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N E W S M A G A Z I N EN E W S M A G A Z I N EN E W S M A G A Z I N EN E W S M A G A Z I N EN E W S M A G A Z I N E

at the CAP Caribbean Village within theat the CAP Caribbean Village within theat the CAP Caribbean Village within theat the CAP Caribbean Village within theat the CAP Caribbean Village within theZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts!ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts!ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts!ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts!ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts!

C aribbean AmericanPassport News mag-azine will debut their

CAP Caribbean Village atthe ZORA! Festival on Feb-ruary 1-3, 2013 as a celebra-tion of the sights, sounds,color and culture of the Car-ibbean within the 24th An-nual ZORA! Festival. ZORA!Festival goers will enjoythree days of activities thathighlight the Caribbean atthe first of a series of Carib-bean Villages that will beshowcased throughout theyear. Caribbean AmericanPassport News Magazinewill also host a luncheonmeeting on Monday February 4th about the tourism and hospitality potential of the Carib-bean and Caribbean Community in Orlando. This week of activities is intended to launchthe diverse event lineup that Caribbean American Passport and their marketing companyGGR Marketing & PR will be marketing and promoting throughout 2013 from March’sPhagwah celebrations, May’s Orlando Carnival, June’s CAHM Festival and many others.

“This year CaribbeanAmerican Passport NewsMagazine intends tobring the feel of the Car-

ibbean to theA m e r i c a nCommunity,starting withthe ZORA!

Festival which has an at-tendance of 80,000 + andis an integral part of theevent fabric in Orlando.With it’s emphasis on Artsand Culture we felt thatit was the perfect event to

Rick SinghRick SinghRick SinghRick SinghRick Singhinaugurated asinaugurated asinaugurated asinaugurated asinaugurated as

Orange CountyOrange CountyOrange CountyOrange CountyOrange CountyProperty AppraiserProperty AppraiserProperty AppraiserProperty AppraiserProperty Appraiser orn in 1962 in George- town, Guyana, Rick Singh spent the firstdecade of his life in Guy-ana. After the suddendeath of his father in 1972,Rick relocated two monthslater with his family to theBronx New York. At his in-auguration Rick , thankedhis mother for the lessonsthat she taught him aboutlife and education that areresponsible for propellinghim throughout life to hiscurrent position. Her fo-cus on education encour-

Guyanese born Rick Singh wassworn in on January 11th, 2013

as the new Orange CountyProperty Appraiser.

BBBBB

Carnival Season has begun!Carnival - Trinidad & Tobago Feb. 11th - 12th!

Mashramani - Guyana, Feb. 23rd!Orlando Carnival May 26th, Memorial Weekend!

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L I F E S T Y L E

Guenet Gittens-Roberts,

Publisher/Editor

GGR Marketing & Public Relations1230 Hillcrest Street, Suite 101 • Orlando, FL 32803

407-427-1800 • guenetroberts@yahoo.comFor Media Information email: capnewsmagazine@yahoo.com

Should you desire to review past copies of the publicationgo to http://www.issuu.com/ and search for

Caribbean American Passport News Magazine.

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

Publisher ........................................................... Guenet Gittens-RobertsEditor .............................................................................Audrey JohnsonContributing Writers: ..................................................... Natasha Gittens........................................................................................ .Lyma Dunbar

. .................................. ................................................... Roger Caldwell................................................................................ Nouchelle Hastings

Contributing Photographers ........................................... Dillia Castillo...........................................................................Azikiwe smenkh Ka Ra.......................................................................................Mark Bannister

Distribution.................................................................... Samuel Roberts

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What a year, 2012 passed with blistering speed in my world,I’m not sure about yours, but here’s a synopsis of mine.

JanuaryI was elected President of the Caribbean American Chamberof Commerce of Florida. That same month my marketing com-pany, GGR Marketing & PR was responsible for the Grand Open-ing of Majestic Event Center, a celebration that more than 600people attended. It was a culmination of years of networkingpulled into one room for me and I loved the combination ofpeople, black, white, indian, chinese, business people, eventpromoters that filled the room. Mayor Buddy Dyer attendedto cut the ribbon.

FebruaryI chaired the Guyanese American Cultural Association Ball forthe first time. It was lively, entertaining and I had a great teamto work with. I’m chairing it again this year, so save the dateFeb. 23rd. We’ve got a lot of fun in store for you this year.We’re shaking things up.

MarchCaribbean American Passport News Magazine launched thefirst of our many Meet the candidate series. Our first candi-date - Rick Singh, who has gone on to become the OrangeCounty Property Appraiser.

AprilGGR Marketing, assisted CAFA with the marketing and pro-motion of their Annual CAFA Fusion. We’re grateful to themfor their belief in our abilities and we worked our team’s buttoff to justify their faith in us. Look forward to this event againthis April. It’s one of Central Florida’s must attend events.

MaySusan Taylor, Editor Emeritus of Essence Magazine, reached outto us after reading the newspaper to coordinate an event forher to coincide with Caribbean American Heritage Month. Wehad a full plate with the planning of events for CaribbeanAmerican Heritage month, but we thought...SUSANTAYLOR...OMG, and started planning.

JuneOh June! Caribbean American Heritage month, we had anevent every week...something we will probably never do again.With the leadership of Greater Orlando Cares, the event weorganized for Susan Taylor worked out fabulously. It becameour first annual Caribbean American Honors awards. We’llbe back again this June, honoring heroes in our communityagain with the Awards presentation. To celebrate June as Car-ibbean American Heritage month we had a presentation atCity Hall, a 5k walk, business expo, the CAHM festival that wewere helping to plan was rained out and we were forced topostpone it to August. That month I was honored to be fea-tured as one of the Women on the Ryse in Orlando, and waspart of the Ryse Magazine cover with some very distinguishedladies. The month ended with the West Indies playing cricketfor the first time in United States...it was absolutely amazingand I will go to cricket every time the West Indies team plays inthe United States.

JulyWe were supposed to go on a road trip, but alas the resched-uled CAHM festival meant that we had to work doubly hard topromote it in one month. The Ryse magazine cover was puton the Walmart web site. My daughter scored a perfect scoreon the reading FCAT, putting to rest a secret fear that I hadbeen neglecting my children in lieu of a busy active career.

2012 is over, bring on 2013!2012 is over, bring on 2013!2012 is over, bring on 2013!2012 is over, bring on 2013!2012 is over, bring on 2013!

— Continued on page 14 —

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By Roger Caldwell

Governor Scott Inflates Price TagGovernor Scott Inflates Price TagGovernor Scott Inflates Price TagGovernor Scott Inflates Price TagGovernor Scott Inflates Price Tagon Healthcare Overhaulon Healthcare Overhaulon Healthcare Overhaulon Healthcare Overhaulon Healthcare Overhaul

Governor Scott again finds himself on the wrong side ofthe people. The majority of Floridians support the Af-fordable Care Act, and that was evident because Presi-

dent Obama won the state in the election. Governor Scott nowappears to have a softer tone with the Obama administration,but he is still combative.

Governor Scott wants to run the Affordable Care Act, his ownway, and last week he had a meeting with Secretary KathleenSebelius and told her what he thinks. He thinks that the gov-ernment estimates underplay the state’s cost to expand Medic-aid. Scott hopes to change the state’s Medicaid program into amanaged care option, much like an HMO.

Again Governor Scott wants to do his own thing, and he hashis own plan. Scott enjoys being a rebel and dancing to hisown music and beat. The Secretary was very polite but shereiterated the government’s plan for the Affordable Care Act.

After Scott pitched his plan, the Secretary reminded him thatFlorida has the third-highest rate of uninsured residents in thecountry. Basically, she is telling the governor that Florida is in

terrible shape, and healthcare reform would allow 1.2 millionresidents access to high quality affordable health insurance.Secretary Sebelius also reminded Scott that the federal govern-ment will cover 100 percent of the cost for three years, and 90percent of the cost in the future.

Governor Scott is not a team player and he did not go to Washing-ton to discuss how to implement the Affordable Care Act, but topitch his own program and plan. He also has inflated the cost ofimplementing the Affordable Care Act, to justify why it is not do-able in Florida. Based on Scott’s number it would cost the state 2.6billion a year to implement the government’s program in Florida.

No one knows how Governor Scott arrived at these numbers,but it would make sense to talk to other governors of otherstates, and find out their cost. I am sure that the states will beforced to finance a portion of the program, but the govern-ment says that they will finance 100 percent of the bill.

Instead of our governor finding ways to not implement the act,he should be looking for ways to get on board. Florida was thelast state to count their votes in the election, and we may be thelast state to implement the Affordable Care Act. Many Ameri-cans think Floridians are slow at understanding things, becausewe come from the Deep South, and we are a little backward.

Six months ago, Governor Scott said he would not comply withthe law, and he has changed that tune after the election. Manypeople around the country see Scott as a bag of hot air. WhenGovernor Scott does something silly, it brands the state also asbeing silly. It is my hope that our governor gets engaged inimplementing the Affordable Care Act, the way the govern-ment wants it implemented. It would be great if our state couldfollow instructions, and get it right the first time.

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By Sir Ronald Sanders

The curtain rollsdown on 2012with the Carib-

bean Community andCommon Market (CARICOM) institutionallyweak and its 15 membergovernments doing littlemore than paying lipservice to the process ofeconomic integration.

It seems that the only reason that several governments do notdeclare CARICOM irrelevant and walk away from it is thatthey dare not. To do so, they would have to explain their ac-tion to their people. It is a discussion few government leaderswould relish.

One of the things they could not say is that CARICOM – as anintegration instrument - is a drag on their development or a hin-drance to their prospects. In recent years,Governments have simply opted not toutilise the benefits of regional arrange-ments, preferring instead to pursue sepa-rate deals in the hope that such deals wouldallow them to maintain national power.

Just a few weeks ago at the opening of ameeting of CARICOM Trade Ministers, theDeputy Secretary-General of CARICOM feltconstrained to say: “While as individualsovereign States we would be preoccupiedwith the responsibilities within our national borders, it would alsobe to our advantage to look to our regional arrangements as sup-portive even when they seem to add additional responsibilities”.That Lolita Applewhaite found it necessary to make this state-ment is indicative of concern over the failure of governments toseek a solution to their current grave economic problems throughCARICOM’s integration machinery.

It is not as if the economic conditions in the majority of CARICOMcountries are good. Barbados and the six independent countriesof the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have dan-gerously high debt toGDP ratios of over 65percent and some arewell over 100 per cent.Jamaica’s economy hasbeen in dire straits foryears and there appearslittle hope of a dramatic improvement anytime soon. Indeed, many of these countries are already failed states,surviving only by grants and assistance given to them byexternal agencies.

As 2013 dawns, apart from Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana andSuriname, the prospects for the national economies of CARICOMstates are bleak. None of the 12 other CARICOM members hasthe means to provide the financial stimulus to grow their econo-mies and stem the rate of unemployment which is expandingand will get worse in 2013.

It is not a convincing argument for CARICOM governments toconstantly point to the global economic situation as the princi-pal cause for their countries’ economic decline. Many of themwere already on a slippery slope before 2009 when the financialcrisis began to bite. Further, other countries in Africa, Asia andLatin America have done well despite being subject to the sameglobal crisis. Economic growth in many of these countries hasexceeded 7 per cent at the same time that the economies of themajority of CARICOM countries shrunk. Making matters worse, with the exceptions of Barbados and

Trinidad and Tobago, CARICOM countries have become relianton Hugo Chavez - Venezuela’s President - for deferred paymentfor their oil needs under the Petro Caribe scheme. With PresidentChavez’s illness casting grave doubt over his ability to continueto lead Venezuela, even if he manages to be sworn-in as Presidenton January 10, the likelihood of continuing benefits under PetroCaribe is not at all certain.

To add to this troubling scenario, the Caribbean DevelopmentBank – long respected internationally and trusted with funds frominternational financial institutions and donor governments foron-lending to CARICOM states – was downgraded twice in 2012by Standard & Poor’s, dragged there by the failure of borrowinggovernments to repay loans.

Then there is the EU which has been a generous aid donor toCARICOM countries for over three decades. Faced with its owndebt problems among some of its member states, the EU has in-troduced austerity measures domestically. In that situation, ithas announced that upper-middle income developing countrieswill no longer be eligible for EU aid. While, so far, CARICOMcountries, as part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP)

Group, have been shielded from ineligi-bility by the Cotonou Agreement, there isno guarantee that this will continue after2015 when the Agreement is reviewed. Atthat time, all but Guyana (lower middleincome) and Haiti (low income) will beadversely affected.

But, aid agencies such as the CanadianInternational Development Agency, theBritish Department for International De-velopment and the EU complain regu-

larly that while tens of millions of dollars are available forregional projects on an annual basis, Governments show littleinterest in them, opting for national projects for which manylack the absorptive capacity, including the skills necessary tosubmit “bankable” applications.

The question that poses itself is: Haiti apart, why should a regionof 6 million people with vast natural resources such as oil,gas, diamonds, gold, bauxite, uranium, tourism, financialservices, fisheries, agriculture (including sugar and rice), for-estry and huge potential for renewable energy, be poor and suf-

fering? The answer liesin the failure of ourgovernments to perfecta single market and towork steadfastly towarda single economy.

No one pretends that this task is easy. Secretary-General IrwinLaRocque has said that: “Many of our member states face con-straints both technical and political which cannot be ignored oreasily overcome”. Given the validity of that statement why hasthe Secretariat not sought a mandate to establish a team of com-petent persons to examine these constraints wherever they existand to identify practical measures to deal with them within anagreed time frame? It cannot be sufficient to acknowledge theproblem and yet to take no meaningful action to solve it.

If this backward march continues, many CARICOM countrieswill go over the cliff, and eventually CARICOM will be aban-doned by those member countries that can do better by eco-nomic and political arrangements with others. In particular,Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname may well find itbeneficial to integrate their own economies more deeply andto jointly pursue arrangements with Brazil, Venezuela and otherLatin American nations.

2013 can be the year of CARICOM’s final slide to oblivion withdisastrous consequences for the majority of its member states,or it can be the year when leaders recognise the folly of shun-ning deeper regional integration and so take positive steps tore-enliven and deepen CARICOM.

CARICOM irrelevant or essentialCARICOM irrelevant or essentialCARICOM irrelevant or essentialCARICOM irrelevant or essentialCARICOM irrelevant or essential

As 2013 dawns, apart from Trinidad and Tobago, Guyanaand Suriname, the prospects for the national economiesof CARICOM states are bleak says Sir Ronald Sanders.

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United Nations surveyUnited Nations surveyUnited Nations surveyUnited Nations surveyUnited Nations surveyshows significantshows significantshows significantshows significantshows significantprogress in Haitiprogress in Haitiprogress in Haitiprogress in Haitiprogress in HaitiCaribbean 360Caribbean 360Caribbean 360Caribbean 360Caribbean 360

Haiti, a member of the 15-nation Caribbean Commu-nity (CARICOM) grouping has been re-building sincethe earthquake struck on 12 January 2010.

A new United Nations-backed national household survey showssubstantial progress has been made for children in the educa-tion, nutrition, health and sanitation sectors since 2006.

According to the initial results of the Haiti Demographic andHealth Survey (DHS), which covered 13,350 households, 77 percent of children aged 6-11 years attended primary school in2012, compared to just below 50 per cent in 2005-2006 whenthe last survey was conducted.

Acute malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months has beenreduced by half from 10 per cent to five per cent, and chronicmalnutrition has been cut from 29 per cent to 22 per cent be-tween 2005-2006 and 2012.

“Results of the survey show that the efforts of partners in Haitiin these three years contributed to progress in many sectors andmitigated the impact on children of the 2010 earthquake, theoutbreak of cholera and other disasters.” said the representativeof the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Haiti, Edouard Beigbeder.

“These findings call for a continued commitment to supportthe country in sustaining this success while addressing exist-ing challenges and where progress has lagged.”

Haiti, a member of the 15-nation Caribbean Community(CARICOM) grouping has been re-building since the earth-quake struck on 12 January 2010, killing more than 200,000people and leaving an estimated .5 million others homeless,in addition to causing widespread destruction, particularly inthe capital, Port-au-Prince.

The DHS 2012 was conducted by the Institut Hatien deL’Enfance, under the overall direction of the country’s Ministryof Population and Public Health, and was supported by UNICEFand the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) amongst others.

The survey also notes that the under-five mortality rate, at 88child deaths per 1,000 live births, has shown a declining trendin the last 15 years, according to new estimates, down from112 in 1997-2001 and 96 in 2002-2006.

Access to improved sources of water remained unchanged at65 per cent, while 82 per cent of residents of internally dis-placed camps had access to improved sources of water. Accessto improved sanitation almost doubled from 14 per cent in2005-2006 to 26 per cent in 2012.

The 2012 Haiti DHS estimates socio-economic, demographicand health indicators for the entire Haitian population, in-cluding women of child-bearing age, children under five yearsof age, men aged between 15 and 59 years old. The last surveytook place between October 2005 and June 2006.

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77777

By Rosemarie RothDirector of Community Services at Alpha Point, Inc.

Run!Run!Run!Run!Run!I can safely say that I am delighted to see another new year.

Taking life by the “bull horns” and not being afraid to seeall that is in store for me this year. The hardest fact is ac-

cepting that the year will progress with or without me. It hasgone right along without many of my friends and loved ones.

I enjoyed last year. It was a good year and I was not in anyhurry for it to finish, but the intriguing aspect of this New Yearrests on the projects that are being incubated from last year,waiting for the right time to come alive. The plans I did notsee manifest last year taught me to persevere even when itseems like nothing is happening. This year began last year. Itbegan with the classes we registered for, our engagement toget married, the start of a weight loss program, the reconcilia-tion of a broken relationship or the commitment to serve theLord. That’s right; this year began what last year did not ac-complish. The projects I envisioned last year are coming topass this year. Or should I say, will come to pass?

Jeremiah 29:11New International Version (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give youhope and a future.

The Lord declares that He has “a plan” for YOU. This planentails to bless you. He will not allow this plan to harm you inany way. He wants you to hope (which will not make you beashamed) for prosperity in the future.

Mary Stephenson wrote the poem “Foot prints in the sand”which has touched many lives. It taught me to be grateful toGod for all aspects of my life. Yet something bothered me aboutthis poem.

The Author was looking down to see foot prints…not looking up!She was looking backward….not forward. Her eyes were not onthe destination or the prize but on the struggles she was goingthrough. She was looking on the failed exams, the sick child, thebroken car, the broken marriage, the unpaid bills, the friend’srejection, the sudden death of a family member or the traffic ticket.Her eyes were focused on the foot prints behind her. Would youagree with me that we spend too much time looking backwards?

Take note…..The foot prints never stopped because Jesus waslooking on the mark where He would be able to safely put hispassenger down for a “hand in hand” walk.

Hebrews 12:2 says:

1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great

a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sinwhich doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience therace that is set before us,

2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who forthe joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising theshame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Let’s look around us and see the cloud of witnesses that haveexperienced the goodness of the Lord in their lives and are atestimonial to us to preserve. Take a look again on the thingsthat pulls us away from seeing the Lord working on our be-half. Let us lay aside the spirit of complaining because it soeasily weights us down. I love the word “run”. It is to makehaste, to get away or to get to, To move swiftly on foot so thatboth feet leave the ground during each stride. To move or goquickly; hurry: To move at a fast gallop.

2. To retreat rapidly; flee… http://www.thefree dictionary.com/run

It is saying that we need to run towards the mark of successthat we envisioned. When we take our eyes off Jesus we arenot promised to finish the race...you will be running but withno destination. Looking unto Jesus - As a further inducementto do this, the apostle exhorts us to look to the Savior. We areto look to his holy life; to his patience and perseverance intrials; to what he endured in order to obtain the crown, and tohis final success and triumph.

Jesus was willing to bear the shame of the cross because of hislove for man. The depth of his humiliation was shown in thereadiness and firmness with which he went forward to such apublic death. Yet he endured to the end.

And, is set down at the right hand of the throne of God - Ex-alted to the highest place of dignity and honor in the universe;Mark 16:19 and Ephesians 1:20-22 notes. The sentiment hereis, “Imitate the example of the great Author of our faith. He, inview of the honor and joy before him, endured the most severesufferings to which the human frame can be subjected, andthe form of death which is regarded as the most shameful. Soamidst all the severe trials to which you are exposed on ac-count of your vision, you can patiently endure all - for theglorious rewards, the happiness and the triumph of heaven,are before you.”

Rosemarie Roth is the Director of Community Services at Alpha Point,Inc. operating at Silver Star Christian Church, Inc.* 7510 Silver StarRoad in Orlando; and Solid Rock Outreach Ministries * 4213 N.Pine Hills Road, Orlando.

Offering Church services, education, food, clothes, senior citizen club -Wednesdays 10-12 p.m), free weddings, mission trips and much more.

You can contact her at moreministry@gmail.com or 352 321 0932.

88888

The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida Inc,announces the election of their 2013 Executive Board. Presi-

dent: Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Vice-President: Homida Rajack, Sec-retary: Donna Morton, Treasurer: Elizabeth Vieira.

Members are invited to a strategic planning meeting for 2013 atTruffles Restaurant, Winter Park Village, January 29th, 2013,5:30pm - 7:30pm.

For more information contact: CACCF President at 407-427-1800.

CACCF Announces New OfficersCACCF Announces New OfficersCACCF Announces New OfficersCACCF Announces New OfficersCACCF Announces New Officers

99999

The Caribbean tourism industry continued to show signsof recovery during 2012 fuelled by improvements in theUnited States and Canadian markets.

But Secretary General of the Barbados-based Caribbean Tour-ism Organization (CTO), Hugh Riley in a Christmas messagewarned that the region continued to face challenges in Europe,particularly the United Kingdom market from which the num-bers have been falling.

He said visitor spendinghas also been sluggish.Riley said that the latestfigures on visitor arrivalsshow a five per cent in-crease rise and “there areclear signs that our per-formance in the US, ourregion’s main sourcemarket, is improving,with arrival numbers upby 5.3 per cent”.

He said the Canadianmarket has also showedgrowth, with total arriv-als matching the US at5.3 per cent.

“The UK, on the otherhand, has recorded adecline of over six percent. The SummerOlympics did have someeffect, leading to mar-ginal growth in the UKeconomy, which is stillstruggling to rebound”.

But Riley said that a factor which the region cannot ignore isthe “unfair and discriminatory” Air Passenger Duty (APD)that is continuing to have a severe impact on the Caribbeantourism sector.

The APD, instituted in 1994, is a British environmental taxaimed at offsetting aviation’s carbon footprint. In its initialstage, it was set at £5 (US$7.85) per person.

Regional governments have been lobbying London to re-move the tax, which they said negatively affects the growthof the tourism industry since the Caribbean has been placedin a band that makes travel to the region much more ex-pensive than travelling from London to the United States.

“Much to the disappointment and frustration of the Carib-

Caribbean tourism sector sees US,Caribbean tourism sector sees US,Caribbean tourism sector sees US,Caribbean tourism sector sees US,Caribbean tourism sector sees US,Canada visitor increase as UK declinesCanada visitor increase as UK declinesCanada visitor increase as UK declinesCanada visitor increase as UK declinesCanada visitor increase as UK declines

bean, this crippling tax is due to rise even further in April2013 while the discriminatory aspect of the distance ‘band-ing’ system remains. A family of four visiting the Caribbeanand flying in economy will be expected to fork out 332 poundssterling for APD – and double that amount for a few extrainches of leg room if they fly in any class above economy,”Riley said.

Riley noted that on thecontrary, that same fam-ily would pay less APD tofly to US destinations thatare far further away fromLondon than any Carib-bean country.

“This is an issue the CTOand its member countriesand partners willcontinue to fight.”

But he said despite themany challenges whichthe Caribbean faced,“we got through 2012with our chins up andour resolve unfazed.

“Many of our member-countries have scoredmajor successes region-ally and internationally,often parlaying thosewins to the benefit oftheir tourism sector.

“We at the CTO havebeen energized by our

new vision “To position the Caribbean as the most desirable, yearround, warm weather destination by 2017” and the recently electedCTO chairman, Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty has begunher two-year tenure with a pledge to refocus attention on urgentand essential areas including aviation”.

He said she immediately established an Aviation Task Force todevelop solutions to the region’s aviation problems, includingthe issue of taxation.

“As we prepare to enter 2013, we look forward to working moreclosely with all of members and partners. As the internationalagency that leads tourism development in the Caribbean, we knowthere are plenty of opportunities to improve the quality and thevalue of the services we provide. We take our responsibility seri-ously and will use every resource available to us to improve thequality of life of all Caribbean people through tourism.”

“We at the CTO have been energized by our new vision toposition the Caribbean as the most desirable, yearround, warm weather destination by 2017”

aged him to graduate with honors from the prestigious Avia-tion High School with an FAA Airframe Certificate.

Following graduation, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Army and wasassigned to the 1st Infantry Division Mechanized, working onHelicopter Armament Subsystems, including tactical devicesand hardware for weapons like machine guns, grenade launch-ers, auto-cannons, and rockets. Rick was honorably dischargedin 1986 with the rank of Specialist 4.

In 1986, Rick relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he operated afamily-owned real estate company, rendered advice on potentialreal estate investments, and managed home rental and upkeepduring Central Florida’s housing boom. In 1994, Rick joined theOrange County Property Appraiser’s Office and started his career

Rick Singh inaugurated as Orange County Property AppraiserRick Singh inaugurated as Orange County Property AppraiserRick Singh inaugurated as Orange County Property AppraiserRick Singh inaugurated as Orange County Property AppraiserRick Singh inaugurated as Orange County Property Appraiser— Continued from page 1 —

as a field appraiser. By 1999, Rick became a State Certified Resi-dential Appraiser, which qualified him in a wide range of valua-tion applications, including financial reporting, tax compliance,corporate finance, restructurings, and litigation support. Rickeventually entered private practice, opened his own appraisal firmand started a real-estate company, where he served the CentralFlorida community for 11 years. During this time, Rick hired,trained, managed, and reviewed numerous appraisers.

Rick’s training and work ethic led him to running for the officeof Property Appraiser. On January 11th, he was sworn intothe office by Congressman Alan Grayson. Rick is married tohis childhood sweetheart, Davieca, a Registered Nurse, and heand his wife have been blessed with two children: a son,Avinash, and a daughter, Amrita.

1 01 01 01 01 0

Guenet Roberts with US Ambassadaor at Largefor Global Women’s issues, Melanne Verveer

Jonathan Blount with Rollins College President The Steeles’. Elinor Steele is VicePresident, Global Communicationsand Public Relations at Tupperware

Brands Corporation

Guests included author Conrad Taylor,his wife Ona.

In his speech Rick Singh credited hismother for his achievements. Sheinstilled in him the value of educationand giving back to the community.

Publishers of Caribbean AmericanPassport, Sam and Guenet

Roberts with Rick Singh

Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce Members attend theInauguration of Rick Singh. In this photo they pose with the Mayor of

Eatonville, Mayor Bruce Mount in the middle.

Tupperware Brands and Rollins College wraps up one year jointTupperware Brands and Rollins College wraps up one year jointTupperware Brands and Rollins College wraps up one year jointTupperware Brands and Rollins College wraps up one year jointTupperware Brands and Rollins College wraps up one year jointprogram with Secretary of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues.program with Secretary of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues.program with Secretary of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues.program with Secretary of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues.program with Secretary of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues.

Global Links program aims to create a new generation of female entrepreneurs in post-war Iraq

Rick Singh Inauguration, as Orange County Property AppraiserRick Singh Inauguration, as Orange County Property AppraiserRick Singh Inauguration, as Orange County Property AppraiserRick Singh Inauguration, as Orange County Property AppraiserRick Singh Inauguration, as Orange County Property Appraiser

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, Former OrlandoPolice chief Val Demings, Orange County Property

Appraiser Rick Singh and CongressmanAlan Grayson who administered the oath of office.

Davieca Singh with guests

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Danielle Sampson with her parents and sister Baje.

Baje Fletcher (Danielle’s Sister) and PastorPaula White, New Destiny Church

Greater Orlando Cares Team - Darrell Butler, SamRoberts, Mrs. Fletcher - Danielle’s mom, Nouchelle

Hastings & Pastor DaRon Dixon

Danielle with her favorite local artist, Shem (heand Danielle used to condition together)

Coach Rainey of the West OaksAcademy. West Oaks won

under 18 basketball.

Sam Roberts, with Danielle Sampson herparents and Magic representative .....as

Danielle is presented with her ownOrlando Magic Jersey

Family and community members held a basketball benefit to help raisemoney for Danielle Sampson’s recovery efforts. During January,Danielle and her family were also treated to an Orlando Magic Game,

where Danielle was given her own Magic jersey with her name and thenumber 23.

As Danielle struggles to recover from a massive brain injury the case againsther alleged shooter is scheduled to begin soon. Suspect Tyrone Mosby andhis friends were firing from a moving car in the Pine Hills area when Daniellewas caught in the crossfire.

Mosby, has also been tied to the recent arrest of gang members charged in aracketeering case. Authorities said they believe the suspects were respon-sible for hundreds of crimes through the area.

Danielle’s Sweet Sixteen CelebrationDanielle’s Sweet Sixteen CelebrationDanielle’s Sweet Sixteen CelebrationDanielle’s Sweet Sixteen CelebrationDanielle’s Sweet Sixteen Celebration

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launch our Caribbean Village and Caribbean Event lineup forthe year at,” said Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher CaribbeanAmerican Passport News Magazine (CAP).

Artists, performers, chefs, will create a Caribbean Experiencethat will awaken the senses through the sounds, smells andtaste of the Caribbean. “Zora Neale Hurston visited the Car-ibbean and chronicled her experiences. We look forward tomaking the CAP Caribbean Village an Annual part of theZORA! Festival of the Arts. “ SaidSamuel Roberts, CFO Roberts &Roberts Management and Carib-bean American Passport NewsMagazine. Now you have thechance to experience the Carib-bean as she did with:

• Sounds of the Caribbeanthrough soca, reggae, Zouk, chut-ney and live Tassa drumming.

• Performances of kwe kwe,which is an African pre wed-ding celebration or the Indiandancers performing chutney,bollywood and traditionaldance.

• Stilt walkers, limbo and othercultural performances will fea-ture the culture from the islands.

• Cuisine, sample the food anddrinks that are part of the Car-ibbean Experience.

After the ZORA! Festival, the CAP Caribbean Village will beplaced into various mainstream events and will combine a busi-ness outbreak luncheon session at the end of the consumer-ori-ented event that featured the food, and entertainment of theCaribbean. The networking luncheon will allow the sponsorsand local officials to network and connect with the organizers ofupcoming events in the Caribbean Community. Each event willfeature a speaker and provide networking opportunities. ThisForum intends to connect Caribbean event organizers with ma-jor event organizers, local executives and Caribbean Officials.It will provide sponsors with an opportunity to peruse the up-coming events in the community at one time, and to directlyinterface with organizers to get their questions answered.

The CAP Caribbean Village at the ZORA! Festival will featurethree days of fun in the Caribbean. When you enter the Carib-bean Village, it will be as though you took a trip overseas. FromJamaica to Haiti as Zora did and beyond, you will enjoy anassorted sample of food from around the Caribbean, all com-bined with music, dancing and Caribbean entertainment. Thefirst 1000 registered visitors will receive a Caribbean Villagecustomized gift bag with a Caribbean magazine and lots ofspecial treats. Registered visitors will also be entered into achance to win Caribbean themed prizes.

Caribbean Art & Literary Del ightCaribbean Art & Literary Del ightCaribbean Art & Literary Del ightCaribbean Art & Literary Del ightCaribbean Art & Literary Del ightFriday, February 1, 2013 9am-5pmFriday, February 1, 2013 9am-5pmFriday, February 1, 2013 9am-5pmFriday, February 1, 2013 9am-5pmFriday, February 1, 2013 9am-5pm

On Friday, the focus will be on Caribbean Art & Authors, get apeak at some of the Authors from the Caribbean who resideright here in Florida. Take a peek at the local artists. EnjoyPoetry, Spoken Word and a Caribbean movie. In the back-ground, enjoy the sounds of steelpan, sample Caribbean drinks,beer and rum.

Throughout the week, these highly acclaimed chefs will be onhand at various events to interact with the general public and

— Continued from page 1 —

Experience the Caribbean in OrlandoExperience the Caribbean in OrlandoExperience the Caribbean in OrlandoExperience the Caribbean in OrlandoExperience the Caribbean in Orlandoat the CAP Caribbean Village within theat the CAP Caribbean Village within theat the CAP Caribbean Village within theat the CAP Caribbean Village within theat the CAP Caribbean Village within theZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts!ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts!ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts!ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts!ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts!

media as they showcase their culinary skills. In previous years,events at Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and William Sonoma storeshave showcased Caribbean Celebrity chefs throughout the week.

Caribbean Sounds & StyleCaribbean Sounds & StyleCaribbean Sounds & StyleCaribbean Sounds & StyleCaribbean Sounds & StyleSaturday, February 2nd, 2013 - 9:00am - 5:00pmSaturday, February 2nd, 2013 - 9:00am - 5:00pmSaturday, February 2nd, 2013 - 9:00am - 5:00pmSaturday, February 2nd, 2013 - 9:00am - 5:00pmSaturday, February 2nd, 2013 - 9:00am - 5:00pmCaribbean Culture will take center stage to transform a piece ofEatonville into a Caribbean Village. Sounds - the rhythmicsounds of steel pan will entertain you while you sample Carib-

bean food and drinks. Enjoy alineup of local Caribbean talentfrom dance to music as you tourthe Caribbean village to meet lo-cal businesses. Style - the Carib-bean has their own sense of styleand you can get transportedthrough that style, to the lands ofbeautiful sunshine, sandy beachesand blue water. It might be Feb-ruary in Orlando, but in Eatonvillethis February, Caribbean style andsounds will transport you throughthe best of the Caribbean.

Saturday’s event will take guests onan enchanting journey that willencapsulate the vibrant cultures,eclectic cuisines, pulsating rhythmsand quintessential experiencesthat are enjoyed in the Caribbean.

”Gimme some ole time religion””Gimme some ole time religion””Gimme some ole time religion””Gimme some ole time religion””Gimme some ole time religion”Sunday, February 3rd, 2013 - 10am - 4pmSunday, February 3rd, 2013 - 10am - 4pmSunday, February 3rd, 2013 - 10am - 4pmSunday, February 3rd, 2013 - 10am - 4pmSunday, February 3rd, 2013 - 10am - 4pm

Sunday’s focus is on church. Experience the diversity of Carib-bean religion with the sounds of the best in Caribbean gospelmusic playing in the background and guest appearances by lo-cal Caribbean gospel artistes. Sunday will be a treat for the senses.

Wrap up on Monday with the:

Caribbean Luncheon ForumCaribbean Luncheon ForumCaribbean Luncheon ForumCaribbean Luncheon ForumCaribbean Luncheon ForumMonday February 4th, 2013 - 12pm - 2pmMonday February 4th, 2013 - 12pm - 2pmMonday February 4th, 2013 - 12pm - 2pmMonday February 4th, 2013 - 12pm - 2pmMonday February 4th, 2013 - 12pm - 2pm

At this Forum, tourism officials and policy-makers will discussmatters of mutual interest with the Diaspora. CAP News Magazinewill also provide an update on its Caribbean Village program, aninitiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between theCaribbean Diaspora, the American Community and the regionthrough the promotion of the Caribbean’s people and culture.

The Forum will be immediately followed by a presentation ofthe upcoming events in the Caribbean Community and dis-cussions. The audience will comprise a cross-section of Carib-bean nationals, Promoters, Caribbean non-profit groups, lo-cal officials and friends of the Caribbean.

This is an opportunity to connect with over 200 leading execu-tives from a variety of fields. This forum offers companies theperfect opportunity to meet the leaders in the Community fromthe Business Community to the non-profit groups, media andGovernment officials.

Registration Fee: $50 per person. Sponsorship opportunitiesare available. Limited tickets are available for the luncheonand must be purchased by Jan. 31st, 2013. Sponsorship oppor-tunities are available. Booth Spaces and sponsorship optionsare available for the Caribbean Village and must be purchasedby Jan. 25th, 2013. For more information contact the Carib-bean Passport office at 407-427-1800.

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AugustThe day of the CAHM festival dawned bright and clear andthousands showed up at Lake Eola to celebrate with the Carib-bean American Community. The local talent that showed up,wowed the crowd. Seeing it all come together exactly the waywe had envisioned for years, with the full cooperation of theCaribbean community brought me to tears.

SeptemberCaribbean American Passport News Magazine celebrated our2 year anniversary. We were too exhausted to celebrate. Weplanned a party which we cancelled. Rest, was the best cel-ebration we could imagine.

OctoberWas there anything else happening in October but election ads,billboards, emails and television ads. We did meet the candi-date series for Sheriff Demings. The newspaper formally endorsedRick Singh for Orange County Property Appraiser, Sheriff JerryDemings for Orange County Sheriff and President Obama for a2nd term. That was it for our endorsements, but we were 3 for 3as all of our endorsed candidates won their races.

NovemberElections came and went, leaving us all with a vacuum in ourlives. However we quickly filled that with a show by Dave Mar-tins and the Tradewinds, where my Office Manager Donna, fi-nally fell in love with Caribbean music and played the Tradewindscd every day at her desk until I fell out of love with the Tradewinds.At the same time we worked on promoting the first Annual Or-lando Jerk Fest, a spin off of the successful Palm Beach Jerk Fest.Two weeks after the Dave Martins and Tradewinds show, the Or-lando Jerk Fest came off very successfully.

DecemberSam and I decided we would produce our first Caribbean Vil-lage at the ZORA! Festival in February. We made arrangementsto handle the marketing of Caribbean Airlines in the CentralFlorida area, then closed up the office and took our first vaca-tion in two years. We mentally prepared for the end of world,just in case, we connected with family and friends and foundout that our work schedule had made us miss a lot, but thatour friends were still there and were willing to forgive us ourneglect. We recharged our batteries, entertained family hada blast and welcomed the new year exhilarated, excited aboutthe possibilities that were unfolding before us. Unfortunatelythe flu knocked some of the zest and zeal out of both of us sothat we actually limped into 2013. Thank you to everyonewho helped us to grow the paper through advertising, sub-scribing, writing, coordinating events and offering advice andsupport throughout 2012, thanks to you the future is bright, seeyou out there in 2013.

2012 is over, bring on 2013!2012 is over, bring on 2013!2012 is over, bring on 2013!2012 is over, bring on 2013!2012 is over, bring on 2013!— Continued from page 3 —

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NAACP LuncheonNAACP LuncheonNAACP LuncheonNAACP LuncheonNAACP LuncheonMeeting for InstallingMeeting for InstallingMeeting for InstallingMeeting for InstallingMeeting for Installing2013 - 2014 Officers2013 - 2014 Officers2013 - 2014 Officers2013 - 2014 Officers2013 - 2014 Officers

The Orange County Branch NAACP hosted an Installa-tion Luncheon Meeting on Saturday, January 12, 2013at The Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Fel-

lowship Hall. The Honorable Belvin Perry, Chief Judge FloridaNinth Judicial Circuit, installed the newly elected 2013 - 2014officers. The service that began at 12:30 p.m. was prior adver-tised and open to all members, supporters and the general pub-lic and provided the important charge of responsibility and dutyof each officeholder. The short program was informative andenjoyable that also had brief NAACP updates and history andincluded Dr. John H. Cummings as the Master of Ceremony,Mount Pleasant Pastor Rev. O’Hara C. Black, President Kran Riley,Beverlye Neal, Pinkey Freeman, and Mary Maxwell.

Judge Perry gave the Oath of Office, and the full complementof officers are: President Kran Riley, 1st Vice President BeverlyeNeal, 2nd VP Walter Hawkins, 3rd. VP Sherry Paramore, Secre-tary LaRone Davis, Assistant Sec. Lawanza Charlton, TreasurerMelinda Poole, Assistant Treasurer Stella Lewis, At-Large Mem-bers: Wendy Anderson, Rufus Brooks, Atty. Larry Colleton, Dr.John Cummings, Eric Debose, Kitty Ellison, Terri Hill, MaryMaxwell, Reginals McGill, Rev. James Watkins, Stacy Williams.

President Riley also reminded everyone that we are enthusiasticallyin the midst of preparing for the July 2013 National NAACP Con-vention that our Branch is Hosting for a historic first time everhere in Orlando-Orange County and that volunteers andsupporters are still needed, required and welcomed.

For further information or interest you may contact the office at 407-445-2055 or 407-247-2122 and for volunteers opportunities calldirect to 407-247-7166. The NAACP general membership meet-ings are held 7:00 p.m. the third Monday monthly at the office,3249 Old Winter Garden Rd., Orlando.

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Susanne I. Baaqee, DMD . . . offering “A Smile for Life”Susanne I. Baaqee, DMD . . . offering “A Smile for Life”Susanne I. Baaqee, DMD . . . offering “A Smile for Life”Susanne I. Baaqee, DMD . . . offering “A Smile for Life”Susanne I. Baaqee, DMD . . . offering “A Smile for Life”

Dr. Baaqee was born and raised in Boston, Massachu-setts. She graduated from Simmons College in 1974 witha BS in Biology and went on to Tufts Dental School. She

graduated from there in 1978 with a DMD in Dentistry.

Dr. Baaqee sat down with me on a beautiful spring like day inthe Winter Garden area. As we sat outsideover a brief lunch, the whistle in the windwould set the tone of our conversation. Itwas a warm and welcoming wind thatshuttled peaceful blows back and forth. Dr.Baaqee almost immediately began to reliveher path to dentistry. She smiled as shestated her name. Susanne Inez Baaqee;“Inez is my mother’s name” she said with acocky twist of pride and joy.

We began with a choral type of conversa-tion, I would ask and she responded.

Are you the product of a public or pri-vate school education?I am a product of public school. I attendedSarah Greenwood and Oliver Wendell – it was a fine place toattend school and to be honest my family and I was consideredto be one of very few black people in the area and the school.

What was that like for you back then as a brightskinned black girl?Well most of the opposition came from a teacher who had inter-nal prejudices and obviously had issues with black children be-ing at that school. I remember at five years old being harassed bythis same teacher who made a spectacle out of me by refusing toallow me to go to the bathroom. Of course I had an accident inmy clothes and was the laughing stock of the class. It was degrad-ing and traumatic for me, however, it was that experience at fiveyears old that would lead to the molding pane for my future. Mymother who did not take kind to that at all gave me one ice coldinstruction that has carried me all my life long. “Defy authoritywhen you know that you are right”. Seeing the way she dealtwith that teacher, I had an inner knowing that my mother wouldalways be in my corner and come to defend my honor againstsuch types of people regardless of race or creed.

How did you decide to become a dentist?As a result of a school field trip to the hospital I wanted to workin the medical field. I felt that the hospital was a special placeto help people. Once after entering into Simmons College, Iwent to visit my aunt in Miami who was a Medical Tech. I toldmy aunt that I wanted to become a medical tech like her; shelooked at me long and hard with a face of disagreement. Sheexplained to me that I could do better as the role of the medialtech is the same monotonous work day in and day out. Sheasked me to look within myself to see what else I could do.

During my summer break I went to work for Roxbury MedicalTechnical Institute (RMTI), an educational and social service or-ganization RMTI provided educational opportunities and facili-ties for disadvantaged students from the Roxbury-Dorchesterarea. RMTI was founded by Octavious Rowe out of the burningquestion ‘Is there a Doctor in the Ghetto’. I was sure to find mypathway out of this experience. During the summer, I was theteacher for the inner city youth and I taught them about biol-ogy in the highest quality. One of my greatest memories wastaking them to the swamp to catch the frogs that we would dis-sect. Because of the conditions and limited resources, I mademy own dissecting trays. Later in life I would learn from one ofthe professors at Simmons that my work with the youth and themaking of the trays would trademark my hands. Those thatmight not have known my name knew my work because of the

precision, keenness and distinction in the design mold. At thattime I was in love with the idea of becoming an OB GYN but notthe idea of 3:00 AM mornings to deliver babies. In the valley ofdecision a mentor suggested dentistry. Dentistry addressed thethree areas of importance to me: It was in the medical field,helped people and allowed me utilize my creative hands to im-

prove the quality of life for others. The otherfactor was when determining my course ofstudy and institution for grad school, I choseto follow my professor who had given me somuch support and challenged me to overachieve – that professor was transitioning tothe Board of Trustees for Tufts University.

So tell me how did you get to Orlando?I came to visit one of my family membersand the weather was so beautiful so I gaveup my snow shovel and became a perma-nent snow bird.

What’s it like to own your own practice?Owning a practice in this economy is toughfor any business but I am encouraged to con-

tinue. I have seen hard times and have been met and socked inthe eyes by adversity. I remember I had a professor who was eviland hated the chair I sat in when in her class. She would forceme to clean up after others in the lab and give my papers F’swhen they were deserving of A’s. She told me that I didn’t belongthere and nothing I could do or any paper I could write would begood enough. No matter how hard she tried to destroy me, Iremembered my mothers’ words and confidence in me. I wouldalways point out to her that what she was doing was wrong. Ibelieved that even the cruelest person could be reached with con-sistent redirection. During a critical time in my life when apply-ing for grad school I had to get letters of recommendations frommy professors. The letter she wrote was worthy of burning. Iconfronted her with the fire of my mother and the conviction ofhumanity. The next day she asked me into her room where shegave me the letter and recognition that I had rightfully earnedand deserved. So while others are complaining about the economyand singing woe songs, I reflect on days of my past and I knowthat change will come and this too will pass.

When I first came to Florida I worked for a partnership practicewhere the integrity lacked, the pay was imbalanced and billingwas off many times. I am a person of time management andwant patients who sit in my chair to feel that they have my undi-vided attention with the added confidence that I am going toprovide them with the best service and practice fair billing andreporting. After a few questionable situations, I decided it wastime to allow my creative hands and my confidence to move tothe next level and thus my practice was born.

If you could see that professor again, what would yousay to her?I would say thank you. Her injustice and unequal treatmentcaused me to propel as an over achiever. And because of thatI am a history maker today. When I opened my first practiceback in MA, I was the first African American woman out ofTufts University to open a practice since the Reconstruction.Like David you have to stand up to your Goliath.

Dr. Baaqee knows how it feels to not be able to smile. As a youngchild she accidentally lost her two front teeth, and she had towait many years before her new permanent teeth came in. Shealso knows how it feels to have your smile back. She loves help-ing people recreate and maintain their smiles. She loves help-ing people attain that great feeling you get when you know youlook great and you have a beautiful healthy smile.

— Continued on page 19 —

LEADING LADIES BEHIND THE SCENESAND ON THE FRONT LINE

Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”Nouchelle Hastings: “Girl What Do You Bring to the Table?”

Welcome to my column on Leading Ladies behind the Scenes. Our column will introduce you to leadingladies who have branded their own recognition and blazed their own trails. These ladies work behindthe scenes but manage the front line with high impact results. You might have heard their namesor admired their work, but never met them up close and personal. Our column will give you thechance to meet these ladies so you can place a face with the name and their trendsetting work in ourcommunity, various organizations and in business. Thank you for celebrating their value with us.

1 71 71 71 71 7

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The Ministry of Education (MoE) embraces the idea of thenonprofit Andrew Dixon Foundation (ADF) Baseball

Programme and endorses it as yet another step in diversifying thereach of the Physical Education (PE) curriculum in primary and sec-ondary schools. Moreover as an option at the Caribbean SecondaryEducation Certificate (CSEC) level it offers another area of specializa-tion to students who pursue the Physical Education Syllabus.

Jamaican-born Andrew Dixon, a former professional baseballplayer, is a member of the Babe Ruth Little League BaseballWorld Series and is excited about the new development of theMajor League Baseball Trelawny stadium. He sees this initia-tive as a way of giving back to Jamaica.

Through the efforts of Dixon and the Babe Ruth Little LeagueBaseball World Series vice-president Tim Surrency, Jamaica isset to receive shipments of baseball items for the upcomingpilot Major League Baseball (MLB) Trelawny stadium projectthat involves 12 Corporate Area primary schools.

Currently the Andrew Dixon Foundation is seeking to raise funding tohelp build indoor restrooms at the schools for the students of Jamaica.You can make a donation to the Andrew Dixon Foundation at Re-gions Bank Routing # 063104668 Account# 0147079088 If you haveany questions you may call directly to Mr. Dixon 352-286-5125. Wewould appreciate any donations even sinks, toilets, tile, etc.

Andrew Dixon FoundationAndrew Dixon FoundationAndrew Dixon FoundationAndrew Dixon FoundationAndrew Dixon FoundationBaseball ProgrammeBaseball ProgrammeBaseball ProgrammeBaseball ProgrammeBaseball Programme

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ImmigrationINFOImmigrationINFOImmigrationINFOImmigrationINFOImmigrationINFOTMTMTMTMTM

NEW Provisional Waivers Allow Illegals to File Waivers in U.S. (Part 1)NEW Provisional Waivers Allow Illegals to File Waivers in U.S. (Part 1)NEW Provisional Waivers Allow Illegals to File Waivers in U.S. (Part 1)NEW Provisional Waivers Allow Illegals to File Waivers in U.S. (Part 1)NEW Provisional Waivers Allow Illegals to File Waivers in U.S. (Part 1)

Immigration News for Our CommunityImmigration News for Our CommunityImmigration News for Our CommunityImmigration News for Our CommunityImmigration News for Our Community

Beginning March 4, 2013, certain immediate relatives ofU.S. citizens who are physically present in the UnitedStates will be allowed to request provisional unlawful

presence waivers prior to departing from the United States forconsular processing of their immigrant visa applications. TheDepartment of Homeland Security (DHS) anticipates that thesechanges in the rule will significantly reduce the length of timeU.S. citizens are separated from their immediate relatives whoengage in consular processing abroad.

Effective March 4, 2013, the new law will benefit thefollowing individuals:

(1) crewman (or jump ships) who married US citizens, but donot have the benefit of Section 245(i);

(2) people who entered the US without inspection (EWI), whomarried US citizens, but do not have the benefit of Section245(i); and

(3) people who entered the US on a K-1 fiancée visa, but didnot marry the American who petitioned them, but insteadmarried a different American; and

(4) immediate relatives of U.S. citizens with an approved FormI-130 found ineligible to adjust status in the U.S.

What is the current process for filing an unlawful pres-ence waiver?

An unlawful presence waiver is required for individuals who de-part the U.S. after remaining illegally in the U.S. and trigger a three-year or ten-year ban from returning to the U.S. Under current law,individuals identified in the above paragraph would not be eli-gible for lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. if a petitionwas filed by their U.S. citizen relative. Instead, these individualswould have to return to their native country, attend the immigrantvisa interview, file the unlawful presence waiver at the U.S. Em-bassy and wait (sometimes 1-2 years) for a decision from the U.S.Embassy. If the waiver is granted then the individual can return tothe U.S. with an immigrant visa but if the waiver is denied then theindividual can submit an appeal (which can take 2-3 years).

What will be the NEW “provisional unlawful pres-ence waiver” process?

The new waiver process will allow eligible immediate relativesto apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver while theyare still in the United States and before they leave to attendtheir immigrant visa interview abroad. It is anticipated thatthis new provisional unlawful presence waiver process will sig-nificantly reduce the time that U.S. citizens are separated fromtheir immediate relatives. The approval of an applicant’s pro-visional unlawful presence waiver prior to departure also willallow the U.S. Embassy abroad to issue the immigrant visawithout further delay, if there are no other grounds of inad-missibility and if the immediate relative is otherwise eligible tobe issued an immigrant visa. U.S. Citizenship and Immigra-tion Services will be rolling out a new form, Form I-601A, forthis new process.

Can I benefit from the NEW “provisional unlawful pres-ence waiver” process if I am in removal proceedings?

DHS has decided to limit eligibility for the provisional unlaw-ful presence waiver process to individuals whose removal pro-ceedings are administratively closed and have not beenrecalendared at the time of filing the Form I-601A. If the FormI-601A is approved for an alien whose proceedings have beenadministratively closed, the alien should seek termination ordismissal of the proceedings, without prejudice, by Immigra-tion Court. The request for termination or dismissal should begranted before the alien departs for his or her immigrant visainterview abroad. Applicants who leave the United States be-fore their removal proceedings are terminated or dismissed mayexperience delays in their immigrant visa processing or riskbecoming ineligible for the immigrant visa based on anotherground of inadmissibility.

Can I benefit from the NEW “provisional unlawful pres-ence waiver” process if I have a final order of removal?

No, the NEW provisional unlawful presence waiver processwill not include aliens with final removal orders. Generally,aliens who have outstanding final orders of removal may beinadmissible on a variety of grounds other than unlawfulpresence, such as criminal offenses and fraud and misrepre-sentation. In addition, any alien who is subject to a final or-der of removal, decides to leave the United States, and subse-quently seeks admission, is inadmissible as an alien with aprior removal.

Part 2 of this article will be published in the February 2013edition and will continue to address common questions aboutthe NEW “provisional unlawful presence waiver” process.

Before deciding to proceed with the NEW “provisional unlaw-ful presence waiver” process, speak with a experienced immi-gration lawyer who can assess your unique situation and con-clude you will benefit from this new law and new process.

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram,Gail@GailLaw.com1-877-GAIL-LAW

@GailSeeram

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Proud Provider of Quality ServiceTo Our Guyanese and Indian Community

Douglas J. Dobbs, Licensed Funeral Director/OwnerJudithann C. McKnight, Administrator

“Professional Service With A Personal Touch”

Full Service Burial & CremationReligious Rites Including:

Christian, Catholic, Methodist, Protestant, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Others

430 North Kirkman Road ~ Orlando, Florida 32811Phone: 407-578-7720 ~ Fax: 407-295-5504

Email:Info@dobbsfuneralhome.com Website:www.dobbsfuneralhome.com

23 Years of Service to Orlando & Surrounding Areas1989 – 2013

She is the mother of 3 wonderful grown adults and one cutegranddaughter. She loves to read, bike ride, travel, and prac-tice Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi.

Dr. Baaqee loves technology and learning new things and usesdigital x-rays, intraoral cameras, Casey Patient education, com-puterized anesthesia, ViziLite Oral Cancer Screening, and a softtissue laser. As part of her continuous improvement program sheattends many continuing education seminars and classes. She is acertified provider of Lumineers, Invisalign, Nobel Biocare and MidiImplants. She stays on top of the latest advances in dentistry.

Dr. Baaqee is a member of the American Dental Association,the Florida Dental Association, American Academy ofImplantology, American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry,Doctors of Oral Conscious Sedation, and the Academy of Gen-eral Dentistry. She has over 30 year’s experience helping cli-ents improve and maintain their smiles.

To learn more about Dr. Baaqee visit www.my classicsmiles.com.Leading Ladies is submitted by Nouchelle Hastings/www.girlwhatdoyoubring tothetable.com

Leading LadiesLeading LadiesLeading LadiesLeading LadiesLeading Ladies— Continued from page 16 —

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SAVE THE DATE!

AN

NU

AL

RE P

UB

L IC

C EL E

BR

A TI O

N

FORMAL BLACK TIE EVENT

CASH BAR

Experience the diversity of Guyanese food with sixdifferent hors d’oeuvre stations and a dessert bar.