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West Indian
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53
rd
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53
ANNIVERSARY
ARY
rd
Fear of Being
Successful pg. 7
Excuses for Not
Investing pg. 22
ANNIVERSARY
Mangoes are
More Than Just
Fruits pg. 44
| 2015
Edition
wiichartford.org
| 2015
wiichartford.org | 2015
wi
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We’ll treat you like family
A Message From the President
Greetings Friends!
The West Indian Independence Celebrations, Inc. is a non- profit
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 and the Department
of Economic Development for the City of Hartford.
This year our organization celebrates 53 consecutive years of a parade that
recognizes the Independence and Emancipation of numerous Caribbean
islands. Coincidentally, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago also celebrate 53
years of independence. 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, our advertisers, the drill teams, dance groups,
masqueraders and all other participants in the parade, the vendors, Dwight Freeney and family, Hot 93.7FM,
the West Indian Foundation, Community Health Services, TravelWire, various radio personalities and the
internet radio stations for their participation.
Again, I thank you for your continued participation and support of the West Indian Independence Celebrations.
After a successful staging of last year’s Celebrations, the program has drastically evolved despite the numerous
struggles faced throughout the years. We are looking forward to hosting an even more spectacular lineup this
year and the community looks forward to what has come to be one the largest and most anticipated outdoor
events in the Greater Hartford region. We are unable to do all we have done and will continue to do without
the support of our community. Please continue to support all of our
fundraising activities as we look forward to next year when
we will be celebrating 54 years.
For more information on the West Indian
Independence Celebrations and future
community programs, please visit our
website at www.wiichartford.org or visit
us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
wiic.hartford.
Sincerely,
Patricia Miles
President


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4
It is with great pleasure that I commemorate the West Indian
Independence and Emancipation Celebration in the Greater Hartford
Area on their 53rd Anniversary.
This Celebration is a staple in the community as it serves to celebrate the
diversity which Hartford has to offer.
Your Contribution to the City of Hartford and the West Indian
Community is Invaluable.
Pedro E. Segarra
Mayor
The Fear of Being Successful
BY: DR. SWEETS WILSON, LADC, CCDVC
Fear of failure does appear to be connected to the fear of success. Research has
shown that both conditions share many of the same symptoms. Both are marked
by anxiety symptoms in certain situations, such as taking a test or a job interview.
Both conditions can be crippling, leading the sufferer to take a few risks and
make only safe, conservative choices.
Fear of success appears to be related to the level of control that the sufferer feels
in his or her life. Those who feel that the external forces are in control tend to be
at a higher risk for fear of success than those who feel that they are somewhat in
control.
Some people seem to fear both success and failure concurrently. This can be a
very difficult situation to be in, as every choice that the person makes must be
weighed against these fears. It is entirely possible for someone in this situation to
become paralyzed with indecision, unable to make any choices at all.
Have you become accustomed to life as it is for you now? Of course you have, even if what you have become accustomed to is not quite what you would prefer. We have all heard the expression “comfort zone,” and most of us have been
in a discussion or two about the role of the comfort zone in holding people back. Although, some people miss the real
power of this notion by wrongly assuming that the comfort zone refers to something about being comfortable.
You may realize that you are typically most comfortable in surroundings that are most familiar. If you do not particularly
like some other aspects of your life, you may also find that you have become comfortable with it if for no reason other
than the fact that it is familiar. Breaking out from the familiar, may not be very comfortable and it may conjure up some
fears or risks in your mind. The risks have more
to do with new successful behaviors than they do
with the fear of failure.
Here are some tips that may help you get over the
fear of being successful:
1) People are always scared of what they do not
know, so learn.
2) Take time to find your authenticity by taking
the time to reflect on your life and figure out your
purpose in this world
3) In the meantime, keep asking yourself what you
want out of life and why you want it
4) Live in balance by taking each step feeling
grounded and balanced
5) Continually remind yourself that you are part
of something larger than you and it is important to
make time for yourself
6) Create a library of inspirational quotes to use
whenever you have self-doubts
What have you told yourself about taking the
risks necessary to create what you want? What
have you found useful in overcoming obstacles, in
creating your own version of success in life? Be
positive by practicing daily mindfulness and you
will notice how your negative attitude will start
melting away.
7
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Sun. - Divine Worship 11:00 A. M.
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PHONE: 860.242.9463
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11
Jamaican Maroons:
the African Resistance
BY: STAN WALKER
Wherever slavery existed, Africans resisted. However, the enslaved Africans did not take their status as slaves to be normal. They seized every opportunity to run away from the plantation owners who had relegated them
to the status of animals. The most glaring example of their defiance was
that those Africans did not only run away, but fled to inaccessible areas in
the mountains, jungles and swamps of the Americas.
These Africans were nicknamed “Cimarron” by the Spanish and “Maroons” by the British. They were also called “Wild Negroes” and “Koromantees.” The name Cimarron was used by the Spanish to describe its
stray or runaway cattle. The British also nicknamed the runaway Africans
as “Wild Negroes” and “wild, unruly and untamed.”
Maroon communities sprung up in remote parts of the Western Hemisphere wherever they were slaveholding areas. These communities proliferated in the vast rain forests of Guiana, Suriname, the mountainous areas
in Jamaica and Haiti as well as in Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, Panama and
Ecuador to name a few countries. Maroon communities also sprang up in
North America, particularly the United States. It is said that more than 50
Maroon settlements came into the US between 1672 and 1804.
The Maroons of Jamaica are some of the most famous. Although most of the communities have been integrated into the
mainstream African communities of the new world, four communities still exist in Jamaica which operate separately from
the wider Jamaican community. These Maroon communities are Moore Town, Scott’s Hall, Accompong, and Charles
Town.
The Maroons developed communities in which they did not only preserve their cultures through oral historians, storytellers, songs, dances and food, but selected their own leaders and waged war against their colonial masters who were trying
to break up their communities and re-enslave them. They
fought fiercely to preserve their freedom by using knowledge
of the terrain and of herbal medicines as well as memories of
African order in battles to win victories against overwhelming
odds.
In 1739, more than 40 years before the United States won
its war of independence from Great Britain, the Maroons of
Jamaica were able to force Britain to sign a peace treaty with
them, guaranteeing their freedom to live in their lands free
from enslavement and run their own communities.
The Jamaican Maroon war against the mighty British lasted
for 83 years. It began after 1655 when England invaded
Jamaica and captured it from the Spanish. The servants of the
Spanish fled to the hills and set up their communities while
the Spanish colonizers tried to retake Jamaica from the British. The Spanish, who had not fled to Hispaniola and Cuba,
fled to the hills of Jamaica and became dependent on their
former servants for survival.
When England realized that the Spaniards were dependent on
the Africans for survival they promised the Africans freedom
(“Maroons” cont’d on pg. 27 )
12
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JAMAICAN BOBSLEDDER GOING FOR OLYMPIC GOLD
BY STAN WALKER
A young and enterprising member of the Jamaican bobsled team, Joel
Alexander, is on a mission to take his career to a big stage. In 2007, Alexander, a very successful athlete, responded to the encouragement of a
friend to try out for the bobsled team. He made the team and fell in love
with the sport. Starting out as a breakman, he began to compete and was
so impressive that he was later promoted to the coveted driver position.
Jamaica became the first team to represent a tropical nation in a winter
sport, when the country’s bobsled team made its debut into the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Not only were they the
novelty of having a tropical country compete in a cold-weather sport, but
they did not have their own sled nor the amount of practice under their
belt as the other teams did. They did not perform too well as they had an
unfortunate crash during one of their four runs. However, they quickly
became the fan favorites largely because of their ability to gain the support and admiration of fans around the world.
The movie Cool Runnings catapulted the Jamaican Bobsled Team to
fame. They are examples of athletes who overcome almost impossible
odds to be part of the elite. These guys never give up and are examples of giving their best and pushing through the odds,
one observer said. Since the 1988 Olympics the team has returned to the Winter Olympics in 1992, 1994, 2006 and 2014
and is becoming much more of a force to be reckoned with, particularly since Alexander became the captain and pilot for
the team. Alexander is now the most senior member of the team having made the team in 2007.
Alexander, who is residing in Windsor, Connecticut during the off-season, said that his goal at the moment is to work
very hard and seriously to help the team not only to just qualify, but this time to come away with a gold medal. “My main
weapons are my speed and my strength,” he said, “and I’m working on improving both for the upcoming bobsled season.”
His daily regimen includes four hours of intense training in addition to sticking to a strict meal plan to ensure that he is at
optimal body weight.
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A certified personal fitness trainer
committed to helping others attain their health and fitness goals,
Alexander does personal training
at Iron For Zion Fitness Center
in Bloomfield. He is working to
raise awareness about the team
by speaking to schools and youth
groups. So far he has been a featured speaker at Metropolitan
Learning Center, the West Indian
Social Club and is schedule to
speak and conduct conditioning
classes at the Kingswood Oxford
School in West Hartford. Says
Alexander, “I use my personal
story to inspire kids regardless of
their goals in life.”
Alexander will spend the month
of August training in Jamaica
with the team. In the fall, the season begins again and off they go
to Lake Placid where they begin
training on the bobsled track at
(“Bobsled” cont’d. on pg. 19)
15
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HAVE PARADE ORGANIZERS FORGOTTEN
ABOUT WHAT CELEBRATION IS ALL ABOUT?
Since the diversion of the West Indian Independence parade to its conclusion in Bushnell Park, the majority of the people I have spoken to said that
it was very good as far as the turn out and the concert that ends the celebration are concerned.
However, some others have expressed disappointment over the present
makeup of the spectacle. The parade seems to have lost its purpose, they
say. The new generation of leaders responsible for the staging of the parade
either does not understand or have somehow forgotten what the celebration
is all about.
Missing from the parade is the variety of floats that used to try to capture various aspects of their country’s culture, beauty, industry, sports and
history. The floats during the initial parade depicted images of national
heroes, the agricultural industry and the cultural lifestyles of the islands.
Even the churches used to have floats in the parade. All the pieces unfolded
received great admiration from onlookers.
At the reviewing stand there were commentators who would describe the
floats, and inform and remind the spectators of some of the national and outstanding historical events of their country.
“What I have seen of late is good as far as the turnout and the concert are concerned, but some of the actions that take place
among the dancers in the parade can come out,” a gentleman who claims to be a regular attendee of the parade said, referring to a group of dancers which he said he saw at last year’s parade, that were gyrating on each other carnival-style. “We
are celebrating independence, not vulgarity,” he said.
“They need to understand that the celebration is not about coming out dressed in skimpy costumes and just waving flags,
dancing and jumping up and down. We are celebrating political independence from Great Britain and should be able to
show some semblance of pride for our freedom and accomplishments. It seems that they are set out just for a day of merry
making,” he said.
“The majority of us now attending the celebrations was born after 1962 and do not have a full appreciation of what the
achievement of independence from Great Britain
meant. The people who
were adults and active in
the struggle in most cases
have either passed on or
have now taken a back
seat. We must find a way
to capture their story. Our
opportunity and their capacity to record the history that led us to the freedom to govern ourselves
are disappearing. “Each of
us has a responsibility to
learn and record that history and to pass it on to the
younger generation and
the parade can be of great
help,” he added.
The independence committee which was established in 1962 to com(“Parade” cont’d. on pg. 43)
17
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(“Bobsled” cont’d. from pg. 15)
the Olympic Training Center. They will also be competing in
races around the world to earn points towards their Olympic
qualification. This past season they competed in Lake Placid,
Park City, Utah and Calgary and Vancouver, Canada. This
winter the team will compete in several international races,
including the Americas Cup and the European Cup. The team
is currently ranked as one of the top team in the world and Alexander is hoping to improve their good standing even further
this season.
Because of the expenses associated with the cost of a new
bobsled, equipment, traveling, lodging, and competition fees,
the team is hoping to gain new sponsors. This could be a great
investment for the right company. Anyone who is aware of
how well Jamaicans compete in other events throughout the
world will not be too surprised if they were to pull this off and
capture a gold medal in the 2018 Olympics. Wishing them all
the best.
“Alexander..., said that his goal at the moment is to
work very hard and seriously to help the team... to come
away with a gold medal. “My main weapons are my
speed and my strength,” he said, “and I’m working on
improving both for the upcoming bobsled season.””
Congratulations from Nicky,
Crystal and Marley Jones on
your 53rd anniversary.
19
`
`
`
The West Indian Foundation, Inc
“Educating Tomorrow for a Better Future”
32 Wintonbury Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002
P.O. BOX 320394, Hartford, CT06132-0394
Telephone (860) 243-8812
The West Indian Foundation, Inc
“Educating Tomorrow for a Better Future”
The
West
Indian
32
Wintonbury
Avenue, Foundation,
Bloomfield, CT 06002 Inc
www.westindianfoundation.org
P.O. BOX Tomorrow
320394, Hartford,
“Educating
for aCT06132-0394
Better Future”
Telephone
(860)
243-8812 CT 06002
32 Wintonbury
Avenue,
Bloomfield,
Congratulates
The West Indian
Congratulates
Independence
Celebrations
Congratulates
The
West
On itsIndian
The West Indian
Independence
Celebrations
Fifty Third Anniversary!
Independence
On itsCelebrations
On Anniversary!
its
Fifty
Third
SAVE THE DATE:
Fifty Third
Anniversary!
October 24th
www.westindianfoundation.org
P.O. BOX
320394, Hartford, CT06132-0394
Telephone (860) 243-8812
www.westindianfoundation.org
Board of Directors
•Raymond H. Davis, President • Joy Chance, Executive Director • Desmond Collins, V.P., Finance • Doreen Crawford, PhD, V. P., Programs •
•Junior Wellington, Treasurer • Dr. Marvin H. Douglas, PhD, Dir., Public Relations • Hugh B. Freeney, Dir., Fundraising • Theresa Rose, Secretary•
• Seanna Bowen-Wishart, Asst. Secretary • Jennifer Mighty, Asst. Treasurer • Patricia Miles • Claudia Jones • Curtis Clarke
Scholarship Gala at the Marriott Hotel
Windsor, CT
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Leslie Perry• Frank A. Jacobs • Denise Welch • Sydney T. Schulman • Fulco McMahon, Inc
Board of Directors
•Raymond H. Davis, President • Joy Chance, Executive Director • Desmond Collins, V.P., Finance • Doreen Crawford, PhD, V. P., Programs •
•Junior Wellington, Treasurer • Dr. Marvin H. Douglas, PhD, Dir., Public Relations • Hugh B. Freeney, Dir., Fundraising • Theresa Rose, Secretary•
Board
of Directors
• Seanna Bowen-Wishart, Asst. Secretary • Jennifer
Mighty,
Asst. Treasurer • Patricia Miles • Claudia Jones • Curtis Clarke
•Raymond H. Davis, President • Joy Chance, Executive Director • Desmond Collins, V.P., Finance • Doreen Crawford, PhD, V. P., Programs •
•Junior Wellington, Treasurer • Dr. Marvin H. Douglas, PhD, Dir., Public
Relations • Hugh B. Freeney, Dir., Fundraising • Theresa Rose, Secretary•
Ex-Oficio
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• Jennifer
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Claudia Jones
Frank
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Welch
• Sydney
T. Schulman
Fulco •McMahon,
Inc • Curtis Clarke
Leslie Perry•
Ex-Oficio
Leslie Perry• Frank A. Jacobs • Denise Welch • Sydney T. Schulman • Fulco McMahon, Inc
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21
FINANCIAL FOCUS:
WHAT ARE YOUR EXCUSES FOR NOT INVESTING?
BY EDWARD JONES FOR USE BY YOUR LOCAL EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
We all make excuses. Most of the time, they’re pretty harmless. But
you could be hurting yourself if you make excuses for not taking action
in some areas — and one of those areas is investing.
Not investing, or not investing enough, can have serious consequences.
In fact, a lot of people are poorly prepared financially for retirement.
Consider these figures from the Federal Reserve: The median retirement
account value for individuals between 35 and 44 is just $42,700; for
people 55 to 64, the corresponding figure is $103,000. These figures are
frighteningly low, especially when retirement can easily last two or three
decades.
In short, you need to invest. So, what’s stopping you? Here are some common excuses:
“I’ll do it later.” The longer you wait before you start investing, the less time you have to accumulate money, and the less
likely it may be that you’ll achieve your goals, such as a comfortable retirement lifestyle. If you haven’t begun investing,
do it today.
1041 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002 | (860) 242-0744
STS
STYLI son
Wil
Gloria
unkley
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“I don’t have enough money to invest.” The cost of living is unquestionably high, and you may feel that you
have just enough money to pay your bills before your
next paycheck. But if you look for ways to economize,
you may well be able to free up even a little money to
invest each month. And then, when your salary goes up,
you can increase the amount you invest.
“I’ll have Social Security.” Social Security benefits generally account for only about 40% of an individual’s
pre-retirement income, according to the Social Security
Administration. Unless you want to scale back your lifestyle greatly during your retirement years, you’ll need to
supplement Social Security with your employer-backed
retirement account, such as a 401(k), plus your own investments, such as those that go inside an IRA.
“Can I really invest enough money for my retirement?”
Consider this: Going back to 1990, if you had invested
(“Excuses” cont’d on pg. 26)
22
FINANCIAL FOCUS:
KNOW THE IMPACT OF RETIREMENT
GOALS ON YOUR FINANCES
BY EDWARD JONES FOR USE BY YOUR LOCAL EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
The concept of “retirement” has changed dramatically in recent de-
cades. Today’s retirees are traveling, volunteering, pursuing their hobbies — and even working for money. In fact, as a retiree, you can
essentially do anything you want, as long as your health and finances
permit it. Through exercise, proper diet and avoidance of bad habits,
you can do a lot to stay physically healthy. And by clearly identifying your retirement goals and estimating their financial impact, you’ll
know how to stay “financially healthy” throughout your retirement
years.
So, what are your retirement goals? Here are some of the more common ones:
Travel. Many people can’t wait to see the world once they retire. If you’re one of these eager travelers, you’ve got more choices
than ever. Programs such as Road Scholar (formerly known as Elderhostel) provide educational travel programs to virtually
(“Impact” cont’d on pg. 46)
CEA-7501-A-A3
Edward Jones is ready to
West Indian
Independence Celebration
Barbara J Randolph, AAMS®
Financial Advisor
.
18 North Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107
860-521-7390
www.edwardjones.com
24
Member SIPC
FIGHTING FOR THE NORTH END
FIGHTING FOR THE NORTH END
• $100 MILLION FOR A NEW WEAVER HIGH SCHOOL
• $68 MILLION FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING SCHOOL
• $3 MILLION FOR THE NORTH END SENIOR
MILLION FOR A NEW WEAVER HIGH SCHOOL
• $100
CENTER
MILLION
FOR
MARTIN
LUTHER
KING
SCHOOL
• $68
MILLION
FOR
THIRMAN
MILNER
SCHOOL
• $47.5
$1.8 MILLION
COVENTRY
STREET
POLICE
FORFOR
THE
NORTH END
SENIOR
• $3• MILLION
STATION
CENTER
THE
PROMISE
ZONE
AS PART
OF
• CREATED
MILLION
FOR
THIRMAN
MILNER
SCHOOL
• $47.5
OBAMA’S
URBAN STREET
RENEWALPOLICE
PLAN
MILLION FOR
COVENTRY
• $1.8PRESIDENT
FIGHTING FOR THE NORTH END
AbyNEW
WEAVER
HIGH
SCHOOL
• $100 MILLION FOR
Paid for
Segarra for
Mayor, Shaun Sheridan,
Treasurer.
Approved by Pedro Segarra.
STATION
• $68 MILLION FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING SCHOOL
THE THE
PROMISE
ZONE
PART OF
• CREATED
MILLION FOR
NORTH
ENDAS
SENIOR
• $3
PRESIDENT OBAMA’S URBAN RENEWAL PLAN
CENTER
Paid for by Segarra for Mayor, Shaun Sheridan, Treasurer. Approved by Pedro Segarra.
• $47.5 MILLION FOR THIRMAN MILNER SCHOOL
• $1.8 MILLION FOR COVENTRY STREET POLICE
STATION
• CREATED THE PROMISE ZONE AS PART OF
PRESIDENT OBAMA’S URBAN RENEWAL PLAN
Paid for by Segarra for Mayor, Shaun Sheridan, Treasurer. Approved by Pedro Segarra.
(“Excuses” cont’d from pg. 22)
$10,000 in the stocks that make up the S&P 500, and simply held on to these stocks, you would have amassed more
than $76,000 after taxes by the end of 2013. Of course, past
performance of the market is not a guarantee of how it will
perform in the future, and the S&P 500 is an unmanaged
index and is not meant to depict an actual investment — but
this illustration still shows that patient, diligent, long-term
investing can produce positive results.
“I don’t know where to begin.” If you work for a company
that provides a retirement plan such as a 401(k) or something similar, you’ve already got a great place to begin. You
only need to sign up for the plan and start deferring a part
of your salary, and you’re an investor. It’s also quite easy to
open an IRA, another popular retirement savings account.
In any case, if you have doubts about how to get started
investing, you will find it valuable to meet with a qualified
investment professional.
Don’t let excuses get in the way of developing good investment habits. With time, determination and effort, you can
overcome many of the obstacles you thought prevented you
from becoming a full-fledged investor.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your
local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Wayne Hypolite
&
The Hypolite Family From hu
Caribbea
necessit
was well
earliest a
head, an
trip from
parade d
bond. H
United S
Congratulations to the
West Indian Independence
Celebrations
onbyTheir
53rd homes
Attracted
the affordable
Anniversary
26
be enthralled with the beauty and
Caribbean presence. The beauty o
(“Maroons” cont’d from pg. 12)
if they stopped aiding the Spanish. The Spanish resistance collapsed when the Africans withdrew their
assistance.
Oral history stated that the Spaniards fled the island
and left their arms and munitions with the Africans.
The Africans thought the island rightfully belonged
to them, so they and England were soon at war as
the English brought more enslaved Africans to the
island. These new Africans became emboldened to
join the free ones in the hills and mountains.
Today, the history of the Maroons is not known
by most people. Few are aware of their existence
or their outstanding successes in battle and their
contributions as builders, musicians, visual artists,
mariners, linguists, scouts, miners, farmers, herbal
medicine men and diplomats.
27
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE STOPPED OR ARRESTED
BY PATRICK G. LYLE, ESQ., MEMBER OF CONNECTICUT AND MASSACHUSETTS BAR
All persons, whether they are citizens or non-citizens of the United
States have certain constitutional rights which come into play when
you are stopped by the police, immigration officials, or federal or
state law enforcement. In the wake of the recent events in Ferguson,
Missouri, Baltimore, Maryland, and New York City, many of us are
left wondering what can we do when we believe that our civil rights
were violated during the course of either a stop or arrest.
First, law enforcement personnel can stop persons for a brief investigatory stop and questioning, which is commonly known as a “Terry
Stop.” During a “Terry Stop,” you can be asked to identify yourself,
produce identification to verify who you are. In addition, the officer
may ask you other general questions which are intended to produce
answers which will convince the officer that you are not engaged in
criminal activity, or are engaged in activity that creates reasonable suspicion that you may be involved in illegal activity.
In some instances, the officer may pat you down by placing his or her hands on parts of your persons in order to determine
whether you are in possession of any weapons such as a knife or a gun. Once the officer has determined, based on your responses, that you are not involved in illegal activity, and further determines that you are not in possession of any weapons,
the officer should terminate the “Terry stop” and you should be on your way. During the stop it is important to be truthful and
non-confrontational with the officer. Should you provide the officer with false information and/or become confrontational
it is highly likely that you may be charged with an offense for “interfering,” or providing false information. As a result, you
will most likely have to appear in court to answer to these charges, even if the original reason for the stop does not result in
the officer filing criminal charges against you.
What do you do then, if after being stopped the officer does not terminate the “Terry Stop” and asks if they can search your
vehicle, your person, your luggage, your house, or your boat? You have the right to deny the officer’s request or you may
consent to the officer’s request. The mere denial of a request to search your person should not result in your arrest. Should
you agree to the request, and during the search the officer finds contraband, you will likely be charged with possession of
the contraband. In some instances, the officer may indicate that they intend to file for a warrant to search, and suggest to
you that it may be more convenient for you to assent to the search. The mere fact that the officer intends to file for a search
warrant is not sufficient grounds for you to consent to a search. However, it is important to note that the officer will likely
stand guard over the property he/she intends to search until a search warrant is obtained.
Can I refuse to answer the officer’s questions? You may choose to refuse to answer an officer’s questions, but to do so, it
is important to state clearly to the officer that you are choosing or invoking your constitutional right to remain silent. The
officer may attempt to continue to question you, and in response to each question simply repeat the refrain that you are
choosing to remain silent.
What are my rights upon an arrest? There are times when an individual is taken into custody, but not actually arrested. For
example, if an officer arrives at a scene of an accident and determines that you are injured or are exposed to an unreasonable
risk of injury, the officer may take you into custody for your own safety. In addition, an officer may continue an investigatory detention by placing you in the backseat of the police cruiser. At times, an officer may take you from the place that they
located you to the scene of an accident or crime to determine if persons at the scene of the accident or crime recognize you
as an involved party. During these times, you are NOT under arrest, and as a result, the officer will not advise you that you
have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. During this extended investigatory detention, you may continue
to assert your right to remain silent. Should you wish to speak with the officer, be advised that anything you say or do during
the investigatory detention can and will be used against you. At appropriate intervals in any “Terry Stop” or “Investigative
Detention” you may ask the officer if you are free to go. Should the officer refuse to answer whether you are free to go, you
may then ask the officer if you are under arrest. If you receive no response from the officer, you are free to go.
How will I know when I am under arrest? An arrest occurs when you are not free to go, regardless of whether the officer has
advised you of your rights or placed handcuffs on you. An arrest occurs when you are placed in confinement and you are
(“Arrest” cont’d. on pg. 29)
28
(“Arrest” cont’d. from pg. 28)
unable to leave. Confinement means a locked room, or a room under which your movements are limited and restricted by the
officers. The placing of handcuffs on your person is a definite sign that you are under arrest, but not the only sign that an arrest
has taken place. Should an officer tell you that you are being asked to come back to the police station, you may refuse. Should
the officer take steps to force you to go to the police station, you are under arrest.
If you are arrested, what are your rights? If you are arrested, you have the right to know what charges have been brought
against you. In addition, you have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. You are also entitled to reasonable bail.
More importantly, you have the right to communicate with someone of your choosing regarding your arrest. Bear in mind that
conversations which occur in the presence of a police officer, or in a police station, immigration detention room or government
agency are not private conversations.
So should you be stopped or arrested, here are Ten Things to remember:
1) Stay calm and be polite.
2) Don’t interfere or obstruct the officer during their investigation or questioning.
3) Provide truthful information.
4) Assert your right to remain silent.
5) Assert your right to refuse to voluntarily consent to a search.
6) Ask whether you are free to go.
7) If arrested, Assert your right to contact an attorney
8) Remember the details of the encounter (officer’s name and badge number, time of day, persons present, etc.).
9) Prepare your family by letting them know that you have been arrested.
10) Ask that reasonable bail be set.
In the event that you believe that your rights were violated during either a stop or arrest, it is important to document the
incident. The correct way to document the
incident is to take the name and badge
number of the involved officers, or make
note of their names and badge numbers,
and file a civilian complaint or contact the
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
or an attorney. By filing complaints, civilian review boards are able to compile
records on officers, who repeatedly and
systematically violate civilians’ rights, so
that the officer can be identified for additional training and/or disciplinary action,
including termination.
Interactions between law enforcement
and civilians are intended to be brief and
problem-free. By following a few simple
tips, we can all ensure that any involvement with the police continue to be brief
and problem free.
Patrick G. Lyle, Esq.
Member of CT and MA Bar
www.lylelegal.com
29
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31
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 53rd 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.
32
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 3 rd YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE
OF THE
NATIONS OF THE CARIBBEAN
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36
JAMBOREE by Gary Rhule
Parading through the sky.
No invitation came to me,
I crashed it just to see.
What revelers do for fun these days,
Millennial jamboree.
The single mother chaperone,
Refusing to let go,
Her beautiful young daughter,
Laughing as she goes.
“Hush up now,” she says to her,
“and please remember me,
Have a clue, just hear me out, before it’s all too late.”
“I must admit you are quite smart,
and know a thing or two.”
“But when it comes to these here things,
Listen up—you really don’t know Jack.”
They all arrived decked out,
Stepped out of cars you see.
No walkers here, no slow-pokes there,
Quickness was the fee.
Ten boys arrived a-waddling,
Pants slinging so very low.
Keys now jingling and jangling,
Preventing free form flow.
Some boys in grunge,
Fly girls in tights,
Prancing the night away.
A pierced tongue,
Both ears with studs,
And nose-rings diamonds bright.
Red weaved hair spiked up real high,
Wrapped tightly in a bun,
Adorn the crowns of many.
As two girls now stride by with confident smiles,
A natural look tiara,
CONGRATULATIONS
West Indian
Independence Celebrations
Gary Rhule, MD
Author, Sailing on Broken Pieces
Available online: Amazon, Barnes
and Noble, Booksamillion, and Walmart
www.garyrhule.com
860-424-2943
email: [email protected]
A concerned dad,
Hands out some belts,
To raise pants waist an inch.
“No need,” he says, “right now,
To show your bright red boxers.
Revealed back is never free,
It all comes at a price.”
A young lanky male is all bearded,
Rushing up to be a man.
Sulking now as his girlfriend says,
The same thing as his dad.
“I like you more clean-shaven,
You have a handsome face.
Don’t hide behind that mask of hair,
Seize now your rightful place!”
A Marley song,
A Jay-Z rap,
A blend of old and new.
Silver disco ball slings sparkling light,
Pandora’s app in tune.
An orange drink minus Alizé,
Displayed in crystal bowls.
Iced teas with flavored spices,
Like dominos stacked upright saluting.
To quench an endless longing,
The thirst that burns inside.
A birthday cake,
Writes out a name,
A shout-out to broadcast the fame.
Gold yellow frosting all around,
An age so proudly sitting,
Propped on a purple stand.
Slices served on plastic plates,
A milestone reached, enabled by life’s plan.
No toast, no speech, no cards were there,
Few birthday gifts to see.
It all arrived in QR codes,
And gift cards on a screen.
We did it too at parties,
38
(“Jamboree” cont’d. on pg. 39)
(“Jamboree” cont’d. from pg. 38)
High platform shoes in green.
Blue mid-riff blouse, bright tubes of pink,
White seersucker pants too tightly seamed.
To show the curves,
We just now got,
Right out of puberty.
Psychedelic shirts with matching pants,
Announce a dynamite look.
Muscles popping everywhere,
Through tightly wrapped long sleeves.
A second skin designed for you,
Plastered on in your fantasy.
A one-of-a-kind creation,
It’s just like you—unique.
Massive gemstones like paperweights,
Suspended on thick ropes of gold.
You can’t help but notice them,
Screaming out and loudly shouting,
“Hey there, look now: bling-bling!”
I laughed with them,
And hoped that they would be,
So much more than us,
Safe from all the fuss,
Joyfully striving to release.
When two arrived,
The time passed by,
No fights, no knives,
No guns, no mess,
Merely young adults living life.
The crowd dispersed,
Home to their lives,
Another day in eternity.
I’m glad I came,
To marvel in the new reality.
“Look at that,” I said to me,
“How far we’ve just come from,
The joy that comes to mix it up,
Untold diversity.”
My hope renewed,
To see how much they are just like us.
A chuckle fills my heart’s desire,
To know they’ll make it too.
I look back now,
And wonder how we ourselves even made it.
Good times, good friends,
Good guidance there,
A roadmap paves the way.








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
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

39
Congratulations on
Your 53rd
Anniversary
from the
Freeney Family
(Hugh, Joy, Dwight, Hugh Jr.)
53r d
Because It Is The Least We Can Do
The Circle of Hands Foundation( COHF)
Supporting Children Afflicted with HIV/AIDS
COHF Provides: Fostering, Mentoring, Funds, Clothing, School Supplies
Medical Supplies, etc.
To Donate or Join, please contact us at: PO BOX 4279, Hartford, CT 06106 or (860) 231-0011
COHF is a 501(c) tax exempt corporation Supporting children afflicted with HIV/AIDS in Jamaica.
42
(“Parade” cont’d. from pg. 17)
memorate and celebrate the independence of Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago by the West Indian Social Club and the
Caribbean American Society of Hartford began by focusing on community, unity and cultural awareness during the week.
Since then several other countries in the Caribbean have become independent nations: Republic of Guyana, May 6, 1966,
Barbados, November 30, 1966, Bahamas, July 10, 1973, Grenada, February 7, 1974, Dominica, November 3, 1978, St. Lucia, February 22, 1979, St. Vincent, October 27, 1979, Antigua and Barbuda, November 1, 1981, St. Christopher and Nevis,
September 19, 1983.
Because of this, the committee was expanded to include representatives from nine local West Indian organizations: West Indian Social Club, Barbados American Society of Hartford, Inc., Caribbean American Society of Hartford, Caribbean Ladies
Cultural Group, Guyanese American Cultural Association, Jamaica Progressive League of Hartford, Inc., St. Lucia American
Society of Hartford, Inc., Sportmen’s Athletic Club and Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Association. The nine organizations
have over the years banded together to plan the week of activities, marking the occasion of independence. They united to
celebrate the milestone.
The mission of the committee was to educate, celebrate and share the history, art and culture of all nations of the West Indies,
through cooperation and coordination. The committee worked to strengthen each organization’s efforts to involve and engage
the Greater Hartford community in experiencing the cultural diversity of the Caribbean. It also helped to promote annual
activities of member organizations and support activities to promote the Caribbean within the Greater Hartford community.
“We must remember that we are celebrating independence and find ways to show off how proud we are of our accomplishments,” the gentleman concluded.
“The West Indian Independence Celebrations is a committee organized and operated by 12 volunteers from the
community with funds acquired from small grants and various fundraising efforts. That being said, there is only
so much that can be accomplished in the face of limited manpower and resources. The Celebrations strives to take
into account all suggestions to help improve the Parade. The Celebrations is encouraging all who are willing to
work on behalf of the community to help with the effort.” ~ Organization Leaders
ENERGY RADIO AND JW PRODUCTION WANTS TO
CONGRATULATE THE WEST INDIAN COMMUNITY
ON THEIR 53rd INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION.
43
MANGOES ARE MORE THAN JUST FRUITS
BY STAN WALKER
During the summer, for us people from the Caribbean, fruits
are some of the foods that we look forward to enjoying. Topping the list are mangoes, one of the most delicious and nutritionally rich fruit.
Everybody loves a good mango. They do not care whether it
is an East Indian, St. Julian, Bombay, Black, Hairy or Stringy,
Number 11, Kidney, Hayden, Sweety Come Brush Me, Common, Beef or Long. Mangoes are juicy, sweet, creamy, colorful, alive, nutritious, filling, ready-to-eat and comforting.
While growing up in Jamaica, it was customary during the
mango season that some people didn’t bother to cook. They
just filled their stomachs with as many mangoes that they can
get their hands on. Some of them it was said literally washed
out their pots and turned it upside down.
There was also a funny story making the rounds of an eating contest that was arranged between two well-known characters in Kingston, Long Johnny and Father Forsyth, who had established themselves as very strong eaters. However, when
Johnny found out that Forsythe was practicing by eating off a handcart full of mangoes, he withdrew from the contest.
According to an article which I recently read, mangoes have great sources of vitamins, as well as health promoting flavonoids. It helps to alkalinize the body by helping to flush out toxic acids and rebuild the alkali reserves in the body.
From the article written by internationally trained and certified raw food teacher Bena Nakawuki which appeared in Jamaica’s Gleaner newspaper, I also learned that mangoes are packed with enzymes and contain compounds that stimulate and
feed the good bacteria in the intestines which greatly aids in digestion and assimilation. The fruit has also been found to be
a powerful anti-cancer food and is specifically known to
help prevent lung, breast, colon, prostate, and oral cancers.
Highly beneficial in the prevention of strokes, heart disease, arthritis, cognitive disorders, respiratory diseases
and kidney disease, mangoes are known to help lower
LDL (bad) cholesterol due to its significant fiber, pectin and vitamin C content. It is also wonderful for skin
health and can be used both internally and externally to
help clear clogged pores, eliminate pimples and add a
natural glow to the skin.
Mangoes are excellent for promoting good eyesight and
helping to prevent blindness and dry eyes. It contains a
significant amount of pyridoxine (B-6), which is vital
for the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
Pyridoxine is also essential in maintaining hormonal
balance and proper immune function as well as for helping the body break down sugars, fats and proteins.
Although the ones that we pick up in food stores over
here may not match the taste of what we are used to at
home, because they seem to have picked them before
they were matured, please bear in mind that it may be
doing something good for your health.
Who would have thought that a fruit that tastes so good
had so many wonderful nutritional benefits?
44
Law Office of
Trevor R. Parris, LLC
37 Jerome Avenue, Suite 5
Bloomfield, CT 06002
(860) 882-0203 TEL
(860) 263-8390 FAX
[email protected]
(“Impact” cont’d on pg. 24)
every area on the planet. And, of course, you are free to journey on your own. But however you decide to hit the road,
you’d better bring your wallet — because travel is expensive. One way of dealing with these costs is to place a certain
amount of money each year in a liquid account that offers significant protection of principal. Set aside enough money to
cover all your travels for a year, and when it’s exhausted, you’ll know it’s time to stay home for a while.
Rent or buy a second home. During retirement, many people like to spend a few months each year in a more pleasant
climate or in a location nearer their grown children. If you are considering a second home, you’ll need to decide whether
you want to rent or buy. You’ll find considerable differences from a financial point of view, so you’ll want to think carefully about your choice.
Pursue your hobbies. While you were working, you might have wished that you had more freedom to pursue your hobbies. Once you retire, though, you’ll probably have a lot more time to do what you like, whether that’s driving your
classic car, painting landscapes, golfing, fishing, building furniture — whatever. Be aware, however, that some people do
get over-exuberant and spend more money on their hobbies than they can really afford. So have fun with your pursuits,
but set a budget — and stick to it.
Get back to work. Upon your formal retirement, you may decide to do some consulting or open a small business. Any
wages you receive can greatly improve your retirement income picture. For example, the more money you earn, the less
you’ll have to take out each year from your 401(k), IRA and other retirement plans. (You will have to take at least minimum withdrawals from some of these accounts.) Plus, if you make enough money, you may be able to postpone Social
Security for a few years, thereby increasing your monthly payments when you eventually start taking them.
As you can see, your retirement goals will be closely tied to your finances. So think carefully about what you’d like to do
when you retire — and connect these objectives to the money you’ll spend and the money you may earn. By being aware
of both your dreams and your “bottom line,” you should be able to enjoy the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
46
“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
47
Serving the Financial Needs
of the West Indian Community
Savings
Loans
Checking Accounts
VISA Cards
ATM & Debit Cards
Pre-Paid Cards
Home Banking
Mobile App
4 Wethersfield Avenue Hartford, CT 06114
hhcu.org
860-547-0027
Congratulates The West Indian
Community On Their
53rd Independence Celebration
50
Donovan R. Longmore
Donovan Longmore is an avid entrepreneur who
has over 25 years in the entertainment, finance and
healthcare industries. A strong believer in promoting positive ideas and talents, he is the co-founder
of Earth Angel Productions, a gospel based company that promotes gospel talent searches for young
people throughout Connecticut and neighboring
states. His tireless efforts have earned him numerous
awards over the years.
Mr. Longmore was honored by the City of Hartford for
his leadership role on the Radio and in the communities which he serves around the state. On Saturday
Sept. 12, 2015, Mr. Longmore will once again be
recognized for his hard work as an Exceptional Community Service Leader at the Extraordinary People
Awards to be held in Dallas, Texas.
Mr. Longmore is also the hosts of a radio program
entitled “Reggae Voyage” on Saturdays at 8:30pm on
WESU 88.1FM; (listen live @ www.wesufm.org). The
purpose of the show is to educate, inspire, inform,
and entertain the community while spreading the
Love and Culture of the Caribbean through Music.
WELL
WISHER’S FOR
___________________
2015
1) VIP BEAUTY SUPPLY
7) MILLIE LINDSAY
2) BRIAN BORAWSKI
8) JEREMIAH BAILY
3) HERMA HAGGIN
9) HAILEY WRIGHT
Jeannete C. Wint
Congratulations and Best Wishes to
4) RODNEY MCBRIDE
5) REGINA MCCRAY
6) IVEE KELLY
10) TRIMONE VIRGO
Than
k
You!
the Islands of Jamaica
& Trinindad & Tabago
on Your 53 Years of Independence
‘ONE PEOPLE-ONE LOVE’
51
Emerald Paradise
By Donna Wilkinson Maxwell
For ever I will hold you dear, Emerald Paradise – Island so fair
From up high I see your mountains jutting up into the sky.
All green and lush as if painted by brush
Beautiful shades of green, azure sky and emerald sea.
I gaze at your beauty, my island fair
Oh how I long, I long to be there.
As the iron bird swoops down and its feet touch the ground
I feel the vibration of your beautiful sound
The rhythm of the island as it surrounds me
I feel giddy as the music enfolds me
The beat of the drums, the depth of the base
The rhythm so strong, I cannot erase.
As natural as the air I breathe my body starts to move to the rhythm under my feet.
It’s the beat of the island all through my bones
The connection I feel deep down in my soul.
This is a part of me, I cannot deny
A pride that goes deeper, one I cannot identify.
I know it is greater than me, a pride in my heritage: a long history of independence; of non-conformists
that produced our heroes, athletes, lawyers, doctors and names that will go down in infamy.
No matter where I go, all roads must lead home to the Emerald Paradise of my heart:
Sweet, sweet Jamaica.
52
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Special discount
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[email protected]
We offer everything
except tattoos
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West Indian Social Club’s
Celebration week
Happy 53rd Anniversary
to the
West Indian Communities
years
34
OF PARKING CARS
Supports
Supports
the the
Reflecting on our past, celebrating our present and focusing on our future.
B
ishop Dr. Jonathan Ramsey, Jr., Leading Lady LaVerne Ramsey
and the Rehoboth church family congratulates the Greater
Hartford West Indian Independence Celebration, Inc.
organization on celebrating 53 consecutive years of
celebrations that recognizes the independence and
emancipation of numerous Caribbean islands. We trust that
God will continue to bless your endeavors and favor you as
you make an effort to preserve the rich heritage and culture of
the islands. Blessings!
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
Saturday,
October 31, 2015
6:00 p.m.
1170 Blue Hills Ave., Bloomfield CT – Administrative Office: 860-242-8335 – Website: www.rehobothcog.org
A Place to Belong, A Place to Grow, A Place to Serve