VOL.

6, NO. 23 November 21, 2012

Caldeira Foundation

618 Strouds Lane, Pickering, ON L1V 4S9 Tel: 905.831-4402 Fax: 416.292.2943 Email: caribbeangraphic@rogers.com

hanks to an overwhelming response from the G u ya n e s e - C a n a d i a n Community and its Canadian Friends, the Allison Vyfhuis Caldeira Foundation (AVC) has successfully completed its Medication Drive for children living at the Guyanas Ruimveldt Childrens Home and Care Center (RCHCC). The month long Drive, launched this October, had appealed to the community for much needed medications and donations to the RCHCC.

Reaches Medications Goal

Cholera On The Rise In Haiti Since Sandy

GENEVA, Switzerland - The number of cholera cases in the French speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country of Haiti is on the increase, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The organization says Haitian officials have confirmed 3,593 cholera cases and another 837 suspected cases since the passage of Hurricane Sandy late last month. Although the disaster-ravaged country was spared the full brunt of the hurricane, it was pounded by heavy rain, causing flooding and mudslides, for several days afterwards. IOM spokesman Jumbe Omari Jumbe told reporters the numbers are going up particularly in camps around the capital, Port-auPrince. He said his organization has responded by handing out about 10,000 cholera kits in 31 camps badly hit by cholera in the area. Cholera is a bacterial infection that spreads through water, and

The Canadian Alumni Association of Guyanas MET College was one of the Drives primary donors with a most significant monetary gift and the promise of more to come by year end. The AVCs efforts also benefitted from the outstanding personal contribution of Ms. Sabita Sing-Williams. She coordinated an arrangement with the Maple Shoppers Drug Mart owner/ Pharmacist, Jason Chauhan, to purchase at cost and with her own money, a full years supply of the medications needed by

the RCHCCs children. As a result of Ms. Sabita Sing Williams energies, the AVC is now in a position to address a second outstanding requirement of the RCHCC children, which was to provide a year round live in nurse for the Centre. Thanks to Ms. Sabita Sing-Williams outstanding generosity, the funds raised through other donations can now be used to cover the costs for the nurses services. Also amongst the many donations received was an amount of $500.00 from the Scarborough

Bluffs Rotary, which was arranged by Dexter Gonsalves. An ecstatic Allison Caldeira, AVCs Founder, has also indicated that the Guyana Christian Charities (GCC) has also approved a $300.00 cheque towards the Foundations drive for which she was naturally, entirely grateful. Caldeira said she looks up to GCC as being the big Sister of Guyanese Charities, and an organization that has been most helpful to her personally in her efforts to get things accomplished.

Haitis lack of proper sanitation and sewage systems makes the country more vulnerable. Residents in Haiti have blamed the UN Peacekeepers from Nepal for introducing the disease into the country. The first case was recorded in October 2012 and more than 7,000 cases have been recorded since then. (CMC)

Zoomers On A Mission To Help Their Community

hat do you call Baby Boomers who have a zest for life? You call them Zoomers! The Zoomers Association of Trinidad and Tobago in Canada, also referred to as ZATTIC, are on a mission to help people in need, show appreciation for diversity, and educate younger people of Trinidad and Tobago descent about their heritage. ZATTIC was founded in 2009 by Steve Khan and the group meets in Mississauga in a community meeting room. Khan created the group for people from Trinidad and Tobago who are living in Canada and want to congregate with other mature people aged 45 years of age and older. We believe that for people in the west end of Toronto, or the GTA I should say, who are 45 and over which includes a lot of seniors, to travel to the east side with todays traffic is a bit difficult especially, if you dont have your own transpor-

PAGE 2

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

November 21, 2012

tation. Being one of the foundation members of the Trinidad and Tobago 50 plus Seniors Association Akua of Canada, I saw the need for it on the west end. Many people brought it to my attention that they like the idea that Trinbagonians can unite, get together, and have our own group. So, I decided to start it here and since then it has been growing. Right now, we have a registration of over 350 members, Khan said. The cultural diversity in Trinidad is well-known, and the members of ZATTIC make efforts to acknowledge each others beliefs. We celebrate Black History Month. We also celebrate Indian Arrival Day; thats what its called in Trinidad. In Canada they call it South Asian Heritage Month. When we are giving functions for example, well have Muslim priests, well have the Hindu priests, the Catholic priests, the Anglican, and they will all attend. They

Hinds

Zattick Executive

would give the prayer according to their religion because in Trinidad we have such a diverse culture and people of so many different faiths and beliefs and religions that we try to accommodate everybody and wish them well in their beliefs. We wish our members Happy Diwali. When the Muslims celebrate Eid we wish them Eid Mubarak. We have the Christmas season, we have the Easter season; we respect everybodys beliefs, Khan said. The members of ZATTIC are active about helping people who are less fortunate and providing education. Since we started, we started to give out cards for the needy children at Christmas time. We also try to help needy families in the community by giving them a gift certificate at Christmas time, Khan said. ZATTICs biggest annual fundraiser is their Winter Dinner & Dance, which will be held on December 9th at the Elite Banquet Halls in Etobicoke. The group is also holding a Toys for Kids party on December 1st at King Gardens Retirement Living in the city of Mississauga. We always have a good turnout for that. The kids come out and they get their toys and they really have a good time. We involve kids into our association also, and they get to see what their parents do. The Zoomers have our own parang band from our members who play typical Trinidad music which is called parang, at Christmas time, Khan said. ZATTIC also focuses on assisting older members of the community. We help senior citizens in our community who live alone. We give them a meal and we visit them in hospitals when they are sick. Also, we give them help to fill out the different forms in order to apply for their benefits as a Canadian citizen. Many of them dont know how to fill out the paperwork. Some of them dont even know they have to apply for old age security in order to get it; they think that it comes automatically. We try to educate our people on that. Every month we have a speaker; two or three months ago we had somebody from Service Canada who came here to give us firsthand information about the benefits that we can

Steve Khan, founder of ZATTIC acquire as Canadian citizens. A lot of them didnt realize that if they reach age 65 they can apply for old age security and if they want to return to Trinidad to retire they can have their money sent there to them, Khan explained. ZATTIC also contributes to charitable causes in Trinidad and other Caribbean islands. When they had the earthquake in Haiti we made significant contributions to that to the Red Cross. Right now we are supporting an orphanage in Trinidad, The Whitefield Childrens Home. Also, we supported a home for the aged in San Fernando, Trinidad too. We have helped quite a few people from the Caribbean, and Trinidad and Tobago, who came to Canada to get medical treatment. We have helped them in collaboration with the Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago, Khan explained. ZATTICs plans for the future are to continue to assist the community and to reach out to the youth. This year, ZATTIC raised money through fundraising and events to issue four scholarships in collaboration with the Consul General of Trinidad, to Canadian students of Trinidadian and Tobagonian descent. ZATTIC does not have an official building of their own for members to meet in, but acquiring their own building is one of their immediate goals. This is our goal; to get our building and get the youths involved in our culture. Things like our cuisine, our music, learn a little bit about the culture; the different celebrations that we have in Trinidad and Tobago. Learn about the origins and traditions of their parents and grandparents, Khan said.

Da House Of Jerk Hosts

Digicels 3 Customer Appreciation Day
rd

November 21, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 3

Natasha Rai emerged as the 2nd Runner Up in the recent Miss West Indian Canadian Pageant 2012. She is currently studying at York University majoring in Psychology. Aside from volunteering for various charities, this proud young lady of Guyanese heritage also enjoys dancing and singing.

CARIBBEAN JEWEL CARIBBEAN JEWEL

endy Ellingtons Da House Of Jerk, will be the host venue for the November 24 Digicel Customer Appreciation, the third to be staged thus far in a series of six that have been scheduled. Da House of Jerk is conveniently located at 680 Rexdale Blvd, minutes off of Hwy 427 North. As with the two previous Digicel Days that have been hosted to date, at North Yorks Montego Jerk and Bramptons MoBay Jerk on October 24 and November 7 respectively, the G98.7 Radio Remote crew will also be in attendance. Spearheaded by host Alicia Wright-DaCosta the G98.7 Remotes have been a major hit amongst the hundreds that have attended the three Digicel hosted Customer Appreciation Days that have been held thus far.

Attendees have also enjoyed the experience of being greeted by Digicels event staff with a chilled glass of Bedessees non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The many useful free giveaways provided by both Digicel and G98.7 have also added to their enjoyment. Needless to say Digicels customers who actually purchased Top Ups for their loved ones back in the Caribbean during the Customer, have totally welcomed the additional value provided by the Double and Triple Bubble promotions that have been staged to coincide with the Customer Appreciation Days. The Double and Triple Bubble promotions allow Digicel network customers in Jamaica to receive twice the credits on amounts of $20 or more sent by their loved ones here in Canada and triple the credits for amounts of $27 and higher.

Family Teamwork Is In Da House!

hree years ago when Wendy Ellington opened Da House of Jerk, which is now one of the GTAs select few fine dining Caribbean restaurants, she knew that it would be both challenging and rewarding - and it has certainly been that way. Thankfully with the continuous support of her five children who play an active role in the administrative aspects of the business, Ellington is able to see her way through the difficult demands of being an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry and has the time to focus more on the other essential elements of operating her business. Da House of Jerk is conveniently located at 680 Rexdale Blvd in Etobicoke and its perfect for patrons who live in Toronto and the Region of Peel. Ellingtons eldest son was the one who built the Jamaican restaurant that boasts 2500 square feet of stunning designer dcor. The teamwork that exists between Ellington and her children is remarkable. The way the family works together cohesively and independently to achieve their primary goal of eventually becoming the leading Caribbean dining establishment in the GTA is admirable. Ellington migrated to Canada in 1988 from Kingston, Jamaica in hopes of furthering her education and pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical sector. It is common, and very courageous, for immigrants to leave their place of origin and take up residence in another country for the purpose of improving their lives and the lives of their loved ones they leave behind. When Ellingtons pharmaceutical plans didnt take shape due to other requirements that she needed to give full attention to, real estate became a desirable occupation. Despite the fact that real estate is a highly profitable profession that offers an excess amount of independence and increases self-sufficiency, it was becoming a bit humdrum for Ellington. At that moment she realized it of the essence to involve herself in a different work-related pursuit. Da House of Jerk has been an excellent alternative for Ellington as it

PAGE 4

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

November 21, 2012

provides her with the opportunity to give a demonstration of her wideranging and ever increasing talents. Its undeniable that Ellington is in true possesChristine sion of the entrepreneurial spirit. Approximately five months ago Da House of Jerk began offering daily specials that are sure to satisfy any taste palette, as well as nightly entertainment beginning mid-week that is geared towards an adult crowd. The excitement begins on Thursday night with karaoke and the party continues on Friday and Saturday nights with soulful rhythms, appetizing food and anatmosphere that encourages a great deal of exuberance. Ellington explained that these additions have been quite complementary to her business and is pleased to know that her customers have obtained much satisfaction with the exciting activities currently taking place. Guaranteeing customer satisfaction is an important obligation to adhere to and its vital to any astute business ownerIm always trying to please my customers because they come first. Theyre everything and without customers youre nothing. said Ellington. Feedback is always cheerfully accepted and appreciated from her patrons because she realizes that it is an essential element to improve service and the overall customer experience. With all the pressures associated with running a restaurant six days a week, Ellington finds her solace in regularly attending church and being actively involved in church related responsibilities. Basking in the energy of praise and being spiritually fed gives Ellington that needed boost after putting in prolonged hours during the week in both her real estate and restaurant business. On November 24 Da House of Jerk will be hosting the next Digicel G98.7 Customer Appreciation Day.

Reid

Wendy Ellington This event will certainly attract a large number of people to the restaurant and Ellington is eager to make an impression on the attendees with the mouthwatering jerk chicken and other specialty dishes that many of her consumers simply cannot get enough of. In fact, there are customers who visit Da House of Jerk up to three times per day because their food is considered to be truly irresistible. To date, Ellington is greatly satisfied with the array of services and daily specials her restaurant has to offer patrons within the community. Da House of Jerk is more than a place to come to and enjoy a delicious Caribbean meal; its a one stop restaurant that provides exceptional entertainment and impeccable catering services for any special occasion.With the dedicated teamwork of Ellington and her children, Da House of Jerk has become an essential part of the Caribbean restaurant community.

Caribbean Perspective New Approaches Needed To Nurture U.S. Caribbean Relations

aribbean governments will need to radically alter the way in which they engage the U.S. administration if trade and economic links between the region and the United States are to significantly improve and if the myriad concerns of CARICOM countries are to receive attention in Washington. The region appears to be continuing a laid back approach to U.S.- Caribbean relations, which have been diluted since the days of the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) in the mid 1980s. President Barrack Obamas visit to Trinidad and Tobago in 2009 for the Summit of the Americas raised hopes for a renewed relationship but this has not materialised. With the constant revolving Caribbean diplomatic presence in Washington and no forceful CARICOM lobby, it is not surprising that the Caribbean s interests are way down the back burner of the U.S. administration. One well-known Washington-based Caribbean affairs expert who has been speaking out about this is Anton Edmunds,the former Executive Director and CEO of Caribbean Central American Action (CCAA), an independent corporation that promotes private sector-led economic development in the Caribbean and Central America. The Washington relationship appears to be one characterized more and more by feelings of both parties of dissatisfaction, distrust and disillusionment, says Edmunds who is now President and CEO of The Edmunds Group International (TEG), a boutique consulting firm that focuses on supporting clients with interests in the Caribbean Basin region. Edmunds observed that the region is becoming more and more porus in relation to the transportation

November 21, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 5

of drugs and it appears that this issue may be the platform on which the U.S. Caribbean relation will be strengthened since the trade and Sandra Ann economic relationship is not a strong one. He also noted that while the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) is providing much-needed assistance with equipment and interdiction, it was essentially conceived in Washington. Caribbean governments, in his view, have failed to understand how Washington works. In particular, he feels the region appears unfamiliar with the financial cycle in terms of when and how funds are appropriated, the process involved in Hearings and how policy in Washington is developed. Edmunds feels CARICOM States should develop stronger links with Representatives in key US States that have the strongest trading relationship with the Caribbean, primarily New York and Florida. He remarked that it is not enough for one Prime Minister to meet the President and expect that issues affecting the Caribbean will be considered with any speed , given the fragile state of the U.S. economy and so many other competing domestic and global interests. One significant area of weakness in Washington is the inability of the regions diplomatic missions to consistently lobby and promote the Caribbeans interests. Edmunds explained that it is challenging for Caribbean diplomats to do this since most of themspend a lot of time focusing on The Organisation of American States (OAS) agenda,especially in areas of education and social development. Edmunds recommends that CARICOM should have lead specialists for various sectors. For example,

Baptiste

Barbados or the Bahamas diplomatic representatives could pursue issues pertaining to financial services and be the lead advocate. But for this to work, the reporting structures in the region in the Caribbean would need to be overhauled since going through Ministries of Foreign Affairs has not proven to be effective and the CARICOM Secretariat as a regional institution is woefully unprepared and weak. Edmunds explained that the Ministries of foreign affairs tend to pass on security issues to ministries of Home Affairs and there is lack of coordination thereafter, both at the national and regional level. He advocated that Caribbean diplomats be crosstrained in trade and tourism promotion, security and financial services issues. Edmunds also feels the Caribbean has to rethink its relationship with the Congressional Black Caucus, noting that there are only a handful of people in the 43 member Caucus with Caribbean heritage. Edmunds underscored that the Caribbean has to do a better job of engaging the Black Caucus as well as Republicans,whose constituencies are made up of a large Caribbean diaspora. He is convinced a bipartisan approach to Caribbean issues of trade, competitiveness, security issues and disaster preparedness would likely yield more positive results for the region. On the issue of U.S. aid to the region, Edmunds believes that some current major areas such as skills training and linking agriculture and tourism are not receiving substantial U.S. support and the relationship with agencies such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) needs to be redefined.
Sandra Ann Baptiste is a Business Consultant and Specialist in Caribbean Affairs.

In Our Community A Beer Should Be Carib Or Red Stripe!

I am taking a page out of Arnold Augustes book, or more to the point a share from his paper! His tireless journalistic tirade on the shortcomings of whats now called the Toronto Carnival, but is still regarded by most as Caribana, has inspired me to launch my own crusade. Henceforth, Ill be using my allowed space in this column to campaign for our communitys support of Caribbean owned businesses. As a start, Id like to beg a question of every last one my beer drinking buddies within the community. Why is it that when it comes to purchasing a beer, either at the Beer Store, at a bar, on a boat cruise or in any pay fete, our preference is invariably for Heineken, Coors, Molson or any of the other mainstream beers, and very rarely if ever for Carib, Red Stripe or even Banks on the rare occasions that it is available? Is it a prestige thing? Do we somehow think that the ladies, or anyone elses admiration we may be consciously or subconsciously seeking, will be more impressed if they see us holding a Canadian beer Heres an irony, according to my good friend Horace Bhopalsingh, who manages Caribs Canadian operations, sales of the brand in the Beer Store, from amongst mainstream Canadians, are far greater than those within the Canadian Caribbean community! How and why is it that mainstream Canadians are purchasing Carib, a brand thats uniquely ours, more than we ourselves? Now ask yourself another fundamental question. How many times have you seen evidence of brands like Heineken, Molson and others supporting Caribbean community activities or interests, our primary Festival, or any other of our major events for that matter? If memory serves me correct there may be legislation in place that prohibits brands like Molson, Heineken and the likes to engage in print advertising. To be honest, of that I am not too sure. But theres certainly no barrier to them supporting community events or activities. Caribana/Toronto Carnival, whatever you choose to call it, has been around since 1967. Thats now over 45 years of existence as a Festival which annually pumps millions of dollars into the Provincial and national economies. Think of all the activities, cruises and fetes that Festival alone has been responsible for over its forty-five year existence. Now conceive, if you can, all the bottles of Molson, Heineken, Labatt and Coors than would have been consumed by us during those years. Not to mention all our family and friends from across the border, back home in the Region and other parts of the world that we have often invited to come buss a lime with us for Caribana/Toronto Carnival! Again, if you can, do the math, then ask yourself how much support have those mainstream brands given our community. Take that equation further and also apply it to the likes of Bacardi, Captain Morgan and all the other grossly inferior rums that we far too often consume in preference to Appleton, Angostura,

PAGE 6

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

November 21, 2012

Cockspur, El Dorado, Mount Gay or any other Caribbean brands. Contrast that to the support that Carib in particular, with its meagre budgets, has poured into our community over the years. El Dorado, for its part sponsored this years Toronto Carnival in a very big way. So why is it that when we now go to the beer or liquor store, we still arent expressing our support to them for having done so? The Christmas Holidays are fast approaching and with it lots of beer and alcohol purchases on our part. This year lets all do something different. Lets support our own through purchases of Caribbean owned brands. So when you invite me to your house, you better not offer me a beer or a drink unless you have Carib or Red Stripe in the fridge and Appleton, Angostura, Cockspur, El Dorado and Mount Gay on the bar shelf. If not, youd better beware that I might be writing about you by name in my next Commentary!

Tony Mc

Caribbean In Greatest Crisis Since Independence

ake no mistake about it. Our region is in the throes of the greatest crisis since independence. The spectre of evolving into failed societies is no longer a subject of imagination. How our societies crawl out of this vicious vortex of persistent low growth, crippling debt, huge fiscal deficits and high unemployment is the single most important question facing us at this time. That is not an assessment of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to be taken lightly. It is an assessment by a Caribbean Prime Minister who has also had the advantage of serving as Legal Advisor to the CARICOM Secretariat. Dr Kenny Anthony, the Prime Minister of St Lucia, delivered this appraisal to a meeting of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry on October 31. The Prime Ministers statement is so important to the present crunch in which CARICOM exists, and so crucial to its future path that one would have expected it to be a matter of discussion at all levels of society in the 15 member-states of CARICOM. The reasons for the absence of widespread discussion, is probably because the Caribbean public has become accustomed to inaction by regional governments, institutions, and private sector organisations. Few would doubt the importance of what Prime Minister Anthony said

and the urgency of addressing it. But all appear unconvinced that anyone will act Sir Ronald decisively to change the situation. So, the appraisal alarming and forceful as it is evokes little more than resigned weariness in Caribbean publics. If the public has lost faith in the willingness of governments and institutions to act swiftly and together to extract them from crisis, the consequences will be even more serious. They will include increased emigration of the skilled persons in our societies, shrinkage of investment by local business people, and a general malaise in the productive sector. In short, it will lead to a worsening of the crisis. The sad aspect of all this is that every leader in the member-states of CARICOM, in its institutions and in the private sector know very well that deeper integration of Caribbean economies and closer harmonisation of their external relations would be an immediate stimulus to pulling CARICOM countries out of what Dr Anthony rightly describes as this vicious vortex of persistent low growth, crippling debt, huge fiscal deficits and high unemployment. What each CARICOM country needs is not more nationalism, but more regionalism. They have to stop operating as if, by themselves, they individually have the capacity either to deliver the public goods required by their people or to bargain effectively in

Sanders

the international community. Again, Dr Anthony crystallised this matter in his remarks when he said: The issue we face is that our institutions, whether at the level of the state or supranationally, have not kept up with the times. This is the reality check that should have hit us, thanks to 2008 and the World Financial Crisis. And again, if we are to observe and learn from another epicentre of integration, Europe, this process is no simple undertaking, but requires unwavering commitment. What was also clear from 2008 is that we were still spending too much time using our integration machinery dealing with our insularities instead of charting an outward response to the looming global realities. Well, what are some of those looming global realities with which CARICOM countries should be concerned? Food security: CARICOMs food import bill now runs into billions of dollars and will escalate in the coming years; the fragility and cost of regional air transportation to support tourism and the absence of region-wide sea transportation to facilitate trade in goods; competition within the region from external nations, such as European exporters, who under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) will, over time, be landing goods and services and even opening businesses that will compete with local companies putting some of them out of business and reducing government revenues from tariffs; continuing erosion of preferences that certain key commodities from
Publisher/Editor: Editorial Consultant : Contributors: Legal: Graphic Design:

CARICOM countries have enjoyed, in the past, in the EU, US and Canadian markets; reduction in aid because, except for Haiti, CARICOM countries are regarded as middle income countries, and a continued restriction from concessional funds from international financial institutions for the same reason; the effects of global warming that demand adaptation infrastructure to stop sea-level rise from drowning huge parts of many countries, dislocating human habitats and destroying tourism infrastructure and agricultural production; and the lack of capacity to bargain effectively with larger countries and financial institutions on investment, trade and debt. The list of issues identified here is by no means exhaustive, and they require bold thinking and courageous decision making -including a resolve to pool sovereignty regionally - to make each country stronger. There are many countries and agencies that are ready to help the countries of the region to progress, but they know that apart from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and perhaps Guyana because of their natural resources, none of the Caribbeans countries can survive - let alone prosper - without the economies of scale and the bargaining strength that comes from deeper integration. As Prime Minister Anthony counselled, the spectre of evolving into failed societies is no longer a subject of imagination.
The writer is a Consultant and former Caribbean diplomat

Tony McWatt Malcolm Cliffe Sandra Ann Baptiste, Beverly Brown, Akua Hinds, Christine Reid, Sir Ronald Sanders, Oumarally and Baboolal Susan Zelinski

618 Strouds Lane, Pickering, ON L1V 4S9 Tel: 905.831-4402 Fax: 416.292.2943 Email: caribbeangraphic@rogers.com www.caribbeangraphic.ca

November 21, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 7

Caribbean Destinations Tantalizing St Thomas

aint Thomas is an island in the Caribbean Sea. Along with the islands of Saint John, Saint Croix, and Water Island it is also a County and constituent District of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), and an unincorporated territory of the United States. Located on the island is the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. As of the 2010 census, the population of Saint Thomas was 51,634, about 48.5% of the US Virgin Islands total. The district has a land area of 31.24 square miles. In 1917, St. Thomas was purchased (along with Saint John and Saint Croix) by the United States for $25 million in gold, as part of a defensive strategy to maintain control over the Caribbean and the Panama Canal during the First World War. U.S. citizenship was granted to the residents in 1927. The U.S. Department of the Interior took over administrative duties in 1931. Full home rule was achieved in 1970. St. Thomas is home to the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie. It has been the heart of St. Thomas activities from colonial times to present. Historic buildings found throughout downtown Charlotte Amalie take visitors back to the Danish era when the town was a bustling port of trade; while modern additions of taxis, shops, souvenir vendors and cruise ships in the harbor remind that it is tourism that currently drives the economy. Charlotte Amalie, is home to almost half of the islands 51,000+ residents. Other residents live on the East End, West End and North Side. St. Thomas is largely mountainous. Many roads around the island offer terrific panoramic views of the island and ocean. Amongst the hills on St. Thomas and along the beaches there are an assortment of accommodations; resorts, historic inns, guest houses, vacation homes, villas and condos. St. Thomas is a water lovers paradise with its availability of a wide va-

riety of beaches and a gamut of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kite boarding, sailing, fishing, kayaking and parasailing. On land visitors can play a round of golf, take an island tour, check out some attractions, take in the historical sites downtown and do some shopping. In the evening you can hit happy hour at a bar or restaurant, catch some live music and have dinner with a sublime view! The Cyril E. King Airport serves travelers coming to St. Thomas. Visitors staying on St. John and Water Island can easily daytrip to St. Thomas; daily ferry service is available. St. Thomas is connected to St. Croix by regular interisland air service and a ferry. Located on Bluebeards Hill, east of Charlotte Amalie, is Bluebeards Castle. Local stories state that the structure was built by the pirate Bluebeard for his love Mercedita, however this is no more than a story. The Danes actually built the stone tower around 1689 as a supplementary watchtower to aid the defenses of Fort Christian. It was called Frederiks Fort when originally constructed and is actually on the site of a fortification the first colonists to the island had started. Today the tower is incorporated into Bluebeards Castle Hotel. One of the islands main attractions is the Nisky Moravian Church, which was established by Moravian missionaries who came to minister mainly to the slave population. Originally built around 1755, the church has had several renovations over the centuries. The walls are made of red and yellow bricks that were used as ballast in ships. Today it houses a church and school. British privateer Sir Francis Drake, commissioned by Queen Elizabeth I, is said to have used Drakes Seat to spy on enemy ships of the Spanish Fleet passing through what is now called Drakes Passage. You can pull off the road and enjoy the same view from

this lookout point. There is actually a bench on the spot... thus the name Drakes seat. At 1542 feet above sea level, the summit of St. Peter Mountain is the highest point on St. Thomas. Mountain Top, also known as Signal Hill, was used in the 1940s by the U.S. government as a strategic communications location. Mountain Top is a scenic overlook that houses shops, a dining area and bar and of course a balcony for taking in the breathtaking view of Drakes passage, the British Virgin Islands and beautiful Magens Bay. Mountain Top holds the title for having the original and best banana daiquiris on the island. Tillett Gardens was once an old Danish farm. While it has been largely changed in order to incorporate present uses; it is one of the few old farm buildings on St. Thomas that is open to the public. It was transformed into a center for local artists and performers by Jim Tillett, an English silkscreen artist, who arrived on St. Thomas in 1959. In the shops at Tillett Gardens, there are silkscreen prints, paintings, enamel jewelry, candles and many other locally hand-crafted items. There is also a lovely restaurant located in the garden. Located about a half-mile southwest of Charlotte Amalie is Frenchtown. It is popular with tourists and locals for its restaurants and bars. In the middle of Frenchtown is a hill crowned by St. Anns Catholic Church. A small museum contains several hundred artifacts of historical interest related to the area and to the French community including photographs, pottery, tools and furniture. The French Heritage Museum is located next to the Joseph Aubain ballpark. Originally the Red Hook area was a little town connected to the rest of the island by dirt roads. There are various stores located there, many of which cater to the boating community. Ferries to St. John and the BritishVirgin Islands depart from the Red Hook Ferry

Dock. Many charter boat companies are located in the vicinity as there are numerous marinas in the area. Red Hook is home to several good bars and restaurants. When frequent visitors or residents are asked to name their favorite restaurant on St. Thomas the answer inevitably is never just one. Experienced chefs on the island create mouth-watering entrees. The selection they offer varies from continental cuisine to French, Chinese, Japanese, Caribbean, Italian and Mexican foods, just to name a few. Several restaurants are located in Charlotte Amalie and Frenchtown. Those located along the hillsides above Charlotte Amalie offer spectacular views of the harbor at night. Red Hook is another popular destination for restaurants. All large hotels have at least one restaurant and resorts often have several. St. Thomas also has the liveliest nightlife in the Virgin Islands. It certainly is not Las Vegas, South Beach or New York City but it can be great fun! Many bars/clubs play a mixture of American hits and popular Caribbean music. Happy hour at bars and restaurants is popular and is a good way to start a fun evening. Happy hour often includes discounts on food and drinks. In Havensight there are several bars and restaurants, often with rock and roll music playing, live bands, TVs for watching sports, pool tables and good times. There are also many happening bars and restaurants in Charlotte Amalie, along the waterfront area, within walking distance from each other. Frenchtown, is another good place to go out at night. There are several great restaurants and a few small bars in that area. Local celebrations like Carnival and French Heritage week often include evening events and shows. Also during holidays, like Christmas, various evening activities like concerts, shopping specials and plays take place.

PAGE 8

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

November 21, 2012

Gag Them
BRIDGETOWN, Stop with all the talking. Let the court decide! This appeal has come from Barbados on the heels of comments made by a Jamaican minister regarding the Shanique Myrie lawsuit before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Those comments have not gone down well with attorneys representing the Barbados Government in the matter. In fact, the Bajan legal team wants all people involved in the case to shut up. Lead attorney for the Barbados Government in the matter, Roger Forde, QC, has sent off a letter to the solici-

Barbados Beat

Hostile Swedish Welcome

For Chris Brown
Grammy Awards party in 2009. Brown was arrested and charged with assaulting Rihanna, and later sentenced to six months of community service and placed on probation for five years. The pair have since rekindled their friendship and recorded the provocatively titled Nobodies Business duet for Rihannas new Unapologetic album. Rumours are rife that they are dating again. But not everyone is as willing to forgive and forget as the Barbadian recording star, and fears for her safety have been expressed if she reconciles with Brown. This is not the first time Brown has been targeted by anti-domestic violence groups, moreover. In September, stickers appeared on copies of his CDs in London branches of HMV that read: Warning. Do not buy this album! This man beats women.

tor generals chambers in Kingston, requesting the Jamaica government implement a gag order on ministers when it comes to the Myrie case.

Banking On Rihanna
BRIDGETOWN, The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) is banking on its biggest superstar partner. Facing the most important next two winter seasons in the midst of a worldwide recession, the BTA is expecting the marketing power of Rihanna to drive Barbados finances as a tourist destination like never before. This was stated on November 16 by chairman of the BTA, Adrian Elcock, who revealed the sexy songstress remained the islands most important tourist attraction. Elcock told reporters that the BTA would be spending

Innovate Or Perish
just over $1/4 million to produce the islands latest Rihanna tourism initiative, in an effort to draw millions of people to Barbados. BRIDGETOWN, Innovation and entrepreneurship have been stressed by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart as the two pillars that will sustain future economic growth. He espoused the importance of the island attaining global competitiveness status while delivering the feature address at the third Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation Summit at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. Stuart noted: As I said at the Foromic Conference, we in Barbados acknowledge that one of the new columns on which the economy must be rebuilt, is that of entrepreneurship at all levels. Economic analysts and others have argued that in times of recession, there are opportunities for creativity and there is an actual need to look for new business opportunities including niche markets, in order to reduce unemployment and to contribute to economic growth.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Angry protesters struck out against a scheduled November 19 Chris Brown concert in Sweden by pasting enlarged images of Rihannas battered face across posters promoting the show. The 23-year-old American R&B singer was expected to receive a hostile welcome from Swedish music fans still outraged by his vicious attack on his then-girlfriend Rihanna three years ago. An unidentified group altered a number of posters advertising his gig at the Ericsson Globe, so that they are dominated by huge close-ups of the 24-year-old Barbadian superstars grievous injuries sustained in the attack she suffered at Browns hand. The chilling picture was taken by police in the aftermath of the assault, which took place in Browns car after a pre-

Conference Aims To End Sex Violence Against Kids

BRIDGETOWN, A meeting aimed at ending sexual violence against children in the Caribbean opened in Barbados on November 20. Under the theme Combating Sexual Violence Against Children From Isolated Actions to Integrated Strategies, the conference is being convened within the United Nations (UN) Secretary-Generals UNiTE campaign to End Violence Against Women. Hosted by the Barbados government and supported by Britain and the United States, the two-day meeting will be attended by government ministers with responsibility for child protection, along with experts in child protection, law, policy reform, health and other sectors to identify coordinated responses to the problem. The conferences main objectives are to create a network of participating countries that can share initiatives on ending violence against children and to produce a country-level action agenda. The anticipated outcome will be a political commitment to the implementation and enforcement of mandatory reporting policies and the resolution of child sexual abuse cases by professionals, the organisers said in a statement. The conference follows a special CARICOM Council on Human and Social Development (COSHOD) meeting, held in Guyana in July, where regional ministers expressed grave concern about the alarming prevalence of sexual abuse of children in member states. The communiqu issued after the meeting pledged to develop an integrated approach - combining strong responsive and preventive measures that emphasize child care and protection, and those to end impunity. Barbados Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley; UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Bernt Aasen, will address the opening ceremony.

Ocean Power To Be Explored

BRIDGETOWN, The Barbados Government is exploring the possibility of using the power of the ocean to generate electricity. Minister of Water Resource Management, Dr. David Estwick, informed a November 16 news conference at his Graeme Hall office, that he was heading off to Japan to look at similar projects there. Estwick said while the Government was pushing the green economy concept of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, tapping the potential of the ocean, known as the blue economy, was worth pursuing. He observed that this countrys ocean resources were significantly greater than its land resources. He explained that because of the new

To achieve the objectives of a modern business environment and an entrepreneurial culture in Barbados, the Prime Minister suggested the introduction of new methods of production and the creation of avenues of wealth based on a demand for innovation, as two ways to effect changes within the economy. He reminded the audience that the conferences theme Be Inspired was the impetus for the population to be creative, to innovate and to think outside the box, to advance the development of our island.

oil crisis and the potential for sustainable increases in fossil fuel costs, the technology was now back on the front burner. As a result, he continued, Bahamas was now constructing two new OTEC plants to produce the electricity that they want from the ocean. Can you imagine if you can produce electricity from the ocean what it would mean to Barbados not to import fossil fuel ever again. Can Barbadians imagine what that would mean. And the cost of producing electricity from the ocean is comparable to coal in the United States, which is eight cents per kilowatt hour, Estwick declared. The Cabinet minister observed that Barbados now paid 90 cents per kilowatt hour.

November 21, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 9

Strike Ended
CASTRIES, St. Lucia - Workers at the Water and Sewerage Company (WASC0) have returned to work, after a week of protest action over outstanding pay. The decision to return to work followed the intervention of Labour Minister Dr. Robert Lewis and discussions involving the Civil Service Association (CSA) and the National Workers Union (NWU). Government had in a statement described the protest by the workers as illegal indicating that essential service

EC Review

Visa Warning
ST JOHNS, Antigua - Visas may be imposed on nationals of Antigua and Barbuda who are wanting to visit European countries because of the failure to fully adopt the machine readable passports, a senior Immigration official has said. Permanent Secretary within the Citizen and Passport Division, Jocelyn Greene, said individuals still using non-machine readable passports often face border control officers who are not equipped to deal with the documents, which are virtually obsolete. Greene said a potential negative implication of individuals not upgrading their passports is concern by larger territories, like the European Union, about the integrity of the non-machine readable passports. She said these countries may impose visa restrictions on countries whose citizens continue to travel on non-machine readable passports. The concern is that these documents

workers were not to undertake industrial protest without adequate notice. WASCOs general manger John Joseph said the company has in recent weeks attempted to raise the capital and the workers will get paid in December. Public Utilities Minister Dr. Jimmy Fletcher said approval would aid the severely cash strapped and haemorrhaging company. However he said that privatisation from outside interest is not up for consideration.

Dominica Receives $US40 Million For Climate Change

ROSEAU, Dominica - Dominica has received more than US$40 million from the World Bank for a climate change resilience project, a senior government official announced on November 20. We had the World Bank here last week to finalize a project called the PTCR or Pilot Project for Climate Resilience. Through that project so far, we have secured in excess of 40 million US dollars to undertake activities in agriculture, infrastructure and other social development, according to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Samuel Carrette. Carette made the disclosure as he addressed a two day Caribbean Community (CARICOM) support for envi-

St Kitts Acquires Caribbean Star Airline`s Building

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Parliament has given the St. Kitts and Nevis government the green light to acquire the building constructed by the disgraced United States billionaire, Allan Stanford, to house the headquarters of his now defunct Caribbean Star Airlines. The building is situated just outside the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport and the authorities said the land inside the airport was earlier repossessed for non-performance with a private jet terminal now being constructed there. Prime Minister Dr. Denzil L. Douglas in introducing the motion to acquire what has become known as the Stanford building at the airport said Cabinet had given its full support for the action. Tourism and International Transport Minister Richard Skerritt said it was a very very important and very timely, as the government seeks to bring that very important property into a more productive use going forward and ac-

can easily be tampered with and may pose a threat to border security, Greene said noting that the machine readable and e-passports have become the norm, and the International Civil Aviation, (ICA) has set a fast-approaching deadline for passports to either be an e-passport or a machine readable passport. A November 12 government statement urged nationals who have not yet obtained machine readable passports to do so, with haste, in their own selfinterest and also as a matter of national interest. Green warned that passengers face the risk of having to wait for long periods until their old documents are verified insisting that some countries simply do not accept people travelling on non-machine readable passports. Machine readable passports were introduced here in 2006. The new document is navy blue instead of black and bears the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) logo.

Prime Minister Dr. Denzil L. Douglas quire an asset that will become increasingly valuable over the coming years. Skerritt told legislators that the Stanford Agreement dating back to February 28, 2003 had provided for the transfer of that particular parcel of land to the Stanford Company, based on a promise to facilitate Stanfords relocation of a major corporation to St. Kitts. Skerritt said that soon after joining the government he was one of those who agitated quite vigorously to bring that agreement to termination because of non-performance. Stanford, who was convicted of orchestrating and concealing a US$7 billion Ponzi scheme involving his Antigua-based Stanford International Bank (SIB) in March, is serving a 110-year sentence at a US federal prison.

ST. GEORGES, Grenada - The Grenada government says it welcomes a policy decision by the European Commission to allow Grenadians to travel to the Schengen area without needing a visa. Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Tillman Thomas described the decision as constructive and that it provides Grenadians with the chance to take advantage of opportunities that may arise from business exchanges and people to people contact. Thomas welcomed the announcement from Cecilia Malmstrm, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs that the change is more than just a symbolic gesture and is intended to have a direct impact between the European Commission and Grenada. A Grenada government statement said the objective is to simplify travel to the Schengen area, as well as to Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania.

Visa Free Travel For Grenadians

ronment statistics meeting, here. The meeting is geared at strengthening the islands capacity to develop and monitor its multi-lateral agreement. Coordinator of the Project for Capacity Building in the Caribbean, Dr Teress Yard, said it is extremely important for Dominica to embark upon such a project. Yard said Dominica has also set some ambitious goals in terms of sustainable development, natural resources and management. Dominica is a leader in the Caribbean and if the country wants to be able to know that their standards remain high, they need to have the data to back up their claims, she added.

Earlier, a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in St. Kitts and Nevis said the other Caribbean countries to benefit from the initiative are Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. The Schengen area includes 22 EU member states and four associated States. The visa waiver will also apply to Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus which are not yet full members of the Schengen area. The UK and Ireland do not participate in the Schengen cooperation and do not take part in the common visa policy. They therefore have separate visa arrangements with non-EU countries, The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, It said in 2011, EU member states and the countries participating in the Schengen cooperation issued around 12 million visas.

PAGE 10

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

November 21, 2012

Ganja In Car Tires

GEORGETOWN, A 17-year old girl was arrested on November 20 after agents of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) found one kilogramme of marijuana stashed in two car tyres. The arrest was made at the Ogle Airport where she dropped off the tyres to be sent in on an Air Services Limited (ASL) flight to Imbaimadai. Investigators are yet to decide whether the teenager will be charged because they are checking information she has provided. The girl, whose surname is Lewis, is the fourth person to have been arrested at the Ogle Airport in connection

Guyana Digest

Multi Million Dollar Monument

GEORGETOWN, The Guyana government says a monument in recognition of the 1823 revolt by African slaves on the East Coast of Demerara will be erected in the capital. The G$26 million project, to be situated opposite the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground, forms part of the national commemorative activities for the 2011 UN International Year for People of African Descent. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport said the monument will be erected in recognition of the historic August 1823 Revolt by enslaved Africans which occurred on the East Coast of Demerara. They worked on the sugar plantations further revolting against their enslavement and were killed. It said the contract for 1823 monument base was awarded to Nabi Construction and the monument will be sculpted by Ivor Thom.

Four Shortlisted
GEORGETOWN, Four applicants, including three Guyanese from the Diaspora, and a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago have been shortlisted to be interviewed for the vacant post of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, the institution has said. The candidates are expected in the country from November 20 to December 4 for the assessment of their candidature for the position. Each candidate; apart from the formal interview session which will be conducted by a five-member panel, comprising members of the Council of the University, inclusive of representatives of the concerned Ministry, the major political parties, the academic community and the Students Society; is expected to have an interactive meeting with the joint University Council and Academic Board of the institution, the university said. Meetings will also be held with the Berbice

with the smuggling of marijuana on interior-bound flights.

GDFs Same Sex

GEORGETOWN, One of two female Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers, who were involved in a same-sex relationship, has accepted counselling and has chosen to remain in the army that has a dont-ask dont-tell policy on sexual orientation, acccording to a high ranking officer. Requesting anonymity, the officer said the other soldier told her superiors that she is comfortable with her sexuality and would opt to voluntarily leave the military institution. The senior military command officer emphasised that the two females have not been fired but have been given three months up to December 31 to decide whether or not they wanted to remain in the GDF. Originally the females, said to be in their early 20s, had been ordered Struck Off Strength at their own request ,

Relationship Controversy
another source told local media. The female privates were several weeks ago summoned to meetings after a video of them engaged in sexual activity punctuated with expletives and references to an orgasm began circulating among soldiers. The video went viral after someone found a cellular phone and accessed its contents. The officer said that heterosexual and homosexual activities and any amorous behaviour are prohibited on all military bases and as such offenders could be cited for misconduct. Soldiers are not prohibited from having same-sex relations in the privacy of their own premises as is the case with heterosexuals once it does not bring the GDF into disrepute, the high ranking official. At the end of the day, this is a matter of rights and freedom of choice, the officer added.

campus community and the Executive of the UG Students Society. At these sessions each candidate is expected to give a short presentation on why he should be appointed Vice-Chancellor. In addition, each candidate will give a public lecture on a topic of his choice. This is the most elaborate and transparent process that the University, in its history of 49 years, has ever undertaken in the selection of any of its officers. It is anticipated that the University will be announcing the appointment of its new Vice-Chancellor in time for the commencement of the 2nd Semester on January 28, 2013.

Fleas Invade QC
GEORGETOWN, Guyanas premier secondary school Queens College (QC) was on November 19 forced to send home its students because of a flea infestation. Local media was told by students that it was believed to be the result of stray cats and dogs that live in the school compound. Students were sent home at noon but were not told when they would be able to return. Pest control company Rentokil was reportedly called in to combat the infestation.

NIS Healthy
GEORGETOWN, Chairman of the Board of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Dr. Roger Luncheon has rubbished reports that the institution is in dire straits saying that while there were concerns about its future it is currently healthy. The Chairman, who is the Cabinet Secretary, was speaking to at the post-Cabinet news briefing on November 15, a day after media reports based on the latest NIS actuarial review suggested that the entity was nearing a crisis. He was asked whether the Scheme was facing dire straits. Dire reflects some immediacy like tomorrow or yesterday and I can say this with the greatest honesty, those wicked people who are out there and trying to pander to this notion that this NIS is a sinking ship and its about to go down, its just total nonsense. Were we not to make specific interventions that are outlined in this actuarial review yes hard times, dire times, but as we sit here today the Scheme is healthy, Dr. Luncheon stated. The latest review noted that a number of recommendations proposed in the prior review since 2008 had not been implemented. According to the NIS Chairman it was the Boards decision on what was implemented and what was not but he acknowledged that the current review had provided a better perspective from which to view them. Dr. Luncheon also sought to reassure NIS contributors stating that the feedback from the review along with that to be garnered from consultations to be held with stakeholders will go towards crafting a menu of measures which will be taken to parliament for endorsement to ensure the future viability of the Scheme. As reported by the Stabroek News, the Executive Summary of the actuarial report noted that in 2011 the NIS experienced its first ever deficit in its 42-year-old history of $371M with a larger deficit expected this year. It was also reported that with assets of just over two times its annual expenditure the entire Fund will be exhausted in less than 10 years if (the) contribution rate increases and benefit reforms are not made immediately.

REDjet Payouts
Being Issued
GEORGETOWN, The long wait by thousands of stranded REDjet passenger for refunds after the airline was grounded earlier this year is almost over. The Ministry of Public Works will soon begin issuing cheques to persons. Principle Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, Derrick Jodhan has confirmed to local media that everything was in order and government was in a position to start issuing the monies. He also confirmed that the money was released by the bank for the payouts, but the ministry, instead of sending persons to the bank to receive those monies, it decided to open another account which the money was placed in and the cheques that will be written to passengers will come directly from that account. He cited the fees that would have been charged to the ministry had the money remained in an account in the name of the ministry. The payout will be made to approximately 700 families and the money available for the payout at this time is some $26M. Asked about the status of those

November 21, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

No Evidence of Gangs
GEORGETOWN, Guyanas Crime Chief, Deputy Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud has said that the biggest security concerns and threats from crime come from gangs operating in societies. Addressing acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell and other senior officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as that august body announced its Christmas security plan Persaud explained that so far the Force has been unable to muster evidence and information suggesting that gangs are operating in Guyana. He also reported on patterns of serious crime; issues relating to criminal gangs; strategies and challenges; and previews on efforts of narcotics law enforcement officers to control crime. Persaud explained that while there is evidence and intelligence from information gathered -- organising logistics by putting them together prior to carrying out certain crimes -- there is still no evidence that those persons who are involved in the execution of the robberies stick together to form a gang unit. He said the interests of the persons who come together to carry out those acts are personal, and once the deed is done, they usually separate with no allegiance to each other. No doctrines and any other form of sub-cultural behaviours are followed. Persaud said there are a few drug trafficking gangs which are of major interest to the Force, but they are not operational in Guyana. Those gangs are primarily involved in the trafficking of cocaine, and they use Guyana as a transhipment point for drugs destined for other countries. He said there are a few groups which also focus on both cocaine and cannabis. An issue which has long been a major concern for persons living in this country is the presence of foreign terrorists or criminals operating out of Guyana. Persaud made it clear that for all its intelligence, the Guyana Police Force has failed to provide any evidence that ethnic and extremist gangs are present on these shores. Further, there has been no hard evidence to prove that gangs exist in the local education and school system.. According to Persaud the issue of cross-border smuggling remains the biggest treat, because of the infrastructure it provides to the drug traffickers and terrorists in their own networks, both in communication and in transportation. Another issue highlighted was that of piracy, wherein it was mentioned that the incidents showed that fishermen were actually being robbed by their fellow fishermen in most cases. Evidence and investigations have revealed that when it comes to the acts of piracy in Suriname waters, the fishermen who are victims of piracy are Guyanese, and the perpetrators are their fellow Guyanese who are involved in piracy. He said local authorities have been collaborating with Surinamese authorities to provide intelligence and information to assist that country in its fight against piracy. Local authorities hope this would greatly assist in reducing the instances of piracy and bringing it under control.

PAGE 11

persons who are on the list to be refunded, the ministry official said that most of them are in Guyana and those who are not in Guyana would have left persons whom they authorized to collect the monies on their behalf. The amount which is available for payout is not a representation of everyone who needs to be refunded by the airline. The list which is available to the ministry is the appraisal list sent by REDjet. REDjet was a low cost carrier which entered the Guyana market and after a few months of operation failed to fulfill its obligation to passengers after it was grounded. The payout to stranded passengers comes almost two weeks after another low cost carrier EZjet was grounded following what is largely being touted as a financial problem. Passengers of that airline have not been getting any satisfactory word from the carrier. However the Government of Guyana has moved in and addressed the issue by engaging Caribbean Airlines to assist passengers stranded by the latest grounded airline.

Guyanese Ship Held

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - A ship with a container that originated from Guyana was intercepted and a quantity of cocaine found inside, the Malaysian news agency, Bernama, reported On November 19. It said that the cocaine was placed in coconut milk and quoted Narcotics CID director Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim as saying that the tactic was foiled by the Selangor Customs Department after detaining the ship carrying a container cargo in which a section contained drugs worth RM22 million (US$7.1 million). Based on information from United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA), the ship which arrived on November 19 at Port Klang was filled with 980 cartons of cans containing coconut milk and pieces of

Shopkeeper Stabbed To Death

pineapple. Sixteen cartons comprising 384 cans of coconut milk were identified as mixtures with 400 grammes of cocaine in each can by the Chemistry Department, he told a news conference. He said the container, which originated from Guyana, was destined for Mozambique with South Africa as a transit point to transfer the container on to another ship. GEORGETOWN, A woman was remanded to police custody on November 19 in connection with the stabbing death of a male shopkeeper with whom she had a relationship, police said. The dead man has been identified as 42-year old Christopher Yankee Craig of John Street, Campbelville, Georgetown. Police said his body was found around midnight on November 17 at Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni Initial investigations have revealed that Christopher Craigs body was found lying in front of a shop with a stab wound to the left side of his chest, police spokesman, Senior Superintendent Whitney Bacchus said in a statement. One of Craigs two sons told reporters that his mother, who lives with him at their Campbelville home, received the news with great sadness. He said they learnt of the incident when a woman called the following morning saying that his father went to the bathroom and someone stabbed him. The body was taken to the Bartica Mortuary for an autopsy to be performed. Craig had been working in the interior for the past three years but would periodically visit his Campbelville home.

Foundry Fake
NEW YORK, A Guyanese-born Queens based foundry owner has been arrested on charges that he made a worthless sculpture and tried to pass it off as a Jasper Johns creation and sell it for $11 million. Brian Ramnarine, 58, pleaded not guilty to a wire fraud charge in Manhattan Federal Court and was released on $250,000 bond. He tried to pull off a similar scam 10 years ago. In that case he was sentenced to five years probation after he pleaded guilty to falsifying business records and was ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution. Prosecutors said Ramnarine, owner of the Empire Bronze Art Foundry in Long Island City, called his bogus work of art 1989 Bronze Flag. It depicted an American flag and was created out of a mold Johns made to go

with a flag sculpture in 1960. John had given Ramnarine the mold in 1990 for a wax cast. The FBI began an investigation in 2010 when Ramnarine tried to sell the bronze piece to a wealthy art collector, claiming that it was a real Jasper Johns, prosecutors said. As part of the scam, Ramanarine forged the artists signature on the sculpture, prosecutors said. In 2002, Queens prosecutors accused Ramnarine of defrauding two art buyers by selling them metal sculptures he claimed were original works by three postmodern artists. That was a setup too, said Ramnarine outside court on November 14. He claimed the Johns mold was destroyed about 12 years when a landlord evicted him and discarded all his possessions.

PAGE 12

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

November 21, 2012

November 21, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 13

Lay Preachers Warned

KINGSTON, A senior police officer has warned lay preachers who use the Jamaica Urban Transit Company buses for their ministry that they will be prosecuted for breaching the law. Senior Superintendent Radcliffe Lewis has said that preaching on public-passenger vehicles is an offence and persons in breach can be charged with disorderly conduct on a public-passenger vehicle. The islands top traffic cops comments come amid a directive from the managing director of the JUTC that preaching would not be allowed on the buses. The The senior cop said in the past they had turned a blind eye to the practice, but based on the number of complaints, they would now have to take action against anyone breaching the law. However, one bus preacher believes

Jamaica Yard

Government Blasted
KINGSTON, The opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has once again taken the Portia Simpson Miller led administration to task about the state of the economy . In the first party conference since its defeat at the polls nearly one year ago , party leader Andrew Holness on November 19 blasted the governing Peoples National Party (PNP) for failing to sign an agreement with the International Monetary Fund, for the slide in the value of the Jamaican dollar and the lack of investor confidence. In his address to delegates at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston , Holness warned the government to restrain from disturbing free health care and other security blankets that were put in place during the JLP administration. Concerning talks with the international lending agency , the IMF, Holness was unrelenting as he attacked the government for not giving a clear signal as to when the IMF agreement will be inked. Former Finance Minister Audley Shaw who also addressed the delegates backed Holness. According to Shaw, who is now the oppositions spokesman on Finance, the current administration is unable to manage the economy and as a result the country has once again gone into recession.

that unrighteousness will overtake Jamaica if bus preaching is banned. They are trying to shut up the gospel and if they do, the devil will take over Jamaica. What kind of message are we sending to young people? declared 48-year-old Atchrine Taffe.

Road Fatalities Increasing Globally

Designers Showcased
KINGSTON, Four top Jamaican designers Drenna Luna, Minka, Sandra Kennedy and one from T&T showcased their latest collections for a panel of fashion experts, including core members of American department store Macys at The Business of Fashion - Expanding The Local Reach luncheon held on Saturday, November 10th at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. The luncheon was part of the Carib New 17th Annual Multi-National Business Conference and highlighted a new fashion focused theme. The fashion show was organised by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and gave the four talented designers the opportunity to showcase their line to the panel which included the likes of Erin Wilson, Director Multicultural Merchandising & Vendor Development Macys, Iasha Rivers, DirectorExternal Affairs & Corporate Communications, Macys, actress and fashionista Sheryl Lee Ralph and former editor-in-chief of Essence Magazine, Susan Taylor. One designer will later be selected to possibly be carried in Macys.

Reward Offered
KINGSTON, Whoever is responsible for the killing of former senior superintendent Tony Hewitt now has a price on his head. On November 14, the Jamaica police offered a one million dollar (one Jamaica dollar =US$0.04 cents) reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved in the murder of the retired senior police officer two months ago. Hewitt was shot and killed on September 16 in the parking lot of an apartment. While several people have been questioned in connection with the murder, no arrests have been made. The authorities have also been working on the theory that Hewitt, who headed the Criminal Investigation Tony Hewitt Branch and the Flying Squad, may have been slain as a result of a contract killing. Police believe that Hewitt had been trailed and killed after he drove into the gated community where he was shot multiple times. The authorities said the reward is being put up by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, The Firearm Licensing Authority and other interested parties.

KINGSTON, Minister Portia Simpson Miller has warned Jamaicans that new data had shown that crash-related fatalities could, within eight years, overtake HIV/AIDS as the leading cause of preventable deaths across the globe. The prime minister used the church service to mark Jamaicas joining of the global community in observing the seventh annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims, to urge her compatriots to do more to reduce these crashes. While it is true that our road fatalities can be considered miniscule on a global scale, the gravity of this worldwide problem is painfully illustrated by the fact that road injuries claim over 3,000 lives and seriously disable over 100,000 people every day, said the PM in her message delivered by Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson at the Tarrant Baptist Church in Kingston.

Simpson Miller said that at such a rate, road fatalities could overtake HIV/AIDS as the leading cause of preventable deaths and ill health globally. She said Jamaica was commited to doing its part in preventing such a development through its advocacy and support for the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, 2011-2020. Speaking for himself, Ferguson said Jamaicas health services were being stressed by thousand of injuries resulting from road crashes. Our hospitals and clinics are already fully extended or in some cases over extended, said Minister Ferguson. Still, the minister said he was encouraged that there had been a decline in the number of trafficrelated injuries at the eight government hospitals over the past five years. The minister said there was a 6.5 per cent decrease in persons treated for injuries from motor vehicle crashes between 2010 and 2011.

PAGE 14

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

November 21, 2012

Teen Suicide On The Rise

PORT-OF-SPAIN, In the last 12 months, 14 percent of students aged 13 to 16 in Trinidad and Tobago made a suicide attempt and 17 percent had seriously considered the option of suicide, according to the Global School Based Student Health Survey. Michael McFarlane, director of Psychological Services at the Florida National Guard, disclosed these figures at a November 19 press conference for the Adolescent Suicide Prevention Seminar at the Social Sciences Lounge, University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine. People dont die by suicide because they are bad people, people die by suicide for a number of factors that come together generally creating an unbearable sense of pain and in that pain suicide can seduce us into thinking that it is a viable option. Such an answer robs people of their future and ultimately robs them of their life, he said. Talking about suicide was essential so no other parent has to experience that same pain and grief as the families

Trinbago News

VAT Removal Clarified

PORT OF SPAIN, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has promised to remove the Caricom duties on food as part of the on going bid to reduce prices. On November 16 the prime minister paid an impromptu visit to the Xtra Foods supermarket in the Grand Bazaar on the Uriah Butler Highway to check the implementation of the nonVAT prices on selected food items. Persad-Bissessar said the VAT removal was just one measure to help reduce food prices. She said the duty removal is a matter which would affect Caricoms Common External Tariff. Persad-Bissessar was accompanied by Legal Affairs Minister Prakash Ramadhar and Trade and Investment Minister Vasant Bharath. The three, with a big security contingent, caused quite a stir as shoppers stopped to take

of persons who have taken their own lives, McFarlane said. Also, not talking about suicide enhances the shame for families. Dr Linda Hadeed, lecturer and coordinator of Mediation Studies at UWI, said although the rates of suicide in the Caribbean is grossly under reported, evidence suggests that suicide in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago is getting higher and something needs to be done to address it. She said suicide was a worldwide epidemic that continues to increase despite intensive attention by Government and Non- Governmental Organisations. According to the World Health Organisation by the year 2020, there will be more than 1.5 million successful suicides and between 15 to 30 million unsuccessful attempts occurring annually. Hadeed said suicide ranked in the top ten causes of death among adults and among the top three causes of death among adolescents.

CAC Not Making The Grade

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Citing a number of unresolved issues regarding the Continuous Assessment Component (CAC), primary schools principals were scheduled to hold a November 21 meeting to discuss whether they would continue to support the measure. In a November 19 press release, the National Primary Schools Principals Association (NAPSPA) stated members would meet at Miracle Ministries High School, Mc Bean Couva, at 9 am. NAPSPA president, Lynsley Doodhai, noted that when the organisation met with Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh in May, he told them CAC would be suspended if all the resources to implement the programme were not in place at schools by September. Doodhai noted that promised resources for the implementation of the

Green Seasoning Curry Powder Kuchella Mango Polourie Mix

Standard Four component, including storage space, was not yet in place, and on-the-job trainees have not been sent to schools to assist with recording data for CAC. The reliability and validity of CAC seems to have been compromised by differentiated standards and lack of information (with) no official communication from the Ministry of Education, with respect to changes in the programme and the new times lines involved, he stated. Doodhai said principals will decide on November 21 if to continue to support CAC. Gopeesingh, the National Parent Teachers Association and the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association have all reportedly been invited to participate in the discussion.

Guns, Ammo Seized

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Point Fortin police officers retrieved a shotgun, five pistols and 1,230 rounds of .38 special ammunition on the evening of November 17 after being alerted of an illegal transaction by a caller to the Point Fortin Police Station. Reports are that around 3.15 p.m., the station received a call from someone who said a vehicle had left Cedros containing the weapons. Officers responded and gave chase to the vehiclea white Hyundai Elantra. The driver stopped the car near Soomai Trace, in Cap-de-Ville, and escaped on foot. He was the vehicles only occupant, police said. When the officers searched the vehicle, they found the pistols and ammunition in the cars trunk and the shotgun in the back seat. ASP Belfon and Corporal Richardson led the team of officers who were involved. Point Fortin police are continuing investigations.

pictures of the Prime Minister with her basket of groceries. Persad-Bissessar said the next step would be for the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Prices Council to keep monitoring so that this is not a oneshot today and by tomorrow the prices have gone back up. She said while the imported Christmas products were already out on the shelves, she was impressed by the number of local items available.

No Coalition
PORT OF SPAIN, There will be no political coalition between the Peoples National Movement and the Movement for Social Justice. Talk of such a political alliance at the November 14 third roundtable session sparked a heated debate and resulted in two groups pulling out of the informal labour, civil and political amalgamation. The proposal for a political coalition was tabled by Kirk Meighoo of the Domestic National Alliance and Phillip Alexander of the Jericho Project at the meeting at the Ambassador Hotel, Long Circular Road, St. James, but was quickly refused by both parties. That immediate refusal of the political proposal however led to a split in the group, as Meighoo and Alexander exited the meeting soon after the idea was rejected. MSJ leader David Abdulah, who chaired the meeting, said there would be no coalition at this time. Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley said the two were probably looking too far ahead at this time. But Meighoo said he did not think the proposal was premature in any way and instead called on the two political groups to understand the political ramifications of the current undertaking.

Out With the Old, In with the New!

We do things differently, Shouldnt You? Switch to

Tel: 905.831-4402 Email: caribbeangraphic@rogers.com

Belly Bustas Take 3

An elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%. The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor

November 21, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 15

New Hearing Aid

said, Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again. To which the gentleman said, Oh, I havent told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. Ive changed my will three times!

Fully owned and managed by Joe & Sandra!

Dry Month
A man in a bar sees a friend at a table, drinking by himself. Approaching the friend he comments, You look terrible. Whats the problem? My mother died in August, he said, and left me $25,000. Gee, thats tough, he replied. Then in September, the friend continued, My father died, leaving me $90,000. Wow. Two parents gone in two months. No wonder youre depressed. And last month my aunt died, and left me $15,000. Three close family members lost in three months? How sad. Then this month, continued, the friend, absolutely nothing!

No Problem
Hubby - You always carry my photo in your handbag to the office. Why? Wife - When there is a problem, no matter how impossible, I look at your picture and the problem disappears. Hubby - You see, how miraculous and powerful I am for you? Wife - Yes, I see your picture and say to myself, What other problem can there be greater than this one?

Every Friday!

DJS

Home Affairs Looking forward to Womans Right To A Haircut 2013

At A Muslim Barbershop?
ometime ago I wrote about the Ontario Human Rights Code. This provincial legislation is designed to give all persons equal rights without discrimination in certain enumerated areas. Recently, the media has brought an interesting case to the forefront; the case is none other than Faith McGregor and the Terminal Barber Shop. The facts are that in or about June 2012, Faith McGregor, a 35 year old female visited the barbershop, which is located in downtown Toronto an requested a haircut. McGregor apparently wanted to get a short mens cut and that prompted her visit to a barber shop. One of the owners of the shop advised Ms. McGregor that he was Muslim and his religious belief prevented him from touching a female who was not a member of his family. Accordingly, he could not give her a haircut and all of the barbers in the shop at the time were Muslim so no one would cut her hair. Ms. McGregor having been turned away filed a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Her argument is essentially that the barbershop, by refusing to give her a haircut, is discriminating on the basis of gender. The barber, on the other hand, is citing his religious beliefs and practices. From the perspective of the barber, having to cut a womans hair would be a violation of his religious beliefs and practices. This is an interesting case because it is essentially about competing rights; McGregors gender equality and the barbers religious freedom. Do Ms. McGregors gender equality rights outweigh the barbers right to religious freedom? Should the Human Rights Tribunal force the

PAGE 16

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

November 21, 2012

shop to provide their services to women who are seeking to get a men cut? Obviously the case is yet to be decided. From my perspective, Ms. McSelwyn R. Gregors arguments should not prevail. Firstly, the barber has a right to religious freedom and traditionally barbershop services male clients only and the barber had a reasonable expectation that he would only be expected to service male clients. This fact should come as no surprise. Secondly, within the G.T.A. there are no shortages of readily available salons that identify themselves as unisex. Ms. McGregor could easily get her hair cut at a different location yet she chose to visit a barbershop owner and operated by a Muslim. Thirdly, there are numerous hair salons in Toronto that provide service to women only. If I were to grow hair shoulder length (God forbid!!) and visit one of these womens salons requesting a haircut, would the staff be discriminating if they turned me away? Here is an example of my own; I went for a massage at a nail salon and was advised that since the owners husband was not present, she would not perform the massage. I took no offence nor did I consider it discriminatory. I waited for another time when the husband was present and the massage could be done. Simple. While discrimination is not to be condoned, it is evident that in some instances the competing rights of one person will take precedence over that of another person. This is primarily because we do not live in a vacuum. We live in a multi cultural society and sometimes it is best to let common sense prevail.

Baboolal

The foregoing is intended for information purposes only and you should consult a lawyer if you need legal representation or a legal opinion.

e usually have a to do list that we will put into action in the new year, our New Year Resolutions. Why wait until the New Year, get your plan into action now to start your year on the right path. Our day to day lives are full of small expenses that can gradually add up and make a dent in our finances. Your first step can be a simple budget review. Make a list of all your income and expenses. Look for areas that you may be overspending and other areas where you may cut costs. You can simply take a look at your household bills such as phone, internet and cable and evaluate your services. Do some research and look at what the competitors are offering then contact your provider to see if they will match? Hundreds of dollars are spent on these services a year so all savings will make a difference. Another pocket of savings may be your auto and home insurance. Ask your provider if they have a loyalty discount or quote a competitors price as they may be willing to match it to retain your business. Look at what your provider offers discounts on. Make sure that if there are discounts available that you qualify for, that you are redeeming them Interest rates are changing all the time. Being aware of how much interest you are paying on your mortgage, visa or line of credit can save you a great deal. If you are not at an advantage point, set up an appointment with your financial institution and negotiate a better rate or product where possible. You should also look at your bank services received and the associated fees. Though we never know what a new year will bring, it is nice to start the year with a vision and plan of where you want to be. No savings are too small and no changes are unnecessary, if it aligns with your life goals. There is no right or wrong time but definitely no time like the present to steer your path to financial success.

Bianca

Aziz

*The information in this article is not intended as specific investment, financial, accounting, and legal or tax advice for any individual.

Womens Health Healthy Holidays

hristmas a time for giving, sharing... and eating! On average, we get through around 7,000 calories each on Christmas day alone thats more than double the recommended daily amount for men, and more than three times that for women. No wonder were often left feeling sluggish and heavy by the New Year. Here are some useful tips to ensure that your enjoyment of the fast approaching Christmas Holidays is as healthy as possible. For starters drink lots of water not only will this keep you hydrated, but it will also stop you mistaking thirst for hunger and therefore overindulging. Drinking water can also increase feelings of fullness. In terms of pre dinner snacks and appetizers, go easy on the cheese. Try having a small amount of the strongest one available, such as Stilton or Roquefort - this will make you feel more satisfied than a large amount of a mild cheese would. Avoid the crisps and baked snacks if you can; swap these for seasonal treats like nuts and satsumas. Not only will you be cutting your fat and calorie intake, but youll also be providing your body with healthy oils and vitamin C. Have a wide variety of fruit and vegetables (the more colourful the better) and add lean meat and low fat dairy products for a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Try to do something physically active before a big blow-out, even if its just

November 21, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 17

a brisk walk. Not only will you burn calories and raise your metabolism (making you less likely to pile on the festive pounds) but youll feel more alert and motivated. Line your stomach with a light meal before hitting your postwork Christmas party food slows release of alcohol into the bloodstream and will stop you getting too drunk too quickly, saving your dignity if nothing else! Aim for something starchy with a lean protein, such as a chicken salad sandwich or crackers with carrot sticks and cottage cheese. Try to alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones such as fruit juice and water. You can also dilute your alcoholic drinks with these, effectively cutting your alcohol intake in half. Drink more, suffer less! Choose soda and lime or slim-line tonic as mixers to keep that waistline in check. Remember that alcohol contains calories too, so it makes sense to steer clear of sugary mixers if youre watching your figure. Drink a glass or two of water before hitting the sack to ease the effects of dehydration the next morning. Leave a glass by the bed to sip on through the night too. If you do find yourself with a

hangover, avoid hair of the dog which will only place further stress on your liver. Opt for plenty of water, herbal tea and fruit juice instead to top up your bodys fluid and sugar levels. Similarly, ditch the liver-busting fry-up in favour of something equally comforting, but definitely more nourishing try a big bowl of winter vegetable soup with chunks of wholemeal seeded bread; full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and healthy oils to nurse you back to health. When tucking into your Christmas Day feast, make sure you savor your food eating slowly and chewing properly increases your feeling of fullness and satisfaction by sending signals to your brain, making you less likely to overeat. It can also help prevent indigestion. Watch portion size ask your-

self if you really need a second helping of roast potatoes when theres still Christmas pudding and a cheese board to get through! If you do load up your plate, go for extra servings of Christmas veg such as carrots, sprouts and cabbage; all are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants like vitamin A. Always remember that although turkey is a lean meat, you can cut calories even further by avoiding the darker meat and sticking to white meat only. Finally, post dinner give the chocolates a miss, or try good-quality dark chocolate instead; this will give you the cocoa kick in fewer calories. As an added bonus, antioxidant-rich dark chocolate may, in small amounts, help to prevent heart disease and high blood pressure.

Sports Beat Scholarship For Palmer

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaicas multiple national female road racing and time trials champion and 2016 Olympic hopeful Dahlia Palmer has been awarded a partial scholarship to attend American institution Brevard College in North Carolina starting in January. Despite being wooed by several schools, the 20-year-old Green Island, Hanover native chose Brevard College, based in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, because of its strong cycling programme. Before she can leave however, the 2011 silver medallist in the Caribbean Road Race championships, will need to find most, if not all of US$8,000 (approximately J$730,000) which would be her share of tuition for the next four years. In a recent interview with local media, Palmer who just recently returned from representing Jamaica at the Caribbean Cycling Championships in Antigua where she had mechanical problems and finished a disappointing 10th overall, appealed for help. She said she was hoping someone, either in government or private sector, would assist her to get a college education even while pursuing her dreams of becoming an Olympic level cyclist. This is important for me, she said,

PAGE 18

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

November 21, 2012

Hamilton Wins Texas Grand Prix

this is a very good opportunity not just to improve my skills but also to get an education Palmer, who played a variety of sports while attending Green Island High and admits to being a tom boy of sorts, said she had sent out letters to a variety of agencies but had not gotten any responses and was hoping to start classes on January 9. Shes indicated that her plans are to study sports management at college TEXAS, United States - McLarens Lewis Hamilton prevailed in a spectacular shoot-out with Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel to win the first United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas on November 18. Hamilton, 27, pressured championship leader Vettel for the lead for most of the race and finally overtook the German on lap 42 of the 56-lap race. It was an impressive drive from Hamilton, who leaves McLaren at the end of the season to join Mercedes. I wanted it more, said Hamilton who was born in the United Kingdom but whose grandfather is Grenadian. I was hungrier than him. Its not even possible he wanted it as much as me.

Mattocks On MLS Rookie Of World Championship The Year Goal For Bovell Shortlist
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Top Trinidad and Tobago swimmer George Bovell returned home on November 15 saying he now feels encouraged and empowered to continue pursuing his swimming career. Next on the cards for Bovell is the FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships in Istanbul, Turkey next month. But looking back at his performances during the eight-leg FINA/Arena World Cup Series that concluded on November 11, the Athens Olympics bronze medallist, who won 16 medals (seven gold, nine silver) and US $50,000 for second place overall, said he was not in high spirits after the London Games. After the Olympics, I made the final but I didnt get the medal, I really wanted the medal and I was disappointed I didnt get it. Honestly, I felt very defeated as I walked out of the pool in London, Bovell said, adding that he also heard some peoples calls for his resignation from the sport. The 29-year-old said he reached another low point after placing second in the 50m free in a meet in San Francisco a few weeks after the Olympics. The four-time 2004 NCAA champion said he started to wonder, if this was my karma or something I did some soul-searching and thanks to the support of my parents, my training partners, my friends and my coach, I was given the opportunity to keep going, Bovell said. Bovell added that he also had to contend with managing his performances by himself, compared with national teams that had a full array of coaches and massage therapists and technical staff. But he said technologythe internetallowed his local coach, Minister of Sport Anil Roberts to review his performances and give him feedback which he heeded and which helped him to continue to improve. Bovell, who set the fastest time this year in the 100m Individual Medley (IM) (51.20) and the second fastest time in the Mens 50 m freestyle (21.82), says he hopes to finish the year with a bang. Twenty-two-year-old Jamaican striker Darren Mattocks of Vancouver Whitecaps has been named one of three finalists for 2012 Major League Soccer (MLS) Rookie of the Year. He led the second year MLS club and all rookies with seven goals in the regular season, which included two match winners. The Jamaican international also had one assist in 21 regular season appearances, averaging a goal every 170 minutes. Mattocks, who ended his MLS season as one of the top 23 goalscorers in the league, also netted in both the Canadian Championship and the MLS Cup play-offs. The second overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, the University of Akron product spearheaded the Whitecaps to become the first Canadian club to reach the MLS Cup play-offs. He was also named the best MLS player under the age of 24 in MLSsoccer.com 24 under 24 list. He is nominated Rookie of the Year, along

with favourite Austin Berry of Chicago Fire and DC Uniteds Nick DeLeon. Should Mattocks win, he would join compatriot Damani Ralph who took the 2003 MLS Rookie of the Year title when playing for Chicago Fire. Ralph, who scored 11 goals that year, also won the Goal of the Year award. Mattocks has two caps for the Reggae Boyz, debuting against El Salvador in a friendly and playing against the United States in a World Cup qualifier match on August 15 this year.

November 21, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 19

Powell Now In The Pollards Turn Company Of Legends

Becoming the first West Indian to score a century in each innings of a Test match against Bangladesh, 22-year-old Kieran Powell of Nevis hopes he has cemented his place in the regional team. In fact the previous eight West Indians scoring hundred in each innings are legends of the game: namely, George Headley, Everton Weekes, Clyde Walcott, Garry Sobers, Rohan Kanhai, Lawrence Rowe, Gordon Greenidge, and Brian Lara. In addition, five of the eight served as captains Headley, Sobers, Kanhai, Greenidge and Lara. Powells twin century was also the first for a West Indian in almost 11 years, when Lara struck 221 and 130 against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Ground in November, 2001. Headley and Walcott achieved the feat twice which Powell, no doubt, wants to emulate and even better. Thanks to his hundreds, Powell has upped his batting average from 29.64 to 33.13 from 12 Test matches (23 innings). Rowe was 23 when he made his 214 and 100 at Sabina Park against the Kiwis in February, 1972, while Greenidge was 24 when he hammered England 134 and 101 at Old Trafford in July 1976. Lara, meanwhile, was 32 when he pounded Sri Lanka 221 and 130 in Colombo in November 2001. Also encouraging for Powell is that Headley (60.83), Weekes (58.61), Sobers (57.78), Walcott (56.68), Lara (53.17), Kanhai (47.60), Greenidge (44.72) and Rowe (44.37) ended their Test career with batting averages above 40. A Leeward Islands and Sagicor High Performance Centre player, Powell has been dismissed 13 times to pace bowling compared to 10 by spinners, and the opener, yet to carry his bat, has been adjudged lbw five times. His twin century at Shere Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka is unmatched, the ground so far hosting nine Test matches. West Indies will have a fourth vicecaptain in six months. Kieron Pollard, the big-hitting limited-overs specialist, has been appointed to the position for the first time for the five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and solitary Twenty20 International on the ongoing tour of Bangladesh. Pollard, a settled team member in the shorter forms of the game, has replaced fellow Trinidadian Denesh Ramdin, who is vice-captain for the two-match Test series. In a squad devoid of established captains, Pollard has been made Darren Sammys assistant despite never having led the senior Trinidad and Tobago team. Ramdin, fresh from marching to a century in the opening Test last Wednesday, has been replaced in the 15-man squad by Antiguan wicketkeeper/batsman Devon Thomas. Ramdin had been appointed vicecaptain in the absence of injured allrounder Dwayne Bravo, who was the No. 2 to Sammy during the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. In addition to Ramdin and Bravo, West Indies other vice-captain this year was Barbadian Kirk Edwards, who held the job for the Test tour of England in May and June. Ramdin and Edwards are among six players from the Test squad who have not been picked for the limitedovers matches, while Bravo has not recovered from an injury he sustained at the World Twenty20 that restricted his bowling. Ramdins omission could be viewed in some quarters as a surprise. In addition to scoring two Test centuries this year, he made 96 in an ODI in India last year and averages 22.88 with

Tests Threatening Cricket Says Lara

He was one of Test crickets greatest and most stylish accumulators, but Brian Lara believes it is the backwardness of the five-day game - and not the limited-overs formats - that is threatening the popularity of the sport. The West Indian great believes the scheduling of Test series lacks relevance and too often panders to the interests of broadcasters. He argues that the International Cricket Council must press forward with tentative plans for a World Test Championship, now earmarked for 2017 after previously being slated for 2013 but cancelled, with the oneday Champions Trophy to be held in England midway through next year instead. That mundane exercise of just Test series after Test series - I believe the time for that is gone, Lara said. Obviously the Ashes is something of great importance but I believe in a holistic look at Test cricket. I believe if the ICC comes up with something that creates a league I think the interest is going to come back. Some teams are playing more Test matches because of TV rights and money, and some teams dont want to play other teams. I believe there should be

the bat in the 50-over game over the past 12 months. Apart from Ramdin and Kirk Edwards, the others returning home from Bangladesh are batsmen Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine and Assad Fudadin and fast bowler Fidel Edwards. Pacer Kemar Roach, who was forced to withdraw from the Test squad because of a hamstring injury, has recovered and joins a host of limited-overs specialists who will link up with the squad in time for the first ODI on November 30. Batsman Lendl Simmons and allrounders Dwayne Smith and Andre Russell, all part of the champion World Twenty20 team, have also been called up. The only member of the squad who has not played an ODI or Twenty20 International is left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who enjoyed a satisfying international debut in the opening Test which West Indies won by 77 runs on Saturday.

Contemporary Workload Too Heavy Says Holding

some equality in it, to bring some sort of sanity to the game. Its just meandering along. That could be the thing that is going to cause the game to lose its fans. Speaking at a charity Twenty20 event at the University of Wollongong, Lara, whose unbeaten 400 against England in Antigua in 2004 remains the highest individual score in Test history, said the proliferation of the shortest format was often wrongly accused of being the greatest danger to the traditional game. Its a great game. I believe the spectators love it, which is important. I would have loved to have played in it. You have to appreciate that as a cricketer and even as someone who enjoyed playing Test cricket. This new game has created a different sort of fan. Its here to stay and you have to accept it. West Indian fast-bowling great Michael Holding has said says he wouldnt have been able to play at the top level for 12 years under the modern workload. Holding believes too much cricket is taking its toll on fast bowlers, and added relatively young players like Brett Lee shouldnt have to retire as early as they are. I know how difficult it was to maintain fitness and to bowl fast for an extended period of time. Although everyone is always talking about all the training that they are doing and theyre monitored so closely, you will get injuries, the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Holding, as saying. The answer to keeping fast bowlers on the field for longer, Holding believed, was simply less cricket. Holding said: Its just about monitoring them, about making sure that the workload is managed and see how

long they can actually last. Holding said it was telling that there were fewer super fast bowlers in the game in the modern era than 30 or 40 years ago, when every team had at least one outstanding quick. Im not talking about somebody who just ran 30 metres and bowled a ball. Im talking about somebody who bowled really fast, Holding said.

PAGE 20

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

November 21, 2012