FREE!

NEWS YOU CAN USE ! Vol. 8 No. 2 · March 2011

A critical year for Guyana

T his year is perhaps the most criti-
cal for post independent Guyana
as it prepares for an election that
must result in an administration that
try will be left behind,” said Dr. Vincent
Adams, currently the highest ranking
Guyanese American serving in the Unit-
ed States Federal Government. He over-
Some 300 Guyanese and friends of Guy-
ana, decked out mostly in tuxedos and
evening gowns enjoyed an elegant even-
ing of fine dining, dancing and meaning-
will ensure the country is not left be- sees the US government’s nuclear ener- ful discourse as they celebrated their
hind. And Guyanese in the Diaspora gy program. homeland’s 41st anniversary as a Repub-
have a critical role to play in helping to lic.
Adams, who is the offspring of an Afri-
ensure the election of a government
can father and an Indian mother from Adams told the ethnically diverse audi-
committed to democracy, good govern-
Linden (formerly McKenzie) in Guyana, ence that “racial harmony must be a
ance, racial harmony, equity and the
was the guest-of-honor and keynote genuine commitment of any govern-
respect for human rights.
speaker at the Guyanese American Cul- ment if it is to mold Guyana into a de-
“Without adherence to these basic prin- tural Association of Central Florida cent, fair and united society effectively
ciples Guyana cannot move forward in (GACACF) annual Republic Anniversary confronting the challenges of the global
keeping with the challenges of a rapidly Gala held last month at the historic economy and moving the country for-
changing global economy and the coun Ballroom at Church Street in Orlando. ward from promise to prosperity.
Continued on PG 6

Dr. Adams 6th from left with the sponsors of the GACACF Republic Anniversary Gala

Food costs rise as fuel prices soar ...

but restaurant owners trying to keep prices “in check”

C
aribbean American restaurant owners in
Florida are striving to keep prices in
check even as they are faced with rising
costs brought on by soaring fuel prices and wild
weather. Many are reporting a significant de-
cline in revenues as a result of the reduction in
spending power of their customers.
Caribbean American restaurant and grocery
store owners tell Caribbean Sun that the costs
of food items rose significantly last month in
addition to which distributors are now adding a
fuel surcharge to deliveries.
Global food prices rose 25 percent last year and
set a record last month, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) estimates.
In the United States, the USDA predicts food
costs will rise as much as 4 percent across the
board this year. U.S. retail food prices, in gro-
ceries and restaurants, are expected to increase
faster than the overall rate of inflation both this
year and next.
Still, food inflation is accelerating at the fastest
pace since reaching a 28-year high in 2008, the
USDA said last month in a report. The U.S. Bu-
reau of Labor Statistics estimates that food pric-
es rose 0.5 percent in January, the biggest jump
since September 2008, and were up 1.8 percent
in the past 12 months.
“The cost of tomatoes has tripled,” said Timehri
restaurant owner Lake Naraine who pointed
also to a significant increase in prices for
shrimp and a host of other items. The increase
in tomato prices is attributed to a chilly winter
in Florida, Texas and Mexico, said Lester Lall,
owner of Circa 1926 in Winter Park. It is ex-
pected that tomato prices will come down in
April.
With gas prices averaging about $3.50 per gal-
lon in Florida and as high as $3.80 per gallon in
south Florida, food distributors have been
forced to increase delivery charges thereby re-
sulting in higher prices for staples such as
meats, eggs, cooking oil, fruits and vegetables,
cereal and baked goods including bread.
“I can’t pass on these increases to the customer.
They are already feeling the crunch. To do that
will kill my business…..I just got to ride it out,”
said Lake Naraine who shared Lester Lall’s
view that cutting back on quality is never an
option in the restaurant business.
D
uring the past two months the
Guyanese American community
in Central Florida has been very
active, demonstrating in the process
that it has the capacity to organize well
and to earn the attention and respect of
influential people both at home and
abroad.
First, it was the Installation of the new
executive committee of the Guyanese
American Cultural Association of Cen-
tral Florida, held at The Venue at
Timehri Banquet Hall. Almost 100 Guy-
anese and friends of Guyana turned out
for the event which had as its guest of
honor, Judge Alli B. Majeed of Then came Peter Ramsaroop another
the Brevard County Court.
Judge Majeed's speech was a master-
piece. His message was "bang on"....we
must be good Guyanese and proud
Americans ...."there is nothing we can-
not achieve if we work hard, stay fo-
cused and obey the law. We must reject
homegrown terrorism in all its forms
whether it manifests itself through our
mosques, mandirs or churches. We must Next was a retirement reception for out-
uphold values of love for family and re- going Guyana born Orange County Sher-
spect for one another."
The Guyanese gathered at this event, of
all ethnic, religious and social back-
grounds, were all brimful of pride not
only about the "heights" this son of the
soil had made in America but of the dis-
play of genuine unity among them-
selves.
The second event, held at the same ven-
ue, was a Town Hall Meeting with PNC/
R candidate for nomination for the
presidency of Guyana, Basil Williams.
Again, a diverse crowd of Guyanese
turned out to meet him and hear his
message. He was asked some really
tough questions and was even heckled
several times by sections of the audi-
ence. And although the majority in the
audience was not PNC/R supporters,
perhaps not supporters of any political
party in Guyana, at the end of the event
they all "hung out" and fired a few
drinks with Basil, asking more ques-
tions about Guyana and in some cases
even contributing to his campaign.
candidate seeking the presidency of
Guyana at elections due later this year.
The band of hecklers was out again.
Would this Indo-Guyanese group of
hecklers who gave Basil Williams a
“rough time” do the same to Ramsa-
roop. Indeed they did. But at the end of
it all there was hugging and laughing
and drinking.
iff’s Office Commander Russell Permaul.
Guyanese as well as scores of law en-
forcement personnel turned out to the
reception. The Guyanese and wider Car-
ibbean American community were
hailed for their good citizenry and law
abiding nature.
This was followed by another town hall
meeting this time held by the Alliance
for Change presidential candidate and
Member of Parliament Khemraj Ramjat-
tan. This was yet another interesting
political meeting and again there was
heckling….this time the heckler was
asked to leave.
Then, there was the elegant Republic
anniversary gala held at the historic
Ballroom at Church Street with the spe-
cial guest being Dr. Vincent Adams, the
highest ranking Guyanese American
currently serving in the US government.
All these events but the Republic Gala
were held at The Venue at Timehri res-
taurant, owned by Guyanese Lake Na-
raine who made the facility available
free of cost for all these events, as he
did for a similar event last November
when Prime Minister Sam Hinds visited
Central Florida. We commend the man-
agement of Timehri for providing a
“home away from home” for Guyanese
irrespective of race, political or reli-
gious affiliation.
One had to be at these events to really
capture the genuine spirit of Guyanese
unity. As elections in Guyana draw
near, the Guyanese community in Cen-
tral Florida has undoubtedly demon-
strated political maturity, ethnic har-
mony and a sense of national pride
which should be emulated by other Guy-
anese communities at home and abroad.
We are sure that there are differences
and problems within the Guyanese
American community in central Florida
but so far these differences don’t seem
to have divided the community….at
least not on the surface.

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

Editor in Chief: Melinda Gordon

Chief Photographer/Editor: Mark Bannister

Managing Editor: Laverne McGee

Lifestyles Editor: Sharazade Kirton

Advertising: Vanessa Chin Churaman (407) 325-5466

Layout & Design by The Highland Agency, Inc.

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 2

 We have two different Jamaicas-PM
By Doreen Hemlock

J
amaica‟s Prime when I carried you. The footsteps you saw doing it primarily to
Minister Bruce there are mine.” Maybe, I‟m into that period reduce staff but to
Golding says when I want one pair of footsteps. Are you a increase efficiency. We
there are two differ- spiritual person? are trying to cut out
ent Jamaicas, one processes. Instead of
Q. I am. Although I went to a meeting on
that is the best in having to go through
non-violence the other day and was struck
the world for many 70 steps before you
by a remark there – that’s it’s a conundrum
things such as ath- get a particular li-
that Jamaica has one of the highest per-
letics, music and cense, you can do it in
capita rates of churches and also, one of the
coffee and another two or three. But in
highest per-capita rates of murders. Perhaps
that is quite violent the process, there is going to be displacement.
the churches are not doing enough to help
despite being a very It‟s not going to make me popular. But it has to
combat crime?
Christian nation. be done.
A. It‟s part of a problem we have, where in so
In an exclusive interview with journalist Q. But at the same time you have displace-
many aspects of our lives, we have two differ-
Doreen Hemlock for the Caribbean Sun and ment, you have to provide some opportuni-
ent Jamaicas. Jamaica is a very Christian
the South Florida Sun Sentinel newspapers, ty for the displaced people, so you don’t
country, but we‟re a very violent country. Ja-
the first part of which was published in our have more violence. It has to be integrated..
maica has been deprived of so much progress,
last edition, the prime minister disclosed that
and yet there are so many respects in which we A. That kind of thinking that has prevented us
a complete review of government is now being
are the best in the world: athletics, coffee.. I from doing it for the last 20-odd years. That
undertaken with a view to becoming more effi-
think it‟s some internal dysfunction we have. you can‟t do it, because it‟s going to create
cient.
Some of which is our politics. Some of it is our problems over here. You have to determine: Do
Here is the final edited part of the interview: culture. We can‟t address this simply by pass- you want to grow in the future, and are you
ing laws or changing governments. There are prepared to take the tough decisions? Margaret
Q. How do you handle the stress that comes
basic transformational tools that have to be Thatcher did it, and look what has happened to
with these challenges? Do you do yoga?
employed. the British economy.
A. I pray.
Q. But that’s my starting point. I’ve been Q. But what do you do for the displaced
Q. For something specific? coming to Jamaica for 25 years, and it real- when you have a culture of crime?
A. No. Just for guidance. Remember that story ly hasn’t changed much compared to China
A. You seek to create new opportunities. Some
of the man who was walking, and he looked that is zooming ahead. It’s not for a lack of
will be created by outsourcing part of what gov-
back at his life and he saw that there was a smart people or committed people. But
ernment used to do before. But ultimately, to
period when there was only one pair of foot- somehow, the systems don’t work
create jobs, you need (private) investment. How
steps. And he asked God, “How could you have A. That‟s part of our problem. We‟re trying to do you get investment? You have to make gov-
abandoned me at a time when I needed you the get right. Right now, for example, we are doing ernment efficient. You have to get government
most?” And God said: “That was the period a complete review of government. We are not out of the business Cont’d on PG 4

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 3

 CARIBBEAN BUSINESS
Cont’d from Pg. 3 We have two different Jamaicas-PM
where it borrows all the money. When I came
to office, 65 percent of the banking system
credit was gobbled up by government, which
meant that 35 percent was what was left for
everyone else.
In America, some people have turned on
Obama, because they say “You‟re spending too
much. Cut the spending.” You don‟t get any-
body in Jamaica saying, “You‟re spending too
much.” What the people in Jamaica say is
“Spend more.” And I don‟t have it to spend.
So, you determine your priorities. What do you
need to do to get the country to a stage where
growth is self-sustained, where it attracts more
investment and growth? Who is going to invest
in a country where you can lend your money to
Laparkan moving to Silver Star Road
(From L-R) Paul & Anita Singh and Dr. Vincent Adams during a
tour of the new Laparkan facility on Silver Star Road
Jamaica sugar sweet but…..
J
amaica‟s sugar industry has been
fined by the United States for ship-
ping poor quality sugar in January
and has been warned that imports of this
commodity could be suspended in the fu-
ture, according to information obtained by
the Caribbean Sun newspaper.
Sources in Guyana have said that the US
is looking to source sugar there having
threatened to ban consolidated imports of
sugar from Jamaica.
But Jamaican authorities say that the US
has given the 7,270 metric tons of sugar
imported in January “a passing grade for
its polarization (the measurement of su-
crose content) but has fined the Sugar In-
dustry Authority (SIA) for three quality in-
fractions –grain size, color and high levels
of dextran, an organism found in stale
cane.
Jamaica has been fined $14,247, $3,344
and $27,477 respectively for each of the
quality infractions.
Jamaica‟s Agriculture Minister Dr. Christo-
pher Sulton has ordered an investigation
into the cause of the shortfall in quality of
the sugar exports to the US.
Florida’s Caribbean Sun
government and get 28 percent, or at one time,
52 percent interest? It was the taxpayers of
Jamaica helping to pay that. This is the kind of
game-changing we have to do. Do you think
it‟s easy? Do you think it makes you popular?
Q. But why did Jamaica get so indebted in
the first place, so your job is cleaning up
debt?
A. It started back in the 1970s, when you had
a government that was headed directly into
Cuban-type socialism. We drove every serious
investor out of Jamaica. They fled. The prime
minister at the time got so annoyed, he told
them that they could take any of the five flights
a day that go to Miami, they could get out. We
have never recovered from that.
L
aparkan Shipping, which
has operated in central
Florida for many years at
6100 West Colonial Drive in Or-
lando, will be moving to a new
facility as of March 31, 2011.
The new office and warehouse
will be located at 1934 Silver
Star Road, just east of John
Young Parkway.
Paul and Anita Singh owners of
PS Freight Systems, who man-
age the Laparkan operations in
central Florida, told Caribbean
Sun that the new 4,500 square
foot facility will offer customers
Dr. Adams congratulated Paul and Anita
improved facilities including Singh and Laparkan for their ongoing
space for packing their boxes commitment to providing their customers
and barrels as well as more with quality service and for having confi-
space for parking. dence in the US economy to expand their
“We will also be able to provide operations.
heightened levels of customer
Jamaica encouraging investment in agriculture
J amaica’s Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Dr.
Christopher Tufton has appealed for increased
investments in the agricultural sector, citing sig-
nificant opportunities from growing local produce. He is
encouraging Jamaicans in the Diaspora as well as for-
eign companies to look into investment opportunities in
the agriculture sector.
Speaking at the launch of the 'Eat Jamaican’ Campaign
in downtown Kingston, Dr, Tufton said that, based on
the sector’s performance, it was an opportune time for
investors to get involved by applying entrepreneurship
Amerijet opens in Orlando
A
merijet last month opened its
Orlando Cargo Receiving station
in the Plaza Shopping Center at
2516 West Colonial Drive, in the heart
of the West Indian business communi-
ty in Central Florida.
The opening hours are Monday to Fri-
day 10-6 and Saturday 9.30 to 6.00
pm.
Amerijet says its new facility will re-
ceive international air and ocean
freight export shipments including gen-
eral personal and commercial cargo,
large and small packages, barrels, val-
uable and or fragile goods.
Do you know in 1973, Lee Kuan came to a
Commonwealth ministers meeting in Jamaica
and took a look at what Jamaica was doing in
terms of investment – mind you, we were still
fledgling, we had screwdriver- type industries,
but they were employing people -- and he said,
“How did you guys do this?” He sat with some
of the architects of it, went back with the ide-
as, and the rest is history. At that time, Jamai-
ca and Singapore were roughly at the same
level… So, having missed our way and found
ourselves in the jungle, we are trying to see if
we can find our way back to the track. But it‟s
certainly not something that can be done in
three years. It‟s a work in progress.
service and offer a hassle free experience
to our customers coming into the facility,”
said Anita Singh. Refurbishing of the
building has been taking place over the
past three months. A formal grand open-
ing is being planned for sometime in April.
This facility was among the Guyanese
owned businesses visited by Dr. Vincent
Adams, the highest ranking Guyanese
American in the US Federal government,
while in central Florida last month aLapar-
kan moving to Silver Star Road
s the guest of honor of the Guyanese
American Cultural Association of Central
Florida (GACACF).
and creativity to improving production systems,
through investment and better management.
“I am prepared to sit with you, to talk to you, not just
about opportunities that exist, but how we can facili-
tate your engagement in that process, either through
policy, through legislation, through accommodation or
facilitation; as long as it’s going to lead to greater value
being created, jobs being created, foreign exchange
being earned or saved, and overall, a more improved
and sustainable agricultural sector,” he said.
Forum on Haiti March
H
aiti One Year Later is the theme for an
international business forum to be held in
Miami on March 9. Put on by the Organi-
zation of Women in International Trade (OWIT) in
conjunction with the Haitian American Chamber
of Commerce, the forum will examine social and
economic re-development in Haiti and business
opportunities arising from the re-development
master plan.
Among the lead speakers at the forum will be
Ralph Latortue, Consul General of Haiti along
with Cristina Barrios, Louise Leger and Gael de
Maisonneuve, the consuls general of Spain, Cana-
da and France respectively.
The forum, sponsored by Seafreight Agencies and
the Miami River Group will be moderated by Mark
D‟sa, senior advisor for industrial development at
the US State Department.
4
Florida’s Caribbean Sun 5
 A Critical Year for Guyana
Continued from the Front Page - ment. So when these politicians come to the best brains and expertise available to
the Diaspora looking for money we must them simply because of politics and race.”
“My mother was Indian and my father was
let them know that we have had enough of
black. I love the black side of my family no Adams, along with Eldon Bremner-general
the politics of race. Let them know that
more than I love the Indian side. I was manager of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel,
you will hold them accountable and unless
raised by my mother who could not read or Commander Russell Permaul of the Or-
they operate in a way that shows that they
write but who struggled not only to raise ange County Sheriff‟s Office and dental hy-
are fair, honest and not racist then they
me but about 23 children from the com- gienist and community worker Urla King
need not come back expecting red carpet
munity who made our small house, their were honored for their long and dedicated
treatment,” Adams said.
home. Racial harmony can be achieved in service in their respective fields and for
Guyana if only we can find an Indian can- While emphasizing that he is not a sup- their contributions to the Guyanese com-
didate that blacks can trust or an Africanporter of any political party in Guyana, Ad- munity.
candidate that Indians can trust. I don‟t ams noted that Guyana should have been
Among the speakers at the event were
know who that candidate is but we in the much further ahead of many of its Carib-
Guyana Member of Parliament Khemraj
Diaspora have to help ensure that the nextbean neighbors but that “the country‟s de-
Ramjattan who brought greetings on be-
president is someone who is truly commit- velopment has been restricted because
half of the Parliament of Guyana and Anti-
ted to racial harmony, balance, equity andover the years we have had people running
gua and Barbuda‟s Ambassador-at-Large
fairness,” Adams told the audience to loudthings about which they don‟t have a clue.
Rupert Blaize who brought greetings on
applause. We have had and continue to have too
behalf of the CARICOM countries.
many square pegs in round holes. And
“Guyana cannot allow the issue of race to
successive governments have failed to use
continue to thwart our quest for develop-

Karen Asche, Montano, All

Rihanna video banned Stars shine at Trinidad Carnival

R K
ihanna has never shied away from
being sexy in her videos, but it
seems she’s gone too far for some
with her colorful video and lyrics for S&M.
Not only has the video been deemed
“inappropriate for some users” by YouTube, British tabloid Daily
where viewers must verify they are 18 or
older before watching it,
but a handful of radio stations are also re-
acting to the song’s racy lyrics.
In the video – while singing lyrics like “Sex in p.m. A rep for the radio station said airplay
the air/ I don’t care/ I love the smell of it/
Sticks and stones may break my bones/ But “We are waiting for an edited version before Asche, a three-time National keenly-fought Panorama finals.
chains and whips excite me” – she dances
around in latex, poking fun at the ball-gag-
wearing media. The clip includes whips, a
dog-leashed Perez arene Asche was Chandelier" - was named Queen
Hilton and Rihanna crowned 2011 Calypso of Carnival.
being handled by Monarch, at the
With a score of 278 points, Neal
the Press. Queen's Park Savannah, in Port
& Massy Trinidad All Stars creat-
of Spain, as carnival in Trinidad
ed history by becoming the first
According to the and Tobago was in full swing.
steelband to receive a hefty $2
Trinidad All Stars steelband won million for winning the National
Mirror, 11 countries
the national panorama competi- Panorama competition.
have already
tion while Wade Madray
banned the video In winning the prestigious title,
claimed the Kinfg of Carnival
from airplay, and All Stars, a highly popular band
title and Machel Montana the
BBC 1 Radio won’t play the track before 7 whose dethroned last year’s
International Soca Monarch ti-
champion PCS Silver Stars, by a
tle.
was being considered for the Loud track: mere three points during a
deciding whether it will be played in the day- Junior Calypso Monarch cap- Singer Machel Montano walked
time.” The singer herself is responding to tured the $2 million first prize
away with a $2 million prize
the reaction . with her two selections, "Be
after giving a showstopping per-
Careful What You Ask For" and
formance at this year’s 2011
"Uncle Jack".
International Soca Monarch
Michael "Sugar Aloes" Osouna Competition.
copped second spot, ahead of
Montano’s performance was his
Dr Hollis "Chalkdust" Liverpool
first at the competition in 16
and Devon Seale.
years but it wowed the crowds
Defending champion Kurt Allen and the judges and he picked up
had to settle for sixth spot, the grand prize in the ‘Power
while Soca artiste Rodney Soca’ category with his song
"Benjai" Le Blanc finished 12th ‘Advantage’.
and last.
Neil Iwer George came in se-
Wade Madray, with his portray- cond, earning him $600,000 in
al of "Pacific Tsunami", claimed prize money.
the King of Carnival title. And
Peola Marchan - "D Jeweled

Community Calendar
GRENADA INDEPENDENCE GALA
AT
THE HOLIDAY INN, HOTEL & SUITES
5905 Kirkman Road
Orlando, FL
Saturday, March 19, 2010
Time: 7 pm-1 am
Tickets: $55.00 in advance only
Contact: Val @321-303-9345/Rita @407-299-8316

INDIAN HORIZON
PRESENTS
HOLI 2011
AT
CITRUS BOWL
1610 Church Street
Orlando, FL
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Contact: 321-8407-889-887282-1887/

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 6

 BBC’s Caribbean Service final broadcast

B
By Laverne McGee BC Caribbean Service has on March 25.

U NC Florida, one of
the organizations that
was instrumental in
helping elect Trinidad Prime
Minister Kamla Persaud Bis-
sessar, has a new vision for
2011.That’s according to re-
elected President Devika Ra-
goobarsingh. UNC’s initial
role was as a political arm of
the party in Trinidad. Howev-
er, now that there is a new
government in place in Trini-
dad, UNC Florida wants to
focus their efforts on fund-
raising. The Prime Minister
is dedicated to helping under-
privileged children in Trini-
dad who are unable to afford
lifesaving healthcare. UNC
Ragoobarsingh says they
will be raising funds for the
are planning an outreach to
Children’s Fund along with Trinidadian nationals all over
several other charities.
Lauderdale but has members
all over Florida. Ra-
goobarsingh says at one time
they had considered not mov-
ing forward as a group but
due to overwhelming support
of their efforts in the commu-
nity, they are ready to help
Trinidadians here and at
home. She has had support
from American officials as
well. Broward County Com-
missioner Dale Holness, of
Jamaican descent, recently led
a trade delegation to Trinidad.
He has been an active sup-
porter of Caribbean American
efforts, including UNC Flori-
da’s charity initiatives.
only a few weeks left in op-
eration as it gets ready to
end its broadcasts on March 25.
The decision by BBC World Ser-
vice is part of cuts which will
amount to over 600 jobs lost.
BBC said the closures are part of
its response to a cut to its Grant-
in-Aid funding from Britain‟s For-
eign & Commonwealth Office
(FCO).
The final week of broadcasting by
the Caribbean Service will include
a regional call-in and discussion
program looking at the future of
pan-Caribbean news and current
affairs.
The last editions of the morning
and evening drive time editions of
BBC Caribbean Report and BBC
Caribbean Magazine will be aired
Debbie Ransome, Head of BBC
Caribbean Service said: “After one
of our best years ever editorially,
this has been a great blow for the
team here.”
Controller, Languages at BBC
World Service, Liliane Landor de-
scribed BBC Caribbean as: “One
of the oldest and most distin-
guished services that the BBC has
provided in English.”
The Caribbean Service transmis-
sions are used on 48 partner sta-
tions across the English, Spanish,
and Dutch Caribbean and as part
of the Caribbean stream on four
FM relays in Jamaica, Trinidad,
Barbados, and Antigua-Barbuda.
The early roots of the Caribbean
Service began in 1939. (BBC)

R
Florida. She welcomes their
etired Guyana Defense
The group is based in Ft. membership in UNC, Florida. Force Brigadier, David
Granger was last month
elected to be the Peoples National
Congress Reform‟s (PNCR) presi-
dential candidate in a keenly con-
tested poll.
Media reports initially had former
finance minister Carl Greenidge as
winner of the poll but after a re-
count Granger emerged the candi-
date. Granger won 279 votes and
Economist, Carl Greenidge won
UNC Florida President Devika Ragoobarsingh with Broward
County Commissioner Dale Holness and Florida Caribbean
Sun's Managing Editor Laverne McGee
264 votes. The other contestants-
Basil Williams got 88 votes, Dr.
Faith Harding 20 and attorney-at-
law James Bond 13 votes.
Granger‟s campaign platform over
the last six months among party
members and supporters has been
on security, youth-education, con-
stitutional reform, job-creation,
economic development and the re-
introduction of a non-militarized
national service.

G
uyanese are likely to
go to the polls on Au-
gust 22, this year, ac-
cording to some analysts and
media reports.
Preliminary projections are
that Guyanese could go to
the polls on August 22 to
elect a government of their
choice. But other sources tell
Caribbean Sun that the elec-
tion will most likely be held
in early December.
With schools expected to
close from July 8 to Septem-
ber 5 for the „August holiday‟,
they will be available for use
as polling stations.
One source, demerara-
waves.com is reporting that
the Claims and Objections
period could begin in early
April after the Elections Com-
mission evaluates the recent-
ly concluded cycle of continu-
ous registration. That evalua-
tion is scheduled to be con-
ducted during the next two
sittings of the seven-member Turn in your old
commission. The Claims and
Objections period is sched-
Singh’s Jewelry unwanted Gold or
Jewelry and make
uled to last six weeks after
which the commission would ca$h
prepare the Official List of Broken , tangled
Electors (OLE). One Free Jewelry Cleaning chains missing
stones mix/match
& Inspection
earrings 10K 14K
Derrick Singh or Ronald Singh 18K 22K 24K
White gold, Tricol-
407-849-0002 ored Gold class
2155 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804 rings, dental gold,
Platinum , Gold
(Magic Mall Booth Z 4-5 Last Entrance) coins, silver and
WE PAY CASH ON THE SPOT more

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 7

 GACACF 7th Annual Republic Anniversary GALA held at The Ballroom at Church Street
©Photos by Mark Bannister

A glimpse of the sartorial splendor of the evening

The ethnic, gender and era diversity of the Gala’s patrons (below & above)

The Scantlebury Family

Dancing the night away

Dr. Vincent Adams, Wesley Kirton and Guyana MP Khemraj Ramjattan

From (l to r) Linda Felix, Brian Bacchus and Sakina Bell

Urla King receives her

award from GACACF’s

President George Lyking

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 8

Judge Alli B Majeed swears in the new Executive of the GACACF at Installation ceremony
© Charles Bigby

Attendees at the GACACF Installation

ceremony in prayer. © Charles Bigby

Retiring Orange County Sheriff ‘s Office Commander Russel Permaul with Colleagues at Circa’s restaurant proprietor Lester Lall (standing) welcomes
a Retirement Reception hosted in his honor by Florida’s Caribbean Sun Newspaper, and guests at Brunch he hosted as part of the Guyana Republic
Timehri Restaurant Anniversary celebrations in Central Florida

Guyanese in Central Florida with

Guyana Peoples Partnership Presi-
dential candidate Peter Ramsaroop
at the end of a Town Hall Meeting
at The Venue

Below: Guyanese pose with PNC-R

Member of Parliament Basil Williams
at the end of his Town Hall Meeting at
The Venue in Orlando

The Alliance For Change Town Hall Meeting in Orlando

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 9

 KISSIMMEE # 407-201-3066

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 10


U rla King is currently the Senior
Registered Dental Hygienist at
Orange Dental in South Orlan-
do. She received her accreditation from
New York City Technical College, City
University of New York where she grad-
uated as the Valedictorian in 1990. Urla
began her dental studies in 1976 as part
of the first batch of Dental Nurses re-
ceiving a scholarship from the Guyana
Government to the Dental Auxiliary
School in Kingston, Jamaica earning
exceptional honors at graduation. In
1980 she was awarded a World Health Organization scholarship and
was the first from Guyana to study and earn a Diploma in Advanced
Dental Nursing from the University at Wellington, New Zealand.
Before relocating to Central Florida in 1994, Urla was the Senior
Dental Hygienist at Jamaica Hospital, Queens, New York for a num-
ber of years and also worked with several dental specialties in the
Greater New York area. She has been an active member of the Cen-
tral Florida Community in the area of Dental Hygiene and Preventa-
tive Dental Health Education. She is the consummate professional
and often volunteers at community health fairs and clinics and has
even made goodwill trips to her hometown of Queenstown, Essequi-
bo where she rendered dental services to members of that communi-
ty on a voluntary basis.
Urla is a longstanding member of the Caribbean and Floridian Asso-
ciation and has been a member of the Guyanese American Cultural
Association of Central Florida from its inception. She is married to
Andy King and they have 2 children between them; Son Steffan, a
Medic in the United States Navy and Daughter Nicole, currently pur-
suing a teaching career by way of Valencia Community College.
Florida’s Caribbean Sun
R
ussell Permaul served the Orange
County Sheriff’s Office for over 31
years. His long and dedicated ser-
vice of an exceptionally high standard result-
ed in his rise through the ranks to the posi-
tion of Commander of the Metropolitan Bu-
reau of Investigations (MBI) division of vice
organized crime, from which he will retire in
a few days.
“Russ” as he is popularly known, hails from humble beginnings in Al-
bouystown, Guyana, a ward of the capital city of Georgetown which be-
cause of stereotypes, would hardly be expected to produce an honest, disci-
plined and hardworking young man who would choose law enforcement as
a profession.
Over the years Russ has not been just a policeman as he would be called in
Guyana. He has been a community worker as well. While his dedicated
service has seen him put criminals behind bars, go undercover to “root out”
drug barons and other ruthless criminals and indeed been shot at; he has
also counseled young people, educated the community about their civil
rights, advised business owners on security precautions and generally inter-
acted with the community, especially the Guyanese American community
in a positive and meaningful way.
Over the years Commander Permaul has served in various capacities
among them Administrator of the Gang Resistance Education and Training
(GREAT) program for the Southeast United States; Commander of the Or-
lando International Airport Narcotics Unit and Supervisor of the Orange
County Package Unit.
He holds a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia College
and a Masters in Organizational Management from Phoenix University. He
has also participated in several specialized training courses. He is also the
recipient of several awards and recognitions including the Distinguished
Service Award (3 times); the Purple Heart; the Medal of Valor; the Medal
of Merit; the Combat Ribbon and the Sheriff’s Citation.
Russ is a lover of animals and lives on his ranch in Geneva, Florida.
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS !!
11
Florida’s Caribbean Sun 12
 Caribbean Horoscopes
March 2011

This will be a glorious month. Last

Aries (21 March - 19 April)
month brought you a variety of opportunities and a few changes,
especially in the career area. If you did not make it happen, here
is your second chance. Look out now as you start to receive all
sorts of gifts.

Taurus (20 April - 20th May) March is a stellar month for your
career. Others might even become a little envious but it’s your
turn now. On the job front this month belongs solely to you.

Gemini (21 May -21 June) You will adore March! You'll start to
see evidence that you are indeed finding yourself in an enviable
place in the universe, and this will become apparent very quickly,
in the first week of the month. As you may have guessed, you
have entered one of your best months of 2011.
Cancer (22 June - 22 August) Lots
of change is taking place in
your horoscope, and the very best has to do with your brilliant
career aspects. Luck, entered your tenth house of honors, awards,
and achievement for the first time since early 1999 so get ready
for a number of lucky career breaks.

Leo (23 August - 22 August ) You seem ready to join forces with
someone special, and that's unusual for you. You seem excited by
the possibilities of this "coming together" of you and one special
individual. Talks and plans will begin to shape up quickly this
month.

Virgo (23 August - 22 September) If there is one part of life that

gives you enormous satisfaction, it's feeling fully prepared and
absorbed in a fascinating project. This month, you will be polish-
ing one assignment until it gleams, and later you will feel rightly
proud that you made it the very best it can be. That is why you
will be so happy in March.

Libra (23 September - 22 October) What a terrific month! What

all Libras need, including you, is a happy month filled with a few
lucky breaks and a sprinkling of lots of fun. Here it comes, dear
Libra! They've already opened the bottle of champagne, so all
they are waiting for is their guest of honor, you!

Scorpio (23 October - 21 November ) You will be thinking

about how to make your home more comfortable and cozy. Wow
- harness this energy and you certainly will be able to make things
happen - your way! You may also want to make an effort to see
family members too, and enjoy catching up on news of what eve-
ryone in the clan have been doing.

Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December) You will love March!

It's a strong and sturdy month that will allow you to make excep-
tional progress. It's clear all kind of good news is about to come
barreling toward you quickly, dear Sagittarius!

Capricorn (22 December - 16 January) This

will be a big finan-
cial month. It started in February. Cut the cards, make the deal,
and find ways to earn more money, dear Capricorn, but do it early
in the month when you will have your very best aspects for mak-
ing a really good deal.

Aquarius (20 January - 18 February) The past few months might

have been all right, although perhaps a bit lackluster, but March
will be simply beautiful for you. It comes all wrapped and tied
with a big red bow. March is due to be a glorious month, as eve-
rything works together to create a dramatic and exciting set of
opportunities for you.

Pisces (19 February - 20 March) This month, is a crown of glit-

tering stars - you may get ideas when you sleep and dream, or get
flashes at odd times like when in a taxi cab or in the shower. Your
intuition and instinct are so sharp that your ideas won't only be
brilliant, but also right on target for the public to buy, too.
Florida’s Caribbean Sun 13
 Guyanese among Caribbean Fusion
most generous March
people at Heritage Park
By CATHERINE RAMPELL

T P
he United States is the fifth
most-generous country on
earth, tied with Switzerland,
according to a new ranking
from Gallup’s World Giving Index.
Guyana ranked 16th in the survey thus
making Guyanese among the most
generous people in the world.
The index is based on surveys and oth-
er research on 153 different countries,
which together constitute about 95
percent of the world’s population. The
survey asks in part about charitable
behavior, including donations, volun-
teering habits and taking time to help
strangers.
Based on this index, Australia and New nation’s gross domestic product.
Zealand are tied as the most generous
nations on earth.
The top 21 most generous countries,
in order, are:
1. Australia
1. New Zealand
3. Ireland
3. Canada
5. Switzerland
5. United States
7. Netherlands
8. Britain lans have been finalized for ture with its foods, music, and arts.
8. Sri Lanka
this year’s Caribbean Fusion- a Also, a free health fair will be part of
10 Austria
cultural extravaganza- in Kis- the festivities,” said Andy King, one of
11. Lao People’s Democratic Republic
11. Sierra Leone simmee which is to be held on Sunday, the planners of the event.
13. Malta March 27 at Heritage Park. The Carib- .
bean and Floridian Association, Inc., Many tourists from surrounding coun-
14. Iceland
14. Turkmenistan (CAFA) will be the sole host of the ties and states and as far away as New
16. Guyana “Caribbean Fusion” event this year. York and Canada have made their way
16. Qatar Traditionally, the City of Kissimmee co- to attend and we fully expect that this
18. Hong Kong hosted, but due to budgetary con- year’s festival will bring them back
18. Germany straints, it is no longer able to co-host again to enjoy the Sunshine State.
18. Denmark
the event.
18. Guinea
Admission is free, and the vendors
Gallup’s analysis of the data found There is also a new venue for this have to pay for their booths. Proceeds
that giving money is more strongly year’s Caribbean Fusion. Due to the go to various charitable organizations
correlated with happiness than with a renovation of the Lake Front Park, the such as Osceola Council for the Aging,
event will be held on March 27, 2011 CAFA scholarship foundation, Red
“It would be reasonable to conclude at Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Cross, and the YMCA.
that giving is more an emotional act Trail, Kissimmee, FL 34744.
than a rational one,” the report says. “Good music, great food, beautiful
“We expect that there will be approxi- crafts, dance, and happy people on a
Among the other findings, age and
gender affected generous behaviors. mately 3000-5000 people in attend- beautiful day are a combination that is
Globally, giving money to charity in- ance at this event. hard to beat! As a result, we are sure
creases with age, largely explained by Every year around Easter time for the that local hotels and restaurants will
changes in disposable income. Women past eighteen years, Caribbean Fusion benefit from additional tourists as
are generally more likely to give than has been able to present and promote well. All in all, it is a win-win situation
men, but only just barely – 30 percent
cultural events that bring diversity into for everyone, and we are hoping to
versus 29 percent
the Greater Orlando/Osceola area, by see you there,” King said.
showcasing the best of Caribbean Cul-

Buju’s appeal unlikely to succeed-Rowe

A
Miami-based lawyer who said he advised Buju
Banton to take a plea deal soon after his arrest
on cocaine charges in 2009, says it’s unlikely that
the singer will succeed in an appeal against his convic-
tion.
Professor David Rowe, in an interview on Radio Jamaica
recently, suggested that Buju should have thrown in the
towel a long time ago because of the evidence that had
been gathered against him.
The lawyer’s comments came after the 37-year-old sing-
er was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with the
intent to distribute more than 11 pounds of cocaine;
attempted possession with the intent to distribute co-
caine; and using a communication facility to facilitate a
drug-trafficking offence. The jurors, who returned with
their decision on day two of deliberations, found him not
guilty of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-
trafficking offence.
Buju, whose real name is Mark Myrie, could get 15 years
in jail. His attorney, David Markus, has indicated that an
appeal will be filed, as well as a request for bail pending a
hearing.
But Professor Rowe said that as far back as the night of
Buju’s arrest – December 10, 2009 – he recommended
that the singer not go to trial to avoid being hit with a
heavy prison term.
“When I read the probable cause affidavit, I suggested
that he immediately take a plea which would have prob-
ably resulted in a two or three year resolution to this feared for his life
case,” Professor Rowe told the radio station. and decided to
play it cool and
“But he elected not to do so, he elected to hire attorneys
go along with it.
and run a very, very exotic defense of entrapment but
the entrapment defense does not work in federal court… After the 12-
To tell a jury that the reason why I did something was member jury, by
because I was not prone to do it and somebody over- virtue of the ver-
came my will is very difficult to explain. It’s statistically a dict, threw out
very difficult defense," he added. Buju’s defense,
the singer re-
Buju’s friend Ian Thomas who is godfather to two of the
mained com-
singer’s children, and another man, James Mack, both of
posed. He
whom were arrested when they tried to buy cocaine
hugged his law-
from an undercover detective the same day Buju was
yer and blew a
arrested, pleaded guilty to their charges and are now
kiss at crying sup-
awaiting sentencing.
porters in the
During the trial, the defense argued that government courtroom before being taken into custody.
informant Alexander Johnson – whom Buju first met on a
He later issued a brief written statement, which was read
flight from Madrid, Spain to Miami, Florida in the sum-
by his attorney: “Our life and our destiny are sometimes
mer of 2009 – pressured the entertainer to enter a drug
pre-destined and no matter where this journey takes me,
deal with him.
remember I fought the good fight. It was a great man
The prosecution produced audio of a series of conversa- that said my head is bloody but still unbowed. I love you
tions in which Buju was heard discussing buying and sell- all thank you for your support.”
ing cocaine, as well as videotaped evidence of him
Buju’s trial began February 14, a day after he won his
tasting cocaine in a warehouse.
first Grammy.
But when he took the witness stand, Buju said the con-
It was his second trial, the first having ended in mistrial
versations were “just talk”. As for the video, he said he
after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
thought he was being taken to see a boat and when he
(Caribbean 360)
realized Johnson was serious about dealing drugs, he

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 14

CRICKET WORLD CUP roundup

T
he bus carrying the West Indies cricket team The incident occurred after West Indies completed a shattered, but no one was injured."
from the stadium to their hotel in Bangladesh crushing nine-wicket victory over the hosts in a match
Mustafa Kamal, the Bangladesh Cricket Board president,
was stoned on after they thrashed Bangladesh that lasted all of 31.1 overs. The discontent among the
apologized for the incident, but insisted that there was
by nine wickets in Mirpur. There were no injuries, but crowd could be seen when they started throwing the
enough security in place. "We are sorry about the inci-
the players were shaken and the incident raised ques- placards that have "4" and "6" written on them onto the
dent. This is the first time it is happening here," he said.
tions about the effectiveness of security at the World playing field the moment Bangladesh lost their last wick-
"Now we will take extra care. Much more security
Cup championship currently beinfg played in India, Sri et to be bowled out for their lowest-ever ODI total - 58.
measures will be taken care of."
Lanka and Bangladesh.
The stones hit the bus when it was about three minutes
Kamal said the stones did not come from inside the cor-
News of the incident spread across the world within mo- on its way back to the hotel. Spooner said that the team
doned-off area, but from far away from the main road.
ments as Chris Gayle tweeted “a stone by stone” ac- manager, Richie Richardson, would notify the respective
"Enough and adequate security measures were in place,"
count of the incident which resulted in a window of the boards and the ICC soon. There was no panic, he said.
he said. "The teams were moving away from the ground
bus being broken. "Just make sure you mention that nobody got hurt, eve-
to the hotel, and there were enough convoys. There
rybody is safe. There is no panic, everybody is fine."
"This is some b*******," Chris Gayle tweeted moments were three buses: one was a dummy bus and the two
after the incident. "Bangladesh stoning our bus!!! Freak- Gayle was not that calm about it. He tweeted again: others were the team buses. The entire route was cor-
ing glass break!!! This is c***, can't believe..what next "This is ridiculous!!! Damn!!! W Cup with so many securi- doned off by the police, and the security was enough.
bullets!!!! Kiss teeth". ty an this happen!! Big Joke!!! Trust me I'm not keen
"Four or five stones came at one go from maybe five or
here!!! Av (every) players lay flat!!!"
The team's media manager, Philip Spooner, confirmed six people standing far away from the main road. All the
that two windows cracked, but none shattered, and A Bangladesh police official said the fans had mistaken stones came in at one time and they were coming from
hence no stone made its way inside. "We left the the West Indies bus for the Bangladesh bus. "The fans far away from the main road. That's why the glass was
ground, and on our way back to the hotel, a couple of thought it was the Bangladeshi team bus and they hurled not shattered. The matter is being investigated. Definite-
stones did hit our window," Spooner said. stones at it," Imtiaz Ahmed, deputy commissioner of ly, they will be able to catch the guys."
police in Dhaka, told AFP. "The window panes were

W est Indies batsman Marlon Samuels has con- tournament, I want to, at this moment, focus on four-day ICC in May 2006 for his alleged involvement with book-
firmed that he has refused an offer to replace and not one-day cricket, and try to be out there in the makers.
the injured Dwayne Bravo in the Caribbean sun for hours on top of hours. I am doing that at the mo-
Guyana leg-spinner Davendra Bishoo replaced Bravo in
team's World Cup squad in the sub-continent. ment.
the squad and when contacted, the West Indies Cricket
Samuels, who was banned for two years for passing on "However, despite this, I still don't think I am 100 per Board neither confirmed nor denied the reason for Sam-
information to bookmakers, said he was approached by cent ready and I want to be honest with myself. I hope uels' refusal.
selectors to replace Bravo but turned down the offer the selectors understand and respect my decision," add-
because he is not yet ready for a comeback to interna- ed the 30-year-old. Samuels, who has so far scored three centuries and a 50
tional cricket.
However, according to a report in 'The Trinidad Express', since returning to regional four-day cricket, however said
"First of all, I want to say thanks to the regional selectors the tainted Samuels rejected the opportunity as he that he was looking forward to playing against India and
for sitting down and thinking about selecting me for the feared being arrested in India, one of the co-hosts of the Pakistan in the upcoming Digicel home series.
World Cup. I am honored to get such a phone call," Sam- mega-event along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
uels was quoted as saying by a Caribbean FM radio sta- "I am definitely looking to play in the upcoming Digicel
tion. Samuels represented West Indies in 29 Tests and 103 homes series, so hopefully, I will continue on the road
that I am and continue to score centuries," he said.
"But as I had said in interviews before the start of the ODIs before being slapped with a two-year ban by the

W
hen West Indies comprehensively beat
Bangladesh recently in their world cup en-
counter captain Darren Sammy praised the
“pep talk” given his team by Chris Gayle just prior to the
start of the match.
For many West Indies fans this “pep talk” came from the
most unlikely source, Chris Gayle whose attitude often
suggests that he does not appreciate what West Indies
cricket mean to the people of the Caribbean.
When Darren Sammy was named West Indies captain in
October last year, one of the few people he received
support from was the man he replaced - Chris Gayle,
who said at the time: "We are all there to try and guide
and help him." Gayle lived up to his word recently giving
the West Indies team a pre-match motivational speech
and warning that Bangladesh would be up for the game.
Sammy was appreciative of Gayle's contribution. "We
were a little flat in the warm-up and he *Gayle+ didn't like
that, so he encouraged us to go out there and remember
Bangladesh would be coming hard at us," Sammy told
AFP. "Gayle told us 'do not take Bangladesh lightly'."
West Indies obviously took Gayle seriously, for what fol-
lowed was a nine-wicket demolition of Bangladesh which climax. "I was expecting a bigger occasion than this but
lasted just 31.1 overs. having said that the wicket seems to be doing a bit,"
Gayle said. "Kemar Roach *who took 3 for 19+ did a bril-
Gayle led West Indies for three years before he was
liant job and all the bowlers stepped up to the plate. The
axed, a decision the West Indies board made shortly
wicket seems to be doing a bit for the spinners."
after Gayle had decided against signing a central con-
tract, thus freeing him to play Twenty20 competitions in The win gives West Indies four points from three games,
other countries even if board commitments had to be and Gayle was confident his team was on their way to
compromised. He is, however, still a vital part of West the knockouts. "This will take us through to quarter-
Indies' squad, and Sammy praised his commitment to final," he said, but was quick to add: "We can't relax.
the team, saying Gayle played even though he was not Ireland, India and England games are coming. I am trying
feeling well. to spend some time in the middle; I was trying to sort
things out as quickly as possible and I will try to give the
"It was a brilliant performance by my team-mates," Sam-
team good starts."
my said. "Chris Gayle wasn't feeling well today but I
thought he came out and showed how committed he is West Indies went into the game ranked lower than Bang-
to the cause." Sammy, himself, made an important con- ladesh in the ICC one-day rankings, and many tipped
tribution, taking three wickets and a sharp slip catch to Bangladesh's home advantage to give them the edge.
remove the dangerous Tamim Iqbal, as West Indies Sammy, however, said he was always confident it was a
bowled Bangladesh out for 58. winnable game. "We went out there knowing how cru-
cial this game was for us," he said. "We've always fancied
There was not much left for Gayle to do with the bat, but
ourselves, but it's up to us to go out there and play com-
he crossed an important landmark, going past 8,000 one-
petitive and consistent cricket." They will now hope to
day runs on his way to an unbeaten 37. Gayle said he
take that consistency into their next game, another cru-
was a bit surprised that the match, which had been built
cial one, against Ireland on March 11.
up as a crunch tie in Group B, had been such an anti-

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 15

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 16