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FREE! NEWS YOU CAN USE! Vol. 7 No. 1 • July 2010 US and Caribbean Region To Strengthen Cooperation To Fight Crime, Improve Health Care, Promote Trade “Dudus” Pleads Not Guilty In US Court Some States Enacting Harsh Immigration Laws, Florida May Consider Arizona-type Law S ince the federal government has not proposed comprehensive immigration reform, some state governments have decided to deal with the issue of illegal immigrants on their own, enacting laws which would require, among other things, that immigrants provide proof of legal residence when renting an apartment. Arizona and Nebraska have enacted harsh immigration laws that are being challenged in the Courts on grounds that these laws violate the U.S. Constitution. This notwithstanding, Florida may consider enacting similar laws. Arizona’s harsh immigration law, “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act” (SB 1070), requires state and local law enforcement agencies to check the immigration status of individuals it encounters and makes it a state crime to be without proper immigration documentation. There are six pending lawsuits challenging T he United States and the countries of the Caribbean (CARICOM) have pledged to strengthen their cooperation in a range of areas including illicit trafficking, crime reduction, improved health services and the promotion of human rights. These were among the decisions taken when US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met last month with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders and officials in Barbados. The two sides also pledged to work together to increase trade, mitigate the impact of climate change and facilitate the reconstruction efforts in Haiti following last January’s devastating earthquake. “We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Heads of Delegation of Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, the Republic of Guyana, the Republic of Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Republic of Suriname, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Secretary of State of the United States of America, meeting in Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 10, 2010, pledge to strengthen our cooperation in responding to the challenges we commonly face, in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect. “To meet the common challenges of the 21st Century, we declare our intention to act in concert to improve the social and economic well-being of our peoples, to ensure the safety of all our citizens, Christopher “Dudus” Coke has pleaded not guilty in a US Court to charges of drugs and weapon trafficking. The once powerful Jamaican gang leader was extradited to the US recently immediately after a court hearing at which he expressed regret for the fighting that claimed scores of lives in Jamaica as he evaded capture. Coke was flown to the US to face trial for alleged drug and weapons trafficking. He faces a life sentence if convicted. The leader of the Shower Posse gang, whom US officials allege is the head of a crime network that extends from Jamaica to Europe and North America, said he was saddened by the more than 75 lives lost in the fighting, mostly in his Kingston stronghold of Tivoli Gardens, sparked by the attempt to arrest and extradite him. "I take this decision for I believe it to be in the best interest of my family, the community of western Kingston and, in particular the people of Tivoli Gardens and above all Jamaica," he said. He said he expected to be acquitted in the US and to return to Jamaica. Hours before his extradition, the Jamaican authorities seized Coke's identifiable assets and froze his bank accounts. Police arrested Coke as he was on his way to the US embassy in Kingston. He had apparently planned to hand himself over to the Americans out of concern for his safety. His father died in mysterious circumstances in prison in 1992, in what many Jamaicans believe was a murder to stop him talking about ties between criminal gangs and politicians. The authorities continue to be concerned about a violent backlash. The extradition hearing was held at a military outpost and a state of emergency and curfew is still in place in the capital. News Analysis By Gail Seeram Obama Praises Caribbean Immigrants’ Efforts To Ensure “Their Children Can Achieve Something Greater” P resident Barack Obama has said that the celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month represents the triumphs of Caribbean Americans who have become leaders in every sector of American life. In a proclamation issued to mark the observance last month of National Caribbean American Heritage Month, President Obama noted the efforts of Caribbean immigrants to ensure that their children “could achieve something greater.” Barbados deputy prime minister Freundel Stuart and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton share a light moment on her arrival in Barbados last month for a meeting with CARICOM heads-of-government. Some fashion writers criticized Mrs. Clinton's choice of a bright orange pants suit for her trip to the Caribbean. – Continued on page 2 – Christopher “Dudus” Coke being escorted by DEA agents after arriving at airport in New York. – Continued on page 9 – – Continued on page 11 –

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Page 1: Caribbean Sun July10 Lores Final

FREE!

NEWS YOU CAN USE! Vol. 7 No. 1 • July 2010

US and Caribbean RegionTo Strengthen Cooperation

To Fight Crime, Improve Health Care, Promote Trade

“Dudus” Pleads Not Guilty In US Court

Some States Enacting Harsh Immigration Laws,

Florida May Consider Arizona-type Law

Since the federal government has not proposed comprehensive immigration reform, some state governments have decided to deal with the issue of illegal immigrants

on their own, enacting laws which would require, among other things, that immigrants provide proof of legal residence when renting an apartment.

Arizona and Nebraska have enacted harsh immigration laws that are being challenged in the Courts on grounds that these laws violate the U.S. Constitution. This notwithstanding, Florida may consider enacting similar laws.

Arizona’s harsh immigration law, “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act” (SB 1070), requires state and local law enforcement agencies to check the immigration status of individuals it encounters and makes it a state crime to be without proper immigration documentation. There are six pending lawsuits challenging

The United States and the countries of the Caribbean (CARICOM) have

pledged to strengthen their cooperation in a range of areas including illicit trafficking, crime reduction, improved health services and the promotion of human rights.

These were among the decisions taken when US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met last month with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders and officials in Barbados. The two sides also pledged to work together to increase trade, mitigate the impact of climate change and facilitate the reconstruction efforts in Haiti following last January’s devastating earthquake.

“We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Heads of Delegation of Antigua

and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, the Republic of Guyana, the Republic of Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Republic of Suriname, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Secretary of State of the United States of America, meeting in Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 10, 2010, pledge to strengthen our cooperation in responding to the challenges we commonly face, in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.

“To meet the common challenges of the 21st Century, we declare our intention to act in concert to improve the social and economic well-being of our peoples, to ensure the safety of all our citizens,

Christopher “Dudus” Coke has pleaded not guilty in a US Court to charges of drugs and weapon trafficking.

The once powerful Jamaican gang leader was extradited to the US recently immediately after a court hearing at which he expressed regret for the fighting that claimed scores of lives in Jamaica as he evaded capture.

Coke was flown to the US to face trial for alleged drug and weapons trafficking. He faces a life sentence if convicted.

The leader of the Shower Posse gang, whom US officials allege is the head of a crime network that extends from Jamaica to Europe and North America, said he was saddened by the more than 75 lives lost in the fighting, mostly in his Kingston stronghold of Tivoli Gardens, sparked by the attempt to arrest and extradite him.

"I take this decision for I believe it to be in the best interest of my family, the community of western

Kingston and, in particular the people of Tivoli Gardens and above all Jamaica," he said. He said he expected to be acquitted in the US and to return to Jamaica.

Hours before his extradition, the Jamaican authorities seized Coke's identifiable assets and froze his bank accounts.

Police arrested Coke as he was on his way to the US embassy in Kingston. He had apparently planned to hand himself over to the Americans out of concern for his safety. His father died in mysterious circumstances in prison in 1992, in what many Jamaicans believe was a murder to stop him talking about ties between criminal gangs and politicians.

The authorities continue to be concerned about a violent backlash. The extradition hearing was held at a military outpost and a state of emergency and curfew is still in place in the capital.

News Analysis By Gail Seeram

Obama Praises Caribbean Immigrants’ Efforts To Ensure “Their Children Can Achieve

Something Greater”President Barack Obama has said that

the celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month represents the triumphs of Caribbean Americans who have become leaders in every sector of American life.

In a proclamation issued to mark the observance last month of National Caribbean American Heritage Month, President Obama noted the efforts of Caribbean immigrants to ensure that their children “could achieve something greater.”

Barbados deputy prime minister Freundel Stuart and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton share a light moment on her arrival in Barbados last month for a meeting with CARICOM heads-of-government. Some fashion writers criticized Mrs. Clinton's choice of a bright orange pants suit for her trip to the Caribbean. – Continued on page 2 –

Christopher “Dudus” Coke being escorted by DEA agents after arriving at airport in New York.

– Continued on page 9 – – Continued on page 11 –

Page 2: Caribbean Sun July10 Lores Final

2 Florida’s Caribbean Sun

IMMIGRATION LAWYER

! U.S. Citizenship ! Green Cards ! Work/Investor Visas ! Business Visas ! Student Visas ! Appeals & Asylum ! Removal/Deportation ! Criminal Waivers ! TPS & Fiancé Visas

Free Initial Consultation – Call Now! 1-877-GAIL-LAW (1-877-424-5529) Orlando: 407-292-7730

www.Go2Lawyer.com **Over 10yrs of Legal Experience**

Phone/Web Consultation Worldwide LL.M. Taxation, New York University School of Law, 2003 Juris Doctorate, Hofstra University School of Law, 1998 BBA in Accounting, Hofstra University, 1996 Admitted to the NY & CT Bars – Offices: Florida & New York

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

Gail S. Seeram Attorney at Law

SBA Partners With Caribbean American ChamberTo Support Small Businesses

More Than 20 Storms, 10 Hurricanes Predicted

The U.S. Small Business Administration North and South Florida District Offices have signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum with the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce of Florida, Inc. to provide training and outreach activities for Caribbean American owned small businesses in Florida. The signing took place June 22nd at the Disney Entrepreneur Center at 315 East Robinson St., downtown Orlando. The Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) stresses the importance of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Caribbean Chamber uniting to help start, maintain and expand small businesses across the State of Florida.

Under the formal partnership agreement, the Caribbean Chamber and SBA will agree to hold joint training and outreach activities for small business owners as well as work closely with one another’s resource partners to assure Florida small businesses receive the maximum benefit from both organizations.

“We are very excited to enter this partnership with the Caribbean American Chamber of Florida,” said Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, SBA North Florida District Director. “A partnership such as this allows two strong entities to join forces in order to better assist the small business community of Florida. We look forward to the ongoing relationship with the Caribbean American Chamber and look forward to building a strong small business foundation together.”

Francisco “Pancho” A. Marrero, SBA South Florida District Director said “This new partnership will introduce the SBA and its services to an important audience of entrepreneurs. The economic contribution of Caribbean American business is significant in the State of Florida and we are very excited about the possibilities this partnership holds.”

The Strategic Alliance Memorandum was signed by Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, SBA North Florida District Director, Francisco A. Marrero, SBA South Florida District Director, and Carol A. Singh, President and Sandra Fatmi, Treasurer of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, Inc

The 2010 Atlantic hurricane season could be even more active than initially forecast, with new estimates of more than 20 storms and 10 hurricanes including five at Category 3 level or higher.

Both government and private forecasters in Florida and the Caribbean predict an intense hurricane season that could wreak havoc in the islands of the Caribbean, Florida and the Gulf Coast.

New forecasts issued late June add two storms and oneHurricane to previous predictions released in May. Government and private disaster preparedness and relief organizations are planning for the effects of an intensely active season.

Teo Babun, executive director of the Miami-based Americas Relief Team (ART), a grouping of private sector companies that work with governments and international agencies on the logistics of disaster relief, told Caribbean Sun his organization is working on a plan to pre-position disaster relief supplies in an effort to ensure responses are timely, if the need arises.

Babun said ART earlier this year signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Laparkan Shipping for cooperation in disaster relief efforts and that Laparkan was making available space in its new Miami warehouse for an emergency response center.

Chamber and SBA officials sign the MOU

ART Executive Director. Dr. Teo Babun, (L) and Laparkan’s CEO, Mr. Glen Khan sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

to advance towards a secure and clean energy future, and to defend and strengthen our democratic institutions,” said the end of meeting communiqué.

Crime and the traffic in illicit drugs and human beings were top priorities as both sides acknowledged “our common concern over the growing strength and capabilities of transnational criminal organizations and drug cartels, their attempts to distort and weaken our economies and democratic systems, and the effects which their activities and presence have on the safety of our citizens and the levels of violence in our societies. We also pledge to work together through CBSI to address the social and economic factors that contribute to crime in our societies.”

In the area of health, the countries expressed their commitment “to work together to promote the health and development of our people. We note the continuing HIV/AIDS emergency in the region, and reaffirm our commitment to implementing the United States-Caribbean Regional HIV and AIDS Partnership Framework. The Framework will strengthen the efforts of governments, regional organizations, and national health systems in reducing the incidence of HIV and AIDS among populations most at risk and provide treatment to those affected by the disease. The Framework will strengthen the efforts of governments, regional organizations, and national health systems to reduce the incidence of HIV and AIDS among populations most at risk and provide treatment to those affected by the disease.”

– Continued from page 1 –

US and Caribbean RegionTo Strengthen Cooperation

To Fight Crime, Improve Health Care, Promote Trade

Page 3: Caribbean Sun July10 Lores Final

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 3

Marriott InternationalAnnounces

First Hotel in Guyana Georgetown Marriott Hotel to

open in 2013; Guyanese in Florida welcome this development

‘Swipe Fee’ Legislation Will Help Small Business, Customers

Caribbean Americans Urged To Support “Right Sizing”

Florida Classrooms

Caribbean Sun Shines Again

Marriott International, Inc. has announced that it will open its first Marriott branded hotel in Guyana in 2013 and Guyanese business and travel executives in Florida have welcomed this development.

“ The160-room Georgetown Marriott Hotel is on track to receive LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is on track to be Marriott’s first LEED hotel in the Caribbean & Latin America. It will operate under a management agreement with Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI). AHI is currently owned by the Government of Guyana (GoG) as part of a public-private partnership between the Government of Guyana and private sector investors.

“We are thrilled to partner with AHI and the Government of Guyana to open our first Marriott Hotel in the country, representing Marriott’s presence in another Capital city in South America,” said Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer for Marriott International in the Caribbean & Latin America. “This will also be Marriott’s first LEED- hotel in the region, and we are confident that it will play an instrumental role in the continued economic and commercial development of Guyana.”

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Guyana, President Bharrat Jagdeo, said, “Guyana looks forward to a first class branded quality hotel operated by Marriott International. This public-private partnership project will transform the hospitality landscape and can be expected to encourage more travel and tourism development for our nation. The project will be more an integrated entertainment complex ideally located at the corner of the Atlantic Ocean and Demerara River with a casino, night club, restaurant, and boardwalk.”

The hotel’s state-of-the-art architectural and interior design concept will be created by the firm of Urbahn Architects (New York).

Several Guyanese business and travel industry executives in Florida have welcomed the investment in the country’s hotel sector pointing to the need for high-end hotel accommodation and service.

But some bloggers on news web sites have questioned whether the hotel can sustain occupancy levels to be a viable operation.

Recently, the U.S. Senate passed historic financial reform legislation, which included debit and credit card swipe fee reform, a major win for small businesses and their customers. Now, as the House and Senate come together to pass the final version of the bill, local 7-Eleven franchisees are calling on Representative Alan Grayson to ensure that the swipe fee reform amendment stays intact in the legislation.

This swipe fee reform will save small business owners and consumers millions of dollars. 7-Eleven store owners in Florida, some of whom are Caribbean American, are asking their customers to contact their members of Congress to ensure that the swipe fee amendment stays in the legislation.

“Last summer, we collected 30,632 petition signatures from our customers in the North Orlando area asking Congress to take action on these unfair debit and credit card fees,” said Roger Van Sluis, owner of a local 7-Eleven franchise. “The Senate listened, and we are grateful for their brave vote to help out small businesses like mine. Now, we need Representative Grayson to help us make sure the House finishes the job.”

Last month, a large bipartisan majority in the Senate voted 64-33 to add Sen. Richard Durbin’s (D-IL) swipe fee reform amendment to the financial reform package, directly benefiting American merchants and consumers. Because similar reform language is not included in the House version of the bill, the conference committee must commit to keeping it in the final version of the bill as they work to reconcile the two versions during the next month. “Together with our customers, we’ve done our best to make our voices heard in Washington,” said Joe DePinto, President and CEO of 7-Eleven, Inc. “We’re very close to a victory that will help lower costs for me and other small business owners and allow us to offer discounts to our customers. We just need the leaders in the House – including Representative Grayson – to get us across the finish line by keeping the swipe fee reform intact.”

Area 7-Eleven stores are asking their friends and neighbors to contact Rep. Grayson and tell him to finish the job by keeping Senator Durbin’s swipe fee amendment in the Wall Street Reform bill.

“Swipe fee reform is the one provision of the financial reform package that has direct and tangible benefits to local small businesses and consumers,” said DePinto. “Our customers are keeping an eye on what’s going on in Washington, and they’re counting on Representative Grayson to make sure that reform stays in the final bill.”

For years, the credit card companies have been profiting off the backs of merchants and consumers by charging them excessive fees each time a credit or debit card is used. As the credit card companies and banks collect $2,000 per minute in swipe fees, one consumer will pay an average of $400 per year in hidden credit and debit card swipe fees. These fees have tripled in the past nine years, and cost American consumers and merchants $48 billion in 2008.

The bipartisan swipe fee amendment passed by the Senate would ensure that the fees that small business and other entities are charged for accepting debit cards are reasonable and proportional to the costs incurred by banks and credit card companies. This vital reform will limit payment card networks from imposing anti-competitive restrictions on businesses that accept cards and will give merchants the freedom to give discounts to their customers for using less expensive forms of payment.

Caribbean Americans in Florida are being encouraged to support an amendment which would repeal the “hard and inflexible” class size limits which are due to be implemented this fall. Amendment 8 is a plan to “right size” the number of students in classrooms in schools throughout Florida.

A coalition of legislative, education and business leaders recently announced surprise unanimity among Florida’s major candidates for governor on the most important education and budget issue facing Florida and its voters this year. In a rare reflection of consensus, Florida’s leading candidates for governor are supporting Amendment 8, the plan to “right size” Florida’s class size amendment. Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Democratic candidate for governor; Republican candidates Attorney General Bill McCollum and businessman Rick Scott, and independent candidate Bud Chiles are endorsing the amendment to provide local districts additional flexibility to meet class size caps.

Sen. Don Gaetz, of Niceville, who previously served as a school superintendent in Okaloosa County said “school districts statewide are bracing for a wave of chaos and confusion that the original class size amendment will bring this fall. This proposed amendment is about providing local educators with increased flexibility to make staffing, operations and other decisions. It’s about keeping class sizes at a level where teachers can teach and children can learn.”

Sen. Gaetz notes that Amendment 8 before voters this fall maintains Florida’s commitment to smaller class sizes. Instead of the hard, inflexible class size caps instituted by the 2002amendment, the Constitutional amendment proposed by the Florida Legislature would implement class size caps as a school average and provide flexibility for the schools to add 3 seats in pre-K to 3rd grade classrooms and 5 seats in grades 4 through 12 if necessary to meet unforeseen enrollment changes.

While the 2002 class size amendment only received the support of 52.4 percent of voters, the measure on the November ballot will require approval of 60 percent of voters to become law. Under the 2002 Class Size Amendment, hard classroom caps of 18 students for grades PreK-3; 22 students for grades 4-8; and 25 students for grades 9-12 are scheduled to take effect at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year.

“This would require the construction of additional schools, even though Florida already has 825,000 student stations sitting empty. Those stations are in every district and at every grade level. If left unreformed, the hard caps in Florida’s 2002 class size law would create expensive and chaotic logistical problems for school districts across the state,” officials say.

A newspaper is integral to any society, especially immigrant communities in large cities and states. For over six years Florida’s Caribbean Sun had been informing, educating and entertaining the Caribbean American community in Florida, particularly Central Florida before its recession induced hiatus.

In popular Caribbean parlance “you never miss the water till the well run dry” and indeed we did not recognize the value of our community newspaper until we did not have it. How, in recent months we longed to read what’s happening in our community, the latest on immigration issues and to be kept abreast about sports and politics? We really missed the Sun...we missed the news we need to use and that is why we, members of the community, worked to have the Sun shine again.

Caribbean Sun is our newspaper.....the Caribbean American community’s voice in Florida and we need to make sure that we never let the Sun set again.....recession or no recession! We look forward to the advertising support of the business and civic community and to working with all of you out there in a mutually beneficial partnership.

Page 4: Caribbean Sun July10 Lores Final

4 Florida’s Caribbean Sun

!"#$%&'%&(()"*, ++,-%./-%001 !""#$%&'()"(*)+( Immigration Alert

Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, P.C.

Florida Office:

1013 N. Pine Hills Rd. Orlando, FL 32808 Tel. 407-292-7730 Fax. 407-292-7735

Email: [email protected] Web: www.Go2Lawyer.com

In US & Worldwide: Tel. 1-877-GAIL-LAW Fax. 1-877-416-2060

Conducting Phone/Web Consultations Worldwide

• Gail S. Seeram is a member

of the New York and Connecticut Bar.

• She received a LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law, a Juris Doctorate from Hofstra University School of Law, and a B.B.A. in Accounting from Hofstra University.

• Add a highlight or your point of

interest here.

On March 31, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Padilla v. Kentucky, 599 U.S. (2010), that in light of the severity of deportation and the reality that immigration consequences of criminal convictions are inextricably linked to the criminal proceedings, the Sixth Amendment requires defense counsel to provide affirmative, competent advice to a noncitizen defendant regarding the immigration consequences of a guilty plea, and, absent such advice, a noncitizen may raise a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.

In Padilla v. Kentucky, the petitioner was a lawful permanent resident immigrant who faced deportation after pleading guilty in a Kentucky court to the transportation of a large amount of marijuana in his tractor-trailer. In a post-conviction proceeding, Mr. Padilla claimed that his counsel not only failed to advise him of this consequence prior to his entering the plea, but also told him that he “did not have to worry about immigration status since he had been in the country so long.” Mr. Padilla stated that he relied on his counsel’s erroneous advice when he pleaded guilty to the drug charges that made his deportation virtually mandatory.

COURT RULES CRIMINAL ATTORNEY MUST ADVISE OF DEPORTATION The Kentucky Supreme Court

denied Mr. Padilla post conviction relief based on a holding that the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee of effective assistance of counsel does not protect a criminal defendant from erroneous advice about deportation because it is merely a “collateral” consequence of his conviction.

The U.S. Supreme Court disagreed with the Kentucky Supreme Court and agreed with Mr. Padilla that “constitutionally competent counsel would have advised him that his conviction for drug distribution made him subject to automatic deportation.” The Court observed that “[t]he landscape of federal immigration law has changed dramatically over the last 90 years.”

Based on these changes, the Court concluded that “accurate legal advice for noncitizens accused of crimes has never been more important” and that “deportation is an integral part—indeed, sometimes the most important part—of the penalty that may be imposed on noncitizen defendants who plead guilty to specified crimes.”

The Court held that, for Sixth Amendment purposes, defense counsel must inform a noncitizen

client whether his or her plea carries a risk of deportation. The Court stated: “Our longstanding Sixth Amendment precedents, the seriousness of deportation as a consequence of a criminal plea, and the concomitant impact of deportation on families living lawfully in this country demand no less.”

This ruling by the Supreme Court is monumental because it imposes a duty on criminal defense attorneys to understand their client’s immigration status and to provide competent advice to their clients regarding the immigration consequences of a guilt plea. Before this decision, permanent residents (or green card holders) were taking pleas in criminal cases without any advice from their criminal attorney as to immigration or deportation consequences of the guilty plea.

The Padilla case also opens a door of opportunity for permanent residents (or green card holders) to challenge old criminal convictions where they were not advised by their criminal attorney of immigration consequences.

If you would like to know how the Padilla case applies to you, call Gail Seeram at 407-292-7730.

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VISA BULLETIN FOR JULY 2010 Family-Sponsored Preference

Family All Chargeability Areas

Except Those Listed

CHINA-mainland

born

INDIA MEXICO PHILIP-PINES

1st 01APR05 01APR05 01APR05 01APR05 01NOV92

2A 01JUL08 01JUL08 01JUN07 01JUL08 01JUN07

2B 01MAY03 01MAY03 01MAY03 01MAY03 15JUN92

3rd 01SEP01 01SEP01 01SEP01 01SEP01 01MAR92

4th 01JAN01 01JAN01 01JAN01 01JAN01 01MAR95 1st: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of U.S. Citizens 2A: Spouses and Unmarried Children (Under Age 21) of Lawful Permanent Resident 2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (Any Age) of Lawful Permanent Resident 3rd: Married Sons and Daughters (Any Age) of U.S. Citizens 4th : Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens (21 years or age or older)

PROPOSED FEE INCREASE FOR IMMIGRATION APPLICATIONS/PETITIONS

On June 11, 2010, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a proposal to increase the filing fees for immigration applications and petitions by a weighted average of about 10 percent but would not increase the fee for the naturalization application. The last fee increase by USCIS was in 2008. USCIS is a fee-based organization with about 90 percent of its budget coming from fees paid by applicants and petitioners to obtain immigration benefits. USCIS’s fee revenue in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 was much lower than projected, and fee revenue in fiscal year 2010 remains low. According to USCIS, the fee increase is necessary to ensure USCIS recovers the costs of its operations.

USCIS encourages formal comments on the proposed rule through www.regulations.gov. The comment period runs for 45 days, beginning June 11, 2010 and ending July 26, 2010. At a time where the country is in a recession and unemployment is quite high, USCIS should not be considering such a fee increase, but should focus on reducing related costs and expenses. Applicant should keep in mind that fee waivers requests will continue to be considered by USCIS. USCIS has the ability to waive fees on a case-by-case basis for “inability to pay.” In determining “inability to pay,” USCIS officers consider all factors, circumstances, and evidence supplied by the applicant.

Below are the current and proposed fees for some commonly filed applications:

Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card – proposed fee increase from $290 to $365

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust of Status – proposed fee increase from $930 to $985

Application for Status as a Temporary Resident – proposed fee increase from $710 to $1,130

Petition to Remove Condition on Residence – proposed fee increase from $465 to 505

Naturalization Certificate Application – proposed fee increase from $460 to $600

USCIS Field Office ORLANDO, FL Processing Backlog

Form Processing Cases Receipted on:

I-600 Feb. 14, 2010 I-600A Feb. 14, 2010 N-400 Dec. 1, 2009 N-600 Dec. 1, 2009

Newsfeed Facebook.com/Go2Lawyer

The federal government needs to act swiftly to reassert its authority over immigration law and policy in light of Arizona and Nebraska's effort to legislate in the area of immigration. Nebraska passed immigration law that prohibit businesses and landlords from hiring or renting to illegal immigrants. ACLU plans to file suit as law violates U.S. Constitution's Supremacy clause and the 14th Amendment. Department of Justice reported 8,287 immigration prosecutions in March 2010, up 30% from February and more than any month since July 2009. Hillary Clinton, US Sec of State, says the White House will sue Arizona over the controversial immigration law Arizona enacted. YES!! Arizona trying to deny US citizenship to children born in the US to illegal immigrants.

Page 5: Caribbean Sun July10 Lores Final

At QC Brunch

Florida’s Caribbean Sun 5

It was Vintage Sparrow … in Orlando

GACACF 2010Family Fun Day

At Guyana Family

Fun Day

At Guyana Family Fun Day

A vintage Mighty Sparrow recently performed to a capacity crowd at the new Timehri Banquet Hall. By the end of his two-set performance those attending the show-a mixture of youth and seniors-had enjoyed a night of calypso at its best.

The show, put on by Back To Back Productions, afforded patrons an opportunity to see and hear this aging yet superior talented Caribbean legend “dish out” a variety of his music including some love ballads.

Sparrow, at age 75, continues to have a strong and melodious voice and he had the crowd on its feet from the time he hit the stage. Patrons danced and sang along as the ‘Birdie’ sang from ‘Congo Man’ to some of his more contemporary hits.

In true Sparrow style, he had the audience “in stitches” from time to time with his very suggestive humor. He is too old now to gyrate as he used to but there were no shortcomings in his vocal and comedic performance.

The audience had a good time and Timehri Banquet Hall provided the perfect setting for a fine evening of calypso at its best.The Caribbean Sun newspaper interviewed Sparrow during his visit to Orlando. That interview will be published in our next edition.

The Guyanese American Cultural Association of Central Florida (GACACF) 2010 Family Fun Day Fundraising event held on Sunday May 30, 2010 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds was a tremendous success with more than 1000 turning out for the event.

Guyanese enjoyed free quality entertainment and an opportunity to get together in a safe and friendly environment. The estimated attendance was between 1600 and 2000 people of all ethnicities and ages including children. Attendees were treated to performances by Creig Camacho’s two –man band, the new Guyanese band RAAG, Leon Caldero, the legendary Dave Martins and Tony Ricardo. There were also performances from Hippie Chic Belly Dancers, the Buxton Heritage Group and Back To Back Productions DJ.

The event’s main sponsors were Caribbean Supercenter supermarket, Caribbean Airlines, The Law office of Gail Seeram, Laparkan Shipping, Rosen Hotels, Seafreight Agencies, Sunshine Beverage and Flavors, The Highland Agency and Paul and Anita Singh.

By Melinda Gordon

Alumni at QC Brunch

Maya Trortz receives a hug from Terry Viera

L-R) Pamela Carre, Yves Carre, Sheila, Theresa Martins

Prominent Guyanese Attorney Nigel Hughes (m) with his wife Cathy Cholmondeley Hughes (L) and Brian Chin

(L) Wilmott Chan, Andre Pestano, Tommy Smith, Donald Churaman, Dr. Omawale, Maya Trotz, Chantal Boodhoo, Roger Zitman, Paul Daly, Dr. Victor Boodhoo, Front Rene Sumner

Dave Martins performs “Not a blade of grass”.

Sparrow performs one of his classics. Appreciative audience at Sparrow show.

The kids take time out for games.

Old friends Tony Ricardo & Alan Khan reuniteA section of the large crowd at Family Day

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8 Florida’s Caribbean Sun

Belize Prime Minister Evacuated from

Miami Beach Hotel

Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow was among over 1,000 people forced to evacuate a Miami Beach hotel following a murder and the presence of toxic fumes on the premises Saturday night, June 26. Miami Beach Police and Fire Rescue crews reported to the Miami Beach Resort at 4833 Collins Ave. at around 10 p.m., Saturday. According to Miami Beach Police, a shooting occurred on the 11th floor of the hotel resulting in the death of a man.

Rumors spread fast that the prime minister, on an official visit to the United States had been shot while delivering a speech at the hotel but this was soon dispelled when the US Secret Service announced that Barrow had been safely evacuated from the ballroom of the hotel where he was reportedly wrapping up a speech to some 300 attendees at a dinner. “The Secret Service guys are excellent, super professional, and I was in good hands,” Prime Minister Barrow said later.

According to the Miami Herald newspaper, Barrow was speaking about the possible impact of tropical storm Alex which was forming in the Caribbean when a Secret Service agent whispered in his ear, bringing an end to the speech and the night’s activities which should have included a concert.

However, Belizeans and other Caribbean Americans attending the event developed their own impromptu party on the sidewalks and in nearby parking lots until they were cleared to re-enter the hotel.

Prime Minister Barrow continued his official visit and law enforcement officials say the murder and presence of toxic fumes at the resort were in no way related to the prime minister’s visit.

Kool & The Gang Plans Orlando ConcertFunds Raised Will Go To Support Haiti

Kool (seated 3rd from right) and his family with some Caribbean American friends at Circa Restaurant in Winter Park, FL.

Kool from the internationally famous group Kool & the Gang is planning a concert in Orlando that could see the group perform along with the Commodores and KC & the Sunshine Band. Plans for the concert to raise funds for Haiti are in their preliminary stage but a tentative November date has been set for the event. “We have discussions going on right now,” said Kool about the proposed concert. Kool and his family joined with some of their Caribbean American friends recently for an evening at Circa, in Winter Park.

July 2010 HoroscopesAries (21 March - 19 April)�The summer heat could go straight to your head in July. Your stars could see you clashing with your nearest and dearest. A better way to channel this energy is

into love making in the middle of the month By the end of July your energy levels will settle to a more constant and manageable pace, perfect for getting on top of any practical issues.

Taurus (20 April - 20th May)You start off this month focused and wanting to be taken seriously. This is a good time to deal any officials like bank managers and your boss. Things are definitely

looking up as someone lights up your life and there are fireworks in the middle of the month and things get hot and heavy right through until the end of the month when you start behaving in a way that surprises you and everyone else.

Gemini (21 May -21 June)� Gemini this month you have to watch every penny and it’s a real pain as you see your friends out having a good time and you feel as though you are missing out.

Don’t fret you will be off on a bigger and better holiday later and will be glad you saved your dough. In the meantime your love life will reach boiling point by the middle of the month. Use all the information you know to make things better.

Cancer (22 June - 22 July)� You’re full of life this month, but what exactly are you achieving from all this activity? You will not be getting any payback . This can be frustrating but a bright

idea at the end of the month will help you find a solution to this. You’re likely to feel all hot and bothered this July, but try not to let the sun go your head. Just remember that keeping cool means keeping calm. The best advice for you is avoid mid day burn out and instead make the most of warm balmy nights which is much more your style. Evenings are your time so get plenty of rest in order to make the most of those midnight fiestas.

Leo (23 July - 22 August)� July sees you at your most charming. Smooth talk comes easily and you’re quite happy to use it on anybody you take a shine to. You adore attention and there’s no

shortage this month, but you’re generous with praise too and people will love to bask in the warm glow you’re giving off. It’ll leave you walking on cloud nine and everyone is going to know about it! You’re in for some summer sizzle this July with an equally hot partner and there could be a connection with foreign places too. Perhaps a holiday romance or a romantic interlude with someone from abroad is on the cards. Either way you’re in for a good time.

Virgo (23 August - 22 September)� Strong undercurrents from other people are making you feel a little on edge. It seems everyone’s behaving oddly as though the sun’s gone to their heads. Even

you’re acting a bit out of character. However you should be able to smooth over any brewing trouble with soothing words that just roll off the tongue. Those dulcet tones could prove very useful in July when someone special is seduced by your pleasing manner. But charm disguises a burning inside which is demanding release. You can easily deliver on the passionate promises you utter. There’s no escaping when you switch on the charm offensive.

Libra (23 September - 22 October) You’re determined to set the world on fire in July. You’re feeling hot and ready to take the plunge with someone special. You fell passion and are fierce

and you have the power to set pulses racing. No one will be able to resist your confidence. This is an important month in an important year for you. This only happens once every twelve years it’s time for you to make the most of each opportunity that comes your way. Expect to be seeing more of the world and letting the world see more of you.

Scorpio (23 October - 21 November)� A powerful and meaningful connection with someone is on the cards, whether you know them or not already. All yours stars lined up means love and

passion in equal measures. You’re a force to be reckoned with and when you set your sights on your ideal partner there will be no stopping you getting them, whether they like it or not! I doubt anyone would argue with you even if they could, it’s a huge ego boost to be so utterly adored. You may also be tempted to take a big financial risk this month, but practice caution if you can because there’s no guarantee of a settled outcome.

Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December)� You’re feeling a lot of energy as the month starts, leaving others behind as you bounce from one task to another. Watch out for ego clashes with

other strong personalities who want the limelight too. Mid July sees you caught up in heated exchanges with people for whom you can barely disguise your passion. You think up all kinds of things that sends your pulse racing and your mind conjuring up all sorts of thrilling escapades for yourself and your amour. You are a born traveler and goodhearted person and now is a great time to in indulge both of these.

Capricorn (22 December - 16 January)� The month begins with a feeling of harmony and balance and you are feeling a bit more confident about your financial circumstances. You feel

at ease expressing your deeper feelings to loved ones too. However as the month moves forward the possibility of some tension between your work and domestic life increases, but any challenges you face could be a positive way of clearing the air and therefore making progress in both these areas. If the tension in the air does boil over you can be consoled by the fact that it’s all a storm in a tea cup and will settle soon.

Aquarius (20 January - 18 February)� Arguments with siblings, close friends and partners are possible this month and any trouble that does occur could simply be little more than hot air and

boldness from everybody concerned. Day to day activities and getting about your normal routine, things you normally take for granted, could have a lot of hiccups in July. Try not to be everywhere at once or race about trying to achieve too many things; no one is expecting miracles so stop trying to perform them. Relationships have taken a serious turn recently, and this will become a focus of the month, but you should start seeing the situation more clearly.

Pisces (19 February - 20 March)� July is a good month to pour your energy into sorting out money matters and starting schemes that will see your cash working harder for you. Thinking of

all the adventures you could soon afford to go on will be more than enough of an incentive to get wise with your dough - money equals freedom for you this month. Be careful not to fall for the charms of sweet talkers who aren’t exactly what they are making themselves out to be. Overall you can expect to be putting in a lot of effort this month and working hard in a lot of areas in your life but things will settle down toward the end of July.

©gtb

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Florida’s Caribbean Sun 9

Family Policy Must Include Fathers

Postponed Jamaica Diaspora Confab slated for June 2011

The current economic crisis has put untold pressure on thousands of families including several Caribbean American families in Florida. This has led to a significant increase in marital separations and divorce which has severely impacted family life. This is true for both poor and “better off” families.

While there are programs serving disrupted families by trying to improve children’s lives, and helping children often translates into “family” policy, far too often, the notion of “family” translates into a focus on mothers and children. According to a new report from the Center for American Progress (CAP) entitled “Low-Income Fathers Need to Get Connected,” the focus of family policy needs to include fathers as well.

According to the report men are able to financially contribute to their children’s well-being and help lift them out of poverty in the short term. They also provide care and emotional supports that can improve children’s life outcomes and help break the cycle of poverty in the long term.

Unfortunately, far too many low-income men, and especially men of color, face barriers to playing these roles in their children’s lives. This paper reveals how fathers are disproportionately disconnected from some extremely vital domains, and how these disconnections harm them, their children, and families more generally.

The report offers the following recommendations for how the Obama administration’s proposed Fatherhood, Marriage, and Families Innovation Fund should be used to help low-income families:

• Further include men within the notion of “family” for policy purposes • Reduce poverty by addressing the known disconnections and challenges of fathers • Offer comprehensive solutions that address the complexities arising from men’s various disconnections • Relieve stressors that divide families, which would provide them with greater freedom to make personal choices about family formation and maintenance based on reasons other than those associated with poverty

Many immigrants from the Caribbean are of the view that the US legal system is geared to punishing men and this has led to disconnect on the part of fathers, says Orin Gordon, a Dominica-born sociologist. He agrees that family policy lacks sufficient focus on fathers and advocates a revision of policies and laws that would encourage greater respect and encouragement for the role of the father in family life.

The postponed fourth Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, originally scheduled for June 14 to 17 at the Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios, St. Ann could be rescheduled for 2011.

The conference was postponed due to the state of emergency in Jamaica brought on by violence associated with the hunt for alleged drug lord Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke. There were mixed reactions among Jamaicans in the Diaspora to the postponement of the meeting.

Chair of the Diaspora Conference Planning Committee and General Manager of Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), Earl Jarrett, said the Conference may be held June, 2011.

"As I understand it, we are going to continue with the convention theme, which is to host it right here in this hotel, Jamaica Grande, in Ocho Rios," Mr. Jarrett told a Forum on Diaspora matters, organized by the United Kingdom Diaspora group on June 16, at the Jamaica Grande Hotel.

He said the 5th Jamaican Diaspora Convention is being contemplated for London, England, in 2012, at the same time of the Summer Olympics.

"2012 is the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica's Independence. It is also the year in which you'll have the largest concentration of Jamaicans in any one place, when they turn up in the UK to beat the colonizers in athletics. We hope to be in London in 2012 in large numbers, showing the best of Jamaica," he stated.

Some States Enacting Harsh Immigration Laws,Florida May Consider Arizona-type Law

the constitutionality of this Arizona law. In addition, President Obama publicly objected to the Arizona law and his administration has decided to file a lawsuit to strike down the Arizona law aimed at deporting illegal immigrants. When the U.S. State Attorney files suit against Arizona, there will be a fierce national debate over how the United States should enforce immigration policies.

More recently, Fremont, Nebraska passed an ordinance that requires among other things that renters apply for an occupancy license - which also requires

a legal immigration status check - before renting an apartment or home. There is an increasing trend among state governments, like Arizona and Nebraska, to propose measures designed to control and manage immigration. Until the federal government enacts comprehensive immigration reform, there will be many more attempts by state and local governments to pass overreaching unconstitutional immigration bills. In Florida, the head of the Florida House’s criminal justice committee says he’s considering the introduction of an Arizona-style law against illegal

immigrants. Rep. William Snyder, a Stuart Republican and former police officer, says he would “unequivocally” support such a law in Florida.

The pending lawsuits seeking to challenge the Arizona and Nebraska law will argue that state and local governments’ regulation of immigration and criminalizing illegal immigrants is unconstitutional because it violates the Supremacy Clause, the First Amendment, the Fourth Amendment, the Due Process Clause, the Privileges and Immunities Clause, and the Equal Protection Clause. In short, the Constitution

is clear that only the Federal government can act in certain areas and immigration is one of those areas; thereby, the state government cannot legislate or act in an area that would be in conflict with the Federal law (in this case the Immigration and Nationality Act).

The Obama Administration and Congress must put the immigration issue squarely back where it belongs - in the halls of Congress and on the desk of the President of the United States.

– Continued from page 1 –

Florida’s Caribbean Sun is published by Caribbean Sun Publishers, LLC

1013 N. Pine Hills Road, Orlando, FL 32808Phone (407) 374-2979

Email: [email protected] Manager: Melinda Gordon

Advertising: Vanessa Chin Churaman (407) 325-5466

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10 Florida’s Caribbean Sun

New Peoples’ Government in Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago has a new peoples’ government and for the first time a woman is at the helm of government in the twin-island Caribbean republic.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was swept to power as part of an opposition coalition, toppling the PNM government in recent national elections. Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning called surprise elections midway in his five year term following several scandals which beset his administration. Manning has since stepped down as leader of the Peoples National Movement (PNM). The new Opposition Leader is Dr. Keith Rowley.

The new prime minister has named a 25-member cabinet. In making the announcement, the prime minister said the team possesses diverse skills and expertise. She also sought to warn ministers that they should neither become "aloof" nor accept mediocrity. "Never become aloof, stay grounded, keep connected to the people, earn their respect," she said, adding there is "no room for personal egos."

"This is not about us, it is about the people, they have the power to dismiss us," she said, warning also that "there is no room for arrogance" and no "time for personal agendas".

Among those taking the oath before President George Maxwell Richards was the Vice President of FIFA, Austin Jack Warner, who is also chairman of the United National Congress. He was sworn in as Minister of Works and Transport, while former head of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Brigadier John Sandy was named Minister of National Security.

right0The former President of the powerful Oilfield Workers Trade Union, Errol Mcleod, was named Minister of Labour, Small and Macro Enterprise Development. Former Central Bank governor and leader of the Congress of the People party, Winston Dookeran, was sworn in as Minister of Finance, while former independent senator Mary King was given the portfolio of Planning, Economic and Social Restructuring and Gender Affairs.

Controversial former High Court judge Hubert Volney was sworn in as minister of justice, while attorney Prakash Ramadhar was named Minister of Legal Affairs. Former speaker of the Trinidad and Tobago parliament, Dr Rupert Griffith was named minister of tourism, while the new Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs is the former national swim coach and talk show host, Anil Roberts.

The newly created Ministry of Tobago Development has been handed to Vernalla Alleyne Toppin, the successful Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) candidate, while Nizam Baksh, a long serving legislator, has been named Minister of Community Development. Stephen Cadiz is the new Minister of Trade and Industry, while the Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs is Carolyn Seepersad Bachan.

Former mayor of Chaguanas, Surujrattan Rambachan is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, while Dr Roodial Moonilal is the Minister of Housing and the Environment. Vasant Bharath, who was not considered among the candidates to contest the elections has been sworn in as the Minister of Food Production, Lands and Marine Affairs, while Chandresh Sharma is the Minister of Local Government. Former calypso monarch, Winston 'Gypsy' Peters, is the Minister of Arts and Culture, while the Minister of Public Utilities is Emmanuel George.

New Trinidad and Tobago Cabinet

• Prime Minister and Minister of Information and Communication: Kamla Persad Bissessar• Attorney General: Anand Ramlogan• Minister of Finance: Winston Dookeran• Minister of Works and Transport: Austin Jack Warner• Minister of Education: Dr. Tim Goopeesingh• Minister of Justice: Hubert Volney• Minister of Legal Affairs: Prakash Ramadhar• Minister of Labour, Small and Macro Enterprise Development: Errol Mcleod• Minister of Housing and Environment: Dr. Roodial Moonilal• Minister of Trade and Industry: Stephen Cadiz• Minister of Arts and Culture: Winston Peters• Minister of National Security: Brigadier John Sandy• Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs: Carolyn Seepersad Bachan• Minister of Foreign Affairs: Surujrattan Rambachan• Minister of Public Administration: Nan Ramgoolam• Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education: Fazal Karim• Minister of Public Utilities: Emmanuel George• Minister of Health: Teres Baptiste Cornelius• Minister of Food Production, Lands and Marine Affairs: Vasant Bharath• Minister of Planning, Economic Social Restructuring and Gender Affairs: Mary King• Minister of Local Government: Chandresh Sharma• Minister of Tourism: Dr. Rupert Griffith• Minister of Peoples and Social Development: Dr. Glen Ramdharsingh• Minister of Community Development: Nizam Baksh• Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs: Anil Roberts• Minister of Tobago Development: Vernalla Alleyne Toppin

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

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Obama Praises Caribbean Immigrants’ Efforts To Ensure “Their Children Can Achieve Something Greater”

Following is the text of the Proclamation:

A PROCLAMATION

Our Nation is linked to the Caribbean by our geography as well as our shared past and common aspirations. During National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we pay tribute to the diverse cultures and immeasurable contributions of all Americans who trace their heritage to the Caribbean.

Throughout our history, immigrants from Caribbean countries have come to our shores seeking better lives and opportunities. Others were brought against their will in the bonds of slavery.

All have strived to ensure their children could achieve something greater and have preserved the promise of America for future generations.

During the month of June, we also honor the bonds of friendship between the United States and Caribbean countries. This year’s devastating earthquake in Haiti has brought untold grief to the Haitian-American community, many who continue to mourn the loss of loved ones as they help rebuild their homeland. These families and individuals remain in our thoughts and prayers. The United States has proudly played a leading role in the international response to this crisis,

which included vital contributions from countries throughout the Caribbean. As Haiti recovers, we will remain a steady and reliable partner.

This month, we celebrate the triumph of Caribbean Americans, a diverse community that encompasses many nationalities and languages. They have become leaders in every sector of American life while maintaining the varied traditions of their countries of origin. Caribbean Americans enrich our national character and strengthen the fabric of our culture, and we are proud they are part of the American family.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2010 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the history and culture of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

The internationally famous Shaggy, Daddy Yankee and Allison Hinds thrilled the crowd at Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival but Orlando’s own Leon Caldero with his Code 868 band was not to be outdone sending revelers wild with his body gyrations.

Thousands braved the almost 100 degree temperature to enjoy two days of genuine Caribbean culture which was enriched with the presence from Trinidad and Tobago of Deperadoes steel orchestra, considered the best steel band in the world.

The diversity of the Caribbean culture was displayed further with performances by the Tampa tassa drummers, junkanoo masqueraders, bands from Haiti and Dominica and an evening of top shelf reggaeton. The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival Association kicked off its 2010 Carnival event with a Reggaeton/Latin event in the

– Continued from page 1 –

It Was Hot … Hot … Hot at Tampa Bay CarnivalBy Michelle Allman

park on Saturday, June 12th with a live performance by Ramón “Raymond” Luis Ayala Rodríguez better known as Daddy Yankee, the Latin Gammy Award winning Puerto Rican recording artist.

Daddy Yankee was born in Río Piedras, the largest district of San Juan on February 3, 1977, where he became interested in music at a young age. As a youth he became interested in baseball and aspired to become a Major League Baseball player, but was unable to continue that sport when he received an injury to one of his legs, leaving him unable to walk correctly. He then became involved with underground rap which is today Reggaeton. Having received lessons from several artists within the genre, he developed his own independent career, first recording in a production title Playero 37. He’s known as one of many pioneers of the reggaeton genre. He has been generally reticent to discuss his personal life, but publicly expressed the importance of his wife and children to him. Outside of his music, he also worked as an actor and producer.

Then on Sunday, June 13th the road mach started with all the mass bands on the road and later that afternoon there were live performances by Rikki Jai who is a Trinidadian Chutney/Soca artiste In 1988 his debut hit single Sumintra, told the tale of an Indo-Trinidadian woman from Debe who informed her boyfriend of her preference of soca over the music of Indian artist Lata Mangeshkar. Jai returned the following year with the song “Pumping, then Bolo and Show Me Yuh Motion.

Then in 1993 another hit Wine on a Bumsee signaled Jai’s exit from the soca world, opting for the “chutney soca” arena, in which he currently performs. In 2001 he tied for

1st place with Bunji Garlin for the Young King title. One of his most popular hits is “Mor Tor” featuring Trini soca star Machel Montano. In 2007 he released hits such as “Aj Bhi Jeena” and “Bodekidal.” His latest hit is Barman.

Allison Hinds then hit the stage to send the crowd into a frenzy with an almost hour-long performance during which she “dished out” several of her hits. Born June 1st, 1970, Hinds is a Barbadian female soca artist. She is known as the undisputed Soca Queen and one of the most popular soca singers worldwide, from which she got her nickname “Queen of Soca.” Hinds had produced many popular songs such as “Ragamuffin, Aye Aye Aye, Twister, Faluma, Togetherness, DJ Ride, Sweetest Wine, Iron Bazodee, Fireworks, Roll It Gal and Love Affair, Soca In My Body,” that have topped the charts, even in countries which don’t widely listen to soca.

Hinds has recorded songs with many famous artists such as Admiral T, Beenie Man, Calypso Rose, Burning Flames, Drupatee Ramgoonai, Wyclef Jean, Canibus, Red Rat, Shaggy, Sparrow, Denise Belfon, Ken Marlon Charles (KMC), Destra, Walker Hornung, Vybz Kartel, G-Unit, Black Stalin, David Rudder, Buju Banton, Mr. Vegas, Doug E. Fresh, Pitbull and Machel Montano and many more. On Sunday, May 30th, Hinds was in Orlando to share in the second anniversary celebration of Karibbean Under One Magazine. She is slated to perform at this year’s Miami Caribbean Carnival.

The headline performer Orville Richard Burrell, known as Shaggy performed for less than 30 minutes- much to his own disappointment. He told the large crowd that he was in Tampa Bay all day long just waiting for the call to hit the stage. But he did not hit the stage until about half an hour before closing time. Nevertheless he gave his audience an enthusiastic performance, sending them into prolonged laughter when advising them to be like Bill Clinton rather than Tiger Woods in proclaiming…..It Wasn’t Me.

A Jamaican born dancehall/reggae singer, Shaggy is known for his distinctive, raspy sub-baritone voice. In 2000 his fifth album “Hot Shot” proved much success with the misogynistic hit single “It Wasn’t Me,” featuring guest vocals of singer RikRok, which tells of advice from one friend to another to just deny it when your girlfriend catches you with another woman. That single became Shaggy’s first No. 1 hit in the US, with the follow-up single “Angel” with guest vocalist Rayvon, which hit No. 1 and helped “Hot Shot” achieve multi-platinum status.

In September 2007 Shaggy released his eighth studio album Intoxication, on his own record label Big Yard Records and is still going strong as we saw at 2010 Tampa Bay Carnival.

MC’s for the event were Ian ‘Degoose’ Eligon and Orlando’s own ‘Mad Man Smallie’ of De Whoops Massive/The Vybes.

Tampa Tassa Drummers

Section of the crowd enjoying themselves.

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12 Florida’s Caribbean Sun

SPORTS!

Powell and Gay to Meet July 10 Central Florida Wins Regional Cricket Tournament

End The Feud, New PM Tells Cricket Authorities

Jamaican Dustin Brown May Switch To Represent Britain

Former world record holder Asafa Powell and world silver medalist Tyson Gay will meet for the first time this season over 100 meters at the Diamond League meeting in Gateshead on July 10, the IAAF said.

Gay, the second-fastest man in the world behind record holder Usain Bolt, has changed his distance from the 200 to the 100 for the Gateshead meeting.

“I know that I have a pretty serious race lined up with Gay competing as well and I’ll be going all out to make sure that I get a faster time,” Jamaican Powell, the fastest man this year, said in a statement.

“Myself and Tyson are clearly the two that are going after the world record but I truly believe that it’s mine to lose at the moment.” American Gay, who has had a back problem, has yet to make his debut in the Diamond League series. The pair will face each other again in London in August.

“Racing against Asafa in London and Gateshead will mean that we are pushing each other to run faster and get closer to that 9.50 that I see as a real possibility and something that I’m aiming for,” Gay said.

Bolt’s world record is 9.58 seconds, set at last year’s Berlin world championships.

Dustin Brown, the first Jamaican to play at Wimbledon in 40 years, has complained about the lack of support from the Jamaica Tennis Federation and is exploring the possibility of representing England. Brown recently lost 6-3 4-6 6-2 6-3 to Austrian 16th seed Jurgen Melzer in their first-round clash .

Brown, one of the most improved players on the circuit who has climbed more than 350 places in the rankings to 105, indicated that he would be interested in representing Britain, if asked. He is also checking into the British roots of his father with a view to switching nationality.

He said the Jamaican authorities “are not giving me any funds, no coaching, no help. And it doesn’t really help getting an e-mail two days ago telling me congratulations on your wild card for Wimbledon.

“They are not doing their job, everybody knows it,” said the 25-year-old with a Jamaican father and a German mother.

The dreadlocked Jamaican, sporting bright orange and lime laces and a pair of vivid yellow wristbands, had a vociferous fan club of supporters waving a giant “Dustin wins!” banner.

Brown, who toured the circuit in a camper van given to him by his mother, has a booming serve and a deadly whipped forehand but he could not maintain that intensity at Wimbledon.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - CONCACAF Vice President Lisle Austin was awarded the FIFA Order of Merit, bestowed with the honor along with five others including former Dutch international and ex-Barcelona manager Johan Cruyff.

Presented with the award at the FIFA Congress prior to the start of the World Cup, the 74-year-old Austin was cited for helping shape the sport in his native Barbados and the CONCACAF region through a “tireless commitment to the game.”

A former general secretary and president of the Barbados Football Association, Austin was a founding member of the Caribbean Football Union in 1978 and has been a member of the CONCACAF Executive Committee since 1982.

He is chairman of the CONCACAF and CFU referee’s committee and has been a member of the FIFA referee’s panel since 2001.

Besides Austin and Cruyff, FIFA also presented the Order of Merit to Thabo Mbeki and Molefi Oliphant of South Africa, Holger Olbermann of Germany and Steven Summer of New Zealand.

Central Florida Cricket Association recently won the 2010 South East Region (SER) cricket championship on better run rate after ending with a tie on the points table with Florida Southeast Cricket League (FSCL).

Central Florida’s first match against last year’s champions, Georgia Supreme Cricket League was rained out, but they defeated Atlanta Georgia Cricket Conference convincingly in the second match, and in the third, they crushed Mid Atlantic Cricket Conference (MACC) to take the 2010 Southeast Regional Tournament.

Notably, last year’s champion Georgia Supreme Cricket League was defeated by FSCL. South Florida Cricket Association (SFCA) entered a young team in the competition - losing the near-term battle but laying the foundation for the long-term. Luther Anderson’s undefeated 106 stole the spotlight for Central Florida and Victor Charles and Ricky Nayar stood out for FSCL and SFCA respectively.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the new Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has urged the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) to end their ongoing feud for the betterment of cricket in the region.

“I am calling on the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to improve their relationship in order to return cricket to its glory days. Both parties must have mutual trust, respect and full disclosure in order to achieve better relations,” Persad-Bissessar said at a WIPA awards ceremony recently.

“Blame is the comfort of the weak. Change is the name of a warrior, so we must be willing to make that change that would make a difference and not keep blaming each other.”

The WIPA and the WICB have been at loggerheads over the issue of player contracts as well as the running of West Indies cricket. Their stand-off reached its peak when several senior West Indies players boycotted the Test series against Bangladesh at home in 2009, and missed the entire tour. A second-string team was chosen to play the series, eventually

resulting in a series defeat in both the Tests and ODIs.

“The game of cricket means so much to us, it defines us, it unites us and it gives us a sense of belonging. Caricom [The Caribbean Community] cannot produce anything that can resonate as cricket does in the region,” Persad-Bissessar added.

“Caribbean governments must play the part as the proverbial twelfth man in the field of cricket. We have a responsibility to be always ready to get involved in cricket education.”

She went on to say that the Caribbean governments “must be part of the process of rebuilding the sport and there can be no more important initiative than cricket education.”

“Our failure to do this would mean that we lose the game and by extension the one platform that holds us together and gives us that shared destiny which we proudly display to the world.”

2010 Caribbean Central American

Games Start July 17The 21st Central American and Caribbean Games will be held in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, from July 17, 2010 to August 1, 2010. It’s the third time Puerto Rico hosts the Central American and Caribbean Games, the others being San Juan in 1966, and Ponce in 1993. The city of Mayagüez had been selected previously to hold the games in 1982, but economic problems forced the city to quit the organization, and the games were held in La Habana, Cuba.

A total of 4,965 athletes will participate in 39 sports to be held across Puerto Rico, Colombia, Guatemala, and Guyana. The opening ceremony will be held on July 17, 2010 in Mayagüez Central American Stadium.

HAVANA, Cuba - Yezenia Gallardo scored her sixth goal in four games to give Cuba a 1-0 victory over Guyana on Saturday (June 26) in the first leg of their Caribbean playoff, seizing the early advantage in the bid for the final berth in CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup.

The two will face off again on July 3 in Guyana for the second leg to determine the eighth and last team in the continental championship finals.

Gallardo scored in the 22nd minute, adding to the three goals she tallied in a 6-1 victory over Antigua and Barbuda, and the pair she had against Puerto Rico in a 4-3 win.

Cuba and Guyana are seeking to join Canada, Mexico, the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala and fellow Caribbean sides Trinidad and Haiti in the CONCACAF finals set for late October and early November.

Cuba, Guyana Vie For Final Berth in Women’s Soccer