West Indian Independence Celebration

Greater Hartford
FREE
West Indian
Independence Celebration
Take One
2013
Humble
Beginnings p. 5
51
st
Anniversary
Caribbean
Cuisine p.13
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We’ll treat you like family
A Message From the President
Welcome to the West Indian Independence Celebrations. This event is
sponsored by the West Indian Independence Celebrations, Inc., a nonprofit community entity founded in 1962 and is supported by our Greater
Hartford community as well as the Office of Mayor of the City of Hartford, the Court of Common Council of the City of Hartford, Department
of Economic Development for the City of Hartford.
This year our organization celebrated 51 consecutive years of a parade that
celebrates the independence and emancipation of numerous Caribbean
islands. Coincidentally, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, also celebrated
51 years of independence and we as a committee and a community, recognize this extraordinary milestone for these two trailblazing countries.
We thank God, who continues to bless our community, and our efforts to
preserve our rich heritage and culture. I am expressing my gratitude to our current supporters, sponsors and well-wishers as well as the former members of the West Indian Parade Committee for their
dedication and unselfish gift of participation in our program’s long and vibrant history. I also thank all
those who attended and assisted with the planning and organizing of our festivities in Bushnell Park,
specifically, the officers and members of the West Indian Independence Celebrations, the staff of the
respective divisions within the City of Hartford that worked tirelessly to assist us in the celebratory
activities, the Office of the Mayor of Hartford, the dignitaries representing the State of Connecticut and
the Caribbean, the booklet supporters, the drill teams, the participant’s that entered their floats in the
parade, the vendors, Dwight Freeney and family, Hot 93.7 FM, the West Indian Foundation, CHS, various radio personalities and the internet radio stations for their participation and all others who gave
their time and expertise.
Again, I thank you for your participation and support for the West Indian Celebrations. Please continue to support all of our fundraising activities as we look forward to next year when we will be celebrating 52 years.
For more information on the West Indian Independence Celebrations and future community programs, please visit our website at www.wiichartford.org.
Sincerely,
Patricia Miles
Patricia Miles
President
3
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Humble Beginnings to Deputy Mayor From
By Anthea Daley
From humble beginnings to Deputy Mayor, Wayne Hypolite, of Bloomfield was born on
the lush Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago to strong-willed parents, who though
lacking in basic necessities of life and the advantages of higher education, were determined to ensure that their family was well taken care of and instilled the values of
hard work and the benefits of a good education. His earliest and fondest memory was
of his mother toiling uphill with buckets of water being carried on her head, and hand
in tow with his own pail that never seemed to be quite as full as hers by the end of
the trip from the stand pipe to the house. His father, a fireman always made him feel
special,specifically on parade days by stopping the parade just for him to be lifted onto
the fire engines, generating a strong bond. Hoping for a better life his family moved
to England and thereafter, he later found himself in the United States and eventually
settled in Connecticut.
Carib
nece
was w
earlie
head
trip fr
parad
bond
Unite
The Greater Hartford area has many West Indians and African Americans who came in
or were brought in because of the tobacco fields. Its doors have always been opened
to welcome everyone, not just historical figures which include Martin Luther King, Jr.
who visited Hartford and Simsbury. Bloomfield is unique in terms of the number of minority residents who live outside of the five major
cities in Connecticut. Its diversity, demographically and socially does bring some challenges in terms of balancing the social needs and
Attracted by the affordable
maintaining an affordable tax base.
hom
Wayne Hypolite is currently serving his first term as Deputy Mayor after serving on the Board of be
Education.
His foray with
into thethe
worldbeauty
of
enthralled
a
politics came by rather unexpectedly, for many years he was a parent soccer coach and with no political ambitions, he was quite surprised when he was approached to run for public office and even more surprised to win a seat onCaribbean
the Board. To hispresence.
advantage he never
The beau
really viewed his time on the Board as a political one, since he was dealing with financial, contractual and policy issues. Nevertheless,
he realized that politics is everywhere and rather than run from it, embrace it. He always admireddrew
the demeanor
themoftopoliticians
be a and
parttheirof the t
confidence and ability to connect with the public.
has many West Indians and A
With his appointment to the Chairman of the Board after only a year
of service, he had high ideals of reaching across the aisle and apalways been opened to welcom
pointing people who could do the best job regardless of their political
affiliation. Instead he learnt a valuable lesson when his ideals did not
and Simsbury. Bloomfield is u
result in the intended direction he wanted. In retrospect he realized
that it was better to work within and not outside the political boundarConnecticut. Its diversity, dem
ies, nonetheless,he endeavored to do the right thing at all times and
create a balanced environment within the parameters he had to work
maintaining an affordable tax b
Wayne Hypolite
&
The Hypolite Family
with. Overall he had a good experience and remained on the Board
for four years. From that he realized that he had a lot to learn and he
aligned himself with great mentors like former Bloomfield Mayor Faith
McMann, who epitomized the same ideals. He found that she was not
only a friend to everyone but made you feel that you were her best
friend, a most dedicated and humanitarian person, she would make it
a point of duty to introduce him to everyone she deemed necessary for
his growth.
He served on the Board of Education for a total of five years, then
served for six years on the Council and given the time with both institutions he felt it was time to move on, however, he got pulled back to run
again for a position within the Council. This time he was shocked that
he received the second highest number of votes which placed him in
the position of Deputy Mayor. With the citizenry giving him their vote of
confidence, he understood he had a greater responsibility to represent
the Town on a number of levels including stepping in when the Mayor
is unable to,and giving back to the community by being a role model to
both young and old as well as within the Caribbean population.
The position of Deputy Mayor is a part time one with no compensation
associated with it by virtue of its charter. It is a Council Manager form
(“Humble” cont. on pg. 45)
51
Wayne Hypolite is currently se
world of politics came by rathe
was quite surprised when he w
advantage
he never really view
The West Indian
Independence
policy issues. Nevertheless, he
Celebrations
of politicians and th
on Their demeanor
51st Anniversary
With his appointment to the Ch
and appointing people who co
his ideals did not result in the i
outside the political boundaries
5
within the parameters he had t
The Durrant family would like to
show their continued support for
our West Indian Parade.
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Marcus Mosiah Garvey
Source: History.com; “Our National Heroes” – The Jamal Foundation
The Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jr. was born on August 17, 1887, in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. He was the last of 11 children born to Marcus Garvey, Sr., a stone mason and Sarah Jane
Richards a domestic worker and farmer. Garvey, Sr. was a great influence on Marcus, who once
described him as “severe, firm, determined, bold, and strong, refusing to yield even to superior
forces if he believed he was right.” Though impoverished, Garvey’s parents possessed many
books in their home which inspired his love of learning.
At age 14, Marcus became a printer’s apprentice where he quickly learned the trade and rapidly
excelled at his craft. In 1903, he moved to Kingston and soon became involved in union activities due to injustices he encountered early on. In 1907 he took part in a printer’s strike that was
unsuccessful but the experience kindled in him a passion for political activism. Three years later,
he traveled throughout Central America working as a newspaper editor, writing about the exploitations of migrant workers on the plantations. He later traveled to London where he attended Birkbeck College (University of London) and worked for the African Times and Orient Review, which
advocated Pan-African nationalism.
Marcus Garvey returned to Jamaica in 1912 and inspired by his experiences overseas he founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) with the goal of uniting all of African
descent to “establish a country and absolute government of their own.” After corresponding with Booker T. Washington, the American
educator who founded the Tuskegee Institute, Garvey traveled to the United States in 1916 to raise funds for a similar venture in Jamaica.
He settled in New York City and formed a UNIA chapter in Harlem to promote a separatist philosophy of social, political, and economic
freedom for blacks. In 1918, Garvey began publishing the widely distributed newspaper Negro World to convey his message.
By 1919, Marcus Garvey and UNIA had launched the Black Star Line, a shipping company that would establish trade and commerce
between Africans in America, the Caribbean, South and Central America, Canada, and Africa. At the same time, Garvey started the Negros Factories Association, a series of companies that would manufacture marketable commodities in every big industrial center in the
(“Garvey” cont. on pg. 49)
WE’RE PROUD TO BE A PART OF
THE COMMUNITY.
Days like today really do bring everyone in our community
closer together. That’s why we wanted to say thanks.
Thanks for all the fun. Thanks for the memories. But
more than anything else, thanks for letting us be a part
of this incredible place we’re proud to call home.
Barbara J Randolph, AAMS®
Financial Advisor
.
18 North Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107
860-521-7390
www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
7
Ain’t No Mountain High EnoughBy Stan Walker
For Jamaican-Born
Adventurer
By: Stan Walker
It is said that today a Jamaican can be found in any part of the world.
ItKnown
is said that for
todaytheir
a Jamaican
can be foundapproach
in any part ofto
thelife,
world.although
Known for their
aggressiveup
approach
aggressive
growing
in the
totropics,
life, although
growing
up
in
the
tropics,
they
are
a
people
who
are
willing
to
travel
to
and
settle
in
other
they are a people who are willing to travel to and settle in other
parts of the world regardless of the climatic conditions.
parts of the world regardless of the climatic conditions.
They are also admired for their outstanding accomplishments in the fields of sport and music although
not well known in many other disciplines and professions. A close look will allow one to come to the
They are also admired for their outstanding accomplishments in the
conclusion that Jamaicans are an adventurous people who are not afraid to take on some of the toughest,
fields of
and music
although
not well
unfamiliar
andsport
unconventional
challenges
that are available
in theknown
world. in many other
disciplines and professions. A close look will allow one to come to the
Summit of Aconcagua
One such individual is Connecticut’s adventurer, world traveler and mountaineer Rohan Freeman, who
conclusion
that(2012),
Jamaicans
are antheadventurous
peoplein who
not afraid
made
history last year
when he reached
top of Carstenz Pyramid
Papua,are
Indonesia,
to accomplish
goalsome
of completing
“seven summits,”
the highestand
peaksunconventional
of the seven continents. In doing
to takehison
of thethetoughest,
unfamiliar
so,
Freeman became
first available
Jamaican or African
challenges
thattheare
in theAmerican
world.to have ever completed this very extraordinary quest.
Thesuch
mountaineering
challenge
to climb the seven summits
was first accomplished
on Apriland
30, 1985 by Richard Bass and has become a milestone for
One
individual
is Connecticut’s
adventurer,
world traveler
a very rare select group.
mountaineer Rohan Freeman, who made history last year (2012),
Freeman
born andthe
raisedtop
in Jamaica
where he grew
up as a typical
youth with
a passion forto
soccer, cricket and track and field. He migrated to the
when
he was
reached
of Carstenz
Pyramid
in Papua,
Indonesia,
United
States
right
after
completing
high
school
and
attended
the
University
of
Connecticut
to
explore
his interests in the field of civil engineering. At
accomplish his goal of completing the “seven summits,” the highest
UConn he excelled as a student/athlete, holding the college’s 400 meters indoor record for 15 years. After graduating from UConn and starting his capeaks
seven he
continents.
In doing
so,his
Freeman
became
themyself
firstoff from watching television (for 10 years) and began
reer inof
civilthe
engineering
discovered climbing
and began
pursuit in 2002.
“I turned
Jamaican or African American to have ever completed this very
(“Adventurer” cont. on pg. 52)
extraordinary quest.
The mountaineering challenge to climb the seven summits was first
accomplished on April 30, 1985 by Richard Bass and has become a
milestone for a very rare select group.
Early morning above 28,000 on Mt. Everest
Freeman was born and raised in Jamaica where he grew up as a typical youth with a passion for soccer,
cricket and track and field. He migrated to the United States right after completing high school and
attended the University of Connecticut to explore his interests in the field of civil engineering. At
UConn he excelled as a student/athlete, holding the college’s 400 meters indoor record for 15 years.
After graduating from UConn and starting his career in civil engineering he discovered climbing and
began his pursuit in 2002. “I turned myself off from watching
television (for 10 years) and began reading extensively on a variety of
subjects when I came across and developed a strong interest in these
unconventional events,” he said.
Tyrolean on Carstenz Pyramid
8
Freeman’s first summit was Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro. After
successfully conquering four of the seven summits (Kilimanjaro,
Denali, Elbrus and Aconcagua) between 2002 and 2009, he climbed
Mount Everest on May 19, 2009, which was initially his long-term
goal and used it to further his motivation to climb the remaining two
summits. “The adrenaline rush and sense of joy and accomplishment
after completing Kilimanjaro really made me hungry for more,” he
said. “I kept my eye on my goal, and never turned back.”
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The Saint Lucian American Association of Connecticut would like to extend our well wishes to the West
Indian Independence Celebration for their 51st Anniversary.
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is
progress; working together is success” Henry Ford
Celebration 2013
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C entral C onneCtiCut S tate u niverSit y
Congratulates
Connecticut West Indian Communities
on the celebration of their
51st Annual Independence Celebration
For over 40 years our
Jamaican Masters in Education Program
has made it possible for more Jamaican children to
Start with a dream. Finish with a future.
www.ccsu.edu
Caribbean Cuisine a Delicious Blend of History
By: Stan Walker
Today the world is obsessed with Caribbean music, culture and its athletes. One other big
attraction for visitors to the islands and those who associate with people from the region
is its cuisine.
)
CURRIED GOAT & RICE
Whether one realizes it or not, food is an important attraction for almost any destination
around the world. As people become more adventurous, it has become a trend for travelers
to want to try the cuisine of the place they are visiting. This is because a country’s local
cuisine represents more than food. It represents the unfamiliar, distinct mark that sets it
apart from another people. It is seasoned with history and makes a statement about who
thoseBROWN
people are.STEW CHICKEN
WITH RICE AND PEAS
Caribbean cuisine is a delicious blend of history. It is a melting pot of the various cultures
that have helped to shape the islands. It probably had its origin centuries ago in the Amerindians’ pepper pots, which was filled with the
day’s hunt, seasoned with a lot of pepper and left to stew for days.
Presently with the increasing demand for Caribbean foods by visitors on their shores, hoteliers are continually seeking ways and means of
presenting local produce in attractive forms. Restaurants have sprung up in countries all over the world, with their chefs concentrating on
the production of popular Caribbean dishes.
The people in the Caribbean have adopted their culinary methods from several sources: European colonists – English, French, Spanish,
Dutch – also Chinese, Indians, Americans, the Guyanese on the South American border, and the Hondurans on the Central American border. These with a few elements of African cookery, have caused Caribbean people to inherit a legacy which affords as unique, exotic and
delectable, a cuisine, that would satisfy the taste of the most exciting gourmet.
The national dishes and favorite recipes of these various groups are interchanged and enjoyed by all. Indeed, the people in the Caribbean
are very proud of their cookery. They spend a great deal of their time and care in preparing meals. There is much competition among
housewives, of all income groups, especially at festival or party occasions.
Going back to the days of slavery and the mix of nationalities that were brought in to work in the plantations, you will find that almost all
of the people from the islands actually produce the same dishes. They seem to cook the same way. The only difference is that the dishes
though similar have different names.
The Spaniards who came to the ‘New World’ in the 15th and 16th centuries, brought with them rice, codfish, cattle, goats and pigs. The
English buccaneers, active for most of the 17th century and mortal enemies of the Spaniards invented the decadent style of cooking called
“barbecuing”.
After the abolition of slavery in the 19th century, laborers were imported from China and India to work on the plantations. They brought with
them their own culinary traditions, which included curried goat (the Indians), and pak choy and stir-fry (the Chinese).
ACKEE & CODFISH &
TheCAKE
Africans,
however,
had perhaps the single most important influence on Caribbean cuiOHNNY
(Fried
dumpling)
sine. Originally brought to the islands as slaves, they took with them many new crops, such
as ackee, cassava and okra, and salted meat provided by the plantation owners to create
among others, fried fish, ackee and salt fish (Jamaica’s national dish), mackerel and banana, and stew peas and rice.
At around the same time, the Maroons – runaway slaves, who lived in Jamaica’s hilly interior
– were busy inventing “jerk”, the seasoning and the method of cooking which is today one
of the most popular and sought after dishes CURRIED
of Caribbean GOAT
nationals.& RICE
According to writer Jessica Harris, peculiar as it may sound, slave traders really under(“Cuisine” cont. on pg. 48)
BROWN STEW CHICKEN
WITH RICE AND PEAS
13
The Faith of Paul Bogle
By: rev. Gladstone Johnson
Paul Bogle was a Jamaican Baptist deacon and is a National Hero of
Jamaica. He was a leader of the 1865 Morant Bay Protests, which agitated for justice and fair treatment for all in Jamaica.
Mr Bogle was known as a Native Baptist and believed that all humans
were created in the image of God. He believed that all were created
with equal capacity to be communicated with by God, to respond to
God and to accept responsibility from God to do his work. Mr Bogle
took up the struggle for equality and justice and was determined to
liberate his people.
Although many history books paint Mr. Bogle in a negative light, one
must remember he was a devout Christian and that his knowledge of the
Word of God informed his passion to see his people free to live in a society with liberty and justice for all. It was Jesus who
said “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [a]overflows).” (St. John 10:10,
AMP) “So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.”(St. John 8:36, AMP)
The march in Morant Bay in October 1865 that ended in bloodshed and massacre of immense proportions, was the third
march led by Mr. Bogle that year. Mr. Bogle was recognized in the Church as a man of character and actions. He was
well respected. As a Native Baptist, his theology of liberation centered on equality and justice. It shaped his approach to
resistance.
In his book “The Cross and the Machete,” Rev. Devon
Dick states: “…killings were not premeditated. They
believed that they were compelled to resist oppressive conditions that provoked a response. They tried
peaceful means at first but never ruled out resistance.
Their understanding of biblical hermeneutic (interpretation) meant that they could respond forcibly if
necessary to prevailing conditions. However, their
response was informed by their belief in equality of
all and justice for all.”
Rev. Dick further states in his book: “They could not
respond excessively but with decorum. Any excess
did not appear to have been sanctioned by Bogle and
was definitely outside the ambit of their biblical hermeneutic. There was no widespread killing because
justice demanded that punishment must be commensurate with the crime and in addition, they always
hoped for reconciliation with the oppressors.”
KingotsivleeyC ’s
om
t
u
A
ente
r
Service You Can Trust
860-218-2935
Paul Bogle was born 1820 and died 1865. Jamaican
National Hero and also a hero of the Christian Faith.
This article was written by Rev. Gladstone Johnson,
Administrative Pastor at New Testament Temple
Church of God, Bronx, New York. gladrol@yahoo.
com. Portions taken from the book: The Cross and
the Machete by Rev. Devon Dick. Biblical quotations
were taken from the Amplified version of the Bible.
14
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Home Schooling Anyone?
By: Christopher A. Service Sr.
Arguably, Caribbean Folks do not Home School their children
for various reasons. Some surveys conducted here in the United
States, however, reveal that a growing number of parents
are Home Schooling their children. Not unlike other social
undertakings, however, viewpoints have been put forward for and
against this concept.
Home Schooling requires time on the part of parents as well as
the financial means to keep the “home fires burning” while the
academic skills are being imparted. Additionally, those parents
must have acquired some academic skills themselves to be able to
impart same. As I see it, the majority of Caribbean parents cannot
afford such luxuries.
Let us be presumptive enough to say that the above is not the norm among Caribbean parents, why would we want to Home
School our children. One reason is disenchantment with Public Education. The size of public schools combined with student
population does not allow children to receive the individual attention that might be needed. Each individual learns at a different
rate, being able to Home School one’s child allows a parent to cater to the individual learning pattern and needs of his/her child.
The content of public school curricula does not cater to the full potential of individual children. The potential of many scientists,
artists, musicians, cosmetologists, electricians, mechanics and doctors, to name a few vocations, is not realized because those
tendencies have not been unearthed and encouraged.
Home Schooling would address that problem and parents
A P R I VA T E U N I V E R S I T Y W I T H A P U B L I C P U R P O S E
would have control over their children’s education.
The stress placed on children to get so called “good
grades” would be alleviated. Parents would set the tone
of the day’s events while encouraging the importance
of prioritizing what needs to get done on a daily basis.
Additionally, there would be more bonding among family
members which would lead to stronger family unit. Some
will argue that Home Schooling reduces the violence
among students in public schools resulting in the safety of
their children.
Many will scoff at the few points put forward and say
that several problems can result. Among them would be
social isolation and anti-social behavior. Relationships
with others would be compromised. Social interaction
is important to the growth and development of an
individual. Public Schools encourage relationships and
allow individuals to share different points of view attitudes
and values.
Sharing a longstanding
commitment to our region
The University of Hartford congratulates
Greater Hartford West Indian Celebrations
on more than a half century
of strength through unity.
visit us online at www.hartford.edu
Are Caribbean Folks ready for Home Schooling. As I see it,
that type of decision should rest with individual families.
There are several points of view that can and will be put
forward for and against this concept.
Home Schooling anyone?
17
can founded Dance Company
Jamaican
e uniqueInspired
Caribbean
cultures Founded Dance Company
to Help Preserve Unique Caribbean Cultures
BY STAN WALKER
By STAN WALKER
ural
s in
One of the most popular cultural groups now making
the
its rounds in the Hartford community is the Caribbean
ance
American Dance Company (CADC). The very exciting
company whose mission is to preserve and establish the
very
finest tradition of many unique cultures with emphasis
sion
on Afro-Caribbean, Folk, Roots, Modern, Jazz, Modern
the
Contemporary, Reggae and Ballet, is becoming a major
attraction at almost every Caribbean cultural event that
que
takes place in the community.
froern,
Founded by Jamaican-born Judith Williams, a former principal dancer, ballet mistress and treasurer of the Cultural Dance
of the is
West
Indies, CADC
hasattraction
served more
than 100every
students since it started nine years ago. Judith credits her gift
ReggaeTroupe
and Ballet,
becoming
a major
at almost
and
love
for
dancing
to
be
the
driving
force
that
made
her
decide
to start her own dance company. Her mission was to start
takes place in the community.
a dance company for children and adults that offered diversity and would help to preserve different cultures.
Judith Williams,
a former principal dancer, ballet mistress and
Judith, who began dancing for her school, St. Andrew Technical High School in her native Jamaica, at the tender age of 13,
nce Troupe
of the with
Westexcitement
Indies, CADC
hasshe
served
more how
thanshe
100
still gleams
whenever
talks about
was inspired by the joys of dancing at a very early age. “I
knewJudith
that I wanted
be agift
dancer
of five,”toshebesaid.
years ago.
creditstoher
andfrom
lovethe
foragedancing
the
decide to start her own dance company. Her mission was to start a
Crediting her first dance teacher Tony Wilson of Jamaica who took her to see a performance by the late Professor Rex Netnd adults
that offered
diversity
would help
to preserve
different
tleford,
who pioneered
theand
well-known
National
Dance Theater
Company of Jamaica, Judith says that she will never forget
(“Dance” cont. on pg. 52)
for her school St. Andrew Technical High School in her native
13, still gleams with excitement whenever she talks about how she
ancing at a very early age. “I knew that I wanted to be a dancer from
her Tony Wilson of Jamaica who took her to see a performance by
leford, who pioneered the well-known National Dance Theater
says that she will never forget the impact that the performance made
51st
e of 18, I enrolled at the University of Hartford and began to pursue
mic abilities, she said. About that same time, I became very thrilled
tural Dance Troupe of the West Indies and realized that I would be
becoming an accomplished dancer.
18
ESTATE PLANNING
By: PATRICK G. LYLE
Everyone would agree that it is not wise to start on a journey without knowing which road to take. Yet and still many of us
do exactly that when it comes to estate planning or business succession planning. But as most clients remind me, because I
am so busy, I never have the time to sit down and plan. Failure to plan in life and in business usually leads to poor results.
As many of us approach celebrating our country’s Independence, take time to consider that your nation’s fore-fathers’, had
a plan not only for Independence but also for what was to come
after Independence.
A good estate plan is should allow for the orderly distribution of your property at death, and a plan to manage your personal
affairs should you become disabled or incapacitated. A good business succession plan, like an estate plan, should allow for
the orderly transfer or distribution of your business assets at dea.th, and a plan to manage your business should you become
disabled or incapacitated.
Why bother with either an estate plan or business succession plan you ask. Take Jane,Jane was a single mother of two, and
a successful entrepreneur who started and owns a business which employs seven employees. Jane neither had an estate plan
nor a business succession plan.
Jane suddenly gets ill and within months dies. Without an estate plan,• Jane’s family end up quarreling over which aunt or
uncle gets to take care of Jane’s two small children. Jane’s mortgage on her house hasn’t been paid in months, and now the
bank is threatening to foreclose. Jane’s business customers can’t get answers from her employees about their order status,
and pretty soon,payments to Jane’s business stops because loyal customers have taken their business elsewhere. Without
customers and income Jane’s employees haven’t been paid in months. Ultimately, Jane’s business closes, her employees
are now unemployed and her house were lost due to foreclosure.
All of the chaos which followed Jane’s untimely death could have been averted or minimized had Jane put into place an
effective estate plan and a business succession plan. Through the use of wills,powers of attorneys, living wills and trust
documents, a competent estate planning attorney can create legal documents to effectively administer your personal
affairs during incapacity and even
death. For business, an effective buysell agreement, key person coverage,
and a comprehensive business and
strategic planning document can help
avert many problems which follow the
death of a business owner. So while
it is equally important to celebrate Independence, take the time to sit down
and put together an effective estate
plan and business succession plan with
your Attorney and Financial Planner.
Happy Independence to you all.
Patrick G. Lyle is an Attorney located in
Bloomfield Connecticut.
Attorney Lyle is li-
censed to Practice Law in Connecticut and
Massachusetts.
19
Mayor Sydney Schulman
And The Members of
The Bloomfield Town Council
JOIN WITH THE WEST INDIAN COMMUNITY
OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
IN CELEBRATING
THE 5 1 ST YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE
OF THE
NATIONS OF THE CARIBBEAN
(“Jamaica” cont. on pg. 54)
35
RENTALS AVAILABLE
CALL
860-293-2593
Ken Bennett
President
“Congratulations on the Parade
and thank you to the West Indian
Community for their many
contributions to the Hartford
Region”
Kenneth H. Kennedy, Jr.,
Councilman, City of Hartford
22
Spirituality is About Inner Strength
By: Dr. Sweets Wilson, LADC, CCDVC
may not be using.
Spirituality is about inner strength and peace, not necessarily about belief in God. It
has been shown to be an important component in mending. It occupies a prominent
place in mutual self help programs. Some individuals however have objections to
this part of the healing process. They may feel that spirituality equates with belief
in the Christian God and excludes people of other faiths. Some may feel that it is
a sign of weakness to look for help outside themselves. Some may feel that their
struggle with substance abuse is physical and cannot be aided by appealing to God.
These individuals should be reassured that spirituality is not the same as organized
religion and does not always involve belief in God. Likewise, including spirituality is not a sign of
weakness. Individual spirituality should
be seen as a source
of strength that they
Many people are more concerned with the physical aspects of
their lives than with the spiritual aspects. During recovery,
individuals should examine the quality of their spiritual lives.
Spirituality can be a source of strength, but individuals first
must understand what spirituality means to them and how it
affects their lives. The goal is for individuals to find a source
they can draw on for inner strength and peace, a quiet satisfaction, that supplants their desire to abuse substances.
Spirituality is the foundation of mutual self help programs.
Individuals who are closed off to the spiritual aspects of recovery have a hard time benefiting from these empowerment
sessions. The Twelve-Step programs invoke a higher power
and often close with the Serenity Prayer. Individuals who are
uncomfortable with a strictly religious meaning of the prayer
can think of these elements in broader terms: higher power
can refer to the inner source of strength provided by spirituality, and the Serenity Prayer can be thought of as a wise saying
about achieving inner peace rather than as a supplication to
God.
Twelve step and mutual self help group are
not the only means to incorporate spirituality into one’s life. The mentor should be familiar with other supportive options that may
be better suited to individuals, depending on
their values, religion or culture. Individuals
should discuss the definitions of spirituality
as it relates to their understanding and ability to implement it. Achieving inner peace
mentioned in the Serenity Prayer requires not
only the ability to set aside those things that
individuals cannot change but also the commitment to work on those things that they can
change. An important aspect in an individual’s life is the things that will support them
in recovery. Relationships with friends and
family can be a powerful source of strength
during renewal. Often relationships can be
improved and are worth repairing.
congrats!
from Kesha
and Family
on your 51st
23
24
Top 5 Reasons
Why Now is the Time to Buy a Home
By ALLEN L. GROVER
For the past few years the Real Estate market has been a buyer’s market where the house values have been
dropping because the supply of homes available for sale outnumbered the demand of people looking to
buy homes. The number of houses being sold is increasing even though the house values have continued
to drop. This is the 1st step in a real estate recovery which makes this the perfect time to invest in Real
Estate before prices and/or interest rates go up. (Buy low, sell high)
5. Many homes to choose from
4. Interest rates are starting to rise don’t miss out by waiting.
3. FHA 203K loans allow you to buy with little money and borrow money for repairs.
Allen L. Grover
Regional Recruiter & Coach 2. All of today’s Short Sales and Foreclosures can be your opportunity to gain.
1 . Stop paying rent which is going towards paying someone else’s mortgage.
e to Buy a Home
affordable.
rrow money
for repairs.
to gain.
ortunity
Top 5 Reasons Why Now is the Time to become a Realtor
For the past few years there have been less sales of homes taking place in the real estate market. This
lead to a lot of Real Estate agents leaving the business. Because of the number of agents who have left
the business and the increase in home sales this year, this is the perfect time to start your career where you
control your destiny.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
Full Time and Part time positions available.
Get your license in a short few months. (No previous experience needed.)
Spare Income & Spare Job to secure your family from a layoff.
Sales Volume is picking up... (1st sign of a recovery)
Make more Money!
What would an extra $3,000-$6,000 a month do for your family?
else's mortgage.
Join me to learn more at one of our career nights held at 7:00pm every Tuesday at 449 Silas Deane Hwy Wethersfield, CT 06109 or call me Allen Grover at 860-263-2121 x 229
o become a Realtor
experience needed.)
Join
Our
Team
!
a layoff.Formerly Century 21 Access America, Weichert
Realtors, The Zubretsky Group has joined the
Nation’s Largest Privately Owned Real Estate
Brokerage Firm.
Are you in the market for a new home or invest-
h do for your
mentfamily?
property? Do you need assistance selling
your current home? We are a full service real
estate brokerage firm with experienced agents
proudly serving the Greater Hartford Area for
over 35 years!
Conveniently located at:
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(860)-263-2121 | www.thezubretskygroup.com
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Contact: [email protected]
25
ENERGY RADIO AND JW PRODUCTION WANTS TO
CONGRATULATE THE WEST INDIAN COMMUNITY
ON THEIR 51st INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION.
JW PRODUCTION PERSONALLY WANTS TO THANK THE COMMUNITY FOR THEIR CONTINUING SUPPORT OF IT’S EVENTS.
The circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant, it is what you do with the gift of life
that determines who you are. Remember, Love is Everything.
26
y Phil
Stylist
shall
ofa
Hair by Phil
Xanadu
Manager/Stylist
Phil Marshall
Beauty Salon & Barber shop
Sankofa
3345 Main St
your idyllac place for beauty
Hartford,CT 06120
(860) 478-9068
Xanadu
[email protected]
Beauty Salon & Barber shop
your idyllac place for beauty
3345 Main St
Hartford,CT 06120
(860) 478-9068
[email protected]
Best Wishes
and Happy 51st!
From Dr. Ellis and Staff
27
FINANCIAL FOCUS:
If Rates Rise, What Should You Do with Bonds?
By Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Interest rates are at historic lows. But they will rise eventually. If you
invest in fixed-income vehicles, such as bonds, what might higher rates
mean for you?
As is almost always the case in the investment world, there’s no simple
answer. First, it’s important to distinguish between short-term and longterm interest rates. The Federal Reserve is determined to keep short-term
rates low until unemployment improves, but, in the meantime, longerterm rates may well rise.
Depending on your situation, a rise in long-term rates can present both
opportunity and concern. The opportunity: Rising rates can mean greater income if you invest in newly issued bonds. The
concern: If you already own longer-term bonds, and rates rise, the value of your bonds will fall. That’s because other investors won’t want to pay full price for your bonds when they can get new ones at higher rates.
Even if the value of your long-term bonds falls, isn’t it worthwhile to hold on to them? After all, as long as your bond doesn’t
default — and if the bond is considered “investment grade,” a default is unlikely — you will get a steady source of income
and you’ll receive the full value of your bond back at maturity. Aren’t these valuable benefits?
(“Financial” cont. on pg. 50)
Law Office of
Trevor R. Parris, LLC
37 Jerome Avenue, Suite 2
Bloomfield, CT 06002
(860) 882-0203 TEL
(860) 263-8390 FAX
[email protected]
28
Happy 51st Anniversary
to the
West Indian Communities
years
32
OF PARKING CARS
Health Tips from Edgar at Club Fitness
1. One-third of adults and over 12.5 million children and teens in the US are obese. In the last 30 years, obesity in children
and teens has nearly tripled.
2. An unhealthy diet leads to diseases like diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies.
3. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it feeds your body and mind with the necessary nutrients and
energy to function throughout the day. Eating breakfast regularly will also help keep weight off because it gets your metabolism going.
4. Rest is a very important aspect of living a healthy lifestyle. Teenagers need 9 or more hours of sleep per night for their
bodies to function properly.
• Sleeping the right amount can prevent sickness, obesity,
high blood pressure, and injury.
5. Physical activity like aerobic exercise (walking, running),
muscle-strengthening (weight-lifting).
6. The more fresh foods you consume, the healthier you will
be. Foods that do not expire contain unnatural preservatives,
additives, and chemicals that deteriorate your body.
7. Snacking is important. By eating small meals or snacks
throughout the day, you will keep your metabolism up and
running to burn the calories you eat. Smart snacking means
cutting out the vending machine chips.
If you want to find out more contact me at Club Fitness Personal Training Manager
Edgar
860-286-9801
30
Before
After
Located at: Bloomfield, Bristol, Enfield-Rt. 5, Enfield-Scitico
Looking for something new and fun? Need to work on
your cardio endurance and strength, but just don’t have
enough time? Core-fit can do all of it in just 30 minutes!
Sculpt! Tone! Target those abs!
Trainers have you covered!
Bring your water bottle.
Check Out what’s happening in PT!!
Located at: East Hartford, Windsor, Chicopee MA, West Springfield MA
Officerss:
Presidennt
C
CONGRA
ATULAT
ATIONS
Desmonnd Sinclair
Vice Preesident
Alton Grange
G
Treasureer
Oswald Ricketts
Asst. Trreasurer
TO
O THE WEST
W
IND
NDIAN CELEBRA
CE
ATIONS
S
ST
O THEI
ON
EIR 51 YEAR
We
W wouldd also likee to conggratulatee Jamaicca and Trrinidad
& Tobago on their
t
51stt year of their Inddependen
nce.
Blondell Cockfield
Financiaal Secretary
Deborahh McDonald
Secretarry
SCHED
DULE OF
F UPCOMIN
ING EVEN
ENTS
Maria Diaz
D
Assistannt Secretary
Jacqueliine Blair
Directorrs:
Newton Cato
H
Ronald Howe
Ranald Little
L
The Jamaiica Progresssive Leagu
ue Hartford
d Chapterss Annual Scholarship
Program and
a Dinnerr Dance at the Jamaicca Progresssive Leaguee –
Sunday, July
J 21, 20113@5 P.M.
ue’s Lake George
G
Beaach Trip –
The Jamaiica Progresssive Leagu
Sunday, Ju
uly 28, 2013 (Adult Tickets
T
$500.00) (Child
dren 12 and
d under
$30.00)
Sonia Davis
D
Mckanee Collins
Delva Sinclair
Jamaica Prrogressive League’s Annual
A
Jam
maica Day –
Saturday, August
A
24,, 2013 (Freee Food an
nd Entertain
nment)
The West Indian Foundation, Inc
“Educating Today for a Better Tomorrow”
32 Wintonbury Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002
P.O. BOX 320394, Hartford, CT 06132-0394
Telephone (860) 243-8812
www.westindianfoundation.org
Congratulates
The West Indian Independence
Celebration Committee
on
Fifty-One Years
Board of Directors
•Marvin H. Douglas, PhD, President, •Joy Chance, Executive Director, •Jeanette Wint, V.P., Finance •,Doreen Crawford, PhD, V. P., Programs •
•Junior Wellington, Treasurer, •Raymond H. Davis, Asst. Treasurer •Desmond Collins, Dir., Public Relations • Hugh B. Freeney, Dir., Fundraising•
•Angela Simpson, Secretary• Patricia Miles• Anthony Williams • Terence Durrant •Brian B. Brito
Ex-Oficio
Leslie Perry• Frank A. Jacobs • Denise Welch • Sydney T. Schulman • Fulco McMahon, Inc
e
atulat
r
g
n
o
oc
ants t t Indian
w
o
i
d
Ra
Wes
tion
Busy Hartford
elebra
C
e
the
c
r
enden
n thei
Indep nization o you have
Orga sary. May ccess.
r
nnive years of su
a
t
s
1
5
more
to
many
wants s
o
i
d
a
n
R
o liste
Busy
We at veryone wh ting our
e
or
thank d for supp he years.
tt
an
to us throughou
s
event
Total
Care
Center
D .A
Q
A
r
bdul
ayyum
hmed
21 Woodland St., Suite 111
Hartford, CT 06105
* All PHYSICALS
* Physical therapy
Tax Licensed Physician available on urgent basis
Car (auto) Accidents - We work with your attorney
In case of an accident, call or come to us as soon as possible
People without insurance can also contact us
(860) 548-0404
Kenneth R. Alleyne, M.D.
Proud West Indian
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
A knee, shoulder, arthritis specialist
Congratulates
West Indian Independence Celebration
Kenneth R. Alleyne, M.D.
Offices
of Dr. West
Alleyne are
located in:
Proud
Indian
Of Greater Hartford
Bloomfield,
Tolland,
d Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
On their 51st Anniversary
South Windsor,
Ellington, NYCspecialist
ee, shoulder,
arthritis
(860)648-4480
Congratulates
www.eosm.net
Indian Independence Celebration
Of Greater Hartford
On their 51st Anniversary
Sav Mor Restaurant Now Inside
Free Delivery with purchase of $40 or more
ces of Dr. Alleyne are located in:
Tolland, South Windsor, Ellington, NYC
(860)648-4480 www.eosm.net
Western Union & Money Orders Available
35
Have Our Black Men chosen
Death
Over Healthy Living?
By Dr. Sean Robotham
This spring I competed in a 5K race with my twelve year old daughter
and a 5K Tough Mudder type race at Riverside Park in Hartford. Both
events were challenging for both spirit and body, but accomplished.
Unfortunately at both races I was left deeply troubled with a heartfelt
question, “Where are my fellow black competitors; more so where are
the black men?”
As I peered crowds of well over two thousand people I could confidently say blacks, both male and female, made up less than 5% of the
competitors.
The low numbers of black male participation in healthy activities appear to be directly associated with the inflating mortality rate of black men in America today.
44% of black men are considered overweight, with another 24% diagnosed as obese. 40% of black men will die prematurely
because of cardiovascular disease as compared to white males.
I personally feel if even 25% of the regular competitors in healthy race type activities were black males the above reported
numbers would be drastically reduced. The number one recommended treatment protocol for obesity and cardiovascular
disease is some form of exercise. My question is why have
our black men chosen to neglect this truly easily applied
solution to a longer and healthier life?
There are two root causes behind this epidemic. The“ Testosterone Factor” and the “Vulnerability Factor”. The
Testosterone Factor is not just presented with the African
American men, but in all aging males. Men diagnosed with
an overweight condition or hypertension, if asymptomatic,
they will continue their lives as if the information was never
conveyed to them. These men live on the false belief that
“no pain is no problem”. If there is pain and it is not debilitating or impacting their ability to enjoy life pastimes then,
there is no problem. The above statistics tend to prove otherwise and these same men, more so black men, are dying
at an alarming rate compared to their white counterparts.
The “Vulnerability Factor” is also a silent but great factor when black males simply refuse to take their health
issues seriously. The discomfort of having to admit there
is something wrong or that you are not as strong and fit
as you once were, can be devastating to black men. Many
black men would again, rather choose to ignore the problem
until symptoms are abound, than to open themselves up to
the fact that something is wrong and needs to be handled
immediately. Additionally, there is the anxiety associated
with going to a doctor’s office and when diagnosed with
a problem, sometimes resulting with a feeling of being a
weaker man. If these emotional responses are left unaddressed many black men are now susceptible to falling into
depression, which is the next health problem that is rising
(“Black Men” cont. on pg. 42)
ACCESS HEALTHCARE, PC
“KEEPING THE COMMUNITY HEALTHY:
37
Children and Firearms
By: Dr. marvin douglas
Parents, professionals and many others are concerned about the increasing numbers of
children and adolescents killed by firearms. The following statistics were taken from
the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Center to Prevent Hand Gun
Violence:
• In 1998, more than 10 children and teenagers, ages 19 and under were killed with
guns everyday. Many more are wounded.
• In 1998, 77% of murdered Juveniles age 13-19 were killed with a firearm.
• Currently, an estimated 39% of households have a gun, while 24% have a handgun.
• From 1993 through 1997, an average of 1,409 children and teenagers took their own
lives with guns each year.
• Firearms are used in 58% of successful suicides.
• Firearms are even more prevalent in suicides involving drugs.
• Guns kept in the home for self-protection are 22 times more likely to kill a family member or friend than to kill in selfdefense.
We cannot gun-proof our children and adolescents. Children are playful and active. Adolescents are curious and impulsive.
Such healthy traits when mixed with guns can cause death.
(“Firearms” cont. on pg. 48)
Reed’s
Barber Stylist Salon
1416 Albany Ave.
Hartford, CT 06112
860-202-7327
38
Stanley
Barber/Stylist
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Our mind has a powerful propel to correct and to recorrect itself over
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Office #860-236-9673 S&H is on us!
WELL WISHER’S FROM RAYMOND
DAVIS & Marcolina garcia 2013
City Treasurer
Adam M. Cloud
Extends his
Congratulations and Best Wishes
For continued success to The City of Hartford’s
West Indian-Caribbean Community on the
occasion of its 51st Anniversary of the West
Indian Independence Celebrations.
The Treasurer also recognizes the important role
the West Indian Community has played in the
City’s history and will continue to play in the
future.
1) RAY DAVIS
14) MILTON MITCHELL
2) DR. MARVIN H. DOUGLAS
15) DELORES DAVIS
3) ANTHONY WILLIAMS
16) MARIA GREENFIELD
4) DOREEN FORREST
17) BELENDA ROSENMOND
5) NICONE GORDON
18) STEVEN JONES
6) MAXINE BAKER
19) MARC PARENT
7) BEVERLY REDD
20) MAURICE LEWIS
8) CARMEN BOUDIERE
Than
k
You!
9) MR. & MRS. HOWARD JACKSON
10) MICHAEL MORRISON
11) MR. & MRS. NEVILLE RADWAY
12) MR.& MRS. LOUIS TIMOL
13) SANDRA JAMES
39
M. Riaz Musani
Immigration Attorney
Congratulates the Jamaican Community
On their 51st Anniversary Celebrations
HILLS-N-PARK
BARBERS
1031 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Ian 480-634-0542
Kurt 860-655-8817
B&
C
1961 Broad St.
Electrical
Contractors
Hartford, CT 06114
Residential l Commercial l Industrial
McKane Collins
Licensed & Insured
Lic. # 185871
Cell: (860) 883-5127
Fax: (86) 956-1731
Walk In The Light Church
Interfaith International
Church Services:
Sundays, 2:00 p.m.
32 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06105
(860) 263-8847
Archbishop
Louella Hinton Tate, Pastor
41
Mento Jamaica’s first popular music
By: STAN WALKER
Despite the popularity of Jamaican reggae music, which has taken over the world,
the first experience of live music in the island by any visitor will probably be a
mento band, either at the airport or by a hotel pool or bar, or on a cruise ship docked
in the harbor.
Mento music, Jamaican calypso, holds pride of place as being Jamaica’s first and,
in a sense, most indigenous popular music. In fact, it was the first popular Jamaican
music to be commercially recorded.
Although many may not be aware of it, the birth of Jamaican music came out of
slavery. You see, during the slavery days, the slaves used to communicate by chanting in rhythms using lyrics brought to the West Indies from Africa. The slave owners
often were unaware of this. They often thought the slaves were entertaining them. In fact, it took them quite some time before they
were able to recognize what the slaves were doing with their music.
With the passage of time, the bonds of bondage disappeared and the chanting of the slaves became a form of entertainment for the participants and their listeners. Crudely hewn homemade instruments were constructed, improved upon and used for the accompaniment
of the chanters, relics of which remain in today’s mento music.
Using homemade drums, bamboo flutes, fiddles and fifes, a horse or donkey jawbone, a cow horn, plus a spoon or a fork drawn against
(“Mento” cont. on pg. 47)
(“Black Men” cont. from pg. 37)
in the statistics.
The solution to choosing life for black men, is to remain
proud of who they are and redirect their energy towards
living a long and healthy life. In regards to the “Testosterone Factor” black men need to realize that having a hypertensive condition should be looked upon as
a personal attack on their strong and virile body. Black
men need to see hypertension and other health related
diagnoses as an enemy that needs to be eliminated immediately, by all means necessary. Therefore, the execution of deliberate steps for changing eating habits and
performing daily exercise is not being done because it
was recommended by a doctor but it is being done because you have engaged in a battle that you refuse to
lose. The same “testosterone” attitude that made you the
strong solid man you were in earlier years can again be
harnessed to defeat hypertensive or weight problems.
As it relates to being vulnerable there is no such issue.
That feeling of vulnerability is “False Evidence Appearing Real”. What man would not want to know everything about his enemy before going into battle? Therefore, it is imperative that black men begin to view going
into a doctor’s office as a pre-war planning conference.
Then, they will be informed on how to defeat their enemy (hypertension, obesity, etc.) and take their life back.
CONTACT-Dr. Sean Robotham37 Jerome Ave Bloomfield, CT
[email protected]
42
Jacob Zamstein, M.D., LLC
General Urology
& Genitourinary Surgery
701-C Cottage Grove Road
Suite 110
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Phone: (860) 242-2900
Fax: (860) 242-2250
Website: www.jzurology.com
Jacob Zamstein, M.D.
Sandra Palmer, A.P.R.N.
Sun. - Divine Worship 11:00 A. M.
Sun. - Sunday School 11:30 A. M.
Mon. - Prayer Meeting 9:00 A. M.
Wed. - Prayer Meetings 7:00 P. M.
Sat. - Youth Fellowship 6:00 P. M.
Food Pantry 2nd Sat. Each Month
Grief Counseling - Daily
NORTH BANQUET HALL
(2nd Floor, Collin Bennett Building)
-The Perfect Place For Anniversaries
Birthday Parties
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1229 Albany Avenue, Hartford, CT
now owned and operated by:
North United Methodist Church
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Reaching the community through:
Gifts For God’s Children (2 Wednes-
days/monthly)
Thrift Shoppe—
Weekdays 10:00am-5:00pm,
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CALL: 860.830.0281
Congratulations, West Indian Independence Celebrations!
~We thank you for your service to our community~
FINANCIAL FOCUS:
Should You Take a Pension Buyout?
By Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Have you recently received a pension buyout offer? If so, you need to
decide if you should take the buyout, which could provide you with
a potentially large lump sum, or continue accepting your regular pension payments for the rest of your life. It’s a big decision.
Clearly, there’s no “one size fits all” answer — your choice needs to
be based on your individual circumstances. So, as you weigh your
options, you’ll need to consider a variety of key issues, including the
following:
•
Estate considerations — Your pension payments generally end when
you and/or your spouse dies, which means your children will get none
of the money. But if you were to roll the lump sum into an Individual
Retirement Account (IRA), and you don’t exhaust it in your lifetime,
you could still have something to leave to your family members.
• Taxes — If you take the lump sum and roll the funds into your IRA, you control how much you’ll be taxed and when, based
on the amounts you choose to withdraw and the date you begin taking withdrawals. (Keep in mind, though, that you must start
taking a designated minimum amount of withdrawals from a traditional IRA when you reach age 70½. Withdrawals taken before age 59½ are subject to taxes and penalties.) But if you take a pension, you may have less control over your income taxes,
which will be based on your monthly payments.
• Inflation — You could easily spend two or three decades in retirement — and during that time, inflation can really add up.
To cite just one example, the average cost of a new car was $7,983 in 1982; 30 years later, that figure is $30,748, according to
TrueCar.com. If your pension checks aren’t indexed for inflation, they will lose purchasing power over time. If you rolled over
your lump sum into an IRA, however, you could put the money into investments offering growth potential, keeping in mind, of
course, that there are no guarantees.
• Cash flow — If you’re already receiving a monthly pension, and you’re spending every dollar you receive just to meet your
living expenses, you may be better off by keeping your pension payments intact. If you took the lump sum and converted it into
an IRA, you can withdraw whatever amount you want (as long as you meet the required minimum distributions), but you’ll
have to avoid withdrawing so much that you’ll eventually run out of money.
• Confidence in future pension payments — From time to time, companies are forced to reduce their pension obligations due to
unforeseen circumstances. You may want to take this into account as you decide whether to continue taking your monthly pension payments, but it’s an issue over which you have no control. On the other hand, once your lump sum is in an IRA, you have
control over both the quality and diversification of your investment dollars. However, the trade-off is that investing is subject
to various risks, including loss of principal.
Before selecting either the lump sum or the monthly pension payments, weigh all the factors carefully to make sure your decision fits into your overall financial strategy. With a choice of this importance, you will probably want to consult with your
financial and tax advisors. Ultimately, you may find that this type
of offer presents you with a great opportunity — so take the time
to consider your options.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local
Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
“If you take the lump sum and roll the funds
into your IRA, you control how much you’ll be
taxed and when...”
44
(“Humble” cont. from pg. 5)
of government with an appointed Mayor. The Mayor does not specifically run for mayor as in larger cities such as Hartford, instead everyone runs as council members with the highest vote-getter becoming Mayor, the second highest Deputy Mayor and so on.Members of
the council generally work full time elsewhere, thus the duties require a balancing act. As such meetings are held in the evenings, and if
there are grand openings or other community activities that require a presence during the day, then personal time from work is taken in
order for him to attend the event.
“The only way to be an effective council member is to put in the time, lots of time to get the job done…, there is no just showing up for
meetings and making decisions, one must take the time to find out the needs of the community and be in tune to the issues”. There is also
the need to communicate effectively with the administration and with the various committees and sub-committees. He chairs the finance
committee and sits on many other committees. Being a nine member council it takes at least 5 votes to approve any decision, therefore,
a lot of time is required to garner support and consensus.
“Council members are the face of the town, and there is no longer the option not to be available or assessable at all times including
holidays and weekends, or at the grocery or coffee shops”. He gets many invitations to events every week and though it is impossible to
attend all, he tries to make an appearance knowing how people view him as their representative and role model. He recounts the story
of a woman who was visiting from England and upon realizing that that he was from the Islands, as the Caribbean islands are fondly
referred to, she was one of the first to approach him to tell him how proud she was of his accomplishment. “She acknowledged me, but
it isn’t about me specifically, it’s what I represent...”, the representation of hope, and opportunity.
He has garnered the respect of people not only in Bloomfield but throughout the Greater Hartford area and Connecticut. The fact that he
is from the Caribbean as only one of a handful of politicians being represented in public life, has made him a role model for many within
the area. He acknowledges it is an oversimplification to say if I make it then you can too, there were a lot of circumstances that got him
to his present position, much that he had no control over, some luck and some perseverance.
People outside of Bloomfield do not see him as only a representative of Bloomfield but a representative for them all. In that, he recognizes the responsibility he has to the people of the Caribbean.
In his eyes he wishes he could do more, on the work front as well as attend more events and meetings, even with the constraints of a
full time job and family responsibilities. He wishes there were more young people getting into politics. There was a surge of interest
during the last two presidential elections and he hopes that will continue to get stronger. Even though it would be preferable to have the
interest in politics awaken at a young age, he himself did not show any interest until he was forty and only because he was approached.
He sees some indifference on the part of voters when he goes
out campaigning and noting only thirty percent of the population
goes out to vote especially in the local elections. “I think there is
the belief that their vote will not make a difference”. He acknowledges that the job of government is a slow process, one that many
people are not fully aware of. The expectation on the part of the
general public is that once the issue is made known then policies
should be implemented right away to address them, not realizing
the incremental process that goes into making those policies a reality. “The community needs to see the person representing them
as being there for them and not just as a politician”.
Politicians have a responsibility to their constituents, but constituents too have a responsibility to get to know the person who will
be representing them and what they stand for. Getting back to
the issue of race or ethnicity, he feels that one does not have to
be an African American to be sensitive to the issues of African
Americans, a woman to be sensitive to the issues of women, West
Indian to be sensitive to the issues of the West Indian population
or because you are one of these groups that you are sensitive to
their issues.
He is appreciative of the opportunity that was presented to him
to serve the community and looks for ways to be an even better representative on all levels. “To those whom much is given
much is required”, his hope is that more people with a West Indian
background become involved in the political arena. The sheer
respect and pride that he feels emanating from Caribbean people
everywhere he goes fills him with a stronger resolve to be the best
he can be for as long as he is able to work for and represent his
constituents.
Deputy Mayor Hypolite has been married for 33 years and is the
proud father of two adult daughters.
45
(“Mento” cont. from pg. 42)
a grater, the slaves created an orchestra of sounds that represented the earliest stages of Jamaica’s mento music.
The sweet sounds that emanate from such primitively constructed instruments, the main ones being a rumba box which acts like a bass, and
on which the performer sits, that I was told originated in Cuba, a banjo, a guitar; a bamboo fife or a home-made saxophone and a maracas,
which was generally used by the lead singer as a sort of percussion, will forever remain one of the wonders of today’s music.
The European dance rhythm, the quadrille, which arrived via the slave owners, was also very much a part of the concoction, insofar as it
relates to the shaping of Jamaica’s mento music. These were interwoven with the African melodies to create a sound that became uniquely
Jamaican.
Unlike the American boogie and rhythm and blues, which impacted deeply on the development of early Jamaican music, authentic Jamaican mento music seemed to have made little or no contribution.
Another interesting feature of early mento music was the practice by slaves of taking their masters title of nobility for their own, referring to themselves as Lord, Duke, Count, Prince, King, etc. The practice continued down the ages with later mento performers like Count
Lasher, Count Owen, Lord Laro, Lord Flea, Lord Power, Lord Beginner, Lord Creator, Lord Lebby and others decorating their persona
in this way.
Although the origin of the word mento which was popular in the island from way back in the ‘20s and the ‘30s is unknown, the music
became a staple of small gatherings and dances as it gradually spread throughout the island.
By the late ‘40s and early ‘50s, mento bands became one of the main source and supplier of music for dances and social events, along with
a number of other popular bands like Val Bennett, Redver Cook and the Red Devils, Eric Deans, Bobby Hackett, Frankie Bonito, Bertie
Cook, Al McPherson and George Moxey. They used to call them orchestras at that time. These orchestras were the attractions at night clubs
like Glass Bucket in Halfway Tree, Penguin in Vineyard Town, Club Havana on Windward Road, Bournemouth Gardens, Manor House,
Queen of Hearts on Old Hope Road, and hotels in and around Kingston (Myrtle Bank) and on the north coast (Montego Bay).
From 1950-1956, a large number of mento singers emerged, but the more popular ones were Count Lasher, Alerth Bedassee, The Ticklers
and Lord Flea. Lasher, like Sugar Belly with his homemade saxophone and a very exciting bamboo violinist, was a regular attraction
outside the gate of the Coronation Market on Spanish Town Road, where accompanied by a guitarist he used to sing and sell tracks of his
compositions. Some of the popular songs that he composed were The Talking Parrot, Water The Garden, Perseverance, and The Weeds.
Lord Flea, guitarist and vocalist, had the distinction of recording the album Swinging Calypsos in the late 1950s for the very popular and
well established American recording company Capitol Records. He was the first Jamaican to do so. The album included well-known tracks
like Naughty Little Flea, The Monkey,
Shake Shake Señora and You Can’t
Cross Over.
The Ticklers with Harold Richardson
at the helm with the very popular Healing In The Balmyard, Don’t Fence Me
In, Parish Gal and Glamour Gal, were
probably the first mento stars at the turn
of the decade.
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Other mento singers like Laurel Aitken
with Baba Kill Mi Goat, Hubert Porter
with Dry Weather House, Lord Fly, a
Trinidadian who moved to Jamaica,
with The Little Fly, Lord Power with
Penny Reel and Baba Motta with She
Pon Top, were also very popular.
47
(“Cuisine” cont. from pg. 13)
(“Firearms” cont. from pg. 38)
stood African cultures – especially West African. If you
read slave ship logs, you will realize that the captains
knew that people from one region of Africa ate yams
and would not eat rice and so, in their own self-interest,
they brought on board foods the slaves would eat. The
healthier a slave looked at auction, the higher the price
he or she could garner.
The best way to protect children
against gun violence is to remove
all guns from the home. If guns are
kept in the home, there will always
be dangers. The following actions
are crucial to lessen the dangers:
“African cuisine came to the New World with the slaves
who were imported to work in agriculture. On the plantations where they were allowed to grow their own food,
okra, bananas, watermelon, yams, rice and peanuts
were all brought in. But frequently, they didn’t have a
choice about what they ate when they ate, and, in many
cases, where they ate it. The only choice they might
have had was how they cooked it,” she said.
The adaptation of African foods to the Americas had
two distinct stages. The first came from the fact that the
slaves came from many different tribes with many different gastronomic traditions. When they were brought
together on the boats and on the plantations, food traditions between the different groups were exchanged.
The second stage involved substituting readily available
American ingredients for foods no longer at hand in the
process. Africans played a major role in the creation of
Americas’ cuisine, particularly in the Caribbean and the
southern United States.
“The mythical Southern American cuisine was created
by black slave cooks. In any house of any importance
whatsoever, slaves did the cooking – Black hands
stirred the pots. It produced a phenomenon which the
Chinese call ‘wok hand’ or ‘wok signature.’ The person
who does the cooking makes the dish their own,” said
another writer, Karen Hess.
ACKEE & CODFISH &
JOHNNY CAKE (Fried dumpling)
48
• Store all firearms unloaded and
uncocked in a securely locked
container. Only the parents should
know where the container is located
• Store the guns and ammunition in
separate locked locations
Dr. Douglas
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
President
The West Indian Foundation, Inc.
• ForIt ais with
revolver,
a humility
padlock and gratitude that I extend congratulations, on
a deepplace
sense of
around
the
top
strap
of
the
weapon
to prevent
the cylinder
from (WIIC)
closing,
Foundation, Inc., to the West Indian
Independence
Celebration
on the achie
or use a trigger lock; for a pistol, use a trigger lock
milestone. The first West Indian Independence Celebration Parade of Hartford was
• When
handling
or cleaning
a gun,
never
leave it unattended,
evenWe
forhave conti
purposes
for the
parade was
to build
community
unity in Hartford.
a moment; it should be in your view at all times
involvement of many other cultural groups such as African American and other co
Even if parents don’t own a gun, they should check with parents at
years
is significant
in the life
anymake
organization,
andprecautions
the WIIC must be very
other Fifty
places
where
their children
play,of to
sure safety
are followed.
study
of children
mile stone.InAta this
time,ofitaccidental
is importanthandgun
to reflectshootings
on those sons
and daughters wh
underbehind
16, nearly
40%
of
the
shootings
occurred
in
the
homes
of
the conceptualization of the parade and had the vision tofriends
use this event as
and relatives. The tragedies occurred most often when children were
heritage and civic pride.
left unsupervised.
WhenAsyoungsters
use alcohol
andand
alsodevelop,
have a gun
the risk
the WIIC continues
to grow
we allavailable,
need to make
our for
commitment
violence rapidly increases. In a youth suicide study, victims who used
continue
makefive
its positive
contribution
to have
the society.
The contribution
firearms
weretoabout
times more
likely to
been drinking
than must n
butother
assistmeans.
in dealing
the of
problems
of drug abuse,murders
unemployment, te
thoseidentity,
who used
In with
a study
firearm-associated
among
members,
almost 90%
offenders
and victims
had the soc
andfamily
violence,
gang involvement,
andofthethemoral
and spiritual
decay within
used alcohol or drugs before the killings.
The average American child witnesses many acts of violence each day
on TV,
movies,
and through computer games. Most involve firearms.
Dr.inMarvin
H. Douglas
Children often imitate what they see, and are more aggressive after
President
extensive viewing of violence on TV, in movies and videos, and/or
Theviolent
West Indian
Foundation,
playing
computer
video Inc.
or arcade games. Parents should help
protect their children from the effects of media violence. For example,
they can watch TV, movies, and videos with children; ration TV; and
disapprove of the violent episodes in front of the children, stressing the
belief that such behavior is not the best way to resolve a problem.
Children and adolescents with emotional or behavioral problems may
be more likely than other children to use guns, against themselves or
others. Parents who are concerned that their child is too aggressive or
might have an emotional disorder may wish to seek an evaluation by a
qualified mental health professional.
More information about gun safety issues and guidelines is available
from the:
The Brady Center to Prevent Handgun Violence
1225
Street, N.W.,
Suite 1100
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(“Garvey” cont. from pg. 7)
Western hemisphere and Africa.
In August 1920, UNIA claimed 4 million members and held its first International Convention at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Before
a crowd of 25,000 people from all over the world, Marcus Garvey spoke of having pride in African history and culture, many found his words
inspiring but not all. Some established black leaders found his separatist philosophy ill-conceived.
In 1922, the Black Star Line shipping company went into debt and Marcus Garvey and three other UNIA officials were charged by the US government with mail fraud involving the company, citing that they had used the US Postal Services to sell “worthless shares.” It didn’t help that
the shipping line’s books contained many accounting irregularities. On June 23, 1923, Garvey was convicted and sentenced to prison for five
years. Claiming to be a victim of a politically motivated miscarriage of justice, Garvey appealed his conviction, but was denied and in 1927 he
was released from prison and deported to Jamaica.
Garvey continued his political activism and the work of UNIA in Jamaica. In 1935 he relocated to London but he no longer possessed the same
influence he previously commanded in the early years of the movement. Perhaps in desperation or maybe in delusion, Garvey collaborated with
outspoken segregationist and white supremacist Senator Theodore Bilbo of Mississippi to promote a reparations scheme. The Greater Liberia
Act of 1939 would deport 12 million African-Americans to Liberia at federal expense to relieve unemployment; the act failed in Congress. In
addition the government of Liberia which had previously promised to supply Garvey with land changed its mind after facing immense pressure
from surrounding countries which threaten to sever all ties. At this turn of events Garvey lost even more support among the black population.
Marcus Garvey died in London in 1940 after prolonged illness involving several strokes. Due to travel restrictions during World War II, his body
could not be transported home and was instead interred in London. In 1964, his remains were exhumed and taken to Jamaica, where the
government proclaimed him Jamaica’s first national hero and re-interred him at a shrine in the National Heroes Park. In 1971, a medal was
presented on his behalf to his widow Amy Jacques Garvey and his two sons Julius and, Marcus, Jr., in honor of his enormous contributions
and vision for the Black Race.
Marcus Mosiah Garvey called the “Black Moses,” still influences many today in the fight for equality and justice. His message of pride and
dignity was inspirational to many of the major leaders in the USA during the early days of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and ‘60s. In
tribute to his many contributions, Garvey’s bust has been displayed in the Organization of American States’ Hall of Heroes in Washington, D.C.
The country of Ghana has also named its shipping line the Black Star Line and its national soccer team the Black Stars, in honor of Garvey.
Source: History.com; “Our National Heroes” – The Jamal Foundation
49
(“Financial” cont. from pg. 28)
They are indeed — but they may be more relevant for short-term bonds. Longer-term bonds — those of 10-year duration or
longer — are more subject to inflation risk than shorter-term bonds. Of course, we’ve experienced low inflation for a number
of years, but, over time, even mild inflation can add up. When this happens, and you own a long-term bond whose rate doesn’t
change, you could face a potential loss of purchasing power. One of the reasons that long-term bonds pay higher interest rates than
short-term bonds is because the issuers of longer-term instruments are rewarding you for taking on this additional inflation risk.
Consequently, simply holding on to long-term bonds — especially very long-term ones, such as those that mature in 30 years
— may not be the best strategy. If you review your fixed-income holdings and find that they skew strongly toward longer-term
bonds, you may want to consider reducing your exposure in this area. If you did sell some of these bonds, you could use the proceeds to help build a “bond ladder” — which may be one of the best ways to invest in bonds.
To create this ladder, you need to invest in bonds of varying maturities. When market rates are low, you’ll still have your longerterm bonds earning higher interest rates, thereby paying you more income. And when market rates rise, you can reinvest your
maturing short-term bonds at the higher rates. You must evaluate whether the bonds held within the bond ladder are consistent
with your investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial circumstances.
If you own bonds, you do need to be aware of where interest rates are — and where they may be headed. Nonetheless, as we have
seen, you don’t have to be at the mercy of rate movements. By keeping yourself informed and choosing the right strategies, you
can benefit from owning bonds and other fixed-income vehicles in all interest-rate environments.
Before investing in bonds, you should understand the risks involved, including credit risk and market risk. Bond investments are
subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of bonds can decrease, and the investor can lose principal
value if the investment is sold prior to maturity.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
HELP ALL VETERANS OF CONNECTICUT
H.A.V.O.C.T
Serving our West Indian Community since 1997!
51
profit Section 501c(3) charitable
CAYASCO is a volunteer non-profit
Organization.
For a list of our sponsored events
Check out our website at
www.cayasco.com
P.O. Box 1891, Hartford, CT 06144
50
JOIN OUR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND VOLUNTEER TO
HELP ADVOCATE AND CREATE A HONARABLE COMMUNITY
V I S I T W WW . H A V OC T . O R G F OR I N FO R M A T I O N
28 7 WE S T S T. R O C K Y H I L L , C T 86 0 -61 6 - 39 66
2012 West Indian
Celebrations
Pictures from wiichartford.org
(“Adventurer” cont. from pg. 8)
(“Dance” cont. from pg. 18)
reading extensively on a variety of subjects when I came across and developed
a strong interest in these unconventional events,” he said.
the impact that the performance made on her.
Freeman’s first summit was Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro. After successfully conquering four of the seven summits (Kilimanjaro, Denali, Elbrus and
Aconcagua) between 2002 and 2009, he climbed Mount Everest on May 19,
2009, which was initially his long-term goal and used it to further his motivation to climb the remaining two summits. “The adrenaline rush and sense of
joy and accomplishment after completing Kilimanjaro really made me hungry
for more,” he said. “I kept my eye on my goal, and never turned back.”
Another amazing feat that he takes pride in is his completion of the Tour divide in 2009, a 3,000-mile mountain bike race from Canada to Mexico. He is
looking forward to continuing his adventurous endeavors by completing an
Ironman, Marathon de Sables and the Hartford Marathon, among other cerebral and physically challenging endeavors.
“The sense of accomplishment when I completed the seven summits is absolutely indescribable. I’d worked tirelessly to achieve this goal, and doing so
has taught me a life lesson that the impossible is possible if you want it bad
enough and you reach deep enough.”
After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1995 from
UConn, Freeman went on to become a dually licensed Professional Engineer
and Land surveyor. “Graduating from college is huge for me in that I am the
first person in my family to actually do that,” he said.
Following his goal of summiting Mount Everest he fulfilled another goal of
opening his own business, Freeman Companies, a successful engineering
company based in Hartford, CT whose slogan is ‘elevate your expectations.’
A man who is characterized by his passions, pride and spirit, Freeman embodies the spirit, culture and values of his firm. The establishment of his companies has been a challenging and exciting accomplishment, and he is excited
about the future success and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
“Starting my business and growing it is also a remarkable achievement. To
be able to do these things means a lot to me. The more I accomplish, the more
I want to accomplish. The bigger my dreams get, the more realistic they become,” he said.
Serving on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford,
Freeman says that his passion at the moment is to reach out to kids, support
them with their academics, and help them to develop the disciplines that will
help them to gain access into the corporate world. “This is something that I
should have done all along. I am hoping that the organization will be able to
set up some programs that will encourage the youths to change their focus
from sports, the television and electronic games,” he said. “I love to exercise
and work out and will encourage the kids to get involved with the outdoors
where they will be able to enjoy nature,” he said.
“I am a very driven person who loves a challenge. I will travel to anywhere in
the world for a good adventure,” Freeman said. His short term goals include
continuing to successfully grow his engineering business, and to participate in
Marathon des Sables, a multiday 151 mile race in the Sahara Desert, which is
considered the toughest foot race on earth
Like the old song says “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to stop Hartford’s
inspired adventurer, Rohan Freeman, from accomplishing his goals.
“...he reached the top of Carstenz Pyramid in Papua,
Indonesia, to accomplish his goal of completing the
“seven summits,” the highest peaks of the seven continents.”
52
Arriving in the U.S. at the age of 18, I enrolled at the University of Hartford and began to pursue studies to improve
my academic abilities, she said. About that same time, I became very thrilled when I learned about the Cultural Dance
Troupe of the West Indies and realized that I would be able
to continue my dream of becoming an accomplished dancer.
“Upon graduating from the university with an accounting
degree and an associate’s degree in management and banking, I knew that I could engage youngsters to participate in
the arts and that is what gave me the inspiration to start the
company.”
Judith, who is presently pursuing her Masters Degree in
Management and Organizational Leadership, says that
she enjoys putting on performances at hospitals, charity and many other special events. Her company has also
performed at places like the Hartford Stage Company, Parades, East Hartford, Riverfront Plaza, Bushnell Theater,
Hartford Hospital and Bloomfield Town Green.
Judith puts real meaning to her motto: “Your support makes
a difference in the lives of our children.” The founder and
chairperson for the Miss Caribbean Teen Scholarship, she
said that her company will be hosting the Little Miss Caribbean-American pageant which will be held for the first
time this year.
The very enterprising, energetic and inspiring young woman has one daughter, Shari Williams, who is a teacher and
board member of the company and a grand-daughter, fiveyear-old Cwen Williams, who dances with the company.
“Founded
by Jamaican-born Judith
Williams, a former principal dancer,
ballet mistress and treasurer of the Cultural Dance Troupe of the West Indies,
CADC has served more than 100 students since it started nine years ago.”
Barbad o s
Barbados is a sovereign island country in the Lesser Antilles. It
is 34 kilometres (21 mi) in length and up to 23 kilometres (14 mi)
in width, covering an area of 431 square kilometres (166 sq mi). It
is situated in the western area of the North Atlantic and 100 kilometres (62 mi) east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean
Sea;therein, it is about 168 kilometres (104 mi) east of the islands
of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and 400 kilometres (250 mi)
north-east of Trinidad and Tobago. Barbados is outside of the principal Atlantic hurricane belt.
Barbados was initially visited by the Spanish around
the late 1400s to early 1500s and first appears on a
Spanish map from 1511.The Spanish explorers may
have plundered the island of whatever native peoples
resided therein to become slaves.The Portuguese visited in 1536, but they too left it unclaimed, with their
only remnants being an introduction of wild hogs
for a good supply of meat whenever the island was
visited. The first English ship, the Olive Blossom, arrived in Barbados in 1624. They took possession of it
in the name of King James I. In 1627 the first permanent settlers arrived from England and it became an
English colony.
Barbados has an estimated population of 284,000 people,with around 80,000 living in or around Bridgetown,
the largest city and the country’s capital. In 1966,
Barbados became an independent state and
Commonwealth realm, retaining Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State. Barbados is one of the
Caribbean’s leading tourist destinations and is
one of the most developed islands in the region,
despite it actually being classed as an Atlantic
Island. In 2011 Barbados ranked second in the
Americas (16th globally) on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, behind
Canada. (Excerpt from Wikipedia.org)
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AUGUST 10, 2013
Downtown Hartford (after the parade)
Supports the
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford is: To enable all young
people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as
productive, caring and responsible citizens.
For more information on our programs and services, please contact
860.929.7669 or visit us at www.bgchartford.org