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PRESORTED JANUARY 2007 STANDARD ® U.S. POSTAGE PAID MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 7315 Tel: (305) 238-2868 1-800-605-7516 [email protected] [email protected] W e cover your world Vol. 18 No. 2 Jamaica: 654-7782 THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING NEWS MAGAZINE St. Lucia’s new Prime Minister Sir John Compton has select- ed a mix of old and new faces to make up the Cabinet following his party’s election victory last month, page 4.
The United States has lifted its ban on ackee imports and Jamaica’s national fruit, a tasty delicacy - Trinidad and Tobago’s Andre from the Neverson has become the United Caribbean States Marshal Service’s most island, is back on store shelves after being sorely wanted criminal from the missed by the diaspora, Caribbean, page 2. page 11. MIXED BLESSINGS MARK THE CARIBBEAN IN 2006 ~ It was the best of times and the worst of times for the Caribbean last year. Some great names passed on. The region’s leaders announced new hope, like the much-anticipat- Caribbean-born teenager ed Caribbean community Jermaine Bridgmohan, right, Single Market, and sad has become the latest riding endings for common sensation, following his sights like BWIA, brother Shaun’s footsteps into Owen Arthur Bharrat Jagdeo Portia Simpson Miller Ralph Gonsalves thoroughbred racing, page 7. page 19. CALL CARIBBEAN TODAY DIRECT FROM JAMAICA 654-7782 INSIDE News ...... 2 Viewpoint ...... 9 Books ...... 14 Sport...... 19 Local...... 6 Food/Health...... 11 Arts/Entertainment ...... 15 Region ...... 21 Feature...... 7 Tourism/Travel ...... 12 Business ...... 17 Politics...... 22
CALL CARIBBEAN TODAY DIRECT FROM JAMAICA 654-7782
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2 CARIBBEAN TODAY January 2007
www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS T&T’s Neverson is lone Caribbean February decision national on U.S. ‘Most Wanted’ list on ‘Grenada 13’ NEW YORK - A Trinidadian brother interrupted the unan- correctional authorities in LONDON, CMC - The Strachan and Cecil Prime. remains the lone Caribbean nounced visit, and Neverson New York for prior convic- Judicial Committee of the The appeal was heard days national on the United States fled with no further incident. tions, and was deported July Privy Council has reserved after three others involved in Marshals “15 Most Wanted” list. The New York City Police 7, 2000, as an aggravated judgment until next month in the 1983 coup - Andy Mitchell, The U.S. Marshals said Department searched the area felon. He illegally re-entered the appeal brought by “the Vincent Joseph, and Cosmos that Andre Neverson, 39, is for the felon, but never locat- the United States in Grenada 13” who were con- Richardson - were freed after wanted, since 2002, for the ed him. September 2000 by using a victed for the murders of spending their court imposed fatal shooting of his ex-girl- false Jamaican passport”, the Grenada Prime Minister friend and sister in New York. ALIASES agency added. Maurice Bishop and 11 “Andre Neverson has a He said Neverson speaks others during the 1983 history of violence and numer- several languages, and uses DANGEROUS coup. ous prior convictions,” said several disguises and aliases, The U.S. Marshals Service After three days of Bob Finan, assistant director such as “Andre Humphrey”, describe Neverson as “6 feet, hearing last month, and head of the U.S. Marshals “Andre Henderson”, “Troy 2 inches tall, and at one time President Lord Bingham Service Criminal Division. Michael weighed 240 lbs. Neverson is said the board needed time “He must be brought to jus- Anderson” bald and has a scar on his to arrive at a decision. tice.” and “Troy forehead. Neverson may dis- Lawyers argued for the Finan said Neverson has Michael guise his appearance by wear- release of Bernard Coard been on the run since alleged- Henderson”. ing a wig and is known to and 12 others for their roles in the execution of ly abducting and killing his According to carry a firearm. Neverson Bishop Trinidadian ex-girlfriend, the U.S. may be thinner than noted in Bishop and members of his whose body was found in a Marshals his wanted poster (240 government on Oct. 19, parking lot in Brooklyn, on Service, “the pounds) and may work as a 1983. Bishop and others were jail sentences. Coard and the July 10, 2002, two days after fugitive is a bouncer at a night club. killed during an internal battle others argued, should they not she was reported missing. He Neverson black male, “Neverson may be buying among members of the be released, they were entitled also said Neverson allegedly who was born and selling cars,” the agency People’s Revolutionary to be re-sentenced in Grenada. shot his sister dead in her in Trinidad and Tobago May added. “He was seen at a car Government in St. George’s. They are also argued that Brooklyn apartment on July 8. 5, 1964. He is about six-feet auction in Trinidad. He was The appeal was heard the governor general’s imposi- Finan said Neverson, who was two-inches tall and weighs also big into music and dee before Lords Bingham, tion of an order that they be on parole violation in New approximately 240 pounds. jaying. His company was Hoffmann, Carswell, Brown, detained for the rest of their York State, is also wanted for He has brown eyes, black DTROY Productions. He also and Chief Justice Lord Phillips. natural lives was unconstitu- re-entering the U.S., from hair and a muscular build. bounced at Caribe-themed The appellants were tional. They contend that it Trinidad, illegally. Investigators believe the want- clubs in Brooklyn. He is a Coard, Callistus Bernard, was a breach of the rules of The U.S. Marshals Service ed man is computer literate. ladies man and apparently has Lester Redhead, Christopher natural justice to impose a life also reported that on Nov. 6, “His criminal history the gift of gab. The women Stroude, Hudson Austin, sentence without allowing 2002, the fugitive, armed with includes one conviction for are usually professional type, Liam James, Leon Cornwall, them an opportunity to make a handgun, allegedly entered assault, two for weapons nurses, teachers etc. His father John Anthony Ventour, Dave representations. the home of another ex-girl- offenses and one for attempt- and mother still reside in Bartholomew, Ewart Layne, friend in an attempt to visit ed murder. He served nearly Colville McBarnett, Selwyn ® his daughter. The woman’s five years in the custody of (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4)
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www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS Grenada to defend suit in U.S. court Charles Hyatt, Jamaican ST. GEORGE’S Grenada, He said that if the Mitchell Grenada”. It also accused CMC - The Grenada govern- administration agrees to the Bowen of obstructing, harass- ment says it will not bow to new proposals “RSM will ing and intimidating “RSM actor, dies in Florida pressures from an internation- undertake to and Grynberg in their efforts al oil explorer to settle a suit end both the to explore, develop and pro- opular Jamaican actor on Jan. 1 after battling can- against Energy Minister arbitration in duce Grenada’s oil and natu- and writer Charles cer. He was 75. Gregory Bowen out of court. front of the ral gas resources”. PHyatt died in Florida The Kingston-born In a letter sent to Prime International But Bowen has dismissed Hyatt appeared many Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell Centre for the accusations saying that he times in Jamaica’s pan- dated Dec. 14, Jack Grynbery, Settlement of had never met or held any dis- tomimes and other stage chairman of RSM Production Investment cussions with Grynberg. and screen productions Corporation, said he was Disputes and During the recent budget in the Caribbean island seeking the prime minister’s Bowen the court presentation, Bowen spoke at and overseas, including support “to facilitate a action filed in length on the matter stating “Busha Bluebeard”, resolution to the ongoing the United Sates District and referred to a recent inci- “Bedward”, “Old Story disagreement between the Court. dent involving Grynberg one Time”, “Two Can Play” Government of Grenada “Furthermore I would of Grenada’s trade ambassa- and “Smile Orange”. and RSM Production then arrange for a full public dors in New York, Michael “Uncle Charlie” also Corporation”. The Grenada apology to Minister Bowen”. Melnick. Bowen said that the hosted the radio pro- government had entered into Mitchell government would gram “It’s Charlie’s an oil exploration agreement ‘BRIBE’ not settle the matter out of Time” in Jamaica. with Grynbery in 1996, and in The suit in the New York court and was also not pre- Hyatt is survived by the letter wrote of an interna- court accuses Bowen of pared to sit idly by and allow four children, grandchil- tional oil and gas company as attempting to exact “signifi- the island’s reputation to be dren, great-grandchildren a potential partner with con- cant bribe payments from tarnished. and his wife Marjorie. trolling interest in the RSM RSM and Grynberg in order Grenada Production License. for them to do business in ® ® Mix of old and new make up St. Lucia’s Cabinet Hyatt CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC - situation had become a top pri- edge and experience to guide Prime Minister Sir John ority for his new administration the country in a vital area of the Compton has named a 12-mem- and that he had chosen Dr. economy. Hotelier Allen New York City Council ber Cabinet that was sworn into Keith Mondesir to head the Chastanet was named tourism office last month promising to Home Affairs and National minister. deal effectively with the socio- Security Ministry. Sir John also lauded the honors Haitian bishop economic problems confronting He created a new Ministry appointment of former public St. Lucia. of Housing and Urban servant Ausbert d’Auvergne NEW YORK, CMC - New brating the success of a reli- In addition, Sir John has also Renewal, coupled with Local to head the Ministry of York City Council has hon- gious leader whom is a ster- named four junior ministers. Government, and has handed Economic Planning, National ored the first Haitian ling example of the immigrant Sir John’s United Workers the portfolio to attorney Development and the Public American to be elevated by Party (UWP) won the Dec. 11 Richard Frederick, another first Service. the Roman Catholic Church general elections by defeating the time government minister. Other appointments to the post of bishop. St. Lucia Labour Party of former announced by Sir John, who In a statement, the council Prime Minister Dr. Kenny CHALLENGE will hold the finance ministry, described Bishop Guy A. Anthony by an 11 to six margin. Sir John also spoke of the are: Leonard Spider Montoute, Sansaricq as a “source of challenge ahead in the field of minister of social transforma- immense pride in the city’s CRIME PRIORITY tourism and the need to appoint immigrant community, partic- (CONTINUED ON PAGE 6) Sir John said that the crime someone who had the knowl- ularly, Haitians Americans”. “I want to congratulate Bishop Sansaricq and applaud his long commitment of serv- ice to our community,” said Councilmember Leroy Sansaricq Comrie, who presented the proclamation to Bishop contribution to our city and Sansaricq. nation.” “I represent a large com- Bishop Sansaricq, 72, munity of Haitian Americans who studied in Canada, was who are immensely proud of ordained as bishop on Aug. the achievements of his holi- 22, and also serves as the aux- ness. iliary bishop of the Brooklyn “I want to convey their diocese. sentiments here in the city council and join them in cele- ® T&T’s Neverson is lone Caribbean national on U.S. ‘Most Wanted’ list (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) and the New York Police Department. Brooklyn, but he has family in U.S. law enforcement offi- Trinidad and St. Vincent. cers are asking anyone with “Due to his past criminal information about Neverson’s history and the nature of his movements or whereabouts to alleged crimes, he is consid- contact the U.S. Marshals at ered armed and dangerous, 1-800-336-0102. the agency stated. He also is wanted by the U.S. Bureau of Compiled from multiple Immigration and Customs sources, including CMC and Enforcement, Division of U.S. Marshals Service. Parole for New York State ®
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6 CARIBBEAN TODAY January 2007
www.caribbeantoday.com LOCAL REWARD SWEETENS LABOR Visiting rights for spouses of U.S. residents
QUESTION: I am a Caribbean before hand as a fiancée and national living and working in get married within 90 days of the Cayman Islands. I have you arriving in the country. been engaged to my baby For the sponsorship after father, an American citizen for marriage route, however, the over five years and we lived U.S. Immigration and together while he was in Naturalization Service must Jamaica. We have a four-year- approve your application and old daughter together and have the U.S. State Department known each other for over 15 visa bulletin must also show years. He wants us to get mar- that a spouse immigrant visa is ried now, but I only need to be available. able to visit him or be able to Since you are outside the accompany him on trips to his U.S., when your visa petition home in the U.S. on occasions, is approved, and when an because I am working in the immigrant visa number Cayman Islands, and my daugh- becomes available, you will be ter is going to school in notified to go to the local U.S. - Photograph by Derrick A. Scott Jamaica. I want to marry him consulate to complete the pro- Jamaica’s Minister of Labor and Social Security Derrick Kellier, left, greets 85-year-old Hazel Morris, one of the first persons to be very much but do I have to live cessing for the visa. If you are employed in the Jamaica Central Labor Organization’s (JCLO) overseas work program. Kellier and Morris met at the JCLO’s annu- in the U.S.? legally inside the U.S. when al awards luncheon last month in Washington D.C., United States, to honor long serving members of the JCLO. Deanna Cantu your visa petition is approved, was honored for 37 years; Yvonne Dixon for 34 years; Grace Brown, 25 years; and Ambassador Richard Pierce, five years. The ANSWER: Your question is and an immigrant visa number minister gave the keynote address at the function, explaining that the provision of overseas work for the people of the Caribbean rare, especially since so many becomes available, you may is vital to the region’s economies, societies and quality of life of the people. Caribbean and other immi- use Form I-485 to apply to grants yearn to marry a U.S. adjust to that of a lawful per- citizen to settle in the U.S. and manent resident, according to Jamaica’s consulate in Miami earn immigration benefits, the U.S. immigration laws. says attorney Dolly Hassan. But you can get married and This column, compiled by announces new passport rules maintain visits without actual- Felicia Persaud, is created ly living in the U.S. You can especially for immigrants ffective this month issued last month. According dow applications and eight stay married that way, but concerned or unsure of issues there will be several to the release issued by the weeks for those mailed to the under U.S. immigration laws, pertaining to the United Echanges in office consulate, the general fees consulate. if he petitions for you and States immigration law. It procedures at the Consulate include mailing cost The consulate your application is approved answers some of our readers’ General of Jamaica in Miami. for all applications, will no for permanent residency, you frequently asked questions The lobby will now open whether by mail or longer will be required to live in the and provides responses from to the public from 9 a.m. to for those submitted issue tem- U. S. qualified immigration attor- noon, Mondays to Fridays. at the window. All porary However, since you do not neys and advocates lobbying The fees for passport renewal processed passports emergency wish for him to petition for for the U.S. immigration will be increased to $105 for will now be mailed certificates you, then you will not be cause. adults and $75 for children to passport appli- (EC), as affected by that clause, added Log on to www.immigra- under age 18 years. The cost cants. these will Hassan, and the U.S. immigra- tionkorner.com and submit of replacing passports is $185 no longer be tion would not be involved. your questions. Personal for adults and $125 for chil- PROCESSING TIME accepted by the United States’ However, you’ll need to simply answers will not be provided. dren. Meanwhile, processing Department of Homeland maintain a visitor’s visa and Answers provided are for infor- The information was time for all applications Security (DHS) from persons not overstay the time allotted mation purposes only, and does made public in a press release remains at six weeks for win- entering the U.S. upon entry at the border. not create attorney-client rela- The new ruling by the Note also that should you tionship, nor is it a substitute DHS coincides with the new change your mind after the for “legal advice”, which can immigration law, known as the marriage and wish to settle only be given by a competent Western Hemisphere Travel fully with your spouse, he can attorney after reviewing all the Initiative, which goes into petition for you using the I- facts of the case. effect on Jan. 23. That law 130 form or also sponsor you states that all traveling U.S. ® citizens and residents must be in possession of a valid Mix of old and new make up St. Lucia’s Cabinet passport. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4) sector grouping here, as the Consul General, Ricardo minister for trade, industry and Allicock has urged all tion, human services, youth and commerce. Jamaicans, Americans and sports; Rufus Bousquet, minis- The junior ministerial port- other nationals wishing to ter of external affairs, financial folios will be held by Tessa services and broadcasting; and travel abroad to have a valid Mangal, in social transforma- Stephenson King, minister for passport prior to departing tion, womens affairs, youth and health and labor. the U.S. sports; Marcus Nicholas, minis- The Cabinet will also The office of the con- ter in the Ministry of include Ezekiel Joseph, minister Agriculture; Gaspard sulate is located in downtown for agriculture and fisheries; Miami at the Ingraham Charlemagne, minister in the Guy Joseph, minister for com- Ministry of Education; and Building, 25 S.E. Second Ave., munications, works and trans- Suite 842. Persons can con- Edmund Estephane, minister in port and public utilities; Arsen the Ministry of Trade, Industry tact the office at 305-374-8431. James, minister for education and Commerce. and culture; and Guy Mayers, ® the former head of the private ®
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FEATURE www.caribbeantoday.com 2006: The best and worst of times for the Caribbean PETER RICHARDS Dominica, to be led by a incumbent Alex Scott as head nor, Winston Dookeran. have also agreed on the estab- woman prime minister. of the ruling Progressive Prime Minister Owen lishment of a $250 million PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Guyana’s President Labour Party (PLP), while in Arthur continued to toy with Regional Development Fund CMC - It was the best of times Bharrat Jagdeo secured a Belize, Prime Minister Said the idea of seeking a new man- (RDF) to help disadvantaged and the worst of times. another term after general Musa’s ruling Peoples United date from the Barbados elec- countries. However, with the It was a year of new begin- elections, but towards the end, Party (PUP) suffered a humili- torate with his Barbados possible exception of oil-rich nings as the much-anticipated his former CARICOM col- ating loss at Labour Party (BLP) holding Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean community Single league Dr. Kenny Anthony was the Local regular weekly public meetings. Caribbean countries in 2006 Market not as fortunate as Sir John Government For its part, the Opposition struggled to maintain economic (CSM) was Compton defied the odds in St. elections to Democratic Labour Party growth. The situation was not ushered into Lucia and at 82, became the the main (DLP), headed once more by helped by being and it oldest person in the Caribbean Opposition attorney David Thompson, the rising was a year of to be elected as prime minister. United says it is ready to answer global prices endings as “Age is not a factor here, I Democratic Arthur’s bluff. for oil and BWIA, a am not here running for the Party (UDP). even though common sight Olympics. Age is really in the By year- DARK CLOUD some region- in regional state of mind, I am giving my end, there Dr. Ewart Brown The electoral victories al states skies for over experience and my intelligence were calls for ousted Alex Scott in removed the dark cloud over sought to that God gave to me. I am not fresh elec- the region’s politics that saw take advan- 60 years, Portia Simpson Miller Bermuda. made prepa- became Jamaica’s going for a marathon, I am not tions not only the conviction of former tage of the going for the Olympics,” Sir in Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime PetroCaribe rations for its first female prime Basdeo Panday was final descent minister. John told the Caribbean Media but in Jamaica, where the Minister Basdeo Panday and initiative convicted in Trinidad at the end of Corporation (CMC) shortly Opposition Jamaica Labour the historic assassination of a provided by and Tobago. the year. after his victory. Party (JLP) is seeking to make government minister in Venezuela, Environmentally, there In the volcano-ravaged Prime Minister Portia Simpson Guyana. the interna- were no hurricanes or major island of Montserrat, John Miller the island’s shortest- The much-heralded CSM, tional financial and lending disasters to affect the lush land- Osborne was replaced as chief serving prime ministers since a first component of the efforts agencies were warning of low scape of the Caribbean. Nor minister by surgeon Dr. Lowell Independence in 1962. by the regional governments to to moderate growth for the did Mother Nature vent her Lewis, who said he was deter- Her reversal is largely due establish a Caribbean Single Caribbean. wrath on the spanking new mined to have his coalition to a scandal over the accept- Market and Economy (CSME) infrastructure being developed administra- ance by the People’s National that would allow for the free TRADE TROUBLES in the Caribbean to host the tion stay its Party (PNP) a $470,000 cam- movement of goods, skills, Furthermore, the region’s International Cricket Council five-year paign donation from a Dutch- labor and services across the plight has not been made any World Cup 2007. term follow- based commodities firm, region, came into being in two easier by the positions adopted ing the May Trafigura Beeher BV that also stages in 2006. by other countries within the POLITICAL CHANGE 31 general saw the resignation of the In January, Barbados, World Trade Organization However, politically, things elections in Information Minister Colin Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, (WTO) particularly as they were different with many polit- the British Campbell, who was also the Belize, Suriname and Guyana, relate to the Caribbean’s prod- ical winds of change blowing Overseas party’s general secretary. signed the CSM agreement at a ucts and services, such as rum, across the region. As it did Territory. Calls for general elections ceremony at the Mona campus sugar and bananas. In addition, more than 200 years ago, Haiti Lewis has Bharrat Jagdeo also echoed in Trinidad and of the University of West the proposed Economic led the political scene with a the backing secured another term Tobago, where the incumbent Indies (UWI), while the sub- Partnership Agreement (EPA) return to democratic rule in of Osborne in Guyana. Peoples National Movement regional Organization of with Europe provided yet February; while in Jamaica, as well as (PNM) will most likely face a Eastern Caribbean States another area of concern for the P.J. Patterson changed the another for- challenge in 2007 from the (OECS) did so in July, after region in 2006, particularly as landscape by resigning in mer chief minister, David main Opposition United receiving assurances that their the Caribbean negotiators have March after 14 years as prime Brandt, who won a seat as an National Congress (UNC) and participation would not place insisted that the new accord minister paving the way for the independent. the newly formed Congress of them at a further disadvantage must go beyond a trading Caribbean community (CARI- Bermuda’s new Premier the People (COP), a break- within the CARICOM group- arrangement and embrace gen- COM) state to become the sec- Ewart Brown took up office away faction of the UNC led ing. ond regional country after in October after also ousting by former Central Bank gover- The regional governments (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) Caribbean spearheads call for slavery reparation EARL MOXAM up by individual parliaments to provide compensation “by Caribbean people; the histori- role in the slave trade, abol- within CARICOM, and also by way of cash and/ or debt cal catharsis is very necessary.” ished by an Act of Parliament KINGSTON, Jamaica - Mike the Assembly of Caribbean relief”. As for what form the on March 25, Henry, a veteran Opposition Community Parliamentarians actions resulting from the 1807. While Member of Parliament, wants (ACCP), Henry suggests. It debate will take, Phillips told welcoming his resolution calling for repa- would, he contends, be an CMC that this had not yet this as a small ration for the slave trade to be appropriate issue on which to been determined. first step, taken up by other parliaments mobilize and make AACP “How that debt is paid - Henry is far throughout the Caribbean more relevant. people will differ on the ques- from satisfied community (CARICOM). tion,” Phillips said. “Some want with Blair’s “That would be my dream DEBATE cash payment, some say an apol- statement. and my hope, because anything Henry’s reparations ogy will suffice. We will need to done in isolation will not have resolution will be debated examine it carefully, bearing in “Invariably, the Philips the same impact,” said Henry, by Jamaica’s House of mind that it conquering in an interview with the Representatives this month, has resulted in races have been able to get away Caribbean Media Corporation ahead of the official com- the retardation with apologies and an escape of (CMC). memoration in March of the of Africa’s the real costs to their pockets, And, in an impassioned 200th anniversary of the development because, ultimately, money is what appeal to “all my Caribbean abolition of the Trans- and that the they understand,” he stressed. colleagues,” Henry said it was Atlantic Slave Trade. It results live on Leading scholars in crucial to recognize the impor- calls, among other things, Imported slaves. in today’s con- Jamaica have also joined the tance of forging a united posi- for the acceptance by all ditions of debate sparked by Tony Blair’s tion on the matter “because, in members of the legislature that Dr. Peter Phillips, leader of poverty in the statement. Professor Verene that way, we would be able to reparation is due “to the coun- government business in the Caribbean.” Henry Shepherd, chairperson of the overcome the obstacles that tries of the displaced descen- House of Representatives, is Jamaica National Bicentenary relate to it, remembering that dants (of African slaves)”. looking forward to the resolu- NOT SATISFIED Committee, described the the divide-and-rule strategy has The resolution calls, as tion being debated, describing Plans for debating the res- statement as inadequate, always been used to keep us well, for a House committee to it as “an appropriate move.” olution, coincide with (British though an improvement on where we are.” be established to quantify the According to Phillips, Prime Minister) Tony Blair’s previous positions taken by the The issue should be picked reparation due; and for the rel- “this issue cuts very close to publicized expression of “deep evant nations to be called upon the bone for Jamaican and sorrow” about his country’s (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)
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8 CARIBBEAN TODAY January 2007
www.caribbeantoday.com FEATURE
Lucia’s general elections last third term in office. be resolved. the destina- month. tion, you are a • “It is an • “I really pilgrim, other- • “The result was a shock. It unnatural situ- can’t feel my wise you’re was clearly different from the ation to have legs. This is merely a trav- opinion hostilities phenomenal” eler” - Lelei • “Age is not polls” – Dr. between two – 18-year-old LeLaulu, pres- a factor here, I Kenny countries Barbadian- ident of am not here Anthony, which are 90 born singer Counterpart running for whose ruling miles away Rihanna International, urging tourists the Olympics” St. Lucia from each expressing her to assist the less fortunate in - 82-year old Labour Party other” – St. Vincent and the joy after winning three major the places they visit. Sir John lost the recent Grenadines Prime Minister honors at the Billboard Music Compton after general elec- Ralph Gonsalves last month Awards last month in the Compiled from CMC and guiding his tions despite predicting that the decades old United States. other sources. United Workers Party (UWP) pre-ballot polls projecting the trade embargo by the United to a stunning victory in St. SLP as a clear favorite for a States on Cuba will soon • “If you help the people at ® 2006: The best and worst of times for the Caribbean (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) out of his alleged role in the armed gangs were now using and business groups say this trial of Basdeo Panday, who had HAITI’S STRUGGLES that activity to secure funds was due mainly to the forced uine development. been sentenced to two years Haiti still in need of a from wealthy and in some payment of extortion money It was a year of turbulence imprisonment after he was heavy dose of foreign direct cases, not too wealthy families. or “coward tax” to protect fam- for regional air carriers and at found guilty in a Magistrate’s investment to boost its ailing The Trinidad and Tobago gov- ilies from kidnappers. the end of the year, the debt Court of knowingly failing to economy, continued to reel ernment reported a drastic ridden 60-year-old BWIA, the declare his London bank under the pressure of crime, decline in kidnappings during - CMC Trinidad and Tobago national account to the Integrity particularly kidnappings, where the year, but the Opposition carrier, was no more, making Commission for the years 1997, ® way for a leaner Caribbean 1998, and 1999. Panday has Caribbean spearheads call for Airlines that has also promised since appealed the conviction. better service on fewer routes. But Panday was not the slavery reparation The cash-strapped Leeward only politician in Trinidad to Street Address: Islands Air Transport (LIAT) have ran afoul of the law. (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) for the benefits which education 9020 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33157 was still engaged in merger talks Several former members of his British government. Shepherd, can bring to all societies,” to Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6010 with another regional airline, Miami, FL 33116-6010. Cabinet are still before the professor of social history at make “a substantial contribu- Caribbean Star and the three courts on charges arising out of tion to education in the region.” Telephone: (305) 238-2868 major Caribbean government the University of the West (305) 253-6029 • Fax: (305) 252-7843 the Piarco Airport rehabilita- Indies (Mona), in a statement It’s a suggestion that finds shareholders in LIAT said they tion project and in 2006, two 1-800-605-7516 • Jamaica: 654-7728 to the Jamaican media, noted favor with Henry, the sponsor expected the new entity to government ministers, and pos- E-mail: [email protected] that the British prime minister of the reparation resolution in become operational early this sibly a third, in the Patrick Send ads to: [email protected] had “stopped short of apologiz- Jamaica’s Parliament, as “one year. Health challenges Manning administration were Vol. 18, Number 2 • JAN. 2007 ing for Britain’’s role in the of several approaches to com- remained throughout the year facing criminal charges on mat- pensating our people for the with the Caribbean, which ranks ters not related to the airport. trade in Africans and offering PETER A WEBLEY to make amends.” deprivations suffered during behind Africa as having the slavery and the slave trade.” Publisher highest incidence of HIV infec- CRIME Advancing an argument for reparation, she recalled that “the GORDON WILLIAMS tion in the world announced in Crime continued unabated FOREFRONT 2006 that model legislation on in the Caribbean during 2006, as forced relocation of Africans to Managing Editor the Americas and the productive Jamaica led the way in HIV was being developed and like Trinidad and Tobago and convincing the United Nations could be completed by next year. output of such Africans and DAMIAN P. GREGORY Jamaica, Guyana and indeed General Assembly to mandate Deputy Managing Editor A malaria outbreak in their descendants, helped to the entire Caribbean continued member states to commemo- Jamaica was holding the atten- transform the Atlantic into a to be haunted by rising criminal rate the abolition of the Slave SABRINA FENNELL tion of the authorities towards complex trading area, turning it activities particularly murder. Trade on Mar. 25, 2007. Some Graphic Artist the end of the year, and some Antigua and Barbuda, for into the center of the interna- Caribbean governments tional economy.” Furthermore, 160 countries, including former example, announced a series of colonial powers the United DOROTHY CHIN announced measures to limit measures including a mobile- she asserted, “without enslaved Account Executive its spread. In Africans and the trans-Atlantic Kingdom, France, Belgium and armed task force, the searching the Netherlands, as well as all a year when of vehicles at nights and tighter trade, the potential economic SUNDAY SELLERS the value of the Americas could African states, - supported the Account Executive control of the air and seaports resolution, adopted on Nov. 28. Caribbean in a bid to deal with the crime never have been achieved.” Court of Professor Rex Nettleford, The resolution was spearhead- situation on the island. While ed by Jamaica and tabled by JULISSA RAMOS Justice sat for Jamaica led the region with the vice chancellor emeritus of the Accounting Manager CARICOM countries, procur- its first major number of homicides in 2006, University of the West Indies, in ing the agreement of the Caribbean Media Source appeal, shock the region was stunned by the his own statement on the mat- Media Representatives General Assembly to designate waves spread assassination of Guyana’s ter, made a number of sugges- TOM JONAS 353 St. Nicolas Street, Suite 200 across the Agriculture Minister tions as to how Blair and the Mar. 25 as the International Day for the Commemoration Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 2P1 Owen Arthur offered region when Satyadeow “Sash” Sawh, as British government could com- Tel: (514) 931-0422 • Fax: (514) 931-0455 a new mandate in Trinidad and well as the murder of several pensate the people of the West of the 200th Anniversary of the E-mail: [email protected] Barbados. Tobago’s Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. media workers and the Indies, “the longest colonized Jamaica Bureau embattled unprecedented level of killings piece of real estate.” A princi- The resolution urged member states to develop educational MARIE GREGORY Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma linked to armed groups in pal means of reparation, he (876) 925-5640 became the first sitting head of Guyana. said, could be a significant programs to educate and incul- P.O. Box 127, Constant Spring the judiciary to face a criminal The country’s crime situa- monetary contribution towards cate in future generations, an Kingston 8, Jamaica charge. tion was further compounded “widening the provision of terti- understanding of the lessons, Opinions expressed by editors and “The bottom line is that by the disappearance of a num- history and consequences of writers are not necessarily those of the ary education and training in publisher. there is in Trinidad and Tobago, ber of Russian-made AK-47 the West Indies to equip the slavery and the slave trade. as I have said before, a principle rifles from the Guyana descendants of the slaves to The General Assembly will Caribbean Today, an independent news magazine, is published every month of equality before the law. We Defence Force and used in meet the challenges of this convene a special commemora- subscribe to it, we live by it,” tive meeting in remembrance of by Caribbean Publishing Services, Inc. many killings. Caribbean gov- new century and beyond.” Subscription rates are: US$20 per year said Attorney General John ernments continued to point an Education, he noted, had pro- the event on Mar. 26, 2007. (Bulk); 1st Class $35 per year. Jeremie said of the charge. accusing finger at the “return- vided an escape out of endemic The Jamaica National Caribbean Today is not responsible After several attempts to for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. To ing criminal deportees” from poverty for many descendants Bicentenary Committee is coor- prevent his arrest, including a dinating several activities to guarantee return, please include a self- the United States for the of African slaves in the West addressed stamped envelope. challenge before the London- upsurge in crime, even though Indies, but stressed that too commemorate the anniversary. Articles appearing in Caribbean based Privy Council, Sharma Washington maintained there many still had not achieved this. Today may not be reproduced without was slapped with a charge of written permission of the editor. was no proof linking its policy Accordingly, the renowned - CMC seeking to pervert the course of of returning criminals to the public justice. The charge arose scholar wants the British gov- Caribbean. ernment, “with its high regard ®
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VIEWPOINT www.caribbeantoday.com Never too old to run Old folks need love too GORDON WILLIAMS is that both major parties con- ceded that the elections were ld people really get a ast month, an American generally clean and fair. raw deal, and not until television network ran a Oyou’ve reached their Lfeature about an CAMPAIGN FUNDING age can you really appreciate African man, well into his 80s, But election campaign their trials, tribulations and who had enrolled in his vil- funding, one issue which was lack of titillation. lage’s basic school. raised during the St. Lucia The subject of old people The man, who never campaign, still remains a bug- and sex is a vexing one - are attended school before, said bear after the polls have they getting it, are they enjoy- he wanted to learn because closed. With the steady influx ing it, should they be partici- there is much he wants to con- of illegal drug money into the pating?! Old in this case being tribute. Certainly he is not too Caribbean, the region has people over 70 years or so, I old to learn…or to try and always been the target of would imagine. help out. speculation that the powerful The Lord did give us In the Caribbean, another drug barons pull more than three score and 10 years. He man in his 80s, was back in the enough strings at election didn’t say to score up until the classroom too last month. The time. That is not a comfort- last day. Now, what in heav- course he enrolled in - kind of able situation to live with. In en’s name is someone over 70 a refresher - is running a gov- some countries of the region, doing having sex? At that age ernment. Jamaica for example, the issue shouldn’t they put down those Former Prime Minister of campaign funding reform activities and take up the Sir John Compton was has come up for recent Bible and join church or returned to power in St. Lucia debate. something? by a significant majority, his Meanwhile, St. Lucia’s Did I say join church? United Workers Party (UWP) recent elections have not Let’s take that back, for that’s having a diseases and bringing it home defeating Kenny Anthony and escaped the probing eyes where the sex seems to be, the need for ‘real to their unsuspecting hapless the St. Lucia Labour Party’s of outside observers. way those deacons and elders sex’, but wives. This includes HIV/ bid for a third consecutive Immediately after the Dec. 11 are carrying on with the young more having AIDS, which hardly bothers term. And right off the bat the polls, an Organization of flock. “Leave sex to young a desire to some old cowboys who say, 82-year-old made it clear that American States (OAS) team, people,” at least that’s what cuddle and “AIDS take all of 10 years to he knew his age would never which observed the elections, some people tend to think. caress with a kill you, I am 75, do the math, be a factor in the result. publicly called for “cross party After all, no one really thinks need to feel what do I care…I am having “Age is really in the state accord on campaign financ- of people up in age, say 75 or wanted. They the time of my life.” of mind,” Compton declared. ing” to further enhance demo- even 80 or over, having sex. also say that cratic rule in the Caribbean Now close your eyes and TONY “I am giving my experience in many cases ROBINSON REAL ROCK and my intelligence that God state. The OAS admitted that mentally conjure up that pic- the sex act So much for cuddling and ture. But as unappealing as it gave to me. I am not going for campaigning in the Caribbean wasn’t even touchy feely only for old peo- may look, they do, and have a marathon, I am not going had become “increasingly consummated, just the lovey ple. The men want the real every right to. for the Olympics.” expensive”, but pushed for the dovey stuff. thing. Just check and see who accord to promote “trans- Well, I say an emphatic watches porno movies, visit PERCEPTION NEW START parency and accountability” in no, as my studies and old go-go clubs, chase schoolgirls, We were all conditioned The election results show the region’s democracies. friends have proven other- buy prostitutes. A significant to believe that sex is only for that the voters understood wise. That may hold true for majority are old men who give the young. After all, most of that message as well. What CLEAN SLATE old women, but old men in God thanks, but thank Viagra the magazines, movies, books, they wanted was a new Sir John, with a clean Jamaica don’t just want lovey even more. And whereas old commercials and porno stuff, start…even if it is being led by slate and a fresh mandate, has dovey, touchy feely, caressing, men are having sex, they a chance to move his country show young, youthful, well hand holding only crap. They aren’t having it with old an old hat. Compton has been sculpted, muscular men, plus around awhile. He guided St. in the right direction on this want the real deal, the raw women either, and in many issue. The problem of dirty shapely, sexy, curvy female basic animal-humping-sweaty- cases it’s not their fault, but Lucians into associated state- bodies, wrapped up, entwined, hood. In the late 1970s he was money scattered across head-banging-sweaty-sex that they’re merely victims of bio- Caribbean elections did not cleaving unto each other in they used to have in their logical circumstances, and their leader when the island the throes of passion. Never claimed Independence from arise after he left St. Lucia’s lusty youth. And that’s why here’s why. You take a man of top job the first time. The old ever will we see geriatrics, old Viagra was invented, so that 75 years, perhaps suffering Britain. and wrinkled, wrapped in a Ten years ago, Sir John, hat has been around long dirty old men could get down from erectile dysfunction or enough to watch the scourge lovers’ embrace. and dirty. weakened, limp, half mast and at a nice ripe age usually Can you imagine a porno reserved for retirees, stepped hatch and grow. Now he is at To prove my point, with put him with a woman of 70 the helm again. Whether he movie showing that? No way. the advent of Viagra, many old and see what happens. But down as St. Lucia’s prime min- So, as a result, our image of ister. Since then, other power- likes the Olympic theme or men simply got up and left voila, take that same old man not, St. Lucians have again sex is only between young peo- their wives after they finally and put him with a young ful figures in the Caribbean ple. But old people do it too. have left political leadership, handed him the leadership got it up. Even more, many old nymphet and see the raging baton. His job is to run with it Many experts speak of men, now on Viagra are con- including former prime minis- older couples not necessarily ters of Jamaica P.J. Patterson and win the positive changes tracting all sorts of venereal (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10) and Edward Seaga. New that the people demand. blood is running through their And that is the advantage political landscape, including for Sir John. While the Jamaica’s first woman prime African man was entering the minister, as they get more classroom for the first time, comfy on the sidelines. Compton has been there However, UWP followers before. He is not some wet- were plunged into a dark foot youngster learning the political patch after Compton ropes of St. Lucia and left, losing heavily in the elec- Caribbean politics. He may tions of 1997 and 2001. So this have some catching up to do, time around they summoned but he must also be held to Sir John. At 82, he has deliv- the highest level of accounta- ered their prize. bility; maybe even higher than Among the interesting anyone else before him. notes from St. Lucia’s general Class, is now officially in elections is that an estimated 60 session. percent of some 135,958 elec- tors turned out to vote. Not bad, Gordon Williams is Caribbean but not great either. Refreshing Today’s managing editor.
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www.caribbeantoday.com VIEWPOINT Racial fairness again on trial in America WASHINGTON - Affirmative to take a long bus ride to school Education in North Carolina rational step for our liberation: action is on trial at the United every day past a closer neighbor- upheld the busing of students as the integration of low-income, © 2006 Clarence Page. States Supreme Court. Judging hood school that did not admit an appropriate remedy for the low-achieving students into a Distributed by Tribune Media by the chilly reception that five blacks. The landmark 1954 problem of racial imbalance. higher-achieving future. It will Services, Inc. of the nine justices gave it dur- Brown vs. Board of Education But its impact was watered take more than a bus for us to ing oral arguments recently, the school desegregation decision down three years later. That’s make that trip. ® only question left is how far the bears her father’s name. Where when the Supreme Court court will go in overruling racial have we Americans come, we barred forced busing across preferences as a constitutional must ask ourselves, when the school district lines in the Old folks need love too way to reme- decision to help black kids like Milliken vs. Bradley decision, dy the histori- Linda Brown who were turned which only served to accelerate (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) a 14-year-old girl online. So anyone who thinks that old cal damage away from schoolhouses in the white flight to the suburbs. bull unleashed. done by racial name of segregation is used to people aren’t having sex had Walk softly and carry a better think again…but just ask preferences. turn Joshua McDonald away in NO TURNING BACK big stick is the mantra of the I do not the name of desegregation? Left with dwindling num- who they are having sex with. lusty old man, plus Viagra in Just as a sidebar, there is use the P- Worse, as Bill Cosby force- bers of white students, urban dis- the back pocket can’t hurt word lightly. I fully told civil rights leaders at tricts were left to do what they now a growing trend of beauti- either. The fact is, young ful female teachers in the U.S. have publicly the 50th anniversary of the should have done all along: women are the old man’s debated for- Brown decision, what have we improve their schools to lure the having sex with their students. Viagra, as men being visual One was even a former beauty mer CLARENCE gained when the past half-cen- middle-class back. Except the creatures, are turned on more University of PAGE tury of desegregation has failed cities mostly improved a few queen. So slightly older women by a young body, than by an have needs for younger folk California to close the academic achieve- showcase “magnet” schools old one. If this were not true, regent Ward ment gap between blacks and and left the rest to get by the too. then go-go dancers would be But I pity the poor old Connerly and others who use Latinos on one side and whites best they could. 70 years old and over. If this the word “preferences” to and Asians on the other? When Charlotte-Mecklenburg woman, for while the old were not so, call girls would be crusty grey back man, souped denounce any effort by govern- took that route, it closed the recruited from the old folks ment to remedy the historical TRUTH achievement gap in reading up on Viagra or Cialis, can home. If this were not true, problems of race by taking race Some of my fellow African and math well enough to be have all the sex that he wants, old men would leave their into account. Americans were offended by recognized by the Council of poor granny isn’t getting any wives and take up with an I have defended affirmative Cosby’s candor but he spoke the the Great City Schools as one of of the action. Let’s face it, let’s action when employed in the truth. Close the grade and test four top urban districts. Alas, it even older woman, or have an be real, would you troll the judicious way that past conser- score gap and the affirmative also was sued successfully by older mistress on the side. corridors of the Golden Age vative Supreme Courts have action debate ends. white parents whose children Home looking for a lay? I’m allowed it: “narrowly applied” Unfortunately, we too often had been turned away by the CONSEQUENCES not being unkind, but that’s with “strict scrutiny” when there have seen school desegregation magnets of their choice. Now the consequence of the way it is. Most of the ladies is a “compelling state interest”. lead to further divisions in Students in Charlotte- the old man dealing with the on display in red light districts which black and Latino students Mecklenburg’s schools have con- young girl may be dire, as after are pretty tempting, but some OVERREACHING are tracked into lower-perform- tinued to perform well across a while he may not be able to in the back streets down, close But, the Louisville and ing classes and white and Asian racial lines. Yet, in the absence of manage, and she in turn may to the docks, are over the hill, Seattle public school student students tracked toward college. desegregation plans, enrollment seek a younger man, closer to weather beaten, and seen bet- assignment plans now before the That problem is bigger than by race has followed the racial her age. But the fact is, the ter days and better lays. They court offer troubling examples buses. patterns of neighborhoods. A desire for sex with the young are the old ladies of the night, of the overreaching “reverse dis- Diversity is a virtue, but we similar pattern is expected to fol- girl is powerful in the old man. ageing dowagers who must crimination” that affirmative need to focus on educating all low nationwide if the Supremes Also, he better have have been on the reserve team action foes rail against. For kids regardless of the racial overturn Seattle and Louisville’s money, as no young girl will in the dark light district. They those with long memories, the makeup in classrooms. That’s desegregation plans. be taking up with any broke are as old as dirt, and no won- case of Joshua McDonald is par- going to take more than march- Either way, it would not be pocket old man. When you der they are on the back alleys ticularly poignant. Joshua is a es, pickets and “Save Brown” the end of Brown vs. Board, check out those Internet near the canal in the shadows white Louisville student who chants, as we saw outside the despite the alarms sounded by scams, where young girls are and not on the front page. was assigned to a kindergarten Supreme Court building. It’s some civil rights leaders. Blacks lured into sexploits, in most Naturally those go for less that was a 90-minute bus ride going to take a massive effort as will not be returned to the back cases they are victims to old than half price, closing down away, past a closer school which focused and relentless as the of the bus or to the “colored” grey back men. Right now in sale price even. But even so, Jefferson County school officials civil rights revolution that waiting rooms and water foun- the U.S. there is a huge cam- they get few takers. And little said already had enough white Brown ignited. tains that humiliated my family paign to crack down on this wonder, as chances are, even students that year. Again, history offers and me in my youth. Instead, practice, and just a few the most virile man would That’s painfully ironic. important lessons. The 1971 we could be motivated, as some months ago a high ranking have been a complete flop Linda Brown, a black third grad- case of Swann vs. Charlotte- school districts already have U.S. official was caught in a with them. So much for old er in Topeka, Kansas, was forced Mecklenburg Board of been, to move to the next sting operation as he solicited women and sex, such is their plight. Now, I’m sure that there are old loving couples still indulging, who may even refute my claims saying: “We may be old, but we’re not cold.” I’m happy for them. But I guarantee, put a young girl beside that old man and watch him transform, and I’m sure that the old lady would prefer a younger firm bodied stud too, if he would have her. What I do know is that old folks need love too, but unfor- tunately, the word dirty pre- cedes a lusty old man, and per- haps for good reason, as dirty old men are having lots of fun. But they aren’t having it with old women who also need love too. Why no dirty old women? Now that needs exploring.
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FOOD/ HEALTH www.caribbeantoday.com Black currants: a tasty alternative to fish oil SANTA’S SURPRISE SUZY COHEN inflammatory substances when vitamin B6 (about 50 mg taken in normal dosages. daily), magnesium (about 100 QUESTION: I have heard Don’t overdo anything, though mg daily) and Vitamin E that fish oil is good for heart (about 400 mg daily) and real- health, but when I eat fish, my ly see some terrific cramp- throat starts to close and I’m reducing and mood-boosting certain that I’m allergic to benefits. seafood. Will fish oil supple- ments create this allergic reac- POWERFUL tion as well? What do you Black currants have as suggest? many powerful antioxidants as blueberries, maybe more. ANSWER: If your reaction is They also have more Vitamin that severe, then avoid sup- C than oranges, plus they con- plementation with fish oils. tain anthocyanins - the plant You are right though, the pigment that provides anti- essential fatty acids (EFA) Black currants cancer protection because it found in fish oils are good for fights free radicals. the heart, and that’s what - not even good stuff. So just because you can’t most people have heard Black currants are little take fish oils doesn’t mean that about. But EFAs are good for fruits that provide EFAs that you can’t get a good source of many conditions. are particularly helpful in EFAs. You can also look at There is research to sup- reducing inflammation, espe- other oils, such as evening port the ability of EFAs to cially in gals. What comes to primrose oil and borage oil. boost mood, improve choles- mind here is all that breast Did you know? If you are terol ratios, protect our brain tenderness that women get allergic to peaches, plums, and memory, relieve joint right before their period, and cherries or apricots, then you pain, improve digestion, ease other PMS problems in gener- could also be allergic to constipation, fight infections al. Taking even one gelcap a almonds? They all belong to and smooth out wrinkles. day of this supplement (1,000 the same family. mg) can make a considerable OPTION difference in your overall Suzy Cohen is a registered If you’d like to take health. pharmacist. To contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com - Photograph by Miami-Dade / Benjamin Thacker EFAs, but you are allergic to Black currant products are The youngest patients at the Miami Children’s Hospital Cancer Center enjoyed a fish or don’t want to use an also found as jams and teas. special visit from Santa Claus last month during the second stop for Commissioner animal-derived product, then Since they’re fruit rather than © 2006 Dear Pharmacist, Jose “Pepe” Diaz, who had been making the rounds in Miami-Dade County dressed consider black currant oil as fish-derived, you can make inc. Distributed by Tribune in the popular red suit. Bronte Bredemeyer, a three-year-old from Davie, Florida, an option. Black currants con- tastier things out of them. Media Services, Inc. was thrilled by Santa’s special appearance. Each child, including patients’ siblings, tain a lot gamma linoleic acid, While we’re on the sub- received a present from Old St. Nick and was treated to Christmas carols. which provides powerful anti- ject of PMS, you could add ® Ackee returns to the U.S. after year-long ban he United States has from the Caribbean island, is Jamaica’s capital Kingston contains edible pods, pro- Minister Roger Clarke said lifted its ban on ackee again back on store shelves early last month for Florida. duces a compound known as the country’s standards Timports and Jamaica’s after being sorely missed by The U.S. Food and Drug hypoglycin that can reach bureau sent teams to ackee national fruit, a tasty delicacy the diaspora for over a year. Administration (FDA), which dangerous levels when it is processing plants across the According to issued the original recalls, picked too early and is not Caribbean island to ensure a recent report from approved the resumption of ripe. The toxin can cause a screening procedures are up the Associated imports under new screening drop in blood sugar and vom- to date, the A.P. reported. Press, “Jamaica has procedures that began in iting, and, in rare cases, con- Ackee trees are native resumed shipments November, the news agency vulsions, coma and death. The to West Africa, and many of its beloved reported. Only firms that have recall affected fruit sold in believe they came to Jamaica national fruit to the shown themselves capable of Massachusetts, Connecticut aboard slave ships. Sauteed United States, keeping the toxin under con- and New York. like a vegetable, the golden where fears of a trol will be allowed to export The Associated Press flesh of the ackee resembles toxin that can occur the fruit to the United States, reported that the FDA said it scrambled eggs. Ackee mixed naturally in the red- said FDA spokesman Michael will establish with the with dried and salted codfish, skinned ackee Herndon. Jamaican government com- once a staple of slaves, is now prompted the gov- mon standards to better regu- Jamaica’s national dish. ernment to order DANGER late ackee sales in the U.S. them off store The popular fruit, which Jamaica’s Agriculture ® shelves (in 2005)”. Well over 100 Ackee dish cases of ackee left
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www.caribbeantoday.com TOURISM/ TRAVEL Region expects growth, St. Lucia wins top despite challenging 2006 Caribbean destination BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - “One of the problems in well,” he said. CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC - waterfalls, St. Lucia was The Caribbean Hotel recent times is that we have He added that countries St. Lucia has been recognized chosen out of a pool of five Association (CHA) has had a lot of hurricanes in the in Asia affected by the tsuna- as the top Caribbean destina- Caribbean destinations, described 2006 as a challenging region so we are finding that mi two years ago have been tion in the 2006 annual Travel including Aruba, Dominican year for the region’s bread and period, for example, middle coming back into the market Weekly Readers’ Choice Republic, Jamaica, and the butter tourism industry, but of August, end of August, and this has had an impact on Awards. United States Virgin Islands. said most countries should end September, October, people the industry in the Caribbean. The St. Lucia Tourist Lorine Charles St. Jules, the year with some growth. are tending to shy away from Board stated last month that director of marketing North “I think that it is safe to the region a little bit because EXPECTATIONS the award recipients were cho- America, accepted the award say that for the Caribbean the that late period is associated However, Odle still sen by Travel Weekly readers, on behalf of St. Lucia. summer (last) year was a bit expected most regional desti- a collection of agents, industry “St. Lucia’s wild and of a difficult period. There nations to record growth this marketing executives and exquisite beauty, hospitable was a general slow down in year even though he admitted chief executive officers of the culture and vast tourism offer- the area. I think some coun- that there were some concerns world’s largest travel compa- ings are truly remarkable,” tries are still maintaining some ahead of next year’s Cricket nies throughout North she said. “We are thrilled that growth,” CHA President World Cup. America. the readers of Travel Weekly Peter Odle told the Caribbean “March is one area where These travel industry have recognized St. Lucia as Media Corporation. we still have some concerns, leaders visited the Travel the leading destination in the Using Barbados as an but there are a number of ini- Weekly website and voted to Caribbean.” example, Odle said the coun- tiatives in the market place to select just 12 resorts and 103 The award was try was “on target to hit the try to move the March num- suppliers as finalists in this announced at a function four percent growth which bers. year’s Readers’ Choice at the Pierre Hotel in New had been projected at the start “We think that is a direct Awards competition. York last month and will be of the year. I think that possi- result of people thinking that Called the “Emerald Isle” featured in the Jan. 15 issue bly it might exceed it by a Odle cricket is in March and for its majestic mountains, of Travel Weekly. couple of decimal points.” April...the traditional people lush rainforest and secluded with hurricanes. who come in that period tend ® NEGATIVE IMPACT “We have had the situation to shy away somewhat because The CHA president said a where there was (World Cup they are not necessarily com- combination of factors, both soccer) in Europe this year and ing for the cricket,” he said. internal and external, impact- that attracted a number of peo- LIAT, Caribbean Star ed negatively on Caribbean ple going to Germany and that - CMC tourism last year. affected us around that time as ® to merge on Feb. 1 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, will be put in place to utterly CMC - Barbados Prime change the schedules that the Minister Owen Arthur says airlines now operate, to regional airlines Caribbean rationalize them and to be Star and Leeward Islands Air better able to use the airlift Transport (LIAT) will merge capacity,” Arthur said. on Feb. 1. “It will manifest itself in The Barbados govern- the airlines being able to use ment is one of three major less aircraft than they’re shareholder governments in presently using, to provide a LIAT, with the other two more rational service, and that being Antigua and Barbuda will come into effect from early February.” Arthur said that the merg- er would be completed within three to four months of the initial Feb. 1 start up date, adding that the rights of work-
LIAT
and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Feb. 1 start-up date was announced at the end of a negotiating session late last Caribbean Star month led by Arthur and Sir Allen Stanford, the Caribbean ers would be protected once Star owner. While Antigua the merger had taken place. was present at the meeting, Arthur said that the decision ‘PERFECT SENSE’ taken had to be put to St. Sir Allen said that the Vincent and the Grenadines merger makes perfect sense. and the other shareholders for He also said it would benefit full approval. He said that the the traveling public and the airlines would begin operating two airlines. immediately as though the “At the end of the day the merger was in place, replacing Caribbean travelling public is the current practice of intense going to benefit tremendously competition with intense co- out of this,” Sir Allen said. operation. “In this the process, it’s “A commercial agreement (CONTINUED ON PAGE 13)
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TOURISM/ TRAVEL www.caribbeantoday.com Air Jamaica picks up slack in Barbados BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, exchange earning sector. CMC - Regional carrier Air Jamaica will fill the void created BENEFITS by Caribbean Airlines’ decision Campbell Rudder, Air to drop non-stop direct flights Jamaica’s regional director for between Barbados and New York, according to tourism officials. Minister of Tourism Noel Lynch said that with the Caribbean Airways - Trinidad and Tobago’s new the northeast U.S., said the national airline to replace Jamaica government-owned air- BWIA - deciding to cease direct line was confident that the route flights on the would be sustainable based on Barbados- the considerable interest shown New York in the service through advanced route from bookings and strong response this month, from agents. Air Jamaica “What it does for Barbados would pick up is that you now have 14 weekly the slack by non-stop flights - seven in and office daily seven out. It also allows you flights effec- that ability to tap into the U.S. tive Jan.10. markets, another six or seven Lynch Lynch cities within the U.S., bringing admitted that tourism into the market,” tourism officials and hoteliers Rudder added. here were worried about the He said the service would possible impact Caribbean also benefit other Eastern Airways’ decision to cease non- Caribbean countries as it would strop flights into and out of JFK go on to St. Lucia four days a airport could have on the U.S. week and Grenada on the other tourism market, which three days. remained an important one for the island’s main foreign ® Dominica launches new travel website he National Development tourism and adventure travel Corporation in Dominica destination, and our online Thas officially launched its presence will reflect that posi- new website, www.discoverdo- tion,” Yvor Nassief, minister of minica.com. tourism, industry and private The site is dedicated to sector relations for Dominica, providing comprehensive said in a recent press release. information about Dominica “The website will be used as a premier eco-tourism and as a tool to assist in building adventure travel destination. continued awareness of the Enhancements to the origi- destination and we believe its nal website include interactive design and new features will maps, streaming video, down- effectively differentiate us loadable screensavers and from some of our primary E-cards. It also has a live competitors.” webcam. Dominica is also home to The new website features the last remaining settlement of a range of information about the indigenous peoples of the the island, including what to Caribbean – Carib Indians. see and do, where to stay, For more information places to eat, a calendar of on Dominica, contact the events, and a features section Dominica Tourist Office in that highlights packages, and New York at 888.645.5637; or the island’s latest news. visit Dominica’s official web- site at www.discoverdomini- GROWTH ca.com. “Dominica is continuing to grow as both a premier eco- ® LIAT, Caribbean Star to merge on Feb. 1
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12)) islands and I’m just proud to be part of this process today.” been somewhat painful over LIAT and Caribbean Star the past few years fighting have been exploring the possi- each other, and now coming bility of a merger for months together makes all the sense now. Both sides began official in the world. Our only goal is talks in October. to provide a safe, affordable and consistently reliable air transport link between the ®
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www.caribbeantoday.com BOOKS A light-hearted multi-cultural romp, s’il vous plait • TITLE: SEX, CHEESE be saying. As exciting, stimu- The read is a cultural edu- in the ways of the mysterious AND FRENCH FRIES — lating, and frustrating as it cation too — we learn much French. And, even if we think WOMEN ARE PERFECT, may be, the author puts it all about French tastes and tradi- they are rude or incorrigible, MEN ARE FROM in perspective. Through all the tion. For example, it was their we come home with a feeling FRANCE guffaws, the ups and downs, unyielding and revolutionary of satiety, because we have the misunderstandings, the spirit that resulted in the most learned to appreciate a culture • AUTHOR: CARINE love and intimacy, we learn generous leisure time the so unlike our own, it becomes FABIUS the keys to deciphering French, and I dare say most a refreshing difference. French attitudes, style and Europeans, still enjoy today. Give me “French” fries • REVIEWED BY: DAWN language. “The average secretary in s’il vous plait. A. DAVIS “Sex, Cheese and French France has five weeks paid Fries” takes us on a joyful ride vacation,” Pee-erre boasts. PUBLISHED BY: Kouraj he first thing that struck through California, Hawaii, Vive le France! Press, Los Angeles, California, me about this book was Morocco, and the lives of a Reading “Sex, Cheese 2006. Tthe long list of French seemingly mismatched couple and French Fries” is like tak- names in the front of the book who couldn’t be more perfect ing a long holiday through Dawn A. Davis is a freelance (names of characters in the for each other. France. Without perfect writer for Caribbean Today. book), male and female, and French we stumble our way all quite similar. I had a feel- VIVE LE FRANCE! through, but are well educated ® ing on viewing this list of one knows that sex and “Jeans” and “Maries” that I romance is a natural part of would be in for a bit of sar- the French charm. But, how casm and humor. I was not does French fries fit into this ‘Iron Balloons’ take off and soar wrong! equation? Well, the couple is in the United States after all, A light-hearted romp trying to bus’ out into main- and Pee-erre has to deal with • TITLE: IRON about the author and her stream publishing and…make typical American “unfrench- BALLOONS – HIT French husband “Pee-erre” it? Impossible. The talent is (that’s mangled French for ness”. FICTION FROM JAMAICA’S CALABASH too rich. Pierre), “Sex, Cheese and Colin Channer, who edits MULTI-CULTURAL EYES WRITER’S WORKSHOP French Fries” encapsulates the book and is one of the A hilarious look at life (CWW) the adventures and misadven- better known authors among through the eyes of a native of tures of the couple, although the anthology’s chosen 11, hits a once French colony — Haiti • AUTHORS: SELECTED the author, Carine Fabius, the mark square on when he - readers become guests at the WRITERS FROM CWW insists it is not a biography – says in his introduction that dinner table with francopho- well sort of? the book “knows how to nes and Americans who can’t • EDITED BY: COLIN The story revolves around seduce”. The lust begins early, stand the French, are privy to CHANNER art, French attitudes about with Marlon James’s “The private encounters with the food or, better yet, cuisine, Last Jamaican Lion”. His author and her very French • REVIEWED BY: love and relationships, hence main character Maximilian husband, and eventually learn GORDON WILLIAMS the title. Let me explain: Morrison may have lost politi- Cheese is a French obsession; the art of getting a “word in t is easy to imagine a com- cal power, and possibly his the choices are maddening, as edgewise” when conversing pilation music album as a mind, but the story never is the unending selection of with a Frenchman. collection of the best of loses its way. It is captivating wines, another obligatory part Hooray for multi-cultural I the best – hit after hit pressed But many times it’s just and spunky, moving at a pace of any meal. Of course, every- relationships, Fabius seems to on to a single disc. not so. It can be a combina- that poor Maxi inevitably cre- tion of works bound to a com- ates, but finds so frustrating to mon theme that tells a single keep up with. story or even the same story “Iron Balloons” wants being told in different ways. everyone to see that Caribbean “Iron Balloons – Hit authors, like their reggae music Fiction From Jamaica’s counterparts, are not at all Calabash Writer’s Workshop” short on talent and ideas. It’s is more like a basket of tropi- all fiction, but you believe in cal fruits. The fruits are short them. It’s Jamaican flavor stories by 11 different authors served in 11 easy to digest – an anthology of sorts. Some doses. If Channer, who has stories are tastier than others. earned recognition for out- But all must be tasty to some- standing works such as one…at some point. “Waiting In Vain”, tells you That is the same reason “ah suh it guh” in his story people buy compilation “How to Beat a Child the albums. Sometimes they see Right and Proper Way”, then the one sweet cherry in the “a suh it guh wid yaad peeple”. basket, but they have to take Stories from “Iron the whole package just to get Balloons” come mainly out of a chance to sample it. And if the Calabash International they are lucky, they still get a Literary Festival in Jamaica, chance to enjoy the other which offers exposure to peo- fruits as well. ple who want to write. They have great stories to tell. And FLAVORS given the right opportunities, The best part about “Iron they just have to bus’ out and Balloons” is the Caribbean soar. The anthology says they flavor of the stories that is so already have. sweet, if its juice drips down your arm you’ll lick it up, even PUBLISHED BY: Akashic in public, like you would a Books. Bombay mango. Jamaica and its champion music reggae Gordon Williams is Caribbean rings throughout, but the title Today’s managing editor. does not make a believer out of me. How can these writers ® still be “Iron Balloons”, still
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January 2007 CARIBBEAN TODAY 15
ARTS/ ENTERTAINMENT www.caribbeantoday.com Jamaican actor lands role Caribbean spirit ushers Boston in new television drama into the New Year NEW YORK - Jamaican play- hails from South Africa,” he city of Boston in the wright and actor David Heron Heron says. United States rode a has landed a role in the new “They are good friends, Twave of Caribbean spir- drama series “Ya Ma Afrika”, and he’s married, but he has it into the New Year. scheduled to have its world also has a bit of an eye, so Jamaican artist Lucilda network premiere next month. there are sev- Dassardo-Cooper created the Set in New York City, “Ya eral compro- image that residents from the Ma Afrika” follows the per- mising situa- city, located in the state of sonal and professional lives of tions in which Massachusetts in the northeast four ambitious and attractive he gets him- U.S., chose to celebrate as young African women sharing self as the they brought in 2007. an apartment in Brooklyn. As series goes First Night Boston Inc. they try to forge a better life on.” used a detail from “Cosmic for themselves in their adopted It is Dancer”, a 1991 painting by homeland, they encounter Heron’s first Dassardo-Cooper, to adorn numerous obstacles and chal- Heron recurring role advertisements, posters, bill- lenges ranging from immigra- in a television boards and the buttons sold tion issues to romance to vari- series and he is eagerly antici- for admission to the perform- ous family crises. pating the challenge. ances and exhibits that were The half hour drama series is “Marcus is Jamaican born scheduled for the city’s cele- Lucilda Dassardo-Cooper stands next to a poster used for “First Night Boston”, which scheduled to air on the interna- and has been living in New bration on New Year’s Eve, incorporates her painting titled “Cosmic Dancer”. tional cable channel 3A Telesud, York for many years, but like Dec. 31, 2006. and depicting issues around many from different back- which is beamed to viewers the four lead characters, he The buttons showed a creation and the elements, grounds, and Dassardo- throughout Africa and Europe still identifies strongly with his Hindu god dancing on one which have always been Cooper represents that ele- and is seen in the United States homeland…I’m hoping to foot inside a circle whose important components of our ment of Caribbean flavor. on The Dish Network. inject a real ‘yard’ vibe into edges appear to be in flames. event, the image is very fes- “It’s sort fo indicative of him to add to the show’s diver- The“Dancing Shiva”, or tive, and lends itself well to the life journey of many CHALLENGING ROLE sity and appeal, and hopefully, Nataraj, is an iconic image of the idea of celebrating the Bostonians,” she told Heron plays the role of keep Jamaica firmly in focus Hinduism, the dominant reli- arts.” Caribbean Today. “Lucilda Marcus Leslie, an advertising and on the map,” he said. gion in India. The other side Other Bostonians wel- talks a lot about her works agency employee and co-work- of the painting in blue tones comed the use of Caribbean being influenced by the colors er to one of the four principal SWITCH shows a hummingbird that culture to highlight the festivi- of the Caribbean.” characters. Ironically enough, Heron seems to be standing still in ties. “He’s employed to the had originally auditioned for mid-air, but whose wings are “There is a large JAMAICAN PRIDE same ad agency as Thandi, one vibrating faster than the Caribbean community in Dassardo-Cooper, who is of the four roommates who (CONTINUED ON PAGE 16) human eye can see. Boston,” State Representative of Indian and Afro Caribbean Haitian-born Linda Dorcena descent, was born in Jamaica EASY CHOICE Forry told Caribbean Today. and immigrated to the U.S. Caribbean arts and craft “Lucilda’s ‘Cosmic “It is great when you have as a teenager. She graduated Dancer’ was an easy choice other cultures displaying their from Dorchester High School for us,” said Joyce Linehan, artwork.” and Massachusetts College of festival to expand in 2007 public relations director for Linehan explained that Art, and lives in the Port First Night Boston. Boston represents home for “In addition to examining ROAD TOWN, Tortola, and crafts. By creating links (CONTINUED ON PAGE 16) British Virgin Islands – The between artisans, the network Caribbean Artisan Network strengthens the production of and the British Virgin Islands traditional and innovative Chamber of Commerce and Caribbean crafts though edu- Hotel Association (BVIC- cational workshops, marketing CHA) will host the largest initiatives and skill preserva- artisan festival of its kind in tion efforts. the British Virgin Islands from The network is dedicated Mar. 10-17. to increasing the commercial The Caribbean Arts and viability of crafts and help Craft Festival will move to preserve the Caribbean’s cul- key locations around the BVI, tural identity. from three days of showcasing The BVICCHA is the art, pottery and outdoor largest civil society organiza- sculpture on the yachting tion in the BVI. With more anchorage at Trellis Bay on than 250 members, BVIC- Beef Island to venues in Road CHA represents the business Town, Cane Garden Bay, community and hotel sector Virgin Gorda and, for the first both locally and international- time, Jost Van Dyke. ly. Some of its key community The festival offers artisans projects include the Spring throughout the Caribbean an Regatta, BUYBVI Trade opportunity to display, sell Show, Junior Achievement, and demonstrate their crafts. Right Start programs, and the At last year’s event, 12 differ- culinary program. ent countries participated, attracting more than 50 of the For more information region’s top artisans to about the Caribbean Arts and “Natures Little Secrets”. Craft Festival, contact Aragorn Dick-Read at dread- PRESERVING CULTURE [email protected] or The Caribbean Artisan [email protected]. Network is a four-year-old Also, visit www.caribbeanar- regional organization dedicat- tisan.net for updates. ed to the promotion and preservation of Caribbean arts ®
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www.caribbeantoday.com ARTS/ ENTERTAINMENT Bolton joins star lineup for Air J Jazz and Blues Festival rammy award-winning Cray, Jamaican pianist Monty “the Art of Reggae”, featuring For more information, visit singer Michael Bolton Alexander, Russell Tompkins reggae/dancehall stars Freddie www.airjamaicajazzandblues.com. Gis set to perform for the Jr., and The New Stylistics, McGregor, Wayne Wonder, first time ever in Jamaica at the Anthony Hamilton, as well as Sanchez and Shaggy. ® 2007 Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival set for Jan. 23-27 NDTC dancers to perform in South Florida in Montego Bay. Jamaica was Bolton’s vaca- he National Dance of Jamaica Awareness’s tion spot of choice for years. Theatre Company of “Caribbean Dance Celebration Series”, which will is scheduled He even learned to snorkel Bolton TJamaica (NDTC) will give and received his water sport’s a one-night only benefit show to continue in April with a certification in the beautiful Provider”, “How Am I next month in South Florida. presentation of other dance Caribbean country. But despite Suppose to Live without You” The dance troupe will per- troupes from the region. invitations from several pro- “with some variations” to form at 8 p.m. Feb.10, at the Sponsors of next month’s per- moters, a performance never make them “feel fresh.” He Broward Center for the formance include Air Jamaica, materialized. will also add the big band Performing Arts, Amaturo Jamaica National, Riddims But this month the singer, sound and some swing. Theater in Fort Lauderdale. Marketing, Miami-Dade County Department of who has sold over 53 million The performance is being has given performances in the Cultural Affairs, National records worldwide, will grace a ALL STARS staged by Jamaica Awareness, Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Endowment for the Arts, and Jamaican stage in Montego Bolton will join a line-up Inc., under the auspices of the Venezuela, Britain, Germany, News/Talk 1080 AM WTPS. Bay. He describes the event as of some of music’s best jazz, R Jamaican Consulate General. Australia and the Soviet Union. For more information, call & B, country, blues and reggae Proceeds from the show will The 45-member company is “a land mark moment because 305-891-2944 or 786-348-2594 or benefit the development of the made up of dancers, singers and it is the tenth anniversary” of performers, including Kenny online at www.jamaware.org the festival. Rogers, Christopher Cross, jazz Jamaican diaspora movement in musicians. the southern United States. Bolton has promised the instrumentalist Roy Ayers, The NDTC’s benefit per- Formed in 1962 and under ® audience “some great surpris- trumpeter Chuck Mangione, formance represents the launch the artistic direction of co- es,” adding that he expects Pieces of a Dream, ABBA - founder Rex Nettleford, NDTC to deliver hits like “Soul The Tribute, blues icon Robert Jamaican actor lands role in new television drama
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15) 1999, Mpule Kwelagobe of Nigeria, the USA and Haiti,” Botswana; runway model Heron added. “It gives the another role when he first met Soulemayne Sy Sylvane, origi- production a really cosmopoli- with the producers in October. nally from the Ivory Coast; tan outlook and will give view- “I was up for the role of a and U.S. radio personality ers around the world a totally cop who becomes a kind of Omekongo, who is of different perspective on the knight in shining armor for one Congolese descent. lives of Africans and other of the four girls,” Heron African filmmaker Thato people of color living in the big explained. “But the producers Mwaso, also from Botswana, city.” called me back and said they serves as writer and director Heron also revealed that were going to create a totally for the series, which is execu- the producers are in negotia- new character for me, based on tive produced by Cameroonian tions to have the show broad- what I’d done in the audition… born Else Bollanga. cast throughout the West And now it’s developed into a “It’s an exciting opportuni- Indies, including Jamaica, larger role than the one I’d ty for me to be part of a truly eventually. originally gone in for…That international production team was really flattering.” that includes personnel from - JIS Heron joins an internation- all over the diaspora, including al cast including Miss Universe Cameroon, Botwsana, Kenya, ® Caribbean spirit ushers Boston into the New Year
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15) image from another culture to wanted to create an alterna- Boston residents,” she said. tive to traditional celebrations Norfolk section of Dorchester. As part of First Night, she on New Year’s Eve. Since then She maintains studios in exhibited her art at the Hynes more than 200 communities Rockland, Massachusetts and Auditorium in Boston on around the world have adopt- Jamaica. Dassardo-Cooper Dec. 31. ed the model. said she was happy with First Night Boston, which Boston’s choice. usually attracts more than a Photograph by Elise “I am proud to present million revelers, was estab- Amendola. my interpretation of a famous lished in 1976 by artists who ®
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BUSINESS www.caribbeantoday.com New Year’s resolutions for businesses require change ~ Tips to help boost operations in 2007 illions are resolving to has your customer base dreds of blank tax forms. You rity risk. Payroll forms, invoic- sheets of paper that may have change their lives for changed or should it? Can run the risk of providing es, employee verification docu- otherwise been sent to off-site Mthe better in the New you be more profitable and employees with outdated infor- ments, deposit slips and time storage. Recalling those files Year. Why not take this time to efficient by changing the num- mation. cards all pose liability risks if is costly and time consuming. do the same for your business? ber or types of employees you To remedy this, download they fall into the wrong hands. In addition, employers can A few simple moves can current tax forms on Companies of all sizes are now control access to digitized doc- help businesses of all sizes an as-needed basis. adopting document manage- uments by limiting permission churn greater profits, says Companies in the ment systems that allow the for viewing or changes to spe- Samuel Kerch, chartered public United States needing company to “go paperless”. cific users. This is especially accountant and controller for tax withholding forms This helps larger companies (CONTINUED ON PAGE 18) Symmetry Software. can download them as keep track of thousands of “The New Year is the per- needed for free at fect time to make any needed www.StateW4.com. changes in daily operations,” he Additional software is IMF praises Dominica said. “Many individuals are available at vowing to make changes in their www.StateW4.com personal lives, so new plans on that enables employers on economic program the business side are a natural to completely auto- progression on this theme.” mate the payroll ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC - efforts to reach collaborative Kerch offers five tips for process, eliminating The International Monetary restructuring agreements with making the best of 2007: No monkey business, considering changes is often a outdated forms and Fund (IMF) has undertaken a their remaining creditors,” the good plan. all-too-common entry last review of the performance Washington-based financial • Reevaluate your business errors. of the Dominica economy institution said. plan – When was the last time have? What are your short Employees can be certain praising the Roosevelt Skerrit you revamped your business and long term goals and how their withholding forms have administration for the success- ‘ENOUGH IMF’ plan? Companies that thrive will you achieve them? been filled out correctly, and the ful implementation of a three Prime Minister Skerrit on innovation need to continu- data can be uploaded to the year Poverty Reduction and announced in 2006 that ally reevaluate the plan. A • Streamline payroll – company payroll system with a Growth Facility (PRGF) Dominicans would decide five-year-old plan contains Whether a company has five few mouse clicks. arrangement, according to an whether his administration ideas that are five years old; in employees or 5,000 employees, official statement released would continue to engage this era of innovation, that can streamlining payroll operations • Clean house – Is your here. the IMF that came to the be an eternity. can be beneficial to both the office drowning in paper? Not The statement, issued at island’s assistance following Some items to consider: employer and the employee. only is the mess confusing, a the end of last month, gave no the collapse of the economy. Don’t keep large files with hun- long paper trail is also a secu- details as to when the review But leader of the minority was conducted, but it quoted Opposition People’s Democratic Murilo Portugal, the IMF’s Movement (PDM) William Contemplating U.S. tax residency deputy managing director as Riviere said that the IMF pro- saying that Dominican author- gram has not worked and that ities have “continued to many of the economic meas- status? Then plan accordingly implement their economic ures were not beneficial to the program successfully, and population. MICHAEL ROSENBERG resident alien provisions is the his family to live, the right determination of the individ- school for his children, the macroeconomic performance “We need to be reminded ual’s residency starting date. right church or synagogue for has strengthened further. of these conditionalities; the n most cases, a non-United “Economic activity is four percent levy, the freeze in States citizen who is con- Solely for the purpose of his and his family’s religious administrative ease, and not needs, the right parks, clubs, expanding strongly in almost public sector hiring and the Itemplating a permanent all sectors, with buoyant five percent cut in public sec- with the intention of explaining shopping and other facilities, move to the U.S. will likely domestic demand and indica- meet with U.S. tax counsel etc., and “T” does so while still maintaining all tions of a rebound in private prior thereto in order to obtain sector confidence. Progress an understanding of the com- of his everyday contacts and connections in his has also been made with struc- plex and far-reaching U.S. tax tural reforms”. regime. home country. After finding the “per- In its simplest terms, a SKERRIT PRAISED non-U.S. citizen can be classi- fect place”, “T” returns to Portugal also commended fied as a U.S. income tax resi- his home country and the Skerrit administration for dent alien in one of two ways, later comes to Florida the progress being made in i.e., by obtaining U.S. immigra- again sometime in July, some critical areas. tion lawful permanent resident and from the date of his “Key reforms in the eco- alien so-called “green card” arrival through Dec. 31, nomic program are the recent status or by spending a certain 2007, “T” and his family amendments to the Electricity number of days in the U.S. herein every aspect of the resi- spend 180 days in the U.S. Supply Act and related legisla- during a three-year period. dent alien definition, assume “T’s” FLACO employment tion and the approval of meas- This second test, known as the following: “T”, a non-U.S. opportunity will run through the Substantial Presence Test citizen/non-green card holder Dec. 31, 2010 as both he and ures to eliminate the unfunded (SPT), is a three-year weighted who will begin spending more TECHCO believe that by then, liability of the Dominica Social Skerrit average percentage test. It is significant time in the U.S. FLACO will be ready for an Security (DSS) and to somewhat complex, contains in 2007, has been offered initial public offering and “T” strengthen the AID Bank”. tor salary,” Rivieere said. numerous special rules and the opportunity from his can return to TECHCO in the The IMF also stressed the “The increase in sales tax on exceptions, and any individual Caribbean technology compa- Caribbean. importance of further struc- consumer items, the outsourc- currently spending time in the ny (TECHCO) to become Suppose further that “T” tural measures that would ing and the imposition of U.S. or contemplating a more the chief executive officer of originally purchased shares in help bolster private sector-led Value Added Tax, have not permanent move to the U.S. TECHCO’s new Florida start- TECHCO when it was a start- growth. These include amend- been worth it. should make certain that he or up subsidiary or affiliate up company, which shares ments to the Finance “The IMF during the four she understands each aspect of (FLACO). “T” has never pre- cost him $100,000 but that Administration Act, approval years of its existence in our the SPT as a failure to do so viously spent more than a week said shares are now worth of the Financial Services Unit country has not brought a can prove extremely costly and at the most in the U.S. on a $5,100,000. In Mar. 2007, “T”, Act and reform of the higher standard of living to onerous. yearly basis. “T” accepts the in contemplation of his move Dominica Export Import the greater number of our Florida employment opportu- to the U.S., sells his TECHCO Agency (DEXIA). people,” he said, adding STARTING DATE nity, he visits Florida from Jan. shares and realizes a gain of $5 “Significant progress has Dominicans have had enough An extremely important 5–12 (eight days) in order to million. been made recently in debt of the “IMF medicine.” provision amongst the many find the right place for him and restructuring, and the authori- (CONTINUED ON PAGE 18) ties are making good-faith ®
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www.caribbeantoday.com BUSINESS CRICKET BUSINESS BOOST CDB offers financial help to debt-ridden Belize BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC - poverty reduction objectives,” The Belize government, which the bank said. recently received a financial ease from some of its credi- UPGRADE tors, is getting further financial Additionally, the regional assistance from the Caribbean financial institution said it also Development Bank, the CDB approved a $12.6 million loan has announced. to the Belize government to The Barbados-based bank assist it in upgrading the said it had approved a $25 Placencia Road from a gravel million loan to help govern- road to a paved all-weather ment close the fiscal and road to assist in government’s external financing gaps over thrust to promote the Placencia the short to medium term, Peninsula as a tourist destina- while it continued to imple- tion. ment corrective measures. Recently, a number of “These measures include regional and international restructuring its debt, reform- financial institutions agreed to ing its tax regime and strength- participate in Belize’s debt ening its fiscal management exchange proposal and unani- capacity. The loan is part of a mously agreed to accept a new Former West Indies cricket great Courtney Walsh, left, stands in front of a Jamaica Tourist Board poster of himself bowling while broader strategy to enable the United States dollar denomi- sharing a conversation with Janice Allen, JTB’s destinations manager, center, and Dr. Basil K. Bryan, consul general of Jamaica, dur- government to improve its nated bond in exchange for a ing a media lunch hosted by the Ruder Finn Agency last month in New York. Walsh is part of the JTB’s campaign to promote Cricket ability to undertake critical substantial portion of the coun- World Cup 2007. Jamaica will host warm-up games, group matches and a semi-final during the CWC tournament, which begins in investments in social and eco- try’s outstanding debt to them. March, and is expected to attract thousands of visitors and millions of dollars to the island and the rest of the Caribbean. nomic infrastructure in order to achieve its growth and ® New Year’s resolutions for businesses require change Contemplating U.S. tax residency (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17) ical information is stored. employee information need to When transferring to auto- be shredded. status? Then plan accordingly important in offices where mated systems, be sure to dis- security is paramount, such as pose of outdated files correctly. • Implement/Refine your ESS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17) meeting the SPT (i.e., in this those where financial or med- Files with confidential client or system – A new study by case, “T” will have spent more than 182 days in the U.S. in America’s SAP (Systems, TAX DILEMMA Application and Products in 2007 which is one way, but not Suppose further that “T’s” the only way, “T” may be found Data Processing) Application gain is not subject to income Users’ Group found companies to have met the SPT), and if tax in his own country (it may “T” and the CPA are not aware with Employee Self-Service or may not be and that is a (ESS) systems have human of the residency starting date question for foreign counsel, rules and the special de minimis resource transaction costs that but this supposition is made are 26 percent lower than those rule which in “T’s” case would solely for illustrative purposes). exclude his initial visit in that don’t. ESS enables Assuming, as I have, that prior employees to view and update January for residency starting to 2007 “T” has never spent date purposes, he will likely be their own payroll and personal more than a few days a year in information, taking the mid- advised to pay the U.S. 15 per- the U.S., and assuming “T” cent long-term capital gains tax dleman role out of the human does not have a “green card” resources department, increas- on his $5 million gain from the when he comes to the U.S. in sale of those shares! ing productivity and driving 2007, his status as an resident down costs. The above illustration alien versus a U.S. income tax reflects only one of many fine nonresident alien will be deter- • Upgrade technology – If you points which must be under- mined under the SPT. stood by any non-U.S. are comfortable dancing to the For SPT and resident alien beat of a Walkman and think citizen/non-“green card” hold- purposes, “T” will have spent er spending time in the U.S. or Windows 98 is as good as it 188 days in the U.S. in 2007; gets, your clients and/or contemplating spending time in however, if T can prove that he the U.S. as, by merely review- employees may disagree. maintained closer connections Evading the wave of technolo- ing the illustration above, by to, and a tax home in, his simply “missing” one of many gy can severely limit a busi- Caribbean home country dur- ness’s capability to expand in complex provisions, “T’s” cost ing the eight days he spent in would be $750,000! the future, both in terms of Florida in Jan. 2007, “T’s” resi- staff and revenue. In the event “T” may be dency starting date would be subject to tax in his home While keeping pace with the first day in July and his $5 rapid advancements may seem country on the gain from his million gain from the March sale of the TECHCO shares, impossible, small changes can sale of his TECHCO shares yield big results. Upgrade fre- he must make certain that both would be U.S. income tax-free! his Caribbean tax advisors and quently-used software, down- As oftentimes occurs, load software security patches his U.S. tax advisors properly sometime on or close to April coordinate any credits he may and invest in comprehensive 15, 2008 (the due date for “T’s” virus protection and network be entitled to. “T” should not 2007 U.S. individual income tax assume anything, and instead firewalls. Outdated software return, Form 1040), “T” will directly affects worker produc- should make sure he is proper- visit a certified public account- ly counseled in advance. tivity. You should also make ant (CPA) in order to timely efforts to keep your company file his return. Among the web site updated with current Michael Rosenberg is a share- data “T” will likely provide to holder with the Coral Gables information and professional the CPA will be documentation design. law firm of Packman, reflecting the sale of “T’s” Neuwahl & Rosenberg and Caribbean company shares and can be reached at 305-665 - Symmetry Software because “T” will be an resident ® alient for 2007 as a result of his ®
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January 2007 CARIBBEAN TODAY 19
SPORT www.caribbeantoday.com Teen Jamaican jockey shines at Calder Cubans stay on top GORDON WILLIAMS one who really stuck his neck “I’m very proud of it,” he out for me when others said. “I expected to do well, in Caribbean soccer amaican teenager wouldn’t.” but probably not so soon.” PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, had risen to number one in Jermaine Bridgmohan He also credited his older CMC – Cuba stayed number the CFU for July, August and established himself as the brother Shaun, a jockey riding MARK J one in the Caribbean Football September before being sur- star of the recent “Tropical at in the United States. Shaun Bridgmohan said it is dif- Union (CFU) rankings for the passed by Jamaica in October Calder” thoroughbred race Bridgmohan is a former ficult getting established as a second month in a row when and slipping further in subse- meeting in Florida, riding more 100 winners to shatter FIFA issued its latest Coca quent months. the record for the fall event in Cola world soccer rankings Barbados and the his first season in the saddle. last month. Dominican Republic were Bridgmohan, who began After unseating Jamaica the biggest movers in the riding professionally in August, as the top team in the region CFU for the December rat- scored his first win at Calder in in November and maintaining ings. The Barbadians, who the opening week of the their unbeaten run in Digicel toppled higher rated St. month. He dominated the 60- Caribbean Cup, the Cubans Vincent and the Grenadines day “Tropical at Calder” meet- kept their world ranking of while winning Group G of the ing, which ended on Jan. 2, and 46th in the December ratings, Digicel Cup’s second round at has become one of the hottest 11 places above Jamaica. home with an unbeaten label, young riders in the U.S. Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, moved three places up the Bridgmohan’s record-set- who suffered a surprise elimi- CFU list to number five. The ting accomplishment at Calder nation from the Digicel Barbadians also re-entered was achieved in just 48 days, Caribbean Cup and drew 1-1 FIFA’s top 100 by moving 11 when he rode his 85th winner. with Peru in their latest inter- places up to 98th. The previous record, estab- national, climbed one place lished by Panamanian Cornelio up FIFA’s world list to 57. BIGGEST MOVERS Velasquez in 2002-2003, was St. Vincent and the The Dominican Republic reached on the last day of the Bridgmohan brothers Shaun, left, and Jermaine, are enjoying riding success in the U.S. Grenadines, which upset was FIFA’s biggest world then 53-day meeting. Jamaica in the Digicel Cup in movers, leaping 23 places up to apprentice Eclipse Award jockey, but his brother’s influ- September, retained third 136th. The DR beat Antigua PRAISE winner, one of the highest ence had opened some doors place in the CFU, followed by and Barbuda and lost to Bridgmohan, 18, who awards in U.S. racing, and for him, while his own hard Trinidad and Tobago in an Guadeloupe and Guyana in migrated from the Caribbean recently shared champion work had helped him maintain unfamiliar position of fourth. the Digicel Cup Group H sec- island as a three-year-old, jockey honors at the Churchill that momentum. Now the ond round, and their FIFA praised others from the region Downs fall meeting in Boyd Anderson High School T&T SLIPS jump earned them a four-place for his success, including his Kentucky. (Florida) graduate is looking Trinidad and Tobago, hike on the CFU list to 11. family and Jamaican trainer Jermaine Bridgmohan, to make his “own mark” in with a remarkable eight High-riding Guyana Kirk Ziadie, the leading train- who turned down a scholar- the highly competitive game Caribbean Cup titles in 12 climbed five places up FIFA’s er “Tropical at Calder”. ship to attend the University of thoroughbred racing. He years of the competition, list to 100, becoming the sixth “The Jamaican trainers of Florida to pursue race rid- studies the game keenly, espe- qualified for its first ever CFU team in the top 100 have helped me out a whole ing, said he did not expect to cially handicapping horses. World Cup finals tournament world teams. lot,” Bridgmohan told have such early success, but “I try to apply the infor- - appearing in Germany – last was happy at the way his bud- Caribbean Today at the end (CONTINUED ON PAGE 20) year. The T&T Soca Warriors (CONTINUED ON PAGE 20) of last month. “(Ziadie) is the ding career has progressed. Caribbean-born boxers clash again for world cruiserweight title GORDON WILLIAMS overly active since that night failing to make a mandatory in Madison Square Garden. defense, although he claimed or one, it will be a chance Mormeck, with a ring record a medical problem prevented to regain lost glory; for of 35 fights, 32 wins and three him from doing so. But the Fthe other, an opportunity losses, has had a single bout, Jamaican is confident the lay- to mark his place among the knocking out Sebastian Hill off will not hurt him. elite of the fight game. But in March, when two Caribbean-born boxers again square off in the ring, they will again decide who is the world’s best in the cruiser- weight division. The long awaited rematch between Jamaican-born United States resident O’Neil Bell and Jean-Marc Mormeck from Guadeloupe, has been set for Mar. 17 in France, Mormeck’s adopted home. On the line is Bell’s World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) titles, both of which he took from Mormeck in Jan. 2006 in an epic bout in Bell will have to defend the championship belts he took from Mormeck in March. New York. Bell knocked out Mormeck in the10th round, the first time the Frenchman had last July. Except for sparring, “You leave it to the been stopped inside the dis- Bell, who has lost only once degree of how the mind tance. in 28 fights, has not fought at works,” he told Caribbean all. He was stripped of his Today late last month. “If you INACTIVE International Boxing Neither fighter has been Federation (IBF) title for (CONTINUED ON PAGE 20)
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www.caribbeantoday.com SPORT Lara still upbeat West Indies will Regional effort to border be Cricket World Cup force controls for CWC 2007 West Indies captain Brian to a higher level of perform- chological setback heading Lara is positive about his ance. into the CWC. aribbean governments tions include: holding a meeting team’s build up for Cricket “We did not end on a very “I think the guys did give have received a list of with chartered airlines and World Cup (CWC) in March good note. of their best,” he said. Crecommendations stem- cruise lines to ascertain their in the Caribbean, despite the We were “It was tough and you ming from the recent ICC level of bookings for the seven- regional team’s failure to win missing key have to take into considera- Cricket World Cup 2007 week period of ICC Cricket its latest series. players and it tion that we have been on the Security Workshop for Regional World Cup next March and West Indies produced a was important road for a pretty long time. Airline, Airport, Ground April; extending operational tame performance last month that whichev- Psychologically I think this is Handling and Shipping Agents. hours of regional airports; the and plunged to a seven-wicket er 11 we put not going to affect us in our These action points, aimed appointment of persons to liaise defeat against Pakistan in the out on the future one day games espe- at improving and fine-tuning with travelers throughout the series-deciding fifth one-day middle that cially over the next four to airport and seaport operations host venues on security meas- International (ODI) at the we gave of Lara five months with the World for this year’s tournament, cov- ures and requirements. Karachi National Stadium, our best and Cup coming up,” Lara added. ered a number of areas includ- “There are other actions losing the series 3-1. try to win the series,” he said Lara was generally happy ing: airport security, airline which relate specifically to the Lara was unhappy over after the game. with their three-and-a-half security, immigration and cus- internal operational mecha- the loss and said even though month tour of Asia and thinks toms support, red and green nisms of airports and seaports the team was without regular COMFORTABLE the team gave indicators it is customs line management, air- and how various functions players Ramnaresh Sarwan But Lara is reasonably growing into a formidable port operational hours, disrup- inter-connect. It will be and Dwayne Bravo, who comfortable that the effort force for CWC 2007. tive passengers and aircraft extremely important to get returned to the Caribbean and was there from the players arrivals and departures. these implemented across all missed the series, the remain- and he is not worried that the ® CWC’s Visitor Experience host venues during tournament ing players should have risen series result could be a psy- Manager Cliff Hamilton said the time so that travel can be facili- distribution of the action plan, tated as smoothly as possible,” via CARICOM, will allow for a noted Hamilton. Teen Jamaican jockey shines at Calder regional approach to many of The security workshop, he the security issues which arose added, was “very useful” in (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19) goals is to ride in the position to improve and during the one-day meeting, bringing together nearly 50 Kentucky Derby, like his develop,” he said. officials from several relevant mation as much as I can,” he held in Trinidad and Tobago brother, and do one better by by CWC’s Airline, Air and entities, such as the directors said. “I do give credit to the winning the famous race. He Gordon Williams is Caribbean of security for regional and strategy I have going into to Seaports Task Force last month. has no regrets about leaving Today’s managing editor. “We are trying to establish international carriers operating the race.” academic life behind for now. in the region; chief executive Among Bridgmohan’s common procedures for the “I feel I am in a good ® implementation of security officers of ground-handling measures on airlines and at air- companies; airline customer ports and seaports during service managers; directors of Caribbean-born boxers clash again for cruiserweight title Cricket World Cup – so that airport security; comptrollers of all the host venues will be customs; regional aviation (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19) But the “Superfighter” event currently lives in Atlanta, said operating on the same level,” authorities and officials from in Australia was postponed. fight fans demanded the event Hamilton explained, adding CWC’s Security Directorate. keep your mind in the battle He claimed he has already and he is eager to grasp the that the benefits of such actions Regional consular representa- you’ll be O.K. shrugged off that disappoint- opportunity. would be another fruitful lega- tives of the tournament’s 16 “The 14 months off, I’ll be ment. “(The people) have the cy of the event. participating nations were also double charged,” he added. “I’m still here, recharged greatest champion right in invited. “Even 10 times more dan- my mind,” said the man also front of their eyes and the sys- RECOMMENDATIONS gerous.” known as “Supernova”. tem is preventing him from Some of the recommenda- ® “…The struggle continues.” fighting,” Bell said. “…I am READY TO SHINE Bell’s management team ready to shine.” Bell, who was scheduled blamed the delay of the CFU rankings to intensify his training for the Cubans stay on rematch on American Don Gordon Williams is Caribbean (world ranking in brackets) Mormeck fight this month, King, who acquired the rights Today’s managing editor. was expected to participate in to promote the fight. But the top in Caribbean 1. Cuba (46) a tournament for heavy- Montego Bay-born boxer, who ® 2. Jamaica (57) weights in early December. soccer 3. St. Vincent and the Grenadines (85) 4. Trinidad and Tobago (91) (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19) 5. Barbados (98) In the CONCACAF 6. Guyana (100) (Confederation of North, 7. Haiti (102) Central American and 8. Bermuda (107) Caribbean Association 9. Suriname (122) Football), ratings, Mexico 10. Antigua and Barbuda (132) remain number one and 20th 11. Dominican Republic (136) in the world, while second- 12. St. Kitts and Nevis (143) rated United States retained 13. The Bahamas (146) 31st position in the world. 14. St. Lucia (160) Cuba kept its number three 15. Grenada (163) spot in CONCACAF. 16. Turks and Caicos (169) Meanwhile, five-time World Cup champions Brazil 17. Netherlands Antilles (177) is still holding the premier 18. Dominica (181) spot on FIFA’s world list, 19. Cayman Islands (189) stalked by current World 20. British Virgin Islands (190) Cup holders Italy, followed 21. Puerto Rico (195) by Argentina, with France 22. Anguilla (196) fourth, England fifth and 23. Aruba (198) Germany sixth. 23. US Virgin Islands (198) ® 23. Montseratt (198) ®
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January 2007 CARIBBEAN TODAY 21
REGION www.caribbeantoday.com A ‘sleeping giant’ still haunts Montserrat’s paradise
KAYMAR JORDAN exploded,” explained Dr. the 12,000 residents fleeing to and get whatever you want can only look out in the hope Victoria Hart chief scientist of Britain and other nearby and so, but it still isn’t enough that the giant that lurks close BRADES, Montserrat - the Montserrat Volcano Caribbean countries. cause when you pay for light by may finally go back to There are really two sides to Observatory. Over the past 11 years bill what left if you don’t save sleep. Montserrat. One that’s rather there have been several of it, if you don’t know how to charming and full of promise, AWAKE these explosive–type events, save, dog better than you,” - CMC but the other side, which is In 1995 the Soufriere Hills which the remaining approxi- another resident said. much better known, can be Volcano roared to life after mately 5,000 residents still There can be no going ® quite frightening particularly 350 years of lying dormant, don’t like, but have come to back, so for the moment they when it’s venting. raining burning lava, ash and accept. For the moment, though, massive boulders over a third “Well we made a choice things are relatively quiet. But of this seven-mile by 11-mile to stay here so whether it acts don’t be fooled: this up or not we have to is no gentle giant. live with it,” one of In fact, scientists these resilient resi- say the Soufriere dents told the Hills Volcano could Caribbean Media erupt at any time. Corporation. As several dis- “The vol- placed residents cano, people should struggle to eke out get along with it a new way of life, cause see he hasn’t scientists monitor- thrown off any real ing Montserrat’s activity to say harm Soufriere Hills us…we don’t pay Volcano say the much mind cause lava dome contin- see we have scien- ues to grow at a tists to set off alarms rapid rate and they and we have a big are advising resi- siren on top the hill dents to keep up up there so we their precautions. should hear it,” said “It is rapid. another resident. This dome at its full volume of 125 mil- STILL PARADISE lion has grown The residents since May 20 this say Montserrat is year. It’s an average still their island par- growth rate of nine adise even though cubic metres a sec- life is not as nice as ond… it used to be. “In terms of this “We need to have type of eruption it something to boost certainly is a fast the economy in growth rate. A sig- The Soufriere Hills ‘monster’ erupts. terms of construc- nificant change, it’s tion. Some houses certainly faster than have been put up the growth rates we saw in the British dependency. It was an but there are still people who last episode of dome growth, eruption that shattered life as are unemployed so we need to which was 1999 to 2003. most residents knew it, and find a means of employment “It’s also a significant was followed by another erup- for those people,” one resi- change from the early stages tion which finished off what dent said. of the eruption – the so-called the earlier eruption had left of “The government gives volcanic crisis when many the then capital, Plymouth, you money when the month small domes grew, collapsed, and sent nearly two-thirds of come to help you buy food Jamaica offers free birth certificates n an attempt to address registered under the “Name However, children who are the age old problem of the Child” project. not named within six weeks of Iparents leaving Jamaican “This project sought to birth will not be issued with a hospitals without naming their name the 18,000 toddlers who free birth certificate. children, the Registrar were registered without RGD’s Chief Executive General’s Department (RGD) names, the project ran from Officer Dr. Patricia Holness says it will issue free birth cer- September 11 to October 13 told reporters that if children tificates for every child regis- of this year and at its comple- were named before leaving tered with a name at birth. tion some 11,000 children the hospital this would make The EGC said the pro- were named,” said Dr. Sheila it easier for the department to gram, which was scheduled to Campbell-Forrester, acting process their birth certificates. begin on New Year’s Day chief medical officer in the Meanwhile, the RGD said it 2007, follows the public edu- Ministry of Health. would publish and distribute a cation campaign launched by booklet containing baby the department aimed at STRATEGY names to all pre-natal clinics reaching more than 18,000 As part of the strategy to and maternity centers. children who were not regis- ensure that the remaining Each year, Jamaica tered at birth and as a result children are named, some records approximately 45,000 are without birth certificates. hospitals would be issuing births. Officials said that approx- same-day birth certificates to imately 7,000 children across parents who register their ® the island have still not been child with a name on Jan. 1.
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www.caribbeantoday.com POLITICS OAS wants Caribbean to address Castro’s departure tops election campaign financing rules 2006 political highlights BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, involvement of non political focus on campaign financing NEW YORK, CMC – A lead- assassinate Fidel Castro.” CMC - A hemispheric body play in the political process,” and political party financing, ing Caribbean political scientist He said the accomplish- has described 2006 as a good he added. so that hopefully we can get here says the stepping down of ments of the Cuban revolution, year for Caribbean democra- an idea about where the Fidel Castro, due to illness, as under Castro’s aegis, have been cies, but said the issue of elec- ASSISTANCE politicians in region would head of the Cuban government substantive, despite “numerous tion campaign financing must The OAS official said want to go,” he said. was the major political event in missteps.” be addressed. countries should move to Within recent times the the Caribbean for 2006. Wilson said even though This assessment came strengthen their electoral law, issue of campaign financing Dr. Basil Wilson, the Castro has adhered to a strict from Organisation of and added that this was an emerged as a major issues in Jamaican-born provost at John American States (OAS) area in which his organization some Caribbean countries, Jay College of Criminal Justice Assistant Secretary General was willing to assist. especially in Jamaica, where in Manhattan, said that “irre- Albert Ramdin, who said the political parties are spective of the grave or un- body was pleased with the expected to go to the grave nature” of Castro’s ill- conduct of elections in Haiti, polls this year, and St. ness, “there is the likelihood Guyana and St. Lucia last Lucia where a new gov- that the Fidel era has come to year, but believed that some ernment was elected in an end in Cuba. attention must be paid to the the Dec. 11 general “The revolutionary baton contentious issue of campaign election. Last month, has been passed to his brother, financing. former Prime Minister Raul Castro, but it will not “A lot of money has been Dr. Kenny Anthony be too long before power is spent in the Caribbean cam- insisted that drug passed to a younger generation paigns over the past year,” money was used to of party members,” Dr. Wilson Ramdin said. “There are finance the last general Castro said in a statement late last many questions raised with election campaign, month. ideological line of he has regards to the source of those which resulted in defeat “That changing of the always been mindful of the sur- funding. for his St. Lucia Labour guard could set the stage for vival of the revolution and has “I don’t want to pinpoint Party (SLP). the normalization of relations been willing to transcend in any particular case, but Ramdin “When you are prime with the United States and the “Marxist-Leninist orthodoxy. there are many questions minister of a country possibility of democratic elec- “Fidel Castro has stepped raised and I believe it is some- “That assistance can be and you have responsibility tions,” he added. off the world stage after almost thing which should be dis- provided. We intend to sug- for national security there is five decades,” he said. “He has cussed among CARICOM gest and work with the CARI- information that you receive, ‘ASTONISHING’ been a larger than life figure. (Caribbean community) lead- COM Secretariat in organiz- and you will have to go to Wilson said it is astonish- “No political figure in the ers as an issue of concern for ing once again another meet- your grave with some of that ing that the Cuban revolution Americas has triggered more the future because this can ing of political representatives information,” Anthony said in has survived 47 years despite passion,” he added. create a situation in which we to talk about these issues and a Dec. 27 television interview. United States’ economic boy- can get undesirable effects of probably this time much more ® cott and “repeated attempts to ® New government in St. Lucia; ‘zero tolerance’ on crime ~ P.M. CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC - inclusion and urged St. Lucians warned that the fight would be John George Melvin Compton to put behind them years of based on a zero-tolerance took the oath of office as prime political tribalism that was evi- strategy. minister of St. Lucia for a dent in the just ended election “We will give the police a record seventh time last month campaign. free hand to do their duty with- after leading a rejuvenated “We must now harness our in the law, and establish an United Workers Party (UWP) scarce human and material independent Police Complaints to victory in Commission to safeguard the general elec- rights of the public,” he said. tions. The veteran politician also The vic- promised an end to the “day- tory at the to-day” political interference polls halted in the St. Lucia Police Service. the efforts of Sir John also promised the incum- that a series of consultations bent St. would be held with the church- Lucia Labour es and other stakeholders in a Party (SLP) bid to restore discipline in for an schools and the halt the unprecedent- decline in the moral and social ed third fabric of the society. straight term Sir John said his new in office and – AP photographs administration would put an in the Compton is hoisted onto the shoulders of supporters after his UWP end to the financial misman- process pro- party won the general elections in St. Lucia. agement and wastage of public vided the funds, which he said was one English-speaking Caribbean resources behind the common of the hallmarks of the outgo- with its oldest ever head of national cause and engage the ing government of Prime government. energies of all St. Lucians in Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony. The UWP won 11 of the the process of national devel- The new UWP govern- 17 seats contested in the Dec. opment,” an emotional Sir ment, he said, would seek to 11 elections. John said. create at least 7,000 new jobs Sir John, 82, who returned in the tourism and information to active politics last year fol- PRIORITIES technology sectors during the lowing two convincing victories He said an immediate pri- five-year period. by the SLP in the 1997 and ority of his administration 2001 general elections, has would be to deal with the ris- ® promised a government of ing crime situation, and
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January 2007 CARIBBEAN TODAY 23
FYI www.caribbeantoday.com including revised curriculum Los Angeles Lockbox. Box 54870 Los Angeles, CA CHRISTMAS CARIBBEAN STYLE requirements, test schedules, The Lockbox is a process- 90054-0870; immunization requirements, ing facility used by USCIS to Or for non-USPS deliver- student services, legal rights accelerate the collection of ies (e.g. private couriers): and parental involvement. applications and petitions. • U.S. Citizenship and The announced change allows Immigration Services, PASSPORTS the agency to improve the Attention: I-90, 16420 Valley The National Passport processing of Form I-90 View Ave., La Mirada, CA Information Center (NPIC), (Application to Replace 90638 the United States Department Permanent Resident Card) by Applicants should not of State’s single, centralized electronically capturing data include initial evidence and public contact center for U.S. and images and by performing supporting documentation passport information, is offer- fee receipting and depositing when submitting the Form I- ing a toll free service and has from one central location, 90 to the Los Angeles expanded its service availabili- rather than at the local district Lockbox. ty/options. office, service center, or appli- Applicants will receive a - Photograph by Derrick A Scott Beryl Riley, center, Jamaica’s honorary consul to Richmond, Virginia in the United Persons with questions or cation support center (ASC). notice for a biometrics pro- States, presents a gift to Richard White, one of many children who received presents need status checks on pending Aliens filing a Form I-90, cessing appointment at an at the Association of Jamaicans in Richmond’s (AJR) annual Christmas celebration passport applications can call regardless of their state of res- ASC and will submit their ini- last month. Assisting Riley is Harvey Neyfville, right, a board member of AJR. 1-877-487-2778. Customer idence, must mail those appli- tial evidence during that service representatives are cations with an application fee appointment. PASSPORT REMINDER The 88-page guide, spon- available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. of $185 and a biometrics fee Applicants will receive The Western Hemisphere sored by global financial serv- Monday through Friday, of $70 to one of the following their biometrics appointment Travel Initiative (WHTI) is ices provider ING, gives par- excluding Federal holidays. addresses: in the mail. scheduled to take effect this ents information they need to Automated information is For U.S. Postal Service month. know about their child’s available 24 hours a day, seven (USPS) deliveries: ® The WHTI requires all school, curriculum and stu- days a week. • U.S. Citizenship and those United States citizens dent requirements. For e-mail access, visit: Immigration Services, P.O. traveling by air to the The guide is printed in [email protected] Website of Caribbean to have a passport. three languages -English, passport and other interna- For information about Spanish and Haitian creole. tional travel information is applying for a U.S. passport, Each school in the system will available at travel.state.gov visit http://usps.com/passport receive additional copies for or call 800-ASK-USPS. use in parent-teacher meet- ‘GREEN CARD’ FILING ings. The United States PARENT RESOURCE The guide may also Citizenship and Immigration GUIDE be viewed online at www.educa- Services (USCIS) has The Miami-Dade County tionfund.org (under “Our announced that aliens must Public Schools and The Publications”) and www.dade- mail applications to renew or Education Fund have co-pub- schools.net (under “Resources”). replace permanent resident lished a free Parent Resource The 2006-2007 guide pro- cards, commonly known as Guide 2006-2007 for the public. vides a wealth of information “Green Cards”, directly to the
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24 CARIBBEAN TODAY January 2007