Florida's Caribbean Sun Newspaper September 2009- Part 2

Central Florida’s Caribbean Sun 13

ADVANCED AUTO SYSTEMS CORP.

4801 West Robinson Street • Orlando, FL 32811(407) 253-5995

LUBE, OIL & FILTERWith FREE 4-Tire

Rotation & Balance

$1999

Includes lube whereapplicable, new oil filter, upto 5 quarts major brand oil.

Fluid/Filter disposal charges may apply. Most cars& light trucks. Vehicles requiring synthetic ordiesel oil & filter may be extra. No other discountsapply. Additional charge for shop supplies.

CVAXLES

$5999

Plus labor.

Most cars per side.Call for details.No other discounts apply.

SPEC

IALI

ZING IN

ELEC

TRIC

AL

&

COM

PLET

E DIA

GNOST

ICS C

ALL U

S &

SEE

TH

E D

IFFEREN

CE IN

PRIC

E &

QU

ALIT

Y!

YourCommercial

& FleetSpecialist

ASE CertifiedTechnicians WithOver 29 Years of

Experience!!!

NOW AT NEW LOCATION!!!

EngineLight On?

FREE EngineLight Diagnostic

Includes basic engine scan,retract engine codes, and

1/2 hour diagnostic.

(Most cars & light trucks)

Bumping, Thumping,

Screeching, Grinding?

FREE 20 Point

Vehicle InspectionIncluding Test Drive!We will inspect your car orlight truck and give you an

estimate on repair.(Most cars & light trucks)

We can repair your:•A/C and heat•Engine overhaul and tune•Full transmission repair•Brakes, including ABS•Front end/Suspension•Electrical repair•Diagnostic•Tires

FREE A/CSYSTEM

TESTIncludes basic electrical test,

complete leak detection,and system analysis.

(Most cars & light trucks)

Brakes Squealing?

Replace pads or shoes,inspect rotors or drums,

inspect hardware, lubricateslide components

(Most cars & light trucks--Ceramic pads additional)

Brake Jobs As Low As

$7900

COURTESYPICK UP &DROP OFF

WE DOFLEET

MAINTENANCE

SPARK PLUGREPLACEMENT

$3999 $5999$49998 Cyl6 Cyl

For Routine Scheduled Maintenance4 Cyl

Includes checking fluids &filters, resistor spark plugs&labor. Battery & roadtests. (Diagnostic serviceavailable for most cars.)

Most vehicles. Vans & some transverse engines extra.Platinum plugs extra. Call for an appointment. No otherdiscounts apply. Additional charge for shop supplies.

Towing

AvailableImports &

Domestic

Old Winter G

East-West Expressway (408)

Mis

sio

n R

d

W. Robinson St

Pin

e H

ills R

d

X Rd

arden

➔AdvancedAuto

Support ouradvertisers . . .

Tell them you saw theirad in florida’S caribbean sun!b

cm

From the tomatofields of the Bahamasto Medal of Freedom

Internationally acclaimed Bahamian American actor Sidney Poitier was among 16 whowere awarded the Medal of Freedom recently by President Barack Obama, at the White House.

“The recipients of the Medal of Freedom did not set out to win this or any other award.They did not set out in pursuit of glory or fame or riches. Rather, they set out, guided bypassion, committed to hard work, aided by persistence, often with few advantages but thegifts, grace, and good name God gave them, the president said.

“So, let them stand as an example here in the United States — and around the world — ofwhat we can achieve in our own lives. Let them stand as an example of the difference wecan make in the lives of others. Let each of their stories stand as an example of a life welllived,” Obama said.

Ambassador and actor, Sidney Poitier has left an indelible mark on American culture. Risingfrom the tomato farms of the Bahamas, his talent led him to Broadway, Hollywood, andglobal acclaim. In front of black and white audiences struggling to right the Nation’s moralcompass. Sidney Poitier brought us the common tragedy of racism, the inspiring possibilityof reconciliation, and the simple joys of everyday life. Ultimately, the man would mirror thecharacter, and both would advance the Nation’s dialogue on race and respect.

14 Central Florida’s Caribbean Sun

He said that these agreements would provide enhanced arrangements for the export ofproducts and services from the Caribbean region and urged Jamaican entrepreneurs to gearthemselves to expand their capacity to export to these major markets. He said the Jamaicagovernment was providing incentives for investment in the economy by foreign investorsand had made the process very investor friendly.

Caribbean looking fordevelopment agreements

with US, Canada– Continued from page 1 –

Our apologies.....butwe’re coming on strongerFor the first time in almost six years of publishing, the Caribbean Sun newspaper missed

being published last month, due to a number of circumstances beyond our control. Weregret that we were unable to publish our August edition of your favorite newspaper andapologise for any inconvenience this would have caused our readers, advertisers and theCaribbean American community as a whole.

We know from your telephone calls and other enquiries how much the Florida CaribbeanAmerican community and our other readers look forward to the Caribbean Sun newspaperand we want to assure you that the newspaper is till in business and will continue to servethe community, as it has done faithfully since January 2004.

Apart fromn the fact that our main computer crashed just prior to the publication of the Augustedition, our publisher and editor-in chief, Mr. Wesley Kirton has now taken up a new appoint-ment which requires extensive travel outside of Florida. Consequently, new arrangements havehad to be put in place to ensure the timely publication of the newspaper each month.

While Mr. Kirton will remain the publisher and editor-in-chief of the newspaper, there have beensome changes in responsibilities which will be announced in our October edition. It is alsoexpected that our revamped Internet edition of the publication will also be launched next month.

We look forward to the support of Florida’s business community in helping to ensure notjust the survival but the expansion of this newspaper which continues to inform, educate,entertain and project a positive image of Florida’s Caribbean American community and tohelp find solutions to the problems which confront the community.

Enjoy reading yet another edition of the Caribbean Sun newspaper!

bcm

2155 West Colonial Dr.Booth Z 4 - 5

Magic Mall - Last Entrance(Next to the Caribbean Hut & Finlays Shipping)

One Big MiamiCaribbeanCarnival in

October

Following years of having two Carnival pa-rades, Miami will this year have one big Car-

ibbean Carnival in downtown Miami and orga-nizers say that the city’s carnival weekend prom-ises to be the biggest and best ever.

The Miami Carnival 2009 parade and festival willtake place on Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 9 a.m.to 11. p.m. at Bicentennial Park, downtown Miami.

This 25th anniversary of celebration of MiamiCaribbean Carnival is in honor of Selman Lewisand Desmond Worrell.

DJs from Miami- Dorenzo, Eternal Vibes, GaryEnforcement, Giselle D’ Wassi One, House Ar-rest, Maestro, Mixx 96 Crew, Soca Tech, SuperC, and Tidal Wave Sound; from New York- Backto Basics, Fess, Natural Freaks, Rhythm Interna-tional and Xtreme Productionz; from Orlando -Crown Prince and Tha Vibz; and from Atlanta-Ibis International, Jaspa, Stephen, Tony Tempoalong with steel bands from Miami and Orlandowill form part of the line up for the event.

There will also be Caribbean food, drinks, artsand crafts on sale.

Parade starts at 12:00 noon on NE 27th Street atNE 2nd Avenue. Proceeds South on NE 2nd Av-enue, East on NE 15th Street, South on BiscayneBoulevard, East on NE 13th Street, South onBayshore Drive and into Bicentennial Park,1075Biscayne Blvd., Downtown Miami.

Directions: I-95 North/South to #112 East. Exitat Biscayne Blvd. Drive South on Biscayne Blvd.Discounted Parking available in the area.

Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Kenneth Baugh (left) with Laparkan’s AirCargo Operations Manager John Green (right) and Consul General for FloridaSandra Grant Griffiths.


September 2009


Lifestyles Caribbean Horoscope for September 2009

VIRGO (Aug 24 - Sep 23)Compadres are poised to get you into all sorts of trouble this September.Good thing too - things were getting too boring and mundane around here!Virgins will be surprised at how artistic they can be when they are inspired.Resolve to be outrageous, creative and awe inspiring in any group situation.Pack a cushion for all those dropping jaws.

LIBRA (Sep 24 - Oct 23)Libras impress the power elite with a few well chosen words and deeds. Whatis it that will get you in front of the bosses? Whatever it is, grab at the chanceand show them what you can do. Also, ask advice of parents or any sage-likefamily figures. There are things you can learn from the past that will give youadded ammunition for the future.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 22)Plan a great getaway. Pack your bags and hit the road with a companion andexplore parts unknown. The goal is to expand your vision and experiencemind altering, perspective changing things. Anything that you do now hasglobal repercussions. So if money and time are tight and you can’t travel far,find unusual diversions closer to home. Anyone we know?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 - Dec 22)Archers are not known for their robust sex drive but now, you are a sensualforce with whom to be reckoned. What a nice change of pace! Make the mostof this rare energy and spread your good cheer to all. Gallop to the nearestmeet market and see who is hanging on the hook and ready to be bought. Thesummer is almost over but you can still stoke the grill....

CAPRICORN (Dec 23 - Jan 20)You meet someone who will tip one of your sacred cows. It is uncomfortablebut necessary. But ultimately you will be agog and amazed. Caps often re-frain from taking risks but now there is greater risk in inaction. Break out ofyour shell; the cosmos hands you a sledgehammer. Light taps will not do it sosmash through all barriers and dance through the opening.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 - Feb 19)Attending to health related matters will have a dramatic, beneficial impact onyour spiritual outlook. Aquarians can flush their systems which are currentlyclogged with the detritus of secrets, fears, undermining behavior and loss ofpersonal confidence. It won’t be easy - you have to work at it. A fresh newbreeze is in the air! Avoid the usual trashy crowd.

PISCES (Feb 20 - Mar 20)Let your muse be your guide. Pisces have a plethora of fantastic ideas that area bit off the beaten track. Thinking outside the box will dazzle the crowd andmove you into and on the top of important powerful organizations. Friends inhigh places carry you along if you ask for the ride. Hurry before your creativ-ity takes a powder and you are buried in the shifting sands.

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 20)Changes in your concept of “home” can impact your career path ... for thebetter. (Although it won’t seem that way initially.) Rams with a bone to pickfind novel ways to poke with it that moves something or someone out of theway. Or maybe you need to move out of your own way? Stop standing in theway of your own success. Become transparent and flexible.

TAURUS (Apr 21 - MAY 21)Nothing remains the same forever. Growth, evolution and just plain changemake your current circumstances irrelevant and in need of sprucing. Septem-ber brings a refreshing opportunity to enliven your life. That is why Bulls areadvised to map out possible new paths that can take them on satisfying, suc-cessful journeys. The world is your oyster. Chow down.

GEMINI (May 22 - Jun 21)If you are looking for love this month it will be delivered to you in dollops.The trick is how to choose from the delicious array of treats. Choose care-fully - Twins can fall head over heels and can also cost much more than youinitially think. Will it be a trip to the moon on gossamer wings or just one ofthose crazy old things? Let’s try and guess.

CANCER (Jun 22 - Jul 23)Life is one big ying yang now. Partners demand much more of your time. Tryto find creative ways of balancing the often conflicting needs of yours, mineand ours. Are you prepared to compromise so you can make everyone elsehappy? Crabs are known for giving more than they get but a change to thisspecific dynamic is now required. If not now, then when?

LEO (Jul 24 - Aug 23)No sooner do you attempt to exercise and attend to healthy outlets than some-one sabotages your efforts. Are they strewing your jogging path with cook-ies? Are they spiking your wheatgrass with a hair of the dog? No matter whathappens this month, keep your eye on the prize and on your waistline. Swim-suit season is fast morphing into to holiday party season.

Tips for your kids as theyreturn to school

The long summer holiday will soon come to an end and our children will be returning to school. Asour kids begin the new school year it is important that we put in place guidelines and rules forensuring their safety and success, Here are some tips you’ll find helpful:

MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER

• Remind your child that s/he is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day ofschool. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sureeveryone feels as comfortable as possible.

• Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. S/he’ll see old friends and meetnew ones. Refresh her/his positive memories about previous years, when she may have returnedhome after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.

• Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ridewith on the bus.

• If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk) to school and pick her/him up on the firstday.

BACKPACK SAFETY

• Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.• Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to

the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of yourchild’s body weight.

• Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.• Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must

tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they maybe difficult to roll in snow.

TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Review the basic rules with your youngster:

School Bus

• If your child’s school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all timeswhen in the bus. If your child’s school bus does not have lap/shoulder belts, encourage theschool to buy or lease buses with lap/shoulder belts.

• Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.• Do not move around on the bus.• Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing.• Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.• Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or

to the school building.

Car

New Teen Drivers

Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school. Youshould require seat belt use, limit the number of teen passengers, do not allow eating, drinking, cellphone conversations or texing to prevent driver distraction; and limit nighttime driving and drivingin inclement weather. Familiarize yourself with your teen’s graduated drive license law and con-sider the use of a parent-teen driver agreement to facilitate the early driving learning process.

Bike

• Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.• Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.• Use appropriate hand signals.• Respect traffic lights and stop signs.• Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility.• Know the “rules of the road.” (http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm)

Walking to School

• Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards atevery intersection.

• Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and lesscautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to schoolwithout adult supervision.

• If your child is young or is walking to a new school, walk with them the first week to make surethey know the route and can do it safely.

• Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.• In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider starting a “walking school bus”, in

which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school.

DEVELOPING GOOD HOMEWORK AND STUDY HABITS

• Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanentwork space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.

• Set aside ample time for homework.• Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.• Supervise comput er and Internet use.• Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child’s homework for her.• Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be

helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it willnot be too disruptive.

• If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren’t able to help her yourself, atutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child’s teacher first.


Caribbean ProfileEach issue of the Caribbean Sun newspaper features a brief profile of

a Caribbean country/island provided by welcometothecaribbean.com

LifestylesRECIPES! RECIPES! RECIPES! RECIPES!

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Antigua & BarbudaOfficial Name: Antigua and BarbudaArea: 280 square km (108 sq. miles)Capital: St. John’sNationality: Antiguan and BarbudianOfficial Language: EnglishPopulation: 67,000Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$)Exchange Rate: U.S. $1.00 = EC$ 2.70Time Zone: EST -1; GMT-4Phone Code: Country code (268),plus the local number

GeographyAntigua and Barbuda arelocated at the southern endof the Leeward islands.This state includesRedonda an uninhabitedrock. The total area is 171sq. miles (442 sq. km). Themain island of Antigua hasno forests, mountains orrivers. There are a fewsprings and prolongeddroughts are experienced from time to time. Barbuda, a coral island, lies 25 miles north ofAntigua. It is a game reserve, flat and well wooded. The capital, St. John’s, is located onmainland Antigua.

HistoryAntigua was first sighted by the Spaniards but was later colonized by the British whoestablished tobacco plantations. Later in the century sugar cane proved to be a moreprofitable crop and the first large sugar estate was established by Sir ChristopherCodrington in 1674. He leased Barbuda to grow provisions for his plantations withslaves imported from Africa. The slaves were emancipated in 1834 but economic op-portunities for these free laborers were limited by a lack of surplus farming land, noaccess to credit and an economy built on agriculture rather than manufacturing. Aftermany years of hardship and struggles Antigua and Barbuda gained its independence inNovember1981.

EconomyAntigua and Barbuda’s economy is now based on services, principally tourism andoffshore banking. Hotels and restaurants contribute about a quarter of GDP and em-ploy about one-third of the workforce. Agriculture is mainly directed to the domesticmarket while manufacturing comprises enclave type assembly for export, with majorproducts being bedding, handicraft and electronic components. Tourism is the leadingforeign exchange earner but financial services (offshore banking) and informationbased industries including Internet gaming have emerged as complimentary industries.The principal exports are chemicals, food products, live animals, miscellaneous manu-factured goods and petroleum products.

People & CultureMost inhabitants of this country are of African descent, although a minority of En-glish, Portuguese, Lebanese and Syrian descendants are still active in business andcommerce. The language spoken is English and most people are Anglican with smallgroups of other Protestant sects and Roman Catholics. Carnival, which is held lateJuly/August highlights the cultural aspects of the country which includes a uniquebrand of soca (soul calypso) made internationally popular by an Antiguan band namedBurning Flames.

Black Angel Hair Fritters

INGREDIENTS:

* 2 oz Blue crab meat

* 2 oz. minced conch

* 2 oz. minced vegetables

* 1 oz. cooked black angel hair pasta

* 1 egg

* Hint of baking powder

* Seasoning

DIRECTIONS:

Mix crab and conch together Add the vegetables, egg and the baking powder season to

taste and very carefully add the black angel hair. Heat the deep fryer to 2500 and fry to

satisfaction. Present on a nice dinner plate with a mild curry sauce and garnish with fried

parsley and diced tomatoes.

Pork Chops With Banana And Bacon

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

* 4 pork chops, about 1" thick

* 3/4 tbsp. cumin

* Salt and pepper (to taste)

* Juice of 1 lemon

* 2 tbsp. Softened butter

* 2 large bananas

* 6 strips bacon

* Beer (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the butter, salt, pepper and cumin. Rub mixture into both sides of the meat. Sauté

the bacon briefly, until some of the fat has rendered. Remove and drain. Peel bananas and

cut into 1 1/4" chunks. Place bananas on a dish and sprinkle with lemon juice. Cut the

bacon strips into lengths just long enough to wrap around each banana slice. Place on

bananas on skewers, threading through where the bacon slice overlaps. Place the pork

chops on a hot grill, for 15 minutes, turning once. Turn grill down to medium, adding the

bacon and bananas; grill another 10 minutes, turning both the meat and the bananas. For

extra flavor, baste with beer, while the meat cooks.

Diwali celebrations inFt. Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale will hold its second annual Diwali celebrations from October 14-16, 2009

at the new Central Broward Regional Park located at the corner of SR 7 and Sunrise Blvd

in Lauder Hill.

The celebration, put on by Divali Nagar, Inc.-a registered non-profit organization, is one

of the most celebrated and auspicious occasions of the East Indian community throughout

the world. Celebrations are also held in other cities in Florida including Orlando and Tampa.

“We are anticipating a mixed attendance of multi-ethnic patrons to experience Divali

during our 3 day festival and to partake in the great ethnic foods, refreshments, live

entertainment, cultural seminars, kids’ workshops and a host of other activities which

we have been planning since November of last year. We will culminate the event with

a grand cultural display second to none, with ethnic songs, dance and a queen Contest

featuring ethnic garments on Friday, October 16th 2009", the organizers said in a

press release.


Dear Shanti,

My dad is a drunk and needs serious help, but I’m only 13. I told my mom but she says that

dad is just having a tough time. I hate her so much. She knows it’s a big problem. I hate

him too and I so scared for myself and little sister. The other day he drove me to school

while under the influence. Is there anything I can do?

The child of a drunk

Dear the child of a drunk,

There isn’t much you can do if he doesn’t want help. I have 2 great books for you.

The first is called Lush by Natasha Friend and published by Scholastic. Their web

address is www.scholastic.com. Also check out a book called My dad loves me, but

he has a disease by Claudia Black.

There are some numbers you should call and they are free to call.

• Alateen- 1-800-344-2666

Web address- www.al-anon.alteen.org

• National Association for Children of Alcoholics- 1-888-554-COAS (2627)

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST), M-F

Their website: www.nacoa.org

Hope this information is helpful.

-Shanti

You may email Shanti at [email protected] or write to

Attn: Shanti

Florida’s Caribbean Sun News

301 East Pine Street, Suite 150

Orlando, FL 32801

Protecting yourpets from

heartworm diseasePet owners throughout Florida are being warned to take steps to protect their pets from thedebilitating heartworm disease. The warning comes from veterinarians and from CountyAnimal Services departments who say that thousands of animals are affected by the dis-ease each year.

“Heartworm disease is a silent killer,” said Katie Lockett, Manager of Orange CountyAnimal Services. “It affects thousandsof animals in our community, but manypet owners are unaware of the dangerfacing their pets.”

Heartworms result from the bite of amosquito, infect primarily dogs and

progress into a disease that affects theheart and lungs. The worms damageblood vessels and reduce the heart’spumping ability, resulting in severe lung and heart disease that can result in death. Thoughtreatable, the treatment process can be difficult on the animal, lengthy and expensive.

“Last year alone, nearly 600 animals tested heartworm positive at our shelter. This figureshows us how widespread the disease is in our community, and we want to make sure petowners understand that it’s inexpensive and easy to prevent heartworm disease,” saidLockett.

Preventing heartworm disease consists of a simple monthly chewable, tablet or topicaldose that can be prescribed by veterinarians. Many chewables cost less than $5 per month.Pets should be tested prior to starting on heartworm preventative.

For more information about preventing heartworm disease and finding a veterinarian inyour area, please visit www.ocfl.net/pethealth.

Caribbean issuesto feature at CBC

Legislative ConferenceA number of issues affecting Caribbean Americans and the Caribbean region itself will be dis-cussed during the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, a four-day eventto be held this month at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Thousands of elected officials, business and industry leaders, celebrities, media, emergingleaders and everyday Americans including a number of Caribbean American elected offi-cials and community leaders will participate in the conference and its dozens of policyforums, general sessions, massive exhibit showcase, job fair, book signings and vast net-working opportunities.

The conference will be held September 23-26.

The Congressional Black Caucus is comprised of the African-American members of theU.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and is currently co-chaired by Con-gresswoman Yvette Clarke, a Caribbean American.

The conference brings together diverse organizations and individuals to collectively dis-cuss common issues and concerns. Its program includes more than 70 workshops, semi-nars and information forums on relevant topics that capture and portray the concerns ofAfrican Americans. Participants discuss the challenges facing underserved populations,including health care, economic success and failures, global and domestic security as wellas highlight successes and provide critical information that will help to build strong com-munities, organizations and individual families. The conference also features the success-ful Emerging Leaders Empowerment Series, which is gaining widespread attention as itspeaks to our future successors. In addition, the exhibit hall offers demonstrations andsocial events to complement the substantive content of the conference.

The Annual Legislative Conference is one of the most important gatherings of AfricanAmerican leaders. They really need and want all constituents to seize this opportunity tospeak freely and often about their concerns, to network and build relationships, and togather as much information as possible to take home and share within their communities.

Support ouradvertisers . . .

Tell them you saw their ad inflorida’S caribbean sun!


SportsSportss s LVenezuela, US ‘Golf’ War

The United States recently took a swing at VenezuelanPresident Hugo Chavez’s criticism of golf as a “bourgeois”sport, insisting he was “out of bounds.”

“As the Department of State’s self-appointed ambassa-dor-at-large for golf, I wish to protest the unwarrantedattack by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on thegame of golf,” joked PJ Crowley, a State Departmentspokesman.

He was referring to the leftist Chavez’s criticism ofthe sport, and a New York Times report that said hisgovernment planned to close golf courses in Maracayand Caraballeda.

“Once again Mr Chavez, one of the hemisphere’s most divi-sive figures, finds himself out of bounds,” Crowley said.

On his live Sunday television program last month, Chavez dismissed golf as a “bour-geois” sport.

“I respect all sports,” the Times quoted him as saying. “But there are sports and there aresports. Do you mean to tell me this is a people’s sport? It is not.”

Digicel sponsors US-basedCaribbean soccer

Mobile telecommunications giant Digicel has announced its three-year sponsorship of

New York’s long-running Caribbean Football Cup.

Valerie Estime, the conglomerate’s general manager for the Diaspora Region, told a launch-

ing ceremony recently that she was very excited to sign the sponsorship.

“We’re here because Digicel is a lifeline of the Caribbean and Central America,”

she said.

“Digicel is a strong support of football in the Caribbean and Central America. It is

only normal that we are here tonight to kick off this event and give support to further

the Cup.”

The Miami-based Estime, however, declined to state the sponsorship price tag and the

terms and conditions of the contract but said the company would, in the remaining five

weeks of the tournament, “roll out some exciting promotions and competitions” to sup-

port what is now called Digicel Caribbean Cup New York.

Curtis Chance, the Cup’s Guyana-born operations manager, said he was excited that Digicel

has decided to come on board to enhance a tournament that has operated on a shoe string

budget over the years.

“Today is very exciting for Caribbean Cup soccer,” he said, stating that the championship,

which started in 1992 with seven teams, had grown to 12 teams with little or no sponsorship.

“We do not get a lot of monetary support from companies in Brooklyn. Our fans have been

very loyal.

“This partnership is very important. It brings together a reputable company with the re-

sources to get to our goal.”

The 12 teams participating in the Cup are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Colombia,

Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent &

the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Jamaica has won the championship for the last four years.

West Indies team for ICCChampionship Trophy

The West Indies selectors have named the following players for the International CricketCouncil’s Champions Trophy limited-overs tournament in South Africa from Tuesday,September 22 to Monday, October 5.

The players are: Floyd Reifer (Captain), Darren Sammy (Vice Captain), David Ber-nard, Tino Best, Royston Crandon, Travis Dowlin, Andre Fletcher, Nikita Miller, DarenPowell, Kieran Powell, Dale Richards, Kemar Roach, Devon Smith, Gavin Tonge,Chadwick Walton.

Lance Gibbs is the team’s manager.

By Philip Blenkinsop

BRUSSELS, Belguim (Reuters) — Triple Olympicand world champion Usain Bolt cruised to 200 metersvictory in a Brussels Golden League meeting recordrecently while three athletes shared the final $1 mil-lion jackpot.

The irrepressible Jamaican, paraded around the KingBaudouin stadium in a convertible car at the start, glidedround the bend on the newly-laid track to clock 19.57seconds and beat the previous best of American TysonGay (19.79) in 2006.

“I was feeling kind of fatigued. That’s why I backed offin the last 25 to 30 meters,” Bolt told reporters.

“Oh my God, I can’t wait. I’m really looking forward togoing home,” added the sprinter, who has been on theroad since July 1.

Bolt delighted the capacity crowd at the rain-soaked meeting with his customary theatrics andbroad grin.

“I was just having some fun out there ... the crowdgave me the final push ... I enjoy giving the fans ashow,” he said.

Earlier, world champion Sanya Richards romped to vic-tory in the 400 in a meeting record of 48.83 seconds toclaim a share of the $1 million jackpot.

The American said the money would ensure her wed-ding in February would be even more lavish.

Competitors must win their events at all six of the season’s Golden League meetings to earnthe cash prize.

PJ Crowley. AFP PHOTO

Bolt coasts to victory, trio share $1 million

Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva andEthiopian Kenenisa Bekele, Olympic and world cham-pion at 5,000 and 10,000, shared the money with Richards.

Isinbayeva, who failed to retain her world title in Berlinlast month, secured victory by dint of fewer failures at4.70 meters before making three failed attempts to breakher world record of 5.06 set in Zurich last week.

The Russian said she was over-confident and too re-laxed in Berlin.

“There, my head was at the top of the mountains, in thesky. Now I’m back on earth,” said Isinbayeva.

Bekele was made to fight hardest for his prize, pushed allthe way to the line in the 5,000 by four other Africanswho all set personal bests. His winning time was 12:55:31.

The capacity crowd at the Memorial Van Damme meet-ing were denied a sprint duel between Bolt and the world’ssecond fastest man when Gay opted to run the 100.

Gay (10.00) made a poor start and finished second inthe blue riband event to Jamaican Asafa Powell (9.90).

“I just got my butt kicked,” said Gay.

Kenya broke the world record in the rarely run 4x1,500relay with a time of 14:36:23.

The time was almost two seconds better than the previ-ous best set by a West Germany team in 1977, whichuntil Friday was the oldest existing world record.

The meeting marked the end of 12 seasons of the Golden League. Next year it will bereplaced by the Diamond League, a 14-city tour including events in Asia and United States.

Usain Bolt of Jamaica wins the Mens 200m race during theIAAF Golden League memorial Van Damme meeting at theking Baudoin Stadium in Brussels. AFP PHOTO


Call or Stop by for Weekly Specials407-299-4087

We have the largest variety of Caribbean, West Indian

and African Groceries in Central Florida.

A cornucopia of items including:

Serving the Central Florida Area for more then10 years

● Breads● Can Goods● Fresh Fruit

Open Monday through Saturday 10 am until 9 pm2623 North Pine Hills Road Orlando, FL 32808(Near the corner of Pine Hills and Silver StarAcross from the Winn Dixie Shopping Center)

● Frozen Vegetables● Vitamins● And Much More!

Chand’s WestChand’s WestChand’s WestChand’s WestChand’s WestIndian GroceriesIndian GroceriesIndian GroceriesIndian GroceriesIndian Groceries

Call or Stop by for Weekly Specials407-299-4087

Miami donates trucks,equipment to Haiti

The City of Miami recently donated several trucks and hurricane emergency equipmentto the capital city of Haiti- Port-au-Prince- under the Sister Cities program.

City Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones led a delegation to Haiti last month to presentdonated surplus trucks and equipment to the City of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The 15 mem-ber delegation included representatives of the public, private and non-profit sectors.

The delivery of the trucks to Port-au-Prince could not come at a better time, with severalhurricanes and storms brewing in the Atlantic. The donated trucks and supplies are part ofan educational campaign called “Leve! An Nou Kimbe Potoprens Pwop !” (Wake Up!Let’s Keep Port-au-Prince Clean) in partnership with the City of Miami’s Sister City inPort-au-Prince, Haiti and the Mayor’s International Council.

The initiative will assist Port-au-Prince in the operations of an efficient and environmentfriendly solid waste system and provide training to the City’s Solid Waste Department thatfocuses on operations, administration and maintenance.

“The overall objective of the campaign is to assist and educate residents in Port-au-Princeon how to keep the environment clean; said Commissioner Spence-Jones “It also providestraining that will prepare them sho uld another disaster strike Haiti.”

During the visit there was the establishment of an art and cultural exchange partnershipbetween Port-au-Prince and the City of Miami.

Caribbean needsinternational support-

President JagdeoThe Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will need the support of International FinancialInstitutions (IFIs), as it seeks relief for debt-burdened member states, in the face of theglobal financial crisis.

President of the Republic of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, told journalists at Jamaica House re-cently, that there is a clear need for urgent financing for many CARICOM states to avoid acatastrophic situation.

Mr. Jagdeo, who was in the island on a working visit, was speaking in his capacity as Chair ofa special Prime Ministerial Task Force, which includes Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Bruce Golding,set up by CARICOM to craft appropriate responses to the impact of the crisis on the region.

“We are not seeking a write off, at this time, to a specific amount of debt. What we are seekingto do is to get these institutions, in principle, to agree that middle income countries of a particu-lar kind, and those can be found in our region, where they have specific vulnerabilities, thatthey should be eligible for multilateral debt relief,” the Guyanese President said.

“They must also be eligible for financing, so they can refinance some of the high cost, shortterm debt,” Mr. Jagdeo added.

The Task Force has completed a dossier on each country, outlining the gaps that exist in eachand where they plan to seek their solutions.


Guyana expellingAmerican church leadersGuyana has refused to renew the visas for about 50 United States citizens who are mem-bers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints, some of whom were detained bypolice while efforts to address the issue were ongoing at a diplomatic level.

The church began operating in Guyana about two decades ago having received permis-sion from the then administration of late President Desmond Hoyte. The church has beeninvolved in missionary and humanitarian work in several communities around Guyana.

The Guyana government has denied speculation that its action is based on suspicion thatthe church members are involved in espionage on behalf of the US government, pointingout that “this is an immigration issue.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs said that in accordance with the Immigration Act, it hadissued letters denying work permits and extension of stay to 50 missionaries belonging tothe Church. They were ordered to leave the jurisdiction, the ministry explained in a state-ment issued after members of the Church were detained at the Criminal InvestigationDepartment (CID), Eve Leary for several hours. The statement also sought to correct areport which it said purportedly originated from the US embassy that the missionarieswere being expelled because “they were engaged in espionage activities”-a claim deniedby the embassy. The missionaries were subsequently given a 30-day period to leave, aftera meeting between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Church representatives.

The main opposition party has criticised the government’s handling of the incident, call-ing it an assault on the religious community, while warning that it could have implicationsfor the treatment of Guyanese abroad.

Caribbean Sun understands that discussions are taking place at various levels includingdiplomatic which are aimed at allowing the church to continue its work in Guyana.

Indies cricket in jepoardy. President Jagdeo has also blamed the Board for the breakdown.

In response, the Board has denied that it is at fault, pointing out that the Players Association wasnever committed to the process and accusing Sir Shridat of breaching the rules of procedure.

Fans of the West Indies cricket team were hopeful that a secure and permanent end to thetroubles that have plagued their team for the past decade will emerge from the mediationprocess assigned to former Commonwealth Secretary General, Guyanese Sir Shridat Ramphal.

Ramphal was appointed by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) chairman, Guyana’s Presi-dent Bharat Jagdeo to mediate a dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board and theWest Indies Players Association which resulted in many of the senior players withdrawingtheir services for the tour of the West Indies by Bangladesh last month.

West Indies was forced to use a second rate test team which lost both the test and one-dayseries to Bangladesh, giving them their first series win ever.

Following on the withdrawal of the senior players, and the selection by the Board of a newteam, the Players Association wrote to current CARICOM Chair, President Bharat Jagdeoof Guyana seeking the intervention of Caribbean governments on the matter.

Jagdeo immediately brought the two sides together out of which emerged an agreementfor mediation to be supervised by Sir Shridat. While the mediation process has begun, theWI Board has named a squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy in South Africa thismonth which does not include the players who had earlier withdrawn their services.

Retired Guyana and West Indies off-spinner Lance Gibbs, who has been named as man-ager ofthe team for the Champions Trophy,told Caribbean Sun in an exclusive interviewthat the players who withdrew their service at short notice acted irresponsibly and failed toappreciate the importance of cricket to West Indian nationhood.

“Their withdrawal at the ninth hour prior to the start of the Bangladesh tour could havebrought an end to West Indies cricket. Had the Board not been able to assemble a teamquickly there would have been financial losses from which it would have never recovered.There could also have been law suits for breach as contracts including television rights.This was a serious situation which could have killed West Indies cricket,” Gibbs stressed.

Gibbs was also critical of former West Indies captain Chris Gayle and the senior playerswho failed to turn up at at an ICC ceremony in St. Lucia to launch next year’s twenty/20World Cup in the competition in the West Indies. He said the players demonstrated bytheir abscence a lack of pride and honor for West Indies cricket.

A former world record holder for the most wickets in test cricket, Gibbs said he wasparticularly concerned that some of the younger players of the senior team such as NarsinghDeonarine and Lionel Baker would allow their future to be put in jeopardy by a misguidedWest Indies Players Association. He is of the view that many of the players joined in the“strike action” without fully understanding the implications.

“All these players, including the senior players will now have to fight for their places inthe team in the future,” Gibbs said, while paying tribute to members of the hurriedly puttogether team whom, in his view, put up a good showing against Bangladesh.

“These were players who were awakened in the middle of the night to be asked to travelthe next day to plat Test cricket. Look at the performance of Downlin, Roach, Bernard andthe young wicketkeeper who has taken 12 catches in two Tests,” Gibbs pointed out.

Ramphal had earlier said that he hoped the mediation process could end by August, indicatingthat the Board should have proceeded with naming the best team for the South Africa tour.

“For the removal of doubt and avoidance of misunderstanding, I make clear that the Me-diation Process following the Georgetown Agreement between the West Indies CricketBoard and the West Indies Players Association in no way affects the obligation of WICBto select the best West Indies team available for the ICC Champions Trophy tour of SouthAfrica; and that the WICB has at least until 22 August to do so, including any changes tolists earlier supplied — notwithstanding the ongoing Mediation Process,” Ramphal saidin a statement.

However, the Board went ahead with a team that does not include the players who with-drew their services and has indiacted that these players will have to earn selection into afuture West Indies team through their performance in the regional tournaments.

Meanwhile, West Indies fans around the world are hopeful that the mediation processwould bring about a lasting solution to the problems that have plagued the team over theyears and that this would allow the players to perform at their full capacities, therebyreturning West Indies cricket to its glory days of yesteryear.

Mediation process breaks down,– Continued from page 1 –

New AirTran servicefrom Orlando

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. has announced introduction ofservice to Nassau, Bahamas, and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Pending final government approval, AirTran Airways will begin flights to Nassau on De-cember 17, 2009, and to Montego Bay, Jamaica, on February 11, 2010. Both destinationswill feature nonstop flights from Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, and Orlando, and con-necting service from over 40 other AirTran cities.

“We are extremely excited to be connecting not only Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington andOrlando to these popular tourist destinations, but in fact, almost our entire network,” saidKevin Healy, senior vice president, marketing and planning.

AirTran Airways is already a leading carrier to winter sun destinations, with flights to Cancun,Mexico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Phoenix, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and nine cities in Florida.


[email protected]

Real Estate Q & Awith Barbara Ashley-Jones

Frequently Asked Questions Aboutthe Home Buyer Tax Credit

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes a tax credit of up to$8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or afterJanuary 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

The following questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. Ifyou have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified taxadvisor or legal professional about your unique situation.

1. Who is eligible to claim the tax credit?First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home ‰new or resale‰ are eligible for the taxcredit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 andbefore December 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date whenclosing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner. A limited exception existsfor certain contract for deed purchases and installment sale purchases.

2. What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal resi-dence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the lawtests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. For example,if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a princi-pal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer taxcredit. However, unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyerwho qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointly purchases a homewith a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as aprincipal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.

3. How is the amount of the tax credit determined?The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home‚s purchase price up to a maximum of$8,000.

4. Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?Yes. The income limit for single taxpayers is $75,000; the limit is $150,000 for marriedtaxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modifiedadjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phase out range for the tax credit programis equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers withMAGI of more than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) and is reduced proportionallyfor taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.

5. What is “modified adjusted gross income”?Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayermust first determine “adjusted gross income” or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minuscertain deductions (known as “adjustments” or “above-the-line deductions”), but beforeitemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and first number on page 2 of the form.For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all formsof income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains. To de-termine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts of foreign-earned income. See IRS Form 5405 for more details.

6. If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify forany tax credit?Possibly. It depends on your income. Partial credits of less than $8,000 are available forsome taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds the phase out limits.

7. Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined?Just as an example, assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of$160,000. The applicable phase out to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the coupleis $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by the phase out range of $20,000 yields0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of thepartial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $8,000 by0.5. The result is $4,000.

Here’s another example: assume that an individual home buyer has a modified adjustedgross income of $88,000. The buyer‚s income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing$13,000 by the phase-out range of $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0,the result is 0.35. Multiplying $8,000 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partialtax credit of $2,800.

Please remember that these examples are intended to provide a general idea of how the taxcredit might be applied in different circumstances. You should always consult your taxadvisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.

8. How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congressenacted in July of 2008?The most significant difference is that this tax credit does not have to be repaid. Becauseit had to be repaid, the previous “credit” was essentially an interest-free loan. This taxincentive is a true tax credit. However, home buyers must use the residence as a principalresidence for at least three years or face recapture of the tax credit amount. Certain excep-tions apply.

9. How do I claim the tax credit? Do I need to complete a form or application?Participating in the tax credit program is easy. You claim the tax credit on your federalincome tax return. Specifically, home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to deter-mine their tax credit amount, and then claim this amount on line 67 of the 1040 income taxform for 2009 returns (line 69 of the 1040 income tax form for 2008 returns). No otherapplications or forms are required, and no pre-approval is necessary. However, you willwant to be sure that you qualify for the credit under the income limits and first-time homebuyer tests. Note that you cannot claim the credit on Form 5405 for an intended purchasefor some future date; it must be a completed purchase.

10. What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?

Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. This in-cludes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condomini-ums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) and houseboats. The definitionof principal residence is identical to the one used to determine whether you may qualifyfor the $250,000 / $500,000 capital gain tax exclusion for principal residences. It is impor-tant to note that you cannot purchase a home from your ancestors (parents, grandparents,etc.), your lineal descendants (children, grandchildren, etc.) or your spouse. Please con-sult with your tax advisor for more information.

11. I read that the tax credit is “refundable.” What does that mean?The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can be claimed evenif the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involvesthe government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of therefundable tax credit. For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding thetax credit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of $4,000 for theyear, then without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS $1,000 on April 15th.Suppose now 1that the taxpayer qualified for the $8,000 home buyer tax credit. As a result,the taxpayer would receive a check for $7,000 ($8,000 minus the $1,000 owed).

12. I purchased a home in early 2009 and have already filed to receive the $7,500 taxcredit on my 2008 tax returns. How can I claim the new $8,000 tax credit instead?Home buyers in this situation may file an amended 2008 tax return with a 1040X form.You should consult with a tax advisor to ensure you file this return properly.

13. Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I hired a contractor to con-struct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit?Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence that is con-structed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been “purchased” on thedate the owner first occupies the house. In this situation, the date of first occupancy mustbe on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. In contrast, for newly-con-structed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined bythe settlement date.

14. Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgagerevenue bond (MRB) program?Yes. The tax credit can be combined with the MRB home buyer program. Note that first-time home buyers who purchased a home in 2008 may not claim the tax credit if they areparticipating in an MRB program.

15. I live in the District of Columbia. Can I claim both the Washington, D.C. first-time home buyer credit and this new credit?No. You can claim only one.

16. I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit?Maybe. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS), who has not owneda principal residence in the previous three years and who meets the income limits test mayclaim the tax credit for a qualified home purchase. The IRS provides a definition of “non-resident alien” in IRS Publication 519.

17. Is a tax credit the same as a tax deduction?No. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that ataxpayer who owes $8,000 in income taxes and who receives an $8,000 tax credit would owenothing to the IRS. A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed.Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $8,000in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives an $8,000 deduction, the taxpayer‚s tax liability wouldbe reduced by $1,200 (15 percent of $8,000), or lowered from $8,000 to $6,800.

18. I bought a home in 2008. Do I qualify for this credit?No, but if you purchased your first home between April 9, 2008 and January 1, 2009, you mayqualify for a different tax credit. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information.

19. Is there any way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the creditsooner than waiting to file their 2009 tax return?Yes. Prospective home buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted toreduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of thecredit) will enable the buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. Thismoney can then be applied to the downpayment. Buyers should adjust their withholdingamount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment.IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding. Prospectivehome buyers should note that if income tax withholding is reduced and the tax credit quali-fied purchase does not occur, then the individual would be liable for repayment to the IRS ofincome tax and possible interest charges and penalties. In addition, rule changes made aspart of the economic stimulus legislation allow home buyers to claim the tax credit andparticipate in a program financed by tax-exempt bonds. As a result, some state housingfinance agencies have introduced programs that provide short-term second mortgage loansthat may be used to fund a downpayment. Prospective home buyers should check with theirstate housing finance agency to see if such a program is available in their community. Todate, 14 state agencies have announced tax credit assistance programs, and more are ex-pected to follow suit. The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) has com-piled a list of such programs, which can be found here.

20. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has announced that HUD willallow “monetization” of the tax credit. What does that mean?It means that HUD will allow buyers using FHA-insured mortgages to apply their antici-pated tax credit toward their home purchase immediately rather than waiting until they filetheir 2009 income taxes to receive a refund. These funds may be used for certain downpaymentand closing cost expenses. Under the guidelines announced by HUD, non-profits and FHA-approved lenders will be allowed to give home buyers short-term loans of up to $8,000. Theguidelines also allow government agencies, such as state housing finance agencies, to facili-tate home sales by providing longer term loans secured by second mortgages. Housing fi-nance agencies and other government entities may also issue tax credit loans, which homebuyers may use to satisfy the FHA 3.5 percent downpayment requirement. In addition, ap-proved FHA lenders will also be able to purchase a home buyer’s anticipated tax credit topay closing costs and downpayment costs above the 3.5 percent downpayment that isrequired for FHA-insured homes.

21. If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009, can I apply the taxcredit against my 2008 tax return?Yes. The law allows taxpayers to choose (“elect”) to treat qualified home purchases in2009 as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008. This means that the 2008 incomelimit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed (taxfiling for 2008 returns instead of for 2009 returns). A benefit of this election is that a homebuyer in 2009 will know their 2008 MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer knowwhether the income limit will reduce their credit amount. Taxpayers buying a home whowish to claim it on their 2008 tax return, but who have already submitted their 2008 returnto the IRS, may file an amended 2008 return claiming the tax credit. You should consultwith a tax professional to determine how to arrange this.

22. For a home purchase in 2009, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as oc-curring in 2008 or 2009, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest?Yes. If the applicable income phase out would reduce your home buyer tax credit amountin 2009 and a larger credit would be available using the 2008 MAGI amounts, then youcan choose the year that yields the largest credit amount.


ST. PETE

T A M P AFT. LAUDERDALE

MIAMIOCALAGAINESVILLE

DAYTONA

MIAM

I

ORLANDOME

LBOU

RNE

TALLAHASSEE

TAMPACLEARWATER

TAMPAJACKSONV

OCALAA&A Halal Food Service

Phone: 407-282-3200Fax: 407-282-3700

5165 Forsyth Commerce Road • Orlando, FL 32807

Serving the State of Florida for over 20 years.All of Central Florida, Ocala, Melbourne, Tampa, Daytona,

Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Fort Lauderdale, Miami,Clearwater, St Pete, Gainesville and Port Charlotte

Reliable and Efficient Serviceto restaurants, supermarkets,

grocery stores & catering services.

Distributors of a wide range of Halal meat products including:

• Chicken• Beef• Goat

• Mutton• Lamb• Oxtail

and a variety of food items, many from leadingbrand ethnic food companies such as:

• Blue mountain• Chief

• Walkerswood• Champion

• Guyanese Pride• Benjamin

• Cool Tropics• D & G

• Ginsing Up• Solo

• Mackerel• Herring• Pollock

• Caribbean King Jamaican Beef Patties• Codfish

Back by Popular demand!Back by Popular demand!Back by Popular demand!Back by Popular demand!Back by Popular demand!

QUALITY SINCE 1986

Trust Every BiteTrust Every BiteTrust Every BiteTrust Every BiteTrust Every BiteNow Available in Mild & Spicy,

Baked and Unbaked!

JAMAICANBEEF PATTIES


Florida's Caribbean Sun Newspaper September 2009- Part 2

News & Politics