CARIBBEAN SUN APRIL 2011 ISSUE
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Transcript of CARIBBEAN SUN APRIL 2011 ISSUE
NEWS YOU CAN USE ! Vol. 8 No. 3· April 2011
FREE!
T he government of Jamaica has invit-
e d P r e s i d e n t Barack Obama to
the island-nation and dis-cussions are currently tak-ing place that could lead to
a visit “soon”, Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks dis-
closed during a recent visit
to Florida.
Ambassador Marks visited
south and central Florida during which she met with
members of the Jamaican Diaspora, elected officials, business leaders and the
media.
“There are discussions go-ing on and I expect it to
happen soon,” Ambassador
Marks said in response to a question about a possible visit by the US president to
Jamaica. She said that re-lations between the two countries, which were
strained at one period, are
steadily improving and
that President Obama has expressed the desire that the two countries work to-
gether to address issues of mutual concern.
(more Jamaica news inside)
Jamaican Ambassador visits Florida
J amaica’s Ambassador to the USA, Her Excellency Audrey Marks says that the Diaspora has a unique contribution to
make to Jamaica’s development.
She was speaking to nationals at a recent Community Luncheon hosted by the Caribbean Bar As-sociation of Central Florida (CBACF), and the Jamaican American Association of Central Florida (JAACF) at the Rosen
Plaza Hotel in Orlando recently. The event was chaired by Mr. Wayne Golding, President of the CBACF. Welcome remarks were given by Jamaica’s Consulate General, Sandra Grant Griffiths and Mrs. Sandra Fatmi, Board member of the JAACF.
Ambassador Marks urged nation-als to re-evaluate their passion for Jamaica by becoming en-gaged and empowered in the po-litical decision-making process of the local communities in which they resided overseas. More importantly, she encour-aged those nationals who were
eligible, to become citizens of the United States. She said that they would be better able to leverage their size as a community for their personal as well as for Jamaica’s economic development.
The Ambassador who was on her first offi-cial visit to the South Florida community had also used the opportunity to visit na-tionals in Central Florida. During her na-tional outreach across Diaspora communi-ties throughout the USA, Ms. Marks ob-served that the passion of the nationals she encountered reflected an interest in
their homeland, and simultaneously they also demonstrated a positive impact on the development of communities here in the USA.
She noted that Jamaicans have been con-tributing to the development of the United States more than 200 years ago with the migration of John Brown Russworm, an Af-rican-Jamaica, who became the first Afri-can-American to graduate from Bowdoin College and the third college graduate of his race. Russworm went on to become co-founder and co-editor of Freedom’s Jour-nal, Black America’s first newspaper.
She chronicled years of migrant activities that laid the foundation for the long-standing friendship (continued on page 9)
Jamaica’s Ambassador to USA, Her Excellency Audrey Marks (right) sharing a moment with Mayor of Orlando, Hon. Buddy Dyer when she paid a courtesy call to the City of Orlando
G uyanese in Central Florida will cel-
ebrate the country’s 45th anniver-
sary of Independence with a Fami-ly Fun Day on Sunday, May 29, at
the pavilion at the Central Florida Fair-
grounds on West Colonial Drive.
The event will feature music and dance, an
exhibition of arts, craft and goods and ser-
vices offered by Guyanese and other Carib-bean entrepreneurs, games for the kids, a
car show and an auction.
The Supertones Band, Creig Camacho, DJ Al
and DJ Gary Osman have already signed on
to perform at the event which is likely to see the Guyana Police Force Band perform,
if arrangements are concluded for a six city
Florida tour by the band.
Guyana’s Honorary Consul General Ram Ali
confirmed that the Guyana Police Force
Band has been invited to perform in six Florida cities during the last week in May
and discussions are currently taking place
about the visit. He said Guyana’s president
Bharrat Jagdeo has also been invited to visit Florida at the same time. The Family Fun
Day is being put on by Timehri Restaurant
“The Venue” in conjunction with Florida’s
Caribbean Sun newspaper with support from
other members of the Guyanese American
business community. Among the companies supporting the event are Circa Restaurant,
A&A Halal Distributors, AA Ali CPA, Singh’s
Roti Shop, Law Offices of Gail Seeram, Flori-
da Softball Cricket Association, Caribbean
Supercenter, Laparkan Shipping, Celina’s Market, Magic Suds Carwash, Seafreight
Agencies, Caribbean Airlines, Singh’s Jewel-
ry, Chand’s West Indian Grocery, Shakera’s
Restaurant, The Highland Agency, Furniture
Kingdom, Exclusive Countertops and Cabi-
netry, Exclusive Auto Body & Repair, Errol Baines and Family, Aftab Trucking, Training
by Kash and Advanced Auto, among others.
Entry to this event is free of cost but a lim-
ited number of tables each seating 10 per-
sons will be reserved for $50 for those who wish to sit and enjoy the performances.
Timehri Restaurant proprietor Lake Narain
told Caribbean Sun that the event is not for
profit and that the financial support of the
business community will be used to cover
the costs of renting the Fairground facili-ties, promotional and advertising material,
contracting the bands, DJ’s, sound equip-
ment and stage and providing prizes and
trophies for the kids games.
This is a free event and will go on regardless of the weather since it is being held in a pa-
vilion. Parking is free as well. This event,
although it will be held on the same day as
the Orlando Carnival is not in competition
with the Carnival. The families that will
come to this event are not the type that will go to Carnival. The younger people will go
to both,” Narain said.
Police Force Band from Guyana may perform
Guyana Family Fun Day May 29
2 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
Know Your Rights Forum Offers Free Legal Advice to Community On April 8, 2011, the Orange County Sheriff Depart-
ment’s Caribbean-American Advisory Committee hosted
a free legal forum that was attended by over two hun-
dred residents of Orange County. The panelists of legal
experts were comprised of Sheriff Jerry L. Demings, Hon.
Judge Alicia L. Latimore, Immigration Attorney Gail See-
ram, State Attorney Orley Burey, Criminal Attorney Rich-
ard Hornsby, Foreclosure Attorney Karla Valladares,
Criminal Attorney Wayne Golding and Dr. Joyce H. Hen-
ry, ACLU Mid-Florida Region Director.
Various community organizations came together to pro-
mote the event on local radio, television, newspaper,
and within their organizations. The forum was held at
Eglise Christ Sanctifie church, a local church in the Pine
Hills area. According to Immigration Attorney Gail See-
ram, “I volunteered to coordinate this legal forum on
behalf of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department be-
cause the ordinary citizen is unaware of their basic rights
when dealing with the police, the judicial system, and
immigration officials.”
What are your rights during a traffic stop? Sheriff
Demings advised that a police officer can stop an individ-
ual who is walking, riding a bike or driving a vehicle. He
noted that when an police officer approaches your vehi-
cle, it is recommended to keep your hands visible to the
police officer. The recommendation was made to keep
your hands on the steering wheel. According to Criminal
Attorney Richard Hornsby, the police officer can only ask
you for a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and
proof of registration. If an incident occurs where you
feel your rights are violated, then Judge Alicia L. Lati-
more suggested that you not fight it out with the police
officer on the street but rather wait until you are in
court before a Judge. Criminal Attorney Wayne Golding
reminded the attendees that a police
officer can charge you with resisting
arrest without violence if you don’t
cooperate or interfere with the police
officer’s investigation during the traffic
stop. State Attorney Orley Burey stat-
ed that his office and the courts do not
look favorably on anyone who hits or
pushes a police officer. In the situa-
tion where you are unsure if you are
under arrest, you can simply ask the
police officer, “Am I free to go?” Ac-
cording to State Attorney Orley Burey,
if the police officer says “No”, then you
must remain until the police officer
completes his investigation. Further,
Sheriff Demings stated that there is a process available
where you can file a complaint if you feel you were
wrongly treated by a police officer. In response, Crimi-
nal Attorney Richard Hornsby suggested to not file a
complaint if you are pursuing a case against the police
officer because the complaint can be used during the
court proceedings.
What are your rights in jail & court? In the situation
where you are arrested, Dr. Joyce H. Henry reminded
the attendees that you have the right to remain silent
and do not have to answer any questions by the police
officer. Once you exercise your right to an attorney by
saying “I want to talk to my attorney”, then the police
officer must stop asking you questions. If they continue
to ask you questions, you have the right to not answer
any questions. Someone from the audience asked, “Can
a police officer tell a lie to me to gain information?”
Criminal Attorney Richard Hornsby answered the ques-
tion and stated, “Yes, case law supports that the police
officer can lie to you. This is why you should remain
silent until you have your attorney present.” According
to Sheriff Demings, you are allowed to make a phone
call once processing in the jail is complete. Judge Alicia
L. Latimore mentioned that a court hearing is scheduled
between 24-48 hours after your arrest. If you qualify, a
public defender will be assigned to your case.
What are your rights when dealing with Immigra-
tion? The audience inquired about an immigration
hold. Immigration Attorney Gail Seeram explained when
you are booked into jail, your information is ran through
an immigration database and if you may face removal/
deportation due to a conviction or are unlawfully in the
U.S., then an immigration hold will be placed on your
release. Thereby, you cannot be bonded out or released
on your own recognizance if an immigration hold is
placed on you. ….. Cont’d on the page 4
3 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
Iwer George and
Rikki Jai are among
the big names ex-
pected to perform at
this year’s Orlando
Carnival, to be held
on Sunday, May 29,
2011, at Festival
Field, opposite the
Citrus Bowl.
Also performing will
be Antigua’s Tizzy,
Guyana’s QP and
the Virgin Islands
Drive Band. They
will be joined by Le-
on Coldero and his
Code 868 band and
the RAAG Band.
There will be tassa
drumming, dancing
and the parade of
bands through
downtown Orlando
ending up at Festi-
val Field.
Richard Yates, one
of the lead organiz-
ers of the carnival
told Caribbean Sun
that the event is still
seeking sponsors
and called on the
Caribbean American
business community
to support the
preservation of this
vital art form.
Vendor booths are
also available.
The annual Orlando
Caribbean Carnival
attracts thousands
each year.
Iwer George, Rikki Jai for Orlando Carnival
Donald Ramotar is PPP presidential candidate
P PP General Secre-
tary Donald Ra-
motar has been
elected by consensus to be
the ruling party’s presiden-
tial candidate to contest
the 2011 general elections
in Guyana.
This was officially con-
firmed at a recent news
briefing following a meeting
of the party’s Central Com-
mittee (CC) at Freedom
House.Cabinet Secretary
Dr. Roger Luncheon, who
chairs the party’s selection
process, said Ramotar was
unanimously identified as
the presidential candidate.
“This consensual choice
reflects the party leader-
ship’s commitment to
maintaining party unity,
continuing progress in
Guyana and building
stronger unity at all levels
of the Guyanese nation,”
he said.
He added that no voting
was required because the
three other candidates
withdrew. The others were
Gail Teixeira, Clement Ro-
hee and Ralph Ramkarran.
The decision of the CC will
be formally endorsed by
three county conferences.
Ramotar’s victory was
widely expected even
though many had har-
bored hopes that Speaker
of the National Assembly
Ramkarran would have tri-
umphed if the party went
the way of a secret ballot.
Ramotar’s election is al-
most certain to mark the
commencement of Guy-
ana’s general election cam-
paign. The main opposition
Peoples National Congress
Reform has already elected
retired army Brigadier Da-
vid Granger as its choice
while the smaller opposi-
tion party Alliance For
Change is running with
lawyer Khemraj Ramjattan.
Ramotar has been the PPP
General Secretary since
1997 following the death of
party founder and presi-
dent Dr. Cheddi Jagan.
The 60-year-old is a gradu-
ate of the University of
Guyana’s Department of
Economics and hails from
Caria Caria, Essequibo
River.
Granger
Ramotar
4 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
Florida’s Caribbean Sun is published by Caribbean Sun Publishers, LLC
1013 N. Pine Hills Road, Orlando, FL 32808
Phone (407) 374-2979
Email: [email protected]
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.
Know Your Rights Forum continued.
According to Immigration Attorney Gail Seeram, once your state case is complete, then Immi-
gration & Custom Enforcement (ICE) has 48 hours to take you into their custody. The audience
was reminded that permanent residents (or green card holders) can be deported from the U.S.
for offenses such as grand theft, domestic violence, robbery, possession of marijuana, and oth-
er criminal offenses. There are certain reliefs available and it is advised to speak with an immi-
gration attorney about your specific case.
What are your rights when in foreclosure? Foreclosure Attorney Karla Valladares stated
that in this country’s history, we have never seen this amount of foreclosures that exist in the
current market. She cautioned the audience to be aware of service providers and attorneys
that take large sums of money up-front or in monthly payments because foreclosure proceed-
ings can last up to one year. Additionally, she stated that you do not have to leave your home
until a final order is filed. She reminded the audience that various options such as loan modifi-
cation short sales and foreclosure are available if your owe more than your home is valued.
Lastly, Dr. Joyce H. Henry stated that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) offers assistance
to felons who need help in restoring their rights so they can vote, and regain basic rights afford-
ed by the constitution. She also provided a status on the Florida Immigration Enforcement Act
(S.B. 2040) which is being fast-tracked through the Florida Senate and House. It is important to
note that certain provisions in this bill would criminalize living with or physically being present
with an undocumented immigrant.
Attorney Gail Seeram plans to coordinate two more Know Your Rights forum within the year.
The Orange County Sheriff Department’s Caribbean-American Advisory Committee thanks
those who participated and contributed to the success of this free legal forum.
A Jamaican farmer named Ralph had
an accident with a lorry and was su-
ing the lorry company. In court the
company’s hot-shot solicitor was
questioning Ralph.
Solicitor:
'Now didn't you say to the Police at
the scene of the accident, 'I'm fine?'
Ralph:
'Well , I'll tell you what happened. I
had just loaded my favorite cow Bes-
sie into the...'
Solicitor:
'I didn't ask for any details , just an-
swer the question. Did you not tell
the police officer at the scene of the
accident, "I'm fine !" ?'
Ralph:
'Well, I had just got Bessie into the
sidecar and I was driving down the
road.....'
The solicitor interrupted again and
said,
'Your Honor , I am trying to establish
the fact that , at the scene of the
accident this man told the police that
he was fine. Now several weeks after
the accident he is trying to sue my
client. I believe he is a fraud. Please
tell him to simply answer the ques-
tion.'
By this time, the Judge was fairly
interested in Ralph's answer and said
to the solicitor:
'I'd like to hear what he has to say
about his favorite cow Bessie'.
Ralph thanked the Judge and pro-
ceeded.
'Well as I was saying, I had just load-
ed Bessie , my favorite cow , into the
sidecar and was driving her down the
road when this huge lorry and trailer
came through a stop sign and hit me
right in the side. I was thrown into
one ditch and Bessie was thrown into
the other. I was hurt very bad like
and didn't want to move. However, I
could hear old Bessie moaning and
groaning. I knew she was in terrible
pain just by her groans. Shortly after
the accident a policeman on a mo-
torbike turned up. He could hear
Bessie moaning and groaning so he
went over to her. After he looked at
her and saw her condition, he took
out his gun and shot her between
the eyes.
Then the policeman came charging
across the road, gun still in hand ,
looked me up and down , and said
'How badly are you hurt?'
'Now what the Rass would you have
said?'
One Love
The Best Medicine
As we truly strive to listen to our readers, we
do thank you all for your input over the last
couple of months. We have had challenges and
will continue to rise above them. At your re-
quest we have brought back some oldies but
goodies like our Caribbean Profile. We have al-
so added some new columns like our lunar cal-
endar and interjected some light heartedness
by way of The Best Medicine. We will test
drive others and continue to seek both your
support and opinion along the way as we con-
tinue to bring you the “ News You Can Use” .
We will continue to earn your loyalty as we
continue to keep you informed about events
and information both here in Central Florida
and the Caribbean as we have done over the
years and look forward to your continued sup-
port as always. Happy Easter to one and all.
5 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
Singh’s Jewelry
One Free Jewelry Cleaning
& Inspection
Derrick Singh or Ronald Singh
407-849-0002 2155 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804
(Magic Mall Booth Z 4-5 Last Entrance)
WE PAY CASH ON THE SPOT
Turn in your old
unwanted Gold or
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Broken , tangled
chains missing
stones mix/match
earrings 10K 14K
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White gold, Tricol-
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rings, dental gold,
Platinum , Gold
coins, silver and
more
April 15, 2011
Dear Neighbor,
In an effort to keep you in-
formed about how the actions
in Washington impact your life,
I bring you into Corrine’s Cor-
ner.
This past week in Washington
has been very trying. It is al-
ways a difficult task to make
ends meet in Washington just
like with your own family. Ris-
ing costs and a troubled econo-
my impact us all. It is our job in
Congress to make tough deci-
sions that will encourage the
continual growth and health of
our nation.
The debate over the 2011 budg-
et took a sharp turn in the past
few weeks, placing a federal
program known as “The Title X
Family Planning Program” un-
der attack. Family planning
programs make up a significant
portion of women’s health.
There are over 20 healthcare
providers in our district alone
that depend on Title X funding
to administer vital services
such as patient education and
counseling; breast and pelvic
examinations; breast and cervi-
cal cancer screening; sexually
transmitted disease (STD) and
Human Immunodeficiency Vi-
rus (HIV) prevention educa-
tion, counseling, testing and re-
ferral for low-income or unin-
sured individuals and others.
To find a family planning clinic
in your area click here.
To further confuse matters, the
conversation centered on one
organization that receives Title
X funding, Planned
Parenthood, because it per-
forms abortions using private
funds. Few people noted that
97% of the procedures per-
formed by Planned Parenthood
involve contraception, sexually
transmitted diseases, cancer
screenings, and other non-
abortion services. Overall, few-
er than five percent of Title X
recipients are abortion provid-
ers.
So what is the bottom line
here? By law, Title X funds may
not be used in programs where
abortion is a method of family
planning. The recent Title X op-
position is formed around a
false sense of morality and has
taken aim at one organization
at the expense of public health.
Opponents of Title X did not
just go after Planned
Parenthood, their legislation
would have eliminated all $317
million in federal funding for
family planning and reproduc-
tive health at clinics that serve
about five million low-income
people each year. Fortunately,
these efforts failed.
The unprecedented assault on
women’s health is just one of
the many reasons I have voted
against the Republican budgets
and I am very proud to stand
with President Obama and the
Democratic Leadership in de-
fending women. Moreover, I
will continue to fight to protect
the gains we made in the last
Congress in expanding commu-
nity health clinics, better care
for veterans, and enhanced pa-
tients’ rights.
Sincerely,
Corrine Brown
Member of Congress
Orlando Office
805 S. Kirkman Rd.
Suite 202
Orlando, FL. 32811
Tel 407-290-9031
2011 Federal Budget Debate
6 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
7 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
8 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
GACACF MONTHLY MEETING AT PERMAUL RANCH © Mark Bannister
FSCA Event at The Venue.
© Vanessa Churaman
Cross section of the crowd at Caribbean Fusion held in Kissimmee in March
© Vanessa Churaman
Milestones can be
such fun as Miss
Annesa Shaffee
turns 9!!
©Danny Dhanraj
9 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
Jamaican Ambassador visits Florida …..Continued from front page
and cooperation between Jamaica and the
United States.
As she commended the nationals for their
outstanding contributions to their local
communities abroad, the Ambassador en-
couraged them to celebrate their progress.
Turning to Jamaica’s economic develop-
ment, the Ambassador said that Govern-
ment’s focus is now on trade and invest-
ment indicating that that efforts were be-
ing made to unleash the entrepreneurial
spirit of Jamaicans at home and in the Di-
aspora. In this light, the Ambassador
added that a restructuring of all the areas
of trade implementation was in progress to
facilitate access to the channels of doing
business in Jamaica.
Turning to the upcoming National Diaspo-
ra Conference to be held in next June in
Jamaica, Ambassador Marks urged partic-
ipation from all overseas community-
based groups and individuals, and invited
submissions so the agenda can be framed
around issues concerning the Diaspora.
Earlier that day, Ambassador Marks paid
a courtesy call on the Mayors of the City of
Orlando and Orange County, Mr. Buddy
Dyer, and Ms. Teresa Jacobs, respectively,
where there was a brief exchange of infor-
mation regarding the mutually beneficial
relationship that existed between Jamaica
and the largely populated Diasporic com-
munities in the United States.
The Ambassador was also accompanied by
Consul Desreine Taylor of the Consulate
General of Jamaica and Superintendent
Vance Carter, with responsibility for Immi-
gration and Deportation.
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the USA, Her Excellency Ambassador Marks (center) sharing a congratulato-ry moment with 2011 Awardee of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Orville “Shaggy” Burrell (left) and President of the AFJ, Ambassador Sue Cobb (right) at the annual Peacock Soiree held last Saturday at Jungle Island in Miami.
Guyanese Pride Show Off Your Ride!
Fancy Car Show to be part of Guyana Family Day
Gu y a n e s e
like fancy
cars. Most
take care of
their cars
like they
take care of
their chil-
dren, or
even better. So for the
first time in Florida Guy-
anese will have the op-
portunity to showcase
their fancy cars at the
first ever Guyanese Pride
Show Off Your Ride Car
Show which will form
part of the Guyana
Family Fun Day, Sun-
day May 29, at the Cen-
tral Florida Fair-
grounds.
The show, brainchild of
Guyanese entrepreneur
Lester Lall, will give
Guyanese an opportuni-
ty to show off their vehi-
cles and to compete for
prizes. “We love our
cars like we love our
children and often go to
lengths to fancy up our
rides and this show will
give Guyanese an op-
portunity to showcase their cars
whether they are antiques or vehi-
cles modified to suit the tastes of
their owners,” Lall said.
Lall, owner of Circa Restaurant in
historic Winter Park, said there
are many Guyanese with “fancy
cars” who want to showcase their
vehicles but never get the oppor-
tunity to do so in an organized
way. ”This is their chance to show
off their creativity when it comes
to fancying up their rides,” he
said.
The daylong fancy car show will
meet with Guyanese cuisine, mu-
sic, dance and products as the
Guyanese Diaspora celebrates
their nation’s 45th anniversary of
Independence.
May 3rd - New Moon May 9th - First Quarter May 17th - Full Moon May 24th - Last Quarter
LUNAR CALENDER FOR THE MONTH OF MAY
Lester Lall
10 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
A manda P. Nath has been
awarded the 2011 GAIL
F o u n d a t i o n S c h o l a r -
ship. Miss Nath was also
last month crowned a queen of the Miss
Indo-Caribbean Sapna Pageant. She
was presented the scholarship during
the pageant.
Attorney Gail S. Seeram put up the
$500.00 scholarship for a Guyanese
college student with a grade point aver-
age over 3.0 who could articulate how
their Guyanese heritage impacted their
a c a d e m i c s t u d i e s o r c a r e e r
path. Among numerous entries, Aman-
da P. Nath was selected because she
maintains a 3.3 grade point average
while studying Nursing at Florida Hos-
pital College of Health Sciences.
In her essay, Amanda stated,
“Thankfully, I’ve always had my family
and more importantly, my parents both
of Guyanese decent always reminding
me to keep my eye on the prize. You
see, growing up surrounded by so much
family I was taught the value of edu-
cation. My grandfather would preach
“yes, Mandy you keep pushing forward
because when it is all said and done
those people cannot steal your educa-
tion- -for it is up here!” Then he would
point to his head, shortly before testing
me on my multiplication or “tables” as
he would refer to it. There was never a
day that I was not reminded that in this
country we as Americans are given the
opportunity to become whatever we
dare to be. Education is offered to eve-
ryone and what you choose to do with it
will reflect who you are separate; from
whom you want to be! Since I was a
child I came to know that only the pres-
tigious went to school in Guyana when
my parents and grandparents were
there and so education should not be
seen a chore but rather a privilege.”
Attorney Gail S. Seeram will continue
to award this scholarship on an annual
basis in an effort to encourage young
Guyanese-American college students to
seek excellence in their academic stud-
ies.
Amanda Nath receives Award check from Attorney Gail Seeram
Artist Sirju Mohan Solo Exhibit
T he Doreen Gauthier
Library, 2200 NE
38th Street, in Light-
house Point will host
a one-man art show, exhibit-
ing the works of Sirju See-
harack Mohan, during the
month of May. Mr. Mohan is
a native of Trinidad, currently
residing in Pompano Beach.
The art show opening is
scheduled for Thursday, May
5, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 8
PM. Attending the public re-
ception will be Lamar Fisher,
Mayor of Pompano Beach;
Charlotte Burrie, Pompano
Beach District 2 City Com-
missioner; Dr. Anil Ram-
nanan, Consul General of
Trinidad and Tobago; and
Kamal Abdool, President of
Trinidad and Tobago Diaspo-
ra.
This will be Mr. Mohanʼs first
solo exhibit in the United
States. He will display at
least fifty oil paintings, pas-
tels, watercolors, pencil and
pen and ink drawings, sculp-
tures, and calligraphy. Sever-
al examples of portraiture will
be included. All works will be
available for purchase. The
average size of his work is 16
inches by 20 inches; he will
show pieces as large as 2 feet
by 3 feet. He favors a mixed
color palette, with an open
and free style, to create real-
istic images of the human form,
landscapes, and seascapes. He
is experimenting with abstract
art, noting that, “There is a huge
market for the abstract here in
the U.S.”.
Mr. Mohan was born in San Fer-
nando, Trinidad, West Indies, and
attended St. Johnʼs EC School, a
primary education institution
where he was chosen the best art
student enrolled. His childhood
art works were always joyful, and
his extremely neat handwriting led
him to master calligraphy. He
then graduated from the San Fer-
nando Technical Institute, where
his art expanded and took on new
dimension. He used house paint
on hardboard, and depicted
scenes from his own life. His fo-
cus soon became the composition
of objects, the history of architec-
ture, and the tropical landscapes
of the Caribbean. He furthered
his studies at the University of the
West Indies and the University of
London; he mastered calligraphy
in Milan, Italy. Most recently, Mr.
Mohan received high honors from
the Stratford Career Institute for
his extensive use of all mediums
in art, and he earned a certificate
calligraphy and stone sculpture
through the Boca Raton communi-
ty schools. His favorite medium
remains oil paint.
He immigrated to Florida in 1988.
11 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
SPORTS WORLD
S omerset's second highest ever run scorer Peter Wight was back at the County Ground on recently to watch the T20 game against Kent
during which he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Between 1953 and 1965 the right hand batsman played in 321 first class matches for the Cidermen in which he scored a total of 16965 runs at an average of 32.75, which included 27 centuries with a highest score of 222 not out against Kent at Taun-ton in 1959. Now a very sprightly and trim 80 year old Peter was born in British Guiana explained how he came to play for Somerset. "I had just arrived from the West Indies, from British Guiana that was, and played as an
amateur in the Central Lancashire League." "I came down to have a two week holiday with my sister at Woolaving-ton near Bridgwater where Bill, my brother in law, said why didn't I go and have a trial with Somerset and he took me down the first day- but it rained." Peter Wight went on: "The coach asked me to come back the next day and I said that I would try but it might be a bit difficult be-cause I had to travel by bus. I did come back and within five minutes of watching me batting in the nets he brought me out a contract - which at first I didn't accept." "However soon after that he asked me to play for the Seconds in a match against Gloucestershire and after then he asked me to play against Australia."
"I bagged it in the first innings but then I got a hundred not out in the second and that was the start of it." How did he feel about being inducted into the Hall of Fame. "It's an honor to have been made a member of the Somerset Hall of Fame, which I don't think I deserve but I am very
willing to accept it. I enjoyed the time that I was here and unfortunately I couldn't go on forever but I had a great time a loved every moment. The Somerset crowd were magnificent then and they still are today." Peter Wight also talked about some of the changes that had taken place since he first started back in 1953. "Compared to the way things were
when I first arrived here back in the 1950's I can't recognize the place it, the changes are unbelievable. In fact it's 15 years since I last umpired here and I don't recognize it even from then, but it is absolutely marvel-ous what has happened. Despite all of the changes the County Ground has still got that same atmos-phere." "Its been wonderful to be back here and I have been amazed by the number of former players including Roy Smith, Mervyn Kitchen and Roy Kerslake. A lot of other people have recognized me and come up to say hello." "I have just got so many fond memories of the place. I remember when I first started that they had the dog track surrounding the ground here and then there was Cecil Buttle the grounds-
man who used to look after us." He contin-ued: "When I played we changed over in the Old Pavilion where there wasn't any heat so we were always trying to keep warm and there were splinters in the floor-boards." "We had to travel by train to away matches and sometimes you wouldn't ar-rive in a place until 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning and then have to go out and field all day." During his time on the staff Peter Wight lived in Taunton but after he left he moved up to Bath where he opened an indoor cricket school. In addition the former Som-erset batsman also had 29 years on the first class umpires list before he retired in 1995.
Peter Wight honored by Somerset
Peter Wight (left) is pictured with Roy Kerslake
Sir Garfield gives full backing to young Windies squad West Indies legend Sir Garfield So-bers joinedthe West Indies players at
their camp at the 3Ws Oval on Fri-day.
The greatest allrounder of all time was invited by Windies Head Coach Ottis Gibson and he accepted the in-
vitation to discuss the game with the players and also to monitor the net session in the Garfield Sobers
Indoor Centre. Sir Garfield shared his ideas on the
game and also urged the players to believe in themselves and always re-main focused on the job. He also
shared his thoughts on the changing face of the modern game and told
the players they have his full back-ing as they prepare to face Pakistan in the upcoming Digicel Series.
Team Manager Richie Richardson said it was a thrill to have Sir Gar-field at the camp and said all the
players were delighted to have the opportunity to interact with
him.
“It was tremendous to have a gentle-man of the calibre of the great Sir
Garfield Sobers to come and join us in our camp as we get ready for the
Digicel Series. The Head Coach ex-tended the invitation and Sir Gar-fieldhappily agreed to come and
share some of his vast knowledge with our team,” said Richardson. “His contribution really helped and
the players were all happy to listen to him and absorb what he had to
say. We have some of the game’s greatest cricketers of all time here in the Caribbean and it is always great
to have them sharing their knowledge with our present genera-
tion.” Sir Garfield, 74, was a left-handed allrounder, who represented the
West Indies from 1954 to 1974. He played 93 Test matches and made 8,032runs and took 235 wickets. He
topscore was a then world record 365 notout.
The Digicel Series bowls off at the Beausejour Stadium in St Lucia on Thursday, April 21 with the Digicel
T20 International. Squad for Digicel T20 Internation-al: Darren Sammy (Captain),
Christopher Barnwell, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Andre
Fletcher, Danza Hyatt, Ashley Nurse, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Sam-
uels, Krishmar Santokie, Lendl Sim-mons Squad for 1st and 2nd Digicel
ODIs: Darren Sammy (Captain), Dwayne Bravo (Vice Captain), Deven-
dra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Kirk Ed-wards, Anthony Martin, Ravi Ram-paul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell,
MarlonSamuels, Lendl Simmons, Devon Smith, Devon Thomas Digicel Series Schedule April 18: Pa-
kistan v Vice Chancellor’s XI (50 over) – Beausejour Cricket Ground
April 21: Digicel Twenty20 – Beausejour Cricket Ground Digicel ODI Series
April 23: First Digicel ODI – Beausejour Cricket Ground
April 25: Second Digicel ODI – Beausejour Cricket Ground April 28: Third Digicel ODI – Ken-
sington Oval May 2: Fourth Digicel ODI – Kensing-ton Oval
May 5: Fifth Digicel ODI – Guyana National Stadium
May 8-9: Two-day practice match – Bourda Cricket Ground Digicel Tests
May 12-16: First Digicel Test – Guy-ana National Stadium May 20-24: Second Digicel Test –
Warner Park
12 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
SPORTS WORLD
O ne has to go back to the late
1970’s to 1980 to capture the
early days of Cricket in Cen-
tral Florida. Those days saw
games played on a regular but friendly
basis between teams from Tampa, Orlan-
do, Kissimmee and Valdosta, Georgia.
Then came 1983 and, through the dedica-
tion and commitment of a few, the Cen-
tral Florida Cricket League was formed.
Gilbert Johnson was the first President
and his executive body consisted of Fred
Whitmore VP, Anthony Earl, Treasurer,
Toney Patel, Statistician and Rudolph
Watson, Secretary.
The first season of the league began in
March 1984, with teams from Tampa,
Winter Haven, Orlando and Kissimmee
competing. Orlando was the first Central
Florida league champs, a feat they have
repeated many times since. Relation-
ships were established between the Cen-
tral and South Florida Leagues and the
first game between the two leagues was
played in Tampa, August of 1984. Rain
interrupted play causing the game to be
abandoned as a draw. This tournament
is still played annually, with each league
alternating as host.
Elections were held in November 1984
and Thakor Patel was elected President,
a position he would hold for two years.
New teams came into the league and by
the start of the 1986 season membership
had grown from four (4) to twelve (12)
teams, representing Tampa, St Peters-
burg, Largo, Plant City, Winter Haven,
Orlando, Kissimmee, Palm Bay and Val-
dosta, Georgia. Additionally, the stand-
ard of cricket grew as a result of the
growth of the expatriate community in
Central Florida and the influx of quality
players, the likes of former Guyana &
West Indies test player Faoud Bacchus.
(also national USA coach).
National players from various countries
like Pakistan, India, UAE, and the Car-
ibbean also elevated the level of play, to
the degree that a number of these play-
ers have gone on to represent the USA
National Teams both at the senior and
youth levels.
Many of the early pioneers have since
gone on, Rudolph Watson of Tampa,
Colin Hinds, Basil Solomon, Joe Frank
and Champagne of Orlando, and to the
many that remain, Eric Blye, Fred
Whitmore, Jack Findlay, Patrick Po-
larchy, Barney Jones, to mention a few,
we owe a sense of gratitude for their
commitment and dedication to keeping
the game of cricket alive and well in Cen-
tral Florida.
Today the league is now renamed the
Central Florida Cricket Association Inc.
(CFCA) and has been a long-standing full
member of the United States of America
Cricket Association (USACA) since 1986.
The mission of the CFCA is to continue
promoting the game of cricket from the
grassroots level, with the introduction of
a cricket academy and through the school
system, thus becoming one of the prem-
ier leagues in the country.
Until recently seventeen (17) member
teams made up the present association
with teams from Tampa in the West to
Palm Bay and Daytona Beach in the
East. Regular season games are of 45-
over duration and T20 format has be-
come a keen part of the schedule. The
most exciting of completions is the Boom
Boom T20 Tournament, which is spon-
sored by Boom Boom Equipment Compa-
ny of Pakistan, for Three Thousand Dol-
lars ($3000.00) in prize money. This
competition matches country vs. country,
with teams representing Pakistan, India,
USA, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Bar-
bados, Jamaica, Antigua & Barbuda,
Combined Islands and Rest of the World.
Last years’ winner was Guyana, who
took home the coveted prize.
With an aging population of players, the
CFCA is working towards establishing a
vibrant Masters team with the intent of
engaging other Masters teams around
the country and overseas. Keeping crick-
et alive and imparting the knowledge of
the game to the younger generation is
vital to the longevity and development of
the game in North America.
The Central Florida Cricket Team made
significant progress, winning the 2010
Regional Championship held in Miami
Florida. Additionally, Central Florida
Cricket Association has been selected to
host the first ever National Under-17
Tournament, taking place in Orlando
during the Memorial weekend, and the
South East Regional Cricket Tourna-
ment, to be held in July 2011 at venues
in Orlando and Palm Bay.
Central Florida Cricket Association wel-
comes the support of its members, spon-
sors, city and county officials, schools,
colleges and well wishers to enable the
association to foster the growth of cricket
and secure appropriate playing facilities
in the Central Florida area.
"Orange County Cricket Club, One of Central Floridas' Premier Teams of the 90's"
History of Cricket in Central Florida
by Philip Simon
13 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
THE CENTRAL FLORIDA PHARMACY COUNCIL INVITES YOU TO THE 15TH ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MENS’S HEALTH SUMMIT The Orange County Convention Center West Concourse 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL Date: Saturday, April 23, 2011 Time: 8 am – 2 pm Admission: Free THE LEGENDS EASTER FETE MIRAMAR REGIONAL PARK 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL Date: April 24, 2011 Time: 2 pm – 10 pm Admission: Presold $25.00/VIP $50.00 More after 4/1/11 Call: 305-623-5078 for Booth & Info. CARIBBEAN INVASION “The Venue” Timehri Banquet Hall 7371 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL Date: Friday, May 20th, 2011
Time: 7.30 pm Admission: $10.00 Advance/More at Door Kids Under 10 – Free Call: 352-217-6265/646-236-7978 THE CARIBBEAN AND FLORIDIAN ASSOCI-ATION BUS RIDE Destination: Ft. Desoto Park, Tierra Verde, FL Date: Saturday, May 21, 2011 For Departure Locations & Times Call: Urla King @407-756-2826 Eunice Roberts@ 407-353-2243/Victor Baker @407-484-5692 Adults: $25.00/Children under 12 $20.00 The Shree Marie Ammaa Devi Temple 512 Hudson St, Orlando Annual Kalimai Puja May 20th—5;00PM Opening of Marie Amman’s Eyes followed by Maha Laxmi and Hanuman Jandi May 22nd—10:00AM One Day Kali Puja Call: 407-293-7352/407-692-1389
T he Indian Variety Show was held on April 2, 2011 at the Orlando Garden Club and was a cultural family show
hosted by Powerline HD Productions, a branch of Powerline Sounds HD. It featured Indian Dancers in colorful costumes dancing classical Indian, bollywood pop, chutney & more! The dancers for the evening included: The Sensational Aklima, Diya Interna-tional School of Indian Performing Arts dancers, The Exquisite Reshma Shamnarine, Avani’s Dance Academy dancers, & Melissa Haniff. There were also performances by Awaaz-E-Orlando, Geetanjali Band, Dave Lall, and Trinlando Tassa Group. Through-out the night raffles were drawn and four lucky winners won door prizes
which were Gas Cards sponsored by The Law offices of Gail Seeram. The Vibes were nice inside the Orlando Garden Club and there was even West Indian Style Indian Food on Sale by West Indian Catering and Mr. Ricky Singh of Karma Imaging spon-sored photography services. It was an entertaining evening showcasing local Indian talent through a variety of singers, dancers, & tassa. Power-line HD Productions says “Thank you to everyone who expressed their appreciation & showed their support for this cultural show.” Mark your calendar for their next event The “Hangover Fete” at Timehri’s Ban-quet Hall aka The Venue on May 14th.
Entertainment
Diya International Academy of Indian Performing Arts Dancers
Indian Variety Show a Hit
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
"Success is not a place
at which one arrives
but rather the spirit
with which one under-
takes and continues
the journey"
14 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
Ingredients:
Caribbean Horoscopes April 2011
Aries (21 March - 19 April) On the plus side, you will have some of the sweetest aspects possible - some of the best you've seen in a decade - but on the minus side, a few challenging ones will show up, too. The good, the bad, the brave, and the ugly aspects will come tumbling down, at times, all at once.
Taurus (20 April - 20th May) Your time in the Sun is coming, dear Taurus. You are on the verge of so much goodness, but it's still two months away. For this reason, you must spend April finishing up loose ends. You will need to be free and clear to be able to do so in your profes-sional life and also your personal, private life.
Gemini (21 May -21 June) ."When in doubt, do nothing."
Things cannot be settled to your satisfaction anyway, so take
your sweet time to sort out options and do your research. New
friendships should be especially exciting.
Cancer (22 June - 22 August) What an important career devel-
opment you have in store! It's a wow of a month. You are all
set to hear amazing professional news! You've earned this op-
portunity and whatever you will be discussing seems to fit you
like a glove.
Leo (23 August - 22 August )April should be a happy month for you! You are about to enjoy rare favor. This won't likely be "any old month" but will bring in new and special elements. May is shaping up as quite ex-traordinary for you, too! The point is, foreign people and places will take on a huge emphasis this month for you
Virgo (23 August - 22 September) Money management will consume you in April,." This covers money you receive, say, as a bank loan or as an infusion of venture capital, or in terms of a scholarship, financial aid, bo-nus, commission, or divorce settlement.
Libra (23 September - 22 October) As a Libra, you are usually hap-piest when working in a collaborative mode, and many Libras like to be married or in an established partnership. Snags will arise, in short, this is not the time to seal deals, sign papers, and shake hands. You have work to do first.
Scorpio (23 October - 21 November )This month your work and health will receive top billing. As a Scorpio, you tend to get a little ob-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!
Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December) .If you have been longing for a richer, emotional life, or if you found love and want more attention from your partner, this month you should have your wish. This would be an ideal month to take a vacation, long or short, for you will be in the mood to relax and let love find you!
Capricorn (22 December - 16 January) No matter what you thought you might be doing in April, the message is clear: Your home (or other property) or perhaps a certain family member, such as a parent, will become the center of thinking. Your time has come!
Aquarius (20 January - 18 February) You will love this month! Your mind will be abuzz with many new ideas, and some will be hailed by high-er-ups as downright brilliant. You will be eager to get started, and who could blame you? The concepts you are coming up with now will be origi-
nal and accurately reflect your individuality.
Pisces (19 February - 20 March) This will be an exciting, usual month that will put a very strong emphasis on money. As a Pisces, you are by nature not materialistic, and so, at times this month, you might find the emphasis on your financial life a bit annoying. You are a savvy negotiator, a practical and trustworthy manager, and an astute risk taker.
ANTIGUA and BARBUDA
Motto: Each Endeavoring All Achieving
History: Christopher Columbus landed on the island
of Antigua in the year 1493. He named the
island after the church of Santa Maria de la
Antigua in Seville, Spain. In 1632 it was col-
onized by the English and remained British
except for a brief occupation in 1667 by the
French until becoming an “Associated State
in 1967. On November 1, 1981 the islands of
Antigua and Barbuda attained full independ-
ence.
Economic Summary: The main national income earner is Tourism.
Antigua is noted for its many beautiful
beaches and is nicknamed “Land of 365
Beaches” due to the many beaches sur-
rounding the land. This may be responsible
for the attraction of both cargo and cruise
ship traffic. National economic develop-
ment is mainly due to Agriculture, fishing
and a growing manufacturing sector.
Capital: St. John’s
Official Language: English. Many locals speak Antiguan Creole
Population: 85,632 (July 2009)
Area: 442km2; 170 mi2
Airports: VC Bird International (Antigua)
Codrington (Barbuda)
Status Independent, November 1, 1981
Date of CARICOM
Membership: July 4, 1974
Highest National Award: Order of the Nation
Favourite Dish: Antigua Pepperpot
ANTIGUA PEPPERPOT
1 lb Salt Beef or 1 lb Fresh
Meat
1 lb Salt Pork
Pig’s feet (cut in pieces)
2 tsps Oil
4 Boulanger (diced)
4 Ochroes (diced)
4 Eddo Leaves
1 lb Spinach (chopped)
2 Tomatoes (sliced)
1 cup Pumpkin (diced)
1 cup squash (diced)
Bunch of Chive and thyme
(pounded)
2 onions (chopped)
2 tsps Ketchup
2 tsps Margarine
Salt and Pepper to taste
Method: Cook the meats. Add the vegetables except the green peas.
Add the seasoning.
Cook the peas in a small amount of salt water
Remove the vegetables
Chop well and return to the fire.
When cooked serve hot with fungee.
Dumplings can be added to this mixture, sometimes.
RECIPIES!! RECIPIES!! RECIPIES !!
15 Florida’s Caribbean Sun
16 Florida’s Caribbean Sun