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Model raises money for HaitiBy Tequila MinskyShe’s five-feet ten inches,size four and a Fordmodel. Monica Watkins,who hails from Houston–“Iwas discovered shopping ina mall with my mother”–has traveled all over theworld during her 20 yearsas model.Things changed for herthree years ago, when in adream it came to her that sheshould paint, and the nextmorning she ran out andbought canvas and paints.Since then, not only doesshe paint, and continue hermodeling career, but alsoshe started Art in Motion,a platform to seek out andnurture young disadvantagedartists and to helpchildren express themselvesthrough the arts. Amongher projects, she has run artworkshops for the childrenof the Diakonos Orphanagein Carrefour, Haiti.Last week, Monica alongwith model Dani Evans,who is even taller than she,organized a fundraiser atthe chic Duane Park Loungein Tribeca. The eveningwith all donated entertainment–soulfulR&B–as partof LoveJonesNYC, an artistichigh energy platform–“that celebrates the artsin a sexy fusion of music,spoken word, dance, fashionand live art “ was MCedby founder/director Joey (J)Harris and backed by theLove Jones NYC band. TwoObamaContinued from Page 6Flanked by Ford model Monica Watkins and modelDani Evans, Elise Saint Louis Accilien thanks supporters.art works were also auctionedoff.Partnering with Haitian-AmericansUnited forProgress (HAUP), the eventraised money for art suppliesfor a project with childrenfrom three remoteneighborhoods of Petionville,Haiti.25 Haitian-American collegeage volunteers from theNew York area were aboutto travel with the QueensbasedHAUP-sponsored Loveand Serve Haiti Mission2012– to engage childrenfrom Petionvilles ‘s Guibert,Sarazin and Masson neighborhoodsin an informal daycamp.HAUP Director Elsie Saintsary of diplomatic relationswith the United States. Forthe past 50 years, Jamaicaand the United States haveshared a long history offriendship, based on a mutualcommitment to democracy,prosperity, and securityin the Caribbean region.Our countries have enjoyed afruitful and co-operative relationshipacross a broad rangeof issues, including trade,investment, citizen security,and energy security.”“Beyond the commoninterest of our governments,our people sharean unbreakable bond andclose family ties. Jamaica’sdynamic culture has deeplyenriched the fabric of Americansociety. An estimated1.5 million Americans ofJamaican descent live inthe United States and areintegral parts of our country’shistory and tradition,and many are among ourdistinguished leaders acrossnumerous disciplines. Over10,000 American citizens,many born on the islandand dual nationals, live inJamaica today. Visitors fromthe United States accountfor 64 percent of Jamaica’stourism market,” he added.The president pointed outthat the U.S. and Jamaicacontinue to co-operate onmany shared priorities in theareas of rule of law, anti-corruption,counternarcotics,law enforcement, and promotingeconomic growth.“Last March, with the governmentof Jamaica’s concurrence,the United States sentLouis Accilien said of theHaiti program, “We’re alsobringing 200 children fromthe hills and mountains,forgotten areas of Haiti, tobring them to do the (Art inMotion) art day.”The children will bepicked up in their neighborhoodsand brought toa large work space/concerthall where they’ll havebreakfast, and each giventheir own canvas to createa watercolor painting. Afterlunch and some song andgames, they’ll do anotherpainting before returning totheir homes. The (HAUP& Art in Motion) group isreturning with the children’sart to exhibit and sell.delegates from our State,Justice, and Treasury departments,and USAID, to meetwith top Jamaican diplomaticofficials to explore ways tointensify our co-operation ineducation and poverty elimination,”he noted.While welcoming thenew ambassador, Pres.Obama said he looked forwardto working with thenew ambassador in order toadvance a common agendaand deepen the strong andabiding friendship of bothcountries.In response the ambassadorsaid that as a responsiblepartner in the hemisphere,Jamaica remains ready towork with the U.S. to counterchallenges to the regionemanating from terroristactivities or other threats tothe preservation of peace,security and democracy.DEBT PROBLEMS?Get a Fresh Start!Bankruptcy Law Center New York(718) 625-1888Former Judicial Law Clerk to Bankruptcy Judge25 years of bankruptcy law experienceClover Barrett & Associates, P.C. Stop foreclosure& keep your home! FREE ConsultationMcManusFUNERAL HOMEOUR SUMMER 2012 INTERIOR RENOVATION IS COMPLETEBefore choosing a funeral homeWe invite you to visit our newly decorated chapelsAnd compare our affordable pricing and dedicated servicewww.mcmanusfh.com4601 Avenue N (at E. 46 St.)1 Block off of Flatbush Ave.Page 39 • Caribbean Life • Brooklyn/Staten Island • Aug. 17–23, 2012