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CAFA Inc. Caribbean Fusion Festival
Haitian Flag Day
Haitian Flag Day is celebrated every year on May 18th to honor the creation of the Haitian flag and the spirit of Haitian independence. The holiday is one of the most important national celebrations in Haiti and among Haitian communities around the world. It commemorates the moment when the blue and red flag was created by removing the white band from the French flag, symbolizing Haiti’s break from French colonial rule and the unity of the Haitian people. The day is filled with parades, music, dancing, cultural performances, and patriotic pride.
Haiti has a long and powerful history with France. Haiti was once the French colony of Saint-Domingue and became one of the wealthiest colonies in the Caribbean through enslaved labor. After a successful revolution led by enslaved Africans, Haiti declared independence from France in 1804 and became the first independent Black republic in the world.
Today, Haitian Flag Day is more than a celebration of a flag. It is a reminder of strength, resilience, culture, and the sacrifices made for freedom and independence. Haitian Flag Day represents freedom, unity, and the enduring pride of the Haitian people.
CAFA Inc. Caribbean Fusion Festival brought culture, music, and community together at Kissimmee Lakefront Park on April 26th. The event celebrated the rich diversity of the Caribbean through live performances, delicious food, and family-friendly activities enjoyed by all ages.
Orlando Carnival Downtown joined many local vendors, community organizations, and politicians in supporting the celebration. Families enjoyed face painting, bouncy houses, and activities that made the festival fun for children and adults alike. Continue to page 9 to learn more.
Samuel J. Roberts, Publisher/Editor
L IF E S T Y L E
She Was the Story
There is a troubling pattern in modern media:
When a woman’s life ends in tragedy, public attention often shifts toward the circumstances of her death rather than the impact of her life. The headlines grow louder than the human being. The story becomes consumed by spectacle instead of substance.
That is precisely what advocates and community voices are working to resist when speaking about Nancy Metayer Bowen. Nancy was, first and foremost, a daughter of the Caribbean diaspora. She was a public servant, a leader, and a trailblazer who embodied what is possible when Caribbean women step into spaces of influence and refuse to shrink themselves to fit expectations placed upon them.
She made history as the first Black and Haitian American woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission, marking a significant milestone in local government representation. But those who knew her impact say her legacy extends beyond titles or firsts.
Nancy represented: Visibility. Possibility. Progress.
She walked into rooms where women like her had rarely been represented and did so with confidence rooted in identity, culture, and purpose. For many in the Caribbean and Haitian communities, her presence in public office was not just symbolic—it was transformative.
Her legacy, supporters say, deserves to be remembered for that impact above all else.
But her story also opens a deeper cultural conversation within Caribbean communities—one that is often acknowledged privately but rarely addressed publicly.
Caribbean women are frequently raised to embody strength in every form. They are encouraged to be educated, independent, resilient, and successful.
They are taught to lead, to build, and to endure. Yet alongside those expectations exists a quieter, persistent societal question: when will you get married?
That cultural tension can shape personal decisions in powerful ways. Some women stay in relationships longer than they should to maintain stability or meet expectations of “holding it all together,” while others feel pressure to downplay ambition or success to preserve harmony in their personal lives.
Experts note that not all relationships support growth. In healthy partnerships, ambition and independence are encouraged, but in others tension can appear through subtle dismissal of achievement, emotional distance, resentment toward success, or control framed as protection. For Caribbean women, often raised to endure quietly and prioritize unity, these dynamics can be difficult to confront.
Within that context, Nancy Metayer Bowen’s life is being remembered not only for her political achievements but for what she represented to Caribbean girls and women: the right to take up space fully and unapologetically.
1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 Office: 407-427-1800 Fax: 407-386-7925
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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
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Israel Torres
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Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor
Fundraiser for Scouting America Golden Eagle Dinner
Community leaders, business executives, and supporters of youth development gathered in downtown Orlando as the Scouting America Central Florida Council hosted its 2026 Golden Eagle Dinner at the Kia Center. The annual event brought together hundreds of donors and community partners for an evening dedicated to celebrating leadership and supporting the mission of Scouting.
The Golden Eagle Dinner is the premier fundraising event for the Central Florida Council and helps sustain Scouting programs throughout the region. Funds raised support educational opportunities, leadership development, and outdoor experiences for youth involved in Scouting across Central Florida.
For more than a century, Scouting America has focused on building character, teaching life skills, and fostering leadership in young people. Through camping trips, service projects, and hands-on learning opportunities, Scouts gain experiences that help prepare them to become responsible citizens and leaders in their communities.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of several distinguished honorees whose contributions reflect the values of leadership and service that Scouting promotes. This year’s Individual Honoree was Sandy Hostetter, recognized for her commitment to community leadership and philanthropy. Casandra Matej was honored as the Corporate Honoree, acknowledging her organization’s dedication to supporting initiatives that strengthen communities. The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award was presented to Herb Washington for his efforts to expand opportunities and champion diversity and inclusion within Scouting and the broader community.
We attended the event alongside Leadership Committee member Allie Braswell, who has been actively involved in supporting initiatives that bring community leaders together to advance youth development. Throughout the evening, attendees had the opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for empowering young people and strengthening community partnerships.
The event served as a reminder of the important role community support plays in maintaining programs that benefit youth across Central Florida. As the evening concluded, the 2026 Golden Eagle Dinner highlighted not only the achievements of those honored but also the continued commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders.
Oxtail Festival
Not Just
Oxtail Fest brought bold flavors, music, and culture together at Festival Park Orlando for a full day celebration centered around one of the Caribbean’s most beloved dishes. Guests enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere featuring live DJs, dancing, and a wide selection of food vendors serving up signature oxtail dishes alongside other Caribbean favorites such as jerk chicken, rice and peas, plantains, and patties. The festival was open to all ages, making it a familyfriendly event General admission provided access to all vendors, entertainment, and competitions throughout the day, while food and drinks were available for purchase. VIP guests received added perks including a reserved tented seating area and faster entry lines for a more comfortable experience.
What made Oxtail Fest special wasn’t just the food—it was the experience. The mix of music, culture, and people created a fun, welcoming environment where everyone could let loose and enjoy themselves. Whether it was dancing in front of the stage or sharing a meal with friends, the day stayed lively from start to finish.
Oxtail Fest turned Festival Park into a celebration of flavor, rhythm, and pure enjoyment that left everyone already looking forward to the next one.
a
Weekend
CAFA Inc.'s Day of Culture and Community Caribbean Fusion Festival
The Caribbean And Floridian Association, Inc. (CAFA) is a Central Florida nonprofit organization formed to support 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 disadvantaged individuals, at-risk youth, and the elderly. In the video above, you can hear CAFA President Andy King and our boss Guenet Gittens Roberts discuss the organization’s history, the vision behind its ongoing cultural and community work, and the creation of CAFA’s Caribbean Fusion Festival.
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 Lakefront Park, was a vibrant celebration of culture, 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 Central Florida.
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 Princess Chow, MC Creig Camacho, Power House Family Steel Band, Flaya Dance Troupe, Latin Duo Nfusion, and Nrityarupa School of Dance. Each performance brought its own cultural flavor, highlighting the richness of Caribbean traditions.
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 the spirit of the Caribbean, making the Caribbean Fusion Festival one of Central Florida’s most beloved cultural events.
Discoveries Under Caribbean Waters
Mountain Ranges Found Beneath the Surface
A recent scientific exploration has unveiled never seen deep-sea environments in waters surrounding Caribbean territories, shedding new light on the richness of marine life far below the surface. Over the course of six weeks, researchers mapped underwater landscapes, including mountain ranges and unique geological formations that had never been fully researched and studied.
Researchers used advanced deep-sea technology, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and highresolution mapping systems, to capture images and data from deep sea depths that are typically difficult for humans to access. These tools allowed scientists to observe marine life in its natural habitat at an advanced level to discover more than the human eye can.
The researching team noted there was a wide range of marine species, from colorful coral systems to deep-sea creatures, some of which scientists believe may be entirely new to science. These discoveries highlight just how little is known about the deep ocean and emphasize how complex the ecosystem is around these certain regions.
Scientific experts involved in the mission say the findings are super important for future marine research. By identifying and studying these delicate habitats, researchers can better understand how marine ecosystems function and how they are impacted by environmental changes and human activity. With this being said, it is important to keep this information in mind for conserving underwater life long term.
Environmental groups have made a point to emphasize the urgency of protecting these newly discovered ecosystems. As human activities such as deep-sea mining and climate change continue to threaten the ocean's health, scientists warn that many species could be at risk before they are even fully understood.
Overall, this expedition heavily reiterates how much of the ocean still has not been fully explored. Scientists research in these depths could lead to even more discoveries, offering insights into biodiversity and the health of the planet’s oceans.
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Community Unites for Wellness Walk in Kissimmee Health & Healing Steps
On Sunday, March 8, community members gathered at Kissimmee Lakefront Park for the Health & Healing Steps Family Community Walk and Prayer Walk, hosted by NAACP Women in NAACP (WIN). The event brought together individuals and families for a morning centered on wellness, reflection, and connection.
Participants walked in unity along the scenic lakefront, embracing both physical activity and spiritual renewal. The event emphasized the importance of holistic health, blending movement with moments of prayer and community support.
Guest speaker Jascinth Brown, FNP, nurse practitioner and owner of Tree of Life Infusion & Wellness, shared insights on the benefits of walking as a natural and sustainable way to support overall health. She highlighted how simple, consistent movement can improve well-being and encourage long-term healthy habits.
The gathering served as a meaningful reminder of the power of community, wellness, and intentional living.
As the morning continued, attendees paused for guided prayers and words of encouragement, creating a space where participants could reflect on personal growth, healing, and gratitude.
The peaceful atmosphere of the lakefront provided the perfect backdrop for these moments, allowing individuals to step away from daily stressors and reconnect with themselves and others. Families, friends, and neighbors of all ages took part, reinforcing the event’s message that wellness is most impactful when shared. Children walked alongside parents, while community leaders and volunteers offered support and motivation throughout the route. The sense of unity was evident, as participants uplifted one another both physically and spiritually.
In addition to promoting physical health, the event also highlighted the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing. Organizers encouraged attendees to prioritize selfcare, seek balance, and remain intentional about maintaining healthy lifestyles beyond the event.
By the end of the walk, many participants left feeling refreshed, inspired, and more connected—not only to their health goals, but to their community. Events like this continue to demonstrate how collective action, faith, and wellness can come together to create lasting impact and meaningful change.
The Importance of Keeping Your Property Clean,
Code-Compliant Home Care 360
Safe, and
As Central Florida moves deeper into spring, the reality of intense summer heat is quickly approaching, and homeowners who prepare now will be in the best position to stay comfortable and avoid costly issues later. Florida’s heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it puts serious strain on your home, especially your cooling system.
One of the most important steps you can take right now is ensuring your air conditioning unit is ready for the workload ahead. Cleaning or replacing filters, clearing debris around the outdoor unit, and scheduling a professional inspection can drastically improve efficiency and prevent unexpected breakdowns during peak heat. The earlier you address these things, the less likely you are to deal with emergency repairs when temperatures are at their highest.
At the same time, checking your attic insulation and ventilation can make a major difference in maintaining indoor temperatures. Proper insulation acts as a shield against the sun’s heat, while good ventilation allows trapped hot air to escape instead of radiating down into your living space. These improvements not only increase comfort but also extend the life of your cooling system.
By Israel Torres
Your home’s exterior and overall setup also play a major role in how it handles extreme heat. Prolonged sun exposure can wear down roofing, paint, and siding, making early inspections and minor repairs essential before summer arrives. Adding shade through landscaping, awnings, or window treatments can significantly reduce how much heat your home absorbs throughout the day.
Even simple upgrades like window films or blackout curtains can help block out harsh sunlight and improve energy efficiency.
Beyond your AC system, keeping cool air inside your home is just as important as producing it. Small gaps around windows and doors allow heat to enter and force your system to work overtime, driving up energy bills. Sealing these areas with proper weather stripping or caulking is a simple but effective solution.
Preparing now isn’t just about staying cool—it’s about protecting your investment, lowering your utility costs, and avoiding last-minute stress. At HomeCare 360, we help homeowners stay ahead of the season with proactive maintenance and property care, ensuring your home is ready to handle whatever the Florida heat brings.
Wedding Wrap Up
The Story Behind a Beautiful Wedding Day
Behind every beautiful wedding is a team quietly solving problems before guests ever notice them. We were that team.
Planning began weeks before the ceremony, with our team working closely with the couple to bring their vision to life. For months, we met with them to prepare every detail, and excitement continued to build as the date approached. This was our first time coordinating a wedding, and we were eager to help make their day as special as possible.
The wedding itself was a cultural fusion celebration, with the bride coming from Bangladesh and practicing Islam, and the groom from African heritage. The result was a beautiful blending of not only two cultures, but two personalities. Every detail reflected that mix, creating a ceremony that felt both meaningful and personal.
One of the more memorable moments during planning came down to something surprisingly small—the guest book pens. The bride preferred an elegant feather pen, while the groom leaned toward a practical archival pen. In the end, they chose the archival option, but our team found a way to incorporate both ideas by decorating the pens with gold accents and floral details. The final design was something the bride loved, and it became a small but meaningful reflection of their compromise.
As with many live events, the day of the wedding brought a few unexpected challenges. A scheduling mix-up at the venue initially created complications, but our team quickly adapted and worked to reorganize the setup so the celebration could continue as planned. In the end, the day came together smoothly, and the couple was able to enjoy their ceremony without disruption.
Despite the challenges behind the scenes, the wedding was truly beautiful. The months of planning, coordination, crafting, and spreadsheets all led to a celebration that felt effortless to the guests. For our team, it was a meaningful first experience in wedding coordination, and one we will not forget.
We wish the Mahjabeen and Darrell a lifetime of happiness together.
Runway Rewritten 2: The Takeover
Designers Showcase their Upcoming Apparel
On Saturday, April 11, CAP Village held space for a spectacular fashion show called Runway Rewritten 2: The Takeover. The entire show consisted of seventeen designers: Dime City, NFamous, Crown & Culture, Tropi Mas, CAP Village/Red Rose, Unapologetic, Bae Intimates, Broke Billionaires, Sowell Services, Jezra Couture, Custom Paperdollz, Out The Dirt, Thong Season, Twas World, Zero Percent Apparel, Clyana Styles, and Freaky Girl Boutique. Each designer showcased their best styles and wowed the crowd with pieces that broke the mold for fashion as a whole, creating new boundaries and standards for the future of the fashion industry. Pictured below is a vibrant, eye-turning matching suit made by Twas World.
The show gathered hundreds of viewers and supported exposure for all of the designers, bringing their names up in the fashion industry. With many supporting media outlets, such as Rogue Motions SFX and DJ Mr. Everywhere, the show was brought to its highest life with cold spark machines and music that kept all of the models in an upbeat, confident frame of mind. While keeping the constant attention of the crowds, each and every model showed off the best of all of the designer's best work in a photogenic manner.
A huge thank you to all of the models for participating in such a remarkable piece of history in fashion, supporting small businesses, and to Runway Rewritten for making this type of a movement possible. In addition, a big shout out to CAP Village for providing the space for making the fashion event possible. Be sure to look out for any future events occurring at CAP Village, in the Orlando Fashion
Runway Rewritten 2: The Takeover Carnival Pieces
Catwalk Academy
Upcoming Runways and Pageants
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
District 7 Candidate Forum
There is a saying that has guided this administration since day one: “Setting The PACE For A Better Pine Hills.”
That love is precisely why, on April 7, 2026, the Pine Hills Community Council opened its General Meeting to all of District 7 — hosting what became one of the most significant community forums Orange County has seen in recent memory.
When I stepped into this role as the youngest president and the first Gen Z leader in our 54-year history, I made a promise to Set the PACE for a better Pine Hills. PACE is not just a slogan. It is a governing philosophy rooted in four principles: Participation, Accessibility, Collaboration, and Excellence. The District 7 Commission Candidate Forum was all four of those principles made real.
With 15 candidates in this historic race, we extended an invitation to every single one. Eleven answered the call by our deadline — and those who did not still showed up to be in the room. That is a testament to what happens when a community demonstrates it is serious about civic engagement. For nearly two hours, candidates answered questions submitted by our neighbors and posed directly from the audience, in real time. Close to 200 residents attended, representing Pine Hills, Maitland, Orlo Vista, Rosemont, Fairview Shores, College Park, and Mercy
We deliberately brought this forum into our General Meeting rather than holding a separate event — because accessibility matters. We meet people where they are. This forum was organized by Pine Hills Community Council, in Pine Hills, by Pine Hills residents — for all of District 7.
What made this evening especially meaningful were the young people from the United Foundation of Central Florida's Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program, who stepped up to the microphone and asked questions of their own. That kind of courage from the next generation is exactly what this work is for.
None of this happens without the people who hold it together. Our moderator, Mrs. Sandra Fatmi-Hall, and Dr. LaTanya Nichols kept the forum structured and respectful. Board members Noel and Bertina Busch sponsored light refreshments. Our media partners at Cap Village and the Caribbean American Passport News Magazine were on the ground capturing the moments that will live beyond that evening. And WESH 2 News brought the story to the broader Central Florida community.
To every candidate who participated, every resident who showed up informed and ready — thank you. To our sponsors, members, and community partners: this is your
Pine Hills Community Council
50 Year Anniversary
The Pine Hills Community Council will celebrate a significant milestone during its upcoming 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.
Community members are invited to attend the meeting, which will feature a special recognition from the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. Representatives from the chamber are expected to arrive at 5:30 p.m., with a commemorative acknowledgment and photo opportunity scheduled for 5:45 p.m., just before the meeting begins. Organizers encourage residents and supporters who would like to witness the moment to arrive early.
The general meeting will officially begin at its regular time of 6:00 p.m. In addition to the anniversary celebration, the evening will include an Orange County mayoral forum, where invited candidates will have the opportunity to speak and answer questions from the community. All candidates running for mayor of Orange County, Florida have been invited to participate.
Residents who wish to submit questions for the mayoral candidates can do so in advance by emailing the council. Organizers say the forum is intended to give community members an opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their priorities and plans for the county.
For more than five decades, the Pine Hills Community Council has worked to advocate for local residents, foster civic engagement, and bring together community leaders to address issues affecting the area.
The anniversary celebration offers a chance to recognize that legacy while continuing the organization’s mission of strengthening the Pine Hills community.
Johanna López Campaign Rally
Supporters gather in Orlando as Johanna López outlines vision for local leadership in District 4 race
State Representative Johanna López held a campaign rally on April 11, 2026, at The Vault in Orlando Fashion Square Mall as she runs for Orange County Commission District 4.The event brought together family, friends, former students, and supporters.
López currently serves in the Florida House of Representatives for District 43, a position she has held since 2022. Prior to that, she served on the Orange County School Board, where she became the first Latina elected to the board. She was also named Orange County Teacher of the Year in 2017 during her time as a public school educator.
During her remarks and presence at the rally, supporters highlighted her background as a public school teacher and community advocate, as well as her legislative work in the Florida House. Her policy focus has included healthcare access in underserved areas, education pathways for students, consumer protection, animal welfare, and support for immigrant families.
López’s personal background includes growing up in public housing in Puerto Rico before moving to Orlando, where she worked in entry-level jobs while supporting her family. She has also spoken publicly about being a survivor of domestic violence and credits those experiences with shaping her commitment to public service.
In addition to her legislative role, López serves on the Board of Trustees of the Orange County Realtors Foundation and is an executive board member of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. She has also participated in education leadership programs, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Teacher Advisory Council and Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Public Education Leadership Project.
López is now seeking to continue her public service at the county level, emphasizing local governance and community-focused leadership in her campaign for District 4 commissioner.
