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www.caribbeanlifenews.com QUEENS/LONG ISLAND/BRONX/MANHATTAN Jan. 26–Feb. 01, 2018 JAMAICA CRIME SPIKES 100 people murdered in the first 20 days of 2018
By Bert Wilkinson port for the lifeline tourism The tourists are still headed sector. to Jamaica’s scenic northwest- He told reporters that “we ern coast in record numbers haven’t seen any negative ten- despite the fact that authori- dencies. What we have had is Women march for change ties there enforcing a curfew an increase in visitors and some Bright pink “pussy hats” atop the heads of this group of young marchers as one to stamp out a spike in violent skittishness in some areas, as is holds up the sign: 2018—The Year of WOMEN. See story on Page 3. crime which has seen an aver- expected. The truth is, all the Photo by Tequila Minsky age of nearly five murders per attractions are open and have day for 2018 so far. visitors. They’re on the beaches Joint teams of heavily armed and in their hotels.” police are soldiers have been He was scheduled to meet rounding up criminal suspects with travel agencies and other NAACP files racial discrimination lawsuit and are patrolling most areas sector operators this week to in the western St. James par- both pore over figures and By Nelson A. King agency and its leaders’ move “Governmental decisions ish where nearly 340 people trends and to assure them that The largest and oldest civil “discriminates against immi- that target people based on were killed last year. Jamai- authorities are on top of the rights organization in the grants of color.” racial discrimination violate cans were jolted into silence situation. United States has filed a racial The suit asks the court to our Constitution,” said Sher- after the police administra- But even as Jamaican discrimination lawsuit against void the decision and rein- rilyn Ifill, president and direc- tion released figures this week authorities are trying to get on the US Department of Home- state the status for thousands tor-counsel of the NAACP showing that 100 people were top of the situation in the Mon- land Security (DHS), the cur- of Haitians, according to the Legal Defense and Education- murdered in the first 20 days of tego Bay area, colleagues in rent head of the agency, DHS Public Broadcasting Service al Fund in a statement. “The 2018. Police have also reported Trinidad are also holding their Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, News Hour (PBS). decision by the Department of that the heavy presence of the heads in despair about a similar and the former acting head PBS said the NAACP Legal Homeland Security to rescind joint services in that part of spike in crime that has seen the of the agency, Elaine C. Duke, Defense Fund, which is a sep- TPS status for Haitian immi- the island has led to a notice- murder rate move from one in over the Trump administra- arate organization from the grants was infected by racial able reduction in gangland every 36 hours to two per day. tion’s decision to rescind Tem- NAACP, is representing the discrimination. activities but while civil socie- Local newspapers had count- porary Protected Status (TPS) NAACP and its Haitian mem- “Every step taken by the ty, opposition and government ed 48 killings up to Wednes- for Haitian immigrants. bers and says DHS “irrational department to reach this deci- officials are at their witts end to day, Jan. 24 with the execution The lawsuit, which the and discriminatory govern- sion reveals that far from a come up with solutions, Tour- of a young man in southern NAACP Legal Defense and ment action, denying Haitian rational and fact-based deter- ism Minister Edmund Bartlett Trinidad in Tuesday. Police Educational Fund filed in the immigrants their right to due mination, this decision was has been deparately trying to had reported 39 deaths for the US District Court in Maryland process and equal protection driven by calculated, deter- show a brave face to the world same period last year. Local on Wednesday, argues that the under the Fifth Amendment.” Continued on Page 8 to ensure international, sup- Continued on Page 8 WestburyToyota.com We at Westbury Toyota believe in SUPPORTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. We are partnered with: WHY • General Needs to help homeless veterans on Long Island • Annual Street Wheelz Car Show to raise Breast Cancer Awareness • Island Harvest to feed local families in need • Ronald McDonald House to provide housing and care for families with children battling cancer • Toys for Tots to contribute to less fortunate children and enable them to experience the joy of Christmas CHOOSE • And many more!
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2 Caribbean Life, Jan. 26–Feb. 01, 2018 BQ New Yorkers rally in the Women’s March Vincentian Opposition Sen. Kay Bacchus-Baptiste. By Tequila Minsky Kay Bacchus-Baptiste They rallied. And there were many. Moms and dads with double strollers, kids perched on their dad’s shoulders. Eld- erly mothers with their daughters. Sen- SVG opposition ior couples, three generations together, millennials galore. Faith-based groups, gardeners, girl scouts, friendship groups battles and solo walkers. Lots of little girls and little boys, too. Blacks, browns and whites showed up on the Upper West Side for to overturn last Saturday’s second national Women’s March. By the Mayor’s estimation there were election results 200,000, one among the many marches in major —Los Angeles had 600,000—as By Nelson A. King well as smaller U.S. cities around the The main opposition New Demo- country. cratic Party (NDP) in St. Vincent The Women’s March also marked the and the Grenadines is continuing its first anniversary of the Trump administra- long battle to overturn the results in tion, falling on the morning of the short- the Dec. 9, 2015 general elections in lived government shutdown. St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The stage for the program was at 60th Respect and action — these signs urge. Photo by Tequila Minsky While the incumbent Unity Street and Central Park West, with seating Labour Party (ULP) administration for the disabled. And, as the day stretched me, like you think you can touch me, her family to escape the dangers of living of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gon- on, the ethnically diverse crowd swelled to when I say you cannot. I’m here to say, under the Duvalier regime. salves was returned to office, with a past 86th St., with a feeder crowd, let in as women: we’re not going to take it any- This demo brought her back to the slim 8-7 majority, the NDP claimed bit-by-bit, from Broadway and 59th St. more.” 60s—a time of the war in Vietnam, the that the elections were fraudulent, Whoopie Goldberg was one of the last For the final musical interlude, herd- Black Panthers, and student demos in particularly in two constituencies speakers among community activists, ing on the stage holding signs, a gaggle 1968 Europe, she recalls. She walked — North Windward and Central leaders and celebrities at the rally, before of young girls stood behind an elderly, solo, but wasn’t alone, in synch and soli- Leeward. the growing throng marched. “The only seated Yoko Ono whose placard read: darity with all those around her. After a recent town hall meeting, way we are going to make a change is to Imagine. “This is tremendous, a great moment at the Friends of Crown Heights commit to change,” echoed her powerful And then people marched down Cen- for women in this country,” she now Educational Center in Brooklyn, led words. “We have to decide that the people tral Park West and 6th Avenue. says, particularly noting the participation by NDP leader Dr. Goodwin Fri- who represent us, have to represent all of A veteran of over 40 years and hun- from the young and the crowd’s diversity. day, accompanied by two opposition us. They can’t represent some of us.” dreds of demonstrations, Cecil Charlier “And, it’s a growing movement.” senators, including Kay Bacchus- “We’re all human beings and we have walked solo in this one. Why? “I was Charlier knows about movements, Baptiste, a lawyer, Bacchus-Baptiste the right to say, this is how I want to be.” there because I care. I think it’s impor- after 33 years as a Maimonides medical made available to Caribbean Life a And, what is a reference to what is known tant as a woman,” she said. technologist and Union delegate, before petition, about the Central Leeward as the #Metoo movement, she added, “I An immigrant from Haiti, Charlier 13 years as an 1199 community organ- poll, submitted to the Eastern Car- don’t want to be spoken to like you own came to the U.S. in 1965 at 19, sent by izer and acting 1199 Vice President. ibbean Supreme Court. The petition identifies Benjamin Exeter, who contested the elec- tions for the NDP, as the petitioner, against Sir Louis Straker, the ULP Another blow to Haiti: Trump ends victor in the elections and current Deputy Prime Minister, as one of the respondents. participation in guest worker program The other respondents are Win- ston Games, returning officer; Kath- leen Jeffries, presiding officer; Sylvia By Nelson A. King to hire thousands of foreign seasonal States,” said Michael Clemens, an econo- Findlay-Scrubb, supervisor of elec- As if Haiti has not endured enough at workers. mist with the US Center for Global Devel- tions; and the Attorney General of St. the hands of the Trump administration But citing Haitians’ “extremely high opment, who has studied Haiti-US labor Vincent and the Grenadines. in the United States, the French-speak- rates of refusal... high levels of fraud and migration since 2010. “That is not the way “The aim of these submissions is ing Caribbean country has been slapped abuse and a high rate of overstaying the to address illegal migration. That is a way to demonstrate that based upon the again with the ending of Washington’s terms of their H-2 admission,” the US to encourage illegal migration.” entirely contradictory evidence at guest worker program for Haitian nation- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) The decision, set to be published Thurs- best or blatant falsehoods at least, als. said Haiti’s inclusion on the lists of eligi- day in the Federal Registrar, comes amid emanating from the Supervisor of As of Thursday, Haitian farmers and ble countries for 2018 “is no longer in the a push by the Trump administration to Elections, Sylvia Findlay-Scrubb and other laborers seeking to come to the U.S. interest.” restrict immigration, and a public outcry contradictory evidence of the Return- United States as temporary, seasonal DHS also announced that the Carib- over the president’s alleged characteriza- ing Officer Winston Gaymes, it is nec- workers under the federal H-2A and H-2B bean Community (CARICOM)-member tion of Haiti and Haitians in recent weeks, essary for this court to order inspec- guest worker program, will no longer be state of Belize will be banned, as well according to the Herald. tion to verify the accuracy or not of eligible, reported the Miami Herald on as Samoa in the central South Pacific It noted that, in December, the New their sworn statements re the ballot Wednesday. Ocean. York Times reported that Trump in a June papers,” the petition states. “This It said the temporary workers’ visa has “Eliminating this visa eliminates the immigration meeting described some quite apart from the strength of the for decades allowed hundreds of US farm- only lawful channel some Haitians have Haitian migrants entering the United petitioner’s case for inspection.” ers, hoteliers and other business owners to come temporarily work in the United States as having AIDS.
BQ Caribbean Life, Jan. 26–Feb. 01, 2018 3 Updated daily at www.caribbeanlifenews.com CARIBBEAN ROUNDUP THE NEWS FROM BACK HOME
Caribbean Haiti President Jovenel Moise will become the next chairman of the 15-member regional integration move- ment next month. Caricom Secretary General Irwin la Rocque recently held talks with Moise “to provide his usual briefing to the incoming chairman.” Moise will replace Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell following a six-month stint as chairman of CARI- COM under the rota- tional system. The Haitian leader became head of state of the French-speaking CARICOM country last February after a long- running political crisis. The CARICOM website noted that Haiti will also host the 29th Inter- Sessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in February. Bahamas Haitians protest Trump’s remarks The Bahamas Crisis Center (BCC) is calling on the government to develop Demonstrators chant outside the U.S. embassy during a protest against President Donald Trump’s recent a comprehensive domestic and sexual disparaging comments about Haiti and African nations, in Tabarre, a district of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Thurs- violence act which looks at all issues day, Jan. 18, 2018. Haitian community leaders and activists say thousands of Haitian immigrants living in the U.S. under a temporary protected status will face employment and travel hurdles because Trump’s adminis- where persons are not protected under tration delayed the process of re-registering them. See story on Page 42. Associated Press / Dieu Nalio Chery the law. In a statement, the BCC said that while Bahamian has the right to live a life free from violence and be protected and published a EU list of non-cooper- named among the 22 destinations that successive governments in Trinidad under the law, “in today’s Bahamas, ative countries in taxation matters. Bloomberg is recommending as ideal and Tobago pumping billions of dollars married women living with their hus- It said Grenada did not sign or rati- for travelers in 2018. in a bailout plan for the company. bands do not experience this protec- fied the OECD Multilateral Convention He said with the recent debut of the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves tion when their husband beats or psy- on Mutual Administrative Assistance new Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe told a press conference recently the chologically abuses them.” as amended and did not clearly com- Harbor in November former People’s Partnership govern- The BCC said it has heard stories of mit to addressing these issues by Dec. and the beginning of ment in T&T had paid US$34 million women forced to have sex with their 21, 2017. the peak season, the of the monies owed, but the Keith husbands despite their obstetrician’s However, Prime Minister Mitchell continued inclusion Rowley administration that came into advice to abstain following the birth of said in any serious situation, Grenada of the island among office in 2015 has not made any pay- a baby, women getting ought not to have been placed on the the lists of top places to go that will ments. HIV or sexually trans- list initially, since the country has met help Tourism officials to build brand He said his govern- mitted diseases from all the conditions required. awareness and drive booking from the ment has been holding abusive husbands who He said the gov- island’s markets. talks with the govern- have other women and ernment has pointed The natural rainforest combined ment in Port of Spain force sex on them. out the mistakes were with the beach environment is noted to get the remaining “From many of those victims we made and that the as being what travelers hope for in a US$66 million. hear the shame and humiliation they island will be removed luxury vacation. Dr. Gonsalves said he has been feel following sexual assault by their from the blacklist. The article also said that Delta non- fighting on behalf of the policy holders husband and their sense of powerless- On Jan. 23 the Financial and Eco- stop flights from Atlanta and New York to get the payment. ness. These are but some of the exam- nomic Unit of the OECD will be meet- help made the island “more accessible He has asked CARICOM Secretary ples where marital rape occurs,” the ing after the response from Grenada. than many of its Caribbean peers.” General Irwin La Rocque to place the statement said. The Ministry of Finance has issued a matter on the agenda for the CARI- statement saying Grenada made high- St. Vincent COM intersessional meeting to be held Grenada level commitments, complete with St. Vincent and the Grenadines gov- in Haiti next month. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell timelines, to the EU Code of Conduct ernment wants the assistance of other says Grenada is expected to be removed group by way of letters on Nov. 17 and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Trinidad from the European Union (EU) black- 28, 2017. countries to get Trinidad and Toba- The Trinidad and Tobago govern- list by the end of this month. go to pay US$100 million it pledged ment has agreed to meet with Opposi- He said the decision to remove Gre- St. Kitts to deal with the fallout of the failed tion Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar nada, one of 17 countries blacklisted by St. Kitts is the only Caribbean des- British American Insurance Company on two critical pieces of legislation the EU, is expected to follow a meeting tination among the 22 “hot spots” (BAICO). — the failed Anti-Gang legislation and of the Financial and Economic Unit of selected by Bloomberg from across the BAICO was among the companies the Anti-Terrorism Bill — to fight the Organization for Economic Coop- globe in its Where to Go in 2018. owned by the Trinidad-based CL Finan- the criminal elements who have been eration and Development (OECD) set Minister of Tourism, International cial Group that also included the Colo- creating mayhem and havoc in the for Jan. 23. Trade, Industry and Commerce Lind- nial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) country. On Dec. 5, 2017 the council approved say Grant said it is an honor to be that collapsed in 2009, resulting in Continued on Page 18
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Q Caribbean Life, Jan. 26–Feb. 01, 2018 5 Muted Barbados public sector strike By George Alleyne “Initial reports indicate week be working shortened Barbados’ National Union that our efforts were effec- hours protesting the slowness of Public Workers remains tive, based on the numbers of transfer of their offices to defiant in the face of media of members who stayed away another building, from the reports that the two-day from work and the respec- current location that has been strike by public sector work- tive government departments deemed unfit and unhealthy. ers last week was ineffective, adversely affected.” For some while the offic- stating that there is more to The strike call followed ers had been complaining that come if its demands are not government’s offer of a $49 their present location was cre- met. (Bds$1 = 50 cents US) million ating illnesses among them The union had called out lump sum payment to public because of mould in the build- workers for Thursday and Fri- servants just over a month ing. There were said to be other day of last week protesting ago, but the union had fired environmental issues with the government’s non-response back with a demand for $60 Bridgetown workplace. to its counter-proposal on an million, saying that this must But Smith said that immi- offered one-off payment to be just an interim payment gration officers had found the workers who have not had a and cannot replace the 23 per renovation of the new building pay increase since 2009. cent wage increase it wants offered to house their offices Weekend media reports for members. was incomplete. however stated that the strike The NUPW had given gov- She reported that for this had a muted effect like a damp ernment a Jan. 15 deadline to reason “they said they would squid as there was business as respond but there was no word go in for at least four hours in usual in government offices. from the administration. the building.” “We now regroup, review But while NUPW regroups Immigration officers stay- and ready our members for on the wage front, government ing off the job for half of the next steps to be taken has not been given a breather their regular eight-hour shift in the coming weeks and as that union is reportedly can prove a crucial move dur- months ahead,” the Barbados taking industrial action on a ing this winter tourist season Today epaper quoted union smaller scale regarding the with the island’s air and sea president, Akanni McDowall working conditions for immi- ports being chockfull of visi- saying Monday. In spite of gration officers. tors. his announcement of what NUPW General Secretary, It is left to be seen if this sounds like a strategic retreat, Roslyn Smith, told the Nation week’s half protest would be McDowall dismissed sugges- newspaper that this set of more effective than the prior’s NUPW General Secretary Roslyn Smith. tions that the strike failed. public servants will as of this week’s full strike. Photo by George Alleyne
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BQ Caribbean Life, Jan. 26–Feb. 01, 2018 7 Gun violence Haitian TPS lawsuit Continued from Page 1 The complaint also points to on the rise in mined and intentional discrimina- reports that the president said all Hai- tion against Haitian immigrants,” she tians “have AIDS” and argues that added. Trump’s “racial bias against Haitian Jamaica To make its case, the NAACP Legal immigrants recalls America’s long, Defense and Educational Fund refer- ignominious history of discrimination Continued from Page 1 ences in the lawsuit President Donald against Haiti, the world’s first Black media counted 52. Authorities have J. Trump’s alleged derogatory com- republic.” long blamed rival gangs fighting over ments about Haitians and about lim- The lawsuit also states that officials drug turfs with guns smuggled from iting immigrants from the French- at DHS sought crime data on Haitians the US and nearby South America for speaking Caribbean nation to increase with TTPS, as well as information the dramatic spike in gun crimes and immigration from European coun- on how many Haitian nationals were murders in the past 20 years. tries. receiving public benefits, in an effort Several other Caribbean community “On Jan. 11, 2018, during a meet- to use “false anti-Black stereotypes countries have also noted a spike in Jamaica Customs’ Contraband En- ing on immigration with several U.S. about criminality and exploitation of gun and gang-related crime. St. Lucia forcement Team members inspect Senators, Secretary of State Rex W. public benefits.” for example, with a population of just merchandise imported from the Tillerson, White House Chief of Staff TPS covers hundreds of thousands under 180,000 people closed off 2017 U.S. inside a warehouse as part of John F. Kelly, and Defendant Nielsen, of people who are living in the United with a record 56 murders, many of their daily routine looking for illegal the President stated that he did not States and who are temporarily unable them occurring in low income, so- weapons in downtown Kingston, Ja- want immigrants from African coun- to return to their countries of origin maica. of murders. called ghetto areas. Guyana had 116, tries, which he derided as ‘shithole because of safety concerns or other Associated Press / Ricardo Arduengo with the largest number coming from countries,’” the complaint reads. “The issues, PBS noted, adding that Hai- domestic violence issues. President also asked, ‘Why do we need tians gained the status days after a As soldiers and police, armed to the of the public and we have to correct it more Haitians?’ and directed that Hai- 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated teeth, patrol Jamaica’s St. James Parish immediately.” tian immigrants should not be admit- the country in January 2010. and are enforcing a state of emergency The island of just under three mil- ted through any proposed immigra- President Barack Obama repeatedly in the area, civil society representatives lion people closed off last year with tion plan. renewed the 18-month protected sta- say the situation is out of control. murders numbering 1,616, about 20 “In stark contrast, the President tus for Haitians. But in November, The Observer Newspaper quoted percent more than the previous year. If stated that immigrants from coun- the Trump administration announced church leader Lenworth Anglin as say- current trends hold true this year, 2018 tries ‘like Norway’ were more desir- that it would not renew the status for ing that the situation was “alarming could end with record numbers unless able and should be admitted,” the thousands of Haitians when it expires and unacceptable. It is frightening and authorities wage a successful anti-gang, complaint adds. “As Senator Richard next year. something that we cannot live with,” crime campaign. Back in 2009, the year Durbin pointed out during the meet- Tyler Q. Houlton, acting DHS press he said. The Jamaica Producers Asso- before soldiers and police were engaged ing, President Trump’s singling out of secretary, said as a matter of poli- ciation said the island has “become a in open warfare in a western city parish, Haitians for exclusion was ‘an obvious cy, the agency does not comment on violent society. There is a total collapse 1,680 deaths were recorded. racial decision.’” pending litigation. DERMATOLOGY .FEJDBM $PTNFUJD4VSHJDBM Alan Kling, MD (Board-Certified Dermatologist) -FOFMMF%BOJFMT+FSPNF /1t"SUFN1JOLIBTPW 1" Acne Hair loss Eczema Cysts Spider veins Skin allergies Warts Genital warts Blemishes Moles White & dark spots Scalp conditions Nail problems Rashes Keloids STD’s Psoriasis Complexion Herpes HPV infections problems Fungal conditions
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BQ Caribbean Life, Jan. 26–Feb. 01, 2018 11 OP-EDS Chain migration or Steps to preserve our family reunification? By Stacie Blake migrate seeking to secure a Garifuna language It is historical fact that mil- foothold of employment and lions of people have come to the stability before bringing along United States to create new lives their sweethearts, wives, par- By Wellington C. Ramos, of an ethnic group is the in freedom. Immigration is the ents, siblings or children. Adjunct Professor Under International essence of their culture. origin of our history as a coun- The current family-based History and Political Law it is the Once the native languages try. Our federal government immigration system was estab- Science responsibility of are removed by them, they did not even keep immigration lished by the Immigration and We the Garifuna people will be in a better posi- records until 1820. Nationality Act of 1965 (INA of are among the 400 mil- all governments tion to control and sub- The bedrock of United States 1965) as an end to the national lion people on this earth to facilitate, jugate the people. We the growth and prosperity is immi- origin quotas that dated back who speak one of the 6,000 accommodate Garifuna people because gration and for nearly 30 years to the Chinese Exclusion Act indigenous languages that and assist the of our isolation from the the priority has been family of 1882 and heavily favored exist. Most of us are strug- indigenous people other ethnic groups in reunification. The Immigration immigrants from Northern and gling to preserve our lan- like the Garifuna these countries, were able Act of 1990, the most compre- Western Europe. Family reuni- guages that we have been to speak and maintain our hensive overhaul of our immi- fication has a positive impact on speaking for centuries to preserve their language. gration system since 1965, was individuals and the communi- before the Europeans came languages. As time went by, these passed with bipartisan support ties in which they live and is a to our lands and estab- countries decided to setup and signed into law by President cornerstone of our country, the lished their colonial rule. an educational system George H.W. Bush. Under Presi- country built by immigrants. They then passed decrees them. where everybody must go dent Bush, over 475,000 refu- According to media reports, and laws forbidding us The British hated us to school and learn their gees were welcomed and family President Trump benefits from from speaking our native because of the fight we put languages. In their schools reunification was prioritized by family reunification as his in- language and practicing up against them, to protect that were located in Hondu- expanding the number of fami- laws followed to join his wife our culture. This is what our land and to avoid being ras, Nicaragua and Guate- ly-based visas allotted per year. and surely support the culture, the French and the British their slaves. They also mala all the various ethnic Today, chain migration has custom and traditions of the did to us in our native land did not want to run the groups were learning how replaced family reunification as family by living in close proxim- “Yurumein” now known risk of our people assist- to read, write and speak a term describing the process ity to their daughter and grand- as Saint Vincent & The ing the slaves in Belize Spanish and in Belize and of allowing legal immigrants son. Grenadines up until the and Nicaragua to rebel for parts of Nicaragua, Eng- to apply for relatives abroad to Lately, family based immi- war ended in 1796. About their freedom. In most of lish. This introduced new come to the United States. gration has been replaced by the 5,000 of our people were Honduras and the other languages to the Garifuna Families of every type are language of “chain migration” removed from our main- countries were the native people in these territories the foundation of strong com- as a deficit in our immigration land island and taken to Indians who the Spanish that they must learn for munities across the globe. As system and a burden to our one of our other island colonized their territories, their economic, political a rule, families provide mutual communities. House Judiciary Balliceaux, where we were tortured and slaughtered. and social survival. As a support to their members: share Chairman Robert W. Goodlat- tortured and imprisoned. Like the French and the result of this, Garifuna culture, customs, language and te, R-Va., said “Chain migra- In 1797 about 2,500 of British, the Spanish estab- people focused on learning traditions; provide discipline tion takes away from the United our people who survived lished their language as how to speak, write and and guidance to young mem- States the ability to choose peo- the torturing, inhumane the official language for all read these languages while bers and support elders or ill ple to come to this country treatment and conditions their colonies. The Indi- neglecting their own Gari- members in need. based on who are most needed they endured at Balliceaux, ans fought to retain their funa language. Most Gari- International migration is here and to do a better vet- were packed up like cargoes land and preserve their funa people cannot write not new. The process can sepa- ting process than we do now.” and taken to the island language and culture by or read the words in their rate families as members seek I believe we are indeed choos- of Roatan in the country running away from them. language because there adventure; economic possibil- ing separated family members of Honduras where they Yet, the Spanish pursued were no schools in most ity; safety or love. Sometimes to be reunited because family arrived on April 12, 1797. them and killed all those of their communities that entire families move together is the foundation of a strong At the time our people who resisted their rule. taught them how to read but often young men or women Continued on Page 48 arrived in Roatan, our lan- When the French, Brit- and write Garifuna. guage was already mixed ish, Spanish and the other Under International Law with French. Now that we European colonial coun- it is the responsibility of were brought to Roatan, tries made their languag- all governments to facili- our language is now influ- es the official languages tate, accommodate and enced by the British and for their colonies, they assist the indigenous peo- the Spanish. Both the Brit- did this with the intent to ple like the Garifuna to Founded 1990 • Published by Community News Group ish and the Spanish did eradicate all the other lan- preserve their languages. Corporate Headquarters: One Metrotech Center North, Suite 1001, Brooklyn, NY 11201 not want us to intermin- guages that were spoken Most countries have signed CEO: Les Goodstein gle with the other ethnic in their occupied territo- on to these international PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER: Jennifer Goodstein groups in their colonies ries. Why? Because they agreements like St. Vin- ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Ralph D’Onofrio so they isolated us from know that the language Continued on Page 44 EDITOR EMERITUS: Kenton Kirby ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Kevin Williams REPORTER: Alexandra Simon LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome from all readers. They should be addressed care of this newspaper to the Editor, Contributing Writers: Azad Ali, Tangerine Clarke, Patrick Horne, Nelson King, Tequila Minsky, Vinette K. Pryce, Bert Wilkinson, Lloyd Kam Williams, George Alleyne Caribbean-Life Publications, 1 MetroTech Center North, Brooklyn, New York 11201, or sent via e-mail to caribbeanlife@ cnglocal.com All letters, including those submitted via e-mail, MUST be signed and the individual’s verifiable address GENERAL INFORMATION (718) 260-2500 This newspaper is not responsible for typographical errors in ads beyond the cost of the space oc- and telephone number included. Note that the address and telephone number will NOT be published and the name will cupied by the error. All rights reserved. Copyright© 2018 by Courier-Life, Inc., publishers. Caribbean Life is protected by Federal copyright law. Each issue of Caribbean Life is registered with the Library of be published or withheld on request. No unsigned letters can be accepted for publication. The editor reserves the right Congress, Washington, D.C. The Caribbean Life, its advertisements, articles and photographs, may not be reproduced, either in whole or part, without permission in writing from the publisher except brief to edit all submissions. portions for purposes of review or commentary consistent with the law.
12 Caribbean Life, Jan. 26–Feb. 01, 2018 BQ Women demonstrate principles set by founding fathers
Instead of a national cel- ebration for accomplishments Inside Life made during the first year of the Donald Trump adminis- By Vinette K. Pryce tration, on the first anniver- sary of the inauguration of the 45th president of the United gress that we have had enough States, in Order to form a more States, women demonstrated of Trump and his incompetent perfect Union, establish Jus- in record numbers in protest impeachable offenses against tice, insure domestic Tranquil- of the sexist, misogynistic and the law,” an invitation from a ity, provide for the common crude leadership also plagued resistance group called Meetup defense, promote the general by federal scrutiny and inves- 2018 said. Welfare, and secure the Bless- tigation. One hundred thousand indi- ings of Liberty to ourselves and Sunnier, warmer and equal- viduals pre-registered to march our Posterity, do ordain and ly defiant about impeaching from 11 in the morning to establish this Constitution for the president fearless gender three in the afternoon from the United States of America.” braggarts defied last year’s Manhattan’s west side to the The words are recorded as frosty climate, and with weath- east. a preamble and “brief intro- er permitting this time around, Early in the day, the long- ductory statement of the Con- hundreds of thousands in New described “fairer sex” peddled stitution’s fundamental pur- York City, Boston, many more baby strollers donned odd- poses and guiding principles. in Chicago, San Francisco, shaped pink bonnets, carried It states in general terms, and Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Wash- provocative message signs and courts have referred to it as Haitian immigrant Yolande Leger dispays her placard. ington D.C., Seattle and even with sons, husbands, spous- reliable evidence of the Found- By Vinette K. Pryce citizens throughout the world es, fathers and grandfathers ing Fathers’ intentions regard- took to city streets to publicly that endorse their sentiments ing the Constitution’s mean- ate,” and “IKEA has a better past Trump Hotels. chastise and rebuke the leader assembled to exercise Ameri- ing and what they hoped the cabinet” and one that direct- At 59th St. & Central Park who promised to “Make Ameri- ca’s Constitutional privilege. Constitution would achieve,” ly spoke to a woman’s issue West where scores of NYPD ca Great Again.” “Men of Quality Don’t Fear Wikipedia states. demanded “Abort this presi- officers cordoned off the “We The People in order to equality,” a sign carried by a “One year is enough,” dent in his first term.” entrance to one of the branded form a more perfect union, must male marcher read. “You’re fired!” “Free Melania!” Placards replacing the lead- visitor’s retreat, avid protest- act in solidarity with other pro- Another of the same gender Make America America Again,” er’s name in parody of his nega- ers held their noses shouting: gressive groups to gather in the displayed: “I stand with Black, “Lock Him Up!” “Tweet Women tive comments about El Salva- “Whew! What’s that smell, it’s thousands, maybe a million or Brown, and Bi sisters.” With Respect,” “We do house- dor, Haiti and Africa also domi- a s…hole hotel.” more to demonstrate to Con- “We the People of the United work we will clean out the Sen- nated the route that meandered Catch You On The Inside!
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BQ Caribbean Life, Jan. 26–Feb. 01, 2018 13 Rev. Dr. Evelyn Rose John remembered
By Tangerine Clarke Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke honored the late Rev. Dr. Evelyn Rose John, with a cita- tion posthumously, which chron- icled the life of this remarkable woman, and read by Patricia Jor- dan Langford, president of the Guyana Tri-State Alliance during a home going service on Friday, Jan. 19. Dr. Una S. T. Clarke, who called the former doctor of divinity a sis- ter, praised her for the contribu- tions she made to the community Rev. Helen John, eldest child and leader of New Life Center of Truth, praying for her mother (left) and a packed New Life during the hours long celebration Center of Truth where Rev. Dr. Evelyn Rose John pastored for more than three decades. From left. Rev. Lloyd Andries, at the New Life Center of Truth Dr. S.T. Clarke, Hon. Barbara Atherly, Guyana Consul General to New York and across the aisle, husband, Llewelyn John, children, and relatives. Photos by Tangerine Clarke where Rev. Evelyn John started more than three decades ago, and welcomed politicians, the watching over us.” “It is said that God who will be remembered for this distinguished Guyanese, said ing with her savior like she did in rich and famous and the down- the true essence of time is not her spiritual leadership both in the diplomat.” her earthly journey,” preached trodden. measured by the length of days Guyana and the United States of Rev. Dr. Evelyn Rose John, who Rev. Helen John, eldest child of “If we could be as half the but by legacy,” said Sen. Persaud, America.” delivered invocations at opening Rev. Dr. Evelyn Rose John, who example she was, we will all be before reciting the poem “When She said Rev. Evelyn John’s sessions of the New York Senate heads the church. that example to the community,” Tomorrow Comes.” teachings brought enlighten- and the New York State House “Let us release our dear moth- said Dr. Clarke. Barbara Atherly, consul gen- ment, empowerment and hope Assembly, was also honored post- er, grandmother, aunt, friend, “Let us continue to support eral of Guyana to New York, to many Guyanese, especially humously with a citation from minister, knowing that only good her work, to show our commu- expressed condolences on behalf women. Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough awaits her. Rev. Dr. Evelyn Rose nity the life she lived. It is on us to of the government and people “The demise of such a great president, who was represented John is free and unlimited. Any carry on her work of love, broth- of Guyana, by saying, “Reverend leader is indeed an immense loss by a staffer. stone of hindrance has been rolled erhood, sisterhood, and unity in Dr. Evelyn John, a dear daughter to the Guyanese and Christian Council Member Mathieu away. She now knows the peace the community,” she said. of our beloved homeland, Guy- communities. May your hearts be Eugene, and Assembly Member that passes all understanding, she Senator Roxanne Persaud, in ana, was a visionary, a woman filled with wonderful memories Nick Perry, also sent condolences has transcended and shred her turn said, “We have lost a giant” with great entrepreneurial skills of joyful times together, and the to the John family. earthly garment and she is now and told mourners, “she will be and an extraordinary woman of tremendous legacy of the life of “She is not alone, she is walk- dressed in heavenly splendor.”
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Q Caribbean Life, Jan. 26–Feb. 01, 2018 15 THE BOYS ARE BACK! INCLUDING FIVE-SHOW WEEKENDS
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16 Caribbean Life, Jan. 26–Feb. 01, 2018 BQ