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For over 25 years, since Dec.1989, Caribbean Today has cov-ered the challenges, dreams,hardships and celebrations of the

Caribbean diaspora and theregion.

Since its founding, the jour-ney of the Caribbean Today fam-

ily has mirrored the acclimation,assimilation and integration ofthe Caribbean diaspora in com-munities across the United

States. At the same time,Caribbean Today has served as abridge of communication andconnection for the Caribbeandiaspora to the home countriesof their heritage.

The news magazine wasborn from a dream among youngimmigrants from Jamaica in thecubicles of their desks during

long hours at the KendallGazette. One likes to sell adver-tisements and another had a pas-sion for the written word.Together, this dream envisionedCaribbean Today to be a repre-sentation of the cultural diversityof all Caribbean nations.

At the time, we lived ourvision: Michelle Cawley Dreserisa Jamaican editor, Peter Webleya Jamaican publisher, andAlberto Conte a Panamaniangraphic designer.

In Dec. 1989, 10,000 copiesof Caribbean Today’s first issuehit stands in South Florida,Atlanta, Houston in the U.S.,and Kingston, Jamaica. TheMiami Herald ran half-page sto-ries about the launch of thepaper in its various editions.

Celebrating its 25th anniver-sary, Caribbean Today has everyright to be proud of its accom-plishments. The CaribbeanToday family survived manychallenges and pitfalls for anyfamily-owned small business inAmerica. Many Caribbean-owned companies operating inSouth Florida supported thegrowth of the news magazine andparalleled the paper’s growthover the years. This journey ofone generation to the next is atestament to the fortitude andinnovation of the Caribbean dias-pora communities acrossAmerica.

In the early years, CaribbeanToday struggled to meet dead-lines and the needs of othergrowing small businesses whichhad themselves just started tosettle in America. The late 1970sand 1980s was a period of highmigration for the Caribbean dias-pora, especially in the states ofNew York and Florida. As thesecommunities settled, boughthomes, elevated themselvesthrough education, more busi-nesses were born and becamepartnering advertisers in thenews magazine. Likewise, larger

and more established corpora-tions began to take notice of thegrowing demographics of theCaribbean American community.We were growing up.

Caribbean Today matured inthe first 10 years to extend itscoverage to many issues impact-ing people of the Caribbean. Itaddressed issues of immigration,

health, education, arts and cul-ture, travel and leisure, businessand community development.With the professional journalismcontributions of four editors in 25years - Jamaica’s Dreseris, found-ing editor; Guyana’s Edwin Ali;and, Jamaicans Gilbert Dunkley,and Gordon Williams (C.T.’s cur-rent editor), they all contributedtheir time, creativity, andstrengths to the growth of thepublication. So too has the sup-port staff, including long servingmembers Sabrina Moss-Solomon, graphic designer, andDorothy Chin, account executive.

Caribbean Today became anestablished media staple in theoffices, stores, hotels and othergathering places across the U.S.,Canada and the Caribbeanregion.

The Caribbean Today familyhas lived this American dreamtogether with the joy of newadditions to the family, losses offamily members, global travelsand unique experiences, somewhich have been highlighted inthe news magazine. This bondbetween team members and theirreaders is an unbreakable friend-ship.

Since 1989, through majorpolitical, social, cultural and technological transitions orchanges, including several wars,hurricanes, 9/11, social media andthe crash of the U.S. economy in2008, Caribbean Today has beena constant staple for its reader-ship family.

To the Webley family, we areindebted for their indelible markand journalism legacy for thenext generation. We cannot waitfor the next chapter.

Thank you for being therewith us and for us.

- Caribbean Today Family.(With contributions from PeterWebley, Edwin Ali andMichelle Cawley Dreseris)

Æ

FORWARD: The wonderful journey to Caribbean Today’s 25th anniversary

2B • CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER SUPPLEMENT 2013

Caribbean Today was launched 25 years ago. At the helm was Publisher Peter Webley,second right. Among those who assisted him in those early days were, from left,Alberto Conte, Michelle Cawley Dreseris and Diane Maxwell.

JASON WALKER

Being a radio personality on astrictly Caribbean-themed pro-gram in the United States takesa lot of work filled with chal-

lenges.Caribbean culture is not the

most dominant in the U.S. andmuch of the broadcast informa-tion and music is not familiar tothe majority of the listeningaudience. Caribbean program-ming also competes with otherradio stations with broadcast

themes more familiar to those inAmerica.

For 23 years HowardDuperly has been at the fore-front of Caribbean culture’s popularity, working as producerand host of the “Reggae Ride”radio show on WDNA 88.9 FM.Duperly’s on air moniker is“Flagga” and he has made“Reggae Ride” a staple of SouthFlorida, a catalyst for the growthof the reggae loving community.

Duperly, a native of St.Ann, Jamaica, started as anintern while a senior at theUniversity of Miami. He calls his

work “very rewarding.“It allows me to communi-

cate with listeners on an interna-tional level,” he explained, “andconfirms the fact that peoplefrom all over the world appreci-ate and enjoy Jamaican music.”

Duperly believes his “mis-sion is to preserve and promoteauthentic reggae music.

“In other words,” he added,“showcase the artists who bringan original approach to thearena. This includes artists fromthe ska era to the present.”

Howard Duperly: Spreading the Caribbean’s message on air

CARIBBEAN TODAY • DECEMBER SUPPLEMENT 2013• 3B

MICHELLE CAWLEY

DRESERIS

“I am a very proud Jamaican!”said soft-spoken Dr. OliveChung-James from her southwestMiami, Florida office.

In Sept. 2012, after practic-ing medicine for 34 years andowning a private practice for 28,Dr. Chung-James sold it to PlazaMedical Centers (PMC).

“I’m not retiring,” she saidsmiling. “I’m enjoying my clinicalwork, treating my patients andnot having to run a business.

“I wanted to be a doctorwhen I was about 12 years old.And, I may have been the firstJamaican woman doctor practic-ing here in the South.”

Dr. Chung-James is licensedto practice in the United States,Canada and the Caribbean. Shemarried Jamaican Earl James in1972. They have two daughtersand two grandchildren. In 1977,she graduated medical school atthe University of the West Indies(UWI) in Jamaica. She complet-ed a medical internship inTrinidad, before moving toCanada in 1978.

“Earl worked for Jamaica’sforeign service, so we lived in different countries,” said Dr.Chung-James.

At the University ofToronto’s Medical School(UTMS), she completed residen-cies in family/community medi-cine and public health, and one in

epidemiology. UTMS is recog-nized internationally for its clini-cal, educational and researchexcellence.

In 1983, Dr. Chung-James’sfamily moved to Miami, whereshe became an assistant professorat the University of Miami.

“Then, I got the privatepractice bug!,” she said. “Iopened practices in north andsouthwest Miami, later selling thenorth office. My quiet little prac-tice in southwest Miami mush-roomed, with my Caribbeancommunity’s support.”

What does she think aboutthe U.S. Affordable Care Act(ACA) or “Obamacare”?

“ACA is going to be greatfor patients,” said Dr. Chung-James. “It is really disgraceful,that we – the USA and leader ofthe world – have not been pro-viding good, affordable health-care for our people!

“Developed countries likeCanada, Great Britain, Sweden,Norway and Scandinavia, havebeen providing universal health-care for their people for manyyears. No system is perfect, butCanada’s works very well, andCanada really takes care of theelderly.

“Here, we worry about pay-ing health insurance and medicalbills. Stress is bad for your health.

“(Recently) I prescribed acolonoscopy for one of mypatients. But, he can’t afford thetest, because his insurance willnot cover it … Another patient

needed a Cat Scan of his stom-ach. But, he can’t afford the$1,200 deductible. It’s sad.”

ACA benefits for patients in2014 include prohibiting insur-ance companies from discrimi-nating people with pre-existingconditions, dropping sickpatients, billing patients intobankruptcy because of an illnessor injury or limiting patients’annual or lifetime benefits.

“One of my patients,because of the ACA, will havehealth insurance for the firsttime,” said Dr. Chung-James.“He’s happy.”

Family physicians are thefoundation of healthcare for theACA.

“Nationally, we are short offamily physicians because manydoctors had specialized,” Dr.

Chung-James said.Injured workers have to get

“healthcare” from worker’s com-pensation, not their privatehealth insurance.

“I don’t practice worker’scomp,” said Dr. Chung-James. “Idon’t like worker’s comp. That isnot a patient’s health insurance.The physician’s boss is the insur-ance company. That can be aconflict of interest when youwant to treat a patient, or to sendthem to a specialist, because theinsurance company wants to savemoney.”

Dr. Chung-James celebratesher family’s diversity.

“My dad, Henry Chung,came to Jamaica from southChina as a young man,” she said.“He owned a grocery business inKingston. He barely spokeEnglish, but somehow learnedpatois.

“I remember him reading hisChinese newspaper all the time,congregating with friends inBarry Street, and playingMahjong,” she said smiling. “Mymom, Agatha, was a Jamaican‘mix up’ of white, black, andHispanic from Panama.

“In Jamaica, a person’s coloris not important,” added Dr.Chung-James. “But, in the U.S.,they want to put us in little racialor ethnic boxes. So, I check‘other’.

“Jamaicans may look differ-ent, but we are ‘Out of Many,One People’,” she said proudly.

Story and photograph byMichelle Cawley Dreseris, afreelance writer for CaribbeanToday.

Æ

Dr. Olive Chung-James: Jamaican medical pioneer in Florida

(Continued on page 4B)

Duperly

Dr. Chung-James

AMBASSADORDuperly understands talent.

He has no place for shortcuts.“Artists who employ quick

profit schemes, rehashed stuffhave no place on my show,” saidDuperly.

“ … The Reggae Ride is avery important vehicle, becauseit exposes listeners to music thatthey don’t usually hear on theaverage station. Through themusic, listeners also get facts andtidbits about the Jamaican cul-ture. The Reggae Ride audiencecomprises mostly of Hispanicsand Anglos. So, the show acts asa sort of an ambassador forJamaica.”

It’s largely up to Duperly tomake “Reggae Ride” work.Among his most memorablemoments is the annual WDNAon-air pledge drive, when listen-ers call in to make financial con-tributions to keep the show onthe air.

“To know that many peopleare actually contributing money

to support my program is some-what like a vote of confidence, aseal of approval,” said Duperly.

The former regular editorialcontributor to Caribbean Todaystill banks on the news maga-zine, which is two years olderthan his own show.

“Caribbean Today is arespected and reliable source fornews and information,” saidDuperly. “C.T. is to be applaud-ed for its longevity, particularlyin an era when many publica-tions, large and small, are fadingaway.

“Caribbean Today is consis-tent and I referred to it for con-firmation on a variety newsrelated items. If it’s in CaribbeanToday, you know it is reliable.

“There are many memo-rable articles, but the ones thatcover the political scene arealways interesting.”

Jason Walker is a freelancewriter for Caribbean Today.

Æ

DAWN A. DAVIS

Hazelle Rogers made history in1996 when she was elected com-missioner for the city ofLauderdale Lakes, Florida, thefirst person from the English-speaking Caribbean to holdoffice in the southeastern UnitedStates.

But that was just the begin-ning.

Today she is the Floridastate representative for District95, which includes LauderdaleLakes, Lauderhill, Plantation,Margate, North Lauderdale,Oakland Park and Tamarac.

The Jamaican native’s forayinto becoming a voice for thepeople began several yearsbefore that historic year with herwork in residential communitybuilding and representation.

“My involvement in thelocal community motivated meto run for an elected position,”Rogers explained. “I wasinvolved with my homeowners’association and realized that Icould be more effective for mycommunity by being part of thedecision making body that rep-resented my community and cityas a whole. Inspired by the lateWilly Webb, I decided to give ita try.”

ADVOCATEHer first try was not victori-

ous, losing the commission seatby two votes, proving that“every vote counts.”

As a Lauderdale Lakes

commissioner, Rogers was theface for the city with a large con-centration of CaribbeanAmerican residents. A vocaladvocate for funding, her per-sistence and feisty Caribbeanspirit got her noticed as sheargued for the city’s fair share.Lauderdale Lakes’ revived eco-nomic corridor, along its mainthoroughfare State Road 441, isone of the successful initiativesRogers spearheaded.

It seemed a natural progres-sion for Rogers to try largerwaters. She ran for Florida staterepresentative in 2008 andbecame one of the fewCaribbean voices in the House.She has been re-elected subse-quently.

“As a state representative, Ihave a much larger constituentbase,” said Rogers. “Today, mydistrict consists of 154,882 resi-dents, and includes seven cities.At the city commission level,there are only 32,000 con-stituents. The amount is evenless if your city is divided intodistricts.”

CHALLENGESBut the decisions Rogers’s

makes not only affect her con-stituents.

“The main responsibility ofthe state legislature is to balancethe state’s budget,” she said.“However, as legislators, we passlegislation and policies that notonly affect the area I represent,but the entire state of Florida.”

The state office carries chal-

lenges. Rogers decried the cutsin funding to Florida’s neediestamong the most difficult initia-tives she’s had to deal with.

“In prior years we haveseen major cuts in education,health care and state govern-ment,” she explained. “Thisyear, in education, we saw anincrease in K-12 per studentfunding, however it still fell shortof recovering the massive lossesincurred over the past few years.This session, acceptance ofMedicaid expansion would haveprovided health care to 1.2 mil-lion uninsured Floridians.”

As a Democrat, Rogersmust work with Republican col-

leagues in the Florida House. Attimes, this too has proven diffi-cult.

“We don’t always see eye toeye on all issues,” she said.“However, we sometimes areable to reach a compromise forthe benefit of the people ofFlorida.”

Yet, despite the battles,Rogers has been successful inintroducing bills that havebecome Florida law, in additionto sponsoring or supporting oth-ers. During her first term, shetabled bill HB 1493, which dealswith substance abuse and mentalhealth services, and HB293,which pertains to motor vehicletitle transfer. Both bills became

law. In 2011 she sponsored a billaddressing a student dress codeof conduct, which was alsosigned into law.

SETBACKSRogers has sponsored sev-

eral bills which have not passedthrough the State Legislature,including one that would allowsmall businesses to participate instate contracting by unbundlinglarger contracts. However, per-haps one of the most vexing wasthe bill that would have made itlaw that Florida grant in-statetuition to U.S. citizens who livein Florida, regardless of theirparents’ immigration status.

Rogers said she’s committedto her constituents, including thelarge Caribbean community inher district. That includes net-working with those she serves.

“As a senior Caribbean-elected official, the communityoften asks me to participate intheir activities,” she said. “I tryto attend and support as manyevents as I can because all ofthese events can be utilized toeducate my community on theevents that are taking place at astate level.”

Asked what the futurelooks like for her, Rogers said:“Service and representation,regardless of the office is impor-tant to me. If it is God’s will formy life and the community iswilling to support, who knows.”

Dawn A. Davis is a freelancewriter for Caribbean Today.

Æ

Howard Duperly: Spreading the Caribbean message on air

HAZELLE ROGERS: A Caribbean voice in Florida’s House


(Continued from page 3B)

Rogers

JUDITH HUDSON

Victoria Mutual BuildingSociety (VMBS) in MiamiGardens has a big focus on customer services and results.

The company has beenservicing the South Florida com-munity for five years. Jamaican-born Manager SuzetteRochester oversees the execu-tion of sales, public relations,advertising and marketing initia-tives to enhance the awarenessof the VMBS brand and finan-cial services to the Caribbeandiaspora in Florida and the restof the United States, with anobjective to increase net savingsinflows and the mortgage loanportfolio at Victoria Mutual,Jamaica.

EDUCATIONRochester attended

Meadowbrook High School inJamaica. She then moved toEngland where she attendedChartered Institute of Marketingand received a post-graduatediploma in marketing. She thenreturned to Jamaica and laterattended the University ofTechnology where she earned abachelor of business administra-tion degree in management stud-ies.

Rochester also earned amaster of arts degree in commu-nication studies from theUniversity of The West Indies.She said she was inspired by herfamily which stressed the impor-tance of education.

“I am from a close knit fam-ily and extended family, and wesupport and embrace each

other,” Rochester explained. “Inmy formative years, my parentswould alwaysinstill in me asense of inde-pendence, con-fidence,Christian valuesand principles,love andrespect for oth-ers, as well asthe importanceand value of education, and hardwork to achieve success.”

STARTING OUTBefore working at VMBS

in the U.S., Rochester wasemployed at the company’sJamaica location, where her jobincluded public relations andadvertising.

“I had the responsibility forthe advertising, corporate, andpublic relations programs of theVM Group in Jamaica, UnitedStates of America, and theUnited Kingdom,” she said.

Rochester said she has seenthe company flourish over theyears and, “after VictoriaMutual Building Societyreceived its non-banking licensefrom the (U.S.) Federal ReserveBoard in 2007, my greatestachievement to date was in mybeing given the indomitable andauspicious task by the seniormanagement team in Jamaica toset up the VMBS Florida repre-sentative office in the UnitedStates of America in July 2008.”

Rochester explained thelicense is for operations in DadeCounty, Florida, and that herscope of work involved finding a suitable location in Miami

Gardens from where the compa-ny could meet Jamaicans andfriends of Jamaicans in the dias-pora. It would also prepare andexecute sales, marketing, publicrelations and human resourcesstrategies and initiatives in aneffort to impact VMBS’s bottomline: increase its net savingsinflows and mortgage loan port-folio; coordinate and managethe banking policies in keepingwith the requirements of theFederal Reserve Board, as wellas facilitate annual meetingswith examiners of the FederalReserve Board to maintain thecertification of the non-bankinglicense of VMBS.

Sherene Lingo, a customerservice associate at VMBS, hasworked with Rochester for fouryears. She described her as hardworking and a team player.“Suzette is extremely warm,

kind and caring,” said Lingo.“She also possesses strongChristian and moral value,which I believe are extremely

Suzette Rochester: The face of VMBS focus, service in South Florida


JUDITH HUDSON

C. ‘Eddy’ Edwards is recognizedas one of the leaders in SouthFlorida’s Caribbean community,especially in entertainment mar-keting.

He is a strong advocate forCaribbean people. He displays adrive, fuelled passion and desireto propagate the cultures of theCaribbean in South Florida.

The Jamaican nativemigrated to the United States in 1979. He lived in New Yorkbefore relocating in SouthFlorida in 1981. Edwards isfounder and chief executive offi-cer of Riddims Marketing, Inc.,an integrated marketing andevents organization. The compa-ny is well known for organizingthe annual “Jamaican JerkFestival”. The event was firstheld at C.B. Smith Park inPembroke Pines. It was relocat-ed to Markham Park, in 2005.The festival is now in its 12thyear.

“It first came to me as acrazy off-the-wall idea,”Edwards said. “I wanted to callit a ‘Big Jerk-Off’, comparableto the ‘Chili Cook-Off’. My wiferefused to be associated withsuch a name. The idea sat for afew years and then we launchedit as the ‘Jamaican Jerk Festival’in 2000.”

CHALLENGEEdwards has been married

for 26 years, he is the father of ason. He said the most challeng-ing problem with the festival iskeeping the ticket price down“while delivering a first classproduction with high-caliberentertainment; developing newfeatures to keep the event freshand exciting.”

Besides the festival,Edwards focuses on reachingCaribbean communities inNorth America. The companyproduces a radio program call“Caribbean Riddims”, aired onWZAB 880 AM, as well as

events for clients.“We also co-produce a tele-

vision program with BarriVisionProductions, ‘My LiKKle FoodSpot’, which I host,” he said.

The program is aired inNew York, New Jersey,Connecticut and Canada.

Edwards describes himselfas a person who doesn’t like thelimelight and one who lives inharmony with the universe. Hebelieves in “doing unto others as

you would have them do toyou.” He hopes admirers willdescribe him as honest, fair andhardworking.

When not working,Edwards said he likes “tendingto my garden at home with mywife; running and exercising isanother pastime I enjoy as wellas listening to music, jazz, calyp-so, reggae, classical, mento andR&B ‘70s and ‘80s in particular.”

PUSHEdwards is the founding

president and former director of Jamaica AwarenessIncorporated, a non-profitorganization that presentsJamaican culture. During histenure, the organization wasestablished as one of the pre-mier presenters of culturalevents featuring Caribbeanmusic, fine arts and drama.

Edwards has positioned thecompany as one of the premiermarketing organizations inSouth Florida’s Caribbean com-

munity. His expert knowledge ofthe community, innovative ideas,vision, extensive database, acarefully built network and arecord of accomplishment ofproven successes, are some ofthe attributes that have gainedhim many accolades.

When asked what in his lifehe would change, Edwards said:“In hindsight, there are manythings I could have done better,but generally I am happy withmy life and would not want tomake any major changes. Myjourney is what has molded meinto the person I am today.”

Edwards said there is noth-ing else he would rather bedoing today, and his advice foranyone who wants to start abusiness is: “Never give up onyour dream. It is going to take alot of hard work and long hours,but the rewards are satisfying.”

Judith Hudson is a freelancewriter for Caribbean Today.

Æ

‘Eddy’ Edwards: Promoting Caribbean culture through entertainment

Edwards

Rochester


critical for anyone I consider afriend.”“ .. Suzette is someone Iadmire,” Lingo added. “Herwork ethics, mannerism is whatmakes her the hardworking anddedicated person that she is.”

When she is not at work,Rochester finds the time to“maintain balance.” She believesthat in the fast-paced environ-ment in which she lives andwork, she must try to find timeto relax with close friends andfamily, as well as practice ahealthy lifestyle through eatinghabits and practicing yoga andstrength training.

Rochester’s commitmentand loyalty to the American andJamaican community has earnedher numerous awards and acco-lades. Among them are the KarlP. Wright President’s Award in2002, for outstanding work in

enhancing and promoting thecorporate citizenry of VMBS,and the Award of Distinction bythe National Association ofJamaican Associations in 2005,for service and contribution tothe advancement of the group inthe diaspora and VMBS.

A devoted Christian,Rochester believes “God willcontinue to give me his peaceand increase my capabilities tocontinue to work with distinc-tion at Victoria Mutual, and toassist many Jamaicans andfriends of Jamaicans realize andachieve their financial independ-ence, and create wealth throughreal estate acquisition inJamaica.”


Æ

DAWN A. DAVIS

Not only did George and EinezYap lack experience when theystarted their manufacturing busi-ness in 1977, they also lacked thecapital needed to run such anenterprise. But that did not stopthem.

Today, LEASA Industries isFlorida’s largest manufacturer ofbean and alfalfa sprouts, tofu,herbs and other specialty healthfoods.

“We came to Miami withjust $50, but we were deter-mined to work hard, not just sur-vive,” said George Yap.

The company was namedusing the first initial of each fam-ily member: L. George, Einezand their children Andrew, Seanand Allison. LEASA struggledto its feet, making $175 per weekin sales. Although the LibertyCity-based company grossed$5,000 in sales its first year, thelosses were thousands more.

However, it was determina-tion and the spirit of “sticktoitiv-ness” George and Einez learnedfrom their Chinese ancestry thatkept them going.

“I worked long hours forseven days a week and my wifeEinez worked two jobs, as wellas operating the business, man-aging the employees and han-dling the bookkeeping,” Georgeexplained.

“If it wasn’t for her wewouldn’t have made it becausewithout her help and hard work

we couldn’t have continued inthis business.”

BLOWEinez died in 2005, a devas-

tating blow to the family andcompany. But George was deter-mined to carry on the businessin memory of his wife. In herhonor, he George has continuedone of the initiatives he and herstarted in the early days.Located in one of Miami’s eco-nomically depressed areas, theiremployees came from the main-ly African American minoritylocal residents, many of themconsidered unemployable. Thatpractice continues today.

“Some of my workers areex-convicts, welfare recipients,and drug addicts who would oth-erwise not be able to find work,”said George. “But, I don’t careabout their past. They, like all ofus, deserve a chance in life. Theyare hardworking, just like any-body else. So, that’s how wehave always operated.”

The company’s 80-plusemployees manufacture about15,000 pounds of sprouts and aminimum of 5,000 pounds oftofu per day. The sophisticatedhydroponic system, the heart ofthe 65,000 square foot ware-house and production facility, isthe life blood of the mechanismthat produces products for theniche health food market.

At first distributing to smallgrocery stores, LEASA is now amajor supplier of sprouts, tofu,fresh cut vegetables, and soy

products to major chains such asPublix and Winn-Dixie super-markets, Walmart Superstores,Sedanos Supermarkets, SyscoFood Service and other healthfood specialty outlets. The man-ufacturing company’s distribu-tion chain has also crossed statelines, serving places likeGeorgia, Alabama, Tennessee,South Carolina and Alaska. Itsproducts are also sold through-out the Caribbean, in TheBahamas, Cayman Islands,Puerto Rico, Aruba andJamaica.

FAMILY EDGEMaintaining family as the

foundation, LEASA is still run

by family members. Yap’s siblingRichard is an engineer thatensures the proper functioningof the hydroponic equipment.His son Andrew runs the day-to-day operation as president,while other family members areinvolved in other areas.

Yap also credits his earlylife experiences in Jamaica forhis success.

“My parents migrated toJamaica from China some timein the 1920s, and I was one ofeight children born in Kingston,”he said. “I saw them workinghard at their haberdashery busi-ness downtown Kingston until itwas destroyed by fire in 1949.But, they never gave up. Theystarted another business, thistime a bakery. But that businesswas also brought down by disas-ter, Hurricane Charlie in 1951.”

These events severely

affected the family, but Yapwould learn survival strategies.Although he did not finish highschool, he learned to takechances and, with other familymembers, started to sellJamaican patties. That eventual-ly fizzled. He then got into thegaming business, but this toofailed.

By the early 1970s Yap wasready for the next opportunity. Itcame in 1976, during the politi-cal turmoil in Jamaica. That’swhen he fled the island with hisfamily to the U.S.

EXPANSIONLEASA has expanded to

include a Logistics Division thatoffers delivery services to otherfood companies. The companyalso represents enterprisesinvolved in similar food manu-facturing and distribution,expanding its variety of soy andvegan product offerings toinclude veggie cheeses, vegansalad dressings and noodles.

“Yes we are expanding, butwe haven’t forgotten our roots,”said Yap. “We continue to reachout to our local community andwill always remain active inenhancing Liberty City.

“Of course, we are alsomembers of the Caribbean com-munity, so we support many ofthe groups and organizationsthat are active in the region. Wehave come far and it is thanks tomy Jamaican Chinese upbring-ing.”


Æ

Suzette Rochester: The face of VMBSfocus, service in South Florida

JAMAICA GEM: Yap family turns LEASA into big South Florida business


Yap



MICHELLE CAWLEY

DRESERIS

Family physician Dr. WentworthG. Jarrett starts healing themoment you step into his spaand medical practice in WestKendall, Miami.

Light scents of lavender andvanilla, soft pastel blue andgreen walls and music encourageyou to breathe and relax. Thewaiting room is decorated in ablend of soothing tropical andZen.

“I designed our office to beas relaxing and therapeutic aspossible,” said Dr. Jarrett. “Ourgoal with the wellness center isto take care of people beforethey get sick, as well as treatingthem medically when they aresick.”

Dr. Jarrett even purchasedthe building next to a lake sopatients can enjoy relaxing lakeviews while they wait. Spa guestsalso enjoy a lake view duringmassages. Colorful tropical fishlazily swim in Dr. Jarrett’s giantsaltwater tank in the lobby,silently doing their bit to reducethe blood pressure of patients.Jamaican artwork on the wallsreminds visitors of Dr. Jarrett’sroots. He enjoys works byJamaican artists.

A black glass cabinet show-

cases Chinese jars andstatues. Asian-influ-enced healing productson the crystal shelveshint at some of the spa’sservices: Thai andSwedish massages, bodywraps, hot stone mas-sages, facials, yoga,pilates and radio fre-quency treatments.

A separateentrance – connected tothe main medical lobby– welcomes spa visitorswho have come toindulge in stress-releas-ing treatments, exercis-es or therapies. Brides-to-be often bring theirfriends for a specialtreat before the big day.

Sandra, Dr.Jarrett’s wife, workswith her husband andthe staff, to makepatients – and spa guests – ascomfortable as possible, wel-coming them with a smile.

JOURNEYDr. Jarrett, 55, was born in

Kingston, Jamaica. He graduat-ed from Calabar High Schooland completed his medicaldegree at the University of theWest Indies School of Medicinein 1982. He worked for Princess

Margaret Hospital in Nassau,Bahamas from 1983 to 1985 andcompleted his residency in thedepartment of Family Medicineat Jackson Memorial Hospitalbetween 1985 and 1988.In 1988, he opened Dr. Jarrett’sWellness Center in West Kendall.

Dr. Jarrett also participatesas a team director with VitasHospice Miami and stays intouch with a team of nurses who

care for terminally ill patients.He visits patients and overseestheir care.

“I am a board certifiedmember of the AmericanAcademy of Family Physicians,and a member of the DadeCounty Medical Association,”he said.

Dr. Jarrett has staff privi-leges at Miami’s area hospitals,including: Baptist Hospital ofMiami, West Kendall Baptist,South Miami Hospital andJackson South Hospital. Heserves as a voluntary professoron several medical committeesand participates in varioushealth, educational and commu-nity programs.

“Many of my patients arefrom Jamaica and the Caribbeanand they have supported ourpractice through the years,” hesaid. “I encourage them to dis-cuss all the supplements and‘cures’ they are taking. We areopen to holistic treatments, aslong as they meet medical guide-lines, and are medically safe.”

CAUTIONSome Jamaicans believe in

“natural” or “herbal” medica-tions, like morhinga and soursop juices, to treat cancer andvarious ailments.

“People have to be careful

with what they take,” said Dr.Jarrett. “I invite my patients todiscuss what they are taking.Some natural treatments cancause your blood to thin. Ifyou’re already on a blood thin-ning prescription, that could be aproblem.

“Prostrate cancer is thenumber one health problem formen from the Caribbean, andthe number one killer of men inJamaica,” he added. “Access tohealth care is the main reasonthey are not diagnosed early.”

Dr. Jarrett welcomedPresident Barack Obama’sAffordable Care Act (ACA) inthe United States.

“Health care should be abasic human right in the UnitedStates and the world,” he said. “I love being a doctor, and Ialways wanted to be one. Mypractice is not really work. It’smore like a healing extension ofmy family and home, except Isee my patients here. It’s mymission.”

The Jarretts have two sons,Tor, 22, and Omar, 21.

Story and photograph byMichelle Cawley Dreseris, afreelance writer forCaribbean Today.

Æ

MEDICAL MINDSET: Healing is more than a job to Dr. Wentworth Jarrett

Dr. Jarrett

MICHELLE CAWLEY

DRESERIS

Haitian American human rightsactivist, clinical social worker andhumanitarian Marleine Bastien,founder and executive directorof Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami,Inc. - or FANM/Haitian Womenof Miami – has been on a mis-sion for most of her life.

She has been passionatelyfighting for the rights of Haitians– especially women and children– for more than 30 years. Othershave come to her too, includingAfrican Americans, Latinos andpeople from the Caribbeanislands.

Bastien will calmly negotiatewith the “powers that be”, butthis dynamic and persistentleader – who has organized andmarched through the streets ofSouth Florida, West Palm Beach,Washington and other cities –will not be deterred from herlifelong mission: To championthe rights of people who are dis-criminated against, disenfran-chised, underserved or marginal-ized in South Florida – and ulti-mately – the world.

“My goal is to have a worldwhere women are able to par-take in all decision-makingprocesses,” explained Bastien.

“Our fight for justice is global,even though our efforts may belocal!”

For the past 22 years underBastien’s leadership, FANM hasbeen a major catalyst foraddressing social service needs,health, education, economicdevelopment, women’s rights,affordable housing, literacy, andhuman and civil rights issues thataffect Caribbean people.

Bastien follows the exam-ples of her Haitian parents, whoprovided free health services,education and advocacy forneedy people in her hometownof Cap-Haitien. But Bastien hastaken their examples to a globallevel. She earned bachelor’s andmaster’s degrees in social workfrom Florida InternationalUniversity. She has receivednational and internationalawards, including from AmnestyInternational and the FordFoundation, and has participatedin national and global forums.

In April 2013, the Universityof Miami held a reception tohonor FANM’s and Bastien’sachievements, and highlightUM’s acquisition of their newFANM historical collection.

This month, Bastien isscheduled to be in Atlanta,Georgia to receive the 2013

Inaugural U.S. Human RightsMovement Builders Award, for“…strengthening the humanrights movement in the UnitedStates, in particular, at the grass-roots level.”

ACCOMPLISHMENT“Opening FANM in 1991

was a big accomplishment forme,” said Bastien. “We havedeveloped a one-stop centerwhere low income families canhave access to a myriad ofimportant, and sometimes, lifesaving services.”

FANM is a not-for-profit(501)(c)3 charitable organizationthat offers health programs, alegal clinic, immigration assis-tance, educational and socialservice programs, and free work-

shops to people from diverse cul-tures.

“We provide services toabout 5,000 low income peopleannually – Haitians, African-Americans, Latinos, and peoplefrom the Caribbean,” saidBastien.

FANM and Bastien get callsfor help at all hours – sometimesin the middle of the night.

“We know there’s a problemin our community when ourswitchboard starts ringing con-stantly and all the lights are red!”said Bastien.

“We receive referrals fromthe community, various organiza-tions, the Department ofChildren and Families, and thecourts.”

PROTESTBastien still organizes protest

rallies when more traditionalmethods aren’t working. In 2013,FANM demonstrated for compre-hensive immigration reform andrallied in front of the BrowardTransitional Center to stop thedeportation of all immigrants whowill benefit from reform.

FANM has been organizinglocally and nationally for the past10 years in support of theDREAM Act. Since 2010,FANM has been leading the

campaign for the Haitian FamilyReunification Parole Programand a campaign for the pastthree years for TemporaryProtected Status (TPS).

The Affordable Care Act(ACA) – or “Obamacare” – hascreated a flood of new requestsfor FANM’s assistance from fam-ilies which speak mainly Haitiancreole or Spanish.

“People need affordablehealth care,” said Bastien. “But,they are having difficulty navi-gating the process, and they needhelp to register for the ACAMarketplace. I need more staffto help them.”

CHALLENGELack of funding is FANM’s

biggest challenge, according toBastien.

“Demands for our serviceshave significantly increased, butgrants to support our needs havedecreased,” she explained.

Bastien, divorced, is a single- and proud – parent of threesons - Omar, Oscar and Tarik.

Story and photograph byMichelle Cawley Dreseris, afreelance writer for CaribbeanToday.

Æ

Bastien: Founder of FANM/Haitian Women of Miami leads fight for rights


Bastien

The genesis of what is now theworld’s leading all-inclusiveresort chain really began in 1968when Jamaica’s Gordon “Butch”Stewart founded an air condi-tioner service and distributioncompany called ApplianceTraders Limited (ATL).

The business was a resound-ing success. However, in 1980when Stewart needed hard cur-rency to buy air conditioningunits from a company based inthe United States, he decided toexplore the hospitality business,despite having absolutely noexperience in this field.

The entrepreneur took theplunge and bought an old hotelin the tourist resort town ofMontego Bay in the western endof Jamaica and pumped millionsof dollars into the project. Sevenmonths later Sandals MontegoBay was born. It became theflagship of the most popular lux-ury resort chain in the world.

With the birth of the all-inclusive Sandals chain, Stewartbecame a force to be reckonedglobally. Today the SandalsResorts are the epitome ofworld class luxury and comfort.

From its small beginnings,Sandals has grown into a multi-billion dollar company locatedthroughout the Caribbean andrecognized around the world.

SHARINGStewart’s drive for excel-

lence isn’t selfish. He alwaysstrives to improve the lives offellow Jamaicans. This was evi-dent when Jamaica faced a for-eign currency crisis in 1992 and

when he agreed to take over thenational airline Air Jamaica.

With his impeccable trackrecord, Stewart was bestowedwith Jamaica’s court highesthonor - the Order of Jamaicawhich bears the title “honor-able”. Stewart also received theDr. Martin Luther King Jr.Humanitarian Award from theJamaica-America Society.

He attributes success tohard work and the dedication ofthe over 10,000 people whowork in the Sandals chain acrossthe Caribbean.

As for Appliance Traders,the company that started it all, itcontinues to thrive, sellingeverything from cars and autoparts, water pumps and genera-tors.

Stewart is a self made manwho has defeated the odds. Hecontinues to reach for the starsand flies the Jamaican flag high.

Æ

Across Florida, the PublixSupermarket chain dots thelandscape, catering to thousandsof residents.

With well over 900 outletsin the state, the company is oneof the largest and fastest growingemployee-owned supermarketchains in the country.

Founded in 1930 in WinterHaven, Florida by George W.Jenkins, it has grown into aFortune 500 company.

Publix has consistently rec-ognized the large consumer basein South Florida that includescustomers from across theCaribbean.

VARIETY“We work closely with our

vendors and offer a variety ofproducts to serve our Caribbeancustomers in a unique way,” saidNicole Krauss, media and com-munity relations manager.

“It’s also important for us to

reach all of our customers,including those a part of theCaribbean community,through a variety of market-ing and advertising outlets aswell as support their commu-nity efforts.” With a variety of productsgeared towards the con-sumer with a taste for the

Caribbean, Publix Supermarketis committed to playing its partin deepening the bond with theCaribbean at large.

Æ

The Grace labelis synonymouswith Caribbeancuisine world-wide and is rec-ognized as theregion’s premierfood producerand distributor.

It all beganon Feb. 14,1922, when Dr.John J. Graceand FredWilliamKennedy, both previouslyemployed by Grace Limited - asubsidiary of W.R. Grace andCompany of New York - took aleap of faith, giving birth to theCaribbean’s largest and mostdynamic corporate entities.

Over the years,GraceKennedy has expandedand diversified, changing from aprivately owned enterprise to a

public company listedon the stock exchangesof Jamaica andTrinidad and Tobago.

EXPANSIONThe company, in

spreading its wings,also focused on thediaspora, whichinevitably includes thevast Caribbean com-munity scattered acrossthe state of Florida andbeyond. Derrick

Record, general manager ofGrace Foods International,attributes the success of thecompany to its ability to gobeyond Caribbean boundaries.

“The challenge always is toorganize ourselves in a way thatthe Caribbean community goesway beyond the normal bound-aries,” Record said. “It is fairlyeasy for Grace Kennedy. In a

way, we were taken by theCaribbean to different placesand we kind of expanded fromthat.”

South Florida is one of thelargest markets for Grace out-side of the Caribbean.

“It is one of the most signif-icant markets,” added Record.“It’s certainly one of the top 10that we serve.

“There are thousands ofthings that are being done week-ly and daily to make Jamaicabetter. It should be somethingthat every Jamaican should beextremely proud of. It’s some-thing that’s a part of Jamaicaand the Caribbean’s DNA.”

GraceKennedy is a blue-print for success and a brandthat truly embraces “OneCaribbean”.

Æ

Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart:all-inclusive mastermind

Publix Supermarket still making shopping in America pleasure

Grace serves up the taste of the Caribbean


JASON WALKER

American Friends of Jamaica(AFJ) has become one of themost productive associationsdoing philanthropy work withthe Caribbean island.

AFJ’s mission is to“improve the lives of Jamaicansby supporting initiatives thatadvance self-sufficiency. Theorganization envisions a world inwhich all Jamaicans have accessto basic education, health careservices and economic opportu-nities.”

AFJ has been in operationfor 31 years. Among its majormilestones was a 40-foot con-tainer with medical equipmentand supplies presented to thePediatric Ward at CornwallRegional Hospital in MontegoBay, Jamaica. Equipment includ-ed an ultra sound machine, vitalsign monitors, suction machines,

pulse oximeter, defibrillators andnebulizers. Also included wereelectric beds, cribs and infantdiapers, gurneys and wheel-chairs. The equipment and sup-plies are valued at approximate-ly $97,000.

EDUCATIONAnother initiative included

the Rose Grant Foundationaward, which focused on provid-ing a laptop and study materialsat the library to prepare childrenfor future educational pursuits.This safe learning space has staffon hand after school and onSaturdays to provide assistanceto children up to age 15 years.

AFJ also helped equip theSt. Andrew Care Center inKingston, Jamaica with six newDell computers, printer, scannerand a surveillance system. Thecomputer lab is an interactive,

web-based educational cen-ter for at-risk street boys.AFJ has declared its intent

to work with organizationsand businesses such asCaribbean Today to enhanceits own mission.“We would like to expand

our relationship withCaribbean Today,” the AFJnoted. “Our mission isknown by a few and we hopethat Caribbean Today willwork with us to expand ourvoice so we can increase theaid we provide to the islandof Jamaica.”

Jason Walker is a free-lance writer for CaribbeanToday.

Æ

LIFE FRIENDS: AFJ set on mission to improve the lives of Jamaicans

Stewart

Record

AFJ President Emeritus Ambassador Sue M. Cobb works with students at the SACC ComputerLab opening in Kingston, Jamaica.

In 1985, David Keen’s lifelongdream became reality when hegraduated with a medical doc-torate degree from HowardUniversity in Washington D.C.

This achievement came asno surprise to his immediatefamily as Keen, the young manfrom Jamaica who attended theCalabar High School, had onlyone career desire - walking in hisfather’s footsteps and becominga medical doctor.

“This was David’s passionthat he got from both of us,”said Keen’s mother Yvonne, aretired public health nurse.

“We tended to the poorfrom when they were small.David’s late father was a doctor,who actually refused the posi-tion of senior medical officer inJamaica, saying that it wouldtake him away from his patients.

“He opted to be a medicalofficer of health and due to thiswe traveled to different parishesand later established a privatepractice in Spanish Town, St.Catherine.

“Our work across Jamaicasaw us dealing with the poor,”she added. “This is what ourchildren saw and, with the

exception of one, they are allinvolved in the medical field.David never wavered from beinga medical doctor, so I was notsurprised at his career choice.”

After Howard University,Dr. Keen did his residency inFlorida, went on to work atLeon County’s LincolnNeighborhood Health Clinic,and, two years later, became themedical director of the WakullaCounty Health Department, aposition he’s held for 11 years.

PASSIONWith a passion for the less

fortunate, Dr. Keen always hadthe desire to peruse medical mis-

sions and, in 1993, the family-operated medical mission gotunderway. By 2003 this evolvedinto what is now known as theCaribbean American MedicalEducational Organization(CAMEO).

Today CAMEO, with Dr.Keen at the helm, consists ofapproximately 20 volunteers,including doctors, interns, para-medicals and others who partici-pate in at least five medical mis-sion trips to Jamaica, Haiti andBelize each year. So far, theteam has accomplished 40 mis-sions.

In 2004, Jamaica’s thenGovernor General Sir HowardCooke thanked CAMEO for itsongoing assistance in Jamaica’scontinued development, notingthat “the goodwill and loveshown signified members’ careand concern for their home-land.”

There is no stopping Dr.Keen as he continues to pursuehis passion of reaching out toothers - ensuring that CAMEOcontinues to touch lives throughmedical missions.

Æ

CAMEO: Keen’s dream becomes reality through medical missions


Dr. Keen


MICHELLE CAWLEY

DRESERIS

As a child, Paul Moo Youngwould wait with his siblings inthe dentist’s office in Kingston,Jamaica. But, unlike many peo-ple, he was not nervous.

“Our dentist had a clinic,with a lab on the side,” saidMoo-Young, now a dentist. “Iwould go and watch the guy whowas making dentures and molds,until it was my turn to see thedentist.”

This relaxed, easy-going 51-year-old Jamaican opened hisown practice in south Miami,Florida in June 1991.

“Dentistry to me is fun,”said Dr. Moo Young. “I couldn’tsee myself doing anything else.

“I was always good at sci-ence, and I knew when I was inhigh school that I was going tobe a dentist. I’ve always beengood with my hands. I fix every-thing. My hobby is collecting oldcars, and fixing them up. I’mvery detail-oriented.

“The technical part of mak-ing crowns and bridges is diffi-cult. You have to really knowwhat you’re doing, and youeither have the hands to makethem – and the critical eye – oryou don’t.”

BACKGROUNDDr. Moo Young attended

high school at Campion College,before his parents moved thefamily to South Florida in 1977during Jamaica’s “turbulent”political years. He attendedCooper City High and in 1983earned a bachelor’s degree inbiology from Barry University.In 1987, he graduated fromHoward University’s prestigiousCollege of Dentistry inWashington, D.C. He was thefirst dentist in his family.

“The top 13 dental gradu-ates at Howard in 1987 werefrom the West Indies – mostly

Jamaican,” said Dr. Moo Young.“We really dominated the Classof 1987!

“I married Nicole in my lastyear at Howard,” he added.“She’s also Chinese Jamaican.Nicole studied at Tufts, and laterbecame an orthodontist, and wejoined practices.”

Dr. Moo Young said he’sboard certified to practice den-tistry from Maine to Florida. Hetries to shed his profession’s badrap.

“I tell parents all the timenot to give their children nega-tive ideas about going to thedentist,” said Dr. Moo Young.“Some parents put the fear ofGod into their kids.”

MENTORDr. Moo Young mentors

high school students fromMiami-Dade Public Schools whoare interested in dentistry.

“I enjoy coming to work inthe mornings,” he said. “Themoney is the ‘brawta’ (Jamaicanfor bonus).”

He loves spending time with

his family and friends, often out-doors. If he’s not working, he’sboating, fishing, diving or hunt-ing ducks.

“Every year, I go birdshooting in Jamaica with myson, my uncle Ernest, andfriends,” said Moo Young. “Ihaven’t missed one season sinceI’ve been in the USA. Our fami-ly loves going to Jamaica.”

Just as he rebuilds decayedteeth and makes new prostheticdevices for people’s mouths, Dr.Moo Young’s hobby is collecting,rebuilding and resurrecting old,decrepit “small British sportscars.” He’s given new life to a1971 Mini Cooper, and a 1972MG he brought from Jamaica.

“They’re beautiful and col-lectible now,” he said.

CREDITFor his success, credit goes

to mom and dad. “My parents – Derrick and

Jeanette – raised us very well, ona limited income,” Dr. MooYoung said. “My mom pushedall of us to succeed. She was a

teacher.”He understands maintaining

dental health is expensive, butbelieves the cost is justified.

“The costs to set up a prac-tice are very high,” said Dr. MooYoung. “The materials areexpensive and the malpracticeinsurance dentists must have isextremely expensive. Dentistry,

like any other drug or pharma-ceutical, is very expensive.”

The Moo Youngs have twochildren, Justin, 22, and Jessica,16.

“In 2007, we took Jessica toChina,” said Dr. Moo Young.“The Chinese people would askme why I didn’t speak Chinese. Iam Chinese Jamaican. I neverlearned Chinese.

“We didn’t learn about prej-udices until we left Jamaica andcame to live in America,” headded.

“I used to show my childrenmy high school yearbook fromJamaica and the mixture of stu-dents in my class - black, brown,white, Chinese, Hispanic,Jewish, Lebanese, German, andothers. I tell them we all consid-er ourselves Jamaican.”


Æ

JOB SATISFACTION: Dr. Paul Moo Young finds dentistry a pleasure

Moo Young

DAWN A. DAVIS

You know those days when youhave a craving for solomongundy spread over crisp watercrackers? Or when your mouthjust watered for a nice roast

breadfruit, but you’re not in themood to hunt down a freshbreadfruit and roast it yourself?

Well, thanks to Ocho RiosFoods, most of Jamaicans’favorite foods from back homeare easily available and ready to

eat when you are. President andFounder Aston Lue had similarcravings. So he decided to bringa little piece of Jamaica to SouthFlorida.

Lue founded Ocho RiosFoods in 1987, officially launch-

ing on the road to his AmericanDream after whetting hisappetite for entrepreneurshipin the family business.

“My first steps as an entre-preneur were inKingston, Jamaica spent at mygrandparents small grocery storefetching soft drinks, icy mint,ice cream, bun ‘n cheese andpatties,” Lue explained.

BRANCHING OUTHe spent his college years in

New York and eventually relo-cated to Miami, Florida with hisyoung family, where the idea ofmanufacturing and distributingJamaican and Caribbean-inspired foods blossomed withthe help and dedication of hiswife Michelle, plus childrenBenjamin, Jeanette and Celena.

“We invested weekends andmany a summer packing Irishmoss, gum Arabic and linseed!,”said Lue. “Later, trade shows atthe Miami Beach ConventionCenter, demos and merchandis-ing at supermarkets.

“Michelle is a major con-tributor to Ocho Rios’s suc-cess. The discipline and physicalendurance instilled in her at anearly age in the rigors of Chinesefolk dance training providedvital support in the warehouse,office and, of course, as familychef. I still call her ‘WonderWoman’, since it’s just the two ofus and the family here in theU.S.”

The company presidentacknowledged that he was leftwith the “easy stuff,” - roadsales, marketing, warehouselogistics and purchasing.

INFLUENCEHe also credits his recently

deceased father William Lue forhis artistic spirit and talent color-fully represented on the productlabels. The Caribbean foodsmanufacturing company recentlyestablished an endowment inhonor of the family patriarch.The Ocho Rios Leadership andEthics Foundation will supportand promote ethical leadershipand entrepreneurship for disen-franchised youth in Jamaica, theCaribbean and the UnitedStates.

“How many of us wishedthat when we were young, wenot only got good nurturing, butalso the compass of what ourskills, talent, passion are?” saidLue. “Colombia got US $2 bil-lion aid over two years todecrease its drug trade throughmilitary means, but only to see itstabilized. Changing course,youth job training was launchedin year three and the drug tradefell!

“Cayman has much less natural resources than manynations,” Lue added. “Yet theirexchange rate is strong.Relatively, countries likeJamaica have the substantial

opportunity to nurture and, pro-vide internships for young cre-ative minds to achieve peace andprosperity in the generations tocome.”

Ocho Rios Foods’ reach tohelp those across the Americasand the Caribbean is a reflectionof the wider community itattracts and serves. Its snacks,such as the crunchy sweet plan-tain chips and tangy tamarindballs, are popular among theCuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican,Colombian and Nicaraguancommunities in South Florida.Products like coconut water,coconut milk, pigeon peas andScotch Bonnet pepper sauce arestaple items among Caribbeanimmigrants.

POTENTIALAs a Miami-based company,

Lue saw the potential benefits ofmarketing to both the Latinoand Caribbean markets. Thecompany is also active in com-munity-building and is ofteninvolved in fundraising andother events with organizationssuch as Jamaica’s Friends ofGood Shepherd, Caribbean BarAssociation, Jamaican AlumnaeAssociations and the localVeterans AdministrationHospital.

Lue said Ocho Rios Foodsis taking a balanced approach toexpansion. The company openeda manufacturing plant inAtlanta, Georgia in 1995, bring-ing its total warehousing andoperating space to 88,000 squarefeet. Lue is also looking atopportunities on other conti-nents.

“We constantly seek ways toperform better, participate in thetrending markets,” he explained,“so if one day there is an EightRiver in Chinese on the label,you will remember the origin.”

Proud of his Chinese her-itage, Lue credits his culturaldiversity for his work ethic, suc-cess, and balance.

“Admittedly, my immigrantgrandparents were my role mod-els in their work-life ethic,” hesaid. “Grandpa even took thetime to show me how to make akite with a center stalk of the

OCHO RIOS FOODS: Spreading Caribbean taste beyond the region


Lue



BEVERLY NICHOLSON-

DOTY

The United States Virgin Islandscongratulates Caribbean Todaynewspaper for 25 years of serv-ice to the Caribbean and other

multicultural communities inSouth Florida, Atlanta andthroughout the country.

The Caribbean, AfricanAmerican and multiculturalmarkets are critically importantto the success of tourism to theterritory and we value the con-tribution Caribbean Today hasmade to assist us in reaching thisessential demographic. We alsothank you for your past andfuture coverage of our islands.

We salute publisher PeterWebley and his team for the tire-less work over the years to cre-ate an outstanding product thateducates and inspires our resi-dents on the U.S. mainland.

LIFEBLOODWe all know that tourism is

the lifeblood of our regionaleconomy. It provides year-roundemployment opportunities andeconomic stability for millions ofpeople.

While the old adage “buildit and they will come” holds truefor many sectors, those of us intourism and hospitality knowthat it takes much more than abeautiful warm-weather destina-tion to develop and sustain thisessential industry.

We need marketing, com-munication and promotion.Equally important, we needpartnerships - none of which ismore critical than those we havebuilt, and continue to develop -with you, our journalism andmedia supporters in Florida.

CELEBRATEWhile I enjoy nothing more

than promoting the beauty, ben-efits and value of traveling to theU.S. Virgin Islands, the focus ison you. We celebrate you andwhat you do to make theCaribbean as successful as wecan be - your work, your ideas,

your words and photos, andyour support of the Caribbean,which of course includes theU.S. Virgin Islands.

Now once your celebrationsare over and you are ready toget away from it all, think of usin St. Croix, St. John and St.Thomas. We are the logical andnatural warm water destinationfor you and your readers, andyou don’t need a passport totravel if you are a U.S. citizen.

Congratulations again andbest wishes.

Beverly Nicholson-Doty iscommissioner of tourism forthe United States VirginIslands.

Æ

USVI, C.T. sharing a common goal promoting a region

Nicholson-Doty

Come enjoy the USVI. Bring family and friends too.

JASON WALKER

The community representingBelize in South Florida is grow-ing, becoming more importantto Caribbean people in the area.

Although the population isonly estimated at 7,000 in SouthFlorida, according to the con-sulate, Belizeans are representedin various areas of the state’s lifeand culture.

The person seen as the rep-resentative of this community isthe honorary consul for Belize inMiami. For nine years (1999-2008) the person who held thatdemanding, yet voluntary jobwas Stephanie Sylvester.

According to Sylvester, herresponsibilities included“advancing Belize’s interest inthe southeastern U.S. Thisentailed, issuing visas for entryinto Belize, representing Belizeat various official events, provid-ing information for Belizeans liv-ing in the southeastern U.S. andhosting the prime minister andgovernor general when they vis-ited.”

MEMORABLESylvester’s most memorable

moments included “helping toform the CARICOM ConsularCorp, representing Belize at the94th annual NAACP generalmeeting and helping to bring anew level of professionalism tothe Belize Consulate office andbringing a group of Garifunadancers from Belize to performin a Caribbean DanceDiaspora.”

Sylvester succeeded in theseareas with assistance from ateam According to Sylvester, hermother was “her assistant and

ran the day to day of the office,which helped make being hon-orary consul effortless.”

Theformer hon-orary consulcalled theBelizeancommunity’sinvolvement“very neces-sary.”Withoutthat, sheadded, she“wouldhave been a

one person band, not very effec-tive or beautiful to listen to.”

Sylvester said the communi-ty members “were very support-ive and provided assistancewhen called upon to assist.” Inthe future, she wants theBelizean community to “contin-ue their participation in localpolitics so that their voices areheard and their needs consid-ered.”

On becoming honorary con-sul, Sylvester was introduced toCaribbean Today news maga-zine, which she said “provides uswith access to the latest in theCaribbean community.” Shewould like to see “that it contin-ues to be the conduit ofCaribbean news both locally andinternationally.”

Sylvester stepped down ashonorary consul in 2008.

“After nine years,” she said,“ … it was time to give someoneelse an opportunity to continuegrow and develop the office.”

Jason Walker is a freelancewriter for Caribbean Today.

Æ

Stephanie Sylvester helps moldsBelize into Caribbean community


Sylvester

OCHO RIOS FOODS: SpreadingCaribbean taste beyond the region

coconut palm leaf, tiled like abow with thread, glued to a rec-tangular shape cut out fromgrease paper, very thin and light,but fairly resilient to wind. Weused cooked rice grains mashedlightly against the paper for glue.The next day, after the glue

dried, (the kite) flew effortlesslyin the slightest breeze … What Ilearned from those times: Makethe time to balance life, no mat-ter how busy we are.”


Æ

(Continued from page 12a)


JASON WALKER

Dr. Eduardo Padron has beenthe president of Miami DadeCollege (MDC), which serves astudent population of 175,000,since 1995.

He was born in Cuba andcame to the United States as arefugee at age 15. In 2009, TIMEmagazine included Padron onthe list of “The 10 Best CollegePresidents”. The following year,Florida Trend magazine namedhim “Floridian of the Year”. In2011 The Washington Post news-paper named Padron one of theeight most influential collegepresidents in the United States.That same year, he was awardedthe prestigious 2011 CarnegieCorporation CentennialAcademic Leadership Award.

Last year Padron receivedthe Citizen Service Award fromVoices for National Service, thecoveted TIAA-CREF HesburghAward for LeadershipExcellence and the AspenInstitute Ascend Fellowship.Padron is nationally respected forhis work and innovations in edu-cation. Below is an edited versionof a recent interview Padron didwith Caribbean Today’s free-lance writer Jason Walker:

JASON WALKER: Please tellus some major milestones thathave occurred over your tenure?

EDUARDO PADRON: I havespent more than 40 years advo-cating for the rights of all who

wish to receive a quality, afford-able education. MDC nowenrolls and graduates moreminority students than any otherinstitution. I am extremelyproud of that.

We also admitted our two-millionth student this fall in acommunity that has a populationof 2.5 million people. We havetouched every household andfamily in the county in a positiveway during more than half acentury.

MDC has also elevated theacademic stature of all commu-nity colleges, all while preservingour mission to teach under-served populations. Our com-mitment to student success hasbecome an international modelfor learning, as evidenced by themultitude of higher educationleaders from all over the worldwho visit MDC each year andtake best practices back homewith them.

We enroll students frommore than 186 countries, includ-ing all Caribbean nations, andprovide them an opportunity toreceive an education that willlead to greater economic free-dom and prosperity. We offermore than 300 programs ofstudy and several degreeoptions, including career certifi-cates, associate and baccalaure-ate degrees, and are constantlyexpanding to respond to work-force needs.

Since my tenure began aspresident in 1995, we havelaunched the Virtual College,

The Honors College, the DualLanguage Honors College, manybachelor’s degrees that were firstsat community colleges, theMiami Culinary Institute, andmany more, to name a few, andwith the support of the best facul-ty around and top administrators.

When I had the honor ofserving as president of theWolfson Campus, we startedBooks by the Bay, whichevolved into the Miami BookFair International – the nation’slargest and finest literary eventthat brings many Caribbeanauthors to the community, tookon the management and reinvig-orated the Miami InternationalFilm Festival, and launched theMDC Museum of Art andDesign, among many other mile-stones.

J.W.: Why should Caribbean orCaribbean descent students goto MDC?

E.P.: MDC is very popular with

Caribbean students, as evi-denced by the number of stu-dents of Caribbean descent whostudy here. In regard to the pop-ulation of Caribbean-citizen stu-dents, in the fall of 2012 we hadnearly 20,000 students ofCaribbean citizenship. Many ofthese students are from Cubaand Haiti, but we also have sig-nificant numbers from theDominican Republic, Jamaica,Puerto Rico, and The Bahamas,among others.

MDC is a place whereCaribbean students, born in theU.S. or abroad, can feel athome. I am from the Caribbeanand the region’s energy and cul-ture thrive at MDC.

J.W.: MDC North Campus hasbecome a strong hub of activityfor Caribbean matters, do you know why?

E.P.: We really have a large rep-resentation of Caribbean stu-dents at all of our campuses, butspeaking specifically ofCaribbean activity at NorthCampus, we have severalCaribbean student organiza-tions. Tropical Beat recently cel-ebrated its 10th anniversary.

This organization seeks tounify students at North Campusin order to attend to the con-cerns of students of Caribbeandescent, provides a medium ofinteraction between Caribbeanstudents at North Campus andbeyond, and educates studentsof non-Caribbean descent.

North Campus also has theHaitian IBO student association,among others. Plus, the leader ofthe North Campus is JamaicanAmerican, Ms. Malou Harrisonwho serves as its president.

J.W.: What are some policiesand initiatives that you wish tosee at MDC over the next fewyears?

E.P.: Increasing college comple-tion rates is certainly at the topof the list for the near future.That priority opens onto severalrealms that include partnershipsacross emerging industries, theuse of new technology, fundingapproaches and the future roleof faculty in ensuring effectiveteaching and learning.

J.W.: As the Caribbean Todayreaches 25 years serving SouthFlorida, especially the Caribbeanand Caribbean loving communi-ties, what opportunities do youcreatively see MDC andCaribbean Today collaboratingon?

E.P.: We will continue using thequality newspaper that isCaribbean Today and its ablepublisher and MDC Hall ofFame graduate Mr. PeterWebley as vehicles to reach theimportant Caribbean communitywith the opportunities MiamiDade College offers. We thankCaribbean Today for its loyalsupport of the college.

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Dr. Eduardo Padron: One immigrant’s journey to educate a nation

MICHELLE CAWLEY

DRESERIS

Lie back on a warm, white sandJamaican beach, partially sur-rounded by beautiful blue-greenmountains, as you bite into juicyand delicious – yes, spicy –Scotch Bonnet-laced Jamaicanjerk chicken and lobster tailsgrilled in organic seasonings.Listen to the beat of rolling reg-gae music and feel the waveslapping your feet.

Add a serving of rice andpeas, slices of breadfruit, sweetfried plantains and your favoriteJamaican rum or beer libation,and you will be feeling alright!

That means feeling great.You’re relaxed. No problems.Everything is all right.

That’s the new messageJamaica’s Donald “Donnie”Dawson, 62, the deputy directorof tourism, sales/USA and LatinAmerica for the Jamaica TouristBoard’s (JTB’s) Miami office,wants visitors – and Jamaicans inthe diaspora – to embrace.

The JTB was founded in

1955, seven years beforeJamaica’s Independence fromGreat Britain in 1962. Fundedby the government, the JTB isthe national tourism agency. JTBoffices are located in Kingston,Montego Bay, Miami, Torontoand London, with satellite loca-tions around the world.

MISSION“Our mission is to develop

and market Jamaica’s touristindustry worldwide as a premierCaribbean tourist destination,”said Dawson, who has workedfor the JTB some 30 years. “Weare a very dynamic organizationand a body of Jamaica’s Ministryof Tourism.”

At last month’s WorldTravel Market in London,Jamaica’s Minister of TourismDr. Wykeham McNeil launchedthe new “Jamaica – Get AllRight” campaign.

“On www.getallrightja-maica.com, you can learn aboutJamaican culture, make hoteland flight reservations, booktours or golf games, or you can

take that info to your travelagent, and they can book yourvacation,” said Dawson.

“The new concept is thatthere’s an engineer on a musicalmixing board, in the mountainsof Jamaica, who is directing thewinds, the beats, the sounds andthe fire of Jamaica!” he said.

“We are also developingtourist markets in Latin America,and have frequent flights throughPanama, to Jamaica. This markethas almost doubled in 2013.”

SURPRISEIn a surprise move on Nov.

12, the JTB brought the world’slargest, yellow smiley-facedstress ball to Times Square, NewYork to introduce the new cam-paign.

“We asked New Yorkers tosqueeze our 24-foot stress ball,and release their worries. Wewant them to visit Jamaica, and‘Get All Right’,” said Dawson.

“Nearly 70 percent oftourist arrivals to Jamaica comefrom the USA. Of those, 38 per-cent are travelers from the

Northeast Corridor: FromBoston to Baltimore.

“Our Jamaican diaspora ofmore than three million peopleoverseas is very important to us.We invite them home to cele-brate Jamaican vacations, wed-dings and family reunions.”

The majority of Jamaicanslive in the northeast corridor,South Florida and Toronto, headded.

Dawson is the “face” of the JTB in two of the

TravelChannel.com’s cableshows about Jamaica. The JTB’s“Meet the People” program alsoconnects visitors to the island -for free - with Jamaican hostfamilies who have similar inter-ests.

“Jamaica is a very beautiful,interesting and entertaining des-tination,” said Dawson.

“Different migrant cultureshave made Jamaica their homefor generations: the Spanish,British, Africans, Chinese,Indians, Jews, Lebanese, andothers. They have blended intoJamaican people,” he said.“That’s why our motto is ‘Out ofMany, One People’. And, we arevery proud of that!”

The choices for fun inJamaica are warm, delicious,exotic, beautiful, exciting andunlimited.


Æ

JTB’s Donnie Dawson wants you to ‘Get All Right’ in Jamaica

Padron

Dawson

DAWN A. DAVIS

A culture of prayer is what bol-sters Food For The Poor (FFP).Prayer is what motivates its lead-ership and staff to work throughdaunting bureaucracy, naturaldisasters, external skepticism,and plain old personal strugglesto help the poor in countries thatmany ignore.

It’s no longer trendy to feedthe poor in Haiti, Jamaica, orNicaragua. Late night televisionused to be flooded with infomer-cials seeking help and donationsfor the poor across the world.Not so much anymore. That’sold news. But FFP President andChiefe Executive Officer RobinMahfood and his staff are com-mitted to their spiritual andaltruistic calling.

“The Food For The Poorculture is one of community andprayer,” Mahfood explained.“Each day, for half an hour,employees have an opportunityto gather and pray for the poorthey serve, donors and the staff.”

Although the non-profitorganization is based onChristian values and princi-ples, staff members are notrequired to be participants inany particular religious faith asFFP embraces all who need,Mahfood added.

Founded in 1982 byFerdinand and Patti Mahfood,FFP grew out of the desire toserve the needy in Jamaica. Theoriginal headquarters still standsand is a bustling hub of activityfor what is now the largest chari-ty organization in Jamaica. TheCoconut Creek, Florida campushas become the largest interna-tional relief and developmentorganization in the UnitedStates.

LINKStanding by its motto

“Saving Lives, TransformingCommunities, Renewing Hope”,FFP has built thousands of

homes, fed the hungry, provideddisaster relief, planted trees andhelped renew hope and faith inmany countries. This spirit hasmade the charity organization‘champions for the poor’.

“Food For The Poor’s mis-sion is to link the church of theFirst World with the church ofthe Third World in a mannerthat helps both the materiallypoor and the poor in spirit,” saidMahfood.

“Our ministry is shaped bythe belief that Christ is alive andcan be served directly by servingthose in greatest need.Ultimately, we seek to bringboth benefactors and recipientsto a closer union with our Lord.”

FFP is also proud of itsJamaican roots and reaches outto the Jamaican and widerCaribbean community in SouthFlorida. One of its most popularfundraising events, that attractsmany from the region, is theannual 5K Walk-Fun forHunger, which usually features acelebrity athlete. This year, eliteJamaican sprinter Yohan Blakecame out to support the charityevent. Blake also led the racelast year, where more than 1,000participants ran to raise moneyfor the poor.

FUNDRAISINGThe wider community is

also familiar with FFP’s charitywork through other events, suchas gala fundraising dinners andart exhibitions that, at times,showcase celebrities that helpheighten awareness.Philanthropists Donald andMelania Trump are scheduled tojoin Patrick Park, ArletteGordon and Elizabeth Bowdenas the 2014 Fine Wines &Hidden Treasures Gala chair-men on Jan. 23, 2014 at TheMar-a-Lago Club in PalmBeach, Florida.

In addition, for the firsttime, FFP and LighthouseInteriors have partnered with

some of South Florida’s topdesigners to showcase aLighthouse Point home Jan. 16-19. Proceeds from the event areearmarked to build FFP homesin Haiti.

South Florida local charitiesalso benefit from FFP’s benevo-lence. Donations have beenmade to the Palm Beach FoodBank. Support has also beenreceived by other organizations,including Big Mama’s Team ofLife, Inc., Chris Evert Children’sHospital, New Hope Charities,The Center for Family Servicesof Palm Beach County, BlessingsFood Pantry, The Lord’s Place,The Palm Beach County FoodBank, The Salvation Army shel-ter, Women in Distress, andUnited Overcome Church.

MISSIONFFP’s core mission has been

and will continue to be interna-tional assistance, according toMahfood, who explained thatGuatemala, Nicaragua, Jamaicaand Haiti have received the

most aid. “Many are surprised to

learn that Guatemala has apoverty rate of more than 50percent and the chronic malnu-trition rate is the highest in theWestern Hemisphere,” he said.

“One form of malnutritionis caused from the scarcity ofnutrients, which is common in adiet that relies mainly on starch.It is common for desperatemothers to only have corn tor-tillas and salt to offer their chil-dren. ... Another form of malnu-trition is caused by food scarcity.Some children may go dayswithout eating, while parentsstruggle to find food.”

Added Mahfood: “Theworld will never forget the hor-rific images from Haiti after thedevastating earthquake ofJanuary 12, 2010. Food For ThePoor immediately responded byshipping and distributing food,water and medical supplies. Bythe end of the same year, theorganization had sent 1,465 trac-tor-trailer loads of food, water,

medicines and other lifesavingrelief aid valued at more than$188 million to Haiti.”

The need is staggering andnatural disasters are common-place. So, who gives to FFP?The majority of donors, saidMahfood, live in the U.S. andcome from all walks of life. Thecharity also offers mission tripsfor those who want to see, feedand touch those they are help-ing.

“It is an opportunity to bethe hands and feet of Jesus topeople in need,” he explained.“This service may be the build-ing of houses, the feeding of thehungry, the care of children andother activities that will bringlove and hope to those who des-perately need it. ... God is incontrol. We see his hand in whatwe do every day,” Mahfoodadded.


Æ

JUDITH HUDSON

“Stay true to self, good spiritedand perform your duties to thehighest level.” That’s the soundadvice Carmen Bartlett gives toher staff at Jamaica NationalMoney Services (JN).

Given how many businessesare failing today, there is alwayssomething to be learned fromthose that succeed. JN is stillgoing strong after 16 years. Theformula: Provide high qualityservice and customers willalways want to do business.

Of course, formulas are eas-

ily stated, but not so easilyendorsed. Bartlett, is the opera-tion manager for JN based inMiami. She manages five JNbranches and over 30 agents.

IMPACTBorn in Westmoreland

Jamaica, Bartlett came to theUnited States in 1997 as a repre-sentative of JN. Back then, sheexplained, the company startedout small, but used its size to itsadvantage. Bartlett said that sheknew that the company wouldnot stay small for long and beingsmall enabled JN to provide an

unusually high level of access toits clients. Communication

between customers and JN’steam rivals all other moneytransfer companies.

Bartlett said JN is morethan a money transfer business.It also offers a range of otherservices, including Bill Pay,transfers to accounts at banks inJamaica, mortgage payments,National Housing Trust contri-butions, payment of land taxesand JN Top –up to mobilephones. She sees JN as a homeaway from home.

“I have spent all my work-ing years with this awesomecompany,” Bartlett explained.

“It cares for its employees and ispoised as good corporate com-pany.

“(We) have many outreachprograms and the one (that)comes readily to mind is JamaicaPartnership for Education. Itsinvolvement in sports, communi-ty outreach programs and spon-sorship of events.

“JN is a household nameand its brand is very strong”Bartlett said.


Æ

Food For The Poor’s culture of prayer offers hope for needy

SUCCESS SECRET: Carmen Bartlett’s philosophy guides JN in Florida


Mahfood, right, is joined by Blake, center, and former Jamaica Consul General to Miami Sandra Grant Griffiths.

Bartlett

JUDITH HUDSON

Personal goals aside, VictorVargas has a simple dream forthe future, and the welfare of aregion is at the center of it.

“For all Caribbean coun-tries to work for the benefit ofthe regions instead of just oneisland or nation,” Vargas toldCaribbean Today recently.

“The English and Spanishspeaking Caribbean should workcloser together.”

Vargas, the vice president of sales and marketing atSeafreight Line in Doral,Florida, has made his own con-tributions to make that dream areality. His commitment to theAmerican and Caribbean com-munities earned him theJamaican Milestone Award forInternational Trade from theJamaica/USA Chamber ofCommerce. He understands theobstacles, but banks on his per-sonal motto to overcome them.

“There is no victory withouta challenge,” said the 45-year-old. “I am going to make it.”

FAMILY PUSHVargas was born in Chicago,

Illinois. He grew up in Hialeah,Florida. From an early age hisparents stressed the importanceof education. Vargas attendedFlorida International University,

graduating with a double majorin marketing and internationalbusiness.

Yet his parents also under-lined the importance of puttingfamily first and to always lovewhat he does, “because,” Vargassaid, “money isn’t everything.”

He met his wife when hewas only 14. The father of threesaid he wears multiple hats andpitches in with even the mostroutine duties at SeafreightLines.

“I love the industry andwhat I do,” Vargas said, “so Itend to get involved in every-thing that can make a positiveinfluence at Seafreight. If I needto drive the truck or navigate theship to deliver service, thenthat’s what I’ll do.”

COMPANY COREThe freight company has

three other office locations,Orlando and Jacksonville inFlorida, and Atlanta, Georgia. Itships to 18 countries, includingJamaica and Haiti, and handlescontainers ranging from 20 feetto 45 feet, which carry a varietyof cargo, such as trucks, cars androad building equipment.

Before his current post,Vargas worked 13 years atMaersk Line/A.P. MollerCompanies in various capacitiesinvolving commercial trades.

When he’s not working,Vargas spends most of his timewith his seven-year old sonDavid, attending football, soccerand swim team practices. Healso has a 17-year-old daughterDanielle, a high school senior.

“She always has a musicalperformance we need toattend,” he said. “She plays theFrench horn.”

Still, Vargas finds time forhimself too. He’s also a cyclistand rides with various groups inBroward County, includingGalizCyclin, South BrowardWheelers and ZMotion.

“I try to ride about 120miles weekly, but average about90 miles weekly,” said Vargas.


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Caribbean’s welfare drives Victor Vargas’s simple dream


JUDITH HUDSON

Every patient has a story thatseems to come with their illness,and Dr. Fidel Goldson, Jr. takespride that he and his staff arealways ready to listen.

According to Dr. Goldson,that is what makes GoldsonSpine Rehabilitation Center,located in Plantation, Florida,different from other chiropracticand physical therapy offices inthe country.

“We don’t hurry ourpatients off,” he said. “We sitand listen to what they have tosay. We establish a relation-ship.”

Dr. Goldson said his prac-tice aims to make patients feelthey are more than a numberand a part of the Goldson fami-ly. He is a second generation chi-ropractor and physical therapist.When he was growing up, hespent a lot of time with hisfather and grandparents. It’s per-haps where he acquired his skillsin listening and patience. Theyalso instilled in him the rewardthat comes from working anddoing what gives him the mostpleasure.

EARLY START“I started working when I

was in middle school,” said Dr.Goldson. “My mother got me a job at a corner store inLauderhill (Florida) where Iworked in the evenings afterschool for two hours.”

He recalled how gratifyingit was.

“I made five dollars a day,”said Dr. Goldson. “I saved mymoney and bought my firstNintendo.”

He said the greatest pleas-ure from that experience was to see the proud look on hisfather’s face. As he grew older,

he knew he wanted to see thatlook for a long time from Dr.Fidel Goldson, Sr., who was alsoa chiropractor and physical ther-apist. He owned his own office,so junior knew that he wanted toassume his father’s role.

ROADThe road to success was

hard work. Dr. Goldson said heworked at nights as a securityguard while pursuing his educa-tion. When he finished college in1999, he immediately joined thefamily practice, working along-side his father, who continues tomotivate him.

Dr. Goldson has been mar-ried for 14 years. The father ofthree said that his 15-year-olddaughter also wants to be aphysical therapist, further estab-lishing the Goldson legacy.When asked if there are any set-backs since taking over the fami-ly business, Golden paused andsaid: “The only setback I faced,if you would call it a setback,was when I went to an advisorand told him I wanted to be aphysical therapist. I believed hetried to discourage me by saying‘you know that program is very

challenging. Maybe you shouldconsider being a physical thera-pist assistant’.”

Goldson laughed. He saidhis father was told the samething by an advisor. The doctorthanks his parents and his grand-parents for his success. He alsobelieves divine interventionplays a part in his success.

“We see God in everythingthat we do,” said Dr. Goldson.“We pray in the mornings whenwe come in. We keep a bible

outside on the table. We putGod first, and that passes downto our patients.”

Dr. Goldson has anotheroffice in Pembroke Pines,Florida. He would like to opentwo more to further serve hiscommunity.


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THERAPY: Dr. Fidel Goldson takes pride in listening to patients’ needs

The name Sydney Roberts issynonymous with anything relat-ed to culture and the arts partic-ularly in and around SouthFlorida.

Roberts, a graduate of theUniversity of Technology andthe University of the WestIndies, has, over the yearsmade his mark as a promoterof Caribbean festivities, includ-ing the well known jerk festi-val. Thirteen years ago, theJamaican Jerk Festival cameinto being in Pembroke Pines,Florida. Today the festival,which first attracted 4,000patrons, now caters to over17,000.

As one of the festival’s co-founders, it has undoubtedlybecome one of his passions.Roberts’s hard work has paid offand, as a result, the accoladesare many. In 1999 he receivedthe Black Heritage PillarsAward from the Dade CountyBlack Employees Association.In 2004, the Award ofExcellence from Miami CarnivalInc.; in 2006, the Jamaica USA

Chamber of Commerce’sMilestone Award of Excellence;and in 2007 he was recognizedwith the Community ServiceAward, presented by the thenGovernor General of JamaicaKenneth Hall.

For Roberts, the work hasnot been in vain and he contin-ues to set standards promotingthe culture of his homelandwhile maintaining and protectingits authenticity.

Æ

Vargas

Dr. Goldson

If it’s Caribbean arts, culture,it’s Sydney Roberts’s time

Roberts

When United States PresidentBarack Obama speaks of thetenacity and perseverance ofCaribbean Americans - whoseachievements have shapedevery aspect of Americansociety, including spurring theU.S. economy as intrepidentrepreneurs - the nameGlen Khan serves as indis-putable testimony to theCaribbean American person-ality and character to whichthe president refers.

The story of Khan reflectsthe fundamental Americanidea that when access toopportunity is equal, anyonecan make it if they try hardenough.

Over the past 30 years,Khan has successfully pilotedthe diversified activities of theLaparkan Group ofCompanies with its range ofservices, which include oceanshipping, air cargo, manufac-turing, retail trade, moneytransfer and travel. Today,Laparkan’s freight operations-Laparkan Shipping - is the sin-gle largest employer ofCaribbean Americans in thediaspora.

Just over three decadesago, Khan, along with twofriends, John LaRose andTerrence Pariag, set upLaparkan Trading after recog-nizing the need to provideWest Indians with a reliablechannel to send supplies, gifts

and other personal effectsback home to their families inthe Caribbean. In 1983,Laparkan opened its doors inToronto, Canada and was aninstant success. Word quicklyspread and within 12 monthsfully functional Laparkanoffices and warehouses wereset up in New York, Miami,London and Georgetown,Guyana.

What began as a simplepersonal effects shippingenterprise has grown underKhan’s leadership, into thedynamic, multi-national andmulti-service operation that istoday the Laparkan Group ofCompanies. Laparkan is nowsolely owned by Khan, whooversees its daily operations.

VISIONARYBorn in Guyana, Khan is

a truly Caribbean man whomust be counted among theregion’s most insightful,visionary and successful entre-preneurs in post-colonialCaribbean society. He hasreceived several awards andhonors for his contribution tothe development of Caribbeansociety in the post-Independence era. They havecome from various Caribbeangovernments, organizations inthe region and diaspora, andfrom city and county govern-ments in the U.S.

Asked what has been

responsible for his andLaparkan’s success, Khan said“a strong belief in the good ofpeople and a commitment tohonesty, fairness and hardwork.”

This simple, easilyapproachable executive hasalso become well known andrespected for his philanthropy.A major reason forLaparkan’s success is that thecompany is a good corporatecitizen, giving back to thecommunities it serves throughsupport for education, health,sport, youth development,preservation and promotionof Caribbean culture, disasterrelief and the work of reli-gious bodies.

In recent years, Laparkanhas contributed significantlyto relief efforts following amajor flood in Guyana, hurri-canes in several Caribbeanislands, including Jamaica and

the devastating earthquake inHaiti. Laparkan was honoredby the Americas Relief Team(ART) for its pivotal role inhelping to ensure the efficientand timely dispatch of criticalrelief supplies to Haiti follow-ing the earthquake.

Today, a section of thecompany’s new state-of-the-art 166,000 square foot ware-house has been designated,free of cost, as a disasteremergency relief center fromwhich urgently needed reliefmaterial can be dispatched inthe event of a natural disasteranywhere in the Americas,including Florida.

CHARACTERA fitting example of the

Caribbean American person-ality and character isLaparkan Shipping. Foundedin 1983, it has offered serviceto the people of theCaribbean diaspora and theregion. Laparkan has shippedpersonal effects and commer-cial cargo to the Caribbeanboth by air and ocean. Itsmoney transfer service andInternet shopping continue tobe pivotal to the social stabili-ty and economic developmentof several Caribbean coun-tries.

It has also spurred theU.S. economy throughemployment of some 400Caribbean Americans, at

warehouses and offices inNew York, New Jersey,Florida and Georgia, andengaging scores of agentsacross the U.S. The company’scorporate office is in Miamiwhere its main warehouseserves as a hub for cargobeing shipped around theworld.

“Laparkan was the pio-neer of the barrel business tothe Caribbean,” said GodfreyHarding, a Brooklyn residentwho recalled shipping his firstbarrel to Kingston, Jamaica.

“Laparkan has developedbeyond the barrel businessand is today the number onelogistics solutions providerserving the Caribbean region-hence its motto: Connectingthe Caribbean Globally,” saidKhan.

Speaking at the officialopening of Laparkan’s newStanley Avenue facility lastJune, Trinidad and TobagoConsul General NanRamgoolam said Laparkanis true testimony thatCaribbean-owned businessesperform as well as thoseconsidered the best in theworld.

Laparkan is also true tes-timony to the intrepid entre-preneurship of CaribbeanAmericans and the nationalcharacter to which Obamareferred.

Æ

Jacques Laroche: UCOMB’s driving force to better minority businesses

Laparkan: A fitting example of Caribbean American character


MICHELLE CAWLEY

DRESERIS

Estate Laroche – with its com-fortable two-story mansion –sprawls beautifully on a pri-vate compound in southwestMiami-Dade’s upscale CutlerBay area. A circular drivewayinvites guests past Jacques andYvette Laroche’s fountain andup the steps into the eleganthome they have designed, builtand decorated.

“Welcome to my home,”said Jacques, with his liltingFrench creole accent.

The walls of Laroche’soffice and his desk are neatlyorganized with a wealth ofbusiness and communityawards, each recognizing hiscreative, altruistic, politicaland mentoring work in Miami-Dade for nearly 30 years. Aself-made man, a devoted andloving husband and father,Laroche dedicates his creativeenergies, business acumen andresources to passionately pro-moting small businesses andhis community through the

Unique Coalition of MinorityBusinesses of South Dade,Inc., a concept he conceivedand developed.

Behind the home lies anexpansive pool area, designedfor entertaining large groupsof friends and hostingfundraising events for theirfavorite organizations. Thepool is wrapped by a mani-cured garden that displaysLaroche’s exterior art galleryand paintings.

“I was born an artist,” saidLaroche. “That is a gift Ireceived from the Lord.”

Past the pool is a smallhouse with inviting, whiterocking chairs on the porch.

“This is my ‘man cave’,”said Laroche.

BACKGROUNDThe rocking chairs alert

guests to the relaxation desti-nation he has designed within.An artist, interior designer andentrepreneur, Laroche hasworked to build the expansiveestate. Somewhere – on theother side of life – Laroche’s

deceased father must be kick-ing himself, regretting thetimes in Cap Haitien, Haiti,when he abandoned Jacques,and told his son “You willnever succeed.”

“In 1973, at age 21, Itold my father, ‘I am not onthe same financial level withyou now, but I will be’,”Laroche said.

He has surpassed his latefather, a successful doctor in

Haiti.“Sometimes, God works in

mysterious ways,” saidLaroche. “He motivated me tosucceed, and to give back whatI did not receive from him.”

Laroche credited Max K.Cantave, his school principalLycee de Petion-ville High inHaiti, for changing his life.

“Max was the father Inever had,” he explained. “Hewas my role model of what a

father – and a man – shouldbe. The man I am today isbecause of him. I call him my‘motivational, and adoptedfather’.

“Max was a kind, greatand brilliant man, a powerfulspeaker and a communityleader who helped many peo-ple,” added Laroche, whokeeps a photograph ofCantave in his office. “Hetaught me almost everything Iknow today.

“Max used his small salaryto open a music school insideour high school, because thegovernment did not supportmusic classes. He got us twoteachers, and instruments –using his own money – and hehelped everyone in our com-munity.”

INFLUENCELaroche taught history

and French at the school afterhe graduated in 1970. Cantave,who died some years ago, wasthen his boss and became hisfriend through life.

Khan

Laroche


Laroche credited his suc-cessful life to Cantave’s influ-ence and Yvette, his wife andbusiness partner. His mother’slove and wisdom, and hisgrandmother’s, and “auntie’s”love and support, gave himguidance and strength.

“Yvette is the love of mylife,” said Laroche. “I knew itthe moment I saw her.”

But there was alwaysanother constant.

“Art always stays in me,”said Laroche.

“In Montreal, we opened astore and a manufacturingplant. We designed and manu-factured window treatments,and were very successful interi-or designers.”

In 1984, the Larochesmoved to Miami and openedUnique Home Design, Inc, alucrative interior design busi-ness from which they are now,essentially, retired.

“There was a lack of co-operation among the localbusinesses here, and no sup-port for new and minoritybusinesses in our area,” saidLaroche. “I decided thatchange was necessary.”

In 2000, he established aquarterly business after-hoursnetworking forum.” The suc-cess of those led to the forma-tion of the Unique Coalition ofMinority Businesses of SouthDade, Inc. (UCOMB), a non-profit organization. UCOMBhas become the most diversenetworking minority group inSouth Dade’s history, withmore than 300 members from27 countries. The organizationhas remained on the cuttingedge of its mission as a leadingproactive service network,focusing on issues that affectsmall and minority businesses.

“I am retired, but I workalmost full-time giving back tomy community throughUCOMB,” said Laroche.

MISSIONUCOMB’s mission

includes providing networkingopportunities, workshops andseminars, promoting minority-owned businesses, award ban-quets to recognize the bestminority-owned business in thecommunity, internship pro-grams for minority youths forminority-owned businesses,scholarships free educationalprograms.

In many ways, UCOMB isan extension of Laroche’s driveto give to the world what hedid not receive from his fatherand to return those emotionaland financial resources he hasreceived.

“My mom believed in meand motivated me,” Larocherecalled. “She told me,‘Jacques, I am not worried

about you, because I know youwill make it in life’.”

His mother died inMontreal about seven yearsago.

“Mom said, ‘Jacques, onyour way into this world, youpicked the genes of that smartman, and you will be smarterthan him’,” he said.

Her words seem prophetic.“I always remember who I

am, and where I came from,”said Laroche.

“Even though I do nothave the taste of poverty in mymouth now, I still feel it. I stillsee it. And, I still remember,”he said.

“My mission – to make adifference in this world – is notfinished.”

Photograph and story byMichelle Cawley Dreseris, afreelance writer forCaribbean Today.

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Jacques Laroche: UCOMB’s drivingforce to better minority businesses




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