428 Southmore Blvd, Houston Saturday, November 15, 2015 Annual Barbados Independence and Scholarship Banquet
Staff Writers
Sylvanus Donaie Marcelline Chitolie Terry Layne Thecia Jenkins Charmaine Bailey Attorney Latania Mena Advertising Tel: 281-769-2253 Tel: 832-881-9745 Tel: 504-460-9638
One Love CARIBBEAN is published monthly. All materials published in One Love CARIBBEAN is Copyrighted by One Love CARIBBEAN and may not be reproduced without our written permission. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: One Love CARIBBEAN is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions express herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher.
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The Publisher’s Thoughts
The Prudent Man Sees Danger and Take Refuge After returning to St. Croix from my military services, a few prominent police officers approached me to become one of them. At the time, a career in law enforcement was a sure job for most in the Virgin Islands, especially for those who returned home from the military. Their sales pitch encompassed the pride of service to your community. But, becoming a police was definitely not my cup of tea. Despite not taking the challenge of becoming a police officer, I had the honor of serving side-by-side with many. It was a common occurrence to have civilian police officers, who were also members of the Virgin Islands Army National Guard, maneuvering in both the local and international theaters of operations. We served on many missions: hurricane rescue, law enforcement, civil disturbance, military training, and weapon qualification. Interestingly, during our downtime, they would share their experiences, and I learned a lot. Indeed, at home, law enforcement officers are respected community servants. Many do it for little pay. As with many Caribbean islands, the life in the Virgin Islands was very community oriented. Practically everyone (including police officers) had a vast knowledge of each other and their family. They knew your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles, aunts, and spouse. They knew your home location and even the vehicle that you drove. As a result, police officers were able to identify the citizenry to a high level of accuracy. Altogether, it was very common for an officer to take misbehaved kids to their home and report their unruliness to the parents. Those were the days. Even today, with the infusion of guns in the hands of criminals, that practice still holds true. Minor infractions were solved at a family level rather than entanglement with the court systems, or worse, at the barrel of a gun. This reflects the experiences of many who once lived in the Caribbean. Officers lived within the community they worked. Well, they really don’t have much leverage on the matter; the islands are relatively small. Fast forward to America! I can say this; the process and/or mannerism in law enforcement should always be at one’s forefront, 24 hours. Here is one of the major reasons: The Justice Department statistics, based on the Police-Public Contact Survey, shows that “relatively more black drivers (12.8%) than white (9.8%) and Hispanic (10.4%) drivers were pulled over in a traffic stop during their most recent contact with police.” Or, to frame it another way: A black driver is about 31 percent more likely to be pulled over than a white driver, or about 23 percent more likely than a Hispanic driver. “Driving while black” is, indeed, a measurable phenomenon. (Washington Post. 2014.)
Since most of us from the Caribbean are of African heritage, this is the reality that we face in America. Regardless of the reason for the traffic stop, a smaller percentage of black drivers (67 percent) than Hispanic (74 percent) and white (84 percent) drivers believed the reason for the stop was legitimate. (www.bjs.gov. 2013) The statistics are even more depressing for young black males, who are under 21 years. Nearly two times a week in the United States, a white police officer killed a black person during a seven-year period ending in 2012, according to the most recent accounts of justifiable homicide reported to the FBI. The reports show that 18% of the blacks killed during those seven years were under age 21, compared to 8.7% of whites. (USA Today. 2014) What is my rationale? Where am I going with this? Well, it is simple. Caribbean parents, it is imperative. You must understand that your boys are targets. You must be painfully aware that your boys tend to take far more significant risks such a fast driving, to be more susceptible to strong emotions resulting in violent arguments, and to be more prone to anger ensuing into fights. Younger males have a greater likelihood of this phenomenon being true. In fact, whether your boys are traveling to a distant country or around the corner, you must always give them the lecture on precautions, self-awareness, and group avoidance along with your blessings as they departed. The wherewithal ensured, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” (Proverb 22:3) I have seen too many Caribbean parents act like “a chicken without a head” when their boys get caught with the law. They have no idea what hit them. Parents, you need to have this conversation with your children, especially your boys. Dr. Boyce Watkins, a Professor at Syracuse University, wrote and published the “10 Tips For Black Men Pulled Over By Police.” (http:// newsone.com/2015465/racial-profiling) These are the lessons that the many African American parents have been pounding into the heads of their boys for ages: 1. Be respectful, don’t speak first, and don’t speak with hostility: Getting smart with the cops doesn’t make things better. For at least a short period of time, they have all the power, and you have none. Settle your beef later on, when it’s safe. Also, you’re probably better off not volunteering any information, since many questions are designed to trap you into giving yourself up. 2. Learn your rights: Read short guides on what you should do if you encounter a police officer. This video on youtube will open your eye: The Citizen’s Guide to Surviving Police
Encounters at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=yqMjMPlXzdA. 3. Don’t make any sudden moves and keep your hands on the steering wheel: Being a Black man already makes you suspicious in the eyes of some police officers. Don’t give them anymore reasons to get out of line. 4. Ask for permission before you grab or reach for anything: Officers are afraid just like you are. Any unexpected grabs may set him/her off and make the officer believe that they are in danger. 5. Keep a valid photo ID on you: If you have a driver’s license, keep it with you. If not, then keep your student ID or something that allows the officer to know who you are.
Sylvanus Donaie,
6. Turn on the interior lights of your car so they don’t mistake your cell phone for a handgun: The officer likely wants to know everything that’s going on inside the car at all times. 7. Keep your license, registration, and insurance in a convenient place: If it’s easy to reach, this keeps things simple and helps to avoid any confusion. 8. Don’t lie to the officer: This is generally a bad idea. Lying will only add to any charges you might already have. 9. Don’t give the officer a reason to search your car: If they have reasonable suspicion that you’re hiding something, the officer will then have probable cause to search you. Suspicious behavior, such as shuffling through your personal items right before the stop, can set off alarm bells in the mind of the police officer. 10. If you are not sure that the person is a police officer, ask for some form of identification: People sometimes impersonate police officers and use the trust they are granted to do terrible things. Make sure you’re dealing with a real cop before making yourself vulnerable. This is not a complete list, by any means. But it does add to what you may already know about dealing with the police. Education, for Black men, is critical when it comes to our own safety and protection. Most importantly, have a list of people (attorneys, activists, and religious leaders) and their phone number to be use in minutes. So, don’t go into the world without your armor. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:10-12) So until then, One Love! Sylvanus Donaie, BA, BSEE, MTM, MPM, MBA
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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
SEPTEMBER 2014
Caribbean American March for Justice
100th Anniversary of the Panama Canal
Houston Panamanians Celebrate the Legacy of the Forefathers
OLC: If you do an Internet search for “100th Anniversary of the Panama Canal,” you would be pressed to find a relating result that would even mention the hundreds of thousand Caribbeaners, who contributed their labor and for many, their lifes to the building of this world marvel. The illusions to exclude the blood sweat and tears of their forefathers from History do not sit well with the Houston Panamanian Community.
Indians who moved to build the canal. Here is his perspective.
Last month, August 23, 2014, Houston Association Panamanians held a commemorative historical event to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Panama Canal at the International Trade Center. But most importantly, they are embarking on a bold move to educate Houston on the real story about the construction of the Panama Canal and the people who built it. It’s about their ancestry and legacy.
The significance of U.S. possession and control of this inter-oceanic pathway created immeasurable advantages for American dominance in world trade, military might, geo-political influence, and global financial control, in a way like never before in the history of the world.
Their special honored guests for the evening were Dr. Hedley Lennan MD of Panama and his wife, Rev. Maiziee Lennan, Dean of St. Luke’s Cathedral in Panama. They both played important roles in shaping the lives of thousands of children and citizens of our homeland to become responsible and contributing adults at home and abroad. In the August edition of One Love Caribbean, Mr. Terry Layne wrote an enlightened piece, “We Shall Never Forget,” on construction of the canal. He is an expert on the subject having been born and lived in Panama with direct lineage of the West
On August 15, 2014, citizens and friends of the Republic of Panama will celebrate 100 years of completion and uninterrupted operation of the Panama Canal. Known as the greatest engineering accomplishment of the 20th century, the completion of the Canal became symbolic of the United States rising to super power status in world affairs.
The history of the construction of the Panama Canal is well documented in books and journals; including names of key personnel involved in its development, dating back to President Teddy Roosevelt in 1904. Despite having adequate manuscripts about historical accounts of the Panama Canal, available literature about those virile young men and phenomenally strong young women of Afro-Caribbean lineage; who left their homes, families, and familiar surroundings, first, to develop their own sustainability; and secondly, to improve the conditions of need in families left behind. Some were fortunate to return to their homelands, following their tour of commitment. Others were
not as lucky. Tens of thousands died. Many others remained in the country by sensible choice; while others stayed by dictates of their circumstances. Something that became clearer with the progression of time was an unintended outcome of their courageous participation in the construction of the Panama Canal was the factual legacy of generations of off-springs who evolved to become a legitimate and authentic sub-culture in a developing national fabric of Panamanian citizens. I am proud among many others, who today are the children, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren of the Afro-Caribbean men and women who migrated to Panama to participate in the construction and maintenance of the monumental Panama Canal, dating back 100 years ago or more. And as we celebrate the first Centennial Anniversary of the Panama Canal, we publicly call our ancestral lineage into honorable remembrance. Collectively and individually, we give them thanks for their sacrifices of spilled blood, untiring labor, and the endurance of sufferings beyond our own comprehension in contributing to this monumental task. In calling them by names or collective memories, before anything else, we publicly express gratefulness for those life sustaining decisions and choices they made for our own benefits and for the comforts of our world Continued on Page 14
Leaders of Houston’s growing Caribbean-American and Immigrant community made a trip to Ferguson, Missouri to stand in solidarity with the local community in light of the aftermath of the police shooting of an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown. The shooting sparked outrage and protests around the country for justice and equality. “Our presence here is a not only to stand in solidarity with the Ferguson community,” said Jerry Castro-Cayetano, “but also to pay respects to the late Michael Brown and his family.” The issue of neighborhood policing and community rela-
“As members of the Ferguson community noted, there is a Ferguson in all of our communities, and we must stand up to ensure justice,” continued Castro-Cayetano.
The Next Governor of Texas Wendy or Greg
OLC: This November, the governorship for the State of Texas is up for grab. Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas, and Wendy Davis, Texas Senator, are the two major candidates vying for the post. A native Texan, Greg Abbott was reelected as the 50th Attorney General of Texas on November 2, 2010. Prior to his election to three terms as Attorney General, Greg Abbott served as a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court and as a State District Judge in Harris County. Wendy Davis came to the eyes of the nation on June 25, 2013. She held an eleven-hour-long filibuster to block Senate Bill 5, a measure with restrictive abortion regulations for Texas. The filibuster played a major role delaying passage of the bill beyond the midnight deadline for the end of the legislative session. Wendy was elected to the Texas Senate in 2008.
But among the various issues of interest to Caribbeaners in Texas, OLC wants to focus on voting rights. What are they saying? Wendy Davis We want more eligible Texans to vote, not fewer. We believe in government that is “by the people” and “for the people” — and understand that we can only get there when our voting system is free, fair, and accessible. Plus, it’s just wrong for insiders to manipulate election laws for their own political gain.
Houston Association of Panamanians awarded Dr. Hedley Lennan MD of Panama and his wife, Rev. Maiziee Lennan, Dean of St. Luke’s Cathedral in Panama for their community service
tions is a subject very familiar to Castro-Cayetano, whom in 2007 and 2008, worked in a similar matter after the shooting of an unarmed Garifuna, Fermin Arzu, by an off-duty police officer in the Bronx NY. This allowed the opportunity to work with the Reverend Al Sharpton and The National Action Network, local chapters of the NAACP, community and clergy groups for peaceful nonviolent demonstrations.
For all of these reasons, we’re partnering with Battleground Texas and the Texas Democratic Party to create the most expansive voter protection agenda that Texas has ever seen. We’re committed to registering and educating voters, promot-
Texas Senator Wendy Davis
Attorney General Greg Abbott
ing opportunities to vote early, and organizing a robust volunteer system to protect every valid vote cast at the polls. On Election Day, we’ll have thousands of volunteers at polling places across the state. We’ll ensure that there is a Democratic election judge or alternate judge, working alongside their Republican counterpart, to ensure the fair conduct of the election in each precinct. We’ll also have poll watchers guarding against possible voter suppression or intimidation. Outside the polls, our election monitors will answer voters’ questions and look out for problems like long lines and voter harassment. And, we’ll run eight command centers across the state where lawyers and election law experts will be prepared to address the issues that come up — even if it means going to court. (www. wendydavistexas.com) Continued on Page 14
SEPTEMBER 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 5
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HPD Chief wants officers equipped with body cameras OLC: If Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland has his wishes, 3,500 police officers will be equipped with small body cameras to record encounters between law enforcement and residents as a way of improving accountability and transparency. The Chief is asking City Hall for $8 million to purchase the cameras over three years
When you arrive at a port of entry, you must encounter customs and border patrol (CBP) officers, in a process called “primary inspection”. The officer will interview you to confirm your identity, check your documents, and run additional scans to ensure there are no past immigration violations, criminal issues, national security concerns and to determine the qualifications for the visas you have.
in patrol cars.
In December 2013, in a pilot program, HPD fitted 100 officers with the recording devices at a cost of $2,500 per officer. The Chief explained that body cameras were more likely to record officers’ contact with residents than dashboard cameras
The body camera is about the size of a pager, and it can be clipped to the front of an officer’s shirt. The Vievu-LE2 body camera must be activated by the officer, and a green light screen turns on to indicate when it is recording visual and audio
signals. The device has a fourhour recording capacity, and the footage can be downloaded by the officer into a computer. Moreover, the cameras deliver excellent daytime video and audio but have a limited field of view and difficulties in lowlight situations.
Texas Governor Rick Perry Indicted On Tuesday, August 19, 2014, Texas Governor Rick Perry walked into the Austin courthouse to answer charges of abuse of power and coercion. He was booked and fingerprinted. Thereafter, he treated himself with ice cream at a local burger joint and tweeted a photo of himself.
The entire process is very brief, and most travelers will never have to give a second thought to the process. But secondary inspection is a reality and a different kind of interaction; CBP officers will make split-second decisions to determine if someone’s documents are bogus, or if they believe there is a legal barrier to entry based on health, criminal and economic concerns. If you find yourself in “secondary inspection”, be prepared to spend countless hours at the airport. A new set of officers with all the time and additional latitude will make a separate determination on whether you should enter the U.S. Here they re-inspect your documents, rifle through your luggage, your electronic devices, place phone calls, intercept your loved ones at the airport to pick you up, and the list goes on. The Tourist Visa Dilemma
Caribbean Nationals who end up in secondary inspection, usually find themselves there, because the CBP officer is convinced they are in the U.S. for another purpose other than the visa they have allow. How many times have you heard of family members being placed on a return
A Travis County grand jury indicted Gov. Rick Perry, saying he abused his power by trying to pressure a district attorney to resign. In began, when a Texas district attorney named Rosemary Lehmberg was arrested for driving while intoxicated
Governor Perry, a potential 2016 presidential candidate,
Each day, over a million people from around the globe seek to enter the U.S. through of its designated ports of entry. In immigration lingo people who arrive at a U.S. port of entry must be “inspected” and “admitted”, before being allowed to enter. The General Inspection Process
There is growing urgency both nationwide and locally to equip police officers with body cameras after the shooting death of unarmed 18 year old Michael Brown by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.
Late April 12, Travis County sheriff’s deputies arrested Lehmberg, 63, after a witness called 911 to report seeing a car driving for about a mile in a bike lane, swerving and veering into oncoming traffic, according to an arrest affidavit.
By Latania Mena Attorney at Law
Mugshot Governor Rick Perry wanted her to resign from her post as head of the Public Integrity Unit and threatened to veto $7.5 million in funding to the office if she refused. Lehmberg refused, and Perry made
good on his promise. The governor said, “The actions I took were not only lawful and legal, but right.” However Texas Democrats are saying it abuse of power.
flight home, without ever setting foot outside the airport? There are also those folks who truly intend to visit as tourists, who end up in secondary inspection because they are ill-prepared for their contact with CBP. Does your loved one know the real name, address, telephone number and legal status of the person they are planning to stay with in the U.S.? Any kind of fumbling or nervous behavior at primary inspection, will almost guarantee a whole night or day in the airport. Your loved one may be one of those persons who ignorantly violate the terms of their tourist visas, for instance staying for the entire period of permitted stay. Upon a subsequent trip to the U.S, CBP may conclude that the person is working in the U.S and refer him or her to secondary inspection. Other Situations
Sometimes the trigger for secondary inspection is a name in the passport not matching the name on the visa; or an individual not realizing his or her green card expired abroad; or a permanent legal resident returning with a baby born abroad. According to CBP, over 90 per cent of the persons forwarded to secondary inspection are permitted eventually to enter the U.S., after CBP has asked a number of follow up questions. A word of caution about criminal convictions: many legal permanent residents with a criminally colorful past believe that once the offenses occurred many moons ago they are forever forgotten or forgiven, and Continued on Page 14
Page 6
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
ARIBBEAN Briefs
SEPTEMBER 2014
T&T Parliament approves Constitution Reforms
OECS Citizens an now stay in St. Lucia indefinitely OECS citizens can move to any member state and work without requiring a work permit. They would be treated as a national of that member state. Program Officer in the OECS Commission’s Regional Integration Unit, Safiya HorneBique expressed delight that Saint Lucia fully became part of the OECS Free Movement Regime. The OECS Commission’s Regional Integration Unit made the official announcement on Aug. 15, that Saint Lucia’s implementation of the administration arrangements to give effect to the Movement of people Regime was complete. Horne-Bique explained the ben-
efits associated with this regime. “It basically give persons the right to live and move freely within the OECS Economic Union space and that is seven member states: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They can move to a member state and work without requiring a work permit. They would be treated as a national of that member state. They would not be given a time limit for their stay in a member state.”
She continued: “The free movement of persons within the OECS has been one of the key pillars of the Economic Union.
We are very happy that St. Lucia is now fully on board in terms of implementation. This was done after some significant training with all the relevant training with agencies in Saint Lucia last week. There are currently six member states who have fully implemented the regime. HorneBique said the OECS is looking forward to the other member states coming on board, so that the entire region can take advantage of what has been coined under the treaty.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment to fund Capital Projects OLC: Dominica designed its “Citizenship by Investment” Program (CBI) to infuse foreign investment into its economy. Today, it is regarded as a viable option for the economic expansion of the island. The program seeks to increase foreign securities and mobilized investments for development projects, particularly investments in tourism infrastructure. However, “the program is attracting the attention of virtually all governments in the region,” said Prime Minister Roosevelt
Skerrit to the House of Parliament. As a result, a unit has been established within the Finance Ministry to deal exclusively with all aspects of CBI including the review of applications, initiating the due diligence on applicants, preparing promotional material, and responding to queries. The foreign direct investments will be targeted for public sector projects, which are certain to be assets to Dominica. Dominica instituted an agreement with British-based firm, CS Global to undertake the
PM Roosevelt Skerrit marketing of the program. But, “While seeking greater exposure for the program, its integrity and quality will be preserved, said PM Skerrit.
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Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar meeting with Trinibagoians
OLC: The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) celebrated its 52nd anniversary of independence from Britain. During the Independence ceremonies, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar asked citizens to embrace change. Addressing her nation, Persad-Bissessar pointed to her government’s recently passed legislation reforming the Constitution of T&T. The legislation reforms the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago to limit the period for which a person could serve as Prime Minister, to provide for the recall of members of the House of Representatives, and to permit only candidates who have earned more than fifty percent of the votes cast in their respective constituencies to be elected as members of the House of Representatives. The first amendment adopted term limits for those who serve in the office of Prime Minister. With this amendment, the President shall not appoint as Prime Minister a person who has previously served in that office for two full terms or for an aggregate of at least ten years and six months. Implementing this amendment will limit the access to power of any single individual for more than two terms. Doing so will eliminate the concept of a maximum leader, and will require that parties engage in thoughtful, meaningful succession planning in putting forward leaders from their ranks to be offered to the electorate. The second amendment created the Right of Recall for Members of Parliament. With this amendment, the voters in a Member’s constituency have the right to have their Member of Parliament recalled and their seat vacated in certain circumstances. In doing so, a greater measure of power is given to the people to hold their elected officials more directly accountable. However, a recall cannot be
achieved lightly. This right can only be exercised in specific and extreme circumstances. To be successful, a recall petition must be initiated by at least 10% of the people whose names were on the voters’ list and signed by two-thirds of the registered voters in the constituency, who were eligible to vote at the Election in which the Member was elected. The Elections and Boundaries Commission will be required to verify the authenticity of the petition and signatories and only then will a report be given to the Speaker. A vacancy can only be enforced after a member has been in office for three years, and cannot be enforced after any Parliament enters its fourth year. The third amendment implemented a run-off election in any constituency where none of the candidates in a general election receives more than 50% of the votes cast. In any constituency, where this is the case, a second run-off election will be held between the two candidates who received the most votes two weeks after the first ballot. The winner will then receive a majority of the votes and an effective mandate from the voters in their constituency to govern. The issue of making every vote count has been raised many times, and different models for ensuring better representation of the will of the people have been discussed. Creating a second-ballot run-off is the most effective means of preserving our existing democratic traditions while ensuring that each Member of Parliament truly governs with a mandate from the voters of their constituency.
One Love Caribbean Call 281-769 2253
SEPTEMBER 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 7
Jamaica opens an additional segment of the North/South Highway OLC: On August 5, 2014, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, opened the Linstead to Moneague segment of the North/South Highway, creating a faster means of traveling to the North Coast of the island. There will be a 40% reduction of travel time with the opening of the highway. At the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister noted that she kept close to the construction of the project, because the ease in traveling is vital to business transactions and productivity. The idea of the highway surfaced over 40 years ago, and after four major feasibility studies, “the work is underway, and we open what will become the second leg of the North South Highway,” the PM said. The Prime Minister noted that there will be a one-month free passage for motorists from August 5 to September 5, after which they will have to pay toll charges. “This will reduce the rural to ur-
OLC: Early 2014, Grenada ushered a new era of open government after Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell became the first government official to declare his assets to the newly established Integrity Commission.
Toll station of the north-south link of Highway 2000 connecting Treadways, St Catherine, to Moneague, St Ann. -- Credit: Norman Grindley, Jamaica Gleaner
ban migration by encouraging persons to stay in their communities and work elsewhere. We are anticipating new opportunities for tourism development, and I urge our Jamaican entrepreneurs, small, medium and large, to position themselves for the new economic possibilities that will arise from the new highway,” Simpson Miller continued. When the entire highway is operating from Caymanas in St. Catherine, to Ocho Rios, in St. Ann, the current 90 minute travel time will be cut to about
45 minutes. The highway is being developed by China Engineering Company (CHEC). The 66-kilometer (41miles) Jamaica North South Highway is the largest infrastructure development project on the island, with an investment of US$730 million in loans from the China Development Bank, and with equity from CHEC Americas. None of the loans to build the roadway is guaranteed or secured by the Government of Jamaica.
ALBA rejects subversive US programs against Cuba HAVANA, Cuba (ACN) -- The member countries of the a regional integration bloc, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of our Americas (ALBA), has rejected the most recently exposed subversive US program against Cuba, calling it an immoral project. The ALBA nations say they learned with indignation about the most recent exposure by the Associated Press of another subversive anti-Cuba plan financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) aimed at recruiting Cuban
Grenada Integrity Commission Warns Police Officers
young people for subversion. “This immoral project of the US administration ratifies the hostile nature of US policy towards Cuba aimed at generating destabilization of the political, economic and social order on the island,” the press release said. The ALBA nations reject the new plan and strongly demand the cease of US covert, subversive and illegal actions that violate the sovereignty and the right of Cuba to self-determination. Member states of ALBA com-
Dr. Kenny Davis Anthony, Prime Minister of St. Lucia meets Fidel Castro
prise: Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela.
Recently, the Office of the Integrity Commission has placed 25 senior officers between the ranks of Commissioner of Police to Inspector on notice to declare their assets. So far the police officers have not complied with the request. However, an extension date of August 28, 2014 was established at the final deadline.
terest of persons in public life; the commission also receives and investigates complaints of impropriety, corruption and misconduct by public officials and prosecutes persons found breaching the provisions of the Acts.
Officers, who do not comply with the request, will have their names published in the local newspapers and the Government Gazette, in accordance with the Public Life legislation. A subsequent failure will be followed by Court proceedings,” said the notice signed by Eunice E Sandy–David, the Administrative Manager of the Office.
This year marks the first for persons in public life to declare their assets; the information provided to the Office will served as a benchmark for assets. The law noted 33 categories of persons who are described as Public Life officials, including members of the Commission, parliamentarians, permanent secretaries, and senior administrative officers.
In accordance with the Integrity in Public Life Act, the Commission monitors public officials and their public functions and ensures that they uphold high standards of integrity. Simply put, it is an anti-corruption legislation.
All declarations filed with the Commission and the records of the Commission are secret and confidential and shall not be made public. If an unauthorized person publishes information that was submitted to the Integrity Commission, that person may be subject to a fine not exceeding EC$20,000 (US$7,361.00) or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year.
The Integrity in Public Life Act provides for the Commission to obtain declarations of assets, liabilities, income and in-
Nevis: Killing of Teenager Condemned Commissioner of Police (COP) Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn extends his condolences to the family and friends of Shante Claxton, who was found dead near the bathroom of the St. Thomas Primary School in Nevis on September 6, 2014. “The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force are investigating the heinous death of one of our children. As COP, I take it personal when one of our children is hurt. I offer condolences on behalf of the Police Force, myself, and my family to the family of Shante Claxton,” the COP said in a press release. The Commissioner said that he received ‘WhatsApp’ messages to inform of the suspect and the police were looking for that individual. Meanwhile, Acting Premier of Nevis Mark Brantley has also offered condolences to the bereaved family, noting that he is saddened by Claxton’s “tragic death.”
“As a father myself it hurts me deeply, and I can only imagine the pain and hurt being experienced by the immediate and extended family. The government will lend the necessary support to the family and friends of Shante and in particular the students of her school. He said the “tragic event violates the sacred values; we, as a Nevisian society, hold dear. Our children are our island’s greatest asset. We must, at all times and at all cost, protect them.”
One Love Caribbean Call 281-769 2253
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
Islander on the Move
Dr. Tomeka Nicole Mena
Embodying a Wholistic Approach to Healing
By Sylvanus Donaie StafF Writer Inside the arena of chiropractors in Houston, it may be difficult to find one of Caribbean roots; one with a motivation to succeed combined with an entrepreneurial spirit. She is Dr. Tomeka Nicole Mena, DC. Tomeka hails from Clarendon, Jamaica. She prides herself on her enthusiasm for life, her can-do attitude for work and her strong upbringing from her small town of Frankfield. “It takes a village to grow a child,” she stated smilingly, to proudly salute her community of about 2000 people, where every adult took a keen interest in her well-being. Another plus, she explained, is having received a good foundational education while she attended Knox College, a coeducational high school in Clarendon. But, most importantly, she was spoiled to perfection by living with three generations of parents. They instilled in her a spiritual side to care for her community. In 1991, Tomeka moved to Houston with her parents at age of 15. Upon her arrival, she began her Texas education attending high school and completing college at Prairie View AM, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology. Tomeka has always approached every aspect of her life as an opportunity to excel. Fresh out of college she landed a coveted job with a fortune 500 company – Accenture. She can boast to having a hand in so many software and application programs for process improvement capabilities and quality assurance measures, which are being used in many companies across the U.S. After 4 years of cutting edge consulting work, Tomeka was ready for a new challenge, a new focus and to take on the rest of the world in a different way. “I wasn’t quite sure what that would be,
but I’ve always had a passion for biology and for helping others solve their issues.” The answer came on her way home from a consulting assignment in Forth Worth. “I was sitting next to an elderly gentleman, and we struck up a conversation of a general nature; at the end of the flight, I saw the pathway leading me to the field of medicine.”
SEPTEMBER 2014
CARIBBEAN
LIEE LIFE PHOTOS THE MONTH
Transferring of wisdom: Sylvanus Donaie and Attorney K. Omari Fullerton
CONGRATULATIONS
Heading off to chiropractic school was a major change in direction, but one Tomeka felt would bring her closer to her goals of being an entrepreneur and helping others. She attended the Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, Texas and graduated ready to take on the health challenges faced by many today. “I have no regret choosing that school because it is a seriously no bias, scientifically-based program,” she explained. Chiropractic introduces unique alternatives to healing; it embodies a wholistic approach to curing many health issues. “Many people believe you only need to visit the chiropractor when you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident. But, Chiropractic offers so much more than traditional medicinal treatments. Each day, I get into the office excited about the care that I offer my patients. I continue to find motivation in those calls… Doc, I am feeling so much better, or Doc, the pain is gone.” Today Dr. Mena runs her own clinic, Spine Authority Chiropractic in Southwest Houston. She treats a wide range of conditions. We at One Love Caribbean and the Houston Caribbean community want to congratulate Dr. Tomeka Mena on her accomplishment. She is definitely one of ours to look forward to in the building of the Houston Caribbean Diaspora.
One Love Caribbean Call 281-769 2253
Jerry and Leonie Castro-Cayetano
SEPTEMBER 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 9
PHOTOS
Houston Caribbean
Glen Washington
Houston Missouri City Domino Club Fifth Annual Award Banquet OLC: Next month, October 4, 2014, the Houston Missouri City Domino Club will host their Fifth Annual Award Banquet at the Sugarland Ballroom at 869 Dulles Ave, Stafford, Texas. The Club prides itself in creating a niche in the Caribbean Community, and particularly the Jamaicans, whereas they are the only organization, where everyone is welcome to socialize and have fun regardless of their socioeconomic background. But this year, the Club is bringing the legendary reggae superstar, Glen Washington, as the feature for their banquets. ”The race is not for the swift, but for those who can endure.” The triumph of Glen Washington’s endurance has been 25 years in the making. Like most successful artists, Washington evolved from humble beginnings. He was born in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica. Currently, he is one of the most in demand artist in reggae music; this has come after many years of recording and waiting in the wings. In 1997, he released his debut album ‘Brother to Brother.’ He has released 10 albums. No wonder, fans and critics alike say that there is not one bad song in his catalog. Washington began his musical career in the early seventies as the lead singer for the group “Names And Faces” and later “35 Incorporated.” He is also a drummer. There are positive lessons of encouragement and motivation to learn from Washington’s experiences. His musical career is reminiscent of Boris Gardener,
singer, bass player and bandleader who after 25 years in the music industry recorded the golden “I wanna wake up with you.” In the same vein, it was thirty years after recording the classic “Black magic woman” that Santana went on to sweep the 2000 Grammy awards for the gigantic hit “Maria Maria.” Similarly, Washington made his first hit record “Rockers Not Crackers” in 1978 for the Joe Gibbs Record label, but he did not grace the charts again until the release of the hit “Kindness For Weakness” in 1998. Most music industry insiders would say that after 20 years in the business, it’s unlikely that an artist would release his biggest hit, but it has been proven again and again how speculative this business is. Over the years, Washington has recorded sporadically as a solo singer and extensively as a studio drummer. With the Happiness Unlimited, he migrated to the USA to work with Stevie Wonder. His smooth, raspy, bass voice has often been likened to that of Beres Hammond, who is one of Washington’s favorite entertainers. However, Glenn has established himself as not only a singer, but also as a gifted songwriter, who penned his own songs. Washington said, “As a drummer backing other artists, I have toured the world, playing in countries like Japan, North, South and Central America, all over Europe and all the Caribbean Islands. Now I am repeating those trips as the featured artist, and it’s a great feeling to see thousands of fans coming out to my performances.”
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
ONNECTIONS Pell Grant Changes May Impact College Enrollment
Terry Layne Staff Writer tlayne@olchouston.com I felt sort of compelled to elabo-
rate a bit further on last month’s topic on student loans, simply to demonstrate how rippling our financial fallout has been. Because of the “belt tightening” we’ve seen at the Federal and State levels following our Wall Street crash in 2008; recent changes in the Pell Grant Program may predictably have a negative impact on college enrollment and graduation rates in families, at the lower income groups across the country. According to Freddie Allen of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), it was only two years ago when the Department of Education made changes to several federal student loan programs resulting in more stringent rules for meeting eligibility requirements and/ or keeping loans. For example, parents now need to have a near spotless credit history in a climate of tough economic times as the one we are currently experiencing. And don’t forget that we’re still working our way back from the recession of 2008. We’re still in the woods! The changes were reportedly necessary to curb the number of student loan defaults registered during the recession, due to job losses and other related financial setbacks. Now as we make it harder for families in the lower income groups to obtain student loans, then these families will be less able to pay the cost of college tuitions. The changes have already shown a negative effect college enrollment; particularly among those institutions which traditionally serve low income groups, like the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). I’ll make one example then I’ll move on. In 2012, Benedict College in South Carolina reportedly found only 30% of those who applied for federal student loans were eligible; while this year just 9% of applicants proved to be eligible. And this is happening all
across the nation for low income group families. As a result, HBCUs are now forced to cut academic programs and personnel simply to adjust to new financial pressures for operational dollars.
remind ourselves that we are all spiritual; so let’s move that out of the way. Nobody can support a credible argument about another person’s spiritual being, or lacking of.
This is not to say that HBCUs weren’t struggling for money before the recession. Those who are following their history know about the “paradoxical journey” of these institutions. The people for whom HBCUs were built when attendance was disallowed anywhere else are now taking enrollment dollars everywhere else, but to HBCUs. I realize this is not the entire picture. There are clearly other parts to the problem; but I believe there is some merit in mentioning it, if only to bring the matter into our conversations toward resolutions. I’ll just quickly add that Congressman Al Green is a proud graduate of Texas Southern University, right there in the Third Ward. By the way, if we look closer; we’ll find the paradoxical shift in many other parts of our living journeys.
Secondly, most of our readers know that almost everything we do involve some degree of politics. So even the sliced bread we eat bears a lot of political decisions long before it gets into our mouths. Let’s quit kidding ourselves. Now back to our focus on student loans. Remember that “bipartisan deal” reached by a group of senators in July 2013? As we may recall, the interest rate on student loans doubled at 6.8% on July 1, after Congress failed to get the job done in the preceding months. A “deal” was cut for new loans in 2013 to be set at 3.86%, superseding the higher imposed rate of July 1. And while this may sound appealing on face value, it is important to know that the interest rate will rise incrementally each successive year through 2017 to the level of 7.0%. The end result means that the rate at that time would have been higher than if they had left it at the July 1 level from the get go. Students end up paying more in the long run. Pretty cool stuff, isn’t it?
So where do we go from here about paying for college and student loans. The one thing which we can be certain is that there is no single way to go about much of anything. This whole matter about the cost of college tuitions and student loans is a current topic of national debate as we speak. We ought to be weighing in on these discussions. Families need to be informed, and the best way I know about finding information is by seeking information. Sources are all around us. The reality of families navigating through these financial tidal waves at times call for some good old fashion creativity. It just can’t be only what seems to be popular thinking at the time. Most readers are suspicious by now that a lot of the debate around student loans and Pell Grant cuts bears political underpinnings. If we continue to use phrases like, “I’m not political; I’m spiritual;” then we might just be talking ourselves out of the realm of critical thinking on a lot of matters requiring baseline data for effective decision making in families. First, let’s simply
Well, the point being made is that families can’t just go on doing “business as usual” with an apathetic excuse of not being “political” and especially at a time when we are all faced with hard choices and decisions about the rising cost of preparing our next generations for our highly competitive marketplace. If we should ever become more active participants in our economic system, which we all love, it will be to our own advantage to be at least informed in such a manner that renders us more prepared to make more effective decisions or choices, not only about student loans but also about all other matters of our living journey. Terry is a retired counselor with broad experience in the fields of mental health and education for more than thirty years. Layne hold a MA in Counseling and MA in Psychology.
SEPTEMBER 2014
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Chiropractic is the Way to Overall Wellness By Dr. Tomeka Mena Chiropractor Are you struggling with longstanding aches and pains? Visiting countless doctors and taking various medications? Does it appear that you are at the end of your rope? Don’t feel hopeless. Chiropractic care might just be what you are missing. Chiropractic care has been around since the beginning of recorded time. However, this unique practice gained true momentum within the United States in 1895. By the twentieth century, chiropractic care had reached epic status and recognition throughout the nation, and today, it continues to sustain pervasive acknowledgment and accolades within both the medical and lay community. In fact, at present, Chiropractic care is regarded as a comparable health care alternative to traditional medicine. It offers effective evaluation and treatment for migraine headaches, neck pain, back pain, gastrointestinal problems, sprains, strains, and sports related injuries, to name a few. Some practitioners even provide much-needed nutritional consultations. The premise of chiropractic was born out of the concept of the “bone out of place theory” which is scientifically said to be called a subluxation. Subluxations of the spine occur when one or more bones of the spine, also known as vertebral bodies, move out of position, creating pressure on, or irritation of the spinal nerves. Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that addresses these spinal issues through use of handson, non-invasive, conservative approaches designed to achieve total healing and restoration to the body. This consensus has led chiropractic practitioners to pride themselves on treatment protocols that veer away from prescriptive medications and surgical procedures. Such an approach boasts a menu of novel treatment methods including electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound therapy, and varying
forms of manual therapy. It is through this concerted effort that the body is able to achieve the effects of holistic healing. Many people believe that the job of a chiropractor starts and ends with fixing back problems after a motor vehicle accident. Chiropractic care offers so much more. Your chiropractor can assist you in resolving some common ailments as well, including bad posture, every day wear and tear of the body, structural scoliosis, inflammation within the body, muscle aches and pains, toxin build up, gastrointestinal problems, spasms and cramping. A chiropractor’s ability to diagnose and treat complex physiological conditions stems from extensive education and research. This rigorous curriculum is geared to providing a deeper understanding of the human body. Before any student can be titled a Doctor of Chiropractic, he/she must commit to, and complete extensive training and studying of biology, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, physical examinations, lab diagnosis, adjust techniques, radiology, and nutrition, just to touch the surface. This stringent program requires laboratory and clinical experience over a 4 year period, completing 4 to 5 grueling exams and becoming certified by the National Chiropractic Board. Chiropractic is beneficial for all age groups, and you haven’t explored all healing options available to you, if you haven’t considered chiropractic care. Dr. Tomeka Mena is a licensed chiropractor and a Caribbean National based in Southwest Houston Texas.
SEPTEMBER 2014
BIRTHDAYS IN THE DIASPORA
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 11
AN INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT Encouragement from the Word of God “Take A Grip My Brother”
Marlene Seaton Hunte Jamaica
Marcia Head Jamaica
Laurina Donaie Virgin Islands
Blondel Wiles Jamaica
Edwin Polimis. St. Lucia
Argelia Savory Panama
Chris Walters Jamaica
Gerald Bellot Dominica
The song expresses a similar encouragement - that of intentionality and alertness to guard that which one possesses. In this case it was referring to one’s faith or relationship with Christ. It suggests don’t be neglectful, but hold it close as you journey through life. Christ promised to never let any of His sheep go (“…and none shall pluck them out of my hand”), but we are also told to be steadfast. While we are not the ones initiating or maintaining our salvation, we have a responsibility for personal nurture, maintenance and growth in Christ.
Ron Hamilton Virgin Islands
Carly Ramjit Guyana
Natasha Chung Jamaica
Cynthie Gaston St. Lucia
Houston Panamanians Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Panama Canal with quadrille dancing.
Charmaine Bailey Staff Writer cbailey@olchouston.com “Take a grip my brother, Take a grip, Hold fast and never let go.” This was a chorus we sang in church back in Jamaica. When I used to hear this song as a child, it conjured up images of someone taking hold of a grip (a word we used for a “suitcase”) and taking it on a journey. Later I came to learn that the general meaning of “grip” was “grasp, hold, the act of hanging on, control, rule, authority.” This referred to the kind of hold that one makes with one’s hand – a firm or tight hold so as to not lose a precious possession. One can also think of a person hanging on to the limb of a tree or a beam for dear life, since letting go would mean a fall to serious injury or even death. As I reflected on the meaning of the song it occurred to me that my childish imagination was not too far off, as when one sets out on a journey, one has to clutch one’s “grip” or suitcase and keep control of it for the entire journey. At the airport there are frequent announcements about not leaving one’s luggage unattended. If one is careless with one’s suitcase, one could lose it or someone could slip something into it without one being aware.
So, what could “taking a grip” look like? Reading and studying the word, prayer, obedience to the word, i.e. a practical application of the principles of the Bible, living to please Christ, service to our fellow man, giving of one’s time, talent and finances, helping and living life to the fullest. The grip is where the “tire” of your person meets the “road” of life. But most of all, it is trusting God in every situation of your life. Some folks sang this song with an “addon”: “Take a grip my brother, take a grip, another grip…” Usually this is just for fun and style, but this could be significant to one who is wavering in one’s faith or has no hope. Strengthen your hold, take “another grip” and start trusting and living for Christ again. Hebrews 10:22-23 (NLT) “…let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him… 23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” The rest of the song says: “No matter what the people of the world may say, Hold fast and never let go.” 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.
Barbados Association of Greater Houston Saturday, August 16, 2014 – Photo by Lionel Cave
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ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
OPEN EDITORIAL JAMAICA: Wanted: Light-Skinned Only, Please By Zadie Neufville IPS News Reprint Sep 27 2011 Revelations that proprietors are requesting light-skinned workers from a government training institution is putting a new spin on Jamaica’s so-called obsession with skin bleaching. A Sunday Gleaner headline, “Brownings please,” referring to the specification by some employers and their agents for applicants with light complexions, is also reviving age-old resentments along with memories of sexual exploitation and a time when only light-skinned people held certain positions. The criterion, the article said, has been articulated both verbally and on application forms for the placement of trainees from the HEART Trust/NTA, Jamaica’s national training agency. The article continues to invoke indignation more than two weeks after publication and has been dubbed Jamaica’s 9/11 because it ran the same day and sideby-side with memories from the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Now, public defender Earl Witter is demanding the names and details of the offenders and has opened an investigation. “It should be brought home that racial discrimination in any form should never be tolerated in Jamaica,” he told journalists. According to him, the request constitutes a breach of the Jamaica’s constitution and in particular, the newly instituted Charter of Rights. On April 7, 2011, the constitution was amended to include the Charter, which, among other things, guarantees the right to freedom from discrimination on the grounds of color and social class. Few express confidence that the culprits will ever be named. In fact, corporate Jamaica has remained silent even as Labour Minister Pearnel Charles promised action and opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller urged people to boycott businesses lacking black faces. Bleaching: “An epidemic of color prejudice” While some seem stunned by the discriminatory requests, for others they are confirmation that colour and class discrimination are endemic and remain a reality in modern Jamaica.
According to Karl McKenzine Chin, a 24-year-old construction engineer, “Nothing has changed. There will always be a request for brown people over people of my complexion.” Chin, who admitted a “level of preference” for brown girls, noted that in addition to the fact that the brown people have more money and influence, preference could be linked to the level of violence in the society, he argued. Tamara Bailey, on the other hand, is of the view that the prejudice is endemic. “Even your parents let you believe that you have to be a certain colour… then the society also gives that impression and people point it out so often that you begin to believe it, and want to do something about it,” the 27-year-old said. Although she hasn’t done so herself, Bailey noted that particularly for young women, doing something often means bleaching. Similarly, Carolyn Cooper, a noted cultural commentator and university professor, blamed the skin- bleaching epidemic sweeping the nation on “generations of color prejudice.” “If we really want to control the spread of the skin-bleaching virus, we first have to admit that there’s an epidemic of color prejudice in our society,” Cooper wrote in an article. Skin bleaching is particularly prevalent among members of Jamaica’s poverty-stricken inner-city communities, and despite both the health ministry’s awareness campaigns about the dangers of bleaching, skin-lightening products remain in high demand. At least one popular entertainer, Adijah ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer, has embraced the practise in deed and song. “Look on my face. The girls love my brown cute face. The girls love my bleach-out face,” Palmer, who launched his own
line of skin care products, sings about his ever-lightening complexion and the reaction of his female fans.
SEPTEMBER 2014
THE NATION
Bank of America Settles with US Government OLC: Bank of America Corporation agreed to a $16.65 billion settlement with the Department of Justice to resolve federal and state claims against the bank and its former and current subsidiaries, including Countrywide Financial Corporation and Merrill Lynch. It is the largest civil settlement with a single entity in American history. As part of this global resolution, the bank has agreed to pay a $5 billion penalty under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) – the largest FIRREA penalty ever – and provide billions of dollars of relief to struggling homeowners, including funds that will help defray tax liability as a result of mortgage modification, forbearance or forgiveness.
Sociologists have argued that the preoccupation with bleaching, especially among poor women, is a manifestation of self-hatred and low self-esteem caused by poverty. Social commentator and women’s rights activist Glenda Simms believes much of the bleaching is due to “For years, Countrywide and Bank of America unloaded the desire to be accepted. toxic mortgage loans on the “They bleach so that they can government sponsored enterbe accepted in the front office prises Fannie Mae and Freddie of even the most disorganized Mac with false representations and rat- infested haberdashery that the loans were quality indowntown or uptown,” she said. vestments,” said U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara for the Southern In a Sep. 18 newspaper article District of New York. entitled “Browning, bimbos and other drivers of underde- Mortgages are loans that are velopment”, Simms argued that backed by collateral, the house corporate culture, where light- the mortgage is used to purskinned girls are valued above chase. In normal circumstancothers, began in the cane fields es, this provides lenders with and with the rape of slaves to protection. When borrowers deproduce girls of mixed race who fault, they seize the home and frequently became house slaves, sell it to recoup the initial inmistresses and prostitutes. vestment used to buy the home. The culture remains, she says, When real estate values plumbecause “big men want the browning girl with or without brains or abilities. He wants a ‘gyal’ for his sex toy and as a generalized titillator to entice the customers who all have been socialized to prefer lightskinned people.” Challenging custom and beyond Witter is confident that his team of investigators will get the information it needs to pursue the case, although there have been few other challenges to local laws based on discrimination and no legislation that prohibit discrimination based on gender or race, aside from the constitution and specifically the new amendment. “Prior to the Charter of Rights, the government was the sole guarantor of fundamental rights, which meant that only servants or agents of government could have infringed the fundamental Continued on Page 14
met, that safeguard falls apart. If a bank forecloses on a home worth 60 percent of the amount lent originally to purchase it, when it sells the collateralized home, it’s stuck with a staggering 40 percent loss. This is one type of lending that makes up toxic loans. The settlement includes a statement of facts, in which the bank has acknowledged that it sold billions of dollars of worthless asset without disclosing to investors key facts about the quality of the securitized loans. When the Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) collapsed, investors, including federally insured financial institutions, suffered billions of dollars in losses. The bank has also conceded that it originated risky mortgage loans and made misrepresentations about the quality of those loans to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The settlement does not release individuals from civil charges, nor does it absolve Bank of America, its current or former subsidiaries and affiliates or any individuals from potential criminal prosecution.
SEPTEMBER 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 13
Health & Wellness
Healthy Sleep Tips
SLEEP HEALTH Sleep Problems: An Emerging Global Epidemic Increase public knowledge of how adequate sleep and treatment of sleep disorders improve health, productivity, wellness, quality of life, and safety on roads and in the workplace. Poor sleep health is a common problem with 25 percent of U.S. adults reporting insufficient sleep or rest at least 15 out of every 30 days. The public health burden of chronic sleep loss and sleep disorders, coupled with low awareness of poor sleep health among the general population, health care professionals, and policymakers, necessitates a well-coordinated strategy to improve sleep-related health. Sleep, like nutrition and physical activity, is a critical determinant of health and well-being. Sleep is a basic requirement for infant, child, and adolescent health and development. Sleep loss and untreated sleep disorders influence basic patterns of behavior that negatively affect family health and interpersonal relationships. Fatigue and sleepiness can reduce productivity and increase the chance for mishaps such as medical errors and motor vehicle or industrial accidents. Adequate sleep is necessary to: • Fight off infection • Support the metabolism of sugar to prevent diabetes • Perform well in school • Work effectively and safely Sleep timing and duration affect a number of endocrine, metabolic, and neurological functions that are critical to
the maintenance of individual health. If left untreated, sleep disorders and chronic short sleep are associated with an increased risk of: • Heart disease • High blood pressure • Obesity • Diabetes • All-cause mortality Sleep health is a particular concern for individuals with chronic disabilities and disorders such as arthritis, kidney disease, pain, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. Among older adults, the cognitive and medical consequences of untreated sleep disorders decrease health-related quality of life, contribute to functional limitations and loss of independence, and are associated with an increased risk of death from any cause. The odds of being a short sleeper (defined as someone who sleeps less than 6 hours a night) in the United States have increased significantly over the past 30 years.8 Competition between sleep schedules, employment, and lifestyle is a recent trend. Intermittent sleep disturbances due to lifestyle choices are associated with temporary fatigue, disorientation, and decreased alertness. Sleep disordered breathin, SDB, which includes sleep apnea, is another serious threat to health. SDB is characterized by intermittent airway obstruction or pauses in breathing. People with untreated SDB have 2 to 4 times the risk of heart attack
and stroke. Obesity is a significant risk factor for SDB, and weight loss is associated with a decrease in SDB severity. SDB in Children: African American children are at least twice as likely to develop SDB than children of European descent. The risk of SDB during childhood is associated with low socioeconomic status independent of obesity and other risk factors. Left untreated, SDB in children is associated with difficulties in school, metabolic disorders, and future heart disease risk. SDB in Older Adults: SDB may affect 20 to 40 percent of older adults and, if left untreated, is associated with a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of stroke and mortality. Sleep health education and promotion strategies are needed to address disparities in sleep health across age, race, education, and socioeconomic groups. Health education and promotion programs can increase awareness of common sleep disorders, such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and SDB. Sleep health education programs in workplaces can promote better work schedule patterns and motivate managers and workers to adopt strategies that reduce risks to health and safety. Without sleep health education, individuals often prioritize other activities over sleep and accept constant sleepiness and sleep disruption as inevitable. Source: www.healthypeople.gov
Sleep Healthy Sleep is an essential part of human routine. It has importance beyond boosting mood and removing dark circles under eyes.
Healthy sleep habits can make a big difference in your quality of life. Having healthy sleep habits is often referred to as having good “ sleep hygiene .” Try to keep the following sleep practices on a consistent basis: Stick to the same bedtime and wake up time, even on the weekends. This helps to regulate your body’s clock and could help you fall asleep and stay asleep for the night. Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual. A relaxing, routine activity right before bedtime conducted away from bright lights helps separate your sleep time from activities that can cause excitement, stress or anxiety which can make it more difficult to fall asleep, get sound and deep sleep or remain asleep. Avoid naps , especially in the afternoon. Power napping may help you get through the day, but if you find that you can’t fall asleep at bedtime, eliminating even short catnaps may help. Exercise daily. Vigorous exercise is best, but even light exercise is better than no activity. Exercise at any time of day, but not at the expense of your sleep. Evaluate your room. Design your sleep environment to establish the conditions you need for sleep. Your bedroom should be cool – between 60 and 67 degrees. Your bedroom should also be free from any noise that can disturb your sleep. Finally, your bedroom should be free from any light. Check your room for noises or other distractions. This includes a bed partner’s sleep disruptions such as snoring. Consider using blackout curtains, eye shades, ear plugs, “white noise” machines, humidifiers, fans and other devices. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows. Make sure your mattress is comfortable and supportive. The one you have been using for years may have exceeded its life expectancy – about 9 or 10 years for most good quality mattress-
es. Have comfortable pillows and make the room attractive and inviting for sleep but also free of allergens that might affect you and objects that might cause you to slip or fall if you have to get up during the night. Use bright light to help manage your circadian rhythms. Avoid bright light in the evening and expose yourself to sunlight in the morning. This will keep your circadian rhythms in check. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and heavy meals in the evening. Alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine can disrupt sleep. Eating big or spicy meals can cause discomfort from indigestion that can make it hard to sleep. It is good to finish eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. Wind down. Your body needs time to shift into sleep mode, so spend the last hour before bed doing a calming activity such as reading. For some people, using an electronic device such as a laptop can make it hard to fall asleep, because the particular type of light emanating from the screens of these devices is activating to the brain. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid electronics before bed or in the middle of the night. If you can’t sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired. It is best to take work materials, computers and televisions out of the sleeping environment. Use your bed only for sleep and sex to strengthen the association between bed and sleep. If you associate a particular activity or item with anxiety about sleeping, omit it from your bedtime routine. If you’re still having trouble sleeping, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor or to find a sleep professional . You may also benefit from recording your sleep in a Sleep Diary to help you better evaluate common patterns or issues you may see with your sleep or sleeping habits. Source: sleepfoundation.org
Page 14
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN
SEPTEMBER 2014
COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE Mount Bethel House of Prayer in Houston 6818 Cullen Boulevard Houston, TX 77021
Spiritual Baptist Church Mother Kathleen Joseph
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From Page 5 ...Immigration
their lives cannot be interrupted at the port of entry on account of these convictions. The records of older criminal convictions have now been computerized and available to CBP officers. This means, if you are a legal permanent resident with an old criminal record, your past ability to travel in and out of the U.S. was not because the government had forgotten or the records were expunged forever, it was because CBP didn’t previously know about the conviction. If you have travel plans and had a past conviction, you should see an experienced immigration attorney to examine the consequences of leaving the U.S., before you From Page 12 ... Light Skiinned
Constitution. That’s no longer the case,” Witter said.
make the decision to travel. What will Secondary Inspection Mean for You? To be placed in secondary inspection is not per se an indication of an immigration violation. However, understanding the nature and limitations of your visa will be the key to avoiding extensive interrogation, being asked to withdraw your admission to the U.S. or possibly facing expedited removal from the U.S. The best way to steer clear of the secondary inspection room, possible restraints and the inability to connect with loved ones is to steer clear of the following actions: using fraudulent travel documents; leaving the U.S. if you are a legal permanent resident and you were convicted of “own the biggest companies”. Others believe outrage will dissipate over time and offenders will remain anonymous, despite the labour minister’s promise to “throw the book” at the perpetrators. It remains, however the desire to erase the signs of blackness – the lips, nose, hair – that keeps the prejudice alive.
Social commentators believe, however, that while discrimination may not be promoted, it is definitely practiced. They point to a recent “Police Standing Orders” – the document that outlines rules and regulations governing the force – banning braided hair and any form of Their special honored guests locks, among other things. for the evening were Dr. Hedley Lennan MD of Panama and Jamaica’s corporate culture, his wife, Rev. Maiziee Lennan, they say, evolved from plan- Dean of St. Luke’s Cathedral tations, and today’s business in Panama. They both played community consists largely of important roles in shaping the the ancestors of the slave own- lives of thousands of children ers of colonial Jamaica. In fact, and citizens of our homeland to the biggest businesses have their become responsible and contribroots in slavery. uting adults at home and abroad. Chin believes the situation will not change because “the brown people who have the money and make the rules” are the ones who
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certain criminal offenses; making travel arrangements when you are a legal permanent resident who may have indicia of abandoning his or her permanent resident status. In any of these instances you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney before you seek to enter or re-enter the U.S. Doing so may help you avoid the drama and strain in the immigration inspection process. 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.
Don”t Forget Your Flu Shot Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. An annual seasonal flu vaccine (either the flu shot or the nasal-spray flu vaccine) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and lessen the chance that you will spread it to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get vaccinated against influenza as soon as flu season vaccine becomes available in their community. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.
From Page 4 ...Governor
Greg Abbott Voter fraud in Texas and throughout our country is real, and Greg Abbott believes that we need to enact strong Voter ID laws in Texas to prevent cheating at the ballot box and ensure integrity in the electoral system. While critics argue that Voter ID laws suppress votes, the U.S. Supreme Court has already approved Voter ID as a legal, nondiscriminatory response to voter fraud. Voter ID laws do not prevent legal votes. Instead, they ensure legal votes are not discounted by illegal ones. Every state that has implemented Voter ID laws has seen an increase in minority voter participation and there’s no reason not to expect the same in Texas. From Page 4 ...Panama Canal
cultures today. In fact, we further promise to cherish those remembrances; and to use our skills or talents to tell those historical stories of their significance throughout generations to come. The world today, and for many years to come, has evolved to become a natural beneficiary of the physical, mental, and emotional investments made by our ancestors; and we acknowledge every physical pain or mental anguish endured for our benefit. The world is clearly a better place because of what they did; and we believe that this is more than pleasing to our Creator. And to every man or woman who made that journey for the purpose of the construction and operation of the Panama Canal, we offer this pledge in saying, “We shall never forget!” It was fundamentally cruel that they were regarded and treated in ways that we, today define as crimes against humanity. We promise not to ignore; nor deny; neither to obliterate those cherished memories of your sacrifices. Panama gained sovereignty and full control of the Canal in December 1999 by an earlier treaty, signed by then leaders, U.S. President Jimmy Carter and
The Department of Justice was attempting to stop implementation of voter ID laws including the Texas law. General Abbott filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court in the case of Shelby County, Alabama v. Eric Holder. Arguing that Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act is flawed and undermines the principle of sovereignty. On June 25, 2013, the United States Supreme Court determined in the case of Shelby County, Alabama v. Eric Holder that Section 4, which subjected Texas to preclearance by the Justice Department, was unconstitutional. That very day, General Abbott announced that Texas would implement its duly passed Voter ID law. (www.gregabbott.com) General Omar Torrijos, President of the Republic of Panama (September 1977). Today, unlike the hellish jungles with life threatening conditions and predatory animals encountered by the early migrant Caribbean workers; Panama has evolved to become an industrialized metropolitan center in Latin America. It would probably be unrecognizable to most of the men and women who first arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries of Canal construction period from virtually every Island Nation of the Caribbean Region. But today, it becomes our task as descendants of Canal Construction Workers to continue ringing those celebratory bells of fait accompli for the Panama Canal; being vanguards of their deserving honor and of their unending remembrance. We look toward a hopeful future when the books of history will be unquestionably clear about the invaluable contributions made by our endeared Canal Construction Workers for a world of peaceful co-inhabitants. The land was divided, so the world would be united. They did their part exceedingly well!
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SEPTEMBER 2014
ONE LOVE CARIBBEAN Page 15
JOKES, SATIRE, AND POEMS
ULTURE
Cussing Out De Boss
Two West Indians were drinking in a bar and complaining about their boss that he is a real pain in the butt always giving them a hard time. The next day they met at bar again and the Lucian began boasting to the Trini, “Boy ah cuss out de boss man real good, and when ah done, ah ask ‘e fuh a raise and he gih it to me.”
ISLAND RECIPES THE ART OF CARIBBEAN COOKING
Taste of Barbados
Bajan Rice and Peas
Bajan Cou-Cou
Courtesy of Erskine Gittens. Ingredients
Courtesy of Reggie Clarke Sr. Ingredients
15 okras 1 lb. cornmeal 10 cups water 1 tsp. salt 3 tbsp. butter
16oz dried pigeon peas, 1 cup rice 3-4 dried bay leaves, ½ lb. pig tail, small onion thyme, marjoram, 2 cloves of garlic black pepper, salt Water
Directions
Soak the cornmeal in 4 cups of water. Place okra, butter, and salt in the remaining water in the pot and allow to boil. Add the wet cornmeal, and start to stir.
Directions
Souse
Cook dried pigeon peas with chopped onions, pepper, salt and enough water to cover peas. Some people put in pigtail in theirs to give it a cook flavor. When the peas are cooked, then you add the seasoning of thyme, marjoram, and bay leaf. You add rice and lower the heat and let simmer. Peas and rice should be soft when it is cooked.
Stir continuously until you get to a nice smooth consistency. The coo-coo test is if the stick that you stir with can stand up straight in the pot.
Steamed Flying Fish
Courtesy of Reggie Clarke Sr. Ingredients
Souse
8 Flying Fish, scaled, boned, and butterflied 3 tbsp Bajan seasoning (also called green seasoning) 1 tbsp. unsalted butter 2 large onions, sliced cloves garlic, sliced 1 tsp. black pepper 2 large tomatoes, chopped 3 tbsp. tomatoes sauce ½ tsp. Bajan Hot Sauce 2 cups water 2 tbsp thyme 1 tsp marjoram Lime juice, as needed Salt, as needed
Courtesy of Erskine Gittens. Ingredients
3 lbs. pig feet cooked, 4 large limes Salt to taste , 1 medium onion 1 large cucumber, 1 green pepper 1 scotch bonnet pepper, parsley
Bajan Rice and Pea
Directions
Dice cucumber, onion red and green pepper, parsley, and a little scotch pepper. Place in a pan. Add some lime or salt to taste. Add cooked pig foot meat. Mix it up with the pickle and that is souse.
Cassava Pone
Directions
Seasoned flying fish with some Bajan seasoning and lots of black pepper. Chop up onions, bell pepper, salt, thyme, marjoram finely. That is what you put down the grooves of the fish. Heat up oil. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and Bajan hot sauce.
Courtesy of Judy Foster Ingredients
Flying Fish and Cou-cou
Add tomatoes and butter. Mix all together and sauté them. Then you add in water or tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Put in fish, lower the heat, and let cook.
2 cups grated casssava, 2 cup flour 1½ cups sugar, 1 tsp salt ¼ lb butter, 2 cups milk 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla essence 2 cups grated coconut Directions
Cassava Pone
Mix the cassava, coconut, sugar and flour, then you add butter, milk, eggs and essence. You have to mix good until the it stiff and bake it at 350 degrees. It is also called Yucca pone.
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That afternoon when Trini met Lucian in the bar again, he told him what happened earlier. Lucian explained “Trini muh friend, when I cuss de bossman, I cuss he in muh mind.”
Big Shot Lawyer
Big shot Trini, Joe grew up in Barataria by Jumbee bridge, then went away to attend college and law school. He decided to come back to T&T because he felt he could be a Big Shot at home. He really wanted to impress everyone. So he returned and opened his new law office on St Vincent Street among the big sawatees. The first day, he saw a man coming up the passageway. He decided to create a big impression for this new prospective client when he arrived. As the man came to the door Joe grab up the phone. He motioned the man in, all the while talking. “No. Absolutely not! You tell those clowns in New York that I won’t settle this case for less than one million. Yes, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear that case next week. I’ll be making the primary argument and the other members of my team will provide the necessary support.” He went on playing himself, “Okay, tell the DA that I’ll meet with him next week to discuss the details.” The “conversation” went on for almost five minutes. All the while the man sat patiently and quite unperturbed as Joe rattled instructions filled with endless legal jargon. Finally, Joe put down the phone and turned to the man, “I’m sorry for the delay but as you can see, I’m very busy. What can I do for you?” The man replied, “I’m from TSTT, the telephone company, I came to hook up your phone.”
Mango Season
Three men were sentenced to die - a Chinese, a Jamaican, and Trinidadian. On the day they were sentenced to hang, the priest asked each man, “What’s your last wish?”
Sit and dine to the comfort sounds of Caribbean Music and enjoy Trini delicacies Chicken / Fish
Trini looked at Lucian in surprise and asked “You mean he did’n fire you?” So the next day Trini went in to work and began to cuss up the boss who looked at him and promptly fired him on the spot.
Bake Good
Currant Roll Cake Coconut Drop
The Chinese said “Give me a moo goo gai pan.” After he ate the meal, they hung him. The Jamaican was next. He said “give me some ackee, saltfish, and jerk chicken.” After he ate his meal, they hung him too. The Trinidadian then gave his last wish. He said: “Well! Yo know, its a very long time that I haven’t sucked a mango.” The priest replied: “Sorry, its not mango season.” The Trini replied, “Well, I will wait.”
“Jamerican” By Jordan Simpson When people ask me where I am from My tongue struggles to root back to A distinct taste A native accent A home I usually tell them Both my parents are Jamaican I was born in the Bronx went to school in Jamaica until I was 3 moved back to New York and I’ve been living in Texas since I was 7
I am more roadmap than tradition Geography has made such a melting pot of me I am more nomad than immigrant I’ve been clicking my heels for as long as I can remember I’ve mistaken these spangled stars for navigation for so long I treat my parent’s house as nothing more than checkpoint Can you come back home if you never truly felt at home to begin with? When people ask me where I am from I want to speak of The russet dirt roads leading to my grandmother’s house on Holmwood Hill in Manchester The acres of land filled with archives of vegetables manicured by her hands... The comfort she cooked in the kitchen How each dumpling coated the tongue with a familiar past The gospel in her voice that would endure the hurricanes even after the zinc roof and hope had been lost... But I feel more imposter than proud Allowing my identity to fall through the cracks of my mother’s contradictions “You aren’t really Jamaican” she says This was my first culture shock under the family tree “People who are born there take great offense to foreigners’ claiming their homeland” The mark of the outlier feels like the cut of the umbilical cord Sounds like the pledge of allegiance Embarrassing the pride i thought was mine to inherit Eroding everything I thought was culture, I want to call Jamaica home But realized I am too vantage point Too infrequent flyer I didn’t know a birth certificate could also be a border I practice my accent in the mirror before family gatherings Knowing i will still be seen as a tourist A welcome home mat in a souvenir shop But what is left for children born out of assimilation After your heritage is reduced to a shelf on an International grocery aisle.. Their customs cremated by stereotypes... Their history a known Unknown And a flag that has lost its meaning? On the days I feel more Identity crisis than family member I ask myself where I am from A desert of forgotten roots Or foreign soil... I am ashamed to be a son who continues to make ash of his ancestry.
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