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Message Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper www.cadnews.orgursday, March 20, 2025Serving the Caribbean American communities of MA, CT, NY and NJVol. 1 No. 2 The Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper (CADN) is Your Community Newspaper Serving Your Interests and NeedsThe Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper (CADN) is published monthly, with physical distributions made in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. The paper is committed to journalistic integrity and retains membership with the National Association of Black Journalists (www.nabj.org) and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). The CADN Publisher shall not be held liable for any inadvertent omission in whole or in part, of any advertisement or for any typographical error. Opinions expressed by contributing writers or columnists are their own and CADN shall not be held liable for their expressions. Submit articles and Advertisements to: cadnewspaper@outlook.com. Phone no. 860-9367548. Online website CADNEWS.ORG; Publisher/Editor Mark D. Milward, MfgE, MBA, Associate Editor,Violette Haldane, Contributing writer, Lance Gordon Jr., InDesign/Software Specialist. John S. Milward. CADN contents are copyright 2025. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.FREEFREEHer Excellency Audrey Marks, OJ, Jamaican Ambassador to the Unit-ed States has stepped down from that position to accept a new role as Senator in the Oce of the Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness.Holness on making the announcement March 16th indicated that in her new capacity she would be responsible for eciency, innovation and digital transformation. Upon the announcement Holness stressed that her appointment was a strategic move designed towards achieving the “Administrations goals of modernizing government operations.” The change comes ahead of the general election due by September 2025.Of Marks appointment, Holness stated, Marks, “brings a wealth of experience in diploma-cy, business, and public service to her new role.”Marks holds the dis-tinction of having been Jamaica’s rst female Ambassador to the Unit-ed States and the only person to have served in that position on three separate occassions.“Her extensive experi-ence in strengthening Jamaica-USA bilateral relations and advocating for Jamaica’s interests at the Organization of American States (OAS) will be invaluable in her new role in national poli-cy and legislative devel-opment, “ said Holness.“Beyond her diplomatic achievements, Ambas-sador Marks has an exemplary record as an entrepreneur and business leader. As the founder of Paymaster (Jamaica) Limited, she revolutionized Jamaica’s nancial services sector by introducing one of the world’s rst inter-net-based multi-payment systems. Her success in business, including ventures in agriculture, transportation, and real estate, has earned her numerous awards and recognitions both locally and internationally,” he added.Marks holds a Bachelor of Business Administra-tion from the the Univer-sity of the West Indies and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She was recently con-ferred with the Order of Jamaica (OJ) for her outstanding contributions to Jamaica’s economic and social development. Her nation-building ser-vices is expected to be a signicant contribution in her role in the Senate.Major General (Retired) Antony Anderson, former Commissioner of Police will replace Ambassa-dor Marks and assume the role as Jamaica’s 14th Ambassador to the United States and Per-manent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS). Major General Anderson has decades long experi-ence in defense, security and strategic leadership.He previously served as Chief of Sta of the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) before becoming Jamaica’s rst National Security Advisor where he played a role in shaping national security policy and international cooperation. He holds a Master of Defense Administration from the Royal Military College of Science and a Bache-ors in Engineering from Craneld Univ. in the UK. Jamaica’s Opposition Leader and President of the People’s National Party (PNP), Mark Golding toured the Tri-State areas of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, March 1st thru March 2nd. His tour was sponsored by Friends of Mark Golding New Jersey and led by Christopher Castriota and his wife Donna Lue Hing and supported by Karlene Largie and LesleyAnn Samuel. Upon his arrival in New York, Golding was met with a host of supporters and well wishers as he embarked on his tour and reaching out to members of the Jamai-can diaspora that are active supporters of Jamaica, many of whom are dual citizens of both Jamaica and the US. Upon his arrival in Hartford, Connecti-cut on March 1st, Golding was inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame by Executive Director Michael Chambers and re-ceived by his cousin Veronica Airey-Wilson. It was a Meet & Greet aair in Hartford that included stops at the Jamaica Progressive League (JPL) and a brief walk through of the West Indian Social Club.With an election in Jamaica expected to occur sometime before September 2025, Golding spoke about his plans for Jamaica while citing the current administration for its economic failures, political corruption and the inadequate services being presented in health care, job creation and growth within the economy. e current climate in Jamaica positions Golding to make a strong challenge to the current administration. Many who are aware of the present situation in Jamaica believe that Golding will win in the next election. NY Congresswoman Yvette Clarke was on hand for his reception in New Jersey and spoke in support of his bid to become Jamaica’s next Prime Minister.Ambassador Audrey Marks appointed to new position as Minister Responsible for Eciency, Innovation and Digital TransformationJamaica’s Oppostion Leader, Mark Golding, MP PNP Visits Tri-State Area (CT, NY, NJ)Leslie G. Perry 80th Birthday! Page 2By Mark D. Milward, MfgE, MBABy Mark D. Milward, MfgE, MBAMichael Chambers (L) presents Mark Golding, PNP President with induc-tion award into the Cricket Hall of Fame. Hartford, Ct. March 1st 2025
Community EventsCaribbean American Diaspora Newspaper , March 20, 2025 Page 2Past President of the West Indian Social Club of Hartford, Inc.Founder West Indian FoundationPast Vice President of the Hartford Federa-tion of Teachers Executive DirectorTaste of the Caribbe-an & Jerk Festival2018-present Board Member of the Greater Hartford Arts Council and River-front RecaptureEducator in Harford Public School System over 30 yearsBy Violette HaldaneStarting May 7, 2025, travelers ying within the United States will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a val-id U.S. passport to pass through airport secu-rity checkpoints. e new requirement, set by the REAL ID Act, is part of a federal eort to enhance security and prevent identity fraud.e Transportation Se-curity Administration (TSA) has conrmed that aer the deadline, travelers without a REAL ID or an accept-able alternative, such as a passport, will not be permitted through security. In addition to air travel, a REAL ID will also be required to enter military bases and certain federal buildings.Connecticut residents can check their driver’s license for a gold star in the upper corner—a sign that their license is already REAL ID-com-pliant. ose without the gold star must up-date their license at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before the deadline to ensure uninterrupted travel.e REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, in which hijackers used multiple state-issued driver’s licenses and identication cards to board planes. e law established tougher security standards for identity verication to prevent similar secu-rity breaches in the future.To obtain a REAL ID, Connecticut residents must visit the DMV with the following documents: 1. Primary proof of identity (such as a U.S. passport or birth cer-ticate). 2. Secondary proof of identity (such as a Social Security card). 3. Social Security number. 4. Proof of Connecticut residency.It is essential that the name on all documents matches exactly. Any dierences, including abbreviations, hy-phens, or suxes (Jr., III, etc.), will require additional legal doc-umentation, such as a marriage certicate or a certied birth certif-icate.TSA does not require children under 18 to present identication when traveling with an adult on a domestic ight. However, the accompanying adult must have an approved form of ID.Aer May 7, 2025, anyone attempting to y within the U.S. without a REAL ID or an acceptable alterna-tive, such as a passport, will be denied access at security checkpoints.Connecticut residents are encouraged to check their licenses and gather necessary documents well before the deadline. For a full list of required docu-ments and additional information, visit the ocial Connecticut DMV website at REAL ID CT Guide.REAL ID Requirement for Domestic Flights Begins May 7, 2025Leslie G. Perry: A Man of Distinction
Community Aairs & BusinessCaribbean American Diaspora Newspaper , March 20, 2025 Page 3HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EUYALD CLARKE HARTFORD’S 104 YEAR-OLD CENTENARIAN Book Authors:Eckiesha Bedward-BuckleKeona Buckleis inspiring children’s book tells the story of a shy little caterpillar who struggles with self-doubt as she watches her friends showcase their talents. Feeling ordinary and unsure of herself, Clarissa wonders if she will ever be special.But everything changes when she meets Mrs. Wingston, a wise but-tery who reassures her that transformation takes time. Clarissa soon embarks on an incredi-ble journey—wrapping herself in a cocoon and emerging as a stunning buttery, realizing that true beauty comes from within.With themes of self-con-dence, patience, and embracing one’s unique journey, Clarissa the Caterpillar’s Big Trans-formation is a must-read for children and parents alike. It encourages young readers to trust in their own growth, reminding them that everyone has a special moment to shine. Avail-able on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback editions, this upliing story is already touch-ing hearts and helping young readers discover their own special gis.By Lance GordonOn Saturday Febru-ary 23rd last month I visited my friend Euyald Clarke to bring him a 104th birthday gi consisting of some Jamaican carrot juice. His birthday was on February on February 24, 1922. We talked in his dining room as we usually do. What I observed is he looked to be in his early 80s with plenty of energy. I asked him what kept him so young....and he Mr & Mrs Euyald Clarkereplied with a song.We talked about Black History Month and he was especially proud of how he befriended the late Dr. Martin Luther King at the Indian Head Camp tobacco farm in East Granby. He also schooled me on the history of Mar-cus Garvey and was acquainted with one of Garvey’s sons. He was very clear on the histo-ry of Marcus Garvey.Mr. Clarke receives lots of care at home with several nurses coming to the house to deliver services daily. He even has exercise equipment in his dining room to keep his legs in shape. Now the question is: How does one stay so cognitively clear at 104 years old? I think Mr. Clarke will make it to 105 plus! I reminded Mr. Clarke that several years ago at the West Indian Social Club in Hartford I approached him about overseeing a chimney project that I was working on in a historic rehabilitation project. He told me to “go awy son, you could not aord me>” I went away. In the Jamaican culture when an elder tells you to go away and shut your mouth you do exactly that. Mr. Clarke, Lance GordonI enjoyed my visit with Mr. Clarke and I am looking forward to his birthday celebration next Saturday that his family is planning. I feel like I am part of the family and was so privileged and honored to be in his company.Tribute to Mr. ClarkeIn the commemoration of your 104th birthday, I want to thank you and acknowledge you for 104 years of spreading love, kindness, hope, forgive-ness, wisdom, and joy in the face of danger and delight. It is my honor to have met you. On this special day saying congratulations is just not enough. You deserve a Purple Heart, a street named aer you,or at the very least a parade in your honor. Happy 104th Birthday!MDMClarissa the Caterpillar’s Big TransformationRead the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper online at cadnews.orgFlorence “Tootsie” Kiser Price Wollaston was born November 22, 1931, in Hartford, CT., She passed on February 22, 2025. Florance was predeceased by her parents, Minnie James and William Kiser, who migrated from the South. Florence was the fourth of ve children, all whom are predeceased which included one brother William Jr. (of the WW II 761st Battalion) and three sisters, Evelyn, Muriel, and Helen. She went on to raise four children of her own. She is predeceased by her daughter Patricia, her son Winston and her loving grandson Mashariki. She leaves behind to cher-ish her memory her son Keith of Windsor, CT (and his wife Doris) and her daughter Crystal of New Haven, CT. Her beautiful grandchildren, Keith II of Omaha, NE (and his wife Laura), Kelli of Windsor, CT(and her partner Von) and ve great-grandchil-dren, Jordan, Brooklynn, Mya, Roman, and Leo. Florence also leaves behind her nieces Lavinia, Edie, nephew Raymond (and his wife Diane) and a host of great nieces, neph-ews and friends.Raised in Hartford, Flor-ence, who was always called “Tootsie”, grew up in the newly developed Bellevue Square (1941). At that time, it was a blessing as it was the Kiser’s rst residence with heat and hot water. They were proud to be living there, and that is where Florence would start a family of her own.As a child and teen, Flor-ence was an avid athlete, playing organized team softball (New England Champ Tigerettes), bas-ketball, and ping pong. She attended Weaver high School in the late 1940s and went on to complete many college courses over the years. She spent her teen years proudly working summers on the massive tobacco farms in Windsor and many years at the famous G. Fox & Company store on Main St. Most of her adult working years were spent with the Federal Government (DoD) located at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford. “Because of her work ethic…” (De-fense Plant Representative Oce, 1994), Florence consistently qualied for promotions. Starting as a clerk in 1968, she re-tired in 1994 as a Quality Assurance Specialist and Training Monitor after 28 years of dedicated service. Throughout those years, she volunteered for Meals on Wheels and participated in Toastmasters and bowl-ing leagues.Florence became a member and served on the West Indian Social Club’s Ladies Auxiliary 1970-1983, when they merged with the WISC’s main body. She served the organization tirelessly in numerous capacities over the years. She served as the secretary for the Over-Forty Committee as well as Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee. Her time with WISC was near and dear to her heart, and she was proud to be a Lifetime Member.Florence remained active in her home church of over 40 years, North United Methodist Church in Man-chester. She served on the Manchester Area Council of Churches, where she volunteered overnights at a local shelter. In addition to her roles with WISC and the Church, Florence was very involved with the Man-chester Senior Center where she helped to form the rst Advisory Board and cherished ursday visits with her sister, Murial. Florence Wollaston, West Indian Social Club Inc. Lifetime Member PassesAttorney Racquel Brown not only holds an MBA but also ia a former Dean of Students at the School of Business at the University of the District of Columbia and current-ly a tenured Associate Business Law Professor. She has been a prac-ticing attorney since 2001 within the elds of business formations, contracts, commercial law, estate planning and administration as well as residential real estate. She is recognized as among the top 100 Caribbean individualsof power and inuence. At-torney Brown, according to her clients, is a lawyer with a human touch. Her unassuming approach has won her the hearts of many clients and has led to highly satised testimonies. She ia also a policy and compliance consultant, a published scholar and the author of novel, Deadly Instincts. She is a entrepreneur trainer, and publisher. She continuously serves on non-prot Boards and also donates some of her time as a pro bono attor-ney including rendering estate planning presen-tations at local churches. Additionally, she takes the ght for social justice through education in Colombia, Brazil, Ghana and Jamaica. Her great-est achievement accord-ing to Attorney Brown is having the Lord God as her managing partner in all facets of her business and personal life.CADN newspaper is certainly be pleased to introduce Attorney Brown as a contributing writer. Contact: Racquel D. BrownAttorneyrbrown@gmail.comRacquel Brown New York Attorney in Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts
Health, Wellness & ScienceRead the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper online at cadnews.orgRead the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper online at cadnews.orgCaribbean American Diaspora Newspaper , March 20, 2025 Page 4MELANIN: (Part II) SO MUCH MORE THAN OUR SKIN PIGMENTATIONIn our second article in our series of Melanin we will further explain melanin as a biochemical substance and how it drives physical, mental, emotional and spiritual life. But before we do that let me give you an example of melanin functioning in something that you can relate to or associate it with. In making an analogy to represent how melanin functions, we could use as an example a car and an engine. Melanin in a car would be the engine that drives the car. If melanin were in a computer, it would be the microprocessor, that executes and carries out the computers’ functions calculations and output. In a generator melanin would be the voltage that powers that powers it. As was previously stated in our rst article on Melanin, we are electro-magnetic human beings. The group of related molecules that is the composition of melanin is responsible for many of our biological functions (i.e. (C18 H10N2O4).Melanin has many func-tions in man, inanimated objects and the universe. We will now expore these functions in greater detail.Energy Transformer The consistent appear-ance of melanin in living organisms at locations where energy conversion or charge transfer occurs (skin, retina, hair, mid-brain, and inner ear) is of particular interest.Melanin is strategically placed in these locations to absorb and convert various forms of elec-tronic energy into energy states that can be used by the nervous system. Melanin is found in the skin to absorb ultraviolet light, in the retina to in-crease visual acuity and reaction time, in the mid-brain to perform complex motor tasks like reverse dunking a basketball, and in the inner ear to amplify the thumping bass in music and/or to maintain rhythm and equilibrium when rapping to music. In all of these cases melanin may be acting as an electronic device (McGinness et al., 1974).Melanin is an Energy SourceEverthing in the Universe contains Melanin. The oceans, the clouds, the stars, the soil, our food, and even the womb of our mothers contain Melanin.It is active on the out-er surfaces of Haley’s comet and amazingly, on unearthed bones, over a million years old. Our internal system and all parts of our body includ-ing heart, liver, muscles, nerves, intestines and 12 locations in our brain reveal the presence of Melanin.In humans Melanin is a chemical produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Through autopsies performed on deceased soldiers during the Viet-nam War, it was discov-ered that the pineal gland of the brain is larger in African Americans. The darker the pigment of the skin is a result of the melanin.Melanin also exists as a powerful spiritual energy. It is so much more than the pigment of ones skin color; melanin is also the core fundmental unit that makes up the entirety of the universe. It emits and absorbs energy, works in the brain, and digest information from sunlight.The function of mela-nin in the body can be analogous to chlorophyl in plants. Chlorophyl is not only the pigment located in plants, but it is also utlized in the process of photosyn-thesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light en-ergy, from sunlight, into chemical energy (sugars) using carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Similarly melanin also posesses the quality and charac-teristics associated with photosynthesis in plants.Melanin absorbs sunlight through the skin and en-ables nourishment to the body in the same man-ner as sunlight provides nourishment to plant life. Facts about Melanin - Melanin is centrally involved in controlling all mental and physical body activities. - Melanin’s ability to absorb light, heat, sound (music) causes the human to show physical, mental, and chemical abilities; or to behave culturally and socially like electricity and magne-tism.- Melanin can organize itself and other chemi-cals and show potential to reproduce itself. This means that if a condition occurs where the abil-ity to produce Melanin is altered or reduced, Melanin can take over and control similar mech-anisms to continue its production in the body.- Melanin in the iris of the eye is directly related to an individual’s reac-tion time or quicknes of movement. - Melanin responds/absorbs light, sound (mu-sic), and electrical ener-gy (creative movement) and uses this energy in the body as food. - Melanin is a very old chemical and has been involved in the earth’s life history for ions. The sun’s relationship with the botanical world is called Plant Photosyn-thesis. The sun’s rela-tionship with the human biological world is called Human Photosynthesis. If you can understand the role of chlorophyll in botany, you can under-stand the role of Melanin in human beings.The study of Melanin is an incredibly wide subject area that is the current focus of intense scientic study. Consider this series on Melanin to be an introduction to the important question of who and what you are and how you function and t into the world and the universe.By Mark D. Milward, MfgE, MBAThe passing of Jackie Brown of Palm Bay, Flor-ida leaves a void in the hearts of many, as we bid farewell to a loving soul who departed on February 28, 2025 at the age of 75.Jackie was born in Hartford, Connecticut, March 20, 1949. He was named after the baseball great “Jackie Robinson”, who was a family friend and acquaintance. As a young man growing up on Flatbush Ave in Hartford, Jackie was known for his sports abil-ity in both baseball and basketball. Upon gradu-ating from Bullkey High School in 1968, Jackie left with the school record in basketball of 46 points while breaking the previous record held by Wayne Leghorn. He attended community college before trans-fering to Ohio Weslyan University where he was a 2-time all-conference selection in basketball. While playing only two years at Ohio Wesleyan he was twice named the Bishops’ Most Valuable Player. He averaged 22.1 points per game, at the time the No. 2 mark in school history and the best ever for an OWU guard. He was one of 3 Bishops — and the only guard — to score 500 points in a season, tally-ing 521 his junior year. Brown also set the Bish-op single-game high for scoring from the back-court, 36, and school single-season records for eld goals made (232) and attempted (554). His 2-year totals include 993 points and 265 rebounds. A 2-time second-team All-Ohio Athletic Confer-ence selection, Brown was elected captain as a senior. He also received Ohio Wesleyan’s George Staten Award.Jackie is in the Bulke-ley High School Hall of Fame and was also inducted into the Ohio Weslyan University Hall of Fame in 1981.Upon graduating from OWU in 1972 Jackie was invited to tryouts with the Pro Basketball team, the Chicago Bulls. He performed brilliantly during that tryout period however during that time suered a career ending knee injury. Jackie continued in bas-ketball for many years as a youth basketball coach conducting summer bas-ketball camps with the likes of NBA stars such as Julius Irving. Rest in peace Jackie. You are already missed.Jackie Brown Hartford Native, Bulkeley High School Basketball Legend has DiedBy Mark D. Milward, MfgE, MBAJackie Brown’s Memorial: April 27, 2025, @ St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, 3575 Main St. Htfd, CT. (3pm - 5pm)
Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper, March 20, 2025 Page 5The Undeniable Importance of Art Education For Young Children In Building Concept Forming Skills And Applicable Creativity.Dr. Clovis B Nelson EdD.The importance of chil-dren learning innovation is profoundly under-scored by the natural fundamentals of the visual arts, which serve as a primal driving force in fostering creativity and imaginative thinking. In many indigenous cul-tures, visual arts are not merely a form of expres-sion; they are integral to the way children engage with the world around them. Through painting, weaving, carving, and other artistic endeavors, children learn to observe, interpret, and interact with their environment in meaningful ways. This artistic engagement lays a foundation for innova-tive thought, as it encour-ages them to explore materials, experiment with techniques, and convey their unique per-spectives.The visual arts cultivate essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional expression. When children are en-couraged to create, they learn to see possibilities where others may see limitations. They develop a keen awareness of color, form, and texture, which enhances their ability to think outside the box. This artistic explora-tion is inherently linked to the principles of STEAM education, where science and technology meet the creativity of the arts. It fosters a holistic approach to learning, allowing children to connect various disci-plines and apply them in innovative ways.Incor-porating the visual arts into the learning process also nurtures a sense of cultural identity and continuity. Children in indigenous communities often draw inspiration from their heritage, using traditional motifs and stories as a back-drop for their creations. This connection to their roots not only enriches their artistic practice but also empowers them to innovate within the framework of their cultur-al narratives. They learn that innovation does not mean discarding tradition; rather, it in-volves reinterpreting and adapting it to meet con-temporary challenges.As we strive to prepare future generations for an ever-changing world, it is vital to recognize the role of the visual arts as a catalyst for innovation. By fostering environ-ments where creativity is celebrated and artistic expression is encour-aged, we equip children with the tools they need to think critically, solve problems, and envision new possibilities. In doing so, we not only honor the rich traditions of indigenous cultures but also cultivate a generation of innovators who are ready to engage with the complexities of the modern world while remaining grounded in their cultural identities.Arts & CultureBy Rene LambertGrowing up in Jamaica, I never fully understood or appreciated the rich cultural heritage of my homeland until I migrated and gained a new perspective of what my country represented to the world.It’s one thing to be in a country like Jamaica – living day-to-day like everyone else. However, it’s a whole dierent ballgame when your family migrates to another country in search of greener pastures, only to nd out that in oth-er parts of the world, your skin color or nationality of origin denes more about you than who you really are as a human being deep down on the inside.My family migrated to America in 2017, not only because of economic rea-sons, but it was my mom’s desire to get me overseas from a very young age be-cause I have cerebral palsy. Living in Jamaica with a disability posed its own challenges for my family but as always, it was never something that we couldn’t overcome. I was 17 when my family and I relocated to the states, and as happy as I was to actually be in America, I began to realize why people all over the world loved Jamaica so much. All of the history lessons I learned in both prep school and high school started making more sense to me as I learned more about and was ex-posed to living in a country where racism and prejudice did not hide its face.Coming from a country like Jamaica, where the idea of one love and living in approximate harmony with each other without caring about what one looked like too much, made me un-derstand why many people around the world admired who we were as a people. I realized why many saw Jamaica as a symbol of love and unity, even amid the diculties we faced and still face today as a nation. Members of BlessBackJamDown Mission Delivering food and supplies in Jamaica.is newfound appreciation and love for my country sparked a desire to see and contribute to its ongoing development. As the op-portunity presented itself to give back to Jamaica even as a youth, I did not hesitate to jump on board. I was granted the opportu-nity to join and participate in BlessBackJamdown Mis-sions, Inc which was found-ed in 2020. BBJD Missions was launched as a 501 (c)(3) nonprot organization during the COVID-19 pandemic, to assist un-derserved communities in Jamaica. is is done by providing food and person-al care items to the home-less population and those in need, in underserved communities. e organi-zation’s mission was birthed out of the restless desire that founder, Sherlene Tem-pleman, had to give back to her beloved homeland. Like me, Sherlene had emigrated from Jamaica as a teenager, and now lives in Manches-ter, CT. BlessBackJamdown Missions desires to serve Jamaica by bridging the gap between those in need of support and those who are able to provide such assistance. In January 2025, BBJD embarked on its second mission trip to Jamaica, partnering with Katie’s Kitchen – Gied Hands in Portmore, St. Catherine, to host a heartfelt h annual New Year’s dinner for those in need. Together, we brought warmth and nourishment to the streets, community centers, and homeless shelters across Kingston, St. Catherine, and St. omas, providing more than 450 hot meals and care packages that brought hope and joy to the faces of the underserved. As one of the members on the BBJD Mission’s team with Jamaican roots and connections, it felt amazing to be able to be amongst fellow countrymen – giving back to the land of my birth in a grassroots way. It also felt wonderful to be able to share the love of Christ with others.As a person with a disabil-ity, I know that there are many persons in Jamaica living with disabilities like myself who are a part of these underserved communities as well. My personal hope is to expand on this mission, focusing on supporting the disabled community in Jamaica, a vital part of the broader population in our beloved homeland. I also want to let people know that there’s nothing that they can’t overcome regardless of their background or upbringing. As long as we put God rst, there’ll always be brighter days even in the midst of challenges. Looking ahead, the organi-zation’s goal is to continue being a blessing to all 14 parishes in Jamaica. To achieve this, we hope to partner and collaborate with like-minded individ-uals and organizations, working together to make a dierence, “one meal at a t i m e.”BlessBackJamdown Mis-sions thrives o the gener-ous donations of people like you who would like to make Jamaica and the world a better place. We can’t forget the land of our birth. Seeing My Homeland in a New Light
AnnouncementsCaribbean American Diaspora Newspaper , March 20, 2025Read the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper online at cadnews.orgRead the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper online at cadnews.org Page 6
Business OpportunityCaribbean American Diaspora Newspaper , March 20, 2025 Page 7Read the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper at cadnews.orgRequest for ProposalsAdvocacy to Legacy, Inc.Advocacy to Legacy, Inc, is accepting proposals from a single or qualied team of consultants for a project to support minority small businesses through a community engagement & strategy process, preparation of a service needs assessment, development of a mar-keting strategy and implementation plan, and a facility /property needs assessment with recommendations for a “one stop” location of community services in Bloomeld. Proposals emailed to : advo-cacy2legacy@gmail.com will be accepted until April 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST. Subject line should state: “Home Roots Initiative- Bloomeld, Ct.” Electronic submissions only – mailed copies will not be accepted.All questions concerning this request must be directed to: Violette Haldane, advocacy2legacy@gmail.com or 860-930-2508.Details of the proposal can be downloaded at: https://www.advocacytolegacy.org/Proposals received after the time set for the receipt of proposals will not be considered. All rms submitting a proposal are subject to and must comply with the state equal opportunity and non-discrimi-natory policies.Advocacy to Legacy, Inc. is an Armative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Women’s Business Enterprises are encouraged to apply.Date: 3/20/2025Hartford, CT. Advocacy to Legacy, Inc.Violette HaldaneExecutive Director
WISC Celebrating 75 YearsCaribbean American Diaspora Newspaper , March 20, 2025Read the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper at cadnews.orgRead the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper at cadnews.org Page 81950 2025