WhereItzAt Oct./Nov. 2015

ARTHUR RICHARDS FROM HOMELESS MAN TO BOEING ENGINEER

OMI

DESTINED FOR GREATNESS! RECORDING STUDIO PRIVACY | PROFESSIONALISM | EXCLUSIVITY 21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY (See page 35)

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2 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

OямАer Expire December 31st, 2015

PLACE YOUR THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW!!!

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oct/nov

Contents

Vol #13 10th edition

Articles

Feature Articles

OMI: Destined for Greatness

8 Air Jamaica Employees Reunion

30 Black Chocolatiers

10 Lee “Scratch” Perry

31 NYC Live Scene Nov. 2015

12 Say Word...

32 Lily of the Morning Ministry

14 Arthur Richards

33 Pa-Nash Back & Better Than Ever

20 Photos: Lee “Scratch” Perry

34 Confessions of a Fitness Professional

22 Jamaica National Bank

pg 16-17

24 Money Series 26 How Does Ginger Fight Cancer?

pg 18-19

28 Don Wehby 29 Who Got Pa-Nash???

Breast Cancer: The Quiet Lightening Bolt

CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTO JOURNALIST

LEGAL COUNSELOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

DELAWARE VALLEY

CLIVE WILLIAMS

ADIKA BUTLER

MARJORIE FLASH

GARNETT H. SULLIVAN, ESQ

MARJORIE FLASH OF MY FLASH KEN/UNIVERSAL

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

ART DIRECTOR

NEW MEDIA INITIATIVES

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

MEDIA

(PHILADELPHIA, SOUTH JERSEY, DELAWARE)

CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS

CHRISTIAN X. JONES

ROCKSTONE MEDIA GROUP

ADIKA BUTLER - DR. CLIVE WILLIAMS

ON THE COVER IMAGE

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT ANNETTE GORDON

MANAGING EDITOR OF ONLINE CONTROLLER MAGAZINE MICHELLE WILLIAMS NAKISHA DUNCAN

CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS - MELISSA RAWLINS YOLANDA CANDELARIO - LADY ANN D.A. COVER

OMI

KAY-ANNIE REID - SHERRY MORGAN STACIE EWING - ECHELLE NORMAN

INQUIRIIES

Clive Williams (917) 749-7613

editors@whereitzatmag.com clive@whereitzatlive.com

VICE PRES., MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION ANDRE PORTER DIRECTOR OF PUBLICITY AND PROMOTIONS LAVERNE ANDRIES

www.gowhereitzat.com fame@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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PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 5

PUBLISHER’S VIBE

FACEBOOK: THEGOOD,

Clive Williams, CEO/ Publisher _________________________

T

he reuniting of old friends can be truly exhilarating and refreshing to the human soul. In the old days, (pre-modern times, 20 years ago), one would need to make arrangements to meet by using the old landline, and in the case of the more privileged, a cell phone that resembled a transistor radio that could easily be used as a weapon because of its weight and size. The more medieval among us sent letters and/or telegrams to arrange a meeting.

Wasn’t that cool though? Just the anticipation of seeing someone special after a long absence made your heart beat faster in joyous anticipation, as your shared memories flooded back. Sentimentally, I reminisce on those times when friendships were forged the hard way, through mutual respect, admiration, empathy and even delayed gratification, but that was then – and I abruptly awake from my idealistic dreams of yesteryear.

Technology my friends has created the information highway, destroying the old bridges and lanes of our sentimental connections – letters, telegrams, long and pleasurable land line conversations, memorable trips to see grandma, all gone. Now we Skype and despite often distorted, uneven and unreliable images, Skype is the new slice bread. Back then nothing was more amazing to me than travelling through rural – (really, really rural) Jamaica, some 10 years ago, I saw a fellow riding his jackass with cell phone to one ear while in his other hand, he checked his second cell phone for incoming calls.

I must tell you the sight was so incongruous and ridiculous, I almost died laughing.

So, between Skype, Smart phones, I phones, androids, windows and emails, we find ourselves on this new information Super-highway which has no speed limits, no clearly defined lanes and scant little directional markers. We are in the fast lane driving a

6 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

THE

BAD,

fast car without brakes, not sure where we’re going, and we are in a damned hurry, then suddenly we are joined by more fast cars; the 2004 model called FACEBOOK, followed by the 2006 model Twitter, then the 2010 model of Instagram, These are just some of the very, very fast cars on that highway, I don’t want to scare you but there’s a lot more, not as fast, but still in the race to – we’re not sure where.

Where are they taking us? For sure FACEBOOK is taking us around the world much faster than any aircraft can, as long as you are a user of this social network, one click and you are a world surfer – think about it, isn’t that mind-blowing?

Let’s talk about FACEBOOK, since it has become reportedly one of the most pervasive, intrusive and exploitative networks ever; with active users of 1.19 billion users monthly, that’s worldwide, 874 million mobile users and 724 million daily users, to say its pervasive is a gross understatement. I am sure, even if you didn’t watch the movie Social Network, you might vaguely be aware of the way Mark Zuckerberg, the most famous and wealthiest FACEBOOK founder maneuvered his co-founders out of the way to take the prize; a prize that is today worth close to $250 billion, while the 31 year old Zuckerberg Co-founder and Chairman, is worth $42.6 billion according to Forbes Magazine. So Zuckerberg pulled off what is one of America’s oldest ploys and got away with it, as court records show he settled with his Co-founders for tens of millions of dollars.

What started as a Harvard experiment among the very privileged to create and post up their profiles to form relationships in their unique and upper crust environment has been thrust in the public domain for a huge financial gains through advertising and data mining – which (by the way), is very insidious.

Here’s my big concern, for every one of us good guys who long to reconnect with old friends or meet new friends through existing friends, there are predators out there skillfully working to become part of our

VERY UGLY!

AND THE

network. I am often alarmed when I see naïve parents showing off their young daughters and sons on FB, so totally unaware that there are over 700,000 registered sexual offenders in the United States who have moved aggressively to social networking sites (SNS) because of how easy it is to interact with our children. But as concerned as you should be about your children, be concerned about yourselves as well, you are putting way too much personal data and information out there and not only is FB mining it, bad guys are as well. This is where the Bad and the Very Ugly come in; every day in this country thousands of promising careers are compromised and lost through irresponsible postings on someone’s FB page, forget all the privacy mumbo jumbo, you are in the public domain and the consequences of careless or irresponsible behavior by someone other than you, can be life-altering. People are losing their creditworthiness through identity theft, others are losing spouses and loved ones through overzealous family or friends posting inappropriate comments or pictures.

What really compounds the issue is that many of you are so busy on FB, that you are unable to monitor your children’s use of the same space, this behavior put’s the entire family at risk - this is no joke!

The predators, terrorists, voyeurs, sociopaths and psychopaths are happily sharing your space, waiting for you to make that one mistake that creates an opening for them. Just because of the limitation of my space, I am unable to share the extent of my research with you for this article (the stories of suicides, sexual assaults, bullying, harassment, slander and libel) are depressingly real, BE WARNED; find a more creative way to communicate with family and friends, choose recreational activities that occupy your time so that FB becomes just a convenience to reach friends rather than a stage for you to perform and showcase your poor taste and insecurities. How about reading some more, so at least you’ll stay abreast of - just where the hell is this Information Super- Highway taking us?

‘Cause that’s WhereItzAt!

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 7

URBAN COMMUNITY The Former Air Jamaica Employees Association Reunion - Sept. 17-20, 2015 The Former Air Jamaica Employees Association held its second annual reunion from September 17 through to September 20, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The guest speaker was Mr. Arthur Laing, former V.P. Maintenance. Former Air Jamaica employees came from different regions of the United States, the United Kingdom and from Jamaica.

The association is the brainchild of Mr. Leo Wade, who presently serves as the President, and a few of his former colleagues.

These three days were filled with camaraderie and reminiscing about the contributions that the airline employees had made to international airline travel and in enhancing the visibility of Jamaica. Air Jamaica was established in 1968 and the carrier ceased flying in 2011. During its existence, it employed approximately 2000 employees, mostly Jamaicans. The existence of the airlines gave hundreds of Jamaicans the opportunity to acquire expertise in the airline industry. This will

include pilots, flight attendants, maintenance workers, customer service representatives, managers, sales and marketing representatives, etc. Air Jamaica captured the imagination of the Jamaican people who identified with the accomplishments of the airline.

Guest speaker, Mr. Arthur Laing, back row, ďŹ fth from left, with some the guests who attended the Former Air Jamaica Employees Association annual reunion at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica recently.

w w w. p a n d i t r a m a n s h a s t r y. c o m 8 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

The third annual reunion will be held September 16-19, 2016 with a 3-day cruise from Miami to the Bahamas.

For further information on the association and also on upcoming events, please contact the association at formerjmstaff@yahoo.com.

Real Estate AMRA & Associates Way “PROFESSIONAL AND HASSLE- FREE”

The definition of Real Estate has not changed, however, the dynamics have - which is the primary reason why AMRA Realty & Associates is THE Agency to serve YOUR Real Estate needs.

We all can recall the genesis of the Real Estate Bubble of the millennium when we had the financial meltdown during fall of 2008 and the nation was getting ready to elect our first AfricanAmerican President. We experienced the worst plunge in home values since the “Great Depression.” We saw bailouts of leading financial institutions and large corporations. For the next 2 years, we were in Real Estate wilderness where the term “short sale” became all too friendly and modifications was the “Moses” for those who had nowhere to go, but to stay in their homes.

Fast forward to our current market which is much healthier than before but not quite back to its full strength; where we still have uncertainty for some homeowners, as there are speculators who have the resources to create an Investors climate. The transitioning of the Real Estate Market to a more conservative platform requires a more studied approach, so even with the emergence of Reality Real Estate TV shows popping up all around us, most buyers and sellers unaware of the basic understanding of what is required from their professional Real Estate service providers (Brokers, Associate Brokers and Salespersons). They are unaware of what the Agency Disclosure Forms or Lead disclosure Forms for houses built prior to 1978. Studies have shown that when Buyers and Sellers work with a knowledgeable Agent and in return work loyally with that Agent a long term symbiotic relationship develops which can last for years. This is of course a reciprocal relationship between the parties with respect to loyalty and honesty.

To close, it is always great to have choices but when you make the best choice you see the rewards that are lasting rather than short-term. At AMRA & Associates Realty we are here for the long journey and a healthy professional relationship that will only add value to your greatest purchase...YOUR HOME. Respectfully,

Andrew Davis, PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE BROKER TEL. 646 208 7295 or 646 405 7004 PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE UPSETTER

LEE “SCRATCH” PERRY BRINGS

DUB TO BROOKLYN BOWL

By Lady Ann D.A. Cover

L

ee “Scratch” Perry is known as a legend

in Reggae music. He is one of the pioneers who developed dub reggae music by using special effects and remixing to create new and innovative sounds.

Perry’s longevity in the business is astounding as is his influence on reggae as a producer, singer, songwriter and inventor. In 2003 Perry won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album for the album Jamaican E.T. He was nominated again in 2004 for Lee “Scratch” Perry – Back on the Controls. His body of work speaks volumes about the ingenuity of the man, releasing over 60 albums in his lifetime, collaborated and produced some of Reggae’s greatest artists such as Bob Marley and the Wailers, Junior Murvin, Max Romeo and many others. Among other films, in 2011 a documentary film about Perry, The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee “Scratch” Perry, narrated by actor Benicio Del Torro was released worldwide after its premiere at the 2008 SXSW Film Festival.

At 79 years of age, “Scratch” continues to tour and perform all over the world. I recently caught him at a sold out performance at the Brooklyn Bowl which was the last leg of a multi-state U.S. tour.

The show kicked off with Emch SubAtomic playing some crucial dub sounds and setting the vibes for Lee Scratch. Next up was Treasure Don and Screechy Dan who brought some lively entertainment to an already charged room.

For such a big legend, 10 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

Lee Scratch is a little bit of a man, who was dressed in a multi-colored leggings, hiking boots with trinkets including a heart shaped USA flag, a long black cloak with red lining and tassels, a long multi-patterned tee-shirt with lots of accoutrements adorning his body from head to toe. His beard and hair were bright red. His head was shielded with a cap elaborately covered with all kinds of buttons and badges. On every finger he wore large ornate rings. But if you know Lee Scratch Perry this mode of dress is of no surprise as he has always dressed in such theatrical garb.

Red wine in a glass in hand, he launched into “War Inna Babylon” to thunderous cheers. Backed by Emch SubAtomic Sounds, saks and trumpet players, Congo drummer, a guitarist and Screechy Dan on vocals, he plunged into a plethora of his body of work; dub tunes galore. The crowd were loving every minute of it, pumping fists with him, clicking wine

glasses and jamming to the rhythm. As I listened, I was wondering if I was the only person in there that understood what he was saying. After asking a couple other people, I confirmed only a few of us probably did. His nonsensical chanting consisted of profanity and blasphemy, so much so that I was appalled at what was actually spewing from his lips.

In one instance you couldn’t help but rock to the rhythm but if you listened to him you wanted to cover your ears! I had read and heard from many people that he is “not all there” or that he is “slightly insane” and has been for a very long time. Almost everyone I’ve spoken to who knows him to any degree agree to that fact. This is the same man who built a studio in his backyard and prolifically created some awesome rhythms and lyrics for all time then confessed that in a fit of rage he burned it to the ground. But, I digress! Apparently, his performances are pretty much the same all the time. Yet, while he is world renowned as a Reggae artist, his shows/tours are little supported by his fellow Jamaicans and only a handful showed up at this show. Nonetheless he is revered and followed

by Caucasians worldwide, they absolutely love him.

I’m convinced, they love the wicked dub rhythms and his eccentricity. Clearly, there’s a thin line between genius and madness!

Currently Perry resides in Switzerland with his wife Mireille and two children.

Check

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Out!

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EDITOR’S DESK

ABCDEFGH SAY WORD...

JKLMNOPQR STUVWXYZ “I don’t have to curse in my verse to put this beat in a hearse/ The magic of word, sound, and power causes illusions to disperse/ I’m a reverent descendant of Black Nobility/ Return of the Djed/ I build for stability/ Decked in Ghanaian gold armor I bomb ya/ A dedicated farmer of Dharma/ Planting seeds of hope at the stroke of a pen/ that blasts shells and casts spells stirring the minds of mortal men/ I’m all alone on my throne of bones in the heart of a digital lion’s den/ Spilling melodic ink blends/ for fine unfettered friends of truth/ My tower of power brings solar showers when raised in the womb, or a booth/ I’m so Eiffel/ Always delightful/ Inseminating minds with pregnant rhymes from the hallowed barrel of my phallic riffle/ Within the blink of a cherry’s eye, you’ve missed 9 menstrual cycles/I ain’t no joke, but I’m a jester/ Bless a nester in the final trimester through birth waters of understanding/ Ain’t no Gap in my Band, my man/ I’m folding “Outstanding” dead faces/ in the comfort of offshore lands/ nestled in exotic spaces and places/ I’m demanding of me and myself/ Your mind’s your only true wealth/ I’m steady molding my vision/ with craft and precision/ staining eternity with the refractions of thoughts filtered through mental prisms.”

The lyrics above are from a random rhyme I wrote as part of a creative exercise. As a writer, all forms of writing appeal to me. It could be an enticing article in WhereItzAt. It could be poetry, prose, or even a verse. All writers utilize the alphabet of their respective languages to tell 12 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

stories and convey ideas. The word “alphabet,” literally means the first (alpha) house (beta) once you break the word down. The first house is the written word, which is a mansion of meaning.

It’s interpretation is determined by the reader who is an occupant of a land lord’s estate.

writer is an architect who uses the letters of his alphabet as the building blocks for his own reality. Depending on the writer’s level of ability, their reality can become yours.

Be careful of what you read, my friends. If it doesn’t challenge you, make you think, laugh or Once a writer, or any practitioner of verbal chuckle—or arouse any strong emotion within communication, masters how to build The First you—then it’s not worth the paper it’s printed House they can construct entire neighborhoods, on. cities, nations, worlds, and universes of thought.

Adika Butler Good writing is good architecture, and every Editor-In-Chief

Adika Butler

The

I

Island Taste

Thing!

I R

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It is designed for anyone and everyone who has experienced frustration in the course of their lives.

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Price:$14.99 $ Price:

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INSPIRATION

Homeless Jamaican Becomes a Chief Boeing Engineer in Japan W

Boyne’s Profile that “No girl nuh waan hang That meeting motivated him to become qualified hereItzAt has made it a habit to share out with no stinking foot guy”. in the profession. Arthur now has an intimate stories about Jamaicans who achieve great things understanding of various aircraft. He can both The pain he felt in his feet was so excruciating in fly and perform intricate repairs on airplanes. around the world. fact that he forged his father’s signature after he Arthur Richards’ story is sure to put you in the refused to sign the documents to have his legs He has managed to build an impressive resume frame of mind to start the new year filled with amputated. since leaving Jamaica. Arthur has worked motivation. on “sensitive” satellite launches for the US During the time leading up to his scheduled To say he had a difficult life growing up would date for amputation his grandmother contacted government and was a part of the team that worked on the Discovery shuttle. be a gross understatement. a local pastor who organized seven churches to He also worked in Spain, Israel, France and Despite the numerous hardships he faced, he fast and pray for him. managed to overcome a multitude of adversities The pastor also told him miracles can happen several other countries before landing a job as a Chief Quality Engineer for Boeing in Japan. and achieve great things. and encouraged him to make a commitment Arthur now works as a Chief Engineer at Boeing, to God. Arthur promised God that if he was His story is definitely living proof that with hard work and perseverance we can elevate ourselves one of the world’s largest companies that designs, healed he would help people across the world. from unfortunate situations. manufactures, and sells airplanes and boasts It was just that simple Sources: JABLOGZ, Television Jamaica over 600, 0000 employees.

According to Arthur after making that promise He was forced to leave his father’s home at “It was just that simple”. the tender age of twelve because of the severe Four weeks after the prayers and his commitment treatment he received. were made, Arthur removed a bandage from his Arthur was a frequent recipient of beatings leg while he sat under a mango tree. He saw a courtesy of his father and was forced to live ‘little black thing’ protruding from his leg and outdoors where he often times slept in trees. later discovered it was a worm.

Growing up he was known as ‘stinky’ because he Arthur managed to pull the worm out of his had a sore foot and both his feet had such a foul leg and with the assistance of a neighbour who odour that doctors recommended amputation. provided pills and instructions to treat the legs, His condition required him to visit the clinic his legs were healed in the space of two months.

three days per week to receive dressings for He later migrated to the United States at the the sores on his feet which greatly affected his age of 16 where he earned a scholarship to Tel schooling and social relations.

Aviv University to pursue journalism. While As a result he did not have many friends. He working in media in the United States he met jokingly stated during an interview on Ian an engineer from Eastern Airlines.

14 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

Arthur Richards

Meet Me At

I

Island Taste

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 15

FEATURE

OMI

DESTINED FOR GREATNESS

By Clive Williams & Chris Williams

I

believe sincerely in spotlighting real talentand because I am convinced Omi has the ‘full package,’ I am telling the world to watch his rise. If you spend time listening to music you already know that he is pioneering a new sound, a sound so distinctive it sets him apart from all his Jamaican counterparts by miles. He has immediately tapped into that vein that transfers musical vibrations to the heart, soul and body – he simply makes you want to dance. His appeal crosses all lines and cultures, making us realize that music not only heals, but unites us in a metaphysical way that only lovers of music celebrate. Cheerleader not only takes us back musically to mento, calypso, kompa and afrorhythms, but takes us forward with a distinctive new sound that will be sampled for quite a while.

While most Jamaican singers/djs and dancehall artists are pigeon-holed in a musical space, Omi has carved out a new space for himself. We predict that as long as he stays true to Omi, (himself ) uncompromising, lyrically different, creating music for the world, his rise is going to be meteoric. Please! Omi, don’t settle get the best management possible, develop strategic relationships with the best and most honest in the industry and take yourself to the top. You’re that good!

16 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

Omi is one of a few artists that we have covered who has been reprised only a few months after being on our cover [then] he shared a cover with Cicely Tyson, Dustin Brown and Kadeisha Buchanan in the July/ August edition. Now we are proud to give him his own cover as we celebrate with him his incredible rise to the #1 spot on Billboards top 100 chart while pushing aside the major hit “See You Again,” by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth.

Omi, comes from a pedigreed line of outstanding

singers/djs from Clarendon the third largest parish in Jamaica, original home of Millie (My Boy Lollipop) Small, Cocoa Tea, Freddie (Ever ready) McGregor, Barrington Levy, Toots Hibbert from the Maytals, Super Cat, Derrick Morgan, Dennis Alcapone and Liz Mitchell of the 70’s/80’s German based Group Boney M. Insightful Jamaican artist Omi (Omar Samuel Pasley) is bringing his breakthrough story to the U.S., with the compelling sheen of Cheerleader, leading the way. The smash dance song has

FEATURE

“The poetry side of the music artistry fascinated me.”

influences like Tupac, Biggie, and Eminem, to a wider spectrum that included John Legend and even mid-century crooner Nat King Cole. But when it came to crafting his own identity on record, he promised to be hardest on himself: “I knew that if it didn’t sound like something where I could make a difference in the world, I notched more than 90 million Spotify streams, wasn’t going to pursue it.” topping iTunes in 14 territories, including Omi was also intrigued by Jamaica’s magnetic Germany, Australia, Sweden and others (Top 10 hold on popular music throughout history – “a in nearly 30 other markets). Released in 2012, lot of different genres have been touched by a cleverly understated remix by German DJ/ Jamaican roots,” he says. He began venturing to Producer Felix Jaehn helped power the global an underground studio around 2007/2008 to momentum building around the infectious track. record material he wrote. “I became an explorer, The affable singer/songwriter, who hails from going deeper into the idea of music as pure the rural Jamaican parish of Clarendon – ‘a expression.” stone’s throw from Kingston’ he says – describes He met Clifton ‘Specialist’ Dillon in 2009, and how art and music have always been a part of the two formed a special creative relationship, his DNA: “My father did both. He passed away with Dillon (Shabba Ranks, Patra. Alborosie, when I was 9, but imprinted on me the lessons Ky-mani Marley) setting up Omi with his and tools for a lifetime,” he says. “I think it was own studio in Kingston. “To have that at my genetically encrypted. I started writing music disposal, where I could pour out my creativity when I was 14, and was always interested in was unbelievable,” says Omi. “A great vibe was words. The poetry side of the music artistry born, another great learning process where I fell fascinated me.” even more in love with music and dedicated Others began to notice by the time he entered myself to a fulltime career.” high school, where Omi and his peers would The touchstone song “Cheerleader” would rap and dance on top of desks during their class eventually become part of that process. Omi breaks. “Everyone knew I had a passion for art, is quick to point out, however, that even from but when they saw me rapping over beats – and the start the track’s charm was its allegiance to doing music that I wrote – they were like ‘you simplicity. “I had put together a nice portfolio got to get into a studio, man.’” of songs to show my depth,” he says. “But I also wanted to do something that only had vocals Omi did just that – determined to ‘see what I sounded like on a record,’ he says. He became to a beat. ‘Cheerleader’ started out as just two fascinated with lyrics, transitioning from verses and a chorus.”

The song ‘grew’ on him, however, and when Dillon first heard it, he made a bold prediction.

“He said immediately that ‘Cheerleader’ was going to be the ‘one.’ The hit,” recalls Omi. “We put a third verse to it, worked on the beat, and sent it out into the world.”

“Cheerleader” originally took off in Hawaii, but Omi was getting a larger sense of the song’s ‘stickiness’ where ever he performed it live.

“People just gravitated to it, always remarking

how it was their favorite.” Felix Jaehn’s 2014 remix added to the combustible nature of the track,” but by deftly imbuing acoustic gestures into the mix – conga, piano, trumpet – embellishing its unornamented feel. “I loved the mix even before it took off,” says Omi. “So calm; And unusual for a remix, it made you want to listen to the words, too.”

Always a student of durable songwriting, Omi is juggling in-demand tours of Europe and upcoming promotional work in the U.S. with the mission of returning to his studio and completing his newest batch of songs for a future album. “Touring gives you great unfiltered feedback. I’m always excited to use that in the studio. But my goals aren’t just to compose songs, but to keep mastering everything I can about music. To lock myself away and do what I need to do to become the artist I know I can be. Having this hit is a blessing, maybe even destiny, but I want people to look back and say ‘‘Cheerleader’ was just the beginning.”

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 17

HEALTH & FITNESS

Breast Cancer The Quiet Lightening Bolt

By Melissa Rawlins - Zorabird@yahoo.com

C

ancer is everywhere!

It appears in our friends, our families, our superstars and heroes, in our villains and in our adversaries. In a 2011 Pulitzer Prize winning book from Siddhartha Mukherjee, cancer has been called, “The Emperor of all Maladies”.

Increasingly, cancer rears its ugly head in the most unexpected places and times, and it seems no one is immune.

As a Woman of Color in America, I fully understand the double whammy that cancer is to my community. These silent lightning bolts have hit many people within my six degrees of separation, and increasingly, the age of affliction has gotten lower The largest study to look at the disparities in breast cancer treatment in the US was released this month by the American Cancer Association. It confirms what other reports have said before: Black Women are more likely to

have larger tumors, to be diagnosed later and treated less effectively than white women.)

to her hip, and cancerous lesions had developed on her spine, pelvic bone, ribs and skull as well.

She underwent radiation treatments again, and Recently I saw a program on TV that showed a now takes cancer drugs and gets intravenous young woman, Tiffany Frantz of Pennsylvania, bone-building treatments. who had since the age of 16, stored her phone in her brasserie. Over the course of 5 years, for Shortly after that show aired, Dr. Oz had a series up to 12 hours a day, at age of 21 she discovered of his own shows on the topic, alongside this a lump in her breast. The small lump became a same young girl, with other examples as well. bigger and bigger still until finally, along with her mother, she went for a biopsy. The biopsy led to Now, I do not keep my phone in my own brassiere because I have too much space in it and it may fall out (lol), but I have too many friends who practice this bad habit! When it comes to cell phones, the bra has become the new purse. Some women like the convenience of being hands free. Some, to be able to put the phone on vibrate in a noisy atmosphere to receive their calls. Some sports bras are now even made with a little pocket specifically for the cell phone. And all of it shows in the x-rays.

A 38-year old woman, Donna Jaynes questioned her diagnoses of breast cancer since she had no risk factors, and her x-ray reveled tumors in the shape of her cell phone in the exact spot where she held it in her bra for over 10 years. Rachel Depalma had a similar experience. Stunned by her x-ray, she was able to see “…the area where the cancer was found, the box that the radiologist drew, just happened to be the same size as my Blackberry phone.”

There are so many different elements with different variables that can contribute to this alarming diagnosis including what we eat, our a mastectomy of her left breast. Now at the age environment, smoking, radiation, chronic of 23, the young lady is still receiving treatment inflammation, lack of exercise and even the sidefor the cancer, which had unfortunately spread effects from medications. In the areas where we

18 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

HEALTH & FITNESS

can help ourselves, we must!

The World Health Organization (WHO) agrees that radiation from cell phones can possibly cause cancer. WHO includes cell phones usage in the same “carcinogenic hazard” category as lead, engine exhaust and chloroform. A good way to keep distance from your phone is to utilize an earpiece. Earpieces are usually provided with cell phones upon purchase.

The first step, in this case, is to stop storing phones inside of your bra and anywhere against your skin! The electromagnetic radiation emitted from cell phones (and WiFi) can cause an incredible amount of damage. Since the heat emitted by cell phones can spur cell damage, which fuels cancer, cell phones should not be placed anywhere against their skin for an Another way to prevent (cell phone) breast extended period of time. cancer is to become a Bloomberg Baby and “If You See Something, Say Something.” Talk to This is especially true for the younger generation your friends! Have conversation! Tell Tareeka who have been brought up with cell phones, (yes, you girl.) to STOP putting her cell phone breast tissue in teens is extremely vulnerable to in her bra, although she’ll guiltily place it back radiation. In these times, it seems that everyone gingerly and say its convenient and its “just for has a cell phone, as cell phones perform many now”. more operations than just making a call.

Consequently, we must take the necessary For more information on cancer prevention precautions to protect ourselves from the or to get involved and help support the fight radiation that’s emitted. against cancer you can contact the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 19

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SMALL BUSINESS/ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Earl Jarrett, General Manager Jamaica National

Jamaica National Bank -

Advancing with Jamaican Businesses

At Home and Abroad J

amaica National Bank has recently made

the conversion from a Building Society (JNBS) to a Commercial Bank, becoming the third largest commercial bank in Jamaica. On 8 October 2015 at the New York Hilton Midtown, Jamaica National Bank conducted a public forum, “Developing Successful Jamaican Businesses in a Challenging Economy”.

This event was moderated by the General Manager of Jamaica National, Mr. Earl Jarrett, and as an outlook for the future, the panel represented banking, business and politics. The group consisted of Hon. Oliver Clarke, Chairman of JN, Mr. Herman LaMont, Counsel General to New York for Jamaica, Mr. Lowell Hawthorne, President & CEO of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill, Mr. William Mahfood, President of The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica/Chairman WISYNCO Group, and the Hon. Glenford Christian Chairman and CEO, Cari–Med Limited and Kirk Distributors Limited.

22 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

By Melissa Rawlins

The audience, which consisted of many notable figures from the Jamaican diaspora, created an atmosphere for quite a lively discussion! The changes in the bank, its historical relationships with old familiar brands of Jamaica from yesteryear, to current engagements with international conglomerates, was analyzed and reviewed. Everything was covered including the status of the bank keeping and maintaining its mutuality, how JN plans to offer more services, in terms of loans, and preserve the respect they have for their smaller members/ depositors. Even the environment was addressed with Black River being drained, our waterfalls, our crocodiles and how the physical beauty of Jamaica should be protected and respected by Jamaicans.

How it MUST be protected, as Jamaica is the most beautiful country in the World.

Then the question and answer portion produced a plethora of discourse, with an examination of the plight of all sectors of Jamaican business, from higglers to corporations to enterprising entrepreneurs.

Growth for all sectors was seriously advocated at

Bobby Clarke Irie Jam Radio, Annette Gordon WhereItzAt, Syn Clarke Irie Jam, Clive Williams WhereItzAt

this forum, as well as it provided a way for Jamaican denizens to have a business/social gathering and a meeting of the minds.

It was good to see the involvement and engagement of Jamaica National Bank, now the third largest commercial bank in Jamaica, actively engaging the people with relevant and necessary information.

Congratulations to Jamaica National Commercial Bank and the direction it has taken to offer more and improved services to its members. I will be watching with hope and pride for the upcoming developments that will surely benefit Brand Jamaica, at home and abroad.

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 23

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Money Series!

Do you want to be in the Credit Score Game?

By Yolanda Candelario The Game – Credit Score Part 3 Money Series will capture the rules of engagement for the Credit Score Game, but I can’t stop there.

This referee is blowing the whistle on the Credit Score Game and seeking your participation to reach the highest score attainable for you. Does the Money Series have you holding your credit report?

Awesome! An active participant.

Money Series - Credit Score Usually when a game is being played, it is customary to display the rules of engagement so that you become familiar with the rules to increase your chances of winning. If you decide to participate in the credit score game, beware you are in this ‘Game For Life’. If you decide you want to take a break or no longer want to be a participant in the game, forfeiting your rights could have dire consequences to your credit score. It is a masterfully designed plan to keep you in the Game!

Importance of Credit Score Digits Did you register for your Social Security Number (SSN)? Whether the 9-digit SSN or ITIN, it was stressed early in adolescent life the official importance. You were conditioned never to share the number with anyone and to hold it with the highest regards for its protection. Was it deliberate to offer no education on the importance of the credit score value to prior generations? It would have been beneficial to educate consumers to establish and maintain an exceptional credit score by enforcing governance. Most lending institutions websites now offer free on-line educational tutorials, videos or materials for preview.

Millennials have a choice and a chance to create exceptional scores, but this can also hold true for other generations. The referee is blowing the whistle - the message on the board displays: “Go beyond just knowing the information.”

What is the FICO Credit Score?

Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) is the most commonly used scoring system. It calculates real-time 24 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

credit report information at the three main credit agencies: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. The 3-digit credit score is a snapshot, at any point-intime, summarizing all of the information on the credit reports. Planning how to handle the credit report and developing habits will assist in boosting the credit score.

The FICO credit scores are used to determine the creditworthiness and risk level that is presented when lenders are considering doing business with you.

Notably, your score is being compared to others, which determine the probability and likelihood that the repayment obligations will be honored.

Where can I obtain my FICO Credit Score?

Although a free credit report is available from each of the credit agencies in a 12-month period, the official credit score is obtained at a cost with robust benefits at www.myFICO.com.

Money Series last month’s mentioned Credit Karma, which is an unofficial financial tool. It provides daily viewings for personal consumption on credit score as well as other financial resources at www. creditkarma.com.

What is an Exceptional Credit Score?

The FICO score range is from 300 - 850. Exceptional benefits are granted when the FICO score range 750850. Ultimately the credit score is a determining factor with how much interest is added onto the principal loan. Higher credit scores ensure lower interest rates, whereas, lower credit scores attract a higher interest. Play an exceptional game with a high credit score.

Why does the Credit Score Vary?

The scores vary between agencies because it is realtime information being evaluated, and as such, the information is constantly being updated within each credit agency. There may be timing and data differences with the information being recorded within the agencies. Since each agency has their own process with updating data, it will result in the scores varying among the agencies.

Yolanda Candelario

Preparation - Credit Score Language Do you plan on being in the Game? Claim a 3-digit score that you admire, treasure and protect with the same regard held for the 9-digit SS number.

Achieving an exceptional score produces more wealth because your loans will attract very little interest.

Rules of Engagement - Credit Score These rules of engagement are the factors used to calculate the FICO score.

This tables illustrates the percentage value of each element/component of your profile. a) 35% - Payments on-time or before b) 30% - Credit Utilization Factors Amount Owed c) 15% - Length of Credit History d) 10% - New Credit / Account Inquiries e) 10% - Types of Credit Structure (Installment vs Revolving Credit Cards) 100% - Total Observably, (a-c) rules of engagement will award 80% of the credit score points, and in doing so effectively has us controlling 65-80% of the points.

Winning the Game Are you open to new possibilities to win the Game?

Call me so I can demonstrate to you how to engage family and friends in winning at this game in order to ensure your continued financial success or how you can plan for that success. Albert Einstein eloquently stated, “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.” Transformation or change is applying the rules and establishing better habits, and continuously communicating the rules of engagement, and with time, a WIN in the Credit Score Game!

I am your Prosperity Coach, Yolanda Candelario Tel. 516-841-3401

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 25

HEALTH & FITNESS

How does ginger fight cancer?

By SARAH SIDDONS

When you were young, ginger ale may have been a popular choice for quelling your upset stomach on a day home from school. For years, ginger has been used to combat nausea -- but did you know it’s now also being looked at to combat cancer?

In research on tumor-bearing mice, scientists discovered that ginger can kill cancerous cells in two different ways. In the first way, apoptosis, the ginger causes the cancer cells to “commit suicide” by destroying themselves while leaving the surrounding healthy cells untouched. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger prevent precancerous tumors from creating the perfect breeding ground and climate for growth. In the second way, autophagy, ginger tricks the cancerous cells into eating themselves.

Research is now looking into one of the toughest cancers to fight -- ovarian cancer. Repeated chemotherapy can actually lose its effectiveness over time as the cancer builds a resistance to the repetitive treatment. Because ginger can work two ways, researchers are hoping that it would help deter resistance from the cancer.

In another study of mice, those that were given ginger had distinctly impeded human cancer growth.The bad news is that such promising research has only been conducted on mice. The good news, however, is that it would seem that humans might be able to get the same benefit just by eating products with ginger and ginger root in them, and it doesn’t take much to get to the equivalent levels used in previous studies.

Cancer prevention and fighting abilities aren’t the only potential benefits you may get from adding a bit more ginger to your diet. Read on to discover a few other unexpected benefits you might gain from that extra glass of ginger ale.

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URBAN COMMUNITY

CIN Lecture Series In NYC Expected To Draw Large Crowds with GraceKennedyʼs CEO Don Wehby Caribbean International Network (CIN) TV is proud to announce the 11th annual CIN Lecture Series with presenter Don Wehby which be held on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Schomburg Centre for Research in Black Culture.

Don Wehby CEO of GraceKennedy is looking forward to speaking at the annual Lecture Series. Don’s presentation “Jamiaca to the world...... the GraceKennedy story” will be an interesting and informative speech which traces Graces’ history from a small entrepreneurial company to its present growth as one of the Caribbean’s largest conglomerates. His talk will also focus on Graces’ challenges in entering the Hispanic market, one of the fastest growing food segments in the U.S.A.

Over the years the, CIN Caribbean Lecture Series has presented individuals of unique achievement and superior commitment to the political, economic and social advancement of the Caribbean region. Past presenters include two former Prime Ministers, P.J. Patterson and Edward Seaga, UCLA Professor Robert Hill, the late UWI distinguished Professor, Rex Nettleford, Lowell Hawthorne, CEO of Golden Krust Restaurants and R.G. Thwaites author, attorney and broadcaster.

Each year the Lecture Series attracts large audiences with each presentation rebroadcast

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It will be a wonderful evening as the lecture will be preceded by a one hour cocktail reception in the foyer of the Schomburg

The CIN Lecture Series also includes last year’s presenter Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Peter Phillips who spoke to a standing room only audience.

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on CINTV, reaching the over two million Caribbean-Americans in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. This year CIN will again stream the lecture live for worldwide audiences.

Don Wehby

FEATURE

WHO GOT PA-NASH???

W 198-18 Linden Blvd.

Saint Albans, NY 11412 (718) 749-5782

OPEN 11AM - 5:30AM

ho Got Pa-Nash, is a talent competition held by Pa-Nash Restaurant & Lounge, in Rosedale Queens. This talent showcase serves as both a platform and springboard for local talents to be recognized and possible further their careers. The competition seeks to find a variety of local talents such as singers, dancers, comedians, poets and musicians.

Cycle One, held earlier this year attracted R&B, Gospel and Pop singers as well as poets and was hosted by Felicia Loud of LoudVybz Entertainment, and judged by Dr. Clive Williams, Publisher of WhereItzAt Magazine serving as chief Judge, Dwayne Miller, Manager for various R&B Groups such as INTRO and Kitanya Allen who sang on Shaggy’s first album.

Ten talented singers were identified to compete for the grand prize which included $1000 Cash, an interview on Felisha Loud’s Radio Program, a feature in WhereItzAt Magazine and an opportunity to perform at the Caribbean American Festival held in June with an audience of over 5000 people.

The competition which started in April and ended the first week of June was very exciting and entertaining, with eliminations each week. The judging was based on their vocal skills, stage presence, and audience likability. Dornelle Pieters “Hershey”, was selected the winner and made an outstanding performance at the Caribbean America Festival.

He was well received by the audience with many people asking him for his business card after the show.

Pa-Nash met its intent for this talent showcase by truly uplifting our local talent and providing an opportunity for them to shine!! Who Got Pa-Nash Cycle 2 is slated to begin this fall and I am sure it will be better the second time around.

We Re-Invented Soup with...

Felisha Lord (L), Winner Dornelle Pieters (R)

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 29

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Where Are The Black Chocolatiers?

“Chocolate is a perfect food, as wholesome as it is delicious, a beneficent restorer of exhausted power. It is the best friend of those engaged in literary pursuits,” – Baron Justus Von Liebig, 19th Century German Chemist.

By ADIKA BUTLER

I

can only agree with the quote above, as I write this article while munching on a chocolate covered Pate a Choux that I recently prepared myself. Chocolate, which is heavily produced in Mexico and West Africa, comes from the cocoa seeds of cacao trees.

chocolate. According to The True History of Chocolate by Sophie and Michael D. Coe, the delicacy’s formal name of “Theobroma Cacao” literally translates as “Cacao, Food of the Gods,” in Latin.

One of those deities might as well be the goddess In the book Chocolate, published as part of the of love. Some scientists say that a big part of Cook’s Library series, we learn that the food was chocolate’s appeal is the fact that it releases used as a form of currency by the ancient Maya. the very same endorphins in our brains that The Maya are the cultural descendants of the makes us feel as if we are falling in love. Linda Olmec of Central America who also produced Collister’s book Heavenly Chocolate informs

us that chocolate contains an alkaloid chemical known as “theobromine” which supports the central nervous system while acting as an antidepressant. Apparently millions of people across the globe are getting an emotional boost from this delicious wonder food.

According to the International Cocoa Organization (ICO) statistics for 2008-2009, Europe accounted for 50 percent of the world’s cocoa consumption, while the United States accounted for over 32 percent. Numbers don’t lie, and these strongly suggest that there are lucrative business opportunities for people who have the artistic vision that only chocolate can stimulate. Christopher Norman Chocolates appears to be one such company.

Considering that chocolate was popularized by ancient Mexico’s Olmecs, who originally came from West Africa, it is surprising that we don’t hear about more chocolate manufacturers throughout the African diaspora. It is one of the sweeter aspects of our heritage that we should strive to reclaim.

If you know of any Black chocolate manufacturers anywhere in the world, please let us know, because their story needs to be told and it needs to be told by us. If we do not tell our stories, then who will? Just a little food for thought from the tables of WhereItzAt. Email us at editors@whereitzatmag.com.

30 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

1 C R N C B 6

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 31

URBAN COMMUNITY WHEREITZAT Congratulates the Women and Men of “Lily of the Morning Ministry” The love and caring you display toward the young mothers and their children in the Brooklyn community by providing them food and gifts, is exemplary. That is GOD in action! Congratulations, and consider Whereitzat your partner going forward. We salute the following people of goodwill: Esperanza Forbes, Icelda Harrison, Ricci Maggette, Leona Green, Alice Hodgson, Gillian Walcott, Norma Wright and Gloria Johnson. The Spiritual Mentor behind the scene must be recognized – Mr. Bunny Byfield we all thank you for your leadership, love and humility.

Thank you for the photos Irwing Forbes.

The Changing Faces of

Substance Abuse Part II Co-occurring Disorders

By STACIE EWING & ECHELLE NORMAN

According to information released by Substance having co-occurring disorders show improvement when Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) by 2020 mental and substance use disorders will surpass all physical diseases as a major cause of disability worldwide. Mental disorders involve changes in the individual’s thinking, mood and, or behavior. It can result in unwanted intrusive thoughts, and can also involve auditory or visual hallucinogens.

The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services states that a co-occurring disorder is when a person has alcohol or drug abuse dependence and emotional, psychiatric problems. Substance use disorder and mental illness affects not only the health of the individual, but it also has a profound effect on their families and the community. It is estimated that 23.1 million Americans aged 12 and older needed to be treated for substance use at some point in their lives. Co-occurring disorders results in significant costs not only to the families of the individual but also to the employer and the health system. Through research we have learnt that individuals identified as 32 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

they are paired with a specialized form of treatment also referred to as “Integrated Services” or “Dual Diagnosis Treatment”.

Researchers, medical practitioners and substance abuse counselors have recognized the relationship between mental disorders and substance abuse. There is a continued overview for the diagnostic criteria, and the assessment tools being used to identify specific mental disorders.

Through research we get an in-depth understanding of substance use and mental disorders, the problems that are created and how they greatly affect the individual and outcome of treatment.

Along with treatment, specific problems and questions arise such as “What is the best treatment plan for the homeless?” and “What treatment plans are working and what’s not?” also “How strong and efficient is the linkage relationships with other health care providers? We need answers to these questions in order to provide health practitioners and substance abuse counselors with the

tools they need to effectively handle this growing issue.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health almost 9 million men and women who abuse drugs or alcohol have a mental health issue, for those who are treated for addiction only 7% are treated for substance abuse and their co-occurring disorder, the rate of homelessness among people with co-occurring disorders is approximately 23%.

Having a co-occurring disorder makes it harder for these individuals to build relationships, keep a job, be financially stable etc. A reliable support system is needed to effectively identify and treat this population segment.

If you believe you need help you can look online for the drug and alcohol abuse hotline, if you are in New York you can call the Alcoholics and Narcotics Helpline 24 Hours at (212) 431-4431

URBAN BUSINESS

PA-NASH RESTAURANT & LOUNGE -

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!

P

a-Nash Eurosoul Restaurant and Lounge located at 144-14 243rd Street, Rosedale, offers an upscale Manhattan style dining experience.

The restaurant was only open for little over a year and six months, when they experienced the misfortune of an electrical fire which forced them to temporarily close their doors for three months. The damage was extensive, but definitely repairable. While the experience would have been disheartening for most, the owners Annette and Noel Runcie saw this as an opportunity to revitalize the structure of the business. “We believe, with every challenge there comes an opportunity for change and growth. Therefore, we took that time to pause and re-evaluate our business structure and to learn from past lessons”, said Annette Runcie.

With the physical re-construction came the internal re-structuring.

First order of business was to re-examine their business model. The Runcie’s sought out the expertise of Jason Wallace, a professional restaurant consultant to help them outline

their operational model to coincide with their vision. Jason Wallace is a distinguished Culinary Institute of America alum, former Executive Chef, General Manager and College Professor turned Restaurant Consultant. “Due to Jason’s careful research and analysis, we now have a clear projection on what we need to do to get where we want to be within the next three years.” said Annette.

The final piece to the new look was marketing.

“When we first opened our doors, our marketing efforts were word of mouth and social media.” says Annette. “Pa-Nash now has a robust marketing strategy that will broaden our customer base and strengthen our brand.”

You definitely must visit Pa-Nash’s website (panashnyc.com) to view all the menu items and event line-up in the Eurosoul Lounge, as well as follow them on all the social media outlets; Secondly, Pa-Nash focused on a clear vision Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates on of healthy and uplifting Eurosoul dining, all the promotional campaigns. entertainment and edutainment. Eurosoul is a cuisine created by Pa-Nash which is a fusion It certainly appears that the three month hiatus of Mediterranean, Caribbean and Soul food was definitely beneficial for the new restaurant. influences. Now the al la carte meals are served When Senator Sanders spoke at the re-launch with lighter vegetables and the heavier starches opening on September 26th, he compared Paare optional side orders. Annette explains the Nash to the Greek mythical bird the Pheonix. reason behind this decision; “Our community Like the Pheonix which goes through a death suffers from the highest rates of diabetes and of fire to be reborn, better and stronger, so too, high blood pressure. So we partnered with the Pa-Nash’s rebirth from their fire is promising to American Diabetes Association to offer healthier be better than ever! Pa-Nash has undeniably meal choices on our menu.” The edutainment raised the bar for restaurants in Queens. We events offer uplifting, educational workshops look forward to many years to come of Living over lively entertainment and a meal.

Life with a Dash of Pa-Nash!

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Confessions of a Fitness Professional:

Craven Choke Puppy Dawg

By Kay-Annie Reid, Certified Personal Trainer

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ahhh, November-- which means Thanksgiving! The smell of savory meats, fresh baked treats, and lots and lots of gravy! Like me, if you are of Caribbean heritage “wi luv wi belly.” But some-times the vast selection of food choices and the warm feelings we get from being amongst friends and family seem to make us feel hungrier than we actually are. What happens as a re-sult is that our appetites are led by our eyes instead of our conscientious thoughts. We fill our plates with delectable treats, then sit down and eat until we are “tight as ticks.” And if we be-lieve we still have a little wiggle room, we test that theory by trying to get another bite in to “close the gap.”

I calmly made my way back to the table, where I immediately began strategizing about how I was going to con-sume all that food. So, I ingeniously thought, “pace yuhself.” Which actually translated to “eat as much as you can of what’s currently on your plate, but leave space for the other things you originally planned on having -- but be sure to make space for the new stuff you are planning to have. So, even though I knew better, I unashamedly sat in the restaurant for an extra 1 1/2 hours to “mek di food sekkle” -- just so I could go back and get more, knowing fully that I would be unable to consume anymore. And why? Because it was an all-you-can-eat deal, and I did not feel like cooking later on.

Presentation also plays a vital role in how we experience food. This means that within seconds after seeing a food item, we have already decided whether we want to try it. This experience is very different from when we order from a menu that has only words. Recall a situation when food was presented to you in an unattractive manner. And also recall what were the associated thoughts you had about the taste of that food. As the saying goes, “you eat with your eyes first.” But why is that? And what does it mean? Physiology & PLEASURE SEEKERS Behaviour, “Flavour and Feeding” (J. Delwiche, Sitting down for a meal is a joyful experience 2012) summarizes it perfectly in that “visual because we are satisfying the part of our brain cues modify the way taste, flavour and odour are that controls pleasure -- the hypothalamus perceived”. Flavour is affected by the strength “reward center.” of the association, while colour is our visual cue coupled with any learned experiences we have had with those foods. In other words, if we had an unpleasant experience with something, that experience will dictate how we interact with that food in the future. The more pleasant the experience, the more likely we are to recreate it.

When our eyes see something, our brains tell us what that item should taste like based on colour (eg., orange colour equals orange flavour).

TRUE STORY It was a beautiful Sunday morning and I decided to go to Church. After the service, my dear friend suggested we do brunch, and I was game.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, the buffet was laid out with all sorts of delightful Caribbean cuisine. Some chafing dishes remained empty, but I paid no attention to that at the time.

After skillfully and thoughtfully selecting all the things I wanted to try, and after I had scoped the selection for what my next helping would consist of, I sat down to indulge in my treasure trove of flavours. A few minutes passed and there I was -- engaged in conversation and chewing. Then, from the corner of my eye I saw the wait staff emerging from the kitchen with what appeared to be hot pans filled with fresh, steaming foods which were placed in the empty chafing pans. Of course, my curiosity was peaked and I had to investigate. And there it was -- more food! None of it was a repeat of any This is also the area responsible for addiction, of the others, and all of it was just as inviting. laughter, sexual pleasure, etc. During a few Needless to say, that’s where my dilemma began. minutes of eating, we are exciting all parts of our 34 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

brain circuitry, and releasing a variety of hormones which increase and decrease our feelings and emotions about the experiences we are having. These feelings and emotions are amplified when we add the company of loved ones.

So, if we weren’t led by sight regarding our food choices, would our experiences be different?

Well, before you go experimenting with eating in the dark, bear in mind that diminishing one sense heightens others (consider visual impairment). Until next time, eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed -- for the health of it.

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