Caribbean american passport news magazine october 2014

11111www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

FREE

N E W S M A G A Z I N EN E W S M A G A Z I N EN E W S M A G A Z I N EN E W S M A G A Z I N EN E W S M A G A Z I N E

Your Passport to the Caribbean American CommunityYour Passport to the Caribbean American CommunityYour Passport to the Caribbean American CommunityYour Passport to the Caribbean American CommunityYour Passport to the Caribbean American Community

Caribbean American Passport now covers the Entire State of Florida!Join our growing list of distribution locations and

get listed on our distribution list for FREE!Copies will be delivered to your location monthly!

See page 3 for more details.

Continued on page 20

— Continued on page 14 —

Hispanic HeritageHispanic HeritageHispanic HeritageHispanic HeritageHispanic HeritageMonth 2014Month 2014Month 2014Month 2014Month 2014ispanic Heritage Monthwas kicked off with anamazing variety of culturalperformances, an abso-lutely cute and colorful pa-

rade of nations with kids dressedin traditional national attire.

Heads of State visit FloridaHeads of State visit FloridaHeads of State visit FloridaHeads of State visit FloridaHeads of State visit Florida

he Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, Prime Minister of

the Republic of Trinidad and Tobagowas the guest of honour at a Gala Re-

ception and Dinner commemorating Re-public Day on Monday 29th September,2014 at the Signature Grand in Davie,which was hosted by the Consulate Gen-eral of the Republic of Trinidad and To-bago in Miami, Florida.

Dignitaries present included high rankingstate and county officials including Lau-derdale Lakes Mayor, Russell A.Barrington, Pembroke Park Mayor, AshiraMohammed, District 95 State Represen-tative, Hazelle P. Rogers, District 9 BrowardCounty Commissioner, Dale V. C. Holness— See page 16 for Diwali greetings —

uyana’s President Donald Ramotarmet recently with the Guyanese community in south Florida at atown hall meeting at which he

brought his audience up to date with de-velopments taking place in the country,among which is the possibility of generalelections as early as January next year.

Guyana’s opposition parties enjoy a oneseat majority in Parliament. One of theparties, the Alliance for Change (AFC) hastabled a no-confidence motion in Presi-dent Ramotar’s administration in theNational Assembly which if passed by thejoint opposition in Parliament would re-quire that national elections be held nomore than 90 days thereafter.

Guyana’s President DonaldGuyana’s President DonaldGuyana’s President DonaldGuyana’s President DonaldGuyana’s President DonaldRamotar met recently withRamotar met recently withRamotar met recently withRamotar met recently withRamotar met recently withthe Guyanese communitythe Guyanese communitythe Guyanese communitythe Guyanese communitythe Guyanese community

in South Floridain South Floridain South Floridain South Floridain South Florida

Prime Minister of the RepublicPrime Minister of the RepublicPrime Minister of the RepublicPrime Minister of the RepublicPrime Minister of the Republicof Trinidad and Tobagoof Trinidad and Tobagoof Trinidad and Tobagoof Trinidad and Tobagoof Trinidad and Tobago

decorated with highdecorated with highdecorated with highdecorated with highdecorated with highaward in Miamiaward in Miamiaward in Miamiaward in Miamiaward in Miami

Happy Diwali fromHappy Diwali fromHappy Diwali fromHappy Diwali fromHappy Diwali fromCaribbean AmericanCaribbean AmericanCaribbean AmericanCaribbean AmericanCaribbean AmericanPassport NewspaperPassport NewspaperPassport NewspaperPassport NewspaperPassport Newspaper

22222 www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com22222 www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com


L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts,

Publisher/Editor

Copyright (C) 2014 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.

Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-RobertsEditor & Publisher ............................................................... Sam RobertsGraphic Design & Layout ..................................... Jan Longwell-SmileyContributing Writers: ................................................... Rosemarie Roth..................................................................................... Natasha Gittens........................................................................................ .Karlyn Hylton............................................................................................ Gail Seeram........................................................................................ Kamal Abdool

. .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell................................................................................ Nouchelle Hastings

Contributing Photographers ............ ....................................Ted Hollins........................................... ............................................Willie David III................................................ ............................................Sam Roberts.....................................................................................Ronald Williams.................................................................. Miami Dade North Campus

Distribution & Sales.................................................... ...Delroy EdwardsDistribution............................................................................. Roy BennSouth Florida Distribution .............................................Delroy Edwards

GGR Marketing & Public Relations1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828

Office: 407-427-1800Fax: 407-386-7925

Toll Free: 877-220-8315407-427-1800 • [email protected]

For Media Information email: [email protected]: [email protected]

Sales: [email protected]: [email protected]

Should you desire to review past copies of the publicationgo to http://www.issuu.com/caribbeanamericanpassport and

search for Caribbean American Passport News Magazine.

The People, The

Politicians, The

Power and Party

Based Politics

s an independent, open minded, educated and commu-nity oriented person I can truly say that I am totally frus-trated with the party based politics that is destroying ourcommunities, our countries, our world.

When these political candidates are out on the streets cam-paigning, socializing and networking within the communitywe sometimes get a chance to meet them and get to knowthem. However, the candidates who would get our votes arethose that appear grounded and truly connected with theircommunity, with their family, with their god (not necessar-ily in that order) and not those that are puppets for theirPolitical Parties.

Let me start by stating that I am a proud Caribbean Ameri-can and that I truly believe that there are potentially greatleaders among us both locally in Florida, in the United Statesof America and back in the Caribbean. BUT, and I’ll say thisagain BUT….what happens to these great minds, these greatleaders, these great community activist and community part-ners, these politicians who campaign on a platform of FORTHE PEOPLE? What the hell happens once they get elected?Do they suddenly forget that they were elected by the PEOPLE?Do they forget that the political position they hold is to servethe PEOPLE in their district, in their region, in their State and/or in their Country?

Let me break it down into as simple terms as possible…..I’m asimple person. Let’s examine politics like a marriage, the small-est individual based relationship, (in most cases 2 people). Whatdoes it take to maintain a successful, productive and mutuallybeneficial marriage; I’ll list the pillars (in no specific order):

• Commitment

• Communication

• Compromise

• Common Sense

Now let’s apply that to politics and politicians:

• A commitment to the PEOPLE who elected you, a commit-ment to the agenda under which you were elected, a com-mitment to serve YOUR COMMUNITY and to serve YOURCOUNTRY. Make decisions based on what’s best for thePEOPLE and not what’s best for the political party.

• Communicate with your electorate, communicate with yourcommunity and communicate with each other, across party-lines if necessary, to achieve an agenda that serves your com-munity, your district, your region, your State and/or yourCountry. We must be willing to discuss the issues and trulylisten to each other to understand the objectives and objec-tions. Only through open conversation and communicationcan we achieve true success.

• Compromise when necessary to achieve an agenda that is

in the best interest of the people, NOT THE PARTY. All par-ties have great leaders with great ideas; success is not neces-sarily measured by the path you take, crossing party-linesor not, but by the results achieved. So what if he or she rep-resents a different political party; compromise on your ideasif it makes sense for the people you serve.

• Common Sense, what more can I say, ‘Common Sense’ – if itmakes sense ‘Just Do It’, if an agenda item or legislative ac-tion is presented that makes sense – support it; don’t focuson who drafted it or supports it or presented it. If it makessense – SUPPORT IT. It’s that simple; use COMMON SENSE.

The only hope for our dear homeland, be it the United States ofAmerica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Jamaica,Costa Rica, India, China, Haiti or even Cuba….where-ever youcall home; is for the management and administration to beunder a shared governance. I truly believe that a shared partygovernance would be the best solution for the success and pros-perity of any Country and more importantly for the people ofthat Country. The leaders of these political parties need to setaside party politics, set aside the individual political agendas(if necessary/if it makes sense), set aside your egos and puttogether a strategic implementable developmental plan witha shared governance; with ALL PARTIES involved. I love Guyana, I love my Caribbean and I love the UnitedStates of America but unless all the political parties, both lo-cally in the USA and back in the Caribbean, come togetherand make decisions, implement legislation and take actionsthat are in the best interest of the PEOPLE; we will never seethe true potential of our individual economies and our indi-vidual countries.

Sam Roberts,

Publisher

44444 www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

By Roger Caldwell

resident Obama is touting his horn everywhere hegoes, because his unemployment numbers are un-der 6%, the first time in 6 years. This is a fantasticachievement, because the job market recovery wasslow and many times frustrating. The economy has

been improving at a snail’s pace, but each monththere is steady improvement.

In September 2014, the unemployment rate dropped to 5.9% from6.1%, and it means that corporations are hiring. The wage growthis somewhatdisappoint-ing in thepast year, be-cause it isonly up 2%,and barely keeping up with inflation. But good news is alwaysbetter than bad news and the U.S. employers added 248,000 newjobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Last week, this marked the 48th straight month of job growth,and ties the longest stretch since the Bureau of Labor Statisticsstarted keeping track in 1939. The only other uninterrupted four-year run came during the Regan administration in 1986-1990.

President Obama is also bragging about adding 10 millionpeople on the healthcare insurance rolls, which he proudly calls“Obamacare.” “That’s $1,800 you don’t have to pay out of ourpocket or see it vanish from your paycheck. That’s like a $1,800tax cut. And because the insurance marketplace we created en-courage insurers to compete for your business, in many citiesthat have announced next year’s premiums, something impor-tant is happening, they are falling,” says President Obama.

As the president gets closer to the November election, his job per-formance numbers and polls are starting to improve. Last weekthe CNN poll put the president’s numbers at 44% and Fox put thepresident’s numbers at 39%. The Fox poll numbers were the lowestand there were poll numbers as high as 48%. This is an indicatorthat the more progressive poll organizations think the president ismaking bold moves to improve the economy at home, and alsoimproving our leadership position in foreign policy aboard.

In the Stock Market, President Obama is enjoying one of thebest markets for a re-elected president, and it is breaking allkinds of records. Since the president was elected the Dow Jonesindustrial average has gained 67.9%. The Standard & Poor’s500 (SPX) Index are the healthiest in decades with the lowestnet debt to earnings ratio in at least 24 years.

Large companies are piling up cash under Obama, and thishas put them in a great position to service their debt. “By everyeconomic measure, we are better off now than when I tookoffice,” says President Obama.

The Republicans have tried to make the president a socialist,but in thefour yearshe has beenpresident ,he has beena good

friend to the business community. Because of President Obama’sbusiness initiatives corporate debt as measured against earn-ing has fallen. Douglas Brinkley, a president historian and pro-fessor at Rice University says, “History will eventually showthat Obama inherited the Great Recession and resuscitated theeconomy.”

There are less than four weeks until the mid-term election will behistory. The president has a story of achievement and success totell the American people, and he must continue to blow his horn.The numbers are moving in the right direction for the president,and the Democrats must maintain the majority in the Senate.

Every election is important, and Blacks and minorities havethe power to change the outcome of elections. The goal is toget registered Black voters to never come to the polls alone,and tell family, friends, and colleagues to vote.

The Numbers Look Good For ObamaThe Numbers Look Good For ObamaThe Numbers Look Good For ObamaThe Numbers Look Good For ObamaThe Numbers Look Good For ObamaOne Month before the ElectionOne Month before the ElectionOne Month before the ElectionOne Month before the ElectionOne Month before the Election

The Caribbean American ChamberThe Caribbean American ChamberThe Caribbean American ChamberThe Caribbean American ChamberThe Caribbean American Chamberof Commerce Endorses theof Commerce Endorses theof Commerce Endorses theof Commerce Endorses theof Commerce Endorses the

following Candidates for Office:following Candidates for Office:following Candidates for Office:following Candidates for Office:following Candidates for Office:

Charlie Crist - Candidate for Governor

Geraldine Thompson – Candidate forSenator – District 12

Derrick “Shine” Wallace, OrangeCounty Commission, District 6

Tina Caraballo - Candidate for OrangeCounty Judge Group 10

On Amendmentswe suggest the following:

Yes on Amendment 2

No on Amendment 3

For more information on Voting in theelection on November 4th, go towwwcaccfl.com for our Voter Guide.

“By every economic measure, we are better off nowthan when I took office,” says President Obama.


Happy Diwali from SeaFreight & PS Freight!


Be Smart. Get a FREE CONSULTATION with oneof our expert trainers to assess your health needsand fitness goals. Additionally, this includes yourchoice of a Free Medical Review, Fitness Studio

Day Pass or Free Personal Training Session.

6488 Currin Dr., Suite 100 • Orlando, FL • 32835407-522-5685 • Fax: 407.472.3995

www.lwlpharmacy.com

• Diabetes Shoppe

• Fitness Center on Site

• Natural Vitamins

• Health Screening Events

• Competitive Pricing

• Medicare/Medicaid Accepted

• Most Insurances Accepted

• Delivery of your Medication

• Compounded Prescriptions

• Home Infusion Therapy

• Retail Prescriptions

• Weight Loss/Nutritional Coaching

Life Worth Living Wellness CenterLife Worth Living Wellness CenterLife Worth Living Wellness CenterLife Worth Living Wellness CenterLife Worth Living Wellness Center


Central Florida Urban LeagueCentral Florida Urban LeagueCentral Florida Urban LeagueCentral Florida Urban LeagueCentral Florida Urban League(CFUL) Partners Pledge(CFUL) Partners Pledge(CFUL) Partners Pledge(CFUL) Partners Pledge(CFUL) Partners PledgeAllegiance to LiteracyAllegiance to LiteracyAllegiance to LiteracyAllegiance to LiteracyAllegiance to Literacy

he Central Florida Urban League, in partnership withUPS, SunTrust Bank, Early Learning Coalition of Or-

ange County, United Negro College Fund, Heart of FloridaUnited Way, and the Adult Literacy League, launched their One Billion Word Challenge Initiative designed to

curtail the read-ing skill loss chil-dren experienceduring summermonths.

“Most people com-monly refer to thisas the “summerslide,” said CFULboard chairmanWesley Harris.“And for childrenwho may alreadybe struggling toread on gradelevel the loss ofreading skills dur-ing the summer is tragic... and totally avoidable.”

This challenge is an open invi-tation for all corporations, so-cial groups, churches, parents,public/private schools and oth-ers to pledge their support. Wechallenge you to join our effortsand collectively read to thou-sands of children to combat the“summer slide”.

UPS has pledged twenty five mil-lion (25,000,000) words as a jumpstart to this initiative and extendthe challenge to other organiza-tions and corporations to matchor exceed that pledge. 25 MillionWords demonstrate our pledge ofallegiance to literacy as we con-tinue to serve the communities inwhich UPSers work and live.

“This is going to be an amazingcollaboration,” said KarenWillis, CEO of the Early Learn-ing Coalition of Orange County.“Bringing all sectors together tocombat summer learning lossand promote grade level readingis worth our time.”

“There is no doubt the most pow-erful tool available to raise ourcommunity to new levels is lit-eracy.”, said Mr. Harris. TheCFUL’s focus on literacy doesn’tend at programming but willreach into the core agendas oflocal and state policymakers toestablish the proper support andrecognition for education.

This three year initiative to readbillions of words to our childrenrepresents our collective pledgeof allegiance to literacy in theCentral Florida area.

To make your pledge visit theirwebsite at www.cful.org



FULL-A-VYBEZ Inc. to hostFULL-A-VYBEZ Inc. to hostFULL-A-VYBEZ Inc. to hostFULL-A-VYBEZ Inc. to hostFULL-A-VYBEZ Inc. to hosttheir 3rd Annual Jerk andtheir 3rd Annual Jerk andtheir 3rd Annual Jerk andtheir 3rd Annual Jerk andtheir 3rd Annual Jerk andCaribbean Festival at theCaribbean Festival at theCaribbean Festival at theCaribbean Festival at theCaribbean Festival at the

Central Florida FairgroundsCentral Florida FairgroundsCentral Florida FairgroundsCentral Florida FairgroundsCentral Florida Fairgroundshe rush of Back-to-School is OVER! Now it’s time to gettogether with friends and family, meet new people, and

enjoy great food and fantastic musical entertainment.Your opportunity will be at the Third Annual Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival on Sunday, October 19, 2014.

This year, the festival will take place at a new larger location,the Central Florida Fairgrounds, at 4603 W Colonial Drive,Orlando FL 32808. Once again, this highly anticipated andentertaining festival is being hosted by Full-A-Vybez Inc. incollaboration with 1-800-411-PAIN Legal and Medical Refer-ral Service.

Keeping with tradition, adults will relish the musical entertain-ment from featured artist such as Romain Virgo, the youngestsinger to win Digicel’s Rising Star and the first Reggae artist toperform at the Academy of Country Music. Other entertainersperforming are Assassin aka Agent Sasco, RUPEE and the rhyth-mic Fab 5 Band.

Kids of ALL ages will be entertained at the Kids Zone, a funarea filled with rides, games, bounce houses, face painting andso much more. No matter the age of your child, there is some-thing there to keep them engaged. Parents you won’t have toworry, there will be a vast variety of food to choose from, bothfor you and your children. It can be something traditional orstep out of your box for the day and try something you’ve al-ways been curious about. You will have choices and morechoices; numerous types of jerk and cultural dishes to savorand make your new favorites.

1-800-411-PAIN Legal and Medical Referral Service1-800-411-PAIN was founded in 1995 and has grown into botha national network and a household name. 1-800-411-PAINconnects anyone injured in a car accident with an experiencedattorney to explain their rights and possible monetary com-pensation, depending on their individual case.

Other Sponsors:Digicel, Grace, Caribbean Airlines, National Weekly, CaribbeanAmerican Passport and Jamaica.com.

1 01 01 01 01 0 www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

ImmigrationINFOImmigrationINFOImmigrationINFOImmigrationINFOImmigrationINFOTMTMTMTMTM

RECORD 438.421 DEPORTATIONS IN 2013-2014RECORD 438.421 DEPORTATIONS IN 2013-2014RECORD 438.421 DEPORTATIONS IN 2013-2014RECORD 438.421 DEPORTATIONS IN 2013-2014RECORD 438.421 DEPORTATIONS IN 2013-2014

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram,[email protected]

@GailSeeram

FREE In-Office ConsultationFREE Live Chat – visit www.GailLaw.com

he newly released data of 438,421 deportations carriedout from the United States during October 1, 2013 to

September 30, 2014 represent families suffering from sepa-ration, lower socioeconomic status, emotional stress, andlimited health and educational opportunities.

The Office of Immigration Statistic of the Department ofHomeland Security reported that deportations in the 2013 fis-cal year increased by more than 20,000 over 2012 and bymore than 51,000 over 2011. President Obama will be onrecord for over 2 million deported under his watch as Presi-dent. More than half of the noncitizens deported were doneso under a fast-track removal system where they did not seean immigration judge.

It is highly recommended that any noncitizen that is placed inremoval or deportation proceedings exercise his/her right tosee an immigration judge. There are many forms of relief un-

der the immigration laws that allow noncitizens to remain inthe United States and avoid deportation or removal from theU.S. Some forms of relief include cancellation of removal, asy-lum, withholding of removal, fraud waiver, prosecutorial dis-cretion, adjustment of status and many more.

The Immigration Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram offers the fol-lowing five tips to avoid deportation or removal proceeding:

1 If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)with ANY type of criminal arrest for a misdemeanor or felonyoffense (even if not convicted), then speak with an immigra-tion lawyer before traveling outside the U.S., before applyingto renew green card or before applying for U.S. citizenship.

2 If you have no legal status in the U.S., then do not drive.Note, Department of Motor Vehicle records are linked to De-partment of Homeland Security and a routine traffic stopcan lead to an immigration hold if your immigration statusis checked.

3 If you are a noncitizen (do not have U.S. citizenship), thendo not register to vote or vote in the U.S. and do not makeany false claims to being a U.S. citizen.

4 If you are at risk for deportation or removal because youhave no legal status in the U.S. or have a prior removalorder, then do not go to your local immigration office with-out an attorney.

5 If you have no legal status in the U.S., then avoid takingGreyhound Bus or Amtrak as immigration border patrol fre-quently stops and checks the immigration status of passen-gers on these types of transportation services.

1 11 11 11 11 1www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

Former Haitian PresidentFormer Haitian PresidentFormer Haitian PresidentFormer Haitian PresidentFormer Haitian President&&&&& Dictator Jean-Claude Dictator Jean-Claude Dictator Jean-Claude Dictator Jean-Claude Dictator Jean-Claude

Duvalier is deadDuvalier is deadDuvalier is deadDuvalier is deadDuvalier is deadhe former Haitian dictator Jen-Claude Duvalier has diedin Port-au-Prince, Haiti, at the age of 63; Jean-ClaudeDuvalier, known as ‘Baby Doc’, who fled Haiti in 1985

and later surprised the world, and the citizen of Haiti,when he returned home to Haiti after 25 years. Duvalierinherited the title of “President for life” in 1971 upon the

death of his father, Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier, who hadruled with an iron fist through his paramilitary force. BabyDoc became one of the world’s youngest heads of State at thetender age of 19 years old.

Only days after his return home he was charged with humanrights crimes; however he successfully argued in his court trialthat the statute of limitations had expired on the charges. Hisalleged crimes included torture, rape, extrajudicial killings andmany others; many of the human rights groups decried thecourt rulings that spared Jean-Claude Duvalier. Later that yeara Haitian appeals court ruled that the lower was wrong andthat there is no statute of limitations for human rights crimes.This ruling by the court of appeals therefore opened the possi-bility that Jean-Claude Duvalier could face the charges of hu-man rights violations.

Jean-Claude Duvalier has found a way, yet again, to avoidpaying the penalties crimes; he died before the judicial investi-gation could pursue the charges.

JAMAICA DIASPORAJAMAICA DIASPORAJAMAICA DIASPORAJAMAICA DIASPORAJAMAICA DIASPORASOUTHERN UNITEDSOUTHERN UNITEDSOUTHERN UNITEDSOUTHERN UNITEDSOUTHERN UNITED

STATESSTATESSTATESSTATESSTATESINVITES ALL JAMAICANS, JAMAICANORGANIZATIONS AND FRIENDS OF

JAMAICA TO ATTEND THE JAMAICADIASPORA TOWN HALL MEETING“MAPPING JAMAICA’S DIASPORA”

WITHTHE HON. ARNALDO BROWN M.P

MINISTER OF STATEMINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

AND TRADE GOVERNMENTOF JAMAICA

THE HON. FRANZ HALLCONSULAR GENERAL OF JAMAICA

TO THE SOUTHERN U.S.AGOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA

EASTMONTE CIVIC CENTER830 Magnolia Drive

Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701TUESDAY OCTOBER 28TH, 2014 at 6:30 pm – 9:00 pmThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade implementedthe Mapping Jamaica’s Diaspora Project in collaboration withthe International Organization for Migration. Its aim is to iden-tify through survey responses how the Diaspora can contributeto the development of Jamaica, whilst also determining theirneeds and concerns. YOU CAN TAKE THE SURVEY at:www.mapjadiaspora.iom.int

FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU MAY CONTACT:WAYNE C. GOLDING SR. ESQ. – Jamaica Diaspora

Board Representative Southeast USATEL. 407 - 443-3317

[email protected]

JAMAICA DIASPORA SOUTHERN USA“ONE LOVE …….ONE VOICE”

Immigration, Family, Wills & Trusts, Mediation1073 Willa Springs Drive, Suite 1017

Winter Springs. Florida 32708esquirebrown@nadinebrownpa,com

www.nadinebrownpa.com

407-678-2224Fax: 407-788-2225

Florida Supreme CourtCertified Family Mediator


Happy Diwali from Caribbean Super Center!


Guyana winsGuyana winsGuyana winsGuyana winsGuyana wins2014 Orlando Curry Duck Curry Clash2014 Orlando Curry Duck Curry Clash2014 Orlando Curry Duck Curry Clash2014 Orlando Curry Duck Curry Clash2014 Orlando Curry Duck Curry Clash

Vani Lowton with 1st place winner (and Guyanese born),Tiger & Son Construction.

he 9th Annual Curry Duck Curry competition in Orlando,Florida was representative of the growing Caribbean

population in Central Florida. Guyanese, Trinidadiansand many other Caribbean-Americans came out inrecord breaking numbers to the Central Florida Fair-

grounds to enjoy music from artists like Crazy, Terry Garjaj,KI, Supertones Band, SW Storm, Geetanjali Band, LymaDunbar and most importantly cheer on the contestants forthe curry duck (or duck curry) cooking competition.

All three winners this year are from Guyana. Tiger & Son Con-struction took home the 1st place prize of $1,000 with a win-

ning score of 310, Navin Electric claimed his 2nd place prize of$500 with a score of 295 and Triple J Enterprise placed 3rd

with a score of 288 and took home $300. The prizeswere sponsored by Vani & John Lowton and the trophiesby Raj Travel Services.

This year’s contestants Backyard Mas, Selo Singh, MainStreet Auto, Shastri Singh, Navin Electric, Tiger and Son,

Suresh Bissoon, Exclusive Auto Body, Aaron Mohammed,Florida Leading Reality, First Choice Auto, Triple J Enterprise,Dave Lall, and Faraz Mohammed competed in five categories- pepper, salt, fresh taste, curry flavor and tenderness.

Curry Duck Curry contestants


Find Caribbean Restaurants, Plumbers, Events,Discount Coupons, Deals and Much More!

Mayor Buddy Dyer and CommissionerOrtiz presented the City of Orlando’s Proc-lamation on the commemoration of Na-tional Hispanic Heritage Month; the Con-sular Generals of both Mexico and Co-lumbia were also in attendance alongwith representative from many other of-fices of local government including Com-missioner Samuel Ings, CommissionerTiffany Moore and Orange County Prop-erty Appraiser Rick Singh. The attendeesenjoyed spectacular dances, salsa andrumba music compliments of Rumba Ra-dio and enjoyed delicious food compli-ments of Bravo Supermarkets. At the endof the official presentation, attendeeswere invited to visit the beautiful displayof authentic Latin art being displayed inthe gallery at City of Orlando – City Hall.

These were colorful, artistic and professionally presentedworks of art. For a full display of the works of art pleasevisit our website at www.caribbeanamerican passport.comand visit our online gallery.

—Continued from page 1——Continued from page 1——Continued from page 1——Continued from page 1——Continued from page 1—Hispanic Heritage Month 2014Hispanic Heritage Month 2014Hispanic Heritage Month 2014Hispanic Heritage Month 2014Hispanic Heritage Month 2014

Bottom left - ‘Mexican Food’by Horachio Silva

On right - ‘Preservation of aCulture’ by Maria Del Pilar Vargas

Above - ‘Childhood Games’ by Blanca E. RosadoMiddle left - ‘The Espy’ by Juan Antonio Rodriguez Olivares

On Sept 28th at Festival Park in Orlando,Hispanic Heritage Month was presentedagain with rich culture, strong commu-nity spirit and music. The Hispanic pa-rade was a tremendous success with theparticipation of many different groups,companies and political candidates.What can I say about the 1st annualHispanic Parade and Festival…..WOW!!!This was a spectacular array of Hispanicculture; from Puerto Rico, to Columbia,to Mexico, to Venezuela, to Cuba and

many other countries. Food,food and more food; this festi-val was an authentic Latin foodconnoisseur’s paradise with anunbelievable variety fromroasted pork to empanadas totostones con ajo to ceviches andmuch more. For a beautiful dis-play of pictures from the paradeto the festival; please visit ourwebsite at www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com andview our Gallery.


n October 12th the Miami-Broward One Car-nival 2014 was presented at the Miami-Dade Fairgrounds to the community witha fantastic array of colors, music and food.

What a spectacular presentation; the pag-eantry, the creativity, the rhythmic music, the at-mosphere, the beautiful people, the delightfulfood!!!!! The over 40,000 participants and attendeeswere treated to an amazing day of Caribbean cul-ture with festive, colorful and creative costumes,beautiful people, the pulsating beat of Caribbeanmusic and the most scrumptious and deliciousfood from roti to jerk to goat curry to currychicken to roasted corn to doubles to coconutwater to fresh cane juice and much more.

The new venue did pose some logistical issues for the Carni-val planning committee with the layout of the booths;the corporate, the sponsors and vendor booths didhave limited access to the attendees; they were alllocated at the entrance to the venue but away fromthe main stage and all the other festive activities how-

ever the restaurants row or food lanes – what treat forthe senses.

The Mas Bands were absolutely breath-taking withtheir colors and costume designs, the energy and

enthusiasm……what a rush!!! For any carnivalenthusiast or first timer; the energy and spirit ofCARNIVAL was inspiring and spiritually/physi-cally consuming…..WOW.

Miami-Broward One Carnival 2014Miami-Broward One Carnival 2014Miami-Broward One Carnival 2014Miami-Broward One Carnival 2014Miami-Broward One Carnival 2014

To view additional picture from Carnival and other events presented and covered by us please visit our website:www.caribbean americanpassport.com and our online gallery at http://www. caribbeanamericanpassport.com/galleries/photos

Or our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com capnewsmagazine


ctober 26th at 1:15 pm ‘MasMan’ – A Carnivalof Humanity, by Dalton Narine, will bescreened at the Orlando Film Festival. It is theonly film about a man from a tiny Caribbeanisland who reached 80 percent of the planet in

a single night. The movie will be showcased atTheater 8, Cobb Plaza Cinema Café, 155 S Orange Ave,downtown Orlando.

MasMan, the move, has been cut and tailored for television byit’s producer and directer by Dalton Narine. ManMas wasnamed the ‘Best Caribbean’ Film (2012), it explores PeterMinshall’s leap from designer in the Trinidad Carnival to anartistic director of the Opening Ceremonies for three OlympicsGames, based on his knack for “making what is small seembig in the open space of an Olympic stadium,” according toHollywood producer Don Mischer, who worked with Minshallon the Atlanta and Salt Lake City Games in 1996 and 2002,respectively – for more details and pictures visit our website atwww.caribbeanamericanpassport.com

‘MasMan’ A‘MasMan’ A‘MasMan’ A‘MasMan’ A‘MasMan’ ACarnival of HumanityCarnival of HumanityCarnival of HumanityCarnival of HumanityCarnival of Humanity

screens at Orlandoscreens at Orlandoscreens at Orlandoscreens at Orlandoscreens at OrlandoFilm FestivalFilm FestivalFilm FestivalFilm FestivalFilm Festival

From the Management & Staff ofKaieteur Tropical Mist Restaurant

1718 N. Main Street, Kissimmee, FL407-847-9385

From the Management& Staff of

Island Fuzion1575 Maguire Road

Ocoee FL 34761407-654-9096

Happy Diwali From the Management & Staffof Island Mix

3229 S. John Young PkwyKissimmee FL407-483-7999


Turn up the Fun atTurn up the Fun atTurn up the Fun atTurn up the Fun atTurn up the Fun atGrace JamaicanGrace JamaicanGrace JamaicanGrace JamaicanGrace Jamaican

Jerk Festival!Jerk Festival!Jerk Festival!Jerk Festival!Jerk Festival!Good Food & Good Vibes for the Whole FamilyGood Food & Good Vibes for the Whole FamilyGood Food & Good Vibes for the Whole FamilyGood Food & Good Vibes for the Whole FamilyGood Food & Good Vibes for the Whole Family

et your family ready and tell a friend that MarkhamPark in Sunrise is the place to be on Sunday, November9, 2014 for South Florida’s premier food and entertain-ment event, the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival.

In this, the event’s 13th year, expectations are high and thefestival promises to be “the most fun you’ll ever have.” Therewill the usual delectable assortment of jerk delights, popularcooking competitions and demonstrations, as well as informa-tive and entertaining cultural presentations. The children willhave loads of fun in the Kidz Zone and to top it off, popularreggae artistes will deliver high-octane performances on theMain Stage.

Festival CEO Eddy Edwards says this year is all about turningup the fun. “We want our patrons to have a most fun experi-ence from the moment they enter the gates until they leave.”He is also pumped about “Jerk Week” which was introducedlast year. The exciting Hot Trot 5k Walk/Run will kick off “JerkWeek” and will feature Olympic and World Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and other sport celebrities. You can learn howto create the best jerk dishes at the Publix Cooking School eventon November 5 and hobnob with musical celebrities at theWelcome Party at First Fridays on November 7.

The 13th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is presented byJamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc., in association with JamaicaAwareness, Inc. Sponsors are Grace Foods, Publix Super Mar-kets, Western Union, 1-800-411-PAIN, Jamaica Tourist Board,Red Stripe, Caribbean Airlines, Toyota of Hollywood, Lexus ofPembroke Pines, Vitamalt, National Weekly, Jamaicans.comand SunnyBiz Transport. The festival is a sanctioned as aBroward 100 celebrations event.


(407) 924-4688

MOST PEOPLE DON’T

PLAN TO FAIL


Fit Like A RasFit Like A RasFit Like A RasFit Like A RasFit Like A RasBy Jeremy Roberts - NASM

Training The BodyTraining The BodyTraining The BodyTraining The BodyTraining The Body hether yuh doin’ exercise or diet or both, what yuhessentially doin’ is tekkin’ some action to mek yuhbody react a certain way. It’s not too different frompracticin’ free throws or dance moves or any otheraction that you want the body to perform better. If wetek the example of free throws, yuh go to de line andtry to put de ball in de basket. If it wuk, nobody don’

tell you “dat look ugly. Do it dis way.” Results matter.

However, if yuh not droppin’ de shot, yuh gotta mek a change.Yuh could do a lot of different tings, but ultimately, yuh tryin’to mek yuh body react to the training stimulus so that yuhachieve the effect yuh want. Diet, exercise – and sleep! – is desame ting: yuh wan improve – according to your own prefer-ences, not society’s (I hope!) – something about your body’sappearance or function.

So, wid weight loss – more correctly, fat loss – the effect youwant is for the body to consume the excess energy it currentlyhas stored in the form of subcutaneous fat. So jus’ like the freethrow shooter, you want to train the body to do things a cer-tain way. You want the body to expend more calories than itconsumes. To achieve this, you could, and probably should,try a lot of different tings. Jus’ like the free throw shooter, youdon’ know what cue will work for you.

Wid exercise, mos’ likely yuh want to increase some musclemass. Yeah, even when yuh wan’ jus’ “tone” (did I mentionthat I hate that word??!! At least when yuh talking bout bodytransformation), is muscle yuh gots to build. In this case, yuhtellin’ the body to get used to the fact that yuh gon be mekkin’de muscles do mo’ wuk. In response, de body gon adapt bygrowing increased muscle fibers (not by makin’ more of dem).So yuh gotta continuously be increasing the weights to con-tinue applying the stimulus (among other things; jus’ likedietin’, yuh never know whuh gon wuk fuh you). Similarly,just like trainin’ fuh shoot free throws, yuh gotta keep at it.

After a time, yuh could slack off a little, and de body will stillkeep the process going, if you’ve effectively trained it properly.If somebody mastered free throw shooting, they could stop prac-ticing for awhile and still be good …. but they better not stopfor too long! Same wid diet and exercise.

But whuh bout sleep? I’s as important as de odda two – dietand exercise – but regularly disregarded. You could be doin’everyt’ing right, except sleepin’ and yuh will see no improve-ment. How to train de body fuh good sleep? Jus’ like free throwpractice and training, it a go require a series of consistent hab-its. One major recommendatinon is to establish a pattern. Sleepat de dame time, after followin’ de same ritual, night after nightfor as long as you can (months, not days). Train de body torecognize your command that “I’s time fuh sleep, yo”. Mekkinsure yuh get enough is critical, so yuh also gotta figure outhow much is “enough” for you. We all different. One way toknow is dat you wake up widout any external mechanisim(i.e. no alarm clock nor nobody t’rowin’ cold water pon you!).It’s probably going to be hard for some people to give up deyalarm clock, but in de long run, lettin’ de body learn the amountof sleep you need will be in your bes’ interest.

I feel mos’ people recognize what it takes to be good at a par-ticular activity: Practice, and proper skill development, aka goodhabits. We’ve all done that at sometime, and wid some activ-ity, whether is a sport, or a video game or a job, so we haveexperience in getting good at something. I’m hoping that folkscan use that experience in their attempts at body transforma-tion. Identify the ting yuh wan’ do, get some good coaching,and practice, practice, practice!

Wuk hard!

GT Dread is an NASM-CPT, who competes in Masters Track,Field Hockey and Weightlifting. He can be contacted [email protected]

& Sari House6100 Old Winter Garden Road • Orlando, FL 32835

407-291-6900

Specializing in West IndianAnd Chinese Dishes(407) 291-20477371 W. Colonial Dr.

(Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.)Orlando, FL 32808

Hours:Hours:Hours:Hours:Hours:Monday - Thursday 11 am – 10 pmFriday - Saturday 11 am - 2 amSunday 11 pm – 12 Midnight

WE ACCEPT

Happy Diwali from Timehri’s!

Happy Diwali andHappy 10-year Anniversary


Continued from pg 1Continued from pg 1Continued from pg 1Continued from pg 1Continued from pg 1

and former Lieutenant Governor, Jennifer Carroll. Members ofthe CARICOM Consular Corps, representatives from variousReligious Organizations and approximately four hundred (400)nationals from the Diaspora Community in Florida, all receivedthe Honourable Prime Minister with a warm welcome.

Vigorous tassa drumming heralded the arrival of Mrs. KamlaPersad-Bissessar, following which she was garlanded by ArteeCassie and Brooklyn Wilson, two children of Trinidad and To-bago parentage.

A highlight of the evening was the receipt by the HonourablePrime Minister of the Highest Order of Florida from State Rep-resentative Hazelle P. Rogers, the Keys to the City and aProclamation inrecognition ofTrinidad and To-bago’s RepublicDay from Brow-ard County Com-missioner, Dale V.C. Holness.

In his remarksCommissionerHolness alluded tothe strong tradepresence of Trin-idad and Tobagoin Florida, where itranked 27th interms of volume oftrade with thisstate which was valued in excess of one (1) billion US dollars.

Dr. Anil Ramnanan, Consul General of the Republic ofTrinidad and Tobago in Miami, introduced the Prime Minis-ter and intimated that she had made a pervasive impact atthe United Nations in New York where she had articulatedTrinidad and Tobago’s position on critical global issues likeTerrorism and Climate Change. According to Dr. Ramnanan,“The Diaspora is blessed to have with us this evening, a trueleader who is not just a pioneering politician who has bro-ken the glass ceiling, but one who keeps promises in deliver-ing within four years what others have failed to deliver in alonger period.”

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar dispensed with her written scriptand delivered the feature address which was received with rap-turous applause. In her remarks she alluded to the advanceswhich had recently been made to universalize the educationsystem in Trinidad and Tobago including the provision of uni-versity access to residents of Tobago. She reported on provi-sions recently implemented to assist needy families particu-larly those with newborn babies.

The Honourable Prime Minister with the rapt attention of theaudience reiterated her Government’s various initiatives intrade & investment, culture, tourism, education and infrastruc-ture which would contribute towards increasing sustainabledevelopment for Trinidad and Tobago.

In her remarks, she stated that the quality of life for nationalshad been recognized globally and the country was ranked, asone of the best places for a young woman to grow up.Trinidadians and Tobagonians, she recalled, were amongst thehappiest people in the world.

She commended the Consul General and Staff for the in-valuable services rendered in representing the Governmentof the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago throughout theirconsular jurisdiction and closed with a quote from one ofher favourite poems “Those who eat the Cascadura will, thenative legend says, wheresoever they may wander end inTrinidad their days.”

Guyana’s President Donald RamotarGuyana’s President Donald RamotarGuyana’s President Donald RamotarGuyana’s President Donald RamotarGuyana’s President Donald Ramotar Prime Minister Kamla Persad-BissessarPrime Minister Kamla Persad-BissessarPrime Minister Kamla Persad-BissessarPrime Minister Kamla Persad-BissessarPrime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Heads of State visit FloridaHeads of State visit FloridaHeads of State visit FloridaHeads of State visit FloridaHeads of State visit Florida

Guyana’s Parliament is expected to reconvene in mid-Octoberbut it is still unclear whether the no confidence motion will bedebated as a priority issue.

The Guyana president said that the parliamentary oppositioncontinues to use its one seat majority in Parliament to “blockreal progress for our people” pointing to projects such as a spe-cialty hospital, the extension of the international airport, thedevelopment of hydro electricity and an anti money launder-ing bill which could lead to Guyana being blacklisted on theinternational financial market.

President Ramotar addressed the very topical issue of local govern-ment elections. He explained to his audience that the main Oppo-sition People’s National Congress (PNC) and subsequently A Part-nership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change(AFC) voted in Parliament for postponements of local governmentelections on several occasions “due to legitimate circumstances thatprevented the holding of these elections. On one occasion the thenleader of the Opposition Robert Corbin requested of then PresidentJagdeo that local government elections be postponed and arrange-ments put in place to proceed with national elections.”

President Ramotar said that it is only in recent times that the Op-position has been calling for local government elections “havingpreviously voted for these elections to be postponed until last Au-gust. Since then the Alliance For Change (AFC) has tabled a no-confidence motion in the Government which the APNU says it sup-ports, yet APNU’s leader David Granger has written to me request-ing that I set a date for local government elections.”

Sam Roberts & Kamla Persad-Bissessar

“I have told him that I am open to discussions on this matter andthat even during my absence from the country I have put a teamin place to have discussions with him and his team and I wasprepared to put aside time for a daily update on the discussions.Up to yesterday (Monday, October 29) we have not heard from theLeader of the Opposition,” President Ramotar told the meeting.

The high crime rate in Guyana was also another burning issueraised by several attendees to which the President respondedthat there are ongoing efforts to deal with what he acknowl-edged was a critical problem.

“We have provided resources for the recruitment of additionalpolice, we have intensified training and have acquired equip-ment to help in the investigative aspects of police work. I amwell aware that security and public safety are important to allour citizens and visitors and no effort is being spared to ad-dress this problem,” he said.

The meeting and reception held at Miramar City Hall was alsoaddressed by Guyana’s Attorney General and Minister of Le-gal Affairs who was in Florida to deal with Guyana’s failure toenact legislation on anti- money laundering.

The Guyana president was welcomed by Miramar Mayor LoriMoseley and Florida State Representative Hazelle Rogers while SamuelRoberts extended greetings on behalf of Guyanese organizations inFlorida. The evening’s proceedings were chaired by Laparkan’s Cor-porate Manager and former Guyana diplomat Wesley Kirton.

The meeting was hosted by the Guyana Consulate and Honor-ary Consul Ramzan Roshanali introduced President Ramotar.

President Donald Ramotar & Sam Roberts


Ship Early forthe Holidays!

EffectiveMarch 31, 2014

We’ve Moved


LEADING LADIES BEHIND THE SCENESAND ON THE FRONT LINE

Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”

Welcome to my column on Leading Ladies behind the Scenes. Our column will introduce you to leadingladies who have branded their own recognition and blazed their own trails. These ladies work behindthe scenes but manage the front line with high impact results. You might have heard their namesor admired their work, but never met them up close and personal. Our column will give you thechance to meet these ladies so you can place a face with the name and their trendsetting work in ourcommunity, various organizations and in business. Thank you for celebrating their value with us.

Delatron Johnson, Author “Fighting to Win”Delatron Johnson, Author “Fighting to Win”Delatron Johnson, Author “Fighting to Win”Delatron Johnson, Author “Fighting to Win”Delatron Johnson, Author “Fighting to Win”n life there are moments that you wish you could forget andthen there are others that you can’t forget. That momentcame for me the morning I met Delatron. It began with aphone call from a common person who we both know thathad just finished reading her book. They were in a discus-sion and Delatron had mentioned a few of her dreams; it

was with a whimsical urgency that she was told to contact me.Delatron was very hesitant and reflective on the other momentsin life when meeting people was ‘the best idea’ at the time butturned out to be a huge mistake; none the less she was curious.Her curiosity gave way to making the phone call and the phonecall was the gateway to our meeting.

We met at a café that I just love love love topieces; the windows were clouded as the coolerair was giving way to the warmer air. I thinkwe were the first two or three customers of theday. I don’t recall who arrived first or if wearrived at the same time but I remember look-ing into the eyes of this woman who in a fewshort moments would touch my soul and leavea staple of pride within my spirit. As I listenedto her share her story and explain that shehad just completed an overnight shift work-ing with special needs children, I looked at herin amazement – like how could this be pos-sible….. I was smitten with pride in a shortsetting. We talked for hours on end. With eachsentence I could feel her hind legs growing. Icould feel her confidence rising and then Iheard the shift in her voice. I looked at herand deeply imparted strength, “don’t you ever look down or beashamed to share your story because this story is a part ofyour journey and will set many free male and female alike”.She said yes maam.

Delatron Johnson is a wife, mother, cheerleader at all of herson’s games, a mental health advocate, a friend, trooper and achampion. “The process and inspiration behind Fighting to Winis comparable to an old rickety bridge – a child with a deep,dark and lonely past (Ground Zero) to where I am now” saysJohnson. It was a daily routine to be called ugly, stupid and tobe told that she would never accomplish anything. With eachharmful word she took blows to her heart but in her mind told

herself “they’re wrong and I will prove it”. When they spoke ill,she imagined and dreamed for more – she pretended that all oftheir words were reversed and they were actually giving herpraise, it was then the banner and beginning of ‘Fighting toWin’ the book that she proudly blessed to author was birthed.Delatron beams with light when she says “God chose all thatwas meant for my bad to turn out for my good”.

When asked to sum up her life and her future Delatron endedwith “I was determined to prove to all who have hurt me es-pecially with their strong words wrong. I was so determinedto make sure that my past would never define my future. For

those that labeled me and called me ugly,take a look at me now — I feel, know andbelieve that I am beautiful. For those whosaid that I was stupid and would neveramount to anything well guess again, I ama loving wife, mother to three wonderful boys,I have a college degree and last but not leastI AM AN AUTHOR … What an amazing ac-complishment! Not everyone can say all fourthings in the same sentence. My inspirationcomes from within. I prayed to God through-out my life’s journey that if He would allowme to make it through the storm that I wouldkeep fighting to win and prove to everyonethat by the grace of God I would make it.”

As Delatron is learning about public relations,handling a management team, doing booktours, speaking and workshop bookings, she

is honored and humbled by her new found acquaintances andopportunities. There is so much anticipation for her futureand her family’s future. As her boys grow athletically and herhusband provides family leaderships, Delatron is concentrat-ing on another edition of Fighting to Win. Delatron is a be-liever in her faith and wants the world to know that God fa-vored her and He will do the same and more for all who havejourneyed through neglect, depression and abuse.

“Trust God and keep Fighting to Win; the storm will soon be over.”

To order a copy of Fighting to Win or to book Delatron to speakcontact: 321-209-3088 or visit our website at www.fightingtowin.com


Xiomara WileyXiomara WileyXiomara WileyXiomara WileyXiomara Wileyn 2009, Ms. Xiomara Wiley was appointed to the posi-tion of Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, atUniversal Studios Hollywood. With this position she istasked with the responsibility of overall brand directionof the establishment, including the theme park, CityWalkshopping, as well as the enter-tainment complex.

Approximately a year later,Xiomara was honored with theMother of the Year Award, evi-dence that she excels beyond justher professional career. Ms.Wiley’s distinction was accom-plished due to multiple aspects ofher background, from her Carib-bean background and strong fam-ily ties to her internal motivationand positive outlook.

Prior to joining Universal Studios Hollywood, Ms. Wiley heldseveral positions at Disney Parks across the globe, in additionto experience with other companies.

Xiomara Wiley graduated from Princeton University with aBachelor of Arts degree and from Northwestern Universitywith a Masters of Management degree. Before attending uni-versity, Wiley overcame many obstacles with dignity and de-termination.

Born in Jamaica, Xiomara Wiley moved to the U.S. at 6 monthsold and stayed with her father in Brooklyn, but moved toQueens beforeentering Kinder-garten. Duringan interviewwith the Carib-bean AmericanPassport, Wileyrevealed thatshe was thevaledictorian ofher Junior High School after completing a 3 year program inonly 2 years. At a young age she ventured outside of her com-fort zone in pursuit of a better quality education; she begantaking buses to farther schools all in pursuit of the best educa-tion. By the time she had entered high school her parents movedto Baldwin, so she attended school there.

Xiomara acknowledges that her drive stems from her parents,noting that they both studied for their degrees while raisingchildren and working. Her Caribbean upbringing grants her aunique perspective: whenever she meets people who came tothe U.S. by choice, she recognizes that they have an excep-tional appreciation for the opportunities available here.

After graduation, Wiley’s parents moved to Florida and shefollowed, in pursuit of the warmth of the state. In Orlando,Wiley took a job at Walt Disney World where she worked for 14years, during which time she had her 4 children, all of whomDisney was very supportive. Eventually, Wiley was transferredto Disney Land in California, where she was contacted by arecruiter to work at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Wiley’s family has played a strong role in her success and

they are an important part of her identity. Her father andhusband attended her interview, and even joined her in theinterview room to interject and add their own personaltouches. Wiley is grateful for her husband, her parents, andher children, ages 11, 12, 20, and 24. Throughout her ca-

reer, she has insisted that her kidsschedule which activities they neededher to be there and she was sure to at-tend. Four generations of her familyrecently joined together at a family re-union in Orlando.

Wiley believes that the keys to successincluded the following:

First, you have to deliver what they need.Then, you assert what you need from

them in order for you to stay. Forwomen, it is vital to know the righttime to use your voice. You have topay a lot more attention to whatpeople are saying in their socialspace because of the digital age.Work hard at what you do and dowhat you love. You can’t have it allat the same time, with a particularreference to parenting and work.

She advises younger people thatnot everyone wants to work hard, not wanting to start at thebottom and work their way up. To achieve success, this mindsetmust be overcome. Where you are doesn’t define where you’re

going. Figureout what yourpassion is andset goals.

Now that Ms.Wiley hasachieved somuch in her ca-reer, her focus

has shifted on giving back. Wiley said that people will find thetime for what’s important to them. At this point, her dad chimedin to say that Xiomara one of the only black students in herclass and as such Xiomara has now founded a youth empower-ment organization to make a difference in the lives of other.Later on in her career they pooled together their finances to startthe Disney Dreamers Academy, which funded a trip for 100 stu-dents and their parents to have an inspirational few days atDisney. Currently, Ms. Wiley is trying to create a High Schoolinternship program for African Americans so that they havethe opportunity to be exposed to a corporate environment. Shehopes to begin this internship within Universal Studios Holly-wood but later expand it within the wider NBC network.

Xiomara Wiley is a true and passionate believer in commu-nity and strongly believes that we all have a responsibilityto give back to our community so that others may have thesame or even better opportunities to succeed and achievetheir dreams.

We are proud to feature Xiomara Wiley as our Caribbean Pro-file for October 2014; she is a proud Jamaican-Caribbean-American woman.

Her Caribbean upbringing grants her a unique perspective:whenever she meets people who came to the U.S. by

choice, she recognizes that they have an exceptionalappreciation for the opportunities available here.


AUTHORSpotlight

I

t began with an introductory lesson in poetry. Mellissa Tho-mas, a sixth grader at the time, grasped the concept so keenlyshe received applause from her class on the first try.

Her love for words was born from a daily assignment herparents forced her to complete from six years old: They wrotewords from the dictionary in a composition book, and afterschool she had to write the definitions and use each word ina sentence.

In elementary and middle school,Thomas gorged herself on sevenlibrary books at a time. They be-came the perfect escape for herand expanded her vocabulary;and she grew to practice creat-ing stories of her own in hermind daily.

She wrote her first novel, a vampire drama, inhigh school. Her friends daily waited for lunch-time to come so they could read more of herstory as she wrote it, which showed her she wasonto something.

After watching the visually groundbreaking TheMatrix, filmmaking became an added ambition,and after serving in the U.S. Navy for five years,she came to Orlando and obtained her Bach-elors in Film in 2008 and Masters in Entertain-ment Business in 2010 from Full Sail University.She has since co-written three screenplays withFilm classmate-turned indie filmmaker JamesHunter, including award-winning short “Juxed”and “Breaking Point,” which Hunter later adapted into his-tory-making indie feature The Breaking Point, starring SeanNelson, Erik Grey, and Diana Lovell.

Armed with her degrees and greater writing skills, she pub-lished four books in just two years. In 2012, she publishedFrom a Babe: A Weekly Devotional, which simplifies biblicaltruths for new and static Christians hungry for spiritualgrowth, and enriched each week’s devotional passage withan original poem. The From a Babe: A Weekly DevotionalSmall Group Bible Study Workbook followed in 2013, mak-ing the devotional a full small group experience. That sameyear, she published Abstracted, the first of a five “episode”

Jamaican Author Mellissa Thomas Captures Readers’ ImaginationJamaican Author Mellissa Thomas Captures Readers’ ImaginationJamaican Author Mellissa Thomas Captures Readers’ ImaginationJamaican Author Mellissa Thomas Captures Readers’ ImaginationJamaican Author Mellissa Thomas Captures Readers’ ImaginationThrough Storytelling, Faith, and PoetryThrough Storytelling, Faith, and PoetryThrough Storytelling, Faith, and PoetryThrough Storytelling, Faith, and PoetryThrough Storytelling, Faith, and Poetry

young adult espionage ebook series.

She began 2014 with the best book yet. Faded Diamonds is adisruptive New Adult (NA) novel following local pregnant misfitLeila Sudders, chronicling the staggering effects of the brokenhome on the children raised in it: self-loathing, mental illness,abuse, and their need for mentorship. Readers also get an in-side look at the rigors of social work through a counselor’s tire-less effort to mentor underprivileged young women despite theirdesperate attempt to be strong in the face of their issues.

Co-authors Camille Burke andStacey Pacouloute, both SouthFlorida locals, received their Mastersin Social Work (MSW) degrees fromBarry University and infused theirexpertise into the book. Burke’scompany, CFB Soultions, providestraining, life coaching, and coun-seling services. Pacouloute ownsPacouloute Services, Inc., a full so-cial services company.

The co-authors make a powerfulCaribbean triumvirate: Thomas wasborn in Jamaica, Burke is of Jamai-can descent, and Pacouloute is ofHaitian descent.

The novel’s mentoring focus andCentral Florida Urban League’s re-cent launch of its One BillionWords Challenge made for a per-fect partnership, creating the Pol-

ish Your Potential! Youth Career Symposium, happening Sat-urday, October 18, 2014 at CFUL’s Pine Hills Service Centerat 2804 Belco Drive from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thomas and herco-authors, like the novel’s counselors, are compelled to helpunderserved youth learn the myriad opportunities availableto them, instilling a hope that will grow beyond their cur-rent circumstances.

In her continuing quest to pay it forward, Thomas will also bea panelist at the Fall 2014 Authors’ Showcase on October 25,2014 at Majestic Life Church, speaking to aspiring authorsabout writing techniques. Find out more on Facebook:www.facebook.com/mellissa.thomas.

FlyCaribbeanAirlines!

Anna Psychic CounselorAnna Psychic CounselorAnna Psychic CounselorAnna Psychic CounselorAnna Psychic Counselor

I’m a phychic with a vision into the future, using my natural abilities andgifted vision to help you in relationships, love, marriage and more.

Call for an Appointment

LET ME HELP YOU WITH YOUR SITUATION.

407-782-9770HOURS: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, MONDAY - SATURDAY

Helps to beHelps to beHelps to beHelps to beHelps to be

HealthyHealthyHealthyHealthyHealthy

We accept credit cards


Top 5 Video Picks

Stay tuned for Season 4 of the only Caribbean Music Television show in Central FloridaSundays at 7:30pm on Brighthouse Networks Channel 49. Advertise your business and

increase visibility and revenue! For more information, call Rali at 407-625-2861.

1 Artist: Kevin LyttleTitle: “Feel So Good”Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks)JVTV Review: Mr. “Turn Me On”, Kevin Lyttle is back with theassistance of Mr. Boombastic on the forthcoming single Feel SoGood. This song was slowly climbing the music charts, but nowthe official video has been released and is gaining much traction.Kevin Lyttle was recently appointed the prestigious title of “Cul-tural Ambassador” for St. Vincent and is currently scheduled tohit a six continent tour. Keep an ear out for “Feel So Good”.

2 Artist: RomeTitle: “One Wine”Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks)JVTV Review: When we first heard of this artist, we had no idea ofwho he was but listened to his single called “Push Back” producedby Madmen Productions which is a mixture of soca and pop mu-sic with an island vibe. On his new track, “One Wine” it is quiteevident that auto-tune played a major part, but never-the-less willmost likely gain momentum during carnival time. For more in-formation on Rome, check hin on Instagram @rometheartiste

3 Artist: Mr. Renzo ft. Busy SingnalTitle: “Culo”Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks)JVTV Review: Renzo was born in Venezuela and raised in Trinidad.The title of this song pretty much sums up what viewers are des-tined to witness and that is a bunch of women on beach in bikinisshowing their “culos”. On this song. We are still baffled at howBusy Signal jumped on a track that lacks substance. Maybe itwill grow on us. We can’t play this video on JVTV for obviousreasons, but feel free to check it out on youtube.

4 Artist: Patrice RobertsTitle: “Hold on Tight”Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks)JVTV Review: Patrice Roberts is one of the most energetic socaartist in the game right now. On her new single “hold on tight”,Patrice is dripping with sexiness in her carnival costume. Patrice’strack record of hit songs continue to steadily grow as she is nolonger shadowed by her mentor Machel Montano. Hold on Tightwas produced by our good friend Ian Pantin and FWI Music Co.You can follower her on Facebook @Patrice Roberts Music

5 Artist: Famous TwentyTitle: “Way Up”Video Link: www.junglevibes.tv (Top 5 Video Picks)JVTV Review: This year the Ellis clan is grabbing media by thehorns and receiving nuff attention. Famous Twenty is the grand-son to the late great rocksteady singer, Alton Ellis and the nephewto reggae singer, Christopher Ellis. While Famous Twenty’s musicis geared more towards dancehall, his tempo is upbeat and verydanceable. JVTV have some exclusive clips from Famous Twentyand we surely want to see our brethren sore like an eagle Way UpUp Up.. for more info check Famous Twenty @twentyy on Twitter


SPICE FOR FLAVOR AND ZESTSPICE FOR FLAVOR AND ZESTSPICE FOR FLAVOR AND ZESTSPICE FOR FLAVOR AND ZESTSPICE FOR FLAVOR AND ZESTpices are part of the roots, bark,seeds or fruit of plants. Adding even

the smallest amount of spice toyour food or smoothie can addzest and flavor, and transform the

taste from bland to delicious. Spicegives added flavor or punch to your foodwith no calories.

Cinnamon is one of my favorite spice. Itgives flavor to any dish. You can add cin-namon to your smoothie, dessert, quinoaor rice. Cinnamon is a strong spice, soyou just need to add a small amount.Always buy organic cinnamon becausethe flavor and the taste is different fromthe non-organic brand.

Turmeric is another great spice. It is tradi-tionally used in curries in Indian recipes, andalso in Jamaican curry dishes. Turmeric canbe used to make curry vegetables, curry riceor curry tofu. It can also be used with gingerto make tea. Always buy organic turmeric.

Cayenne Pepper is a spicy spice, but it adds flavor to your food

and gives it a little kick. Cayenne pep-per is very hot and strong, so only a littledash is needed to flavor your food. Youcan add cayenne pepper to vegetables,rice or even in your juice. Try to buy or-ganic cayenne pepper.

Ginger is another one of my favorite. Gin-ger is a little spicy and strong but addingthe right amount can add zest and flavorto your food. You can also add ginger toyour smoothie and your juice. I normallyuse fresh organic ginger.

Spice up your kitchen with these spicesand add a sizzle to your meals.

Jamaican-born Sandi Morais, is the authorof Recipe for Life vegetarian/vegan cookbook,and she is also a Fitness Lifestyle Coach. Sandihas a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Inter-national University. She been featured inthe Miami Herald, Ms. Fitness magazine, andNatural Awakeningsmagazine. Sandi

has been a guest on NBC 6 South Florida Today and the Samy Prisoshow on Afrotainment TV.


Happy Diwali from the Caribbean American Passport Newspaper!

Harbor Park in Baldwin Park • 4990 New Broad St • Orlando, FL 32814

SOCA & 5KNovember 2nd 2014

Take a Boothfor Your Business

for $100.00!407-427-1800407-810-6435

All participantswho finish get:

• Great REGGAE/SOCA 5KRUN T-Shirt • Reggae/Soca

CD Mix • Cool IslandRestaurant CouponsAfter race DJ & Steel

Band, cool downwith Caribbeandrink and food

specials!

EVERYONEIS A WINNER!

Entry Fee 5K Run Pre-Registration $25.00www.reggae/soca5k.eventbrite.com

Registration 4:30 PM – 5:30 PMRun at 5:30 PM

Hosted by Caribbean American Passport News Magazine

The Premiere Music Festival Is Here!

DECEMBER 13 - 14 2014

AT CENTRAL BROWARD REGIONAL PARK

L A U D E R H I L L , F L O R I D A

The True

Caribbean

Experience


823 N. Thornton Avenue • Orlando, Florida 3280320 3rd Street SW, Suite 302 • Winter Haven, Florida 33880

Office 321-234-2900 • Fax 866-941-5780Call 1-800-8-INJURY from the Accident Scene

www.injuryassistance.org

YOUR INJURY ASSISTANCE LAW FIRMMICHAEL A. MILLS, LLC

We are here for you!

Documents

Caribbean american passport news magazine october 2014