1. FREE!
Florida’s Caribbean Sun
NEWS YOU CAN USE!1 Vol. 6 No. 8 ● September 2009
Task Force investigating counterfeit money
Caribbean American businesses should be vigilant
I nvestigations are ongoing in Central Florida into the production of a quantity
of counterfeit United States currency, much of which has been seized and pulled
out of circulation, a law enforcement source has told Caribbean Sun. A quantity
attempts to pass off counterfeit US notes.
Caribbean Sun has been reliably informed that a joint task force which includes federal
of the currency might have been destined for shipment to Guyana, according to agents has been investigating the case for some months now, following an operation in the
the source. Waterford area in East Orlando.
Despite the seizure, business enterprises, especially Caribbean American es- “The investigations are ongoing and we cannot at this time provide any additional infor-
tablishments are being encouraged to be vigilant and be on the lookout for mation,” the source said.
US values its partnership with
Trinidad-Clinton
U nited States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton says that
America values its partnership with Trinidad and Tobago
and the contribution made by Trinidadian Americans to the cul-
and Trinidad and Tobago, which is based on mutual respect and
mutual interest. Our two nations have much in common - our
values, our history, and our hopes for a brighter future for the
ture and prosperity of the US. people of our Hemisphere. Many families in the United States
trace their roots to Trinidad and Tobago and they have contrib-
Mrs. Clinton’s remarks were contained in a message to mark uted so much to our culture and our prosperity.
Trinidad and Tobago’s 47th anniversary of Independence on
August 31. Our warmest wishes will be with the people of Trinidad and To-
bago as they take part in Independence Day parades and com-
Here is the text of the Secretary of State’s message: memorations. The National Awards presented at the President’s
House will celebrate the spirit and accomplishments of a proud
On behalf of the people of the United States, I would like to nation. And the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government
congratulate the people of Trinidad and Tobago as they celebrate Meeting will once again provide Trinidad and Tobago with a
forty-seven years as an independent nation on August 31. Presi- well-deserved showcase on the world stage.
dent Obama and I had the pleasure of visiting Trinidad and To-
bago in April for the Summit of the Americas and we were grate- On this historic occasion, let me reaffirm the commitment of the
ful for the warmth and hospitality of the people of these beauti- United States to work together with Trinidad and Tobago to
ful islands. We value the partnership between the United States strengthen and deepen our partnership.
Mediation process breaks down
Striking players acted irresponsibly-Lance Gibbs
The mediator, Sir Shridat Ramphal recently declared the process closed, laying blame on
T he mediation process initiated by Guyana’s President Bharat Jagdeo to help resolve
the dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board and the West Indies Players Asso-
ciation has broken down.
the Board for the failure of efforts to resolve the dispute which could put the future of West
– Continued on page 21 –
From left: Clive Lloyd, Harry Rambarran, Ram Ali, Gerald Lopes, Lance Gibbs, Richard Vasconcellas and Ian Lye share a light moment during a recent dinner
hosted by Mr. Rambarran at his South Florida home in honor of Clive Lloyd’s visit to the US. (Caribbean Sun photo).
Caribbean looking for development
agreements with US, Canada
Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) with the US and CARIBCAN with Canada.
T he countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are set to negotiate trade and
development agreements with the United States and Canada which would encompass
assistance with social and infrastructural projects, Jamaica’s deputy prime minister and “We in CARICOM are poised to begin negotiations with the Canadians later this year on
minister of foreign trade, Dr. Kenneth Baugh told participants in a recent Jamamica/USA a trade and development agreement to replace CARIBCAN and we hope to do the same
business expo. shortly thereafter with the United States, These trade and development agreements are
intended to take into account the special circumstances and development needs of the
Dr. Baugh explained that the era of preferntial access to markets was coming to a close small economies of the Caribbean,” Dr. Baugh told guests at a luncheon on the closing
and as part of the need to offer reciprocal free access to the CARICOM market, the coun- day of the fourth annual Jamaica/USA Business Expo held in Miramar, Florida.
tries of the region were set Sun
Florida’s Caribbean to negotiate development agreements which would replace the – Continued on page 14 – 1

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3. 4th Annual Jamaican
Business Expo
The 4th Annual Jamaican Business Expo hosted by the Jamaica/USA Chamber of Com-
merce earlier this month in Miramar, Florida attracted some 50 exhibitors offering a range
of products and services including spices,processed foods,artwork, apparel, jewelry as
well as services such as legal and financial services, shipping, air travel and information
technology. Among the exhibitors were Laparkan Shipping, Grace Foods, Seafreight, Air
Specializing in West Indian
jamaica and Victorai Mutual.
There were also sessions on doing business with Jamaica involving presenters from the
And Chinese Dishes
Jamaica Exporters’ Association, The Jamaica Manufacturers Association, Jamaica Trade
and Invest and the National Land Agency of Jamaica.
The keynote speaker at the Event was Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Dr. Kenneth Baugh.
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Florida’s Caribbean Sun
Caribbean Sun is published by Florida Caribbean Enterprises Inc.
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4. Caribbean Perspectives
A monthly column on Caribbean issues
A monthly column on Caribbean issues
Initiatives to bolster Caribbean tourism industry
year compared with the same period in 2008.
Jamaica registered close to a 20 per cent fall off in cruise ship arrivals while some of the
Eastern Caribbean tourism destinations experienced sizeable increases, notably Antigua
By Sandra Ann Baptiste and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.
The writer is a business consultant and specialist in Caribbean Affairs
To minimize the impact of the global economic crisis on the key foreign exchange earning
tourism industry, several Caribbean destinations put in place “stimulus packages.”
The Barbados Government allocated $ U.S. 7.5 million to assist with the cash flow of
The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is gearing up to launch the properties and sustain employment in the hospitality industry; over three dozen properties
initial phase of a brand new marketing program designed to increase the visibility of Car- took advantage of this program.
ibbean tourism destinations and maintain the region’s competitiveness in the face of dras-
tic changes in consumer spending. A second tranche of U.S.$5 million will be made available by the end of September, but
this time eligibility will be linked to hotels and restaurants that were able to sustain em-
The new CTO marketing campaign will be financed from a regional fund that has a target ployment. President of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Wayne
of U.S.$ 60 million. Some of CTO’s Capaldi puts occupancy so far this
33 member countries will make a di- year at between 16 and 60 per cent,
rect contribution while others are with most properties registering
likely to pay for their share of the pro-
gram by introducing a surcharge on
Riley notes that consumers shop and buy around 40 per cent.
airline tickets for travel to the Carib-
bean originating outside the region. differently in a recession. The CTO has therefore The BHTA is grateful for
government’s financial support and is
cognizant of its tight fiscal situation.
In addition to raising funds from its
members, cruise lines, which have a
tuned in to the new social media, using But it is disappointed that there has
been no further dialogue on its pro-
vested interest in sustaining the Car-
ibbean tourism industry, are likely to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogging posals to lower the duties on 20 of the
most commonly used food items in
contribute to the Caribbean regional the industry and for a program to pro-
marketing program that will be imple-
mented in phases as contributions
to promote the Caribbean tourism product. vide relief if electricity costs soar,
something which St. Vincent and the
come in. Grenadines has done.
CTO Secretary-General, Hugh Riley, believes that in the current global economic down- The Barbados “Staycations”, promoted to encourage locals to spend their holidays in the
turn “ it is critical to keep the Caribbean front of mind for and keep our core constituents island and take advantage of special cost-saving packages, was hugely successful and will
confident in our brand.” be continued on an annual basis.
Riley notes that consumers shop and buy differently in a recession. The CTO has therefore Odle, a tourism industry veteran, notes that Barbadian hotels really began to feel the pinch
tuned in to the new social media, using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogging to pro- of reduced tourism traffic to the island in the second quarter of this year. He is cautiously
mote the Caribbean tourism product. optimistic about the 2010 winter, partly because of 60, 000 additional seats being made
available by various airlines, including new ones.
With consumers looking for added value, Caribbean tourism destinations have been offer-
ing a night free, kids free and free water sports to lure tourists. The reduced spending The BHTA’s Capaldi, who runs the 47-room Sandpiper hotel, shares this outlook, hoping
power of American and European visitors have seen them booking last minute and opting for “a return to reasonable levels of business.”
for the lower airfares and deep hotel discounts.
Jamaica hoteliers have also benefited from Government assistance in the form of a
Several CARICOM Member States experienced double-digit declines in visitors from the concessional loan scheme, tax reductions and an increased marketing budget.
main United States market for the first five to six months of this year compared with the
same period in 2008. American visitor arrivals were down in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett announced that cash support to the sector to the tune of
(18%), St. Lucia (17.7%), Barbados (16%) and the Bahamas (14.9 %). Curacao (32.3 %) U.S $ 7.1 million, through the stimulus package ending in September, has helped to ease
and Bermuda (25.8%) also experienced a significant drop in the number of U.S. visitors. cash flow problems and has met its goal of sustaining jobs and maintaining growth.
Fewer European tourists came to the region over the same period. Notable declines were However, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association (JHTA) wants to see the stimulus
recorded in Grenada (16.7%), Antigua and Barbuda (15.3%), St. Lucia (12.5%), St. Vincent measures, specifically the 50 per cent reduction in the General Consumption tax, main-
and the Grenadines (12.2%), Cayman Islands (10.9%), Barbados (9.7%) and The Baha- tained until December.
mas (9.6%).
Even though the CTO regards the Caribbean travel market as still vulnerable, because of
The Bahamas tourism industry has been dealt a severe blow by the global recession, with economic indicators that the recession is bottoming out, it forecasts that the upcoming
a few established properties closing their doors and layoffs have been mounting. Govern- winter season will be somewhat better than anticipated.
ment measures to cushion the impact, include tax reductions, expansion of infrastructure
and aggressive marketing. The island did receive a huge PR boost with the hosting of the The CTO recently took a high-level delegation to the United States to lobby the U.S.
recent the Miss Universe Pageant. administration on key issues affecting the region’s tourism industry.
Many Caribbean tourism destinations saw a significant boost in Canadian visitors, includ- Caribbean governments are calling for U.S. Customs and Immigration Pre-Clearance op-
ing Jamaica (28.7%), St. Lucia (20%) Barbados (17.7%) and Grenada (16.3%). Industry erations in the region.
experts feel that in Canada the recession has not had the same bite as in the U.S. and
European markets. CARICOM officials who participated in the Washington meetings say they have also
proposed measures to reduce the cost of travel to the Caribbean and to significantly in-
The CTO Secretary-General believes Canadian confidence in the Caribbean tourism product crease the duty free allowance for U.S. tourists visiting the Caribbean, moves they believe
has not wavered much and an increase in airlift to the region has also stimulated travel. would enhance the region’s competitive position.
Former President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Peter Odle,
who is Managing Director of Mango Bay hotel in Barbados, points to the new competitive Understandably, the CTO will not be hosting its traditional annual Caribbean Tourism
fares from Canadian airlines WestJet and Air Canada and an increase in seats. Conference (CTC) this year. It is focusing its resources and energies on smaller busi-
ness meetings in October, in collaboration with industry partners, which will take
Guyana was one of the few destinations to record increases in arrivals from the U.S. stock and focus on initiatives to support its members through these challenging eco-
market (11.1%) and an overall increase in total arrivals (13.8%) for the first half of this nomic times.
4 Florida’s Caribbean Sun

5. Florida’s Caribbean Sun 5

6. 6 Florida’s Caribbean Sun

7. Message to the nation
by the Honourable Patrick Manning,
Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago
on the 47th Anniversary of Independence
My Fellow Citizens... continue practising the tolerance that has been an important part of the
foundation of our society since Independence.
As we approach half a century of sovereignty, it is a good opportunity to be
reminded of the watchwords given to us on the attainment of Independence. It has been a fundamental force in the Unity in Diversity to which we
adhere in Trinidad and Tobago.
Discipline, Production and Tolerance are enduring concepts that con-
tributed to producing the best of human civilization. In many ways we have even gone beyond tolerance to deeper under-
standing, knowledge and appreciation of the various cultural rivers that
We should be proud and thankful for the wisdom that provided them as meet in this nation. There has been so much greater national cohesion as
guiding philosophy at the birth of nationhood. a result. So many new products have been created through the process of
deepening unity. There must be absolutely no reversal of this progress.
The message to all generations is that, if we apply them in our pursuits
as individuals and as a nation, we would always improve our chances of All citizens, particularly our leaders at all levels, have a special re-
success in the face of so many challenges of life. sponsibility in strengthening the fabric of our society.
After forty seven years, our national watchwords remain as relevant as Let us always remember the powerful words of the Psalmist reminding
ever. I exhort all citizens, particularly our young, to reflect constantly us of how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
on these and to rededicate themselves to the inculcation of these values and principles in
their personal and public lives. In the final analysis, it is that sense of responsibility on the part of all to be disciplined,
productive and tolerant that saves the day for any country.
Without discipline, there is chaos, mediocrity and failure. We are never at our best without focus,
commitment, moderation and willingness to sacrifice and extend ourselves to attain our goals. This responsible approach must be exercised in every facet of our lives. We must continue
to speak of our rights and protect them as vigorously as we can. But we cannot avoid the
Success never comes easy. There can be no great art without discipline and no obligation to act responsibly in the interest of all. No man is an island, as the poet truly
discipline without self-sacrifice. With- spoke. We all need one another and there
out discipline, there is also always the must be consideration of the family, com-
increased possibility of tragic out-
comes like broken homes, unfulfilled
Without discipline, there is chaos, mediocrity and munity and country even as we pursue our
individual goals.
potential, avoidable accidents and pre-
mature demise. failure. We are never at our best without focus, We each have a responsibility for the
peace, harmony, happiness and prosperity
So much beauty and promise tragically lost. commitment , moderation and willingness to of this country that is irrevocably wedded
to the preservation of our democracy and
Let us strengthen our discipline for the
journey forward. That is our responsibil-
sacrifice and extend ourselves to attain our goals. our rights and freedoms as human beings.
ity to ourselves and our country. Let us always be patriotic and do everything
we can to be proud nationals of Trinidad and Tobago. Let us together aspire so that we can
Without discipline we will not achieve the very high levels of production that we were achieve together for a better Trinidad and Tobago.
exhorted to reach when we were born as a nation.
I have great pleasure in extending greetings and congratulations to all citizens on this
Productivity is more critical than ever as we face the serious challenges from an economic forty-seventh anniversary of our nation’s attainment of Independence.
slowdown. We must all work harder and become more efficient, creative and resourceful.
Trinidad and Tobago needs to maintain a satisfactory momentum in this extremely com- May Almighty God bless our Nation.
petitive, globalized environment. All citizens must put their shoulders to the wheel. That
is our inescapable responsibility as citizens of this country. It is also our responsibility to Thank you and good night.
Florida’s Caribbean Sun 7

8. Independence Day message by
the Governor-General of Jamaica
His Excellency the Most Honourable
Sir Patrick Allen
August 6, 2009
“I Believe in Jamaica” • I have met Young people from the counties of Middlesex and
Surrey, who have exciting ideas on how they want to contribute
Fellow Jamaicans at home and abroad, I greet you on the to Jamaica.
commemoration of the 47th anniversary of our Independence. As we • Senior citizens in St Ann who are computer savvy and are
reflect on the past and celebrate, let us remember that the true meaning participating in Quiz competitions.
of Independence must evolve from each Jamaican. It should be
determined by our collective dreams and hopes for our nation, and the These are examples of what is right with Jamaica and should be
kind of society we envision for ourselves and successive generations. replicated everywhere.
I believe that true independence exists when we are not subject to the We need to seize the moment now and have each citizen pledge
control of others, when we do not entrust the shaping of our destiny to participate in the healing, restoration and ultimate prosperity of
into the hands of otahers, who would seek to dictate how we govern our country.
and conduct our affairs.
I believe we should use our Independence and our natural and human
In spite of our challenges and setbacks over the past 47 years, we are resources to build a quality society where values are upheld and good
still a blessed nation, rich in heritage and abundant in resources. We attitudes prevail.
have much for which to give thanks.
Today we stand at a crossroad in our national life. There are challenges
There are some in our society who are proud of the achievements of our country since we ahead of us. As we go into another year of self rule, we must believe in Jamaica and that
gained Independence in 1962, while there are others who question whether we are ready together as one nation under God we can “accomplish what we will.”
to chart our own destiny.
I believe in Jamaica and I believe it is
In the past five months as I traveled around not too late for us to join hands and heart
Jamaica, I have met Jamaicans who are I believe in Jamaica and I believe it is not too late for us to and herald the ‘new era for our country.’
weary and disillusioned in the struggle to
build a good society, while others are join hands and heart and herald the ‘new era for our country.’ Let us recommit ourselves to the task of
indifferent to the things happening around doing what we can in our homes and
them. On the other hand, I have also met: communities and acknowledge that within
the challenges that shape our contemporary lives, lie the seeds of opportunity and renewal.
• 4-H clubbites in Portland who are learning income-generating skills. I wish for all Jamaicans success, prosperity and peace.
• Entrepreneurs in Westmoreland who are investing in and working hard in their industries.
• Staff members at the St. Elizabeth Infirmary who keep the place spotless despite Happy Independence and God bless you.
limited resources, and residents who plant kitchen gardens.
• I have seen the air conditioned Library in Black River where people of all ages and Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD
abilities go to improve their internet skills and get unlimited information. Governor-General
8 Florida’s Caribbean Sun

9. Independence Day message by
the Prime Minister of Jamaica
the Honourable
Bruce Golding
August 6, 2009
My fellow Jamaicans, here at home and wherever in the world you may In the next few days, we will bid our final farewell to an icon of that
be. We mark the 47th anniversary of our independence at a time when struggle, Lady Bustamante. Her passing is a reminder that we did not
Jamaica, like every other country, is feeling the effects of the global reach where we are without the toil and sacrifices of those who have
economic crisis. Our economy has come under severe pressure and I gone before.
know that many Jamaicans are experiencing additional hardship in their
daily lives. It is not difficult to identify the areas of the greatest deficit in building
on our independence:
It is a testing time for us, a test of the strength of our nation and the
resilience of our people to withstand the pressures, weather the storm • Firstly - the slow pace of economic development and our inability
and position ourselves for recovery. to provide jobs and a decent standard of living for all our people;
We have come through tough times before and Independence is • Secondly - the weaknesses in our education system that deprive
an appropriate time to remind ourselves of the road we have too many of our children of a good education that can make them
travelled, the challenges we have had to face and the difficulties productive and an asset to society;
we have overcome.
• Thirdly - the lack of respect for the rights of others and the failure
Those who were born before Independence, especially our senior of our legal and justice system to adequately protect and enforce
citizens, will have personal recollections of the long, tedious road to Independence, those rights.
the struggles of the 1930s to secure the basic rights of our people including the right
to vote and the right of workers to representation and collective bargaining, the These are the priorities that must be tackled if the dream and hopes of Independence are to
transition to self government in the be fulfilled. And they must be tackled with
1950s and the attainment of the same evangelical zeal with which we
Independence in 1962. It is a testing time for us, a test of the strength pursued the attainment of Independence.
They may not have the same glamour or
For them, the achievement of
Independence was a cause that inspired, of our nation and the resilience of our people evoke the same passion as the quest for
political independence. They may not
a dream that they were called to pursue; pump the same adrenalin as when we were
hopes that they believed would be
fulfilled. Embedded in that dream and
to withstand the pressures, weather the struggling against a colonial power. But
their essentiality is no less commanding
those hopes was a nation that would be
at peace with itself and the rest of the
storm and position ourselves for recovery. and their fulfilment no less important.
Indeed, they are the unfinished part of the
world, a nation of vast, untapped Independence campaign.
opportunities that would be opened up to create prosperity and a better life for all the
people of Jamaica. 47 years ago, we took firmly in our own hands the tools of nation building. We accepted full
responsibility for the building of that nation. We must accept responsibility for our failures
We often bemoan the fact that so much of that dream and so many of those hopes remain and the mistakes we have made, for not having worked hard enough and fast enough. These
unfulfilled; that in these 47 years of Independence there have been too many missteps, too are setbacks that we must overcome, ground that we must make up. There were setbacks,
many lost opportunities, too many failures and disappointments. Yet, we must not allow too, in the struggle for independence but we overcame those and achieved that goal.
ourselves to be disillusioned or de-motivated for the journey is not over and the race can
still be won. We will pull ourselves through this difficult stretch and we have it within us Despite the setbacks and the harshness of the times, we can overcome. The fruits of
to make up lost ground and get back in the race. Independence are within our reach even if they are not immediately within our grasp. Let
us rekindle the spirit of Independence. Let us recommit ourselves to fulfilling the dream
We must not allow our failures to overshadow our achievements for to do so would be to and hopes of independence.
dishonour the work and sacrifices of the many great Jamaican men and women who have
helped to build our nation and create the institutions that have held us together even in the Our nation needs us now as much as it ever did before. Let us rise to the occasion. Let us
toughest of times. answer the call.
Florida’s Caribbean Sun 9

10. Independence Day message 2009 from
the leader of the Opposition
the Most Honourable
Portia Simpson Miller, O.N. M.P.
“I Believe in Jamaica” Bending tired backs in the vegetable gardens of St. Elizabeth and
the potato fields of Manchester.
My Fellow Jamaicans, They are the fishermen in St. Catherine, the taxi drivers in Clarendon,
the tourism worker in St. James, the medical professional in St. Ann,
Independence is the Day that signaled the birth of our nation; the Day
the fireman in Hanover and the teacher in Trelawny.
we took charge of our own destiny.
They are the captains of industry and the law enforcement officers in
August 6, 1962 represents the culmination of the sacrifices and struggles
Kingston and St. Andrew.
of scores of Jamaicans. They came from all walks of life and dared to
believe that as a people we could and should chart our own path.
Nothing has ever stopped us!
This day requires that we recall the journey our people have taken since
The colonial masters could not kill our spirit and hurricanes never per-
winning political self governance.
manently kept us down. We know how to overcome and we know how
While many emphasize the weaknesses and missed targets over the pe- to soar.
riod, we must focus on the several landmark achievements.
We do it through hard work, determination, grit, pride and that deep
The theme for this year’s Independence Day is “I believe in Jamaica”. hunger to make Jamaica not just the pearl of the Caribbean but the
jewel in the crown of the entire world.
Belief in Jamaica is about confidence in who we are as a people.
These are the strengths that are alive in us, passed on through time and for genera-
It reaffirms that we are capable to chart tions as indomitable traits coded in
the course of this nation to a common des- our very DNA.
tiny, in which each of us can share as equal
stakeholders in the wealth of our country. To believe in Jamaica is a belief in the As we approach our fiftieth Anniversary
of Independence we must forge a new
Belief in Jamaica means the future is ours
to determine; not for others to grant us.
Nation-Family. We must strengthen the accord as a society.
Each of us must take on the responsibility
As National Hero Norman Manley asks: bonds of love, respect and peace within our to strengthen the institution of the family.
“But who with blood in his veins and
pride in his heart would not serve, when own families and within the national family. Strong families are the building blocks
of a quality society; they are the corner-
to serve is to help to build your own stone of safe communities.
country, for its own people, for your
children and mine?” We must continue to strengthen the role of communities, the church, the school and other
civic organizations so they are reflective of the aspirations of our people and responsive to
This is the essence of true nationhood; the commitment of each to contribute so that all the needs of society.
can partake.
Let us forge a national commitment to renew ourselves as Jamaicans; each with a stake in
To believe in Jamaica is a belief in the Nation-Family. We must strengthen the bonds of the wealth of our society.
love, respect and peace within our own families and within the national family.
This Independence Day –let us emphasize our strengths, and work together to achieve our
All of us must honour our responsibilities as citizens, relating to each other national goals.
with respect.
As Marcus Garvey said in 1932, and which is still relevant today:
We can all take strength from the outstanding achievements of our people in the areas of
sport, the sciences, art and education, in academia, music, and culture. “Those of us who love our country cannot, but interest ourselves in this desire to see our
country taking a place and standing second to none in the world”.
We must rely on our natural talents and skills that make us unstoppable, genius, innova-
tive, entrepreneurial, altruistic, gallant and inspirational. My fellow Jamaicans,
On this day we should celebrate the innovativeness and creativity of the Jamaican people; Let us embrace a national fellowship as sons and daughters of Jamaica; standing and
recognizing that the solutions to the modern struggle lie within us. striving together as our ancestors have done.
After all, we are the land of “tun you han mek fashion” I believe that we have a unique opportunity in today’s Jamaica to replace everything that
was suppressed, repressed or taken away during the days of slavery – with something
Our mothers have sustained their families on little or nothing. worthwhile, meaningful and lasting
Our fathers toiled in the hot sun in the cane fields of Westmoreland, the banana plantations of St. Happy Independence Day my brothers and sisters; and May God continue to bless and
Mary, navigating the Rio Grande in Portland, selling food on the winding roads of St. Thomas. protect us all!
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10 Florida’s Caribbean Sun

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Florida’s Caribbean Sun 11

12. 12 Florida’s Caribbean Sun