I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

A Successful 2011 2

This Month’s Best Photo

3

Henry Finds Missing Toddler

3

St. Lucia’s Laureates 4

Immigration 5

Jovonne Ledet 8 Independence Day 10

50 Years of

Independence 11

Panama 12

Barbados 14

Haiti 16

CAHFT 18

Dominican Republic Opens School

24

Scholarship Award 26

Looking Back 28

Houston’s Best 30

Did You Know? 33

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 9

B O A R D O F

D I R E C T O R S

Peter L. René, Chairman

Lucia Bates, President

Yudith Soto, Secretary

Ana Valenzuela, Treasurer

Janelle Escayg, Director

Dennis Warner Director Amanda Warner Education Outreach

Ricardo Marshall, Director

Dr. Louis Browne Honorary Consul of Barbados, Special Advisor to the Board

2011 HERO Gala & Silent Auction

Rotary District Governor Sunny Sharma, HERO Executive Director Roselene Alexis, U. S. Congressmen Al Green, Chief of Staff for Houston Councilmember C.O. “Brad” Bradford Laurence J. “Larry” Payne

In a closely watched

race between two former Houston City Counci l m e m b e r s , J a m a i c a n - b o rn attorney Carroll G. Robinson beat Jew Don Boney, the associate director of the Mickey Leland Center on World

Hunger at Peace at Texas Southern University, for the

District IV seat being vacated by M i c h a e l Williams. Robinson, who teaches at Texas S o u t h e r n University and serves as board chairman of the H o u s t o n C i t i z e n s Chamber of

Jamaican-Born Robinson wins HCC Seat

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Henry Finds Missing Toddler in Houston

Full Story on Page 3

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I must admit that as the Board of Directors of The Caribbean American Heritage Foundation of Texas (CAHFT) held weekly meetings in the fall of 2010 and into January 2011 crafting our goals and objectives of, none of us at the time thought we would hit these goals and objectives in 10 months. We officially launched CAHFT on February 8, 2011- and has not looked back since. With CAHFT President

Lucia Bates, the conscious of the foundation, providing a steady hand and calm demeanor, with the hard work and dedication of the Board, we quietly went about the business of working with our Caribbean Community and high-lighting to contributions made to our society by the members of our community. It was no easy undertaking, as we faced a stag-gering workload. We had ups and we had downs; we had de-

Media/CAHFT TV – The chief means of achieving their goals and objectives in promoting the Caribbean Community is through our online television program, The Carib Scene Show on our CAHFT TV Network

Economic – CAHFT formed strategic partnerships with various Caribbean businesses, various Chambers of Commerce.

Medical/Hospitality – CAHFT conducted a health care informational seminars to the Caribbean and com-munity as a whole with our 1st Annual CAHFT Community Health Fair with medical professionals speaking on such topics as Diabetes Awareness, Teen Pregnancy, Stress Related Issues, Breast Cancer Awareness and Prostate Cancer Awareness. The event was held at Calvary Worship Center in Baytown, Texas

Educational – CAHFT provided scholarships and awarded our final scholarship of the year to Danai Gardi-ner, a student of Caribbean descent attending Lamar University in Beaumont. CAHFT also partnered with various organizations and received a donation of over 20 pallets of books for our annual book drive; these books will be sent to schools in the Caribbean, especially St. Lucia, whose schools were devastated by Hurri-cane Tomas a little more than a year ago

Communication/Information – Finally CAHFT’s goal was a monthly newsletter to keep our Caribbean and the community as a whole aware of monthly achievements, upcoming and current events. Our newslet-ter started in February 2011 with 6 pages PDF document and has grown to and an over 30-page online digital publication.

wards our goals and objectives for 2012, which includes continuing our collaboration with our community, our outreach to your students on campus and our chief means of high-lighting the contributions make by our Caribbean Community through

our Carib Scene Show on CAHFT TV, I pause to highlight the goals and objectives we accomplished in our “rookie” year, 2011. Our key accomplishments include:

tractors and we had our cheerlead-ers but through the difficulties, we pressed on and held true to our mission and each other. And now, 11 months later, CAHFT is strong, our sprits revived and our mission remains true. So as we look to-

Chairman’s Corner A Successful 2011

Peter L. René, Chairman

Another core goals and objectives was to recognize and celebrate National Caribbean American Heritage Month, June of each year. The organization successfully petitioned Houston Mayor Annise Parker to proclaim June 2011 as Caribbean Heritage Month in the city of Houston. The proclamation was celebrated and presented to CAHFT on the steps of City Hall during our official launch of National Caribbean American Heritage Month; the proclamation was presented to us by Councilmember Jolanda “Jo” Jones, chairperson of the International Committee and Councilmember C.O. “Brad” Bradford. —Peter

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This Month’s Best Photo

Terron Henry speaks to the media after he found a child who went missing when a Jeep Cherokee was stolen Thursday night. Henry owns the restaurant Cool Runnings and found Evan Montgomery Miller still strapped in his car seat. (Photo by Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle)

Friday, he happened to notice the Jeep in the narrow lane. He also found it strange. But when Terron Henry came out back to the alley for a cigarette around 8 a.m. Friday, he happened to notice the Jeep in the narrow lane. He also found it strange. He walked about 50 feet down the alley to the vehicle, which was frosted over -most likely due to near freezing weather overnight. His instincts were to look in-side. Peering into the back passenger window, Henry saw the small boy strapped into a car seat, motionless, his eyes closed. "I thought to myself, 'Oh God, let this child be alive,' " Henry said.

Running back to the restaurant, Henry called 911 and asked a dispatcher if he could take the toddler out of the car. As Henry worked to take Evan out of the seat, the boy stirred and opened his eyes. Henry felt relief. "Then I just grabbed him to get him warm," he said. Henry wrapped Evan in a green jacket and held him until police arrived. He said the boy never screamed or cried, but tears streamed down his tiny cheeks, indicating he was frightened. "That's when I knew I couldn't put him down," said Henry, who thought of his own 14-month-old daughter.

H ow long 18-month-old Evan Montgomery Miller sat in the backseat of the Jeep Chero-kee, cold and alone, in close

to 30-degree temperature, is unclear. Police estimate it could have anytime after the vehicle was stolen Thursday evening and the toddler found Friday morning - up to about a 14-hour stretch. Hidden by large trees in an alley behind a southwest Houston strip center, the Jeep was not even visible to up to 40 patrol units looking for it and the boy, police said. But when Terron Henry came out back to the alley for a cigarette around 8 a.m.

Missing toddler found safe in stolen SUV

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With Much Thanks and Appreciation

T here were loads of ex-citing revelations to be made at the press launch of Nobel Laure-

ate week held on Tuesday, Janu-ary 17 at Government House in St. Lucia. An extensive list of activities was planned for Nobel Laureate Week 2012, which was celebrated this year under the theme “Celebrating Excellence: Appreciating Our Past; Charting Our Future.” Governor General and chair of the Nobel Laureate Committee Dame Pearlette Louisy welcomed all to the launch noting the island

had been celebrating the achieve-ments of its two eminent sons Sir Arthur Lewis and Derek Walcott for the past 19 years. It was the hope of the island’s gov-ernor general to ensure the cele-bration and remembrance of their a c h i e v e m e n t s w a s lasting. “Every year we try to find innova-tive and creative ways to bring the celebration to the attention of the populace, not just locally but further afield,” the governor general said. “We have used the theme celebrating excellence as the key element in the week of

activities, but every year we change the sub theme and after much deliberation we choose ‘Celebrating Excellence, Appreci-ating Our Past, Charting Our Future.’ Sir William Arthur Lewis (January 23, 1915 — June 15, 1991) was a economist well known for his contributions in the field of economic develop-ment. In 1979 he won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics, becoming the first black person to win a Nobel Prize in a category other than peace.

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highlight our contributions to

our society. With hard work

and perseverance and above all with YOUR help and sup-port, we were able to accom-plish are stated goals and objectives for 2011. On behalf of the Board of Directors of CAHFT we thank you for your support and look forward to working with you in 2012 Follow us on Twitter @CAHFT.

2011 was an incredible year for The Caribbean American Heritage Foun-dation of Texas (CAHFT). We successfully launched the Foundation in February 2011 and the outpouring of sup-port was great. We set forth to simply promote the Carib-bean Community here in Houston and Texas, and to

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Clinton Recognizes Haiti’s Independence Day

O n behalf of Presi-dent Obama and the people of the

United States, I am delighted to congratulate the

people of Haiti as you celebrate the 208th anniversary of your

independence this January 1. The story of Haitian independ-ence is one of courage and resili-

ence. The victory by L’Ouver-ture and others was an achieve-

ment by all Haitians, and it be-came a source of inspiration and pride in the Americas and

around the world. Today, as you continue to rebuild from the

earthquake of January 12, 2010 and give more Haitians the op-

portunity to realize their poten-tial, we are reminded of this proud history of strength and

unity. Time and again the people of Haiti have stood up against

difficult odds to build a bet-ter future. As you celebrate this special day with family, friends and loved ones, know that the United States is committed to your future as we work together to fulfill the prom-ise of Haitian independence. Happy Independence Day and best wishes for a new year filled with peace and prosperity.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

St. Lucia Celebrates Nobel Laureate Week

Sir William Arthur Lewis,

Nobel Laureate for Economics,

1979

Derek Walcott Nobel Laureate for Literature,

1992

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For more information see the related Questions and Answers. For more information on USCIS and its programs, visit www.uscis.gov. 

USCIS Announces 58 Countries Whose Nationals are Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Participation

allow U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricul-tural jobs and temporary nonag-ricultural jobs, respectively. USCIS generally may only ap-prove H-2A and H-2B petitions for nationals of countries the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as eligible to participate in the programs. USCIS may approve H-2A and H-2B petitions for nationals of countries not on the list if it is determined to be in the interest of the United States. Effective Jan. 18, 2012, nationals of the following 58 countries are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B programs: Ar-gentina, Australia, Barbados,

Belize, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cana-da, Chile, Costa Rica, Croa-tia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Esto-nia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Ja-maica, Japan, Kiribati, Lat-via, Lithuania, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova, Montene-gro, Nauru, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Samoa, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Vanuatu.

W ASHINGTON—U.S. Citi-zenship and Immigration Ser-vices (USCIS) today an-nounced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the De-partment of State, has identi-fied 58 countries whose na-tionals are eligible to partici-pate in the H-2A and H-2B programs for the coming year. The notice listing eligible countries will publish in to-morrow’s Federal Register. Each country’s designation is valid for one year from the date of publication. The H-2A and H-2B programs

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lilting Jamaican accent, which still resurfaces when he gets excited. He and brother Marchris shared one bed in

an attic, and two sisters slept in the other. His parents had another room. "It was a little rat hole," recalls Robinson. Eventually the Robinsons bought a house near Eastside Park, and two more daughters were born into the family. "My dad's a proud man," says Robinson. "He has a three-book education, can't read and can barely sign his name. Never driven a car in

birth to him. He was raised by town folk in the Jamaican parish of Maypen and migrated to Kingston, where he met and married Thelma Flowers. Carroll, the second of their six children, was born there in 1961. Thelma migrated first to the United States and worked as a maid wh i le tak ing nursing courses. Eugene followed several years l a t e r . T h e y s e t t l e d i n Paterson, New Jersey. A Jamaican nightclub owner who knew the Marriott hotel family wrote Eugene a letter of introduction that helped him land a doorman's job at a Marriott inn in nearby Saddlebrook. After several years of having an aunt take care of the children, the couple reassembled their family. Carroll quickly learned that both snow and his new country could be cold. Kids ridiculed his feminine-sounding name and his

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his life, but he knew enough how to buy two houses, send all of us off to college and give each of us a car."

Carroll made the b a s k e t b a l l , football and track teams at John F. Kennedy High S c h o o l , a n d e v e n t u a l l y s n a g g e d a scholarship to Stockton College, a small state school in Atlantic City. It was there he met his first real mentor, Harvey Kessleman, who

d i r e c t e d t he E d uc a t i on a l Opportunity Fund program. It sponsored internships for students in Washington, and Kessleman took special interest in Robinson. "Everything I know, I learned from Harvey Kessleman about how people are, politics, the human dynamics of how the world works," Robinson says. Kessleman pointed him toward law school and put him on the payroll for the summer after graduation. "It was my job to read every management book that was out in preparation

Commerce, attributed his victory to "hard work, a good, clean r a c e a n d d e d i c a t e d supporters." Robinson, 49, said he'd like to start his tenure by asking his fellow trustees to vote on an ethics reform plan and an early college program "to improve graduation rates in high school and college and provide all students in the

HCC service area access to dual credit." Robinson has been following his own star for a long time. He came to the United States from

Jamaica at the age of nine. At 49, the former college athlete still retains a measure of the "anything is possible" wonder of an immigrant whose parents parlayed menial jobs into a college education for their children. Attorney Darryl Carter recalls a conversation with his close friend one night in the Austin office of state Senator Rodney Ellis, where Robinson once worked as an aide. "This has to be the greatest country in the world," Robinson told him dreamily. "Here I am, the

son of a doorman, sitting in the capitol of one of the biggest states in the country." "For a jaded African-American such as myself, it doesn't mean a lot," Carter laughs. "But for Carroll, he gets caught up in all that stuff. It's the immigrant philosophy." But by his own account he's been traveling a straight line up from poverty ever since he arrived with a younger brother and two sisters at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York in 1969. Robinson's father, Eugene, was an orphan whose mother died giving

Jamaican-Born Robinson wins HCC Seat

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for law school. That summer was more important to me in terms of educational experience than law school was." T h a n k s t o t h e internships, Robinson already knew his way around the Capitol when he enrolled in George Washington law school. "Af f irmat ive act ion played a part in me going to George Washington. Good grades, small school." Contacts helped him find an efficiency at the Dorchester Hotel, his residence for three years while earning a law degree with honors. He also continued the networking concept he had learned from Kessleman, rising up the organizational ranks of the Black Law Students Association. Following his election to the national board, he met fellow member Lisa Ross from Houston. After becoming president of the association, Robinson visited Houston in 1986. He fell in love with the city and Ross at the

same time. He moved to Houston and began running in a circle of black lawyers,

including Algenita S co t t Dav i s , Zinetta Burney and her business partner, Peggy F o r e m a n . R o b i n s o n e v e n t u a l l y married Ross in 1989. That union would end in divorce as the two pursued different career paths years later. Robinson would go on to marry Mikita Kirkland, daughter of T. Larry Kirkland, a

Los Angeles-based bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The couple has one son, Kirkland Eugene. Robinson fondly remembers the friendships he cultivated soon after coming to Houston. He would eventually work with Burney and

Jamaican-Born Robinson wins HCC Seat...cont. Foreman, then start his own firm with Ross. But Robinson's connections expanded even more when he agreed to sponsor a 1990 fund-raiser for then- congressman Mike Espy of Mississippi. As a college student, Robinson had spent a week campaigning for Espy, who later became president Bill Clinton's agriculture secretary. "I didn't know anybody," Robinson recalls about planning the fund-raiser. "Some guy calls and says, 'This is Rodney Ellis. I'm calling you from Florida. I'm coming back 'cause I don't want you to embarrass us. I'm gonna come and help you on this fund-raiser.' " At the time, state Senator Ellis was a city councilman. The event drew the likes of several elected officials of that era: state senator Craig Washington, councilman Anthony Hall, congressman Mickey Leland and mayor Kathy Whitmire. It put Robinson on Houston's black political map. Ellis eventually hired Robinson as the state senator's chief of staff in Austin. Robinson stayed two years, using the time to expand a web of contacts in the Texas Democratic Party. Ellis recommended Robinson to the Texas Southern Un ivers i t y

administration, and in 1993 Robinson became a TSU assistant law professor and then chief of staff for university president James Douglas. (Ellis would later perform the same favor for Robinson's brother, Marchris, helping him get a lobbying job with Enron.) By 1995, Robinson was ready to become a candidate for state Democratic chair. Most thought the position, being vacated by Bob Slagle, was way out of the lawyer's league. "Nobody else would run," explains Robinson. "African-Americans were the most consistent, stable portion of the Democratic Party, but no African-American had been mentioned as a

viable candidate for the state party chairman, and somebody had to go out there and lay the predicate." When Houston attorney and corporate CEO Bill White entered the race, Robinson bowed out with a tactful endorsement. "My point in running was I thought there was a role in leadership for African-Americans in the state party. So when I got out, I wanted to get out in a style that showed I was capable of leadership in the Texas Democratic Party. I wanted to be a part of making a difference." Robinson accepted White's offer to take the largely ceremonial position of party general counsel.

Robinson used the counsel post to bone up on the state party rules and develop more contacts. White would be one of his first supporters when Robinson decided in 1997 to run for an at-large seat on City Council. It was being vacated by Judson Robinson III, who had followed in the footsteps of his father, the first black elected to Houston City Council. Though Carroll was unrelated to those Robinsons, the shared name didn't hurt. "I ran for council because I'd built relationships across a lot of communities, lawyers, civic clubs, and I was lucky," he admits. "I had a good last name."

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belongs to their competition team. She is an outstanding Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Lyrical dancer at the studio. This year Jovonne received a Scholarship from one of the most prestig-ious dance companies in the nation, Tremaine, as she dis-played her love and talent for dance which was caught by the judges’ eyes placing her within the last fifteen finalists out of hundreds of dancers. Jovonne has received many accolades during her academics years. She has been consistent-ly in the As Honor Roll. She has represented her schools since Elementary grades in the University Interscholastic League, also known as UIL academic competitions, in the categories of Spelling, Ready Writing, Prose, and Group Improv. In many instances, Jovonne obtained the first place. She has also represented her elementary school in the Spelling B. Her essay on “Patriotism” was nominated first place in the District, and

she was a regional winner on her college essay, “What Actions I’ll Take to Achieve My Goals in Life.” Her most significant academic pro-jects have been her participation in the National History Day with her documentaries on DNA Finger-printing: Revolution in Handy Evidence, and most recently The Panama Canal Treaty: Revela-tions of a Controversial Nego-tiation. The National History Day is a competition that engages kids throughout the nation in the dis-covery of historic, cultural and social experiences in the past. DNA Fingerprinting: Revolu-tion in Handy Evidence was Jovonne’s entry in the 6th Grade. This documentary received ex-tremely high reviews. With this documentary, Jovonne obtained the first place at school and at the re-gional competitions, therefore nominated to represent her region at the State competition.Jovonne participated in the 7th Grade with The Panama Canal Treaty: Revelations of a Controversial

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Negotiation. Jovonne trav-eled to Panama to conduct much of her research for this project. Jovonne obtained, with this documentary, the second place at her school, and at the regional competi-tions, which also allowed her to move on to the state com-petition where she competed with approximately 55 docu-mentaries. This documentary indisputably was a headliner for the State judges this past May 2011, as it was placed as the 10 best documentaries and finally was awarded the fourth place in the State of Texas. Jovonne plans to

participate in this year’s Na-tional History Day. This year’s theme is Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in His-tory and Jovonne has chosen a topic that deals with revolu-tions in Mental Health.

Spotlight on: Jovonne Ledet

J ovonne Ledet born on December 15, 1997, daughter of a Panamanian immigrant, Ivonne M.

Ledet, and Joseph Ledet Jr., a native of the U.S. Jovonne’s

descent is one o f a n i n t e r e s t i n g kind as half of her mother’s a n c e s t o r s arr ived in Panama from France for the Construction of the Panama Canal, and the other ha l f came from the C a r i b b e a n I s l a n d .

Needless to say, her father’s name, “Ledet,” is of French origin. Jovonne’s cultural diversity background is a blend of Latin, European and Caribbean cultures. Jovonne is currently in the 8th Grade, at Gentry Junior from the Goose Creek Independent Schools District in Baytown. Jovonne presently is the President of the National Junior Honor Society, Co-President of the Student Council, President of the Theater Club, and a Journalism Member. Jovonne also lead and thought this year’s first dance choreography for her school’s dance team. The dance team is the first ever middle school team established in the District. Jovonne is a member of her school’s track team and has been

able to establish good positions in the 800 and mile meters, as well as cross-country. She enjoys soccer, and plans to join the soccer team in High School. Jovonne also is a student at the Dance Center of Baytown and belongs to their competition team. She is an outstanding Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Lyrical dancer at the studio. This year Jovonne received a Scholarship from one of the most prestigious dance companies in the nation, Tremaine, as she displayed her love and talent for dance which was caught by the judges’ eyes placing her within the last fifteen finalists out of hundreds of dancers. Jovonne also is a student at the Dance Center of Baytown and

Jovonne plans to continue to exceed academically, and hopes to fulfill her family’s wishes do to her best at wha teve r she chooses to do.

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Missing toddler found safe in stolen SUV the cold.

O'Neil could face charges, but the investi-gators' focus has been on finding the boy and the abductor, said HPD homicide

division Capt. David Gott.

S u r ve i l l a n ce video from the W a l m a r t showed a man walking a few feet into the store after seeing the Jeep pull up and park in front of store, but then turning around

and going back to the vehicle, Gott said.

The man spoke to the 7-year-old, asking the girl where her mother was, Gott said. The girl then got out of car and tried to grab Evan.

"She knew something was wrong," Gott said. He added that investigators believe the man may be a predator, who might have been targeting the girl, but they are not sure of his motive. An Amber Alert was issued shortly after Evan was abducted.

The strip center back alley in the 8700 block of West Bellfort where the vehicle was discovered was only about three blocks from the Walmart.

Henry said he had no idea that a carjack-ing had occurred so close by or that a child was inside the vehicle.

"I'm just happy the baby is alive," he said. "I just wanted to secure the child and get it back to them (parents)."

Houston Chronicle reporters Dale Lezon and Renee C. Lee contributed to this report.

Police took Evan to Texas Children's Hospital. His mother, Niah O'Neil, was with him. He was released Friday after-noon in good condition, officials said. O'Neil could not be reached for com-ment on Friday. "He's doing fine and he's with his mother," said the boy's grandfa-ther, Charles Montgomery. Evan went missing after a man carjacked O'Neil's 1996 Jeep Cherokee from a Walmart at South Gessner and West Bell-fort around 5:44 p.m.

Police said O'Neil parked the SUV at the store and went inside to get cash from an ATM. She left the keys in the ignition and the engine running. Evan and a 7-year-old cousin stayed in the Cherokee.

The woman told KHOU (Channel 11) that she was only in the store for three minutes and left them in the car because she did not want to take them out into

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Independence A Plenty in February

Sa int. Lucia, Grenada and T h e D o m i n i c a n

Republic will celebrate their independence day during the month of February.

Grenada w i l l

celebrate its 38th Anniversary on February 7, 2012. The islands are buzzing with excitement as the countdown to Grenada’s 38th Independence Anniversary Celebration continues. A sea of

r e d , g r e e n a n d g o l d w i l l f l o o d

the streets of the city as Grenadians portray their national colors with

their best independence outfits. The rich aroma from a pot of ‘oil down’ will awaken your senses from almost every street corner while calypso and soca music can be heard echoing from every bar!

S a in t . Luc ia w i l l celebrate its 34th A n n i v e r s a r y o n

February 23, 2012. The Standing National Independence A n n i v e r s a r y Committee in Saint Lucia invites all Saint Lucians to participate in a logo competition in observance of our country’s 33rd Independence Celebrations. As a token of appreciation the winner will receive $750.00 for their effort. The winning submission

will be used as the Official Logo of this year’s activities. Preparations are ongoing throughout the country. The Saint Lucia House Foundation, an umbrella group of Saint Lucian organizations based in New York City, Connecticut and New Jersey, announced it has finalized its calendar of activities to celebrate Saint Lucia’s 33rd Ann iversary o f Nat iona l

Independence, under the auspices of the Saint Lucia Consulate General in New York. Saint Lucia gained its Independence from

Great Britain on February 22, 1979.

The Dom inican

Republic will celebrate its 167th

Anniversary on February 27, 2012. On July 12, 2010, Dominican Republic President met privately with

President Barack Obama. Obama and Fernandez discussed a number of issues facing people in the A m e r i c a s . O b a m a ex p r e s s e d h i s

appreciation for the role the Dominican p layed in the response to the crisis in Haiti. The American president also expressed his confidence that the Dominican economy shows good growth, as Brazil has shown and for which he hopes to support

b i l a t e r a l opportunities for business.

Preparations are o n g o i n g i n H o u s t o n t o c e l e b r a t e I n d e p e n d e n c e Day and we will p r o v i d e f u l l reports on Carib Scene on CAHFT TV and on in our February 2012 Newsletter.

Grenadian Patriot at 2011 Independence Parade in Grenada Flyer by José Vilson

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50 Years of Independence But, again, economic prosperity did not follow. Jamaica fared worse than Trinidad, for the oil wealth of the new Republic helped provide some sup-port. Jamaica could only find support from the IMF. While the 1980’s were unremarkable, the 90’s provided a glimmer of hope. Exponential growth in the American economy provided multiple economic benefits to both Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica. The last decade has seen American growth subside and with it, the Jamaican econ-omy. Attempts to grow and diversify the economy have stagnated, but the hope for new opportunities appear to be just beyond the horizon. Trinidad & Tobago, buoyed by the highest oil prices ever seen, has been able to take advantage of the last decade. Invest-ments in infrastructure and economic stability have been made and Trinidad appears to be actively trying to diversi-fy its economy to avoid devastation should petroleum prices collapse. In fact, just last year Trinidad was re-moved from the list of developing countries as compiled by the Organi-zation for Economic Cooperation and Development. By far the most outstanding achieve-ment that both nations can lay claim to is the government stability and respect for democratic traditions that has been seen for the last half century. Neither has been perfect, as the gov-ernments of both nations have had to declare a state of emergency at differ-ent times to maintain order. And of course, who can forget the attempted 1990 coup in Trinidad. However, if you compare Jamaica and Trinidad to other nations in the region and to other nations that have achieved inde-pendence in the last half century, you find that the lack of civil wars, military

coups, authoritarian rule, etc. is some-what extraordinary. Regarding the respect for democratic traditions, it is worth pointing out that the 50th anniversary of independence will be celebrated in both nations with democratically elected female heads of government. The ability of both Portia Simpson Miller of Jamaica and Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad & Tobago to rise to leadership positions in their parties and then convince the public in these traditionally male dominated societies to entrust the reins of gov-ernment to them is quite an accom-plishment. And as we pat ourselves on the back for these achievements, we must acknowledge the work still to be done. Narcotics trafficking and related crimi-nal activity are a scourge upon society and show no signs of relenting anytime soon. Violent crime is the number one issue for citizens in both nations. Gov-ernment actions regarding ‘drug-thugs’ becomes the highest of political fod-der. The Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke incident essentially brought down Bruce Golding and paved the way for a massive PNP victory at the polls. Simi-larly, the Partnership government of Trinidad & Tobago declared a State of Emergency in late 2011 after there were more than a dozen drug related killings in one weekend. The SofE be-came politically divisive as some wholeheartedly supported the move while others, including the Leader of the Opposition, called in an over-reach.

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As the year 2012 unfolds, we come upon the 50th anniver-

sary of the independence of both Ja-maica (August 6) and Trinidad &

T o b a g o ( A u g u s t 31). As with any m i l e s tone anniversary, it is a good time to stop and reflect up-on what has b e e n a c h i e v e d

and what is still to be done in the two most unique and robust nations in the Anglophone Caribbean. Jamaica and Trinidad began 1962 with high hopes of what would be possible in the years to come now that they were free to set the direction for the nation themselves. They would rely on the mineral wealth of the land (Jamaican bauxite and Trinidadian pe-troleum) to give them solid footing upon which to build their future. Leav-ing themselves prone to overreliance on a single product economy; a com-mon occurrence known as ‘Dutch disease’; both nations saw how a stag-nant economy can quickly frustrate a hopeful people. By the late 1960’s and early 70’s, Jamaica and Trinidad both experienced an internally active Black Power movement that had the poten-tial to threaten the stability of these still new and fragile governments. Changes had to be made in society. Eric Williams led structural and Con-stitutional changes in Trinidad. Jamaica turned to the leadership of Michael Manley and his push for democratic socialism. These modifications provid-ed hope once again for the people.

OP-ED By Michael W. Edghill

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2011 Houston Association of Panamanians 108th Independence Celebration

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November 5, 2011 - Houston, Texas

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2011 Houston Association of Panamanians 108th Independence Celebration

November 5, 2011 - Houston, Texas

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2011 Barbados Association of Greater Houston 45th Independence Celebration

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Crown Plaza Hotel, Reliant - November 12, 2011

The Honorable Cheryl Gaile Thompson, Deputy Consul General Consulate of Barbados, Coral Gables, Florida

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2011 Barbados Association of Greater Houston 45th Independence Celebration

Crown Plaza Hotel, Reliant - November 12, 2011

The Honorable Denis St. Elmo Mellman, Member of Parliament Minister of Industry, Small Business & Rural Development

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2011 HERO Gala & Silent Auction

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November 18, 2011 - Sweetwater Country Club, Sugar Land, Texas

HERO Executive Director Roselene Alexis, U. S. Congressmen Al Green

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2011 HERO Gala & Silent Auction Haitian Empowerment Relief Organization

November 18, 2011 - Sweetwater Country Club, Sugar Land, Texas

Rotary District Governor Sunny Sharma, HERO Executive Director Roselene Alexis

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CAHFT 1st Annual Holiday Celebration

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Avani Lounge - December 3, 2011 Houston, Texas

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CAHFT 1st Annual Holiday Celebration Avani Lounge - December 3, 2011 Houston, Texas

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AGUINALDO NAVIDEÑO DOMINICANO 2011

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December 16, 2011 - Elvias, Houston, Texas

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AGUINALDO NAVIDEÑO DOMINICANO 2011 December 16, 2011 - Elvias, Houston, Texas

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Dominican Republic Opens School in Haiti

On January 13, 2012, President Leonel

Fernandez, First Lady Margarita Cedeno and Foreign Relations Minsiter Carlos Morales Troncoso were in northern Haiti for the inauguration of the northern campus of the Haiti State University (UEH), donated by the Dominican government. The Inauguration of Henry Christophe University in

Limonade, Northern Haiti, coincided with the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake that destroyed the same date in 2010, Port-au-Prince and other cities like Leogane, Jacme, Grand-Goave, Petit-Goave. The ceremony took place in the presence of the President of the Republic of Haiti, Michel Martelly, his wife, Sonia Saint-Remy Marte l ly and h i s counterpart, Leonel Fernandez Reyna, and officials Dominicans.

Jean Henri Vernet, Rector of State University of Haiti, also attended the inauguration. On this occasion the President Martelly stated he believes that the university will play a major role in reviving the social, cultural, economic, not only in the region but in the entire country. All countries that have made significant progress in human development

have made education the major strategic focus to reduce inequalities, promote social mobility, strengthening social cohesion and improve their stock of human capital, argues Head of State. Martelly expressed hope that this campus will be a real catalyst to promote the modernization of the Haitian university system, which has a

mission of excellence in all fields of knowledge including science and technology. The campus must, among other things, be used to help develop integrated into the public education system at the regional level. For his part, Dominican President, Leonel Fernandez Reyna demonstrates the solidarity of his people against

the Haitians, who have suffered the consequences of an earthquake that generated, he recalls, the disappearance of 20% of national wealth and 80% of university buildings in the country. Speaking during the event, President Fernandez told the H a i t i a n p eo p l e : “ T h e Dominican people were with you as soon as the earthquake

Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez, First Lady Margarita Cedeno, President of the Republic of Haiti, Michel Martelly, First Lady, Sonia Saint-Remy Martelly

Dominican Republic President Leonel

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Dominican Republic Opens School in Haiti happened to rescue you, we were there for you at the start of reconstruction, and we will be there to celebrate the new victories.” The rector Jean Henri Vernet indicates on his side that this campus will be named Henry Christophe Campus in honor of the latter which is the pride of northerners and to whom we owe the first higher education institutions the nation. In the aftermath of the January

2010 earthquake Fernandez pledged the construction of the higher learning center in the Haiti community Limonade, at a cost of around US$50.0 million shared with the Dominican private sector, in an area of 300,000 square meters. The university is part of Santo Domingo’s package of humanitarian aid provided to Haiti after the quake, making Dominican Republic one of the countries which has most

supported Port-au-Prince economically per capita. The school has 20 classrooms with capacity for over 50 students for a total of 1,120 students per shift and also has an administrative area with waiting room, offices for staff and director of the facility. Similarly, two laboratories, one for computers IT and other sciences, a multipurpose room, library and sports field with stadium seating.

Haiti’s President Michel Martelly

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CAHFT Awards Scholarship to Danai Gardiner

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Th e C a r i b b e a n

A m e r i c a n H e r i t a g e Foundat ion of Texas ( C A H F T ) was proud to award our f i n a l scholarship of the year on December 3,

2011 to Danai Gardiner, a student of Caribbean descent

attending Lamar University in B e a u m o n t , Texas. Danai is the f o u n d i n g president of the L a m a r U n i v e r s i t y C a r i b b e a n S t u d e n t Or g an i z a t i o n

(CSO) and promotes a general understanding of her rich Caribbean Heritage: through the CSO. There is a woman by the name of Rosemarie Dryden-Gardiner and a man named Carl Gardiner, both grew up in the country hil lside of Westmoreland, Jamaica. The two met by chance, got married, and moved to the United States to pursue higher education. While in the U.S.A, a blessing from God was sent to

earth in the form of a baby girl on August 12,1992. Rosemarie and Carl named her Danai De Andre Gardiner.  “That’s how I came to this world,,” says Danai. “I am the President and Media Facilitator of the Caribbean Student Organization. My major i s Corporate Communications with a focus on public relations. As

of Spring 2012 my GPA stands at a 3.526 in which allows me to be apart of t h e L a m a r H o n o r s Program.” Danai is a charming extrovert, passionate in her commitments to her academics, in which she excels, to her family and her dedication and tireless efforts she puts forth as the founding president of the Lamar CSO.

In addition, she is also a junior counselor at her church, where she mentors, motivates and encourages the young hearts and minds of students, grades 6-12 and was a member of the Lamar University Marching band . The Board of Directors of CHAFT congratulates Danai f o r h e r o u t s t a n d i n g achievements.

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“Looking Back” by Ana Valenzuela

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I was born in the Dominican Republic, my family and I moved to the state of Texas in 2001. Since then, I consider myself lucky because I had the opportunity learn more about my culture and the contributions

we make to the Greater Houston Area and to also learn about the many other cultures, particularly of Caribbean descent, that compose the diversity in the United States, especially in the state of Texas and Houston. As a young professional woman, one of my interests has been to help my community especially the Spanish speaking population, as well as educate members of different cultural groups who make up the Caribbean Community in Houston. My goal was to bring awareness that being from a Caribbean Island means more than parties and dancing; that the diversity and beauty of the Caribbean music, food, dances, and our history has a profound impact and connects to many countries in the world. In addition, though we may speak several languages, with slight differences in cultural

and backgrounds which make up the Caribbean, we are simply united by our Afro-Caribbean heritage which makes us equal. This year, I came across an opportunity to bring the awareness to our community that I had been looking for. The Caribbean American Heritage Foundation of Texas (CAHFT) with the creation of CAHFT TV gave me the opportunity to learn more about my heritage and to present to others the beauty and the presence of the Caribbean community in Texas. This year I had the opportunity of immerse myself on a trip to beauty and education that has amaze me tremendously such as learning the similarities each Caribbean nation has, not only with each other but also with other countries in South and Central America, has made for an incredible, wonderful journey into my Caribbean culture. While every single person in the world should be united by their culture, by their familiarity of their culture through painting, music, food, language, and traditions, at the end of the day no matter what country we are from, we are unified by our common heritage. Through the year, I had the opportunity of increasing my knowledge of cultural diversity within the Caribbean community, but most importantly to learn similarities and the great desire of embracing our Caribbean Heritage. The United Nations declared 2011 as the year to celebrate people of African Descent; CAFHT TV gave me the opportunity of enjoying and celebrating our African Heritage as well...to the fullest. I look forward to all of the wonderful experiences CAHFT will be presenting to me this coming up year.

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50 Years of Independence

because poverty and unemployment are still unacceptably high in both nations. Individuals placed in desperate situations will resort to desperate measures, even if that involves trafficking narcotics for extremely dangerous individuals. The solution, of course, comes from econom-ic investment and job creation. There are numer-o u s w a y s to go a b o u t it, but it must be priority one for government officials in both nations. The desire exists amongst the governed, but does the political will exist amongst those who govern? Tough decisions must be made to confront a tough problem. But there is hope that these problems can be overcome. After all, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago have demonstrated a

unique ability among nations of similar size and resources to overcome obsta-cles that others fall prey to. They have succeeded where others have failed and made progress where others have be-come entrenched. Currently, Jamaica and Trinidad are better known for their unique cultural exports, their beaches, Usain Bolt, Ato Boldon, The Reggae Boyz, and The Soca Warriors rather than for their problems. Reflecting on where we are now and looking forward, we can look forward with great hope to the next 50 years.

Michael W Edghill earned a B.A. in His-tory from the University of North Texas and teaches courses about the Caribbe-an and U.S. Government in Fort Worth, Texas. He can be reached at michaelw.edghill@gmail.com

Narcotics trafficking prevails in both Ja-maica and Trinidad because of location and opportunity. The location between suppliers in South and Central America

and consum-ers in the U n i t e d States and beyond is o b v i o u s l y not some-thing that c a n b e c h a n g e d . Both nations,

however, can take steps to a d d r e s s the oppor-t u n i t y e l em e n t . The op-portunity for narcotics trafficking exists

OP-ED By Michael W. Edghill Continued from Page 11

Marigot Bay, St. Lucia

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Ricardo Perez Djsilentkilla presents

BEST SOUND: 1st - Mikie Faith; 2nd - Famous Squad; 3rd - Backyard Sounds BEST DJ: 1st Bashment Yute; 2nd Silent Killa; 3rd Natural Touch BEST MC: 1st Fire Kyle; 2nd DJ Silvah; 3rd Fatta Carey BEST RESTURANT: 1st Cool Runnings; 2nd Curry Spot; 3rd Hummngbirds BEST CLUB/VENUE: 1st Vybz NY; 2nd Preet Pavilion; 3rd Multi Ethnic Center BEST MONTHLY EVENT: 1st Soca Passion; 2nd First Fridayz; 3rd First Fridayz After

Party BEST WEBSITE/MEDIA: 1st Jugglers United; 2nd Soul Rebel Productions; 3rd 925

Ridez Magazine BEST PHOTOGRAPHER: 1st Reggie; 2nd Tommy; 3rd Precious BEST CONCERT/LIVE SHOW: 1st Benjai/Blaxx; 2nd Concert@Banana Bend; 3rd

KES@GLO BEST B-DAY BASH: 1st Dane's 5th Soca Passion Anniversary; 2nd SK Amnesia; 3rd

Leo Affair BEST DANCE/PARTY: 1st Soca Passion 5th Anniversary; 2nd GLO; 3rd First Friday

After Party BEST DANCER FEMALE: 1st Lady Shaun; 2nd Soca Queen Reshana; 3rd Dhq Dreamz BEST DANCER MALE: 1st Nico Fire BEST LOOKING DANCER FEMALE: 1st Dhq Dreamz; 2nd Lady Shaun; 3rd Soca

Queen Reshana BEST LOOKING DANCER MALE: N/A BEST LOOKING DJ: 1st Silent Killa; 1st Natural Touch; 2nd DJ Dreamz BEST PROMOTER/PROMOTIONS: 1st Island Vibes; 2nd Nyam Cash; 3rd Houston

Caribfest BEST ONLINE SHOW: 1st Best of the Caribbean; 2nd Up To Di Time Thursdayz BEST MIX CD: 1st DJ Silvah Mixes - 1st Killing You Softly Vol 3.; 2nd DJ Shinski Mixes MOST VERSATILE DJ: 1st Silent Killa; 2nd Dreamz; 3rd Bashment Yute PERSON TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2012: 1st Certified Shellahz; 2nd Lioness

Promotions; 3rd Party Animals ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: 1st Vybz NY; 1st Certified Shellahz; 2nd Lioness Promotions PERSON OF THE YEAR: 1st Houston Caribfest; 2nd Dane; 3rd DJ Silvah

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St. Lucia Celebrates Nobel Laureate Week Arthur Lewis was born in Castries, Saint Lucia, then still a Br i t i sh terr i tory in the Caribbean, as the fourth of five children of George and Ida Lewis, who had migrated from Antigua shortly after the turn of the century. Arthur was a gifted student and was promoted two classes ahead of his age.[2] After finishing school at the age of fourteen, Lewis worked as a clerk, while waiting to take his university entrance exam. During this time he met Eric Williams, the future first prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and the two were to remain lifelong friends. After gaining his Bachelor of Science degree in 1937 and a Ph.D. degree in 1940 at the London School of Economics he

was a member of the staff at the LSE until 1948. Lewis lectured at the University of Manchester from 1948 until 1957. When Ghana gained independence in 1957, Lewis became the country's first economic advisor, helping to draw up its first Five Year Development Plan (1959–193). In 1959 he was appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies. In 1963 he was knighted, and was also appointed a University Professor at Princeton University, a position he retained until his retirement in 1983. In 1970 Lewis became director of the Caribbean Development Bank. Lewis published in 1954 what was to be his most influential development economics article, "Economic Development with

U n l i m i t e d S u p p l i e s o f Labor" (Manchester School). In this publication, he introduced what came to be called the Dual Sector model or, eponymously, the "Lewis Model." In this work Lewis combined an analysis of the historical experience of developed countries with the central ideas of the classical economists to produce a broad picture of the development process. In his story a "capitalist" sector develops by taking labor from a n o n - c a p i t a l i s t b a c k w a r d "subsistence" sector. Derek Alton Walcott, Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), The Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) (born 23 January 1930)

is a poet, playwright, writer and visual artist who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992 and the T. S. Eliot Prize in 2011 for White Egret. His works include the Homeric epic Omeros. Robert Graves wrote that Walcott "handles Eng l i sh wi th a c loser understanding of its inner magic than most, if not any, of his contemporaries. Walcott was born and raised in Castries, Saint Lucia, with a twin brother, the future playwright Roderick Walcott, and a sister. His mother, a teacher, had a love of the arts who would often recite poetry. His father, who painted and wrote poetry, died at 31 from mastoiditis. As a young man he trained as a painter, mentored by Harold Simmons whose life as a professional artist provided an

Prize in Literature in 1992, the first Caribbean writer to receive the honor. The Nobel committee described his work as “a poetic oeuvre of great luminosity, sustained by a historical vision, the outcome of a multicultural commitment. Nobel Laureate Week was observed in St. Lucia from January 18 –23 and a series of activities were planned to acknowledge the work and contribution of St. Lucia’s two Nobel Laureates. The program is also designed to remind the public of the need to strive for excellence. The week’s program there ended with lectures and presentations featuring various pieces by Derek Walcott. The week’s activities culminate on Friday with a wreathe laying ceremony on the tomb of Sir Arthur Lewis.

inspiring example for Walcott. Walcott greatly admired Cézanne and Giorgione and sought to learn from them. Walcott then studied as a writer, becoming “an elated, exuberant poet madly in love with English” and strongly influenced by modernist poets such as T. S. Eliot and Ezra Pound. Walcott had an early sense of a vocation as a writer. At 14, Walcott published his first poem in The Voice of St Lucia, a Miltonic, religious poem. . By 19, Walcott had self-published his two first collections, 25 Poems (1948) and Epitaph for the Young: XII Cantos (1949), which he distributed himself. With a scholarship he studied at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica then moved to Trinidad in 1953, becoming a critic, teacher and journalist. Walcott was awarded the Nobel

Sir Arthur Lewis

Derek Walcott

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that Houston has six Caribbean Consulates? Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, boasting over 94 Consulates, of which, six are Caribbean. Houston is second only behind New York City in the total number of Consulates. The Caribbean nations with Consulates in Houston are: Barbados, The Republic of Guyana, The Republic of Haiti, Jamaica, The Republic of Panama and The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The contact information for our consulates are as follows: Consulate of

Barbados - Honorary Consul of Barbados : The Honorable Dr. Louis A. Browne

Consulate of the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana:

Honorary Consul of Guyana The Honorable Terry A. Reis Consulate of the

Republic of Haiti - Honorary Vice Consul of Haiti The Honorable Renato Fabian Pereira

Consulate of Jamaica - Honorary Consul of Jamaica The Honorable Khalfani Omari Fullerton

Consulate General of

Panama - Consul General of Panama The Honorable Alvaro Enrique Dutari Ferrari

Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago Honorary Consul of Trinidad and Tobago The Honorable Pat Younger

The political title Consul is used for the official representatives of the government of one state in the territory of another, normally acting to assist and protect the citizens of the consul's own country, and to facilitate trade and friendship between the peoples of the two countries. Houston is a multicultural city with Over ninety languages are spoken in the city. For contact information for the Consulates in Houston, visit are website: http://caribbeanheritagetx.org/cahft_caribbean_consulates_houstonTX.htm

CAHFT TV Host Ana Valenzuela interviews The Honorable Denis St. Elmo Mellman, Member of Parliament, November 12, 2011 at the 2011 Barbados 45th Independence Anniversary

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advocate on behalf of the peoples of

the Caribbean and Caribbean de-

cent. We plan to work to establish

the Foundation as a cultural, social,

and economic presence in our di-

verse community, capable of bring-

ing visible change and achievement

through our advocacy.

Another of our core missions is to

recognize and annually celebrate

National Caribbean-American Her-

itage Month, June of every year; in

doing so, we will work to bring

awareness to the contributions

made to our society and culture of

peoples of Caribbean and Caribbean

heritage and highlighting the contri-

bution made my Caribbean immi-

grants to the United States and

Texas. Through our efforts during

June, we hope to also continue our

dialogue between the Caribbean

Our Mission

The Caribbean American Heritage

Foundation of Texas (CAHFT), a

Texas non profit organization, was

established exclusively to partner

with, collaborate, and assist Texas’

Caribbean Organizations in bring-

ing awareness to the rich, lush his-

tory of the Caribbean Culture and

to promote its benefits and our

contributions to the diverse culture

in Texas.

The Foundation work to and assist

Texas Caribbean Organizations

achieve their goals: business, finan-

cial and cultural, objectives through

strategic partnership and mutual

collaborations, in the spirit of coop-

eration.

We work tirelessly to establish the

Caribbean Communities as ONE

united voice while continuing to

and our American and Texas communi-

ties.

Our Values

CAHFT will operate above board

with transparency

CAHFT will conduct business with

the associations, local businesses and

individuals impartially in a fair and

equitable manner

Collaborative: every organization has

a seat at the table and every organi-

zation has a voice

CAHFT will conduct ourselves pro-

fessionally while on Foundation busi-

ness

CAHFT will operate and conduct

ourselves with integrity

CHAFT will operate and conduct

ourselves ethically

P.O. Box 420745 Houston, Texas 77242 Phone: 713-783-5779 Fax: 713-783-1510 Contact: Lucia Bates lbates@caribbeanheritagetx.org Go To Our Website, Join Our E-mail List www.caribbeanheritagetx.org http://www.youtube.com/user/TheCAHFT Logo Designs by Steve McCormick

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