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get involved!get involved!get involved!get involved!get involved! ith a little more than 100 days left before the start of

Caribbean AmericanHeritage Month (CAHM)June 2011, the Caribbeancommunity in Orlando isexcited to officiallylaunch the campaign toShowcase the CaribbeanCommunity's diversity toCentral Florida.

Join the following Carib-bean Associations whoare working with theplanning committee topack the month of Junewith as many Caribbeanactivities as possible. AnyCaribbean Association iswelcome to join, contactSam Roberts for more in-formation 407-810-6435.

· A n t i g u a a n d B a r b u d aAssociation of Central Florida

· Caribbean American Chamberof Commerce

· Caribbean and FloridianAssociation

· Caribbean Bar Association· Caribbean Students Association

of UCF· Coalition for the Barbados

Association· Greater Haitian Chamber of

Commerce· G r e n a d i a n A m e r i c a n

Education and CulturalAssociation

· Guyanese American CulturalAssociation

· Indian Horizon of Florida· Jamaican American Association· Jamaican Cultural Connection· St. Lucia Association· TrinBago Association· Nirvana Music School· CaribbeanFinder.com· Zoetry Poetry Club

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Danny Glover visitsDanny Glover visitsDanny Glover visitsDanny Glover visitsDanny Glover visitsTaste Restaurant inTaste Restaurant inTaste Restaurant inTaste Restaurant inTaste Restaurant inOrlando to promoteOrlando to promoteOrlando to promoteOrlando to promoteOrlando to promoteOrgano Gold CoffeeOrgano Gold CoffeeOrgano Gold CoffeeOrgano Gold CoffeeOrgano Gold Coffee

Jonathon Blount interviewing Danny Glover atTaste Restaurant for www.kyva.tv

CAP Magazine Owner Sam Roberts withDanny Glover

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L I F E S T Y L E Guenet Gittens-Roberts,

Publisher/Editor

GGR Marketing & Public Relations1969 Alafaya Trail, Suite 133 • Orlando, Fl 32828

407.421.8118 • guenetroberts@yahoo.com

Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-RobertsEditor .............................................................................Audrey Johnson

Contributing Writers: ................................................. Natasha Gittens.................................................... Karen Fortune........................................................ Gail Seeram............................................... Natasha Walrond................................................. Shahzad Ahmed

Contributing Photographers .......................................... Sandra Fatmi........................................... Sandy Isaacs

Copyright (C) 2010 GGR Marketing & Public Relations All rights reserved.

earning more as you sell more. That was Brownie’s model forsuccess, both for herself and for the company.

Brownie was a single mother. What better way to make moneywhen you’re home with the kids? Brownie Wise had social mar-keting down long before our time and without her Tupperwarewas a product that no one was buying. The food storage con-tainers were being sold at department stores, or rather, unsoldsince no one was buying them.

Her home sales parties were more successful than theTupperware sales at local stores. Earl Tupper, the owner andinventor of Tupperware was doing house parties as well but he

didn’t have Brownie’s charm and ability to con-nect with the customers.

In short time she became Vice President of thecompany, but Brownie knew that she couldn’tdo it all on her own. She empowered other womenwho typically had conventional roles in the fam-ily, housewives, single mothers, and the like totake the same path she did and gain success bythrowing Tupperware parties.

Brownie helped to liberate women by findingthem a way to make money from home! But

Brownie knew that it was also important to step out of thehouse for some fun. Not only did these women earn a livingthrough home sales of Tupperware, they were kept interestedby incentives- including huge party conferences. Working forTupperware wasn’t all about the money, it was about lifestyle.Brownie organized extravagant parties filled with costumed-themed nights and motivational meetings with other success-ful salespeople. She waved a wand of glamour over everythingshe touched, making it all sparkle and shine. Because of that,her success shined, as she was not only a female high in thecorporate ranks, something quite rare at the time, but she wasalso the first woman on the cover of Business Week.

Brownie Wise was a woman who thought outside of the box-but kept it inside of the house. Her forward thinking shouldbe summoned during these times, when finding a job is al-most as difficult as finding your identity. I could only imag-ine that if she were to still be alive today, that she would sug-gest more companies adopt the home party marketing meth-ods. I could imagine, Brownie on facebook and twitter, tell-ing the world about the fancy hors d’oeuvres she just bakedfor the upcoming party, coaxing ladies from all over to stepout of their homes and into hers to do something to have funwhile they shop.

Brownie Wise

Welcome to our March/April issue. March is Women’sHistory Month. For this month I chose to honorBrownie Wise and to dedicate this editorial to her.

Brownie Wise? Who is Brownie Wise and why Brownie Wise?

Choices like these are always subjective and this choice of BrownieWise as my woman of the month is because she clearly resonateswith me. She was a woman who emerged as a leader in thebusiness world in the 1950’s and revolutionized our approach tosales by network marketing. Her model is one we still use. InBrownie’s words, If we build the people, they’ll build the business

Brownie Wise, saleswoman extraordinaire, is thewoman you can thank for the success of the homeparty demonstrations with - Tupperware, PamperedChef cookware parties, jewelry parties and more.

Have you ever been to a Tupperware party? I’venever been to one but I have hosted many jewelryparties that have been lots of fun and gave meloads of great jewelry. Imagine a Saturday nightwith your girlfriends, oohing and aahing aboutjewelry while getting great tips for accessorizing.At the tupperware parties you’d be oohing andaahing over the amazing airtight properties ofTupperware, imagining all of the leftovers you can keep in yourrefridgerator in cute, organized, color-coordinated stacks. Games,prizes, and of course, drinks and snacks brought the party alive,but it was not just a party, it’s a demonstration. And after yousee the product, you really didn’t go home without placing anorder. If you really felt empowered by the process, you couldeven make money by throwing your own Tupperware parties,

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Reprinted from the Jamaica Observer

TAMPA - Grammy-winning reggae singer Buju Banton wasconvicted today of conspiring to set up a cocaine deal in2009, a verdict that elicited anguish and disbelief among

supporters in a crowded courtroom and from other artists inhis native Jamaica.

A federal jury deliberated for 11 hours over two days on thefate of Banton, who won a Grammy last week for best reggaealbum for his work entitled “Before the Dawn.” He was foundguilty of three of four charges, and his attorney said he’s fac-ing at least 15 years in prison.

The 37-year-old Banton, whose given name is Mark Myrie,remains wildly popular in Jamaica, and the trial - his secondover the drug accusations - was packed with supporters thatincluded other well-known reggae artists. The first trial endedin a mistrial last year afterthe jury deadlocked.

The tall, dreadlocked singerdidn’t react when a clerk readthe verdict on Tuesday. Hestood, hugged his attorneys,then turned around and blewkisses to his supporters in thecourtroom and told them:“Thank you.” A womanyelled out “We love you,Buju!” as U.S. marshals ledhim away.

“Obviously we are all upsetand disappointed and emotional,” said Banton’s attorney,David Markus of Miami. “The only person who seems to be OKis Buju. He told us he was happy that he fought, knowing hewas innocent.”

Markus said he plans to appeal the conviction and will file amotion to try to get Banton out of jail on bond in the meantime.

Reggae Singer Buju Banton found guiltyReggae Singer Buju Banton found guiltyReggae Singer Buju Banton found guiltyReggae Singer Buju Banton found guiltyReggae Singer Buju Banton found guiltyBanton was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with the in-tent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in further-ance of a drug trafficking offense and using a telephone tofacilitate a drug trafficking offense. He was acquitted of at-tempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.No date has been set for his sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney James Preston argued during trial thatBanton portrayed himself as a broker of drug deals in severalconversations with a confidential informant. Preston saidBanton thought he was getting involved in a “no-risk” deal inwhich he would introduce a friend to a confidential informant,and then later collect money from drug transactions.

Prosecutors acknowledge that Banton did not put any money intothe drug deal, nor did he ever profit from it. Markus said his clientis “a big talker” who admitted to trying to impress the confiden-

tial informant but wasn’t in-volved in any drug deal.

Much of the case hinged onmeetings and phone calls thatwere video- and audiotapedby the informant, who wasworking with the Drug En-forcement Administration -and who made $50,000 incommission after the bust.

In one video, Banton could beseen tasting cocaine in aSarasota warehouse on Dec. 8,2009 - but he was not present

during the actual drug deal on Dec. 10 that led two others to bearrested. Those two men later pleaded guilty.

Banton testified that that the informant badgered him after theymet on a trans-Atlantic flight in July 2009 and insisted that theymeet to set up a cocaine purchase. He said he was so uninter-ested in the informant’s proposals that after they met twice,Banton didn’t return the man’s phone calls for months.

In Banton’s native Jamaica, radio stations played his songs non-stop Tuesday, especially “Untold Stories” and “Not an Easy Road.”

Rapper Tony Rebel, a close friend who recorded with Banton,called it a sad day for young people who looked up to him.

The verdict marks “the saddest day for reggae and dancehall,”rapper Michael “Power Man” Davy said, adding he was “sadas a Rastaman and a Jamaican.”

Singer Junior Reid called it a conspiracy against reggae artists.“With Buju gone, a big piece of reggae get chop off,” he said

“Attorneys for Jamaican Reggae Superstar Buju Banton areexpected to appeal the February 22 verdict handed down by aJury in the Tampa Federal court.”

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Orlando Black Belt World’s youngest ka-rate official is of Caribbean Heritage and

lives in Orlando. Nicholas Seebaran begankarate in 2006 at Bassai Karate Dojo in Or-lando. He began training as an official twoyears ago and is noted to be among the bestin the World.

Having met all requirements and passing allexaminations he was promoted to continental

World’s youngest refereeWorld’s youngest refereeWorld’s youngest refereeWorld’s youngest refereeWorld’s youngest refereereferee (highest level) by the Pan AmericanUnion of Karate-Do Organization (PUKO). Thistook place at the World Union of Karate-DoOrganizations ( WUKO) World Championshipsin Buenos Aires , Argentina, July 2010. He wasa member of the Trinidad and Tobago delega-tion. He is PUKO youngest karate referee. Be-side practicing karate, Nicholas is a dual en-rollment student at Evans High School andValencia College.

Teen and AdultsTeen and AdultsTeen and AdultsTeen and AdultsTeen and AdultsSelf-Defense classesSelf-Defense classesSelf-Defense classesSelf-Defense classesSelf-Defense classes

Residents and friends of Silver Cove Apartment can now par-ticipate in an ongoing self defense program at their Club

House. The location is 2603 Sikkwood Circle, Orlando Fl 32818.

Classes are on Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Dress in comfortable clothesand non-marking shoes. For more info log on towww.bassaidojo.com or call 407-914-5043. All participantsmust be a minimum age of fourteen.

Karate classes are also held here on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

GKA appoints SukhdeoGKA appoints SukhdeoGKA appoints SukhdeoGKA appoints SukhdeoGKA appoints Sukhdeo‘Ricky’ Jagnarain‘Ricky’ Jagnarain‘Ricky’ Jagnarain‘Ricky’ Jagnarain‘Ricky’ Jagnarain

Guyana Karate Association (GKA) hasappointed Sukhdeo ‘Ricky’ Jagnarain

as Chairman and their international Rep-resentative. Sensei Jagnarain has overthirty years experience in traditional ka-rate beginining with Shotokan and prac-ticing Shito-Ryu since 1994 under SenseiDarryl Williams.

Among his responsibilities is to create interest from theGuyanese community living inOrlando and the greater USA inassisting the homeland with theirprograms and events .

GKA schools in Guyana needuniforms and protective equip-ment. GKA facebook page isw w w . F a c e b o o k . c o m /GuyanaKarate . Their websitewill be soon up and running.

GKA is Guyana’s representative to the World Union of Karate-DoOrganizations (WUKO) and the current President is NadiaRohoman.

Kumarie Jagnarain is GKA’s Liaison Officer. Instructors/schoolsoperating in Guyana or abroad can send email to KumarieJagnarain at guyanakaraeassociation@yahoo.com for infor-mation on membership.

Ricky Jagnarain

Hydration . . . so cool!Hydration . . . so cool!Hydration . . . so cool!Hydration . . . so cool!Hydration . . . so cool!By Sensei Darryl Williams

As a teenager I remembered training for two hours straightwithout a water break. My teacher said he was making us

‘tough’. While the physical risks were great he did not know.We do now.

Hydration is vital to every body function. Not taking in enoughfluids before and after practice can result in many nutritionalproblems for the athlete. Dehydration hinders performance innumerous ways. For each one percent of body weight lost bydehydration the ability to work is reduced by two percent. Withdehydration exceeding two percent the heart rate and bodytemperature will raise diminishing performance by fatigue andmental impairment.

Sweating due to exercise generates as much a twenty timesmore heat than resting. It is during sweating the heat is dis-persing. It is the evaporation of the skin and not the sweatitself that cools the body. First the surface is cold and then theinner body by circulation.

If the athlete has to ask for a water break, he/she is alreadydehydrated.

Some ways to prevent dehydration:

1. Drink 16 ounces two hours before practice2. Drink 8-10 ozs ten minutes before practice3. Drink 4-9 ozs every twenty minutes

What you should drink :

• Water is the best choice. It is free, unless you buy it. It can bean expensive investment.

• Sport drinks are not recommended for kids. However, it con-tains 50-80 calories or carbohydrates per 8 oz fluid and smallamount of electrolytes (usually sodium and potassium) toreplace what is lost in sweat.

Coaches should always educate their athletes on proper hy-dration. They should also tell them how to recognize thesymptoms of dehydration. Teach them to drink fluids be-fore, during and after workouts. The body thirst mechanismis not a good guide. Sweating results in water-loss from theblood making the blood more thick and raising the sodiumlevel. This is the first sign and by then 1.5 liters of water isalready lost.

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By Natasha Walrond

Four outstanding Guyanese were honored by the Guyanese American Cultural Association of Central Florida (GACACF) during the association’s 41st Republic Anni-

versary Ball last Saturday. Among the Guyanese honoredfor outstanding contributions to the lives of Guyanese bothwithin the Diaspora and in Guyana is Dr. Vincent Adams,chairman of the Linden FundUSA who also provides keyleadership within the U.S. De-partment of Energy. Dr.Adams is now an Office Direc-tor within the Department ofEnergy’s multi-billion dollarper year Environmental Man-agements massive cleanup ofthe nations legacy of wastesgenerated from its buildingand operation of the nation-wide nuclear weapons com-plex. He reports to the DeputyAssistant Secretary of Energy for Engineering and Technol-ogy and heads the development of new science and tech-nologies that will enhance and accelerate the cleanup ofthe ground water and soils; and protect some of the largestgroundwater reservoirs and rivers that form the lifeline ofthe US from further contamination and risk to the nationseconomy, health and the environment.

Adams, in his feature presentation, spoke to the issue of ser-vice to Guyana by the Diaspora who he insisted need to ac-knowledge their origin and give back to the country. “Every-thing we accomplish is because of the values and ground-ing we had in Guyana and brought here to the U.S. thathelped us succeed... it is our turn to plant seeds for the nextgeneration,” he said. He also noted the current elections cli-mate in Guyana which gives the country a chance to char-ter a new course with new leadership since President BharratJagdeo is not running for a third term in office as is constitu-tionally mandated.

He said: “Of course we are given an opportunity this yearto elect a new leader to chart that course for Guyana inthis fiercely competitive world.” He urged the audience notto be passive about their role in helping to develop the coun-try, both economically and racially. On the issue of race,Adams noted the need for whoever will take the helm ofthe country after this year’s election to potentially bridge

the racial divide, which he deems the current number oneissue in Guyana. “Every single politician who comes uphere to the U.S., we should demand from them a plan as tohow they would move the country forward economically,and of course, how do they bridge that racial divide,” hesaid, adding that the politicians need to be accountablerather than just have the Diaspora pump monies into theircampaigns. Adams was presented with an award for his

contribution to both Guyana and the U.S. andnoted that it was rather humbling and emo-tional to be honored since he feels the peoplewho deserve the honor are those who guidedhim to achieve what he has today, namely hisparents, teachers, other relatives and the com-munity of Linden.

Meanwhile, newly installedPresident of GACACF,George Lyking said he wasinspired by Dr. Adams’presentation. “He tried totell us what we needed todo is get more involved inthe political vision ofGuyana. Guyana has gotso much riches but thethings that are going onthere will not benefit thecountry as it should.”

GACACF is not a politicalassociation and Lykingemphasized this point, not-ing though that it does pro-vide a platform for politi-cal parties in Guyana to

meet with the Diaspora in Florida. “We are neither for noragainst...we have entertained everyone...we make nodistinction...we give you the same courtesy. We try to tell youas Guyanese living outside how we feel and we would like tosee happening in Guyana,” the GACACF president said.

He is also hopeful that the upcoming elections “will be a peace-ful one and whatever the outcome, we don’t want to go backinto the violence of 1962/1963. We want to leave that be-hind.” Lyking also called on Guyanese living in the U.S. tojoin the association, since there is the need for new member-ship. The plan is to also galvanize the youths through the

Linden Fund USA chairman amongLinden Fund USA chairman amongLinden Fund USA chairman amongLinden Fund USA chairman amongLinden Fund USA chairman amongGuyanese honored by GACACFGuyanese honored by GACACFGuyanese honored by GACACFGuyanese honored by GACACFGuyanese honored by GACACF

during 41st Republic Anniversary Ballduring 41st Republic Anniversary Ballduring 41st Republic Anniversary Ballduring 41st Republic Anniversary Ballduring 41st Republic Anniversary Ball

Dr. Vincent Adams

— Continued on page 9 —

7New Site, New Look. Post your Events & your Business for Free on CaribbeanFinder.com

8

The Federal Defense Department has awarded a secondfive-year contract to Hospitality Staff, the largest hospi-tality staffing company in the State of Florida, to pro-

vide trained staffing services to Shades of Green, the ArmedForces Recreation Center at Walt Disney World Resort.

According to company spokesman Kash Ramnarain, trainedstaffing provided for the resort include chefs, bartenders, serv-ers, hostesses and bus-persons. Mr. Ramnarain has been withHospitality Staff since 1997 and has managed similar contractsfor such companies as the Convention Center and the OrlandoAirport Concession. He is a certified instructor for the NationalRegistry for Food Safety Professionals and holds certificates from

Local Company AwardedLocal Company AwardedLocal Company AwardedLocal Company AwardedLocal Company AwardedDepartment of Defense ContractDepartment of Defense ContractDepartment of Defense ContractDepartment of Defense ContractDepartment of Defense Contract

the American Hotel/Motel Association. He is also a member ingood standing with the American Culinary Federation, theFlorida Restaurant Association and the National Associationof Catering Executives. Hospitality Staff operates in three lo-cations – Hollywood, Tampa and Orlando, Florida.

The Shades of Green at Walt Disney World is a resort destina-tion designed to provide “Rest and Recreation” (R&R) for thenation’s military service members and their families, as wellas other eligible persons. It offers exceptional resort accommo-dations and services to members of the Armed Forces. This fa-cility has been newly expanded and is one of two such loca-tions in the continental US.

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First Saturdays at Singh's Roti ShopFirst Saturdays at Singh's Roti ShopFirst Saturdays at Singh's Roti ShopFirst Saturdays at Singh's Roti ShopFirst Saturdays at Singh's Roti Shop

Guyanese honored during Republic Anniversary BallGuyanese honored during Republic Anniversary BallGuyanese honored during Republic Anniversary BallGuyanese honored during Republic Anniversary BallGuyanese honored during Republic Anniversary Ball— Continued from page 6 —

Photos courtesy of Caribbean Sun Newspaper.

establishment of a youth arm to GACACF. The associationis also planning to establish a separate scholarship fund toaward to young Guyanese who excel academically. In thepast the scholarship would have been awarded during theRepublic Ball, however Lyking said the membership decidedon this new method. The newly elected President is also plan-ning to launch a building fund so the association can have

its own headquarters in Central Florida.

This year’s Gala honored other notable Guyanese includingUrla King, who is a dental hygienist in Orlando, Eldon Bremner,Manager of Pegasus Hotel in Jamaica and Russel Permaul whohas been an Orange County Sheriff for some 31 years and theCommander of the Metro Bureau of Investigation.

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Windermere Preparatory School's Multicultural showWindermere Preparatory School's Multicultural showWindermere Preparatory School's Multicultural showWindermere Preparatory School's Multicultural showWindermere Preparatory School's Multicultural show

Windermere Prepara-tory School is a pri-

vate college preparatoryschool with approximately900 students from more than40 different countries draw-ing students from all reli-gious, ethnic and interna-tional backgrounds.

Ladies ,Ladies ,Ladies ,Ladies ,Ladies ,

Join us on March 23rd to find out how you canJoin us on March 23rd to find out how you canJoin us on March 23rd to find out how you canJoin us on March 23rd to find out how you canJoin us on March 23rd to find out how you canuse the resources of Social Media to help you touse the resources of Social Media to help you touse the resources of Social Media to help you touse the resources of Social Media to help you touse the resources of Social Media to help you togrow your business.grow your business.grow your business.grow your business.grow your business.

Presenters:Presenters:Presenters:Presenters:Presenters:••••• Guenet Gittens- Roberts, GGR Marketing & PRGuenet Gittens- Roberts, GGR Marketing & PRGuenet Gittens- Roberts, GGR Marketing & PRGuenet Gittens- Roberts, GGR Marketing & PRGuenet Gittens- Roberts, GGR Marketing & PR••••• Adrienne Noel, Marketing Minds at WorkAdrienne Noel, Marketing Minds at WorkAdrienne Noel, Marketing Minds at WorkAdrienne Noel, Marketing Minds at WorkAdrienne Noel, Marketing Minds at Work••••• Zanibel Melo,Higher Dreams ProductionsZanibel Melo,Higher Dreams ProductionsZanibel Melo,Higher Dreams ProductionsZanibel Melo,Higher Dreams ProductionsZanibel Melo,Higher Dreams Productions••••• Sultana Haque, Sultana Law, P.A.Sultana Haque, Sultana Law, P.A.Sultana Haque, Sultana Law, P.A.Sultana Haque, Sultana Law, P.A.Sultana Haque, Sultana Law, P.A.

Vishal Vaid performed a beautiful live concert in Or-lando on Feb. 20th. This international singer was

trained in ghazal (a song form that means “to hold con-versation with the divine”) since he was three years old.The host for the evening was Ricky Singh and there was aspecial guest appearance by Seeta Persaud known as the“Nightingale of Orlando.”

Vishal Vaid in concertVishal Vaid in concertVishal Vaid in concertVishal Vaid in concertVishal Vaid in concert

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Kerosene Lamp Foundation raises $7500 atKerosene Lamp Foundation raises $7500 atKerosene Lamp Foundation raises $7500 atKerosene Lamp Foundation raises $7500 atKerosene Lamp Foundation raises $7500 atAdonal Foyle's East Coast Birthday BashAdonal Foyle's East Coast Birthday BashAdonal Foyle's East Coast Birthday BashAdonal Foyle's East Coast Birthday BashAdonal Foyle's East Coast Birthday Bash

The mission of the Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLF) is to empower youth to grow into healthy and well-educated adults. KLFwas founded in 2005 by Adonal Foyle, a native of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and professional basketball player, who

recently retired from the Orlando Magic.

Florida Steel Drum BandRythmTrail Steel Drum Players in Florida

Book for Weddings & Events! Plays over 300 Events Yearly.Tel: 866 495 4522 • Website: www.rythmtrail.com

12

Mikaela Nix, Founder and President of Collegiate StaffingUSA, LLC. spoke to an interested audience at the recent

Business Break Away Breakfast at Taste of Jamaica, March 3rd.Ms. Nix despite being sick that day was a dynamo and gavean enthusiastic presentation on the 5 steps entreprenuers needto take to be successful...one of which was to at least step off ofthe curb. She is a participant in the University of CentralFlorida’s Incubator Program, a certified diversity trainer, andsits on the advisory board for Florida Technical College. Ms.Nix is also an associate professor, and current Chair of the UCFAlumni Association’s Black Alumni Chapter.

Sandy Isaacs of Break Away Moments hosts the popular Break-

Break Away Breakfast at Taste of JamaicaBreak Away Breakfast at Taste of JamaicaBreak Away Breakfast at Taste of JamaicaBreak Away Breakfast at Taste of JamaicaBreak Away Breakfast at Taste of Jamaicafast meeting series that features authentic Jamaican food at aJamaican restaurant as a means of promoting the culture tothe wider community.

Mark of Taste of Jamaica Restaurant, did not disappoint witha delicious breakfast choice of ackee & saltfish, liver, steamedcabbage, callaloo & saltfish served with tea or coffee and juice.Taste of Jamaica restaurant can be found at 6406 N. OrangeBlossom Trail, Orlando, Fl. 32810 (Neighboring CVS Pharmacyand Burger King at the intersection of Clarcona Ocoee andOrange Blossom Trail (441).

www.tasteofja.com

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13

By Seema Ragoobar

ndira Morgan is a 17 year oldsenior at South Lake High School.She is in her fourth year of

NJROTC (Naval Junior Reserve Of-ficer Training Corps.) and an internat a Lake County nursing home. Af-ter graduation, she will pursue a ca-reer in social work to follow in thesteps of her father.

Indira is a dancer in Diya Inter-national’s Senior Advanced Group.She describes her experience at DiyaInternational as fun and rewarding.In June 2010, she won, “Diya

International’s Dancer of the Year”, in the senior division. Indira’sconfidence has sky-rocketed as she has encountered various chal-lenges and entered prestigious competitions. She was one of thetalented young ladies that won first place in the, Bollywood Chut-ney Remix Fusion Dance Competition, in August 2009. Today,Indira is the head of marketing at Diya International and ispreparing for the outstanding events and competitions beingheld in 2011.

Diya International Academy of Indian Performing ArtsShining the Light on Indian Culture

Classes Held at:World Class Taekwondo

16201 E. SR-50, Suite 306Clermont, FL 34711

352-217-6265

Ocoee/Orlando Location Coming in February 2011!

I

14

Immigration TALK Immigration TALK Immigration TALK Immigration TALK Immigration TALK T MT MT MT MT M

Abused Women Protected Under Immigration LawsAbused Women Protected Under Immigration LawsAbused Women Protected Under Immigration LawsAbused Women Protected Under Immigration LawsAbused Women Protected Under Immigration LawsBy Attorney Gail S. Seeram, LL.M., J.D., BBA

As March is Women’s HistoryMonth, it is appropriate to cel-ebrate the contributions made

by women and bring awareness to pro-grams that benefit women. One such pro-gram was created under the ViolenceAgainst Women Act (VAWA), whichgrants victims of abuse legal status in theUnited States. VAWA benefits both womenand men who are victims of abuse.

However, most of the cases processedunder VAWA involve women and children who were victims ofabuse. In general, if you are married to a U.S. citizen or lawfulpermanent resident (green card holder), have no legal status inthe U.S. and are a victim of abuse, then you can self-petition forlawful permanent resident status in the U.S. For many immigrantvictims of domestic violence, battery and extreme cruelty, the U.S.citizen or lawful permanent resident family members who wouldsubmit their applications will threaten to withhold legal immi-gration sponsorship as a tool of abuse. The purpose of the VAWAprogram is to allow victims the opportunity to “self-petition” orindependently seek legal immigration status in the U.S.

Do I have to be legally married or live with my abu-sive spouse in order to self-petition?

It is not required that you live with your abusive spouse. How-ever, the general rule is that you must be legally married to theabusive spouse when the self-petition is filed. In the situationwhere you are divorced from your abusive spouse, then youmust meet one of the following exceptions in order to self-peti-tion: (1) you believed you were legally married to your abusivespouse but the marriage is not legitimate solely because of thebigamy of your abusive spouse; or (2) your abusive spouse diedwithin 2 years of filing the petition; or (3) your abusive spouselost or renounce his citizenship or lawful resident status due toan incident of domestic violence; or (4) your marriage to yourabusive spouse was terminated within the 2 years prior to fil-ing of the petition, and there is a connection between the ter-mination of the marriage and the battery or extreme cruelty.Note, after your petition has been filed, legal termination ofthe marriage will not usually affect the status of your petition.

How long is the processing time if I self-petition as abattered spouse?

If you file a self-petition under VAWA, then you must go througha two-step process. First, a Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), orSpecial Immigrant must be submitted to U.S. Citizenship & Im-migration Services with the required documents and proof ofbattery or extreme cruelty. Second, if the petition is approved,then you must submit an application for adjustment of status.Note, you must provide proof of lawful admission into the UnitedStates or eligibility under an exception such as INA Sec. 245(i).In general, the processing time for the battered spouse of a U.S.citizen is about six to nine months and about three to four yearsfor the battered spouse of a lawful permanent resident.

Why is the processing time longer for a battered spouseof a lawful permanent resident?

Under the laws, a visa is immediately available for the spouseof a U.S. citizen; therefore, adjustment of status can take 3-4

months after approval of the battered spouse petition. How-ever, the spouse of a lawful permanent resident is a 2A prefer-ence category and the backlog for a visa can be 3-5 years afterapproval of the battered spouse petition.

Advice & Reflections from a Battered Spouse:

My office offers pro-bono (free) legal services to battered womenor children who would like to self-petition for legal status inthe United States. A former client who gained legal statusthrough a self-petition as a battered spouse wanted to shareher story in order to encourage and inspire other women:

Q: How did learn about this relief?

I never thought there was relief for a battered woman. I wentto Gail Seeram’s office with a friend who was seeking adviceon her case and when the attorney asked me about my status,I told her my husband filed but never followed through. Myhusband wanted me to continue to be dependent on him anddidn’t want to see me legalize my status.

Q: What has been your experience with the filing?

My attorney did all the work and did it for free. From start tofinish it took a little under a year and a half.

Q: Why did you remain in an abusive relationship?

He paid the bills and I was not allowed to work because I hadno papers. I had a child with him and we had no where else togo. He provided all the financial support. It was like being injail without the 4 walls. You can’t get out.

Q: How did you get out?

I finally got the nerve to call the police after one of his brutalattacks on me and I got a restraining order against him. I movedout and rented a room with my child. My friends and familyfrom abroad gave me the financial and emotional support Ineeded to free myself from that situation.

Q: How has your life changed since getting a green card?

Drastically. I got a job, my own apartment, can take care ofmy daughter on my own. I feel like a million bucks though Ihave little. I have set goals for myself which include gettingmy GED and enrolling at Valencia Community College. I havemy confidence back since my husband took that away fromme years ago. Abuse is not only physical; the emotional abusetakes away your confidence and self-esteem.

Q: What is your advice for women in your situation?

Get out. It is not worth putting your life at risk. You or yourchild may end up dead. Seek out community organizationsthat offer services for battered women. It’s not worth staying toget your immigration documents. I stayed with my husbandfor nine years and still did not get my immigration documentsthrough him. There are other ways to get your documents.

Resources:

Harbor House of Central Florida: 24-Hour Crisis Hotline(407) 886-2856

Safehouse of Seminole: 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (407) 330-3933

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By Roger Caldwell

Everywhere you go in the United States, you hear peopletalking about making the federal government smaller.Many conservatives are considering revolting against the

federal government and making the states more powerful.

Even in the state of Florida, our governor is refusing money fromthe federal government to build the high speed rail. Our governorbelieves that our state could end up owing the entire $2.4 billionback to the government, if there are problems with the construc-tion and the project is notcompleted. Based on hisstudies, there are too many“ifs and maybes” to risk thetaxpayer’s hard earnedmoney and resources.

Many governors in Wis-consin, New Jersey, Ohio,and Florida have decidedthat they will solve their own problems with limited interfer-ence from the federal government. Many of these states arecontrolled by conservative legislatures and governors, and theywant to limit union intervention, and collective bargaining.They believe that they have a mandate from the people, andthe same philosophy is prevalent with Republicans in the fed-eral Congress.

These Republicans in the Congress are conservative, and be-lieve that they were sent to Washington with a mission. Theirgoal is to cut spending and help to shrink the federal govern-ment. Even though the budget was $3.1 trillion when Bushwas president, they want to turn back the hands of time.

The Republicans argue with the Democrats, and the Democratsargue with the Republicans over $100 billion in cuts. Both partiesknow that $100 billion is a small percentage of the budget, andthey are fighting over peanuts. When the proposed budget for2012 is $3.7 trillion, and the deficit is $1.3 trillion, there are otherfundamental problems with balancing our federal budget.

Can Republicans in CongressCan Republicans in CongressCan Republicans in CongressCan Republicans in CongressCan Republicans in CongressRealistically Shrink The Government?Realistically Shrink The Government?Realistically Shrink The Government?Realistically Shrink The Government?Realistically Shrink The Government?

Our country continues to fight one major war that is costingon the average, $9 billion a month and we are also dumpingaround $5 billion a month in Iraq, and there is no telling whatthe expense to keep bases around the world. It is obvious fight-ing wars that we can not win is a terrible strategy, and a drainon our resources and funds.

Somewhere in President Obama campaign and the reality ofWashington, our country is caught between a rock and a hardplace. Cutting social programs for the poor, minorities, women,children and the elderly is no way to run the richest country on

earth. Our politicians arelooking in the wrongplaces to cut expenses.

President Obama was rightwhen he stated that the rich2% of our population needsto pay more taxes, becauseof our deficits, and they can

afford it. By the same token, our international corporations andconglomerates can afford to pay more taxes. The middle class,the poor, and the small businesses should receive a break on taxes.

It is time for the president to take a position and establish hisleadership role in the Congress, and with the conservative gov-ernors around the country. The president must take the initia-tive and establish where the right places to make the cuts inhis budget. Shutting down some of the military bases aroundthe world could save our country billions.

Our country could save billions by stopping policing the worldand stop financing corrupt governments who we want to beour friends. Finally, we should stop fighting in Afghanistanand Iraq and redirect the savings to balance our budget, andimprove our infrastructure.

Many of the cuts that Republicans and the Democrats aremaking are for show. If they are serious about balancing ourbudget, they will help end the wars, and tax the people andthe corporations in the country who can afford to pay.

Roger CaldwellON POINT MEDIA GROUP407-859-0041 office • 407-421-5453 cell • jet38@bellsouth.netwww.presidentobamawatch.wordpress.com

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Taxpayers in Orange County, Florida areTaxpayers in Orange County, Florida areTaxpayers in Orange County, Florida areTaxpayers in Orange County, Florida areTaxpayers in Orange County, Florida arepaying $401.1 mil l ion for Afghanistan warpaying $401.1 mil l ion for Afghanistan warpaying $401.1 mil l ion for Afghanistan warpaying $401.1 mil l ion for Afghanistan warpaying $401.1 mil l ion for Afghanistan warspending for 2011. For the same amount ofspending for 2011. For the same amount ofspending for 2011. For the same amount ofspending for 2011. For the same amount ofspending for 2011. For the same amount ofmoney, the following could be provided:money, the following could be provided:money, the following could be provided:money, the following could be provided:money, the following could be provided:

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One Year OR• 198,952 Households with Renewable Electricity-Wind Power for One Year

Our country continues to fight one major war that is cost-ing on the average, $9 billion a month and we are alsodumping around $5 billion a month in Iraq, and there is notelling what the expense to keep bases around the world.

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Allergens: PollenAllergens: PollenAllergens: PollenAllergens: PollenAllergens: PollenWhat is pollen?

Pollen is the tiny egg-shaped male cells of flowering plants,including trees, grasses, and weeds. Pollen is microscopic insize. Pollen is the most common cause of seasonal allergic rhini-tis, sometimes known as “hay fever.”

Which plants produce pollen that cause allergic reactions?

Plants that have powdery granules of pollen that are easilyblown by the wind, such as:

• Trees: oak, western red cedar, elm, birch, ash, hickory, pop-lar, sycamore, maple, cypress, walnut, catalpa, olive, pecan,and others.

• Grasses: timothy, Johnson, Bermuda, orchard, sweet vernal,red top, some blue grasses, and others.

• Weeds: ragweed, sagebrush, pigweed, tumbleweed, Russianthistle, cockle weed, and others.

Most flowering plants, such as roses, have heavier, waxy pollensthat are not as easily wind-blown.

When is “pollen season?”

Each plant has a pollen season. It usually starts in the spring,but may begin as early as January in the southern areas of theUS. The season usually lasts until November.

Can allergic rhinitis in pollen season be prevented?

To lessen the effects of allergic rhinitis during pollen season,the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunologysuggests the following:

• Keep windows closed at night and use air conditioning -which cleans, cools, and dries the air.

• Minimize outdoor activities early in the morning, between5:00 and 10:00 a.m., when pollen is most prevalent.

• Keep car windows closed when traveling.• Wear sunglasses to help keep pollen out of the eyes.• Take a vacation to an area where pollen is not as prevalent

- such as to the ocean.• Take the medications prescribed by your physician.• Don’t spend much time outdoors when the pollen count

is high.• Stay away from hay and barns, and avoid activities such as

raking leaves and mowing the grass.• Don’t hang bedding or clothing outside to dry.• Don’t grow too many indoor plants.• When you come back indoors, shower and wash your hair

to remove pollen.• Get a head start on allergy season by taking your allergy

medications a week or two before the season starts.

Combating Myths About Seasonal Allergies

• Over-the-counter (OTC) oral antihistamines are less effec-tive than prescription medicines in controlling a stuffy nose.

OTC antihistamines may control some allergy symptoms buthave little effect on relieving a stuffy nose or inflammationthat often occurs with allergies.

• OTC decongestant nasal sprays are not addictive. However,overuse leads to the need to use more and more nasal sprayin order to get congestion relief. Don’t use an OTC deconges-tant nasal spray for more than three days in a row.

• Eating local honey will not combat spring allergies.• Pollen allergies can lead to food allergies. About one-third

of people with pollen allergies also may react to certain foodsbecause some pollens and foods have similar proteins. Thereaction is usually mild and may include itchy, tinglingmouth, throat or lips.

• Skin tests are more sensitive than blood tests for diagnos-ing allergies.

• Allergy shots are not necessarily more costly or time-con-suming than taking medicine to relieve allergy symptoms.Over time, in fact, they may reduce an allergic person’shealth-care costs.

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17

By Karen Lloyd-Fortune

If you have been in the Central Florida areafor any length of time, then you have heardthe name Pancho, when speaking about

music, especially Reggae music.

Pancho Alphanso has served as an ambassa-dor and pioneer promoting and preserving con-scious Reggae in and about our area for overthree decades.

In times past, you might have heardhim on WLOQ 103 FM or even WHBIFM, but most assuredly if you listenedto WOKB 1600 on a Saturday morn-ing, Pancho would be there, with theTropical Riddims show, showering uswith some smooth sounds of todayand yesterday.

Pancho had a knack for incorporat-ing different genres of Reggae whilestill holding the sound tight.

What a lot of people don’t knowabout Pancho is that his love andappreciation for music did not startwhen he moved to Florida. As withmost children from the islands, inthis case Jamaica, music was a

Pancho Alphanso - Entertainer & Radio PersonalityPancho Alphanso - Entertainer & Radio PersonalityPancho Alphanso - Entertainer & Radio PersonalityPancho Alphanso - Entertainer & Radio PersonalityPancho Alphanso - Entertainer & Radio Personalitystaple in Pancho’s life. His parents exposed himto different types of music, so he developed anearly appreciation for most music types, be itGospel, Classical, Country, Reggae, or Calypso,you name it.

Upon migrating to the States, he completed highschool and then went on to the ManhattanSchool of Music, solidifying his appreciationwith knowledge.

Aside from being a promoter and anannouncer, Pancho is a singer andproducer and has been involved inhits over the years such as: ‘WatchThis Sound’, ‘Never Get to Heaven’and ‘Bye Bye My Love’.

In order to grow and incorporate allthe geniuses that are PanchoAlphanso, he has unveiled a newmove in his broadcasting career toBig 10 am http://www.big810am.com/. Pancho can be heard Sat-urdays from 6 pm to 12 am.

We in Central Florida, and all hisloyal army worldwide, await thechance to be mesmerized onceagain by the smooth sounds of‘Pancho Alphanso’.

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18

Raised in a traditional Hindu household, West Indian bornSukree Boodram was taught early on that women shouldadhere to their cultural and traditional norms and sub-

mit to their husbands, even when being abused, in order tokeep the family together. She broke these expectations andpublished “Breakout: Surviving Abuse and Alcoholism - Thisis My Story”, a memoir that aims to display the courage shegained by standing up to her abuser and extricating herselfand her children from an abusive relationship.

Born in Guyana, Boodram details the two decades of abuseshe experienced froman alcoholic husband.Embracing her Hinduculture and tradition,Boodram felt obligatedto remain with himand keep the abuse asecret. The author’sstrength gradually de-teriorated, and she fi-nally realized she hadto find a way out alongwith her two children who were approaching their criticalteenage years.

“Breakout” looks to show readers how Boodram summonedthe courage to leave her husband and start a new life for her-self and her children. Boodram says that time, patience andfaith helped her move on from the years of abuse. In addition,sharing her story with others has aided in her continued recov-ery. Boodram seeks to share her story with others by delivering

West Indian born Hindu woman leftWest Indian born Hindu woman leftWest Indian born Hindu woman leftWest Indian born Hindu woman leftWest Indian born Hindu woman leftabusive marriage, shares storyabusive marriage, shares storyabusive marriage, shares storyabusive marriage, shares storyabusive marriage, shares story

a unified message: “Break the silence, say no to violence.”

“We are entitled to enjoy life,” Boodram says. “We should neverallow the ones who love us to abuse us.”

Knowing she was taking a risk by telling her story, the au-thor hopes that women of the East and West Indian commu-nities, the Caribbean and Asian communities, as well as oth-ers, will find comfort and tenacity in her story. Boodram notesthat these cultures tend to ignore alcoholism rather thanconfront the illness. Boodram looks to offer readers an

insider’s view of whatto expect when theymake a decision toleave behind a toxicrelationship that isnot changing. Shecontinues to be an ad-vocate toward thosewho are facing thedisease of alcoholism,as well as those af-fected by someone

with the disease. The author hopes that sharing her storywill motivate others in similar situations to take action. Shealso hopes these individuals will join a unified movementagainst a type of abuse that is generally kept a secret incertain cultural communities.

“Breakout: Surviving Abuse and Alcoholism - This is My Story”is available for sale online at Amazon.com, www.sukreeboodram.com and other channels.

Author Sukree Boodram at her Book Release Party with Friends

Sukree Boodram embraces her cultural andtraditional beliefs and speaks out on abuseand alcoholism in “Breakout: Surviving Abuseand Alcoholism - This is My Story.”

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