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NEWS YOU CAN USE ! Vol. No. 8 · January 2011

Modest growth projected for Jamaica this year

By Doreen Hemlock

J amaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding has said

that the entire issue regarding the extradition
of Christopher “Dudus” Coke was unfortunate
and the hiring of an American law firm to lobby the
US government was a mistake.
In an exclusive interview granted recently to jour-
nalist Doreen Hemlock for the Caribbean Sun and
the South Florida Sun Sentinel newspapers, Golding
projected modest growth in the Jamaican economy
during 2011. He also spoke of pending legislation to
give Jamaicans in the Diaspora a greater role in na-
tional development.
Here is the edited text of the interview conducted at
Jamaica House in Kingston, the Jamaica capital.
Q. Why is Jamaica’s economy basically stagnant
and what are your plans to stimulait?
A. For years, we pursued a program that was anti-
growth: perpetual deficits. When I took office, we
had 11 consecutive years of fiscal deficits. We had
accumulated huge debt: almost 130 percent of GDP.
What created an emergency was the global crisis.
Our revenue base suffered severe erosion, three of
our four alumina refineries closed, and capital mar-
kets shut down completely. –Cont’d on Pg. 10

Proximity to Equator a key advantage

W hen Curacao’s
Prime Minister
Gerrit Schotte
announced at last month’s
Miami Conference on the
Caribbean that his country
will offer commercial
flights to space beginning
January 1, 2014, many in
the audience would have
said to themselves…”yeah
right”.
But the prime minister’s
announcement was no
Holiday Season joke. Space
Experience Curacao (SXC),
the company undertaking
the project which involves
several stakeholders in-
cluding KLM Royal Dutch
Airlines and the Curacao
Government, is moving at
The flights will be made on
the XCOR Lynx suborbital
spacecraft.
KLM Chief Executive
full pace to keep the an- Officer Peter Hartman says
nounced launch date. “it is a fantastic project
In fact, KLM has already that totally fits the pio-
announced plans to sell neering spirit of KLM.”
seats on these suborbital Last October, SXC and
flights. KLM Royal Dutch XCOR Aerospace of Cali-
Airlines says it will be sup- fornia signed a memoran-
porting future suborbital dum of understanding for
flights through purchases, SXC to wet lease a produc-
inclusion in their frequent tion version of the Lynx
flyer program, inclusion in suborbital spacecraft,
future KLM vacation pack- pending United States gov-
ages to Curacao, and other ernment approvals to sta-
yet-to-be-named support. tion the vehicle on the is-
land of Curacao. Some US
officials are skeptical
about such approval being
given but SXC officials are
optimistic.
SXC’s Harry van Hulten
told Caribbean Sun “we
will only operate space-
flights
Cont’d on Pg. 7

FLORIDA CONSIDERS IMMIGRATION BILL


T
rinidad and Tobago born
Jennifer Carroll was recent-
ly sworn in as Lieutenant
Governor of the state of Florida
pledging in an interview shortly
after to embrace her Caribbean her-
itage and to rely on the values of
hard work, discipline and fairness
which were instilled in her as she
grew up. At the outset we must
congratulate this daughter of the
Caribbean on her election to this
high office and for creating history
on so many fronts. Further, she is to
be admired for not attempting to
hide her West Indian roots and for
invoking the values which would
have come from her Caribbean her-
itage.
In recent times electorates have be-
come more and more distrusting of
politicians. Many politicians give
mere "lip service" these days to the
aspirations and wellbeing of their
constituents. Ms. Carroll says she
takes her new responsibilities seri-
ously and will exercise her func-
tions with honesty and fairness. We
hope this is not just "lip service".
Time will tell.
The Lieutenant Governor has taken
office at a time when there is a host
of issues affecting Caribbean
Americans in Florida. These issues
include immigration, access to
health care, ethnic profiling, re-
strictions on the import of products
from the Caribbean, the treatment
of farm and hotel workers and ac-
cess to scholarships for higher edu-
cation. While we don't expect "our
girl" to resolve all these issues we
at least hope that she would become
better acquainted with them by en-
gaging from time to time in consul-
tations with Florida's Caribbean
American community.
During her campaign some Carib-
bean American community leaders
lamented the fact that Carroll is a
Republican and expressed some
doubt as to whether Caribbean
Florida’s Caribbean Sun is published by Caribbean Sun Publishers, LLC
1013 N. Pine Hills Road, Orlando, FL 32808
Phone (407) 374-2979
Email: caribbeansunnews@gmail.com
Administrative Manager: Melinda Gordon
Advertising: Vanessa Chin Churaman (407) 325-5466
Managing Editor: Laverne McGee
Lifestyles Editor: Sharazade Kirton
www.floridascaribbeansunnews.com
Florida’s Caribbean Sun
Americans would support her mere-
ly because of her Caribbean herit-
age. That analysis might not have
been totally accurate since some
other analysts claim that Caribbean
Americans, especially those outside
of South Florida, voted overwhelm-
ingly for the Scott/Carroll ticket.
Regardless of whether Caribbean
Americans voted for Carroll or not,
if she is truthful about embracing
her Caribbean heritage then she
must reach out to the state's Carib-
bean American communities and at
least understand the challenges that
confront them.
But this process must be a two-way
street. The Caribbean American
communities must seek to reach out
to Carroll as well. They must speak
as a unified voice. We can't have
Trinidadians bombarding her with
their agenda, Jamaicans with theirs
and the rest just complaining be-
cause they are not part of an agen-
da. There must be a single Caribbe-
an community agenda which should
be clearly articulated to the "good
lady" with specific recommenda-
tions as to what assistance we
would like from her.
Florida is a neighbor of the Carib-
bean region. We expect CARICOM
in particular will waste no time in
seeking not only to congratulate Lt.
Governor Carroll on her election
but to engage her in meaningful
discussion on the Florida -
Caribbean bilateral relationship.
CARICOM is a major trading part-
ner with Florida and this alone is a
reason for engaging Ms. Carroll.
As a first step we recommend that
CARICOM invites Lt. Governor
C arroll t o t hei r heads -of-
government meeting in July as a
special guest.
Perhaps Prime Minister Kamla Per-
sad-Bissessar could take the lead on
this.
To Lt. Governor Carroll we at Car-
ibbean Sun extend our sincere con-
gratulations. Much is in your hands.
Let your hands be safe hands.
Letters to the Editor
Good Investigative Journalism
Dear Editor:
I commend your newspaper on good
investigative reporting. Your December
edition was most informative. I too am
outraged about the way law enforce-
ment targets Caribbean people in Flori-
da. I think our community leaders
should be doing more to help bring an
end to the unfair treatment we face.
Our government representatives in Flor-
ida should also be helping us.
Sincerely,
Shireen
Jacksonville, Fl.
Unfair Editorial
Dear Editor:
The editorial in last month’s issue of the
Caribbean Sun newspaper was very un-
fair to us who work in various Caribbean
community organizations to help chari-
table causes here and back home. Our
organizations are not political and
therefore cannot get involved in issues
of a political nature.
Perhaps those of you who are politically
-minded should set up organizations for
the purpose of protecting us in the com-
munity and promoting our rights.
I like your newspaper very much espe-
cially when it isn’t full of news about
Guyana and Guyanese.
Monty Wilson
Kissimmee, Fl.
Give Us More Details
Dear Editor:
Your newspaper article on the Wikileaks
cables was good but we need to know
more details and specifics. I heard
(Prime Minister) Golding’s wife had
asked America not to deport “Dudus”. Is
that true?
I look forward to reading more details
about the cables concerning Jamaica in
your next publication.
Sincerely
Pat Ellis
Houston, Texas
Immigration Alert
My family and I read the Caribbean Sun
every month. We look forward to it es-
pecially for the Immigration Alert article
by Gail Seeram. The news about the visa
lottery in October was timely.
Thanks to Gail and your newspaper for
giving us really useful news.
Neil
Ocoee, Fl.
Great Newspaper
Dear Editor:
Your newspaper is among the best Car-
ibbean newspapers around the United
States. It is informative and the articles
are professionally written. I get news
from your newspaper that I don’t get
anywhere else.
I have been keeping a file of these pa-
pers for over two years since they come
in handy when I am doing research pa-
pers. What about an on-line edition?
Godfrey Nurse
2
 Says family medicine central to health care delivery

W
ith some 24 primary specialties in recognized as a specialty in 1969 in the United
medicine and the introduction of States and in 1965 in England.
modern technology, the family physi-
Boodhoo graduated from UWI in 1966 when it
cian or general practitioner still has a central role
was a college of the University of London.
to play in the effective delivery of health care
UWI, with campuses in Jamaica, Trinidad and
services around the world, says Guyana born Dr.
Barbados, has graduated over 7,000 doctors
Victor Boodhoo who was recently honored by
since it started in 1948. The awards ceremony
the University of the West Indies (UWI).
was held in Barbados in November.
Dr. Boodhoo is only the second family physician
Boodhoo practiced in Jamaica for seven years
among some 22 medical practitioners to receive
before moving to Titusville, Florida where he
the UWI Distinguished Alumnus Award for ser-
has been practicing for 32 years. He is a mem-
vice to medicine and the university in the past 22
ber of the medical staff at Parrish Medical Cen-
years.
ter where he previously served as president of
As a separate honor, Boodhoo also became the the PMC medical staff. Board certified in family
first family physician to deliver the UWI interna- medicine and geriatrics, Boodhoo is a Fellow of
tional conference keynote address. His presenta- the American Academy of Family Practice and
tion entitled “Family Medicine: The Prolonged also of the Royal Society of Medicine.
Journey to Recognition” highlighted the struggle
He has also been chairman of CME of the Flori-
for recognition of family medicine as a specialty
da Academy of Family Physicians, and has
and the contributions of several illustrious gen-
been selected every year since 2006 as one of
eral practitioners including his fellow country-
“America’s Top Family Doctors” by the Con-
man Dr. Hardutt Singh. Family medicine was
sumer Research Council. Dr. Victor Boodhoo (left), received the Award from
Dr. Michael Hoyos at the UWI annual meeting in Bar-
bados

J
amaica is planning a grand homecoming of sev-
eral thousands of its nationals to commemorate
the country 50th Independence anniversary next
year.
In his New Year’s message, Prime Minister Bruce
Golding announced plans for the celebration which
he said are “moving into high gear”.
Golding implored Jamaicans to begin the New Year
with renewed hope.
"We have been through some tough times. We have that the New Year presents should be grasped to
had to endure the worst global economic crisis in 80 make Jamaica a better place to live, work, raise fami-
years but the worst has passed and we have used l i e s a n d d o b u s i n e s s .
the time to put in place measures that will position The Prime Minister added that preparations will
us not just for recovery but for sustained improve- move into high gear for the commemoration of the
ment over the medium long term." country's 50th year of independence in 2012.
He called on the nation to face the challenges of the "It is going to be a grand event and a grand home-
New Year with confidence and determination. PM coming with thousands of overseas Jamaicans com-
Golding continued by saying that every opportunity ing home for the celebrations."

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 3

 New Executive to be installed Jan 16
T
he newly elected executive of the Guyanese
American Cultural Association of Central Florida
(GACACF) is to be sworn in on Sunday, January
16, 2011 at a special installation ceremony and recep-
tion at the Venue, Timehri Banquet Hall in Orlando,
Florida.
Presiding over the Installation will be Guyana-born Bre-
vard County, Florida District Court Judge Alli B. Majeed.
Business executive George Lyking is the new president
of the Guyanese American Cultural Association of Cen-
tral Florida (GACACF). He succeeds Samuel Roberts who
served two terms as president.
The new executive of the association elected recently is
George Lyking, president; Ahmad Manraj, vice-
president; Melinda Gordon, secretary; Ralph Seeram,
treasurer and Vanessa Chin Churaman, assistant secre-
tary/treasurer.
In a letter signed by the new executive members and
sent to Guyanese business owners, former and current
members and other well wishers, the new leadership
urged the support and involvement of all Guyanese and
friends of Guyana in Central Florida “as we move to-
wards improving members’ confidence, increasing our
membership base and developing greater camaraderie A three-member committee, headed by former Guya-
in the Guyanese American community.”
The association is currently partnering with Guyanese
attorney-at-law Gail Seeram in gathering school and
related supplies for shipment to Haiti for use by children
affected by last year’s devastating earthquake.
The GACACF was set up in 2004 and since its inception
has been undertaking a number of events including fo-
rums on immigration, real estate, financial planning and
health care among other issues. The association has an
annual scholarship award and provides financial and
other assistance to charitable causes and emergencies
in both Central Florida and in Guyana.
In 2005, the association raised some $15,000 to assist
flood victims in Guyana and through its Carol Pounder
Fund has contributed to the Dharam Shala in Berbice,
Uncle Eddy’s Home and a children’s home on the
Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
Each year the association hosts the Guyana Republic
Ball in February and the Guyana Family Day in May.
Among special guests at these events over the years
have been author Ted Braithwaite, cricketer Alvin Kal-
licharran, actress Carol Pounder, cultural icon Dave
Martins, Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph
Ramkarran, Minister of the Public Service Dr. Jennifer Judge Alli B. Majeed
Westford, Guyana’s Ambassador to the US Bayney Kar-
ran as well as local elected officials including State Sena-
For further information contact:
tor Gary Siplin and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Melinda Gordon
nese diplomat Wesley Kirton and including attorney-at- (407) 374-2979
law Gail Seeram and business/entertainment executive
melindagordon09@gmail.com
Gary Osman, is responsible for planning the installation
ceremony and reception.

Basil Williams to Visit Orlando

As elections fever heightens in Guyana

T
he Vice Chairman of Guyana’s opposition Peo- businesses in addition to a private meeting on Tuesday,
ples National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Basil January 18 with Guyanese American community leaders
Williams will visit Orlando January 18-20, 2011 at the Rotary Club in Orlando.
to meet with Guyanese to outline his policies should he
Election fever is heightening in Guyana with several can-
be elected president at elections due later this year.
didates vying to seek their party’s nomination to contest
Williams, an attorney-at-law, is one of five candidates for the post of president. President Bharrat Jagdeo is
seeking to become the PNC/R’s candidate for president. not up for re-election due to the two-term limit set by
The other candidates are former Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana’s Constitution.
Guyana Defense Force Brigadier David Granger, former
The governing Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is
government ministers Carl Greenidge and Dr. Faith Har-
still to elect its presidential candidate. Among those that
ding and 30 year-old attorney-at-law James Bond.
have indicated their candidacy are the party’s general
The PNC/R candidates have been visiting North America secretary Donald Ramotar, Speaker of the National As-
to whip up support but Williams is the first to visit Flori- sembly (Parliament) Ralph Ramkarran, Home Affairs
da to meet with Guyanese. He will hold a public town Minister Clement Rohee and former Information Minis-
hall meeting on Wednesday, January 19 at the Venue, ter Moses Nagamootoo.
BASIL WILLIAMS
Timehri Banquet Hall, 7365 West Colonial Drive. He is
also scheduled to visit a number of Guyanese owned

FLORIDA CONSIDERS IMMIGRATION BILL

By Gail Seeram

A
s we turn the page into a new year, we also
have new state and federal government lead-
ers. In the State of Florida, we have a new gov-
ernor, Rick Scott (R), who has promised to bring an Arizo-
na style immigration law to the State of Florida. Other
Florida legislative leaders, such as Bill Snyder (R), support
this idea of implementing an immigration law in the State
of Florida. Rep. Snyder has drafted a Florida immigration
bill that will be introduced in the Florida legislature this
spring. If Florida follows in Arizona’s footsteps in trying
to implement an immigration bill at the state level, then
Florida will have a costly legal challenge as the federal
government will likely file a lawsuit against Florida as it
did in Arizona. Currently, Arizona is defending against
seven lawsuits and the key provisions of its immigration
bill have not been implemented. The federal govern-
ment will challenge any type of immigration bill imple-
mented in Florida based on the grounds that the Federal
government has jurisdiction over immigration policy im-
plementation and enforcement under the U.S. Constitu-
tion. The question is whether Florida wants to alienate
itself from immigrant workers, face boycott from poten-
tial business, and carry a costly legal defense bill. Read
more in Immigration Alert, page 6.

A
ntiguans and Barbudans are to ben- Barbuda. and illuminated major road corridors across
efit from improved infrastructure the nation.
These improvements, the prime minister
during 2011, Prime Minister Bald-
said, follow improved infrastructure which “We have advanced work on a new 30 meg-
win Spencer announced in his New Year’s
was put in place last year. awatt power plant, a new water reservoir at
message.
“Some major infrastructure projects were Gray’s Hill, as well a fisheries complex and a
Among the benefits will be a new airport
started and completed in 2010. The most community center on Barbuda, “ the prime
terminal, expanded and reliable supply of
massive street lighting program in the histo- minister announced.
electricity, improved supply of potable wa-
ry of our country has positively transformed
PM Baldwin Spencer ter and a community center on the island of

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 4

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 5
 The new United States Ambassador to
Jamaica says her top priority is strength-
ening relations between the two coun-
tries.

Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater, a ca-

reer American diplomat, took up her ap-
pointment late last year. She identified
the expansion of trade and commercial
relations as a key component of the
strengthened ties between the two
countries.
Last month, business executive and for-
mer diplomat Wesley Kirton visited Ja-
maica during which he held discussions
with the new US ambassador at a dinner
he hosted at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

Here, Ambassador Bridgewater is greet-

ed on arrival at the Pegasus Hotel
by its General Manager Eldon Bremner in
the presence of Mr. Kirton.

INTERNATIONAL Reggae star Buju Banton will make his long-awaited return to the The Buju Banton & Friends Before the Dawn Concert is set for Sunday, January 16 at
stage at the highly anticipated Before the Dawn Concert taking place in South Florida Bayfront Park Amphitheater in downtown Miami. Buju last month won an appeal
during Martin Luther King, Jr Weekend. Banton, who is currently out on bail and against a Court order which sought to deny him the right to perform at this concert.
awaiting retrial in February, has not performed live in over a year. The concert is expected to attract thousands of patrons.
Produced by Rocker's Island Entertainment, the Buju Banton & Friends Before the The acclaimed artiste has received his fifth Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae
Dawn Concert will also feature performances by some of Jamaican music's elite: Ste- Album category for his prophetic new project, Before the Dawn. Recorded mostly at
phen Marley, Wayne Wonder, Sly & Robbie, Gramps Morgan, Shaggy and Freddie his own Gargamel Music studio in Kingston, the album boasts some of the most pow-
McGregor. erful songs written by Banton since his professional entry into the music business
over twenty years ago.
The concept is to reunite with the fans and thank them personally for the tremendous
level of support they have shown to me during these turbulent times," explains Buju. Banton was previously acknowledged by the Recording Academy for his albums Rasta
"I look forward to touching the stage once more and coming together with the mass- Got Soul (2009), Too Bad (2007), Friends for Life (2004) and Inna Heights (1999).
es in a spirit of togetherness, harmony, unification and solidarity."

Amount: $500.00
Description: This scholarship will be awarded to a student attending college who is
pursuing legal or international studies
Eligibility: The student must meet the following requirements:
1. Be a former Guyanese national (born in Guyana) or a child of Guyanese parents
or grandchild of Guyanese grandparents
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 Shaggy Buju
Application Process: Submit the following to Gail@Go2Lawyer.com:
1. Name, phone number, email address.
2. Submit proof of Guyanese heritage (copy of birth certificate of qualifying rela-
Turn in your old
tive)
3. Academic transcript Singh’s Jewelry unwanted Gold or
Jewelry and make
4. 500 word essay describing how your Guyanese heritage impacted your academic
studies or career path ca$h

Deadline: January 31, 2011 Broken , tangled

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Florida’s Caribbean Sun 6

President Barack Obama has said the and reconstruction and respond to new
international community must now fulfill challenges, such as the outbreak of chol-
the pledges it made to Haiti to ensure a era and Hurricane Tomas. This global
solid and strong long term rebuilding effort, led by the Haitian government,
effort. continues today and has been matched
by the tremendous compassion of the
In a statement to mark of first anniver- American people, who in difficult eco-
sary of the devastating earthquake, nomic times have given generously to
Obama said that though progress had help.
been made, too many people are still
living in tents and too much rubble con- Over the past year, countless lives have
tinues to clog the streets. been saved and many Haitians affected
by the earthquake now have better ac-
Here is the text of President Obama's cess to food, water and health care than
statement: they did before the disaster. Still, too
much rubble continues to clog the
As we mark one year since the cata- streets, too many people are still living in
strophic earthquake in Haiti, we honor tents, and for so many Haitians progress
the memory of the quarter of a million has not come fast enough. As we have
Haitians who were lost, along with more said all along, helping the poorest nation
than one hundred Americans, many Unit- in the Western Hemisphere recover from
ed Nations personnel and citizens from one of the worst natural disasters ever to
dozens of nations. strike our hemisphere will take years, if
not decades.
We recall how Americans, civilian and
military, joined with people from around So on this day when our thoughts and
the world in one of the largest humani- prayers are with the Haitian people, my
tarian efforts ever attempted. And we message is the same as it was last year.
continue to be inspired by the Haitian Haiti can and must lead the way, with a
people, and our vibrant Haitian American strong vision for its future. The interna-
community, who have faced unimagina- tional community must now fulfill the
ble loss with extraordinary courage and pledges it has made to ensure a strong
faith. and sustained long-term effort. And as
they forge ahead with the hard work of
Since the first moments of the disaster, rebuilding their proud country, the peo-
the United States has helped to rally in- ple of Haiti will continue to have an en-
ternational support for Haiti’s recovery during partner in the United States.

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 7

T
By Laverne McGee
rinidad and Tobago born Jennifer Carroll has York when she was eight years old. She later enlisted in At the inauguration in Tallahassee, she was surrounded
been sworn-in as Lieutenant Governor of Flori- the army starting out as a jet mechanic and retiring as a by her two sons and daughter. One of her sons has
da, proudly embracing her Caribbean heritage as lieutenant commander after 20 years. dreadlocks, and some jokingly remarked that this was
she embarks on the responsibilities of her new office. not the usual hairstyle for Republicans. Her son is also a
As a woman who was raised with a strict Caribbean up-
professional football player with the Miami Dolphins.
Speaking with Caribbean Sun’s Managing Editor Laverne bringing, she says she grew up with the mindset that
Mc Gee shortly after taking the oath of office Carroll said “hard work will always get you ahead. There is no room Carroll’s shoes were also a big hit. She wore blue high
her Caribbean background has helped shaped her core for people to try to live off the system or be left behind. heels with a fancy design that had many people talking.
values of hard work, discipline and responsibility. My hardworking Caribbean background comes up in my But friends and associates of Carroll say her sartorial
core values when I am making decisions about the pub- elegance and beauty should not be taken for granted
Carroll, Florida’s first black Lt. Governor said “ I am hum- lic. I believe in giving people the opportunity to help since she is a strong, experienced woman who will be
bled to have been chosen by Floridians to be their 18th themselves.” able to stand up to lobbyists and others who try per-
lieutenant governor, the first elected female and the first suade the government to do things that are not in Flo-
black Caribbean Lt. Governor in the state of Florida. I Carroll has identified job creation, education and the
ridians’ best interest.
take this responsibility very seriously for I know that I welfare of children among her top priorities as she seeks
too will be making a way for women to one day walk in to help improve the quality of life in Florida. Her belief is Carroll also says she is looking forward to meeting more
my shoes.” that parents should be a big part of their kids’ education, Caribbean nationals here in Florida.
and that families should have a choice when it comes to
Carroll was born in Trinidad in 1959 and moved to New the school their child goes to.

Jennifer Carroll takes Oath of Office surrounded by

Governor Scott with Carroll
family members
A moment in prayer

HAITI – ONE YEAR LATER by Gail Seeram

H
aiti has been a soft spot in my heart since my
travels to this poor country in 2008. The one-
year anniversary of the January 12th earth-
quake in Haiti is approaching and Haiti is still in despair.
To date, we know that only about 10% of all monies
pledged or given to Haiti have actually been deployed.
Also, we know that 2% of the rubble created by the
earthquake has been removed. There is no visible pro-
gress against the challenges of homelessness, hundreds
of thousands of new orphans, the cholera outbreak, and
the critical brain and resource drain. Haitians who have
the means are cutting losses and emigrating to the U.S.
and other countries. However, those that remain need
the friendship and partnership of the international com-
munity to lead them to a new future.
Some may say, “Haiti is not my problem,” but whether
we live by religious principles or basic humanitarian prin-
ciples, we have a duty to love our neighbors as ourselves
and treat others, as we would have them treat us. As an
outreach to our Haitian brothers and sisters, please con-
sider donating school supplies and toiletry items during
the month of January. These supplies will benefit chil-
dren at the following homes and schools: St. Joseph
Homes for Boys, Wings of Hope and Trinity House. All
items may be dropped off at the Law Offices of Gail See-
ram located at 1013 N. Pine Hills Road, Orlando, FL
32808. For more information, call 407-292-7730.

Below: Haitian students pray before meal

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 8

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 9
 again, what would you do differently,
and what lessons have you learned
from the expe-
rience?
A. The whole
extradition
matter was
“We should
unfortunate. In
terms of what
we would have
not have hired
law firm”
done different,
we certainly
wouldn’t have
taken measures
to engage external assis-
tance (a law firm) at a political
level, because that has proven (a) not to
have been helpful and (b) to have creat-
Doreen Hemlock ed enormous controversy… Relations
So, we had to take some tough de- with the US were hampered by the fact
we didn’t have an ambassador here for
cisions. We slashed the budget for almost two years.
the first time in our history, and we Q. What about the way the security forc-
did a debt exchange to lower debt es were handled?
service payments from an average A. Some vindication of the strategies we
rate of 16-17 percent. pursued is that unlike previous occasions,
we didn’t have any significant casualties
Q. But how in a crisis can you slash involving women and children. People in
the budget, when stimulus is gen- the community were forewarned. And
erally the answer? since that time, and with intense security
A. We had no choice. If we had de- operations across the island, we have seen
cided to borrow more from where a 43 percent reduction in homicides. Up to
May, we were averaging 149 murders
we could, it would have been from each month. We are now down to approx-
the domestic market at rates even imately 80. We have to try to sustain that
higher than 28 percent. And we effort and bring murders down to a level
refused to print money, because acceptable by international standards.
once you do that inflation rises, Q. What about lessons related to extra-
dition, why not just extradite some of
and inflation is the most punitive tax these dons?
on the poor. A. There are still areas in our extradition
We had no wiggle room at all. In the midst arrangements that need to be perfected.
of all of this recession, we had to impose In this
three separate tax packages within a year. particu-
“I pray”
We have had to ask the country to make lar case,
the sacrifice. there is
A. But the country hadn’t been growing no
even before that. doubt
Q. We needed to do what should have
been done 15 years ago, but was post-
poned because the strength of will was
that
provi-
sions of
Golding
not there: to put the country in macro- our laws
economic shape to grow. were
Even in the ‘90s, when developing coun-
tries were growing even faster than the
developed world, Jamaica wasn’t growing.
It’s almost like having a child and no breached. We are working
with U.S. authorities to see how
matter how you feed the child, the child
won’t put on weight. Now, we’re trying to we can avoid any such breach in the fu-
get our system in order, to get our finan- ture.
cial framework right. We’re trying to build And let me explain the nature of the
confidence, where people will know this breach. Under extradition arrangements
with the US, we have an obligation to co-
country can’t go off the rails again, be-
cause there are laws in place to govern operate and provide information that can
how much deficit, how much debt we can be used as evidence. That information
accumulate. comes in various forms: witness state-
Q. When do you see Jamaica’s economy ments, bank records, photographs and
growing again? intercepted communication.
For inter-
A. We had expected to come out of the
recession in the second quarter this year. cepted
We didn’t. The reason had to do with the communi-
unrest we had in May. We were hoping to cation,
at least break even in the third quarter, there’s a
but we’re worried by the huge costs of the special
recent flood rains. We certainly expect regime.
next year to return to growth. It’s going to Our Consti-
be slow. We don’t expect more than 1.5 -2 tution
percent. But it will be a beginning. guarantees “Dudas “ Coke in disguise
Q. You mentioned the unrest in May over the right to
the extradition of drug lord Christopher privacy of
communication. Parliament can infringe
“Dudus” Coke, which left more than 70
people dead. If you had it to do over on that right in certain circumstances:
More of this interview in next month’s edition
Florida’s Caribbean Sun
criminal, money-laundering.. ..
but a (procedure) must be fol-
lowed. It
involves go-
ing to a
judge,
getting an
order and
getting per-
mission to
whom can
that information in-
tercepted be dis-
closed.
In this case, the Jamaican authorities did
not get permission to provide the infor-
mation to the US authorities. That’s where
it went wrong. We didn’t refuse the US
application. We said (to the Americans),
“Do it right. Go to a judge and (ask) to
make the (intercepted) information availa-
ble.”
Q. Why not go government to govern-
ment? Why lobby through a law firm and
your political party?
A. We tried, but we found ourselves talk-
ing to bureaucrats who were adamant
that they were not going to review any-
thing. As far as they are concerned, they
have put the matter before us, and
they’ve never had any problem before. It
was that sort of terse, unpleasant re-
sponse.
Q. What would the implications have
been had you just said no, because more
than 70 people died?
A. If we had refused that application, we
would never have been able to convince
anyone that the reason was not Christo-
pher Coke’s connection in Tivoli Gardens,
which is the constituency I represent, and
my party.… The whole thing was overtak-
en by the perception that we
were contriving various, unsavory
means of protecting Mr. Coke
from extradition…
You know what is so funny. Mr.
Patterson’s government faced a
similar situation in 1993, where
somebody was extradited with a
breach of the treaty. He suspend-
ed extradition with the United
States for three years, until he
could get a review. The difference
is.. in that situation, the person
extradited was not identified as a support-
er of Mr. Patterson’s party. And there was
no suggestion he was “protecting one of
his own.”
That’s the dilemma I faced: Do I stand for
the law and what is right and risk being
accused of trying to protect my own, or do
I say, since it is going to come down on me
that I am misusing my office to protect a
criminal, I better send him off -- even
though the law has been breached?
Q. But the problems of crime, poverty,
gangs are extraordinary and predicated
on economic growth.
A. I’m trying to lay down the foundation,
so that in 20 years time, whoever sits in
this chair can give you a much, different
report, because we did the hard things in
the year 2010.
Q. But on the street, there’s such dissatis-
faction over the economy and extradi-
tion. There’s even talk whether you
should resign. What are factors to consid-
er in deciding whether to resign?
A. The most important factor is whether
you have the will to offer the country the
kind of leadership needed. And in the
present circumstances, that’s not neces-
sarily the kind of leadership that expands
your popularity, because you have to
make tough decisions: tough, tough,
tough.
Look at the types of things that upset peo-
ple: the sale of Air Jamaica, for example.
The money Jamaica was losing each year
is the same amount we need to repair
damages from recent floods. Govern-
ment’s central function is to provide a
secure environment, make sure we have
proper education and health facilities,
maintain our roads and infrastructure.. So,
why am I spending US$120, 130 million a
year to keep Air Jamaica flying? We said,
“We’re going to sell it.” It made me vastly
unpopular.
Q. But the man on the street would say
why are you losing money? Why aren’t
you making a profit?
Since when is government supposed to be
adept at running commercial enterprises
efficiently. That’s not the business of gov-
ernment. That’s the business of private
investors.
Q. About the diaspora, what can be done
to give Jamaicans overseas a more direct,
more productive role? I’ve heard com-
plaints about too much taxes, too much
bureaucracy.
A. Let’s not underestimate the role that
they play now, particularly in the financial
system and construction activity. There’s
the question of giving them the right to
vote, which they are very passionate
about that. It’s something I support. The
problem is it can only work in a presiden-
tial system, which is a system that I favor
but (my party) rejected.
In a presidential system, we can have poll-
ing booths in Florida for Jamaicans to
vote. But in our (parliamentary system)
it’s where you live that determines which
representative you vote for. And it’s the
representatives, who then decide who will
be the Prime Minister. So, if someone lives
in South Florida or wherever, we can’t fit
them into a constituency in Jamaica.
What I offered as an alternative (is) to
expand the number of seats in the Senate
and reserve one or two of the additional
seats for the diaspora. The challenge is to
find some democratic way in which the
diaspora can choose their representatives.
That requires a constitutional amend-
ment. It’s part of a package that what
would go to the people in a referendum,
for which a date has not been set.
Q. Is there a tentative date, say for like
next year?
I can’t give a time. I don’t have a two-
thirds majority in parliament, and it re-
quires a two-thirds majority. So if the op-
position doesn’t support it, then it can’t
pass.
Q. How do you handle the stress that
comes with these challenges? Do you do
yoga..
A. I pray.
10
 CARIBBEAN PERSPECTIVES
An in-depth focus on Caribbean issues
Sandra Ann Baptiste

The writer is a business consultant and specialist in Caribbean Affairs

STEERING THE REGIONAL INTEGRATION BOAT

T
he Caribbean Community will in 2011 have a basis. The proposal for the regional Commission was the stances of member countries, many of whom are finding
new Secretary-General, who will have the unen- centre piece of the 1992 “Time for Action” report of the it hard to come up with the funds for the implementation
viable task of steering an organization whose West Indian Commission chaired by Sir Shridath Ram- of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the
governance structure is in need of an overhaul and in the phal. European Union and other initiatives, including the re-
face of waning commitment to regional integration on gional marketing fund for the tourism industry.
As Communications Consultant to the Commission, I
the part of some of its 15 Member States.
recall the many interventions at public consultations Another key issue that needs to be addressed is more
Outgoing Secretary-General Trinidadian-born Edwin Car- throughout the region where private and public sector autonomy for the Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN),
rington has indicated that during his 18-year tenure there groups as well as Non-Governmental Organizations formerly the Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNM).
have been significant accomplishments as well as disap- (NGOs) sang one tune that was familiar – regional gov- CARICOM watchers familiar with the agency feel it has
pointments. Undoubtedly, there have been positive initi- ernments were not delivering the goods. The lyrics are lost some of its “teeth” and the spirit of the technical
atives under Carrington’s watch, many of them in the pretty much the same two decades later. staff has been affected in the process.
functional cooperation area.
One regional consultant who has done several regional On the issue of a successor to Carrington, it would be
To address the continued lag in implementing decisions, integration studies for CARICOM Governments supports interesting to know the credentials being considered and
at the end of August this year, CARICOM leaders agreed the proposal for a Commission-type arrangement, where in particular whether there will be term limits, a different
to the establishment of a Council of Ambassadors. Jamai- the Secretary-General would serve the political direc- mandate, a requirement to be multi-lingual and reduced
ca’s Prime Minister Bruce Golding explained that the Am- torate such as Heads of Government and the COTED, travel.
bassadors will head regional integration units in the indi- while a Commission would deal with Executive matters.
Candidates for the post being mentioned include the
vidual Member States “to follow up, make sure that do-
“This separation of functions is key to a proper function- current CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General, Trade and
mestic action is taken to give effect to the decisions of
ing of the body. Concern is expressed about the cost of Economic Integration, Irwin La Roque, former Deputy
the Heads.”
this but there is room for cutting out a lot of fat to make CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, current
Will the Committee have the authority to nudge Minis- this workable since the Secretary-General and his staff OECS Director General Dr. Len Ishmael, and Vincentian
ters who are not following through on decisions taken by would be much smaller and the bulk of the technical peo- Ambassador to the Organisation of American States
the CARICOM leaders or will they report directly to their ple would go to the Commissioners,” the consultant rec- (OAS) Elsworth John.
Head of Government and what options will be available ommended.
In addition to the search for a new Secretary General, a
for fast tracking implementation? Perhaps the terms and
“The present system of waiting for domestic parliaments replacement will have to be found for Dr. Edward
conditions of the Ambassadors and when exactly they
to approve all decisions into law is not working. In this Greene, Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social
will begin functioning will clarify this.
new dispensation, I would get rid of the Bureau, which in Development, who has resigned and word is that Colin
The current scenario where at meetings of the Council any case, is just another wasteful bureaucratic layer and Granderson, responsible for Foreign and Community Re-
for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), there would be no role for a permanent committee of lations, may not be around for too much longer.
ambassadors as that can only function well if all countries
There is a growing consensus among CARICOM techno- In 2011, there will hopefully be more visible movement
have a representative in Georgetown,” he added.
crats and analysts who have been part of the regional in three areas – the CARICOM Single Market and Econo-
integration process that it is time to re-examine the pro- Apart from the fact that several governments oppose the my (CSME), EPA implementation and the trade negotia-
posal for a CARICOM Commission, similar to that of the idea of a Commission, the question that arises is how it tions with Canada, which are reported to be bogged
Brussels-based European Commission on a scaled-down will be financed given the challenging economic circum- down on the CARICOM side.

conducted within the applicable a venue for scientific space re- ment for this space port project? 2020.
safety and security regulations search and development and a view- HvH: USD 5M required to start op- CS: How many passengers will be
both at the international level and ing post for the launch of flights to erations. The rest will come from accommodated per flight?
in conformity with requirements space. pre-sales. HvH: One space tourist per flight.
under Dutch and US law. This spe- A major benefit of launching such CS: Is it KLM that will offer these CS: Has there been advanced
cifically includes regulations per- space flights from Curacao, the flights to space and will the craft(s) bookings for these flights? The PM
taining to appropriate certification prime minister told Caribbean Sun, used be rockets or planes? said the cost
of the spacecraft and licensing of “is the islands close proximity to per person will be $95,000 for a 45
the crew so as to ensure the safety HvH: No, KLM is a strategic part-
the Equator. The island’s flat ter-
and security of all space flights.” ner and bought a limited number minute trip. Will passengers have
rain, weather conditions and prox- of space tickets. KLM has offered to undergo special training and if
The projected price for a 45 mi- imity to a shoreline are also key their sales channels and we are so is this included in the price?
nute trip to space from Curacao is advantages.” working on combined marketing HvH: We are taking reservations
US $95,000 and according to the Harry van Hulten told Caribbean campaigns. We will use a rocket and are currently starting our sales
prime minister this project is Sun that “payloads which need to plane. program. So yes, there are already
among bold new initiatives being escape Earth’s gravitational well bookings for the first flights. We
taken to stimulate the economy. can achieve orbit using less fuel CS: How many flights per day/ are targeting a ticket price of USD
Space tourism is expected to de- from launch sites closest to the week/month are projected and 95,000 per flight. Passengers will
velop into a major industry with Equator where Earth rotates more how many crafts
will be used? undergo training, which is includ-
more than 20,000 space tourists quickly.” ed in the ticket price.
annually by 2020A Space Experi- HvH: The XCOR Lynx can fly 4
ence Center, designed to become Here is the edited text of an exclu- times a day. We will start opera- CS: Who will sell these flights?
a major tourist attraction in the sive interview with SXC’s Harry van tions in 2014 with approximately Travel agents?
Caribbean, is expected to be a part Hulten: 200 flights. These flights will slow- HvH: KLM and a selected number
of the project. It will also serve as CS: What is the $$$ level of invest- ly increase to approximately 850 in of sales agents.

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 11


T
he Caribbean will be the venue for
some very competitive international
cricket later this year when the West
Indies take on Pakistan and then India in a
number of test, one-day and T-20 matches.
************************
Here are the fixtures for the tour. Keep them handy to follow the matches
DIGICEL SERIES 2011
Pakistan in West Indies
April 18: Pakistan v Vice Chancellor’s XI (50
over ) – Beausejour Cricket Ground
April 21: Digicel Twenty20 – Beausejour Cricket
Ground
Digicel ODI Series
April 23: First Digicel ODI – Beausejour Cricket
Ground
April 25: Second Digicel ODI – Beausejour Crick-
et Ground
April 28: Third Digicel ODI – Kensington Oval
May 1: Fourth Digicel ODI – Kensington Oval
May 5: Fifth Digicel ODI – Guyana National Stadi-
um
May 8 – 9: Pakistan 2 day practice match – Bour-
da Cricket Ground
Digicel Tests
**************************************
May 12 – 16: First Digicel Test – Guyana National
Stadium
Florida’s Caribbean Sun
Sports roundup
T
he City of Ocoee Parks
and Recreation Depart-
ment located just out-
side Orlando in Orange
County will be holding registra-
tion for the 2011 Ocoee Youth
Basketball League on Saturday
January 8, from 9:30am -
5:00pm and on Saturday Janu-
ary 15, from 9:30am - 5:00pm
at the Jim Beech Recreation
Center, 1820 A.D. Mims Road.
The league is open to youths
ages 6 to 17.
May 20 – 24: Second Digicel Test – Warner Park
India in West Indies
June 4: Digicel Twenty20 – Queen’s Park Oval
Digicel ODI Series
June 6: First Digicel ODI – Queen’s Park Oval
June 8: Second Digicel ODI – Queen’s Park Oval
June 11: Third Digicel ODI – Sir Vivian Richards
Cricket Grounds
June13: Fourth Digicel ODI – Sir Vivian Richards
Cricket Grounds
June 16: Fifth Digicel ODI – Sabina Park
Digicel Test Series
June 20 – 24: First Digicel Test – Sabina Park
June 28 – July 2: Second Digicel Test – Kensing-
ton Oval
July 6 – 10: Third Digicel Test – Windsor Park
All interested participants must
register, have a jersey fitting,
perform a skills test, show a
birth certificate and bring proof
of residency. Practice will start
January 25 and games will
begin on February 5. The pro-
gram will include a 7-game
schedule and tournament, cer-
tified referees, team jerseys and
shorts, trophies for first-place
finishers, T-shirts for the tour-
nament champions and a par-
ticipation award for all others.
J
ack Warner has been elected for
an eighth consecutive term as
president of the Caribbean Foot-
ball Union.
All remaining incumbent members of
the Executive Committee have also
been nominated unchallenged in their
current capacities. Warner, also presi-
dent of CONCACAF, received multiple
nominations from the CFU’s 30-nation
membership.
Warner, who has served as the presi-
dent of the CFU since its inception in
1982, described the development as
both humbling and invigorating.
“I am humbled today by the trust be-
stowed upon me by my Caribbean
The cost is $75.00 for the 1st
child and $65.00 for the 2nd
child (residents), and $100.00
for the 1st child and $90.00 for
the 2nd child (non-residents).
The City of Ocoee is also seek-
ing volunteer parent coaches.
All interested volunteers must
attend a coaches meeting on
January 18. The meeting will
be held at the Jim Beech Cen-
ter from 7:30pm - 8:30pm.
For more information, call 407-
905-318
broth-
ers and
sisters;
this
trust
that you
my fam-
ily has
placed
upon
me has
invigor-
Jack Warner
ated my spirit and my soul to continue
to serve you to the best of my abilities,"
he told the press.
12
 Caribbean
Horoscopes
January 2011

Aries (21 March - 19 April) Your career and also your home - where,
how, or with whom you live; or a focus on other property you may own;
or a family matter - will all be on your mind this month. Of the two, how-
ever, your career will get top billing.

Taurus (20 April - 20th May) You are in the mood to travel. Any trip
you would take now (or any actions you take) would have special implica-
tions for your future. The start of new ventures things, in a very vivid,
exciting way!

Gemini (21 May -21 June) .You had money on the brain most of last
year, but trust that this near-obsession of yours will end sometime soon
because good news will come in to soothe you and give you reason for
celebration.

Cancer (22 June - 22 August) The New Year begins by opening a door
to a new experience. You will be coaxed to take steps to build a more
mature relationship with someone important. You will find the courage to
move forward.

Leo (23 August - 22 August )After years of having difficult surprises in

regard to money, January could bring you one staggeringly wonderful
surprise. A bounty of cash is likely to come to you, and when it does, it
could go far to help you stabilize your financial life. News would come
quickly, too - almost the moment the year takes off.

Virgo (23 August - 22 September) You are simply bursting with roman-
tic opportunity during January's first three weeks. Whomever you meet,
or if attached, news you receive could bring an improved change to your
lifestyle for months - even years - to come! You will have everything you
need to enjoy a richer, happier life.

Libra (23 September - 22 October) You are entering a pivotal

month, where decisions you mull over now will stay with you for a long
time. Matters involving your home / property and family will top your list
of actions to take, and your career will get a large share of your thinking,
too. You'll have to be very decisive, because it's an ideal month to make
key decisions. You'll be so productive that you will be amazed.

Scorpio (23 October - 21 November The month will take off with a
bang. A quick trip may sound really good. You may be going on a roman-
tic, spontaneous trip with your sweetheart / spouse. Even if you have to
travel for business, you'll love being out of the house and driving in a
new setting, even if you can't stay long

Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December) .What an amazing

month! Every once in a while, everything you could ever want to happen,
happens, in just the right way, in just about every area of your life. Prob-
lems you assumed wouldn't be fixed for months or years, or wishes you
thought would never come true, suddenly will be delivered now - poof, in
the blink of an eye! This month may well seem like a dream.

Capricorn (22 December - 16 January) This month will offer you a

glittering array of opportunities to make your life feel fresher and more
relevant to the more mature you that you've become. You had little
choice but to listen to quite a bit advice from various sources over the
past 18 months, but this month, birthday time, you have the Sun pro-
tecting you, so you will get to speak your mind clearly and confidently.

Aquarius (20 January - 18 February) You would be wise to be off by

yourself in early January and not to tell any others about your plans. You
won't need to seek others' advice for most of life's questions, for your intui-
tion will be working overtime. Instinctively you will come to all the right an-
swers. Heed that small voice within, dear Aquarius, even if you have no idea
why you feel the way you do, nor why you should follow your intuition. You
are being given night vision now, and you'll want to use it.

Pisces (19 February - 20 March) This will be a magical and en-

chanting month, this month will be all about you, dear Pisces. You will
feel as though someone opened the window to let in the fresh air. Sud-
denly life will have a new and very different feel, and although you may
feel that recently you've been pounded by life, conditions will change dra-
matically enough to give you reason for optimism.

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 13

T
he film Reason to Hope (Global Film
Network, 2010) is available for class-
room use beginning this month, the one
year anniversary of Haiti’s devastating
earthquake.
This 45-minute film chronicles some of the real life
situations following last January's devastating
earthquake in the French-speaking Caribbean is-
land.
"Despite all the heartache and misery the film con-
cludes that there is still Reason to Hope," says pro-
ducer Regge Life.
The earthquake that struck Haiti in January of 2010
brought tragedy to an island that has seen more
than its share of sorrow. Within days, the world-
wide media descended on the island and just as
quickly departed as other stories were deemed
more important.
Independent film and television producer Regge
Life presents a film featuring CBS journalists, corre-
spondent Bill Whitaker and producer Erin Lyall
George, who had the fortune to remain in Haiti for
a month, witnessing more than any other network
journalists.
Regge Life holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from
New York University School of Arts. He is the
founder of Global Film Network, Inc. and Executive
Producer/Director for Doubles and After America.
. . After.
Life produced his first work in Japan in 1992; the
film was called Struggle and Success: The African
American Experience in Japan. Life has worked
with CBS News’ “Saturday Night with Connie
Chung” and NBC’s “Yesterday, Today, and Tomor-
row.” He is the recipient of many awards including
four CINE Golden Eagles. He was honored by the
Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame and chosen a Sony
Innovator in 1991.

Straight out of Florida on Trinidad’s

ISLAND SATURDAYS SPECIAL EDITION
DJ RECONN’S
PRESENTS AT
CLUB LIMELITE
367 N. Orange Ave
Orlando, FL
12 YEAR ANNIVERSARY BASH
Saturday, January 15, 2011 “THE BALLROOM” AT CHURCH STREET
Ladies free until 11.30 pm
Men $10.00 before 12 a.m.
407-217-4667
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
K.O.L. ENTERTAINMENT & PROFESSOR
G.T. PRESENTS
IN CONCERT
DEMARCO
AT
Royal Santa Fe
630 Emeralda Rd
Orlando, FL
Sunday, January 16, 2011
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
"THE VENUE"
TIMEHRI BANQUET HALL
Will be having an
“OLDIES DANCE”
Friday, January 28, 2011
Admission: $5.00
Time: 8pm to ?
7371 West Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
VALENTINE’S DAY BASH
AT
“THE VENUE”
TIMEHRI BANQUET HALL
7371 West Colonial Drive Contact: Val @321-303-9345/Rita @407-
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Saturday, February 12, 2011
Doors open @ 8pm
Show @9pm
Tickets: $10./advance. More at door
Surendra: 407-446-6996
Leon: 321-228-6552
Timehri:407-291-2047
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
GACACF ANNUAL REPUBLIC BALL
Saturday February 19, 2011
7:00PM—2:00AM
Tickets $ 60.00
Contact : Vanessa 407-325-5466
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
ORLANDO COCONUT GROVE
5233 Old Winter Garden Road
Orlando, FL
PRESENTS
“CULTURE MIX” Reggae band
EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT
AT 8 PM
AND
INDIAN KARAOKE
LIVE SINGERS
EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT
AT 5 PM
407-440-6100
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5905 Kirkman Road
Orlando, FL
Saturday, March 19, 2010
Time: 7 pm-1 am
Tickets: $55.00 in advance only
299-8316
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
WACK Radio 90.1fm every Sunday
By Lyma Dunbar
The show Straight out of Florida was
successfully launched on the Trinidad
radio station Wackradio901fm the first
Sunday of the New Year 2011. WACK
Radio, which has a strong on-line pres-
ence around the globe, as well as on the
dial in Trinidad and Tobago, is known for
its motto “we are culture crazy”, and
bringing information that is important to
Trinidadians and Tobagonians firstly
then disseminate such to its West Indian
counterparts. The concept of Lyma
Dunbar of Oildown Productions, the
program, Straight out of Florida, has a
focus to bring information and ideas to
West Indians wanting to reside or vaca-
tion in the state of Florida. Hosted by
Lyma and Kevin “Triniboy” Amoroso, the
show boasts a blend of music, talk and
information, and guests, Attorney
Wayne Golding, and Prince of Prestige
Real Estate have started the ball rolling
with this pertinent information.
Utilizing a talented team of DJs in Mili-
tia, Fyah Squad and Kemis the Mixolo-
gist, the latter of which also edits and
produces the show; Straight out of Flori-
da brings a fresh new approach to West
Indian talk radio; the difference, is that
the show crosses over from the bounda-
ries of Central Florida and interacts with
an international audience through
WACK Radio. Oildown Productions
wants to credit its current sponsors,
Dollar and More, Upper Level Sounds
and Island Riddum Radio with climbing
aboard, and welcome incoming spon-
sors to its program. Log on every Sun-
day on www.wackradio901fm.com
from 1-2 pm Eastern Standard Time,
please be advised that with the upcom-
ing Daylight Savings time, the new time
will be 2-3 pm. For more information on
how you can become a sponsor, please
contact Lyma @ lymadun-
bar@gmail.com or 321-263-9939.

WE COME TO YOU

((407) 350-4888

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 14

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 15
 New Orange County Mayor, The-
resa Jacobs after receiving the
gavel from Mayor Crotty at the
Oath of Office Ceremony held
January 4, 2011 at the Orange
County Convention Center

Above & Below: Enjoying Caribbean

Supercenter’s Holiday party

Above: Tiffany Moore Russell being sworn in

as Orange County Commissioner, District 6

Right : Ole Time Carolers, Members of

GACACF revisit Christmas time in GT

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 16