FREE!

NEWS YOU CAN USE!

Vol. 7 No. 1 • July 2010

US and Caribbean RegionTo Strengthen CooperationTo Fight Crime, ImproveHealth Care, Promote Trade“Dudus” Pleads Not Guilty In US CourtSome States Enacting HarshImmigration Laws,Florida May ConsiderArizona-type Law

ince the federal government has not proposed comprehensive immigration reform,some state governments have decided to deal with the issue of illegal immigrantson their own, enacting laws which would require, among other things, that immigrants provide proof of legal residence when renting an apartment.Arizona and Nebraska have enacted harsh immigration laws that are being challenged inthe Courts on grounds that these laws violate the U.S. Constitution. This notwithstanding,Florida may consider enacting similar laws.Arizona’s harsh immigration law, “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe NeighborhoodsAct” (SB 1070), requires state and local law enforcement agencies to check theimmigration status of individuals it encounters and makes it a state crime to be without proper immigration documentation. There are six pending lawsuits challenging

he United States and the countriesof the Caribbean (CARICOM) have pledged to strengthen their cooperation in

a range of areas including illicit trafcking,

crime reduction, improved health servicesand the promotion of human rights.These were among the decisions takenwhen US Secretary of State HillaryClinton met last month with CaribbeanCommunity (CARICOM) leaders and

ofcials in Barbados. The two sides also

pledged to work together to increase trade,mitigate the impact of climate changeand facilitate the reconstruction efforts inHaiti following last January’s devastatingearthquake.“We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairsand Heads of Delegation of Antiguaand Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados,Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica,the Dominican Republic, Grenada, theRepublic of Guyana, the Republic of Haiti,Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St.Vincent and the Grenadines, the Republicof Suriname, the Republic of Trinidadand Tobago, and the Secretary of State of the United States of America, meeting inBridgetown, Barbados, on June 10, 2010, pledge to strengthen our cooperation inresponding to the challenges we commonlyface, in a spirit of partnership and mutualrespect.“To meet the common challenges of the21st Century, we declare our intention toact in concert to improve the social andeconomic well-being of our peoples, toensure the safety of all our citizens,Christopher “Dudus” Coke has pleaded not guilty in a

US Court to charges of drugs and weapon trafcking.

The once powerful Jamaican gang leader was extraditedto the US recently immediately after a court hearing at

which he expressed regret for the ghting that claimed

scores of lives in Jamaica as he evaded capture.

Coke was own to the US to face trial for alleged drugand weapons trafcking. He faces a life sentence if

convicted.

The leader of the Shower Posse gang, whom US ofcials

allege is the head of a crime network that extends fromJamaica to Europe and North America, said he was

saddened by the more than 75 lives lost in the ghting,

mostly in his Kingston stronghold of Tivoli Gardens,sparked by the attempt to arrest and extradite him."I take this decision for I believe it to be in the bestinterest of my family, the community of westernKingston and, in particular the people of Tivoli Gardensand above all Jamaica," he said. He said he expected to be acquitted in the US and to return to Jamaica.Hours before his extradition, the Jamaican authorities

seized Coke's identiable assets and froze his bank

accounts.Police arrested Coke as he was on his way to the USembassy in Kingston. He had apparently planned tohand himself over to the Americans out of concern for his safety. His father died in mysterious circumstancesin prison in 1992, in what many Jamaicans believe wasa murder to stop him talking about ties between criminalgangs and politicians.The authorities continue to be concerned about a violent backlash. The extradition hearing was held at a militaryoutpost and a state of emergency and curfew is still in place in the capital.

News Analysis By Gail Seeram

Obama Praises CaribbeanImmigrants’ Efforts To Ensure“Their Children Can AchieveSomething Greater”

resident Barack Obama has said thatthe celebration of Caribbean AmericanHeritage Month represents the triumphs of Caribbean Americans who have becomeleaders in every sector of American life.In a proclamation issued to mark theobservance last month of NationalCaribbean American Heritage Month,President Obama noted the efforts of Caribbean immigrants to ensure thattheir children “could achieve somethinggreater.”

Barbados deputy prime minister Freundel Stuart and US Secretary of State HillaryClinton share a light moment on her arrival in Barbados last month for a meeting withCARICOM heads-of-government. Some fashion writers criticized Mrs. Clinton's choiceof a bright orange pants suit for her trip to the Caribbean.

– Continued on page 2 –

Christopher “Dudus” Coke being escorted by DEA agents after arriving at airport in New York.

– Continued on page 9 –– Continued on page 11 –

2Florida’s Caribbean Sun

IMMIGRATIONLAWYER

U.S. Citizenship

Green Cards

Work/Investor Visas

Business Visas

Student Visas

Appeals & Asylum

Removal/Deportation

Criminal Waivers

TPS & Fiancé Visas

Free Initial Consultation – Call Now!

1-877-GAIL-LAW

(1-877-424-5529)

Orlando: 407-292-7730 www.Go2Lawyer.com

**Over 10yrs of Legal Experience**

Phone/Web Consultation Worldwide

LL.M. Taxation, New York University School of Law, 2003Juris Doctorate, Hofstra University School of Law, 1998BBA in Accounting, Hofstra University, 1996

Admitted to the NY & CT Bars – Offices: Florida & New York

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide,ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

Gail S. Seeram

Attorney at Law

SBA Partners WithCaribbean American ChamberTo Support Small BusinessesMore Than 20 Storms,10 Hurricanes Predicted

The U.S. Small Business Administration North and South Florida District Ofces have

signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum with the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce of Florida, Inc. to provide training and outreach activities for Caribbean American ownedsmall businesses in Florida. The signing took place June 22nd at the Disney Entrepreneur Center at 315 East RobinsonSt., downtown Orlando.The Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) stresses the importance of the U.S. SmallBusiness Administration (SBA) and Caribbean Chamber uniting to help start, maintainand expand small businesses across the State of Florida.Under the formal partnership agreement, the Caribbean Chamber and SBA will agreeto hold joint training and outreach activities for small business owners as well as work closely with one another’s resource partners to assure Florida small businesses receive the

maximum benet from both organizations.

“We are very excited to enter this partnership with the Caribbean American Chamber of Florida,” said Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, SBA North Florida District Director. “A partnershipsuch as this allows two strong entities to join forces in order to better assist the small business community of Florida. We look forward to the ongoing relationship with theCaribbean American Chamber and look forward to building a strong small businessfoundation together.”Francisco “Pancho” A. Marrero, SBA South Florida District Director said “Thisnew partnership will introduce the SBA and its services to an important audience of

entrepreneurs. The economic contribution of Caribbean American business is signicant

in the State of Florida and we are very excited about the possibilities this partnershipholds.”The Strategic Alliance Memorandum was signed by Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, SBA NorthFlorida District Director, Francisco A. Marrero, SBA South Florida District Director,and Carol A. Singh, President and Sandra Fatmi, Treasurer of the Caribbean AmericanChamber of Commerce, IncThe 2010 Atlantic hurricane season could be even more active than initially forecast, with

new estimates of more than 20 storms and 10 hurricanes including ve at Category 3 level

or higher.Both government and private forecasters in Florida and the Caribbean predict an intensehurricane season that could wreak havoc in the islands of the Caribbean, Florida and theGulf Coast. New forecasts issued late June add two storms and oneHurricane to previous predictions released in May. Government and private disaster preparedness and relief organizations are planning for the effects of an intensely activeseason.Teo Babun, executive director of the Miami-based Americas Relief Team (ART), agrouping of private sector companies that work with governments and internationalagencies on the logistics of disaster relief, told Caribbean Sun his organization is workingon a plan to pre-position disaster relief supplies in an effort to ensure responses are timely,if the need arises.Babun said ART earlier this year signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) withLaparkan Shipping for cooperation in disaster relief efforts and that Laparkan was makingavailable space in its new Miami warehouse for an emergency response center.

Chamber and SBA ofcials sign the MOU

ART Executive Director. Dr. Teo Babun, (L) and Laparkan’s CEO, Mr. Glen Khansign the Memorandum of Understanding.

to advance towards a secure and clean energy future, and to defend and strengthen our democratic institutions,” said the end of meeting communiqué.

Crime and the trafc in illicit drugs and human beings were top priorities as both sides

acknowledged “our common concern over the growing strength and capabilities of transnational criminal organizations and drug cartels, their attempts to distort and weakenour economies and democratic systems, and the effects which their activities and presencehave on the safety of our citizens and the levels of violence in our societies. We also pledge to work together through CBSI to address the social and economic factors thatcontribute to crime in our societies.”In the area of health, the countries expressed their commitment “to work together to promote the health and development of our people. We note the continuing HIV/AIDS

emergency in the region, and reafrm our commitment to implementing the United

States-Caribbean Regional HIV and AIDS Partnership Framework. The Framework willstrengthen the efforts of governments, regional organizations, and national health systemsin reducing the incidence of HIV and AIDS among populations most at risk and providetreatment to those affected by the disease. The Framework will strengthen the efforts of governments, regional organizations, and national health systems to reduce the incidenceof HIV and AIDS among populations most at risk and provide treatment to those affected by the disease.”

– Continued from page 1 –

US and Caribbean RegionTo Strengthen CooperationTo Fight Crime, ImproveHealth Care, Promote Trade

Florida’s Caribbean Sun3

Marriott InternationalAnnouncesFirst Hotel in Guyana

Georgetown Marriott Hotel toopen in 2013; Guyanese in Floridawelcome this development

‘Swipe Fee’ Legislation WillHelp Small Business, Customers

Caribbean Americans UrgedTo Support “Right Sizing”Florida ClassroomsCaribbean Sun Shines Again

Marriott International, Inc. has announced that it will open its rst Marriott branded hotel

in Guyana in 2013 and Guyanese business and travel executives in Florida have welcomedthis development.“ The160-room Georgetown Marriott Hotel is on track to receive LEED® (Leadership in

Energy and Environmental Design) certication from the U.S. Green Building Council(USGBC) and is on track to be Marriott’s rst LEED hotel in the Caribbean & Latin

America. It will operate under a management agreement with Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI).AHI is currently owned by the Government of Guyana (GoG) as part of a public-private partnership between the Government of Guyana and private sector investors.

“We are thrilled to partner with AHI and the Government of Guyana to open our rst

Marriott Hotel in the country, representing Marriott’s presence in another Capital city in

South America,” said Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development ofcer for MarriottInternational in the Caribbean & Latin America. “This will also be Marriott’s rst LEED-hotel in the region, and we are condent that it will play an instrumental role in the

continued economic and commercial development of Guyana.”Speaking on behalf of the Government of Guyana, President Bharrat Jagdeo, said, “Guyana

looks forward to a rst class branded quality hotel operated by Marriott International.

This public-private partnership project will transform the hospitality landscape and can beexpected to encourage more travel and tourism development for our nation. The project will be more an integrated entertainment complex ideally located at the corner of the AtlanticOcean and Demerara River with a casino, night club, restaurant, and boardwalk.”The hotel’s state-of-the-art architectural and interior design concept will be created by the

rm of Urbahn Architects (New York).

Several Guyanese business and travel industry executives in Florida have welcomedthe investment in the country’s hotel sector pointing to the need for high-end hotelaccommodation and service.But some bloggers on news web sites have questioned whether the hotel can sustainoccupancy levels to be a viable operation.

Recently, the U.S. Senate passed historic nancial reform legislation, which included debit

and credit card swipe fee reform, a major win for small businesses and their customers.

Now, as the House and Senate come together to pass the nal version of the bill, local

7-Eleven franchisees are calling on Representative Alan Grayson to ensure that the swipefee reform amendment stays intact in the legislation.This swipe fee reform will save small business owners and consumers millions of dollars.7-Eleven store owners in Florida, some of whom are Caribbean American, are asking their customers to contact their members of Congress to ensure that the swipe fee amendmentstays in the legislation.“Last summer, we collected 30,632 petition signatures from our customers in the NorthOrlando area asking Congress to take action on these unfair debit and credit card fees,”said Roger Van Sluis, owner of a local 7-Eleven franchise. “The Senate listened, and weare grateful for their brave vote to help out small businesses like mine. Now, we need

Representative Grayson to help us make sure the House nishes the job.”

Last month, a large bipartisan majority in the Senate voted 64-33 to add Sen. Richard

Durbin’s (D-IL) swipe fee reform amendment to the nancial reform package, directly beneting American merchants and consumers. Because similar reform language is

not included in the House version of the bill, the conference committee must commit to

keeping it in the nal version of the bill as they work to reconcile the two versions during

the next month. “Together with our customers, we’ve done our best to make our voicesheard in Washington,” said Joe DePinto, President and CEO of 7-Eleven, Inc. “We’revery close to a victory that will help lower costs for me and other small business ownersand allow us to offer discounts to our customers. We just need the leaders in the House –

including Representative Grayson – to get us across the nish line by keeping the swipe

fee reform intact.”Area 7-Eleven stores are asking their friends and neighbors to contact Rep. Grayson and

tell him to nish the job by keeping Senator Durbin’s swipe fee amendment in the Wall

Street Reform bill.

“Swipe fee reform is the one provision of the nancial reform package that has directand tangible benets to local small businesses and consumers,” said DePinto. “Our

customers are keeping an eye on what’s going on in Washington, and they’re counting on

Representative Grayson to make sure that reform stays in the nal bill.”For years, the credit card companies have been proting off the backs of merchants and

consumers by charging them excessive fees each time a credit or debit card is used. As thecredit card companies and banks collect $2,000 per minute in swipe fees, one consumer will pay an average of $400 per year in hidden credit and debit card swipe fees. Thesefees have tripled in the past nine years, and cost American consumers and merchants $48 billion in 2008.The bipartisan swipe fee amendment passed by the Senate would ensure that the feesthat small business and other entities are charged for accepting debit cards are reasonableand proportional to the costs incurred by banks and credit card companies. This vitalreform will limit payment card networks from imposing anti-competitive restrictions on businesses that accept cards and will give merchants the freedom to give discounts to their customers for using less expensive forms of payment.Caribbean Americans in Florida are being encouraged to support an amendment which

would repeal the “hard and inexible” class size limits which are due to be implemented

this fall. Amendment 8 is a plan to “right size” the number of students in classrooms inschools throughout Florida.A coalition of legislative, education and business leaders recently announced surpriseunanimity among Florida’s major candidates for governor on the most important

education and budget issue facing Florida and its voters this year. In a rare reection

of consensus, Florida’s leading candidates for governor are supporting Amendment 8,

the plan to “right size” Florida’s class size amendment. Florida Chief Financial Ofcer

Alex Sink, Democratic candidate for governor; Republican candidates Attorney GeneralBill McCollum and businessman Rick Scott, and independent candidate Bud Chiles are

endorsing the amendment to provide local districts additional exibility to meet class size

caps.Sen. Don Gaetz, of Niceville, who previously served as a school superintendent in OkaloosaCounty said “school districts statewide are bracing for a wave of chaos and confusion thatthe original class size amendment will bring this fall. This proposed amendment is about

providing local educators with increased exibility to make stafng, operations and other

decisions. It’s about keeping class sizes at a level where teachers can teach and childrencan learn.”Sen. Gaetz notes that Amendment 8 before voters this fall maintains Florida’s commitment

to smaller class sizes. Instead of the hard, inexible class size caps instituted by the 2002

amendment, the Constitutional amendment proposed by the Florida Legislature would

implement class size caps as a school average and provide exibility for the schools to add

3 seats in pre-K to 3rd grade classrooms and 5 seats in grades 4 through 12 if necessary tomeet unforeseen enrollment changes.While the 2002 class size amendment only received the support of 52.4 percent of voters,the measure on the November ballot will require approval of 60 percent of voters to become law. Under the 2002 Class Size Amendment, hard classroom caps of 18 studentsfor grades PreK-3; 22 students for grades 4-8; and 25 students for grades 9-12 arescheduled to take effect at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year.“This would require the construction of additional schools, even though Florida alreadyhas 825,000 student stations sitting empty. Those stations are in every district and at everygrade level. If left unreformed, the hard caps in Florida’s 2002 class size law would create

expensive and chaotic logistical problems for school districts across the state,” ofcials

say.A newspaper is integral to any society, especially immigrant communities in large citiesand states. For over six years Florida’s Caribbean Sun had been informing, educating andentertaining the Caribbean American community in Florida, particularly Central Florida before its recession induced hiatus. In popular Caribbean parlance “you never miss the water till the well run dry” and indeedwe did not recognize the value of our community newspaper until we did not have it. How,in recent months we longed to read what’s happening in our community, the latest onimmigration issues and to be kept abreast about sports and politics? We really missed theSun...we missed the news we need to use and that is why we, members of the community,worked to have the Sun shine again. Caribbean Sun is our newspaper.....the Caribbean American community’s voice in Floridaand we need to make sure that we never let the Sun set again.....recession or no recession!We look forward to the advertising support of the business and civic community and to