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Carnival Day is Almost Here
Carnival season is almost here in Orlando,bringingvibrantcolors,music, and Caribbean culture to the city. Residentsandvisitorsaregearingupfor one of Central Florida’s most anticipated cultural celebrations, where soca, calypso, steelpan, and dancehall rhythms take over the streets. The energybuildsascostumebandsprepare theirelaboratedesigns,DJsfinalizesets, and food vendors get ready to serve authenticislandflavors.
Events like Orlando Carnival Downtownshowcasethediversityofthe Caribbean diaspora while inviting everyone to join the celebration. From Jouvert morning paint and powder festivitiestothehigh-energyparadeand concert, Carnival weekend transforms Orlando into a lively cultural hub.
With thousands expected to attend, excitement is rising quickly. Whether you're playing mas, watching from the sidelines, or enjoying the music, Carnival promises an unforgettable experience. It continues to grow each year as a major cultural celebration in Central Florida and beyond the city limits.
Guyana's 60th Year of Independence
As Guyana celebrates its 60th AnniversaryofIndependenceonMay 26, 2026, people across the globe are honoring the nation’s journey from British colony to proud independent republic. Since gaining independence in 1966, Guyana has continued to grow while holding strong to its rich culture,traditions,andheritage.
One of the major highlights of this year’scelebrationsisthereturnofthe Guyana Festival at the Guyana National Stadium, featuring the “Sound, Soul, and Taste” of Guyana throughmusic,food,art,anddance.
This milestone year also reflects the strength of the Guyanese diaspora, whose contributions have helped shape communities across the world.
At Caribbean American Passport, we are especially proud to celebrate this milestone as a Guyanese-owned business. Representing our heritage and sharing Caribbean culture with the community is something we deeply value. From Georgetown to Orlando and beyond, Guyanese pride continues to shine brightly aroundtheworld.
Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor
L IF E S T Y L E
It Starts in the Scroll
For years, major brands treated social media like a side project,
somethingforinterns,somethingfor“youngpeople,”orsimply a place to repost flyers after the “real” marketing had already been done through television, radio, newspapers, and billboards.
But the recent explosion of IShowSpeed across the Caribbean exposed a reality many businesses, tourism boards, media companies, politicians, and legacy brands still fail tounderstand:
Culture no longer waits for permission from traditional media.
Across the Caribbean and its diaspora, millions of adults recently found themselves asking the same question: “Who is thisguy?”
Meanwhile, teenagers, gamers, TikTok users, and YouTube audiences already knew exactly who he was. By the time traditional media outlets attempted to explain the phenomenon, online culture had already moved on — influencing tourism conversations, local businesses, youth engagement, and online attention across multiple islands. Thatdisconnectmatters.
The people making many marketing decisions are often not participating in the spaces where culture is actually being shaped.
And today, culture moves at the speed of content. Notcabletelevision.
Notnewspaperdeadlines.
Not six-month corporate campaigns requiring endless committeeapproval.
A teenager with a smartphone can now influence travel trends faster than a tourism board. A livestream can generate more attention than a million-dollar advertising campaign. A viral clip can dominate public conversation more effectively than a primetimetelevisioninterview.
That is no longer theory — it is reality.
The Caribbean, perhaps more than any region, should understandthisshift.
Caribbean culture has always thrived through music, Carnival,dance,fashion,food,andpersonality—thesame ingredients that now dominate social media. Yet many Caribbean brands still treat digital marketing like an afterthought instead of the center of modern communication.
Attention is the new currency.
Independent creators and streamers are outperforming traditionalmediabecausetheyunderstandconnectionand authenticity. Young audiences quickly recognize when brandsarrivelatetotrendsalreadyshapingcultureonline.
Socialmediaisnolonger“newmedia.” Itisthemainstage.
ThenextglobalmovementcouldcomefromaTikTokclip, Twitch stream, podcast, or Carnival livestream filmed in Kingston, Port of Spain, Georgetown, Miami, or Orlando. The brands that survive the next decade will not simply advertise.
They will listen. They will participate early. And they will know that influence now starts in the scroll.
1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 Office: 407-427-1800 Fax: 407-386-7925
Toll Free: 877-220-8315
For Media Information email: Publisher: sroberts@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Info: .Info@caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Should you desire to review past copies of the publicationgo to http://caribbeanamericanpassport.com and click on the 'Print Archive'. Sam Roberts
Editor & Publisher...............................................................
Guenet Gittens-Roberts
Publisher ...........................................................
Graphic Design & Layout .................................................
Contributing Writers: .........................................................
Contributing Photographers ............
Follow our social pages and our digital platform: FB: @Caribbeanamericanpassport
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(C) 2016 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.
Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor
Miss Orlando Carnival Queen Pageant
The Journey Behind the Crowning Moment
The Miss Orlando Carnival Queen Pageant was a beautiful celebration of talent, grace, culture, and community. However, the magic of pageant night was only one part of the story. Behind the dazzling costumes, inspiring performances, and emotional crowning moment were months of preparation, dedication, and hard work from each contestant who proudly represented what it means to be a Miss Orlando CarnivalQueen.
The journey officially began in August 2025 when Pageant Director Joah Merrifield announced the casting call at the CAP Village studio. Young women from across thecommunity arrived ready to showcase their confidence, personality, and passion for Caribbean culture. From thevery beginning, it was clear that this year’s competitionwouldfeatureanexceptionalgroupof contestants with the potential to inspire the Orlando community.
The official sashing ceremony took place on October 25, 2025, marking the moment the contestants were formally introduced to the public. Each contestant proudly sharedthe country or culture she represented before officially beginning her journey toward the crown. From that point forward, the contestants dedicated themselves tocommunityinvolvementand promoting Orlando Carnival Downtown throughout Central Florida. The competition originally featured eight contestants: Shana Raymore, Kassandra Perozo, Dyarah Powell, Vicky Jhingai, Bri’nya Williams, Zurisaday Rivera, Sarah Krishna, and Misty Rose, who later withdrew from the competition due to personalcircumstances.
Throughout the year, the contestants participated in numerous community events while promoting the pageantandcelebratingCaribbeanculture
Throughout the year, the contestants participated in numerous community events while promoting the pageant and celebrating Caribbean culture. One of the most impactful appearances was Orlando’s annual MLK Parade, where the contestants danced behindthecarnivaltruck dressed in colorful feathers while handing out promotional flyers to the crowd. Their participation symbolized unity, diversity, and cultural pride while introducing many people to the vibrant spirit of carnivaltraditions.
The contestants also made appearances at “La Sanse Takes Orlando,” one of Central Florida’s largest Puerto Ricanculturalcelebrations.Severalcontestantsjoinedthe marching band festivities while promoting the pageant, with Zurisaday Rivera especially shining as she proudly representedPuertoRicanculture.
Their community involvement extended far beyond parades and festivals. Contestants interviewed actors for Orlando Shakespeare Theater, actively promoted the pageant on social media, and attended additional cultural events including FusionFest and Pointe Orlando’s MardiGrascelebrations.
Miss Orlando Carnival Queen Pageant
Where Culture and Competition Took Center Stage
When pageant night finally arrived, it exceeded expectations and delivered an unforgettable evening of elegance and entertainment.
Contestantscompeted in several categories including Pre-JudgedPersonal Interview, Swimwear, Carnival Costume, Performing Talent, Evening Wear, and Question & Answer. Audience members were captivated by the contestants’ creativity, stage presence, and breathtakingcarnivalcostumes.
The talent competition highlighted the diversity and artistry of each queen.
Shana Raymoreperformed a dramatic monologue, while Kassandra Perozo delivered an energetic Bachata dance duet. Dyarah Powell wowed the audience with interpretive dance, and Vicky Jhingai showcased Bollywood and Indian dance traditions. Bri’nya Williams performed spoken-word poetry, Zurisaday Rivera presented a traditional Puerto Rican dance, and Sarah Krishna blended Bollywood dance with chutney music and soca rhythmsinamemorableperformance.
At the end of the evening, contestants were honored for their accomplishments and dedication throughout the competition.
Awards included Miss Cooperative, MissCongeniality, and Miss Social Media awarded to Shana Raymore; Miss Photogenic, People’s Choice, and Miss Intellect awarded to Sarah Krishna; Director’s Choiceawarded to Bri’nya Williams; Best Swimwear, Best Talent, and Best Evening Wear awarded to DyarahPowell; and Best Carnival Costume awarded to KassandraPerozo.
The evening concluded with Sarah Krishna being crowned Miss Orlando Carnival Queen 2026. Dyarah Powell earned the title of 1st Runner-Up, while KassandraPerozowasnamed2ndRunner-Up.
Congratulations to all of the contestants who participated and helped make this year’s pageant a success. As the organization looks ahead to the future, thesearchforthe2027MissOrlandoCarnivalQueenhas already begun. As Pageant Director Joah Merrifield perfectly stated, “This pageant was created to empower women as royal ambassadors. This platform celebrates talent, intelligence, beauty, and Caribbean cultural pride while elevating the Orlando Downtown Carnival Organization brand and sharing the vibrant spirit of carnivalcultureacrosstheUnitedStates.”
Caribbean Fusion Festival
CAFA Inc.'s Day of Culture and Community
This year’s lineup featured an exciting mix of talent, including Mega Banton, Terry Gajraj, Adrianna Clark, Sanky & The Band, DJ Code Red, DJ Chris Roctone, DJ PrincessChow,MCCreigCamacho,PowerHouseFamily Steel Band, Flaya Dance Troupe, Latin Duo Nfusion, and Nrityarupa School of Dance. Each performance brought its own cultural flavor, highlighting the richness of Caribbeantraditions.
The Caribbean And Floridian Association, Inc. (CAFA) is aCentralFloridanonprofitorganizationformedtosupport new arrivals to the region, particularly those with Caribbean backgrounds. The organization is dedicated to charitable, educational, religious, and scientific purposes, with a mission to improve the quality of life for disadvantagedindividuals,at-riskyouth,andtheelderly.In thevideoabove,youcanhearCAFAPresidentAndyKing and our boss Guenet Gittens Roberts discuss the organization’s history, the vision behind its ongoingculturalandcommunitywork,andthecreationof CAFA’sCaribbeanFusionFestival.
The Caribbean Fusion Festival, produced by CAFA, has been bringing Caribbean culture and community together for about 15 years. The 2026 edition, held at Kissimmee LakefrontPark,wasavibrantcelebrationofculture,unity, and tradition. The festival showcased the rich diversity of the Caribbean through music, dance, food, and familyfriendly activities, creating an atmosphere that felt like a true home away from home for attendees across CentralFlorida.
From high-energy music sets to captivating dance performances and community vendors, the festival was a full-day celebration of heritage and unity. Families, artists, and community leaders came together to honor thespiritoftheCaribbean,makingtheCaribbeanFusion Festival one of Central Florida’s most beloved cultural events.
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ByIsrael Torres
AlphaCore Roofing
Check Your Roof After The Storms
Homeowners in Oviedo and Winter Springs are being encouraged to inspect their roofs after recent storms, and AlphaCore Roofing Inc. is offering free roof inspections to help residents identify potential damage before it becomes a costly problem. The company specializes in detecting hail, wind, and storm-related roof damage and provides professional support throughout the insurance claims process, making it easier for homeowners to determine whether their insurancemaycoverthecostofanewroof.
As a licensed and insured contractor serving Central Florida,AlphaCoreRoofing
emphasizes its commitment to the local community withapromiseofhonest,reliable,andefficientservice. Their advertisement highlights no-pressure inspections, quick results, and expert guidance from starttofinish.
With the slogan “Roofing with Purpose. Building with Heart.” and “Get Protected by the Pack,” the company positions itself as a trusted partner for homeowners seeking peace of mind after severe weather. Residents interested in a complimentary inspection can contact AlphaCore Roofing at 1-888-404-9653 or visit AlphaCoreRoofing.comformoreinformation.
Pine Hills Community Council
50 Year Anniversary
The Pine Hills Community Council celebrated a significant milestone during its last general meeting on May 5, 2026, marking 50 years as an incorporated organization in the State of Florida and 54 years of service to the Pine Hills community. Held at the Orange County Multicultural Center, the anniversary gathering brought together residents, electedofficials,candidates,andcommunitypartnersfor an evening focused on civic engagement and neighborhood pride. The celebration began with a special recognition from the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, honoring the council's decades of advocacy, leadership,andcommitmenttoimprovingthequalityof life for families throughout Pine Hills and surrounding communities.
The meeting also featured a highly anticipated Orange County mayoral candidates forum with Randy Fust, TiffanyMooreRussell,MayraUribe,StephanieMurphy, and Chris Messina. Each candidate shared their vision for Orange County and responded to questions submitted by residents on public safety, economic development,transportation,housing,andopportunities forworkingfamilies.Theforumgaveattendeesachance to hear directly from those seeking to lead one of Florida'sfastest-growingcounties.
In addition to the mayoral discussion, State Representative Rashon Young delivered a legislative debrief, providing updates from Tallahassee and highlighting issues affecting District 40 and the broader community. Under the leadership of President Julien Serrano-O'Neil,thePineHillsCommunityCouncilonce again demonstrated why it remains one of Central Florida'smostrespectedgrassrootsorganizations,
continuing to unite residents, businesses, and public leaders around a shared vision for a stronger and more vibrantPineHillsforgenerationstocome.Sponsorsand community partners including Golden Krust, United Foundation of Central Florida, Representative Rashon Young, Cap Village, Passport, SBA, Arba Living, and several local organizations were recognized for their continued support of the council's mission. Their investments help make it possible for the Pine Hills CommunityCounciltohostmonthlymeetings,connect residentswithresources,andprovideatrustedplatform where community voices are heard. As attendees filled the center and engaged in thoughtful discussion, the evening served as both a celebration of past accomplishmentsandareminderthatthecouncil'swork isfarfromover.Withfivedecadesofincorporationand more than half a century of service, the organization
