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Business, Innovators & Game-Changers Awards Gala

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Vol #14 4th edition

april

Articles

Contents Feature Articles

10 Miss Jamaica World

B.I.G. AWARDS HONOREES

26 To Be or Not To Be Insured...?

By Kay-Annie Reid

12 Money Series

By Yolanda Candelario

16 Sen. Leroy Comrie’s 2nd Education Leadership Awards 22 Skin Ethiks - Beautiful Skin

By Glenise Gomez

28 More Jamaica Musings...

By Melissa Rawlins 30 Mikaila Ulmer: Bee Sweet Lemonade 34 WIA Classifieds

24 Groovin’ In The Park:

pg. 18

Beres Hammond/ Toots Hibbert

CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTO JOURNALIST

LEGAL COUNSELOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CLIVE WILLIAMS

ADIKA BUTLER

MARJORIE FLASH

GARNETT H. SULLIVAN, ESQ

UNIVERSAL PRODUCTIONS

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

ART DIRECTOR

NEW MEDIA INITIATIVES

CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS

CHRISTIAN X. JONES

ROCKSTONE MEDIA GROUP

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

MANAGING EDITOR OF ONLINE CONTROLLER MAGAZINE MICHELLE WILLIAMS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ON THE COVER IMAGE ADIKA BUTLER - ANNETTE GORDON B.I.G. AWARDS GALA HONOREES DR. CLIVE WILLIAMS - CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS MELISSA RAWLINS - SHERRY MORGAN GLENISE GOMEZ - YOLANDA CANDELARIO KAY-ANNIE REID

ANNETTE GORDON

CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS

INQUIRIIES

Clive Williams (917) 749-7613 Sherry Morgan (800) 774-2803

wiaeditors@gmail.com uniquebizandevents@gmail.com

www.gowhereitzat.com www.facebook.com/whereitzatmagazine twitter.com/gowhereitzat

WhereItzAt Magazine is published monthly by WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. WhereItzAt Magazine is a registered trademark of WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is prohibited. Views of editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of WhereItzAt Magazine, WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. or its advertisers. For questoins, comments and concerns address your letters to: WhereItzAt Magazine • 219-10 S. Conduit Avenue • Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 or email:editors@whereitzatmag.com WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. 461 Elmont Rd. Elmont,NY 11003 Phone: (917) 749-7613 4 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

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PUBLISHER’S VIBE “BUSINESS INNOVATORS & GAME-CHANGERS AWARDS GALA.” LEADERSHIP - THE WAY FORWARD

Allison Fay Johnson-Russell

Raymond S. Thomas

Clive Williams, CEO/ Publisher _________________________

I Dr. Roy W. Streete

Dr. Millicent A. Comrie

Chef Peter Ivey

Arthur Briscoe

rarely meet anyone today who doesn’t want to be recognized for something.

Recently I ran into a woman who bluntly asked me why the B.I.G Awards had not seen fit to honor her for doing her job, a job for which she receives compensation. My simple answer was, “lady as much as you may be a nice person, our selection process requires that, 1. Your neighbors, your peers and members of your community should easily recognize the contribution you make to improve the lives of others.

2. Your professional relationships or business activities must pass the smell test, and 3. Your body of work and lifetime achievements should precede you. Please feel free to submit your biography for consideration.” I am still waiting.

In recent times, the explosion of award events is making sure that people are being honored simply for being alive. I happily accept the relevance of Industry, professional, humanitarian and academic awards that reward real achievement. But it has become increasingly difficult for me to accept the proliferation of cracker box awards that dilute the essence and meaning of being esteemed and honored.

It is true that the need for recognition is deeply embedded in the DNA of the human species, but that recognition and award should be conferred for a tangible and meaningful reason, e.g, one’s lasting contribution to the uplift of a community

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or the larger society. For that very reason, the idea of the B.I.G AWARDS was implemented - ensuring that the philosophy of Marcus Garvey become enshrined in our institutions, namely that, “we must canonize our own martyrs and elevate to positions of fame and honor, black men and women who have made their distinct contributions to our history.”

The people of distinction that we choose to honor on June 11 of 2016 have distinguished themselves in the fields of Business, Medicine, Education, Architecture, Culinary Arts, Writing/Publishing and Real Estate.

They are the leaders in our immigrant communities who make a difference as trail blazers, innovators and gamechangers, while establishing a legacy of achievement.

Please make a note of their names and faces so you can accord them the place of honor and respect they deserve, for the contributions they make to our quality of life.

This marks the fourth year of the B.I.G AWARDS GALA and another opportunity to demonstrate to our community the historical contributions that Caribbean Americans make to American society, in business, entertainment and professional life. In order to further encourage and establish the continuity of our program, we have established a charitable organization – the Caribbean American Leadership Foundation Inc.; providing mentorship programs and support services to urban youth and small business owners, as well as supporting other charities by providing publicity and support to foster their goals. Our motto, “preparing tomorrows leaders today,” is a task that we relish, not because it is easy, but because we have the assistance of the leadership alumnae that we have recognized and publicized over the years.

We confidently believe that the infrastructure is now in place to prepare and sustain a growing cadre of Caribbean American leaders in their efforts to leave a lasting legacy of significant contributions to American life and culture.

The Caribbean American Leadership Foundation and Whereitzat Magazine have joined forces to direct

attention to urban immigrant communities who have made tremendous sacrifices and endured unimaginable hardships, in order to distinguish themselves in what is inarguably the most competitive metropolis in the world.

So yes, we take great pride in Recognizing, Publicizing and Memorializing those innovative people who continue to be Game-changers in business, entertainment and professional life.

The founders of this extraordinary event understand all too well the importance and significance of Leadership in the development of any society or culture, but we owe our inspiration to the life – changing philosophy of Marcus Garvey as stated above. Armed with that philosophy, we are determined to elevate people of color to fame and honor and sincerely trust that they wear this distinction as leaders, with dignity, pride and humility.

Allow me to introduce some of our honorees and urge your support to witness and share in the celebration of their achievements, on Saturday, June 11 at the beautiful and exclusive Mirelle’s Restaurant & Catering at 170 Post Avenue in Westbury, Long Island.

All our honorees are entrepreneurs in various enterprises: Dr. Millicent Comrie, is one of the most outstanding and respected medical doctors in the north-east, Dr. Roy Streete is an outstanding dentist and philanthropist.

Allison Russell and Sheree Palmer-Sparkes are amazing entrepreneurial educators who are transforming the lives of our children every day. Wenford Patrick Simpson and Peter Ivey are incredible chef ’s whose talents are well documented. Ray Thomas, a marketing executive and business consultant is a game-changer who pioneered Caribbean cultural expansion in Nassau county and Arthur Briscoe, considered one of the top real estate brokers and business owner.

The other honorees will appear in the next issue of this publication so please be patient, as you get ready to witness the 4th edition of the B.I.G AWARDS GALA on Saturday, June 11 at Mirelle’s Restaurant & Catering in Westbury, Long Island.

‘Cause that’s WhereItzAt! Sheree Palmer-Sparkes

Chef W. P. Simpson

NOW CELEBRATING 25 25YEARS YEARS OF VITAL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY!

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BUSINESS/ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Media Contact: Sherry Morgan Caribbean American Leadership Foundation Inc. Email: uniquebizandevents@gmail.com Phone: 800-774-2803 THE B.I.G AWARDS GALA – A BIG NIGHT FOR NEW YORK BUSINESS & COMMUNITY LEADERS This marks the fourth year since the inauguration of the B.I.G. Awards, an event that has recognized and honored Caribbean American leaders who are Trailblazers, Innovators and Game-Changers in our communities.

In previous years, The Business Innovators and Game-Changers Awards Gala (B.I.G. Awards) was produced and presented by WhereItzAt Magazine. This year, the newly formed Caribbean American Leadership Foundation Inc., (a not-for-profit) organization, has assumed the lead role in presenting the Business Innovators and Game-Changers Awards, (B.I.G. Awards). WhereItzAt Magazine, the co-founders, will continue to be an active sponsor and facilitator of this annual event.

WhereItzAt Magazine dedicates itself to encouraging and promoting the diverse and fascinating cultures of the Caribbean, as well as providing a platform for its talented Artists, Professionals and Entrepreneurs/Small business owners; however it is the Caribbean American Leadership Foundation that will now recognize, publicize and memorialize their achievements through the Business Innovators and Game-Changers Awards, (B.I.G Awards Gala) The Caribbean American Leadership Foundation Inc. is a 501c3 corporation created to foster the incubation and development of immigrant owned businesses, while providing mentorship and relevant support services. This also ensures that contributions from our sponsors and donors are tax deductible.

The words of Marcus Garvey says it best, “we must canonize our own martyrs and elevate to positions of fame and honor, black men and women who have made their distinct contributions to our history.”

In addition to its role of honoring and curating our leaders in the Caribbean diaspora, the Foundation will also ensure that small business owners and our young people in schools and colleges receive the gift of mentorship from award recipients, thus fulfilling our promise to, “prepare tomorrow’s leaders today.”

The Caribbean American Leadership Foundation, through the B.I.G Awards, has successfully created a synergy between business owners, consumers, clergy, community leaders and elected officials in New York area, making it an influential voice in the leadership and development of our communities We look forward to having you join us for our fourth year of the B.I.G. Awards Gala on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Mirelle’s Restaurant & Catering, 170 Post Avenue, Westbury, Long Island, as we “Prepare Tomorrows Leaders Today.”

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URBAN CULTURE MISS JAMAICA WORLD TO JOIN UNITED MISSIONS OF GOODWILL AT SAV HOSPITAL NY: 24-year-old Dr. Sanneta Myrie, who was a third place runner up in the 2015 Miss World Competition in Sanya, China, will join Lorna L Rawle, president of US based United Missions of Goodwill (UMG) and a team of 25 health care professionals including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurse Anesthetists, Registered Nurses and surgical technicians who will volunteer their services at Savanna La Mar General Hospital in Westmoreland, Jamaica from May 2-6.

“It is an immense honor to be invited to be apart of this initiative alongside Missions of Goodwill” said Dr Myrie, who has family roots in Westmoreland.

“It is always a privilege and blessing to be given the opportunity to combine my passion for medicine, be a medical doctor, with my Miss Jamaica World duties.”

New York based Jamaican born Rawle, who is scheduled to arrive in Kingston ahead of the Diaspora medical team, migrated to the USA in1985. She has

a passion for education and health care, especially for the under served. She is currently a registered nurse specializing in anesthesiology.

A missionary since 2003, she has traveled to different parts of the world serving the poor. March 2012 opened a window of opportunity for her when Dr. Cecil Bachelor, Senior Medical Officer at the Princess Margaret hospital in Morant Bay, Jamaica hosted a surgical mission that she coordinated. Over 40 volunteers from the US joined the mission that year. Since 2012 she has led six medical missions to Jamaica under the austerities of UMG that included stops at the Trinity Ville health fair (2013); Port Antonio hospital & clinics (2014) and the May Pen Hospital & Bridgeport dental clinic in 2015. UMG will donate an operating room table, an incubator, an infant warmer plus other medical items to Sav hospital during their visit in May. “The parish of Westmoreland has been placed under

Dr. Sanneta Myrie

the spotlight as a result of crime and violence and accidents in recent times. This of course has had a negative impact on our ailing health facility here” Custos of Westmoreland, Reverend Canon Hartley Perrin said.

“I am therefore pleased and delighted to welcome the gifts and professional services being offered by our visiting team. The parish marks with gratitude this magnanimous gesture” he said.

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FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT Money Series!

Do you want to be in the Credit Score Game?

The Game – Credit Score Part 8

By Yolanda Candelario

The referee of this critical game 8, is taking inventory to confirm that we are coming to the game with the right equipment.

The game changer will be to break down your household spending for three months to understand the important factors behind spending, as well as why it is important. Recognizing the habits and behaviors behind our spending creates the basis for doing the right things that’s best for the household.

Doing the right things?

Gather your income for the last three months, and jot down the information below. Pretty soon you will take a glimpse on efficiency and effectiveness with your expenses. Although this template has been condensed for the article, as mentioned, Yolanda Candelario you may find budget worksheets or on-line website with more categories to reflect your personal preference.

The difference between Gross Income vs. Net Income?

Gross represents the sources of income, wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, pensions, and other income on a before-tax basis. When reviewing your budget, it is best to create using your net income, which reflects the take home pay opposed to the gross income.

Net Income (after-tax basis) represents the payroll deductions that are reflected on the paycheck. Some of the more notable deductions are as followed: city, state, and federal income taxes, social security, Medicare, and company sponsored benefits (healthcare, retirement, other). All of these deductions are subtracted from the Gross, representing the Net Income.

What are the ideal budgeting guidelines worth noting?

In order to create an effective budget, consider using the 50/30/20 guidelines--50%-Essentials, 30%-Non-Essential, and 20%-Savings. The guidelines can be modified or adjusted to accommodate whatever breakdown is suitable for the household; however, the breakdown provides a high-level view on the expense priorities.

50% Essentials – Consider expenditures in this category living expenses, which relates to the essentials, the non-discretionary bills, the needs to survive and basic living expenditures. For Example, Housing, Utilities, Food, Transportation, and Healthcare.

The example illustrates that the essential spending represents 87% of the Net Income, which is significantly higher than 50% suggested guidelines.

How much of your take home income is being spent on essentials, write down your expenses?

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FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT Continued from page 12 Calculate as followed: Total Essential = the sum of the three months {2,510+2,570+2,550 = 7,630} 3-Mth Average = total essential divided by the number of months {7,630 / 3 = 2,543} Percentage = 3-Mth Average / Mthly Income {2,543 / 2,916 = .8720 * 100 = 87.2%} Note: This formula can be replicated through all of the categories 30% Non-Essentials - Consider expenses in this category playing, which relates to the non-essentials, the discretionary bills, the wants or choices to enjoy life without regrets. These are for example - entertainment, personal Care, clothing, and other miscellaneous items.

This example illustrates that the non-essential spending represents 10% of the Net Income, which is lower than 30% suggested guidelines. How much of your take home income is being spent on non-essentials, write down your expenses?

20% Savings - Consider expenses in this category working, which relates to financial freedom. For example: emergency funds, goal oriented savings, education, eliminating debt, and instead, accumulating assets.

The example illustrates that the savings represent 2% of the Net Income, which is significantly lower than 20% prescribed guidelines. How much of your take home income is allocated to savings? Write down your expenses.

Winning the Game The 50/30/20 guideline is a game changer to your living, working, and playing with financial freedom. Doing this exercise will highlight what happening with your numbers. To bring efficiency to the household would be to implement budgeting tools, resources, and assistance to notice how your money is being utilized. The effectiveness comes when you understand how your numbers compare to the 50/30/20 guidelines and take the necessary actions to improve better outcomes. Ponder on this thought: Without a budget, there can be no savings, Without savings, there can be no assets, Without assets, there can be no legacy or financial freedom.

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COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

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SENATOR LEROY COMRIE’S 2nd EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARDS 16 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

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B.I.G. AWARDS HONOREES 2016

CONGRATULATIONS! DR. Millicent A. Comrie Millicent A. Comrie, MD,MPH,FACOG, Director and founder of the Center for Women’s Health, Maimonides Medical Center for Women’s health in Brooklyn.

Dr. Comrie was also Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the State University of New York (SUNY) - Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn.

Dr. Comrie did her residency at LICH in obstetrics and gynecology, and was the hospital’s Chief of Adolescent Gynecology from 1983 to 1989. She is particularly interested in the management of fibroids and menopause and has established the Fibroid Center, the only facility in Brooklyn offering an integrated gynecological, surgical and/or radiological approach to treatment. Over the past several years, she has increased community outreach and forged alliances with community organizations to improve women’s health. Dr. Comrie is responsible for saving the uterus of many women who would have not had this opportunity. This is because of her work with fibroids. Many of these women after surgery go on to have one or more babies.

Dr. Comrie holds an MD from SUNY – Downstate and an MPH in maternal and child health population and family planning from Columbia University School of Public Health.

She is a fellow of both the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Brooklyn Gynecological Society, and a member of the Organization for International Development and the Caribbean-American Outreach Association. She also served as Director of the Myrtle Ferguson Girls Rescue Center in Kingston, Jamaica. She has done medical missions in Jamaica, West Indies.

Dr. Comrie received the Physician Recognition Award from LICH in 1996, and the Masters teacher Award in Obstetrics and Gynecology from SUNY Alumni Association in 2001.

Additionally, she was honored by The Victims of Violence, Rape Crisis Intervention program, for her dedicated and compassionate care of survivors in crisis.

Dr. Comrie has been selected as one of the top black doctors in New York and New Jersey. She was selected as one of the top 100 doctors by New York Magazine for 3 years in a row. Dr. Comrie is loved and appreciated by her patients because of the unique care she gives to them daily. She has been honored extensively by several organizations and has been on local television numerous times, speaking on different health issues involving women.

Dr. Comrie is a devoted wife and mother. She cares for her family at home and her work family. Her devoted patients are special. They come to see her near and far. She has a large national and international practice. Patients come from the Caribbean and from Africa, Germany, and Japan and all over Europe. She is a household name in the tri-state area. She does a weekly community voluntary radio talk show on 93.5AM to keep the community informed on health matters. It is a mind, body and soul program.

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B.I.G. AWARDS HONOREES 2016

W. PATRICK SIMPSON/CHEF It’s Friday evening. Chef Wenford Patrick Simpson is rushing around with the kitchen staff, crafting dishes akin to artwork, both for the eyes as well as the palate.

Despite the fast-paced environment, Chef Patrick is known for his calm demeanor. “He’s such an easygoing chef,” says coworker Shurette Puckerin. “He’s smooth and efficient. Maybe it’s his ‘Caribbean chill’ background.”

Born in Claredon, Jamaica and raised in the Parish of St. Ann, Chef Patrick’s first experiences in the kitchen were as a young child. With his first attempts at cooking when he was 9 or 10, he soon learned his way around the kitchen. His passion for cooking was kindled and then took on a life of its own as his familiarity with flavor combinations and different spices grew. Soon, his sister began bringing her friends home so he could cook for them as well.

When he was old enough to begin an internship, his teacher paired him with a bakery in Jamaica. Feeling too limited with breads and simple foods, he convinced his school to later give him a second internship. “I was fortunate,” he recalls. “I ended up with two opportunities to intern, when some kids didn’t have the opportunity to have one.”

The second internship was with Club Caribbean, and this time, not only did Chef Patrick get the experience he was looking for, the resort offered him a full-time position as soon as he graduated from school. “Graduation was on a Sunday and I began work that Monday,” he remembers.

After a tenure with Club Caribbean, he worked for two separate cruise ships for more than a decade before settling in New York City.

Chef Patrick was appointed executive chef at Negril Restaurant NYC, where he began to gain prominence for infusing his Caribbean background with American dishes. He also used his Jamaican-infused talents with the Southern-style fare during his tenures at at Harlem’s Mo Bay Restaurant and Amy Ruth’s Home-Style Southern Cuisine.

Chef Patrick was later hired by B.B. King Blues Club and Grill on 42nd Street, where he works while overseeing sister venues Highline Ballroom, Sabrosa and Howard Theatre as corporate executive chef, overseeing between 40 and 50 people at any given time.

His unique persona and distintive meals have enticed many celebrities to sample his cooking, including Magic Johnson, Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Campbell, Hillary Clinton, Avril Lavigne, Donald Trump, Jamie Foxx, just to name a few.

DR. roy w. streete Roy W. Streete has been a private practitioner of General, Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry for over 29 years in the Bronx, New York. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lehman College, DDS degree from Howard University and a MPH in International Health from New York Medical College and completed his residency in General Practice at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx.

Dr. Streete is currently serving as the Co-chair Health Sector Leadership of the Northeast U.S.A. region for the Jamaican Diaspora and a served, on behalf of the Jamaican government, as a member of a US-based advisory committee on “Jamaica’s Healthcare Policy Reform.”

Dr. Streete founded The Organization for International Development (OID) which is an NGO that provides humanitarian services over 29 years ago. He started going to Jamaica first and expanded to other region as a means to improve the lives of impoverished people living in Caribbean, Africa, India, South and North America.

For his humanitarian deeds, he has received numerous recognitions and awards including the distinguished Medal of Appreciation from the former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honorable PJ Patterson, ON, QC, and a Congressional Record Tribute (House of Representative, Honorable Edolphus Towns).

Dr. Streete, along with his organization, OID, has built a Community Center which also houses a library and an Auditorium to facilitate vocational skills training. Through his organization, he has provided and sustained the library with books, computers, desk and chairs and other items.

Dr. Streete was able to procure a mobile clinic for Jamaica which houses a medical and dental suite.

He is now working assiduously in trying to get another Mobile Medical Clinic Van, which would concentrate on women’s health. The Mobile clinic would have a mammogram unit and GYN examination room with Ultra Sound Unit.

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B.I.G. AWARDS HONOREES 2016

Raymond S. Thomas Raymond S. Thomas was the former Director of Community Development and Deputy Director for Minority Health at Nassau County Department of Health in Nassau County. He is currently Vice president of business development for 1st Equity Title & Closing services.

In that capacity he is responsible to learn more about your requirements, to earn your confidence and to insure an enduring business relationship with 1st Equity. He was born in Jamaica West Indies to proud parents Fay and the late Bishop Stanley F. Thomas. He resided in Indianapolis until moving to New York in 1977. He has a Bachelor’s degree from New York Institute of Technology and has two wonderful children Danielle and Jonathan Thomas. Raymond is the founder of the Caribbean Festival in Nassau County. He is also an Advisory board member of Caribbean Business Connections, a member of the Long Island Caribbean American Association, a committee member of Pinktie.Org, a member of PinkTie1000.org, a member of the NAACP Freeport/Roosevelt chapter, a Nassau County Anti-Bias Task Force member and an Associate Real Estate Broker. Raymond is also a member of Zion Cathedral Church of Freeport, LI.

SHEREE PALMER - SPARKES SHEREE PALMER - SPARKES is the Founder/Director of Cambria Center for the Gifted Child (CCGC), a private educational institution serving approximately 300 students. Ms. Palmer is a graduate of Hunter College, where she received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science and Education and a Masters of Science Degree in Gifted Education. Born in New York of Jamaican parentage, she spent her childhood in the Caribbean before returning to the US. Cambria Center for the Gifted Child was started in 1980 to fill the void in the community for a viable educational option. CCGC Provides an outstanding academic program strong cultural foundation, intensive music program (band, orchestra, and piano), foreign languages, computer lab and an extensive after school program. Over the years, CCGC has become a pre-eminent private non- sectarian educational institution with graduates attending many of the elite private and prep schools.

Due to a high demand, in the fall of 2009, Cambria School of Excellence began serving 6th to 8th grade students. CSE will continue to be a living process designed to produce critical thinkers who solve problems, while being ethical and socially responsible. It is the goal to provide an environment for the cultivation of self confidence, leadership, character development, excellence, strong family involvement and community bonds. CSE has expanded the CCGC program adding Entrepreneurship Training, Community Service, Public Speaking, Latin and Mandarin.

Mrs. Palmer is an educational consultant who has received many awards for her faithfulness and dedication to her chosen discipline.

PETER IVEY/CHEF The Reggae Chefs™, a personal chef service that uniquely fuses Jamaican food and culture, is the brainchild of Peter Ivey. On his mission to bring Jamaican cultural and culinary delight to the world, Ivey and The Reggae Chefs™ have been featured in the New York Daily News, Television Jamaica and their work has been archived in The National Library of Jamaica.

In the past year, Ivey has been busy traveling the world in search of Jamaica. This search has birthed ScatteredJamaica™, a video series highlighting the interesting and unexpected culinary and cultural links between Jamaica and places like Ghana, New Orleans and United Kingdom. The mission is to educate, inform and entertain while building a bridge between the Caribbean and other cultures of the world. The Reggae Chefs Passport Dinner Series™ will debut this July in NYC and will give guests a chance to experience the cultures and cuisines from the destinations of ScatteredJamaica™.

Peter Ivey is also the founder and president of The League of International Chefs Association (TLICA) whose mission is to provide a network of support for local and international Chefs with entrepreneurial pursuits.

Ivey has been recognized with The 2016 Business Visionary Award by The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CACCI). He was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica and graduated from Jamaica College before migrating to the USA. Described as a serial entrepreneur, Ivey wants The Reggae Chefs to become a cross cultural juggernaut that will allow the people in our community to do three simple things in an amazing way: Eat, Learn and Play.

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B.I.G. AWARDS HONOREES 2016

ARTHUR BRISCOE Arthur Briscoe is the Owner and Principal Broker of Cross Island Realtors located in Queens, New York. Arthur is originally from Frankfield, Clarendon, Jamaica West Indies. Part of his personal mission is to provide solutions for his community. Arthur is deeply involved with his Alma Mater, Edwin Allen High School, and is the Vice President of the Mid - Atlantic Chapter of its Alumni Association.

Over the last 10 years he has worked hard to raise funds for over 20 annual scholarships to the school and help fund athletic team’s travel participation to the Penn Relays in Pennsylvania.

Arthur launched his Real Estate Office at 1089 Front Street in Uniondale, Long Island 24 years ago and has been focused on helping hardworking people in his community to realize the American dream of owning a home. He sees this as a privilege, one that he thoroughly enjoys; Arthur is presently a member of the Long Island Board of Realtors, where he is also sits on the Board of Directors. He has many qualifications and certifications to his credit, such as Accredited Buyer’s Representative, Broker’s Price Opinion, Certified Buyer’s Representative, Graduate of the Real Estate Institute, as well as Short Sale and Foreclosure Representative. Arthur has honed his skills and expertise through owning franchises from a number of major companies such as Realty Executives, Remax and Coldwell Bankers. He most recently signed a contract to be the first Home Smart International franchise in the New York area.

Arthur serves his community as a Notary Public and sits on many other local Boards. He is happily married to his wife Sheron, and is the proud father of four accomplished children.

ALLISON FAY JOHNSON-RUSSELL Allison Fay Johnson-Russell was born in Maroon Town, St James Jamaica. She is the third of seven children born to Phillip and Ethlyn Johnson. As a young child growing up in Maroon Town, she attended Maldon All Age School. From there she earned a scholarship to attend Branch Texas College, a former high school in the parish of St. James.

While at Branch Texas College, Allison worked very hard to obtain the required subjects in the General Certificate of Education (G.C.E) which qualified her to attend Church Teacher’s College in Mandeville, Manchester.

Allison knew she wanted to become a teacher very early on in life, following her sibling’s footsteps. Her first chance to fulfill her lifelong dream came when she was employed as a teacher at the Maggoty Secondary in St. Elizabeth. After transitioning from Maggoty Secondary, she worked at Lacovia Secondary also in St. Elizabeth.

During her adult life she met and married Malcolm Russell, a graduate from Jamaica School of Agriculture and also a graduate from The University of the West Indies. The union produced three successful children; Desrene Wright M.D., Camille Russell-Domond Esq. and Anthony Morris Russell Communication Technician.

Allison and her family migrated to the United States in 1984 and because of her passion for teaching, she continued to work with children, but redirected her focus and attention on developing and nurturing the younger minds. To this end, she attended York College and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree at the City University of New YorkWhile Allison studied diligently pursuing her undergraduate and Master’s Degree she labored day after day working as the Education Director at the Head Start Program located on Guy R. Brewer Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens for approximately ten years.

Realizing that more was needed in the community to affect change and impact the lives of our children, Allison created Mona Prep Day Care, Inc. in 1996. This educational program has flourished and is renowned for its unmatched educational curriculum, impacting the lives of many children. Without teachers, none of us can achieve greatness, underscoring the fact that children are indeed the world’s most valuable resource and our best hope for the future. These are the ideals that motivate Allison to continue to push each child to achieve their goals.

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 21

HEALTH SKIN ETHIKS

BEAUTIFUL SKIN – THE BEGINNING

By Glenise Gomez Esthetician

Being beautiful is simple! Although, not everything that’s simple is necessarily simple.

As a skincare care specialist I’ve had many challenges yet, perseverance and discipline in any aspect of life trumps all.

Caribbean life is taken for granted until we migrate to an arena of fast paced stress, in this case, the U.S.A. Then quickly the days of nonchalance and carefree bliss are gone!

Do you remember the days growing up where your mom and grandma had a remedy for everything? They would use Lemon Juice to lighten the skin, Aloe Vera for healing wounds, coals or baking soda to whiten teeth.

Back then we had Minimal stress, tons of fresh nutrient rich foods, mass expanses of land to work, herbal remedies for every ailment and unlimited salt water and sunshine: Nature’s Bounty made us healthy.

Ultimately, these are the simple elements necessary for skin to be radiant! We just need the mindset to take action and combat everything that hinders our goal. Beauty dwells within and emerges as we become comfortable with self. So, let’s take this journey together!

In the coming months we shall discuss the intricacies of skin, your concerns, remedies, and regimen and how life in general affects the body’s largest organ.

Be blessed and be beautiful!

For more advice, call Glenise at 917-528-3532

22 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 23

MUSIC & CULTURE

Toots Hibbert

Reggae’s timeless idol Beres Hammond, who has performed at the annual “Groovin In The Park at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York on two previous occasions, has been invited to be one of the headliners for the annual festival on Sunday, June 26, 2016.

“We are excited to welcome the return of the King to Groovin’ In The Park for the third time” event CEO Christopher Roberts, of Groovin Inc. disclosed.

“Based on calls to our office, emails we have received over the past 7 months and feedback on all our social media platforms, Beres is by far the most requested performer by fans so we had no choice but to book him this year” Roberts continued.

Hammond ignited the Big Apple with musical flames when he appeared on Groovin’ In The Park in 2014. He was joined for that historic performance

by Australian pop duo Air Supply, Chronixx, reggae quartet L.U.S.T, Marcia Griffiths, Bob Andy, Judy Mowatt and Ken Boothe.

Hammond also performed on the festival in 2012. This year he is again expected to have his way with music lovers when he belts out favorites like “Rockaway,” “In Love With You,” “What One Dance Can Do,” “Step Aside” “Double Trouble” and “Putting Up Resistance.”

Hammond’s stellar career was launched in the 70’s with the release of “One Step Ahead,” a blockbuster single which stayed at number one on the charts for 14 weeks. In the 80’s he cemented his name with the smash “Tempted to Touch” and subsequent albums “Love Affair,” “Full Attention” (1993), “In Control” (1994), “Love From a Distance” (1996), “A Day In The Life” (1998), “Music is Life” (2011) and “One Love One Life” (2012), which topped reggae charts worldwide.

Beres Hammond 24 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

Chris Roberts, Concert Producer & Toots Hibbert

Veteran reggae superstar Toots Hibbert, who recently reached a court settlement for the injury he sustained in 2013, is now officially confirmed as a headline performer alongside Beres Hammond at New York’s Groovin In The Park 2016. The event unfolds at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, NY on Sunday, June 26, 2016.

This year’s festival promises to be a ravishing treat for music lovers who will have the opportunity to see the Jamaican icon and former lead singer of The Maytals in concert.

“We here at Groovin Inc are extremely happy Toots has fully recovered from his injury and is ready to grace the stage again” Groovin Inc CEO Chris Roberts disclosed.

Toots was originally booked to perform at the festival in 2013 but was pulled after sustaining a head injury at an outdoor festival in Richmond, Virginia.

“It was heartbreaking for the team when we heard about Toot’s injury in 2013 and doctors informed us he would not be able to perform at the festival. His health was our utmost concern, Toots is a friend for over 20 years and is like family” said Andrea Bullens of Bullzii Marketing /Groovin Inc, who had negotiated the deal.

Fan were left with Patti LaBelle, Tank, Ginuwine, Tyrese, Sanchez and Queen Ifrica. It took 2 entertainers - Half Pint and Steel Pulse to fill the void. Now that Toots is back, New York music fans are looking forward to seeing the veteran star in concert.

Toots comes to the sizzling one day reggae and R & B festival with superb credentials. He is responsible for some of the biggest hits in reggae’s history, including ‘Pressure Drop,’ ‘Sweet And Dandy’ and ‘54-46’ (That’s My Number)” In 1968, Toots & the Maytals’ released the hit single ‘Do the Reggay,’ which gave the burgeoning genre its name. By 1971, the Maytals were stars in Jamaica. The group was featured in the landmark reggae film The Harder They Come in 1972, which introduced an international audience to the Maytals’ appeal.

Toots & The Maytals released True Love in 2004, a retrospective all-star collaboration featuring rock’s upper echelon (Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck and Trey Anastasio), country icons (Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raitt), modern ska rockers (No Doubt), new folk-rock disciples (Ryan Adams and Ben Harper) and dancehall star Shaggy.

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 25

HEALTH & FITNESS

To Be Or Not To Be Insured...?

That Is The Question.

By Kay-Annie Reid

W

e all know that as we age, our bodies go through many changes, ranging from gray hairs, to looser skin, to aches and pains we had never had before. Yet, while some of us are proactive in observing the changes that occur within our bodies, not enough of us are practicing this very important behavior. While women tend to be more proactive in their efforts to assess their health, men tend to live by the mantra “if I’m not falling down, then I’m fine”. There is also the belief that going to the doctor too many times will increase a person’s insurance premium. The problem with this misconception is that the ratio of contributors to actual users tends to tip in favor of the insurance companies. But that is not the insurance companies’ fault. So, how do we fix this? First let’s debunk this myth.

speaking, the healthy population is offsetting the costs of the unhealthy population – those who are most likely to need care. For this reason, your premium will probably increase whether you see a doctor zero times or ten times during the year. So, then – why not group all the unhealthy people together? After all, why should you have to pay for the person who isn’t taking care of themselves? These are valid questions. And in a perfect world we would all have individual plans based on our own lifestyle habits. But then we would also not be able to afford customized cost, unless either robbing a bank is a part of your plan, or you are already lucky to have inherited a gazillion dollars.

Consider this, if more people utilized the funds, the healthier they would then be. This may result in their needing less medication, which in turn If either you or your employer is paying health reduces the costs of healthcare (i.e. medication, insurance premiums, this is generally based on visits etc.). And this, finally could directly a pool of people whose statistics will estimate impact the premium rates in the community’s how much you will pay monthly. Think of it as favor. So what can you do to become a part of being a part of a community whose members the solution? are grouped according to their demographics, lifestyle activities and habits (i.e. dare-devils, Know Your Numbers! Knowing what health smokers, non-smokers, chronic conditions risks are unique to you is extremely important etc.). Each individual in the community then in maintaining or becoming a healthier pay a set amount monthly which goes into a individual. Become the health ambassador for fund. A portion of that fund is utilized every your household and make sure that everyone time someone goes to the doctor, hospital, raises their awareness about their health risks, pharmacy or specialist. The cost of each visit will vary depending on the severity of the person’s condition. For example, someone who needs dialysis treatment for diabetes which affects over 29 million people in the United States can easily use $53,000-$72,000 annually from the fund.

Conversely, a single annual health check visit for a healthy individual may cost anywhere between $50 and $600. Yes, health insurance is expensive.

That is because healthcare is expensive, as more people are unhealthy than healthy. Realistically 26 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

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and that they play active roles in minimizing those risks wherever possible. Also, don’t think that by not paying for health insurance coverage or choosing the least expensive policy available that you are “teaching” the insurance company a lesson. Also do not think that because you are young and healthy, or older and healthy you do not need insurance. In reality, none of us knows when or what kind of illness may befall us, or how severe that illness might be. Chances are, at some point you will need insurance. It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. So remember, if you don’t have insurance, research and acquire it. If you already have it, maintain it – for your health!

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F R E EI N PA R K I N G REAR PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 27

ROOTS & CULTURE

More Jamaica Musings….

-Melissa Rawlins/Zorabird@yahoo.com II. Working it out.

I have a friend from Spur Tree.

He left Jamaica sometime in 2013, for NYC. He happened to go back one day before I did, so he often rescued me from the endless sunny boredom inside of Aunty’s house. Once, we went riding to All Seasons Jerk House. He called when he was close by and said get ready, and in a blink I was in his left hand passenger seat with the sun blinding my eyes and the sun’s dry heat baking me brown.

We stop for the ubiquitous Juici Patty, which I love supreme, and we’re off into the direction framing the sea. Of course, everything is beautiful, even the clouds rolling off the distant ocean, and, as I’m taking it all in, we converse.

“Is one thing”, he says as we mull about home New York and home Jamaica and the differences therein. “Since I come back, I can’t take the cold water bathing again!” Where we live in New York, the hot powerfully-streamed, fluoride added water is an amenity, so I had an immediate understanding.

as FEEL it, and the video man made me a supastar….for a few seconds.

The night ended, we went back home and woke up when the Most High ordained. Later in the evening, I was taken back to Aunty, and a couple of days after that, I really went home, to Trelawny.

Trelawny is truly my roots. And, oooh, it is nice! Everything was a bright green November weekend. Sun HOT in the day yet extremely cool in the night. There are so many cousins.

The bulk of my Mothers’ siblings waited to be greeted and her grandparents’ generations were in abundance, as well. And, of course, there is the ole cruff on The Plaza, bobbing and weaving to imaginary beats and rolling big splifs in the bright of day.

I spent the day popping in and out and inbetween houses, yelling hellos and hugging the chasm of my three years absence away. I was a surprise to most, and everybody looked into their pots to give me a proper dinner. One of my Aunts, she has probably know me longer than I know myself, was immediately dismayed, It seemed some parts of him acclimated to farin because she had cooked fish for dinner. It was could not turn back! brown and pretty and full of gravy, but she The rest of time went by in a flash. We ate jerk knew I did not eat fish. She quickly scanned pork. I had some Campari for the first time. the kitchen for something she could cook for We went to the roof deck of All Seasons Jerk and my poor, mus’ hungry, farin self and I quickly took pictures between the rain drops. Then, insisted otherwise. There was chicken and chips more Campari. When we got back to his house, selling down at one of the shops. Although she his sister says, “Stone Love tonight. Go back to did not like the idea of that being my dinner, Aunty and get your change of clothes”. So we go she relaxed, for a minute. and come back, eat more patties, put on heels It was heartwarming sharing that moment and perfume, and the rest of night until early because she could’ve shrugged off my arrival morning is spent at New Green Community and my hungry belly. She could’ve let me know, Center in Mandeville, listening to the Sound of very plainly, that since she does not know what Stone Love.

I eat, and since she didn’t know I was coming

was, in fact, in Jamaica, at home, and very loved.

I walked back down the same road I see in my dreams, to my cousins’ house into the night. My cousins’ wife and baby came home as I walked in, and the next round of cousins streamed in.

Everybody wanted to know if I was cool for the night, if there was anything I needed. One went for the close by chicken and chips. Some came to look in my face. Some called out as they passed by the house, that they would come check me in the morning. And then the night was fully upon us.

As I prepared to go to bed, as I have donkey years in Trelawny, I realized I left my fleece sleep pants in my main luggage in Mandeville. I proceeded to prepare and bathe and ready myself for TVJ, then bed. However, my own acclimation to Mandeville was starting to show.

I boil water to bathe: of course the “foreigner”, but the tub basin bathing which I grew with made me feel awkward, like I was going to tumble out of the stand up shower and unto my big dumb head. The timing of the boiling of water, and the don’t let the water cool, and where did that breeze come from, brought me thoughts of the filtered hot water running through my returnee Aunty home in Mandeville.

It was clear to me that I had to sacrifice some creature comforts to get the run-up-and-down freedom I wanted. I could be in Mandeville, locked safe inside my Aunts, British standard house, or I could run up and down Christiana and Albert Town and freeze my narrow bathing basin ass off. The absence of the fleece pants made it more apparent, the schism between town and country, because I could not warm up thoroughly after bathing!

Somehow in the midst of all this, I thought of my Aunt, who left Jamaica as a young girl, and went to London becoming a nurse, a wife, a mother, for almost 50 years, before she returned. How was the transition for her? It was a real case of who feels it knows! Jamaica is such The enjoyment was palpable and shared by all. there, I could help myself to porridge and hot a wonderfully magical place, enlightenment lies Our great position, adjacent to the massive dogs, or something, but just the effort alone was around every corner. Just don’t slip in the tub. speakers, allowed us to see the party, as well tremendously touching, letting me know that I 28 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 29

BUSINESS/ENTREPRENEURSHIP

How This 11-Year-Old Turned Something Scary Into Something Sweet Mikaila said her mother, D’Andra, turned the scary experience into an insect research assignment where Mikaila learned that bees could possibly become extinct in the years to come.

“And then it clicked!” she said.

M

Mikaila Ulmer

ikaila Ulmer is only 11 years old but she’s all about the business of bees.

She’s a social entrepreneur, public speaker, philanthropist and a savvy 6th-grader from Austin, Texas whose signature venture, “Me & The Bees” lemonade — developed from her greatgrandmother’s 1940 recipe — is now a thriving national business.

After securing $60,000 on the hit TV show “Shark Tank,” last year, Mikaila’s lemonade will now be sold in 55 Whole Food stores — the world’s leader in natural and organic foods — in states including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Florida.

While accepting her honors as one of the Movement50 (MVMT50) Top 10 Innovators of the Year at the South by Southwest festival, Mikaila also announced expanded distribution through UNFI (United Natural Foods), a leading national distributor of natural foods and beverages.

Mikaila, who started her lemonade business in 2009, said the operation takes organization, commitment and energy.

“I work on the business after school, after I do my homework, and on weekends and during spring breaks,” Mikaila said in an interview with NBCBLK. “There are not too many times when I feel stressed.”

But Mikaila didn’t always like bees.

“When I was four years old, I got stung by two bees in one week,” she said. “It was painful. I was terrified of bees.”

Mikaila decided to create a lemonade business and sweeten her lemonade with honey instead of sugar or artificial sweetener, which would be healthier, save the bees, and support beekeepers.

For Mikaila, her enterprise is an environmental and social mission. She donates a portion of the profits from the sale of her lemonade to local and international organizations that are trying to save the honeybees.

Honey bees pollinate more than $15 billion of crops each year, about one-third of American food groups, including cherries and apples.

“Last year, beekeepers lost 40 percent of all their hives,” Mikaila said. “Bees are dying.” She quoted Albert Einstein who said: “If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left.”

Today, Mikaila leads workshops on how to save the honeybees, and she participates in social entrepreneurship panels.

“I think she is a pretty hard worker,” D’Andra Ulmer, Mikaila’s mother, told NBCBLK. “I’m impressed with how she gets her homework done during her travels. She has a gift for public speaking but what makes me very proud is that she is not only a smart

entrepreneur but she’s a good person and she’s kind to people. That’s more important than business.”

Mikaila said when she first started her lemonade operation, her friends were skeptical.

“At first, they didn’t believe me,” she said. “Now I am helping my friends start their own businesses.”

But Mikaila is busy for a school-age girl.

She appeared on the television show “Shark Tank” where she was poised during her presentation.

“I was nervous and excited,” she said. “Not everyone gets an opportunity to pitch their products in front of millions of people and make a deal so I was excited and grateful.”

FUBU CEO Daymond John, an investor on “Shark Tank,” said he was pleased to join Mikaila’s team.

“Partnering with Mikaila made perfect sense,” John said in a statement. “She’s a great kid with a head for business and branding,” Mikaila also attended the White House Kids’ State Dinner last year where she met President Barack Obama.

“The President said ‘sorry to crash the party!’ It was very cool,” Mikaila said.

She will return to the White House in April for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

And in June, Mikaila will travel to Cape Town, South Africa to speak to young girls about entrepreneurship.

“I’m very excited,” she said.

In the meantime, Mikaila said she is moving forward with creating new lemonade flavors as her business continues to expand.

“I want to help save the bees,” she said, “and use my great-grandmother Helen’s lemonade recipe.”

Courtesy of nbcnews.com 30 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 31

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