Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Caribbean Sun April 2011 Issue
Caribbean Sun April 2011 Issue
T
he government of to Florida.
Jamaica has invit- Ambassador Marks visited
ed President south and central Florida
Barack Obama to happen soon,” Ambassador steadily improving and
during which she met with
the island-nation and dis- Marks said in response to a that President Obama has
members of the Jamaican
cussions are currently tak- question about a possible expressed the desire that
Diaspora, elected officials,
ing place that could lead to visit by the US president to the two countries work to-
business leaders and the
a visit “soon”, Jamaica’s Jamaica. She said that re- gether to address issues of
media.
ambassador to the United lations between the two mutual concern.
States, Audrey Marks dis- “There are discussions go- countries, which were
(more Jamaica news inside)
closed during a recent visit ing on and I expect it to strained at one period, are
J
amaica’s Ambassador to eligible, to become citizens of the United
the USA, Her Excellency States. She said that they would be better
Audrey Marks says that able to leverage their size as a community
the Diaspora has a for their personal as well as for Jamaica’s
unique contribution to economic development.
make to Jamaica’s development.
The Ambassador who was on her first offi-
She was speaking to nationals at cial visit to the South Florida community
a recent Community Luncheon had also used the opportunity to visit na-
hosted by the Caribbean Bar As- tionals in Central Florida. During her na-
sociation of Central Florida tional outreach across Diaspora communi-
(CBACF), and the Jamaican ties throughout the USA, Ms. Marks ob-
American Association of Central served that the passion of the nationals
Florida (JAACF) at the Rosen she encountered reflected an interest in
Plaza Hotel in Orlando recently. their homeland, and simultaneously they
The event was chaired by Mr. also demonstrated a positive impact on the
Wayne Golding, President of the development of communities here in the
CBACF. Welcome remarks were USA.
given by Jamaica’s Consulate
She noted that Jamaicans have been con-
General, Sandra Grant Griffiths
tributing to the development of the United
and Mrs. Sandra Fatmi, Board
States more than 200 years ago with the
member of the JAACF.
migration of John Brown Russworm, an Af-
Ambassador Marks urged nation- rican-Jamaica, who became the first Afri-
als to re-evaluate their passion can-American to graduate from Bowdoin
for Jamaica by becoming en- College and the third college graduate of
gaged and empowered in the po- his race. Russworm went on to become co-
litical decision-making process founder and co-editor of Freedom’s Jour-
of the local communities in Jamaica’s Ambassador to USA, Her Excellency nal, Black America’s first newspaper.
which they resided overseas. Audrey Marks (right) sharing a moment with She chronicled years of migrant activities
More importantly, she encour- Mayor of Orlando, Hon. Buddy Dyer when she
that laid the foundation for the long-
aged those nationals who were paid a courtesy call to the City of Orlando
standing friendship (continued on page 9)
G
uyanese in Central Florida will cel- and discussions are currently taking place Entry to this event is free of cost but a lim-
ebrate the country’s 45th anniver- about the visit. He said Guyana’s president ited number of tables each seating 10 per-
sary of Independence with a Fami- Bharrat Jagdeo has also been invited to visit sons will be reserved for $50 for those who
ly Fun Day on Sunday, May 29, at Florida at the same time. The Family Fun wish to sit and enjoy the performances.
the pavilion at the Central Florida Fair- Day is being put on by Timehri Restaurant
Timehri Restaurant proprietor Lake Narain
grounds on West Colonial Drive. “The Venue” in conjunction with Florida’s
told Caribbean Sun that the event is not for
Caribbean Sun newspaper with support from
The event will feature music and dance, an profit and that the financial support of the
other members of the Guyanese American
exhibition of arts, craft and goods and ser- business community will be used to cover
business community. Among the companies
vices offered by Guyanese and other Carib- the costs of renting the Fairground facili-
supporting the event are Circa Restaurant,
bean entrepreneurs, games for the kids, a ties, promotional and advertising material,
A&A Halal Distributors, AA Ali CPA, Singh’s
car show and an auction. contracting the bands, DJ’s, sound equip-
Roti Shop, Law Offices of Gail Seeram, Flori-
ment and stage and providing prizes and
The Supertones Band, Creig Camacho, DJ Al da Softball Cricket Association, Caribbean
trophies for the kids games.
and DJ Gary Osman have already signed on Supercenter, Laparkan Shipping, Celina’s
to perform at the event which is likely to Market, Magic Suds Carwash, Seafreight This is a free event and will go on regardless
see the Guyana Police Force Band perform, Agencies, Caribbean Airlines, Singh’s Jewel- of the weather since it is being held in a pa-
if arrangements are concluded for a six city ry, Chand’s West Indian Grocery, Shakera’s vilion. Parking is free as well. This event,
Florida tour by the band. Restaurant, The Highland Agency, Furniture although it will be held on the same day as
Kingdom, Exclusive Countertops and Cabi- the Orlando Carnival is not in competition
Guyana’s Honorary Consul General Ram Ali
netry, Exclusive Auto Body & Repair, Errol with the Carnival. The families that will
confirmed that the Guyana Police Force
Baines and Family, Aftab Trucking, Training come to this event are not the type that will
Band has been invited to perform in six
by Kash and Advanced Auto, among others. go to Carnival. The younger people will go
Florida cities during the last week in May
to both,” Narain said.
Know Your Rights Forum Offers Free Legal Advice to Community
On April 8, 2011, the Orange County Sheriff Depart- reminded the attendees that a police
ment’s Caribbean-American Advisory Committee hosted officer can charge you with resisting
a free legal forum that was attended by over two hun- arrest without violence if you don’t
dred residents of Orange County. The panelists of legal cooperate or interfere with the police
experts were comprised of Sheriff Jerry L. Demings, Hon. officer’s investigation during the traffic
Judge Alicia L. Latimore, Immigration Attorney Gail See- stop. State Attorney Orley Burey stat-
ram, State Attorney Orley Burey, Criminal Attorney Rich- ed that his office and the courts do not
ard Hornsby, Foreclosure Attorney Karla Valladares, look favorably on anyone who hits or
Criminal Attorney Wayne Golding and Dr. Joyce H. Hen- pushes a police officer. In the situa-
ry, ACLU Mid-Florida Region Director. tion where you are unsure if you are
under arrest, you can simply ask the
Various community organizations came together to pro-
police officer, “Am I free to go?” Ac-
mote the event on local radio, television, newspaper,
cording to State Attorney Orley Burey,
and within their organizations. The forum was held at
if the police officer says “No”, then you
Eglise Christ Sanctifie church, a local church in the Pine
must remain until the police officer
Hills area. According to Immigration Attorney Gail See-
completes his investigation. Further,
ram, “I volunteered to coordinate this legal forum on
Sheriff Demings stated that there is a process available tion and stated, “Yes, case law supports that the police
behalf of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department be-
where you can file a complaint if you feel you were officer can lie to you. This is why you should remain
cause the ordinary citizen is unaware of their basic rights
wrongly treated by a police officer. In response, Crimi- silent until you have your attorney present.” According
when dealing with the police, the judicial system, and
nal Attorney Richard Hornsby suggested to not file a to Sheriff Demings, you are allowed to make a phone
immigration officials.”
complaint if you are pursuing a case against the police call once processing in the jail is complete. Judge Alicia
What are your rights during a traffic stop? Sheriff officer because the complaint can be used during the L. Latimore mentioned that a court hearing is scheduled
Demings advised that a police officer can stop an individ- court proceedings. between 24-48 hours after your arrest. If you qualify, a
ual who is walking, riding a bike or driving a vehicle. He public defender will be assigned to your case.
What are your rights in jail & court? In the situation
noted that when an police officer approaches your vehi-
where you are arrested, Dr. Joyce H. Henry reminded What are your rights when dealing with Immigra-
cle, it is recommended to keep your hands visible to the
the attendees that you have the right to remain silent tion? The audience inquired about an immigration
police officer. The recommendation was made to keep
and do not have to answer any questions by the police hold. Immigration Attorney Gail Seeram explained when
your hands on the steering wheel. According to Criminal
officer. Once you exercise your right to an attorney by you are booked into jail, your information is ran through
Attorney Richard Hornsby, the police officer can only ask
saying “I want to talk to my attorney”, then the police an immigration database and if you may face removal/
you for a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and
officer must stop asking you questions. If they continue deportation due to a conviction or are unlawfully in the
proof of registration. If an incident occurs where you
to ask you questions, you have the right to not answer U.S., then an immigration hold will be placed on your
feel your rights are violated, then Judge Alicia L. Lati-
any questions. Someone from the audience asked, “Can release. Thereby, you cannot be bonded out or released
more suggested that you not fight it out with the police
a police officer tell a lie to me to gain information?” on your own recognizance if an immigration hold is
officer on the street but rather wait until you are in
Criminal Attorney Richard Hornsby answered the ques- placed on you. ….. Cont’d on the page 4
court before a Judge. Criminal Attorney Wayne Golding
P
PP General Secre- reflects the party leader- Iwer George and downtown Orlando
tary Donald Ra- ship’s commitment to Rikki Jai are among ending up at Festi-
motar has been maintaining party unity, the big names ex- val Field.
elected by consensus to be continuing progress in pected to perform at
Richard Yates, one
the ruling party’s presiden- Guyana and building this year’s Orlando
of the lead organiz-
tial candidate to contest stronger unity at all levels Carnival, to be held
ers of the carnival
the 2011 general elections of the Guyanese nation,” on Sunday, May 29,
told Caribbean Sun
in Guyana. he said. 2011, at Festival
that the event is still
He added that no voting Field, opposite the
seeking sponsors
was required because the Citrus Bowl.
and called on the
three other candidates Also performing will Caribbean American
withdrew. The others were Ramotar be Antigua’s Tizzy, business community
Gail Teixeira, Clement Ro- Guyana’s QP and to support the
Reform has already elected
hee and Ralph Ramkarran. the Virgin Islands preservation of this
retired army Brigadier Da-
The decision of the CC will vid Granger as its choice Drive Band. They vital art form.
be formally endorsed by while the smaller opposi- will be joined by Le-
Vendor booths are
three county conferences. tion party Alliance For on Coldero and his
also available.
Code 868 band and
Granger Ramotar’s victory was Change is running with the RAAG Band. The annual Orlando
widely expected even lawyer Khemraj Ramjattan. There will be tassa Caribbean Carnival
This was officially con- though many had har- Ramotar has been the PPP drumming, dancing attracts thousands
firmed at a recent news bored hopes that Speaker General Secretary since each year.
and the parade of
briefing following a meeting of the National Assembly 1997 following the death of bands through
of the party’s Central Com- Ramkarran would have tri- party founder and presi-
mittee (CC) at Freedom umphed if the party went dent Dr. Cheddi Jagan.
House.Cabinet Secretary the way of a secret ballot. The 60-year-old is a gradu-
Dr. Roger Luncheon, who Ramotar’s election is al- ate of the University of
chairs the party’s selection most certain to mark the Guyana’s Department of
process, said Ramotar was commencement of Guy- Economics and hails from
unanimously identified as ana’s general election cam- Caria Caria, Essequibo
the presidential candidate. paign. The main opposition River.
“This consensual choice Peoples National Congress
Email: caribbeansunnews@gmail.com
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WE PAY CASH ON THE SPOT more
Cross section of the crowd at Caribbean Fusion held in Kissimmee in March FSCA Event at The Venue.
© Vanessa Churaman
© Vanessa Churaman
Milestones can be
such fun as Miss
Annesa Shaffee
turns 9!!
©Danny Dhanraj
and cooperation between Jamaica and the added that a restructuring of all the areas Orlando and Orange County, Mr. Buddy
United States. of trade implementation was in progress to Dyer, and Ms. Teresa Jacobs, respectively,
facilitate access to the channels of doing where there was a brief exchange of infor-
As she commended the nationals for their
business in Jamaica. mation regarding the mutually beneficial
outstanding contributions to their local
relationship that existed between Jamaica
communities abroad, the Ambassador en- Turning to the upcoming National Diaspo-
and the largely populated Diasporic com-
couraged them to celebrate their progress. ra Conference to be held in next June in
munities in the United States.
Jamaica, Ambassador Marks urged partic-
Turning to Jamaica’s economic develop-
ipation from all overseas community- The Ambassador was also accompanied by
ment, the Ambassador said that Govern-
based groups and individuals, and invited Consul Desreine Taylor of the Consulate
ment’s focus is now on trade and invest-
submissions so the agenda can be framed General of Jamaica and Superintendent
ment indicating that that efforts were be-
around issues concerning the Diaspora. Vance Carter, with responsibility for Immi-
ing made to unleash the entrepreneurial
gration and Deportation.
spirit of Jamaicans at home and in the Di- Earlier that day, Ambassador Marks paid
aspora. In this light, the Ambassador a courtesy call on the Mayors of the City of
T
ies.
family I was taught the value of edu-
he Doreen Gauthier Trinidad and Tobago; and
Library, 2200 NE Kamal Abdool, President of
38th Street, in Light- Trinidad and Tobago Diaspo- istic images of the human form, on hardboard, and depicted
house Point will host ra. landscapes, and seascapes. He scenes from his own life. His fo-
a one-man art show, exhibit- This will be Mr. Mohanʼs first is experimenting with abstract cus soon became the composition
ing the works of Sirju See- solo exhibit in the United art, noting that, “There is a huge of objects, the history of architec-
harack Mohan, during the States. He will display at market for the abstract here in ture, and the tropical landscapes
month of May. Mr. Mohan is least fifty oil paintings, pas- the U.S.”. of the Caribbean. He furthered
a native of Trinidad, currently tels, watercolors, pencil and Mr. Mohan was born in San Fer- his studies at the University of the
residing in Pompano Beach. pen and ink drawings, sculp- nando, Trinidad, West Indies, and West Indies and the University of
The art show opening is tures, and calligraphy. Sever- attended St. Johnʼs EC School, a London; he mastered calligraphy
scheduled for Thursday, May al examples of portraiture will primary education institution in Milan, Italy. Most recently, Mr.
5, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 8 be included. All works will be where he was chosen the best art Mohan received high honors from
PM. Attending the public re- available for purchase. The student enrolled. His childhood the Stratford Career Institute for
ception will be Lamar Fisher, average size of his work is 16 art works were always joyful, and his extensive use of all mediums
Mayor of Pompano Beach; inches by 20 inches; he will his extremely neat handwriting led in art, and he earned a certificate
Charlotte Burrie, Pompano show pieces as large as 2 feet him to master calligraphy. He calligraphy and stone sculpture
Beach District 2 City Com- by 3 feet. He favors a mixed then graduated from the San Fer- through the Boca Raton communi-
missioner; Dr. Anil Ram- color palette, with an open nando Technical Institute, where ty schools. His favorite medium
nanan, Consul General of and free style, to create real- his art expanded and took on new remains oil paint.
dimension. He used house paint He immigrated to Florida in 1988.
"Orange
County
Cricket
Club, One
of Central
Floridas'
Premier
Teams of
the 90's"
O
ne has to go back to the late growth of the expatriate community in come a keen part of the schedule. The
1970’s to 1980 to capture the Central Florida and the influx of quality most exciting of completions is the Boom
early days of Cricket in Cen- players, the likes of former Guyana & Boom T20 Tournament, which is spon-
tral Florida. Those days saw West Indies test player Faoud Bacchus. sored by Boom Boom Equipment Compa-
games played on a regular but friendly (also national USA coach). ny of Pakistan, for Three Thousand Dol-
basis between teams from Tampa, Orlan- lars ($3000.00) in prize money. This
National players from various countries
do, Kissimmee and Valdosta, Georgia. competition matches country vs. country,
like Pakistan, India, UAE, and the Car-
with teams representing Pakistan, India,
Then came 1983 and, through the dedica- ibbean also elevated the level of play, to
USA, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Bar-
tion and commitment of a few, the Cen- the degree that a number of these play-
bados, Jamaica, Antigua & Barbuda,
tral Florida Cricket League was formed. ers have gone on to represent the USA
Combined Islands and Rest of the World.
Gilbert Johnson was the first President National Teams both at the senior and
Last years’ winner was Guyana, who
and his executive body consisted of Fred youth levels.
took home the coveted prize.
Whitmore VP, Anthony Earl, Treasurer, Many of the early pioneers have since
Toney Patel, Statistician and Rudolph gone on, Rudolph Watson of Tampa, With an aging population of players, the
Watson, Secretary. CFCA is working towards establishing a
Colin Hinds, Basil Solomon, Joe Frank
vibrant Masters team with the intent of
The first season of the league began in and Champagne of Orlando, and to the
engaging other Masters teams around
March 1984, with teams from Tampa, many that remain, Eric Blye, Fred
the country and overseas. Keeping crick-
Winter Haven, Orlando and Kissimmee Whitmore, Jack Findlay, Patrick Po-
et alive and imparting the knowledge of
competing. Orlando was the first Central larchy, Barney Jones, to mention a few,
the game to the younger generation is
Florida league champs, a feat they have we owe a sense of gratitude for their
vital to the longevity and development of
repeated many times since. Relation- commitment and dedication to keeping
the game in North America.
ships were established between the Cen- the game of cricket alive and well in Cen-
tral and South Florida Leagues and the tral Florida. The Central Florida Cricket Team made
first game between the two leagues was Today the league is now renamed the significant progress, winning the 2010
played in Tampa, August of 1984. Rain Central Florida Cricket Association Inc. Regional Championship held in Miami
interrupted play causing the game to be (CFCA) and has been a long-standing full Florida. Additionally, Central Florida
abandoned as a draw. This tournament member of the United States of America Cricket Association has been selected to
is still played annually, with each league Cricket Association (USACA) since 1986. host the first ever National Under-17
alternating as host. Tournament, taking place in Orlando
The mission of the CFCA is to continue
during the Memorial weekend, and the
Elections were held in November 1984 promoting the game of cricket from the
South East Regional Cricket Tourna-
and Thakor Patel was elected President, grassroots level, with the introduction of
ment, to be held in July 2011 at venues
a position he would hold for two years. a cricket academy and through the school
in Orlando and Palm Bay.
New teams came into the league and by system, thus becoming one of the prem-
the start of the 1986 season membership ier leagues in the country. Central Florida Cricket Association wel-
had grown from four (4) to twelve (12) comes the support of its members, spon-
Until recently seventeen (17) member
teams, representing Tampa, St Peters- sors, city and county officials, schools,
teams made up the present association
burg, Largo, Plant City, Winter Haven, colleges and well wishers to enable the
with teams from Tampa in the West to
Orlando, Kissimmee, Palm Bay and Val- association to foster the growth of cricket
Palm Bay and Daytona Beach in the
dosta, Georgia. Additionally, the stand- and secure appropriate playing facilities
East. Regular season games are of 45-
ard of cricket grew as a result of the in the Central Florida area.
over duration and T20 format has be-
Florida’s Caribbean Sun 12
Entertainment
T
he Indian Variety Show was which were Gas Cards sponsored by
held on April 2, 2011 at the The Law offices of Gail Seeram. The
Orlando Garden Club and Vibes were nice inside the Orlando
was a cultural family show Garden Club and there was even
hosted by Powerline HD Productions, West Indian Style Indian Food on
a branch of Powerline Sounds HD. It Sale by West Indian Catering and Mr.
featured Indian Dancers in colorful Ricky Singh of Karma Imaging spon-
costumes dancing classical Indian, sored photography services. It was
bollywood pop, chutney & more! The an entertaining evening showcasing
dancers for the evening included: local Indian talent through a variety
The Sensational Aklima, Diya Interna- of singers, dancers, & tassa. Power-
tional School of Indian Performing line HD Productions says “Thank you
Arts dancers, The Exquisite Reshma to everyone who expressed their
Shamnarine, Avani’s Dance Academy appreciation & showed their support
dancers, & Melissa Haniff. There for this cultural show.” Mark your
were also performances by Awaaz-E- calendar for their next event The
Orlando, Geetanjali Band, Dave Lall, “Hangover Fete” at Timehri’s Ban-
and Trinlando Tassa Group. Through- quet Hall aka The Venue on May
out the night raffles were drawn and 14th.
four lucky winners won door prizes
RECIPIES!! RECIPIES!! RECIPIES !! sessed about everything you do, but I always see that proclivity of yours
as a big plus. That's surely one of your secrets for success!