A delegation of South Florida Caribbean leaders attended the 11th Annual Legislative Conference sponsored by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) June 24-26 in Washington, D.C. The group, which included [Hazelle Rogers], State Rep. Yolley Roberson, Councilman Aster Knight, North Miami City Clerk Alix Desulme, attorney Marlon Hill, Hulbert James, Roxanne Valies, and Maria Kong, also attended a White House census briefing that focused on Question 8 and 9. James, chair of the South Florida census committee, was selected as one of three national co-chairs of the National Caribbean Community Census Committee.
Why? Because there is not a shred of doubt, as acknowledged by President George W. Bush's proclamation to mark the occasion last year, about the immense contributions made to the U.S. by people of Caribbean background. Not so long ago, former military General Colin Powell, a son of Caribbean-born parents, was Bush's secretary of state, one of the most powerful political posts in the U.S. Powell was even touted as a presidential contender. "But in communities (in the U.S.), where there are large concentrations of Caribbean people, for example in the South Florida area and in the New York metropolitan area, the Caribbean communities have all come together to do different things, sometimes collectively, sometimes individually, meaning individual associations..." Already some activists, who advocate on behalf of Caribbean interests in the U.S., have frowned on clauses of the proposed new immigration bill which they claim is a backward step for those wishing to see immigrant families united in the U.S. Also on the table for the leaders will be the issue of security in the Caribbean and the sensitive subject of deportations.
"The CBC and CARICOM pledged to strengthen their relationship in a structured manner," said Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines prime minister and former CARICOM chairman. The congressman said if the next Conference on the Caribbean is held in New York, it would enable greater participation from the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the Caribbean diaspora in New York, which has the greatest concentration of Caribbean nationals in the U.S.
"It is important because we are black first," said Joseph, a U.S. resident since 1970 and a registered Democrat, "then we are Caribbean or American." "As a black man walking down the street (in the U.S.), no one knows if he is Caribbean or not," [Irwint Claire] added. "Plus Caribbean people have played important roles in advancement of African Americans. "It is a very significant time for Caribbean Americans," he said. "Caribbean nationals should look at it as a good time to be in the U.S...One ([Barack Obama]) from the ranks is moving forth."
"I plan on pursuing a double major, pre-med and writing," said [Frankie Telfort]. "Medicine is my career choice, but I also want to focus on my writing." "It is definitely my speed," he said. "I run a 4:3 (seconds) 40 (yard dash). It's my speed and my mind; I have a great knack for the game." "Basically, we do a lot of lateral drills to make sure the footwork is right," TeUort explained. "We work with truck tires for coordination. We push each other to make each other better."
