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PRESORTED APRIL 2008 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. 19 No. 5 Jamaica: 654-7282 THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING NEWS MAGAZINE Jamaican Hilca Thomas has been named the “2008 National Assistant Principal of the Year” by the National Association of Secondary School Principals in the SUSPECT United States, page 5.

BOMBER32-year-old Jamaican Kevin Brown was ‘acting strangely’ at the Orlando International Airport. He was searched, arrested and charged in Florida with attempting to The roots of Rastafari, a reli- gious faith which originated in carry bomb parts onboard an the Caribbean, can now be Air Jamaica flight bound for traced through an unprecedent- ed exhibition at the Smithsonian Montego Bay, page 5. National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., page 13. FINAL

~WARNING The United States has issued a Caribbean-born light heavy- June 1, 2009 deadline for all travel- weight Glen Johnson will get what could be his final shot at ers returning from the Caribbean by reclaiming a world boxing land or sea to have either a passport title when he fights American or other approved documents to Chad Dawson in Tampa, Florida this month, page 15 enter the U.S., page 2.

CALL CARIBBEAN TODAY DIRECT FROM JAMAICA 654-7282 INSIDE News...... 2 Feature ...... 11 Sport ...... 15 Food...... 18 Spring/Summer Education ..6 Arts/Entertainment...... 13 FYI ...... 16 Politics/Region ...... 19 Viewpoint...... 9 Health ...... 14 Business...... 17 Tourism/Environment...... 20

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2 CARIBBEAN TODAY April 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS U.S. issues final rule for travelers to the Caribbean Guyanese-born U.S. immigration WASHINGTON – The for the land and sea portion and fraud.” United States has issued a of the Western Hemisphere The DHS said it had decid- agent charged with demanding June 1, 2009 deadline for all Travel Initiative (WHTI), ed to issue the WHTI land and American travelers returning also known as the U.S. pass- sea final rule more than a year from the Caribbean by land or port rule. before its implementation in sex for issuing ‘green card’ sea to have either a passport “We are on course to order “to give the public ample or other approved documents implement and enforce the notice and time to obtain the NEW YORK – New York has been suspended without to enter the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel WHTI-compliant documents police have arrested a pay, and the inspector general U.S. citizens are already Initiative, which is an impor- they will need to enter or re- Guyanese-born United States of Homeland Security is required to have a passport tant step forward in securing enter the United States on or federal immigration official reviewing his other cases. when returning home by air, the homeland,” said Homeland after June 1, 2009.” for demanding sex from a but the rule will kick in for Security Secretary Michael It said many cross-border Colombian woman in MORE VICTIMS cruise passengers as well as Chertoff. travelers already have WHTI- exchange for a green card. Prosecutors, who said those who re-enter the coun- “Limiting and standardiz- compliant documents, such as Prosecutors in Queens they recorded a meeting try at land crossings. ing the types of documents a passport or a Trusted last month said that Isaac R. between Baichu and the The U.S. departments of presented will result in a more Traveler Card – NEXUS, Baichu, 46, was recorded woman on Mar. 11, at which Homeland Security (DHS) secure and efficient border,” SENTRI, and FAST. demanding sex from the he made similar demands for and State (DOS) indicated he added. The DOS added that it was unidentified young woman, sex, urged any other victims to in a joint statement late last “We will continue to already accepting applications and will be prosecuted on cor- come forward. month that the rule, which encourage cross-border travel for the new passport cards. ruption charges. Money, not sex, is the also encompasses travel to and trade while at the same Immigration officials said more common currency of Canada and Bermuda, is final time decreasing identity theft ® Baichu handled about 8,000 corruption in immigration, green card applications during officials said. his three years as an adjudica- The young woman in tor in the U.S. Citizenship and Queens, whose name is being Jamaica P.M.calls for closer working Immigration Services - part of withheld because the authori- the federal Department of ties consider her the victim of relationship with diaspora in the U.S. Homeland Security. a sex crime, did not even tell Prosecutors said he plead- her husband what had hap- MIAMI – In his first official Golding also touched on a Tea Party in Miami, hosted by ed not guilty to felony and pened, officials said. They said visit to southern Florida since wide range of issues, from esca- the Jamaica Consulate. During misdemeanor charges of she came to the U.S. on a winning last September’s gen- lating food prices, finding alter- that event, 12 Jamaican nation- coercing the young woman to tourist visa in 2004 and over- eral elections, Jamaica Prime native energy sources, over- als were honored for their con- perform oral sex and of prom- stayed. Minister Bruce Golding called hauling the educational system, tributions to the community. ising to help her secure immi- Authorities said when she on nationals here to work to rampant crime. He said the The honorees included gration papers in exchange for married an American citizen a closely with his administration incumbent Jamaica Labour poet Ivy Claudette Armstrong; further sexual favors. If con- year ago, the law allowed her for the betterment of the Party (JLP) is determined to Lauderdale Lakes Mayor victed, he will face up to seven to apply to “adjust” her illegal island-nation. address “the causes of crime. Samuel Brown; Tampa com- years in prison. status. “We need to make a “We have to strengthen munity activist Elloreece B. An immigration But unless her green card spokesman said Baichu greater effort,” he told a town the capacity of the police Burrell; NASA mission man- (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) hall meeting Mar. 28 at Nova force,” he said, pointing out, ager Glenn Chin; media spe- Southeastern University in however, that “before you can cialist Don Daly; former Davie. “Jamaica couldn’t sur- strengthen that police force Houston, Texas Honorary vive without you. you are going to have to clean Consul Beverly Ford; and U.S. remains firm on sending “Jamaicans abroad are it out.” record-breaking pilot our greatest ambassadors,” Barrington Irving. Caribbean criminals back home Golding continued. “Jamaica HONOREES The others were Miami BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, of their consistent concerns is too rich to be so poor.” Last month’s town hall Anglican priest the Reverend CMC – A U.S. State was the need to receive more The Jamaican leader said meeting was the first of a Horace Ward; Michael and Department official said that information on deportees, about 350,000 of Jamaica’s 2.5 series of events that the Jackie Shaw of Sunshine Washington will continue to including more detailed crimi- million people live in poverty. Jamaica prime minister was Theatre Company; founder of send back criminal deportees nal records. Shannon said the In addition to remittances scheduled to attend during his the Jamaica Nurses Association to the region, even though the U.S. listened to the concerns that contribute significantly to three-day visit to South of Florida Joyce Wright; and George W. Bush administra- and will act accordingly. Jamaica’s economy, Golding Florida. The following day educators Winston Whyte and tion was aware that deporta- “What we can do is work called on his compatriots Golding was expected to Karl S. Wright. tion remained a key issue for more closely with out abroad to give of their time, attend church services at the countries in the Caribbean. Caribbean partners to make talent and skills to help the Maranatha Seventh Day Golding says all the right The Assistant Secretary sure that when Caribbean island grow. The Inter- Adventist Church in Miami. things in meeting with of State for the Western nationals are deported back to American Development Bank He was also the featured Jamaicans in South Florida, Hemisphere Thomas Shannon their home countries that their (IDB) said Jamaicans in the speaker on Mar. 30 at the sec- page 11. told the Caribbean Media home countries know who is United States sent home an ond annual Community Corporation (CMC) that coming (and) what crimes they estimated $2.1 billion last year. Service Awards Ceremony and ® Washington was bound by law have committed,” he said. to deport criminals. “We’ve worked through “We are deporting citi- international institutions like New N.Y. governor has Caribbean roots zens of the Caribbean who the International Organization NELSON A. KING resignation following revela- Albany, the state’s capital, by have committed crimes in the for Migration (IOM) to help tions that he was involved in a leaving the Senate - and the United States and we are build capability in these nations NEW YORK – The son of prostitution ring. possibility of becoming major- under a legal requirement to to reintegrate these people in two Caribbean nationals is the “I am deeply sorry that I ity leader if the Democrats do that,” Shannon said. the Caribbean society.” new governor of New York did not live up to what was captured a majority there - to “This is something…we During the Washington following the resignation of expected of me,” Spitzer said. run for the largely ceremonial must do in compliance with conference, CARICOM leaders Governor Eliot Spitzer. “To every New Yorker, and to post of lieutenant governor. our own law.” renewed their call for U.S. assis- The parents of the former all those who believed in what Born in Brooklyn on May tance with the settlement and Lieutenant Governor David I tried to stand for, I sincerely 20, 1954, an early childhood CONCERNS reintegration of deportees. The A. Paterson were born in apologize.” infection left him with severe- At the June 18-21, 2007 United Nations Development Grenada and Jamaica. His ly limited sight. Conference on the Caribbean Program (UNDP) funds a $1 Grenadian-born father is a for- UNTESTED Paterson is a graduate of held in Washington D.C., million project in Haiti to pro- mer New York state senator. Paterson is said to be Columbia University and leaders of the Caribbean vide deportee reintegration Paterson became New liked and respected by leading Hofstra Law School, both in community (CARICOM) services including counseling, York’s 55th governor last figures in both main United New York, and is also an raised the topic of deportation vocational training, skills month. He is the state’s first States political parties, but is adjunct professor at Columbia in their meetings with development and micro- black governor and replaces also considered untested. University. President Bush and Secretary credit lending. Spitzer, who announced his In 2006, he surprised the of State Condoleeza Rice. One Democratic establishment in ® ®

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4 CARIBBEAN TODAY April 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS Haitian activist arrested on theft, Canada says no to Caribbean racketeering charges in Miami immigration application cap MIAMI – Police last month the past two bond-oversight board. TORONTO, Canada - system. Under the existing arrested an influential Haitian and a half “To arrest him under Citizenship and Immigration system, every application has American community activist years. cover of darkness on the eve Minister Diane Finley has to be processed, even if an here and charged him with HAFI, of Holy Week is a disgrace,” promised that the number of applicant has made multiple more than 20 counts of racket- one of the said Milton Hirsch, Cayard’s applicants seeking to enter applications, a person is dead eering, theft and money laun- best-known lawyer. Canada yearly from the or someone chooses to go to dering. social services The arrest report also said Caribbean and the rest of the another country. Ringo Cayard, 55, direc- agencies in Cayard “orchestrated a world will not be capped and “The changes have noth- tor of the Miami-based Miami-Dade’s scheme to bill the county for family re-unification will be ing to do with the refugee Cayard Haitian American Foundation Haitian com- phantom meals” that HAFI preserved in the legislative system, there are no caps on Inc. (HAFI), was arrested on munity, was supposed to deliver to eld- amendments to modernize the the number of applications the night of Mar. 20 on the received almost $2.9 million in erly Haitian residents under a immigration system. and the preservation of family charges, which include fake county contracts and grants contract with the county’s She addressed the con- re-unification is a priority for records which he used to give between 2002 and 2006. Alliance for Human Services. cerns with CMC a week after us because we care about himself a significant bonus. The report charged that the Conservative government family.” Police also charged PROMINENT Cayard and a HAFI employee tabled sweeping immigration Cayard with siphoning thou- Cayard has been one of submitted fake monthly legislation to clear up the huge SWAP sands of dollars from Miami- the most prominent voices in invoices six times between backlog of applicants and To expedite the process Dade County contracts relat- local Haitian politics over the April 2003 and Jan. 2005 bring in skilled workers more quickly and smoothly, Finley ed to staging festivals and pro- past 25 years. He’s been a when his non-profit failed to quickly. The backlog stands at said consideration will be viding meals to the elderly political ally to Miami Mayor deliver any meals. about 800,000, and some appli- given to transferring applica- and that his arrest caps Manny Diaz and County cants have been waiting for tions from a country or region “sweeping investigation” of Commissioner Dorrin Rolle. ® almost six years to have their swamped with requests to the foundation’s finances over Diaz placed Cayard on a city applications looked at. enter to Canada to another “That’s totally unaccept- country or area where the able,” declared Finley. “We workload is not hectic. Jamaican acquitted of shooting at N.Y. cops are competing with other Finley also said adminis- countries that have processing trative changes will be made NEW YORK – A jury in New less than completely honest on degree weapons possession, times of three to six months and the ministry’s computer York has acquitted a Jamaican the witness stand. which carries a sentence of and we are six years. We are system will be upgraded to man who was the first person “There were a lot of holes three to 15 years. competing with other coun- fast-track the process in three charged under a new law in in the case,” said one juror, a In 2002, Henry was charged tries for talent that we very to six months. 2006 that increased prison sen- woman in her 20s. with shooting an officer in the much need right across the In its last budget, the gov- tences for the attempted mur- “I felt like they weren’t arm, but was acquitted. country. We are losing out in ernment set aside $22 million der of a police officer. always telling the whole truth,” In 2004, he intervened in the competitiveness race. over the next two years and The jury in State Supreme she added. an arrest and was charged with “The changes that we are $37 million a year after that Court in Brooklyn last month punching an officer, Andrew making are really about bring- for additional resources to found Damien Henry not guilty IN PRISON Rydlewski, in the face. He ing common sense and good shorten wait times and reduce in a case in which he was Henry is celebrating his pleaded guilty to a low-level business and management the backlog. charged with firing an Uzi auto- acquittals in prison, where he is misdemeanor. practices to the immigration matic machine gun at two police serving a 25-year sentence for It was 10 days after his ® officers outside a Jamaican shooting up a Brooklyn restau- plea in the punching case that nightclub in the East Flatbush rant in 2005 after being told to Henry got into another con- section of Brooklyn in 2004. smoke outside. frontation with Rydlewski out- Regional leaders hold Henry, 27, was shot 18 Henry, who had faced a side the Ragtop Lounge in times by the officers but sur- possible life sentence for the East Flatbush after being vived. The officers were unin- attempted murder of two denied entry. Rydlewski and ‘fruitful’ talks with Bush jured. police officers and two bounc- Sergeant Ajay Kapour said WASHINGTON – Three the Caribbean heads the Several jurors said they ers in the current case, was that Henry fired an Uzi at Caribbean leaders emerged assurance that their region believed that the officers were convicted on Mar. 5 of second- them, and they shot back, strik- from talks with United States was important to his country. ing him 18 times without hit- President George W. Bush last “We often times talk Guyanese-born U.S... ting any major organs. month, describing their con- about dealing with the Middle sultations as fruitful. East or dealing on the conti- NEW LAW Prime ministers Hubert nent of Africa, but it was (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) ure,” said Chris Bentley, a Henry was charged under a spokesman for Citizenship Ingraham of The Bahamas, important for these leaders to application was approved, she new law that increased the mini- and Immigration Services. David Thompson of Barbados know that we believe that a could not visit her parents or mum sentence for attempted “Our responsibility is to and Dean Barrow of Belize good, strong, healthy, vibrant her brothers’ graves and then murder of a police officer to 20 ferret them out,” he added. gave no indication of what their neighborhood is in the inter- legally re-enter the U.S., they years, from 15. Henry’s lawyer, According to the criminal discussions would yield, but ests of the United States,” said. And if her application Harold C. Baker, mounted a complaint, Baichu told the reported that issues of democ- Bush said. “So we had a good, was denied, she would face defense that his client was “set Colombian woman he expect- racy, security, tourism and the friendly, important discussion, deportation. up” by the police and bouncers. ed her to do “just like the last The bouncers had summoned the Caribbean Basin Initiative were and I can’t thank the leaders time,” and offered to take her among the topics discussed with enough for coming.” PATTERN officers with calls to their private to a garage or the bathroom the American leader. Referring to the recent The charges against cellular telephones, not to 911. of a friend’s real estate busi- “We had a discussion like election victories of prime Baichu, who became a U.S. Several jurors said that ness so she would be “more you would expect neighbors to ministers Thompson and citizen in 1991 and earns while they did not believe the comfortable doing it” there. have,” President Bush told Barrow, Bush commended roughly $50,000 a year, appear conspiracy theory, they were Prosecutors said Baichu members of the media after Barbados and Belize for their to be part of a larger pattern, troubled by testimony by a was arrested as he emerged the meeting. “good, fair, clean elections.” according to government police expert in gunshot from a Queens diner and “We talked about trade and Ingraham, who is also records. A Miami agent of residue that several of the headed to his car. tourism. We talked about how CARICOM’s chairman, Immigration and Customs shots that struck Henry were Later released on $15,000 to make sure that our security thanked the president on Enforcement, responsible for fired from less than eight inch- bail, Baichu referred calls for es away. The officers had testi- needs are met without inter- behalf of the leaders for tak- transporting a Haitian woman comment to his lawyer, Sally fied that they shot him from rupting the ability for our peo- ing time out to discuss the to detention, is awaiting trial Attia. about 10 feet away. ple to travel as freely as possible matters. on charges that he took her to She said Baichu “did not “Some of the jurors really and for the ability of people to “We’re very pleased and his home and raped her. have authority to grant or had a bad perception of the be able to make a good living as grateful that the U.S. presi- “Despite our best efforts deny green card petitions with- cops, and they didn’t believe a result of tourism.” dent invited us to come,” he there are always people ready out his supervisor’s approval.” them,” said the jury fore- said. to use their position for per- woman, Khadijah Carter. ASSURANCE sonal gain or personal pleas- ® The U.S. leader also gave ® ®

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NEWS www.caribbeantoday.com Bomb parts found in luggage of Jamaican Jamaican named best Jamaican national, afternoon Air Jamaica flight tary duties in Iraq. reportedly troubled by bound for the Sangster assistant principal in U.S. Apast experiences includ- International Airport in NOT THE SAME ing a stint in Iraq and the mur- Montego Bay. He told the FBI However, people who claim MIAMI – Jamaican Hilca holders.” Doolin Middle der of his mother in the that he wanted to show friends to know Brown said he was Thomas has been named the School Principal Eduardo Tillet Caribbean, was detained on in Jamaica how to build explo- never the same after returning “2008 National Assistant believes Thomas’s hard work April 1 by officials of the sives like those he saw in Iraq. from Iraq and his medical Principal of the Year” by the and leadership helped move United States Transport He has been charged with records were being reviewed by National Association of the school grade designation of Security Administration (TSA) attempting to place an incendi- investigators. Secondary School Principals a “C” to “an “A” in 2006. ary or explosive device on an “He sees things, he hears in he United States. Thomas received a bache- aircraft and made court appear- things and he just doesn’t act Thomas, a former lor of science degree in zoolo- ances in Orlando in the days normal,” one woman was quot- Ardenne High and University gy from UWI and a master of following the incident where he ed in Jamaica’s Gleaner news- of the West Indies (UWI) stu- science in biol- was not granted bail. paper as saying after the airport dent in the Caribbean island, ogy education incident. ‘CRAZY MAN’ Hotelier Sandra McLeod, is an assistant principal at from the According to reports of the Brown’s mother, was found Miami-Dade County Public University of incident, Brown, who some strangled at a resort in Negril, Schools’ (M-DCPS) Howard Miami. She reports indicated had been tak- Jamaica in 2005. The murder, A. Doolin Middle School. taught science ing anti-depressant medication The Gleaner reported, “devas- Thomas has been honored at the middle and living on the streets for a tated” Brown. with the national award for and high while, had checked in luggage The Jamaica Observer her work in motivating stu- school levels at the Air Jamaica ticket count- newspaper reported that dents and faculty members to Thomas before moving Bomb expert searches Brown at the er. Eyewitnesses said he then Brown, who attended schools in be lifelong learners. As cur- into adminis- Orlando airport. began rocking and walking back Jamaica and was reportedly on riculum assistant principal at tration at after “acting strangely” at the and forth. his way to visit a cousin in Doolin Middle School since Howard A Doolin Middle Orlando International Airport Brown, who also had a lap- Montego Bay, “told investiga- 2000, she has shown leader- School. In Oct. 2007 Thomas in Florida. top computer in his carry-on tors that he planned to set the ship in collecting and analyz- was among a group of M- The TSA revealed that the bag, was pulled aside by TSA bomb off on a tree stump when ing student assessment data to DCPS principals and assistant man, Kevin Brown, a 32-year- officers, who searched his lug- he arrived in Jamaica”. identify students’ weakness principals to win five of six old permanent resident of the gage and found the items. He Jamaica’s Prime Minister and assist teachers in tailoring “Outstanding Leadership U.S., had “suspicious items” was then made to sit down at Bruce Golding ordered the instruction accordingly. Awards” from the Florida in his luggage. Those items, the curb outside the airport ter- country’s police force to investi- She has also made collabo- Department of Education. according to a statement by minal and searched. gate the matter. Investigators in ration with the school’s faculty, She will be officially hon- the Federal Bureau of Brown was carrying a the U.S. said Brown’s act parents and students the core ored as this year’s “National Investigations (FBI), included Jamaican passport when he was appeared to be an “isolated of her leadership. M-DCPS Assistant Principal of the parts for a bomb, such as galva- apprehended. However, it was incident,” but they were trying Region V Superintendent Year” at a black-tie event in nized pipes, explosive and flam- reported that he served in the to determine if he belonged to Janet Hupp said one of Washington, D.C. on April 19. mable liquids, end caps, a rocket U.S. Army, from which he any organized group. Thomas’s “most outstanding The award includes a check igniter, BB gun pellets, batteries received an honorary discharge capabilities is her ability to for $5,000. and literature containing bomb- and a commendation medal, Compiled from several news interact and motivate all stake- making information. and later worked as a contrac- reports, including CMC. ® Brown had attempted to tor in Iraq. Up to press time it take the items with him on an was still not clear if he did mili- ® Vincentians in N.Y. want closure Barbadian authorities aid in capturing int’l fugitive to P.M.’s sexual assault case MIAMI - United States International Airport inter- authorities as a fugitive of NEW YORK – Even as the to dismiss a private criminal Customs and Border Protection cepted Rodrigues on Mar. 18 France. Trinidad-based Coalition of complaint, filed against Dr. (CBP) officials have confirmed “as he attempted to transit “Upon his arrival at Caribbean Rights says it will Gonsalves by four attorneys, that Barbadian law enforce- through the United States en Miami International Airport, seek international assistance on behalf of a 36-year-old ment authorities had been help- route to his home in Canada. Mr. Rodrigues was stopped by in getting sexual assault female police officer. ful in intercepting an interna- “The fugitive was returned CBP officers for questioning”, charges made against St. tional fugitive last month. to France in keeping with a the statement said. Vincent and the Grenadines’ NORMALCY Officials of the U.S. State 1996 Bilateral Extradition Harold Woodward, the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Greg Dublin, a director at Department said they were Treaty between the United CBP’s director of field opera- Gonsalves heard in court, the Friends of Crown Heights notified by Barbadian immigra- States and France, to face rape tions, said the case “exempli- Vincentians in New York are Educational Center in tion officials that Amaro and attempted rape charges”, fies an extraordinary level of calling for closure to the case. Brooklyn, said Rodrigues, 54, a fugitive of the statement said. interagency and international Deeply concerned about he hopes the France, was heading to the U.S. The U.S. said the cooperation, resulting in the what they consider to be the judge’s decision after vacationing in Barbados. Canadian citizen was “vaca- arrest and extradition of a tarnishing of the country’s will “bring The statement said CBP tioning in Barbados when he dangerous fugitive.” international image, a number some sem- officers at the Miami was identified by Barbadian of Vincentians here have called blance of nor- ® for the charges leveled against malcy” in the Gonsalves to be put to rest country. Caribbean American youth essay competition open through May 9 once and for all. Though seem- Last ingly sympathetic to the month, High Gonsalves ntries are still being offered through a partnership competition is: “If you were Vincentian leader, most nation- Court Judge accepted for the fourth between the Institute of running for president of the als told the Caribbean Media Gertel Thom Eannual National Caribbean Studies, organiza- United States, what are the top Corporation it is time to bring upheld DPP Colin Williams’s Caribbean American Heritage tions such as Transforming three issues that you would put closure to an issue that has decision to discontinue a Month Youth Essay America Through Interaction on your agenda?” painted a bad image abroad. charge of rape against Competition. (TATI), the Greater Caribbean Winning entries in the “It’s a sigh of relief that the Gonsalves, saying that she The 2008 contest, designed American Chamber of local/regional competition will court has found it appropriate found “no arguable grounds to commemorate the declara- Commerce, University of the be announced on June 1. to dismiss the action,” said for a review.” tion of June as “National West Indies Alumni Essays should be e-mailed Arnold “Lydon” Charles, a for- But Hazel Brown, a Caribbean American Heritage Association and area schools. in MS Word format to: Student mer president of the Brooklyn- spokesperson for the Month” by the United States The winning entry for Affairs Director, TATI, Inc.: stu- based Vincentian umbrella Coalition of Caribbean Congress, is open to 11th and each regional/local competition [email protected]. group, Council of St. Vincent Rights, told a news conference 12th grade students who live in will be judged in the national Entries must be submitted no and the Grenadines in Port of Spain recently that South Florida’s Miami-Dade level competition and the later than May 9. Contact stu- Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. the decision not to proceed and Broward counties and have grand winner will receive dent affairs director, TATI, Inc., (COSAGO), alluding to the with the matter against a Caribbean heritage as defined airline tickets for two to a at 954-802-4291 for more infor- recent high court ruling in Gonsalves is cause for serious by the competition’s rules. Caribbean destination. mation about the competition. upholding the decision of the concern in the Caribbean. The competition is being The title for this year’s ® Director of Public Prosecutions ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com SPRING/SUMMER EDUCATION ~ A Caribbean Today advertising feature Tips for getting a late start on Getting real about college STEVE ROSEN the private route a better buy. finding college money Consider some creative carcely a week goes by solutions on how to manage col- STEVE ROSEN expected family contribution, “Financing College”. when I don’t field at least lege costs. Earning college cred- which is the amount the family Sone question from anx- it on high school advanced- t’s the 11th hour - no, make will be expected to contribute • Investigate free merit money - ious parents preparing for the placement courses could shave that the12th hour - and the to college costs in the aid for- If you’re a top athlete, scholar day when they’ll send their off- a year or more off the tuition clock is ticking closer to mulas. or a talented musician, you may spring to college. tab. Or maybe mom and dad I agree to foot the bill and cover midnight in your scramble to Why is this important? easily qualify for merit-based How many schools should the loans for the undergrad find college money for your Because the cost of attendance scholarships from a school. we apply to? Is it worth the years, while graduate school is high school senior. - the sum of tuition and fees But there seemingly are trouble to fill out the federal on your son’s or daughter’s You’re standing at the and room and board, plus also scholarships for every financial aid forms? Is hiring a dime. starting line. You have this allowances for supplies, books, extracurricular activity and college consultant to come up Finally, keep in mind that feeling of guilt. Paralysis is set- transportation costs and other hobby - from Scouting to the with a list of potential schools there can be quite a difference ting in. You don’t know where personal expenses - minus the environmental club to duck call- the way to go? And, of course, between the listed sticker price to start. expected family contribution ing. While merit money is avail- how much should we budget for a school and the actual Unfortunately, experts for textbooks and pizza price you pay, once scholar- say, this is an all-too-com- money? As the father of two col- ships, loans and other financial mon situation. Not that find- assistance flow to the bottom ing chunks of money for col- lege students, with a third one lege is a walk through the potentially a few years away, I park, but many parents am keenly aware of the finan- haven’t really come to grips cial pressures of higher educa- with what it may take to tion. While writing about kids cover even a sliver of and college costs has made me tuition, room and board, more conscious of the issues, and books, said Kal Chany, I’ve had my share of financial a college consultant based in successes, failures and surpris- New York and author of es too. The Princeton Review’s From my time in the “Paying for College Without trenches, here are some warn- Going Broke”. ings, tips and suggestions that may save you money and a lit- If this sounds like your tle aggravation while navigat- situation, don’t roll over and ing the twists and turns in the give up. You still have time college-selection process: to take control. Here are some tips to help you - and TALK THE TALK Graduating from high school means that your college-bound hopeful tough college choices remain ahead. Before your teen gets too - quickly get focused: far down the college path, have an honest discussion with him line. • Do some homework - The about the costs and where the Count your lucky stars if lion’s share of need-based money will come from. How you end up with a high school- financial aid (in the United much are you willing and able er who is really engaged in vis- States) comes from federal to spend without draining your iting campuses, staying on top and state government, so bank account? What will be of essay deadlines, hunting for you need to devote most of your student’s role in financing scholarships, and weighing the your time to becoming school, and how much might pros and cons of each school knowledgeable about the be needed from scholarships, on the radar screen. You can process, the deadlines and loans and work-study pro- pretty much shift into cruise how eligibility is deter- grams to plug the gap? control from here on out. mined. Talk about what’s a rea- More typical, I think, is the To qualify for federal sonable amount to borrow. junior or senior who needs financial aid, as well as state Does it make sense, for exam- nudging every step of the way - aid and grants from many ple, to borrow heavily to right up to packing the family colleges and universities, Acting quickly may be the difference in getting a chance to study. attend a school and earn a van and pointing it toward you must file the Free degree in a field where post- good old State U. It’s perfectly Application for Federal graduate earnings potential is normal for teens to be wary of gives you an approximate num- able from thousands of employ- Student Aid, or FAFSA limited? life after high school gradua- ber for need-based aid. ers, organizations and religious (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Would it be worthwhile to tion. To crunch your numbers, institutions, local awards may be The Department of consider a private school But if college is indeed in check out financial aid calcula- less of a long shot than national Education begins accepting where your student could like- the cards, how can you deal tors on web sites such as contests. In addition to a multi- FAFSA applications for the ly graduate in four years rather with the denial mode? When www.salliemae.com, www.col- tude of available web-based 2008-2009 school year in than a public university where our oldest son was a high legeboard.com and www.saving- search tools, your child’s guid- January. Between now and the limited availability of school junior, for example, we forcollege.com. then, Chany says, parents There also are ance counselor should have required classes could lead to a jump-started the process by should determine at least a many excellent guidebooks, five-year commitment? In that ballpark number for their including Chany’s and Kiplinger’s (CONTINUED ON PAGE 7) vein, the financials might make (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) ‘Brain Food’ available to South Florida teachers

MIAMI – This month, South teachers in Broward, Palm ability to solve math prob- plans, activities, free teacher room. All mathematics and Florida teachers will get the Beach, Miami-Dade, and lems. It is a research-based resources, online assessment science educators K-12 are opportunity to experience Monroe counties are eligible Pre-K-12 math enhancement and learning. Participants are invited to register and attend. “Brain Food”, a workshop of to attend. program. eligible to receive 30 in-serv- Email Marry Kemp at Project MIND that shows fun Project MIND was origi- The workshop will ice points! [email protected] to secure and creative learning strate- nally developed by Dr. Hui emphasize the use of games, “Brain Food” will be held registration. gies math and science teachers Fang Huang “Angie” Su in story telling, and strategic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on three can use in the classroom. 1988 to help academically at- methods based on logic and Saturdays, April 12, 19, and 26 ® Public and private school risk students improve their intuition. It includes lesson in the WLRN Conference

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April 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 7

SPRING/SUMMER EDUCATION www.caribbeantoday.com ~ A Caribbean Today advertising feature T&T plans to ban camera Haitian students to benefit from laptop project WASHINGTON - The Inter- not only makes for the best audio files and electronic docu- cellular phones in schools American Development Bank team, but also a model for ments, will be translated into PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, line managers of schools in (IDB) and the One Laptop Per other countries in the creole and applications will be CMC - Government is moving this country, “are being asked Child Foundation (OLPC) will Caribbean and Latin America.” to ban mobile phones with to exercise their authority finance a pilot project to test Emma Näslund-Hadley, the cameras from all schools here. firmly, fairly and swiftly in whether one-to-one computing IDB’s project team leader, said Education Minister matters of discipline.” She can improve teaching and while there were studies about Esther Le Gendre said last said where it is warranted learning in schools in Haiti. the impact of computer labs and month that principals have sanctions will be placed on OLPC makes the XO lap- shared computers in the class- been given guidelines “to students who breach this new top, a low-cost computer room, “there’s never been a implement a ban on the use of arrangement. designed for children in places comprehensive evaluation of camera phones in schools.” Le Gendre said in the with poor infrastructure. The the learning model based on This latest development wake of recent incidents of rugged machine, which uses giving each child a laptop. came after pornograhpic violence and indiscipline in open-source software, can be “This is crucial to deter- images were taken by students the nation’s schools a security powered with car batteries, mine the effectiveness of this and put on the Internet manager is to be hired on solar panels or devices such as model under conditions of recently. This caused outrage June 1 to “review the security cranks, pedals and pull-cords. extreme poverty and as a tool among several interest groups, policy of the ministry and The IDB said it would for accelerating learning.” including the Trinidad and develop a strategic plan for make a $3 million grant for the Children in Haiti will soon benefit from Tobago Unified Teachers the management of safety for pilot project, which will distrib- ASSESSMENT low cost laptop computers. Association and the National schools as well as the facilities ute XO laptops to some 13,200 The pilot project will Parent Teacher Association. occupied by non-teaching staff students and 500 teachers in 60 assess how a child-cantered developed for subjects such as Le Gendre said principals, of the ministry.” Haitian primary schools. learning technology can be reading and writing, numerical who are effectively the front- OLPC will contribute $2 used to bridge problems such literacy and problem solving, ® million to the project. as the shortage of qualified environmental studies and “As one of the poorest teachers and educating chil- social skills. countries in the world, deploy- dren of different grades in the Training will be provided Tips for getting a late start... ment in Haiti has always been same classroom. Another for teachers and students to (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6) right direction before the clock an important goal for OLPC,” major priority for the Haitian operate the laptops and carry strikes 12. said Nicholas Negroponte, government is speeding up the out basic maintenance and scholarship lists. founder and chairman of One learning process for students trouble-shooting tasks. Get right on this, because © 2007 Tribune Media Laptop per Child. who enter school late or repeat many application deadlines are Services, Inc. “Doing it with our long grades. ® coming up quickly. Also, Chany standing partner, the Inter- Under the project, content said, as your student bears ® American Development Bank, including text books, movies, down on applications and essays, keep in mind that “less than five percent of the money for college comes from outside private scholarship sources. So don’t devote a huge amount of time to this.”

• Be wary of the hired gun - If you feel like you’re in over your head, professional help is avail- able from college consultants and scholarship search services. But be careful when considering some of these national services, which often rely on direct mail or mass e-mail blitzes to attract fam- ilies. Their promises, at the very least, can be of questionable value. On the other hand, some professional consultants who walk you through every aspect of the application and financial aid process can be worth every penny. Decide how much time and money you want to devote to this project.

• Look for deals - As your stu- dent comes up with a final list of schools to apply to, it may pay to look for offers like this incentive from the University of Kansas: The university will lock in a guaranteed tuition rate for in-state students for four years. There’s another parental benefit to the plan - students will have added incentive to graduate in four years. It is risky, of course, to wait so late in the game to start eye- balling the tuition tab. But with a little bit of knowledge about the financial aid process, you can at least get going in the

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8 CARIBBEAN TODAY April 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com SPRING/SUMMER EDUCATION ~ A Caribbean Today advertising feature Getting real about college Grenadian medical student

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6) everyone raised a hand. Next, more selective a college, the parents were asked if they better the college must be. Not scores top grade in science taking a college campus road attended an Ivy League school. so. In fact, there are hundreds trip followed by a visit with This time, only a few hands went of fine schools - many you’ve ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, and we need to acknowledge.” admissions officers during a up. Finally, the counselor wanted probably never heard of - that CMC - A Grenadian medical Some 416 students from get-acquainted session at his to know how many people con- could provide great educational student has emerged with the around the world sat the high school. sidered themselves happy and experiences. top grade in a science examina- BSCE, climaxing a year of Whatever you do, don’t successful. Every hand in the Look, I’m all for any stu- tion involving more than 400 studies, part of the Keith B. over-function for your under- auditorium went up. dent who has the smarts and students from around the world. Taylor Global Scholars pro- functioning student. This is The point of the exercise: the zeal to pursue a blue-chip Roggie Reason, a second gram to train medical profes- their thing, not yours. Getting into a highly selective dream school. But, better to year scholarship student at the sionals in developing countries. college is not the meal ticket to choose a school after weighing American-owned St. George’s The students in the program THE PRESTIGE FACTOR fame and fortune. There are lots its assets and drawbacks - University (SGU), earned the take the first year of the basic Several years ago I attended of other factors involved, and rather than on its brand name. top score in the Basic Science medical science phase of SGU’s a parent meeting in which a high the brand-name schools don’t I’ve always thought the Comprehension Examination doctor of medicine degree at school guidance counselor asked have a lock on the formula. college-selection process was (BSCE) at the North Umbria the U.K. university, which has a for a show of hands among those The thinking among some like shopping for a car. Kick University in the United long record in teaching bio- who had attended college. Most teens (and parents) is that the the tires, review the pros and Kingdom. medical sciences. cons, and wait for the salesman “It’s nice to know that a Reason was among the to make you a good offer. And Grenadian scholarship student first five Grenadian scholarship PROMISE FULFILLED yes, they do need to sell you on who did all of his primary and students in the program, which why their school is worth the secondary and undergraduate began in 2007. sometimes outrageous sum of work in Grenada was number money they want you to spend one out of 400 students taking ® on your child’s future. the first year final exam,” said Dr. Charles Mondica, chancel- © 2008 Tribune Media lor at SGU. Services, Inc. “I was told that he was not number one by a point or so; Street Address: ® he was number one by a lot 9020 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33157 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6010 Miami, FL 33116-6010. Good advice, Telephone: (305) 238-2868 Youth forum (305) 253-6029 • Fax: (305) 252-7843 Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-290-4550 good data free, one-day Jamaica 1-800-605-7516 • Jamaica: 654-7282 Youth Forum, aimed E-mail: [email protected] • “The Princeton Review: Paying Aat South Florida high Send ads to: [email protected] for College Without Going Broke”, school and college students, Vol. 19, Number 5 • APRIL. 2008 by Kalman Chany will be held on April 12 at the University of Miami. PETER A WEBLEY • “Kiplinger’s Financing College”, The forum, being pre- Publisher from the editors of Kiplinger’s sented by the Jamaican Personal Finance magazine Diaspora Southern United GORDON WILLIAMS States, will focus on the Managing Editor • “Harvard Schmarvard: Getting theme “Shaping Our Future: One Aim, One Destiny”. It Beyond the Ivy League to the SABRINA HOPKINS will be conducted from 9 a.m. Graphic Artist College That Is Best for You”, by to 1 p.m. Jay Mathews The forum will seek to DOROTHY CHIN enlighten and engage young Account Executive Children from the Ecole St. Patrick primary school in Cite Soleil, Haiti, display • “Winning the Heart of the College leaders in discussion relevant photographs of primary schools built by the Digicel Haiti Foundation in its first Admissions Dean: An Expert’s to their success in the U.S. SUNDAY SELLERS year of existence. The Digicel Haiti Foundation last month delivered on a promise Advice for Getting into College”, by and abroad. Panel discussion Account Executive to build 20 schools in its first 12 months of operation, two in each district of Haiti. topics will include “Making The schools, which are furnished and staffed with trained teachers, will provide Joyce Slayton Mitchell. more than 7,000 Haitian children with an education. an Impact”, “Building JULISSA RAMOS ® Relationships” and “Cultural Accounting Manager Identity”. Caribbean Media Source Scheduled panelists Media Representatives include Dr. Lloyd Cohen, pres- TOM JONAS ident of the Jamaican 353 St. Nicolas Street, Suite 200 Association of Miami-Dade Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 2P1 Educators; David Mullings, co- Tel: (514) 931-0422 • Fax: (514) 931-0455 E-mail: [email protected] chair of Jamaica Youth Forum and chief executive officer of Jamaica Bureau Realvibez Media; and Kelliann MARIE GREGORY McDonald, founder of the (876) 925-5640 Jamaican-American Student P.O. Box 127, Constant Spring Kingston 8, Jamaica Association (JAMSA) at the University of Florida. Opinions expressed by editors and writers are not necessarily those of the “Our local Jamaican com- publisher. munity and Jamaica’s future is highly dependent on how well we nurture our future leader- Caribbean Today, an independent ship,” said Marlon Hill, news magazine, is published every month Jamaican Diaspora Advisory by Caribbean Publishing & Services, Inc. Board member. “This forum is Caribbean Today is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. To intended to be a catalyst for guarantee return, please include a self- this community-building goal.” addressed stamped envelope. For more information, Articles appearing in Caribbean call 786-349-2584. Today may not be reproduced without ® written permission of the editor.

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VIEWPOINT www.caribbeantoday.com Seeking Adonis ‘MAQ’ targets Caribbean n Greek mythology Adonis was a handsome love for cricket in the U.S. Iyoung shepherd loved by Aphrodite. dium (there), but we did the His name has become tournament very well. I’ve synonymous with perfection in been waiting since then. men, as in: “He was handsome like a Greek god, so near per- G.W.: How much is your fection, an Adonis.” investment worth? That, it seems, is what women want. Apparently it M.A.Q.: Since1992 we’ve been appears that many women still trying to promote the cricket, want the knight in a suit of I’ve spent a million or so dol- armor on a white horse, noble, lars on my own to promote the honest, mannerly, although cricket. that came from the slightly men who leave the toilet seat down and f there is one sport that older ladies. come up dry, give gifts for no apparent brings Caribbean people G.W.: How much is this (MAQ But in spite of what the short. They reason, and do little chores all Itogether, whether in the T20) tournament going to cost books may say, sex still ranks also said that the time…cheerfully. region or overseas in countries you? high on the list of priorities of Mr. Adonis like the United States, it’s crick- many women as some have must also be OPTIONS et. Yet, despite thousands of M.A.Q.: This thing is costing told me. “He must be well skillful in This other lady also players involved with hundreds over a million dollars to just endowed, at least an impres- that depart- expressed to me her version of of teams the game has strug- put it together for a three-day sive six inches flaccid,” one ment. “It’s no Adonis, and curiously, sex was gled for widespread acceptance tournament. Just for three wrote. use if he has TONY way down on the list for her. in the U.S. Mahammad A. days, Memorial Day weekend. Oh my, and there you the tool but ROBINSON Her number one was respect. Qureshi is hoping to change It’s costing over a million dol- were buying into the notion can’t use it,” The man should give her the that with “MAQ T20”, which lars to promote all these that size doesn’t matter. By a lady same respect that he desires highlights the shorter 20 overs games coming up…because we now we all know that’s bull, emphatically said. from her. Sensitivity came sec- version of the game. The first have a concert after that… the same way they say that Not only that but he must ond: “He must be sensitive to tournament is slated for being poor is no crime, and be able to perform for at least my feelings and if he does Memorial weekend in G.W.: What would you use as a an hour without falling asleep something to hurt me, he Lauderhill, Florida. Qureshi that the meek shall inherit the measuring stick to decide the Earth and all those nice right after. No wonder men should apologize and try not recently discussed his plans success or non-success of this sounding phrases. Maybe that have high blood pressure and to hurt me the same way with Caribbean Today’s particular event coming up on nervous breakdowns. But this again.” Managing Editor Gordon would apply one time in the Memorial Day? ‘falling asleep right after syn- The trouble is most men Williams. The following is an world’s history, but certainly drome’, seems to be a serious don’t even know when they’re edited version of that interview: M.A.Q.: Major thing, basically, not now. Size does matter, and, in issue. It seems that when a hurting a woman anyway. The this is the first (cricket) stadi- man is finished all he wants to fact is, sensitivity doesn’t fall GORDON WILLIAMS: This um in Broward County. First spite of what you hear, it mat- do is sleep, or maybe he has high on most men’s list of pri- is a big investment for you, in (cricket) stadium in the United ters to women. If it didn’t mat- to, in order to recoup. But the orities. The reality is, most terms of this tournament and States. There is no exposure ter they wouldn’t sing about, everything involved in 20/20. worldwide. Everybody is look- “We don’t want no short short woman still wants to talk, cud- men are afraid to show their What was the chief motivation ing at it. U.S., they think, did- men, no little teeny eenie dle, touch, interact, kiss, needs sensitive side for fear of being behind getting involved with n’t play cricket. So this (tour- weenie short short men.” affection. “I feel so used, as deemed weak or soft. There’s such a big project? nament) is the biggest expo- Based on my research and he’s finished, him just roll over a popular song on the charts sure you’re gonna get on this findings, almost all the ladies and start to snore.” that says, “I showed you my MAHAMMAD A. event. There’s telecasting on expressed that whereas they Adonis would not only sensitive side and you took me QURESHI: I’ve been trying to T.V., radio and news media. So didn’t necessarily want a man perform above and beyond for a ride, I shoulda treated promote the cricket in the U.S. this is a big event, we have to be hung like a horse, he the call of duty, but stay you like them other guys did. The U.S. has never been pro- covered, for the future of should be amply endowed. awake too and give post game If I had followed my original moting the cricket. As you cricket, coming up for us. “No cigarettes between the commentary afterwards. plan, you would’ve been noth- look at it, organizations come fingers for me,” one lady said. Adonis must not only ing but a one night stand.” and go. A lot of independent G.W.: You’re old enough to look good, but be functional, That sentiment is echoed tournaments are only for one have known cricket when Test WORRY according to this lady, for she by many men and recently a time. (No) organization has a cricket was the biggest game in No wonder men spend so says that the man must be young man e-mailed me, say- two-year plan how we’re going town. Is it bittersweet for you, much time fretting about their able to cook dinner or break- ing how he followed his par- to promote the cricket in the that the promotion of cricket size and spend time and fast, or, if he can’t, should be ents advice and treated this U.S. We have 750 teams and in this country (U.S.) is not money on those penile size willing to say, “Let’s go get girl with respect, was a gentle- they’ve never been promoted. resting with your first love, enhancers, some of which may something to eat.” He should man, was honest and moral So, here, with this thing which is the traditional type of cause serious harm. Women also wash the dishes without and she dished him dirt. we have the chance to bring cricket, but more with a faster have been known to laugh at the woman having to ask, the fast version of the cricket, game now, 20/20 cricket? (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10) which is called 20/20. “MAQ T20”…We have a huge pro- M.A.Q.: If you look at it like, gram, which will involve sum- you want to promote the crick- mer camps. We also have inde- et, you want to bring the best pendent tournaments. teams and fast in America, That’s all these programs where Tests have never been going for three years ahead of promoted, we bring the short us. And (we’re) trying to pro- version. We had to bring the mote this cricket because the youngsters. If you look at the game is the world’s second youngsters, they are ready to largest game after soccer and go…Here, nobody played never got promoted. cricket. Only baseball, soccer The year I stepped in, I and all of that. I have the did 1999, first tournament, dream and goal to promote the short version for Americans. cricket. When I became a suc- Cricket, like baseball, two and cessful businessman after fin- a half hours, 20/20, in the city ishing college in 1989, I opened of Dania Beach (Florida). And you don’t have the proper sta- (CONTINUED ON PAGE 12)

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10 CARIBBEAN TODAY April 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com VIEWPOINT • “Countries that need • “Many women in Trinidad and Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin last innocent people, may result in resources turn to people who Tobago have very little say over month saying Jamaica’s police the mass migration of Guyanese have resources. Our concern is when they have sex and with force is riddled with criminals. to his and other neighboring about our relationship with the whom” - Angela Lee-Loy, chair- Caribbean states. Caribbean and our interest is man of the National AIDS • “We would hate that these building a strong relationship Coordinating Committee last violent attacks on innocent • “The people of Dominica • “We are not looking at a shal- between the United States and month explaining that fear of people by warring gangs would cannot be held accountable for low piece pizza, but a deep dish the Caribbean. We will never violence or abandonment often get out of hand, as what everybody says” - Minister pizza” - Wendell Mottley, a for- fault Caribbean countries for prevents women from discussing it could trigger for National Security Rayburn mer Trinidad and Tobago looking for help where they can fidelity or negotiating condom migration whether Blackmoore dismissing a sug- finance minister now head of find help” – U.S. Assistant use with their partner, increasing to neighboring gestion that Dominica may be Caribbean operations at a Secretary of State for the Western the possibility of being infected territories or to joining forces with Venezuela to United States-based financial Hemisphere Ambassador with HIV. islands of the form a military alliance against institution, on the economic Thomas Shannon responding to eastern Caribbean the United States is laughable. problems of the Caribbean, par- decisions by some regional coun- • “The fact is, - St. Lucia’s Prime ticularly in light of a possible tries to seek assistance from there are crimi- Minister Stephenson King last Compiled from CMC and recession in the U.S. other governments which do not nals in the force” month expressing concern that other sources. have good relationships with – Jamaica’s Police continued unrest in Guyana, Washington. Commissioner caused by the recent murders of ® Seeking Adonis (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) tion. That’s why countries did, and keeping with my hon- what they do, no matter what have a good sense of humor.” There are women who have diplomats who find ways esty, I would do it again if I got they say, and that’s a fact. Many guys who I spoke to said abhor that type of behavior in to say unpleasant things in a the chance.” Not even women He should remain faithful that they have a great sense of men, which just adds more nice way. Too much honesty are so honest with their men, to her and her alone. That’s a humor, for whenever they say problems to men’s dilemma, can lead to crosses, so some yet they ask that of them. fair request, but ironically, anything to their women, the “Who do you treat how?” things are best left unsaid. women often lose respect for response always was, “Ha, you Many seek rogues. Every Joe Imagine being honest and FAITH AND TRUST men who fall into this category. must be joking.” Grind is a brute, yet women saying, “I just saw your best Still seeking Adonis, they For some reason they’re So that’s how some women are still drawn to them. Look friend, and my, she looks so say, “He should not give me a attracted to womanizers, then expressed what their Adonis how many women leave their good I’d love to sleep with reason not to trust him.” That suddenly expect them to just should be. Ironically I know decent husbands and take up her,” or “I’m going away for I’d love to see, as women will settle with them. Very often if some gay men who would fit with sleaze balls. Go figure. In two months, and being a man, always find reasons not to they do, they take them for the profile, sensitive, caring, affairs of the heart, nice guys chances are I’ll sleep with trust their men. If he leaves granted, and also hold them to thoughtful, does dishes, cooks, seem to finish last. another woman if I get the the house, it must be woman sexual ransom. But if she cleans, washes, irons. It’s only But back to the ladies chance.” Those were future house that he’s gone to. If he knows, or thinks that he has in the sex department they’d seeking Adonis. “He must be possibilities, flirting with the departs from the norm and options, she realizes that if she fall short. Pity Mr. Adonis - honest and open with me, laws of probability and wishful comes home later than usual, slips, he’ll get it outta street. when they do find him - for even if what he has to say will thinking. But honesty with the same applies. If his cell That may keep her on her toes. dog nyam him supper. hurt. Gentlemen, don’t fall for matters of the past can be even phone is off, that’s proof Hey, it’s just my theory. that one, it’s a trick. What a more devastating. “So did you enough for mistrust. Women Still seeking, they say that [email protected] tall order, as honesty and talk- sleep with her?” “I cannot tell will always find reasons to Adonis should, “Please me ® ing can be a deadly combina- a lie, I must be honest, yes I mistrust a man, no matter sexually, be intelligent and

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April 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 11

FEATURE www.caribbeantoday.com P.M.Golding says all the right things at meeting with Jamaicans in South Florida

PATRICK SMIKLE In this mission, he foresaw cru- crime and violence. user-fees at public hospitals. cial roles for the College of “But first we have to clean The technocrats had told him mong the political Agriculture and the Scientific it out,” he said to loud cheers. that the country could not personalities of who Research Council. He had told the commis- afford this. His response? Ahave emerged in He posited the need for sioner of police that the top cop “We cannot afford not to Independent Jamaica, Orette food security in the context of had the full support of the gov- afford it.” Bruce Golding is second only rising commodity prices over ernment in his efforts to clean On poverty, Golding to the late Michael Manley in which Jamaica had no control. up the force. Additionally, lamented that there were some his articulateness. He prefaced this prioritizing of Golding said, the country had 365,000 people living below He is almost the equal of food security with the com- to address the causes of crime. the poverty line. To ameliorate Manley in his ability to reduce ment that “Dudley will proba- A first step in doing this was to their situation, the government complex political issues to bly crack a wry smile when I Golding devise programs of upliftment, had already spent some J$500 crowd-pleasing sound-bites. mention this.” The reference which focused on young men. million this year alone on sub- He surpasses Manley in was to retired Ambassador Jamaicans residing overseas At the same time, he said, sidizing basic food items. the use of the vernacular to Dudley Thompson, sitting in since becoming prime minister there was a need to enforce These subsidies would be con- both get his point across and to the audience. just seven months ago. the law “without fear or favor tinued, but they would be tar- elicit applause. And his turn- “Never mind the wry or concern for status. Those of geted in ways designed to of-phrase reminds this reporter smile. Dudley should be for- CRIME FIGHT us in leadership, people of ensure that only the neediest of retired academician and cul- given if he laughed out loud,” I In response to the prominence, must set an exam- benefited. The government tural icon Professor Rex commented to a colleague inevitable first question at ple by obeying the law.” would not allow people to buy Nettleford. reporter. gatherings such as these, he In response to another subsidized cornmeal to “feed These verbal attributes Amb. Thompson was first spoke of the need to “strength- question from the audience, he their Alsatians” he said. were on full display when foreign minister and later en the capacity of the police reiterated another election And how would the gov- National Security Minister in platform promise…to remove Prime Minister Golding force” in the fight against (CONTINUED ON PAGE 12) addressed a town-hall meeting 1972-80 People’s National at the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Party (PNP) government which Performing Arts Center on the made food security a major Nova Southeastern University component of its development Campus in Davie, Florida on program. That was after the Mar. 28. Arab countries imposed an oil “Jamaica is too rich to be boycott following their defeat so poor,” he said. “We are too in the Yom Kippur War. That bright to be struggling so boycott triggered massive hard.” increases in the price of oil and, There was the obligatory as a consequence, most other acknowledging of the “crucial imported commodities. role” remittances from over- seas-based Jamaicans have TURNAROUND played in keeping the island’s Remember the Production economy afloat. Plan? Remember the slogan “Jamaica couldn’t survive “Eat what you grow. Grow without you,” he declared to what you eat”? Golding’s resounding applause. Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Neither bauxite nor tourism then in Opposition, pooh- brings into the economy the poohed those policies. They kind of money Jamaicans send slammed the slogans. home every year…more than On education, the prime J$2 billion last year, he noted. minister reiterated his party’s “But it’s more than just promise that if elected to gov- the money,” he said. ernment the JLP would More applause. remove tuition fees for “Regardless of our num- schools. bers in any community, in any “This is not giving parents situation, we manage to make a free ride,” he told the audi- our presence felt,” Golding ence, noting that in 2005-06 added. “As good as our school year, parents spent J$19 ambassadors have been they billion on the non-tuition haven’t had the same impact. aspects of their children’s edu- Jamaicans abroad are the cation. country’s best ambassadors.” His administration would Even more applause. also strengthen early-child- hood education, create a DISSONANCE machinery to facilitate greater The government must do parental support and extend more to utilize the talent, skills the school leaving age from 16 and expertise of Jamaicans to 18. abroad, the prime minister Long-time political-watch- declared. ers would probably recall JLP And this evokes a sense of Education Spokesman Edwin dissonance for this reporter. Allen’s unprecedented crossing Wasn’t Golding a senior of the floor of the House of Cabinet minister in the 1980-89 Representatives to shake government which was infa- Michael Manley’s hand when mous for it’s preference for the then prime minister foreign consultants over both announced a policy of free ter- local and other Jamaican tiary education. Allen’s party expertise? frowned on that gesture and The sense of dissonance proceeded to oppose the poli- set in when Prime Minister cy. They accused the govern- Golding mentioned “food ment of promoting “a freeness security” as one of the priori- mentality.” ties of his administration. Dissonance aside, Golding “We need to modernize farm- said all the right things in this ing,” he told his audience. his first meeting with

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www.caribbeantoday.com FEATURE U.S. paints bleak picture of human rights violations in the Caribbean WASHINGTON – The United said though the constitution women and children. problems” in some areas. It an overburdened court system, States Department of State has provides for freedom of speech In Belize, the State identified these as “unlawful violence against women, and painted a bleak picture of and of the press, the Baldwin Department said human rights killings committed by members abuse of children”. human rights violations in the Spencer administration problems included brutality of the security forces; mob vio- The report said problems Caribbean. respects these rights on a and the use of excessive force lence against and vigilante in Suriname include police In its “U.S. Country “somewhat limited basis”. by security forces. killings of those suspected of alleged mistreatment of Reports on Human Rights The report stated that breaking the law; abuse of detainees at the time of arrest; Practices 2007”, released last PROBLEMS human rights problems in detainees and prisoners by abuse of prisoners by guards; month, the State Department In The Bahamas, the Dominica primarily involve police and prison guards; and overcrowded detention facili- accused the region report stated that while the violence against women and poor prison and jail conditions”. ties; an overwhelmed judiciary of a number of government generally children and “adverse condi- In St. Kitts and Nevis, the with a large case backlog; and violations, respects the human rights tions” experienced by indige- State Department said prob- lengthy pretrial detention. ranging from of its citizens, there were nous Kalinago or Carib lems include poor prison con- In Trinidad and Tobago, excessive use problems in some areas, Indians. ditions, corruption, and vio- the report highlighted police of force by including complaints of In Grenada, the State lence against women. killings during apprehension or police, to abuse by police and Department said human rights The State Department custody, inmate illness and poor prison prison and detention cen- problems include allegations of said abuse of suspects and pris- injuries due to poor prison conditions, to tre guards, lengthy pre- corruption, violence against oners by the police, long conditions, high-profile cases discrimination trial detention, poor deten- women, and instances of child delays in trials and sentencing, of alleged bribery, violence and violence tion conditions, delays in trials, abuse. violence against women, and against women, inadequate against women. violence against women and The State Department child abuse are the major alle- services for vulnerable chil- The report described children, and discrimination said despite some improve- gations in St. Lucia. dren, and unsafe working con- prison conditions in Antigua against persons of Haitian ments, Haiti’s human rights In St. Vincent and the ditions as some of the alleged and Barbuda as “poor”, descent. record remains “poor”. Grenadines, the State major human rights violations. attributing overcrowding in The State Department The report said while the Department said problems pri- part to “a law that limited the identified alleged human rights Jamaica government generally marily surround “impunity for - CMC ability of magistrates to grant problems in Barbados as respects the human rights of its police who used excessive bail to those accused of certain excessive use of force by citizens, there were “serious force, poor prison conditions, ® offences”. police, poor prison conditions, The State Department and societal violence against ‘MAQ’ targets Caribbean love for cricket in the U.S. (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) looked at the Stanford 20/20 you think you’ll be in it before P.M.Golding says all the right things in tournament and taken any you determine if this is a suc- my business up and I thought kind of lesson from it? cess or not a success? meeting with Jamaicans in South Florida one day I was gonna put my teams together here to play M.A.Q.: If you remember… M.A.Q.: It’s gonna be a yearly cricket. The time’s now. (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11) announcement at this time, back in 1999 I’m the first one project…I was planning to put who created the 20/20 tourna- the stadium in Orlando. We ernment pay for all this? Golding said, he expected the G.W.: The adaptation of cricket solution (or solutions) to be ment in Dania Beach park own the land up there by Here Prime Minister in the U.S. has always rested (Florida). After that the world Disney. So we’re gonna build a Golding returned to the issue built around the use of natural with the ex-pats. How impor- gas, coal or both. started playing (that version of stadium similar like this (in of the more affluent members tant is it for you that the the game). So I had the vision Lauderhill)…So once we kick of society obeying the laws of Another question from youngsters, the American- the audience elicited an prior to (Stanford 20/20 and) off from here we need more the country. The government born, catch on to the game? what anybody started in the stadiums. We’re already ready intended to close tax loop- announcement on foreign poli- cy. The government would world. So we are the ones who for a next stadium. So it’ll take holes, he said. While wage and M.A.Q.: See, any game (from created this thing and people are a year to promote the whole salary earners had their establish embassies in Haiti, outside) America, they’re Brazil, Spain and a Gulf State. learning from our creation. So game so we’re gonna spend a income taxes deducted at never gonna promote it…So we don’t have to go back to learn lot of money during the year. source under the country’s When moderator Winston you are a promoter and (if Barnes called an end to the from others’ creation. Even the Several million dollars just to Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) sys- you) really want to promote ICC (International Cricket promote these games until tem, self-employed people, proceedings, some 40-minutes the cricket you have to start after the scheduled close, sev- Council) did a tournament after 2009...Then we will have a suc- many of whom were lawyers with the youngsters. Bring us. Any good thing we always cessful result… and doctors, were not paying eral people were standing in them so the parents come in. line to ask questions. Given want to learn. Anything. (But) Every country is playing, their fare share. He said that When the parents come in and our organization was there (at except America, which is not at present just two percent of that fact, and the sustained participate, county, city and standing ovation he received, Stanford 20/20) to watch. We can playing very much exposure- registered companies paid 70 state they’ll be watching the be as successful to learn from wise. They’ve been playing, Golding can chalk up this first percent of corporate taxes. game and recognize it… other things. nobody’s been promoting. So meeting with Jamaicans resi- That had to change. here we are. We’re trying to dent overseas as a resounding Just prior to leaving G.W.: Stanford 20/20 has G.W.: This (20/20) idea, you’ve promote this game…One day success. Jamaica Golding said he met shown to the Caribbean and a been in it from the beginning. we’re going to bring the (U.S.) with the country’s energy lot of the world that a tourna- You say you’ll be in it for the team to World Cups and bring chiefs to work out solutions in Patrick Smikle is freelance ment like that can be very suc- long haul - this tournament on the cups to home in America. cessful. A shorter version of that area. While he was not in writer for Caribbean Today. Memorial weekend and the the game, properly promoted a position to make a specific others. How long do you think ® ® and the exposure. Have you

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ARTS/ ENTERTAINMENT www.caribbeantoday.com Rastafari makes it to top of U.S. capital hill Bolton, Air Supply join GORDON WILLIAMS for Marley’s famous song Rastafari, waited for the “War”. The posting also emperor in Jamaica, is on dis- St. Lucia Jazz WASHINGTON, D.C. - The explains that “Rastafari is a play. One elder described the roots of Rastafari, a religious cultural, religious, and revolu- visit as a fulfillment of rammy Award winning St. Lucia as hosts of the pre- faith which originated in the tionary movement that began prophecy. American balladeer mier jazz festival in the Caribbean island of GMichael Bolton, as well Caribbean. Having great Jamaica, can now be as soft rock duo Air Supply, artistes is not enough if we traced through an have joined the line-up for the don’t bolster the experience.” unprecedented exhi- 2008 St. Lucia Jazz festival, set Other acts carded for the bition at the to celebrate its 17th anniver- festival include the Juilliard Smithsonian sary from May 2-11. Quintet, fea- National Museum of Also booked for the festi- turing saxo- Natural History in val, which is produced by the phonist Ron the United States St. Lucia Tourist Board in part- Blake, trum- capital. nership with BET Event peter Eddie The milestone Productions, are Angie Stone, Henderson, exhibition here, titled Anita Baker, Dianne Reeves, drummer “Discovering Dionne Warwick, Jonathan Carl Allen Rastafari!”, began Butler, Najee and Wyclef Jean. and bassist early last November “We expect St. Lucia Jazz Ben Wolfe. and is scheduled to to be another spectacular event Also per- Wyclef Jean run for a year. on the island’s tourism calendar forming at St. “Rastafarism has this year,” Cybelle Brown, vice Lucia Jazz never been in any president of sales and business will be saxophonist Jacques major museum,” said development for BET Digital Schwartz-Bart; keyboardist Jake Homiak, cura- Networks, was quoted as say- Alex Bugnon, guitarist Nick tor of the exhibition. A photograph of Rastafarian elder Tawny, left, and members of his family, are part of the exhibition. ing in a recent press release. Colionne and neo-soul singer Yet the exhibi- “This Ledisi; along with local and tion in itself is not a validation in Jamaica in the 1930s. However, the centerpiece year we’re Caribbean performers. of Rastafari’s presence, which Inspired by Biblical prophecy of “Discovering Rastafari!” is continuing to St. Lucia’s 10-day jazz cele- first sprung up in 1930s colo- and the teachings of Emperor the video presentation, which improve the bration focuses on the straight nial Jamaica, but spread Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, features members of the faith quality of the jazz category as well as throughout the Caribbean and followers of Rastafari identify offering testimony. They talk event,” said acoustic, new age, jazz, soul, the globe. Reggae, now themselves as Africans seek- about various aspects of Senator fusion, R&B and hip hop held among the world’s most Rastafari, including the sacred Allen in a variety of locations and potent musical forces, herb, food, language, locks, Chastanet, venues around the island, has long carried the ban- family, role of women and dif- St. Lucia’s including Jazz on the Square in ner for Rastafari, espe- ferent factions of the faith, minister of Castries and Fond d’Or Jazz in cially through the works ranging from the Twelve tourism and Bolton Dennery. of icons such as Bob Tribes to the Nyahbinghi. civil aviation, For more information, visit Marley, Peter Tosh and The narrator offers that who added major infrastructur- the official St. Lucia Jazz web- the Burning Spear. “the message of Rastafari has al improvements were being site at www.stluciajazz.org, or In his song “Black truly become an international planned, including showcasing contact the St. Lucia Tourist Man Redemption” movement.” But although St. Lucia’s premium restaurants Board toll-free (888) 4-ST- Marley made it clear that Rastafari is more readily on Pigeon Island. LUCIA. Selassie, through his embraced by widespread soci- “Our aim is to re-establish ancestry, and Rastafari ety these days, it was not ® ruled: always that way. “Coming from the “There was so much dis- root of King David, crimination,” one elder said ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS through to the line of while explaining the earlier Solomon, his imperial persecution experienced by • DJ Movado on shooting declined to comment on the matter. majesty is the power of Rastafari. charges • St. Maarten celebrates authority.” They also talk about Jamaican dancehall deejay Movado, carnival The exhibition, returning to Ethiopia, where who had been slapped with gun- Music, dancing in the streets, fun Selassie once pledged land for and pageantry will highlight two housed in one room, is Late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I is the focal related charges, was offered bail not the only one on show point of the Rastafari faith. them to re-settle. when he appeared in court late last weeks of carnival celebrations in at the museum. Yet it is “For Rastafari, Africa is month. St. Maarten. amongst the most intriguing. their sacred homeland,” said The 27-year-old performer, whose This year’s version of the annu- “Discovering Rastafari!” ing to return to the conti- the narrator. real name is David Brooks, was arrest- al affair, which features festivities takes observers through the nent…” For visitors to “Discover ed on Mar. 26 by detectives assigned like jump-up parades, calypso com- journey of the faith via a col- The exhibition goes a Rastafari!” the journey offers to the Major Investigations Task Force. petitions, beauty pageants and the lection of photographs, signs long way in explaining many a type of spiritual connection He was held when he showed up for annual “Jouvert” celebration, will and artifacts. It makes impor- issues surrounding Rastafari, with an often misunderstood questioning in connection with a be held between April 17 and May tant note of Rastafari’s strong in an easy way that both faith. The many signatures in shooting incident on July 27 last year. 3. For more information, visit ties to Africa and late attracts and enlightens visi- the reception book showed its Movado has been charged with two www.stmaartencarnival.com Ethiopian Emperor Haile tors. The photographs show impact on the variety of peo- counts of shooting with intent and ille- Selassie I. The connection of Rastafari in many moods – ple – different nationalities gal possession of a firearm. • Legend, Ocean headline St. the black man of the African celebratory, prayer and reflec- and ages – who have caught a Kitts Music Festival diaspora is also shown tion. Another postcard makes glimpse of the display. From • Musician takes Digicel to American soul singer John Legend through the focus on Marcus it clear that “Roots reggae “It’s really cool” written by a court and Caribbean artiste Billy Ocean are Garvey, a Jamaican who artists continue to place child, to “It’s about time!! A Dominican musician confirmed among the headliners scheduled for sought to return blacks to the Ethiopia and Emperor Free for all to see and learn”, last month that he was taking Irish this summer’s three-night St. Kitts continent. Selassie at the center of their the exhibition – which closes mobile giant Digicel to court over Music Festival, set for June 21-23. music…” in early November - has an alleged copyright infringement. The festival, now in its 12th MOVEMENT Among the highlights are struck an important chord. Daryl Bob, the former lead year, will be staged at the Warner The emphasis of Rastafari photographs and articles doc- Rasta has made it to the singer of the once popular Rough Park Football Field. to seek peace, equality and umenting Selassie’s historic top of the hill. and Ready Band, has claimed that harmony is summed up at the trip to Jamaica in 1966. The the company used one of his songs Compiled from CMC and other entrance to the exhibition, original of a huge placard car- Gordon Williams is Caribbean in the production of a commercial sources. where a placard offers a quote ried by Ras Daniel Heartman Today’s managing editor. without first obtaining his permis- from a Selassie speech, which as he, along with members of sion. Up to press time Digicel had ® eventually made up the lyrics the Church Triumphant of Jah ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com HEALTH Supplements: Can they boost athletic performance? HEALTH DR. HOWARD LEWINE ered illegal substances by the the supplement is converted to blood level of a substance (International Olympic the female hormone estrone, a associated with prostate BRIEFS Committee) IOC and form of estrogen. enlargement. here are over 100 com- • Grim HIV/AIDS news for pounds advertised to be National Collegiate Athletic As an estrogen booster, Committee. Ephedra was andro can increase breast size COENZYME Q10 - Caribbean Tsupplemental Caribbean health officials claim “ergogenic aids”, substances banned by the FDA in Dec. (called gynecomastia). In addi- Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) is 2003. Athletes have died from tion, the supplement increases one of the key enzymes that that at least 31 people are dying you eat that improve your use daily in the Caribbean from the of energy, increase energy taking amphetamine-like sub- heart-attack risk, lowers HDL are essential to energy pro- stances. (good) cholesterol, and pro- duction inside the body’s cells. deadly HIV/AIDS virus. production, or shorten the UNAIDS Director Karen Sealey, time needed to recover from Drugs related to ephedra motes acne. Over the long Within each cell, Coenzyme are used in asthma treatment, term, it can increase the size of Q10 resides in the mitochon- speaking at the launch of an HIV exercise. Epidemic and Response Synthesis Of these, only a few actu- but even if prescribed can dis- the prostate gland. The FDA dria, the powerhouse of aero- qualify an athlete. Athletes recently sent letters to 23 com- bic metabolism. in the Caribbean last month, said ally have any evidence to sup- that the statistics also show that port their use as performance with asthma competing at the panies requesting them to stop Since this is a natural highest levels need to inform distributing supplements con- energy booster inside all cells, 47 persons had become infected enhancers. But many are with the virus on a daily basis last known to be dangerous or the sports association of the taining andro. Andro is a it’s easy to understand why banned substance for competi- people would be excited about year. potentially harmful. Figures show that at the end of Previously, I discussed the tion at the amateur level and a coenzyme Q10 supplement. also for many professional But after many years of trying, 2007, an estimated 230,000 peo- ergogenic qualities of vitamins ple were living with HIV and AIDS and minerals, amino acids and sports. scientists have been unable to show any performance- in the Caribbean. Some 17,000 proteins, and caffeine. Used people were newly infected during appropriately in moderate DHEA enhancing benefit when it is (Dehydroepiandrosterone) - taken by mouth. Reports of 2007, and there were 11,000 amounts, they are generally deaths due to AIDS. In The safe. And some of them can DHEA is a naturally occur- side effects are rare. ring steroid made primarily in Bahamas, Haiti and Trinidad and boost athletic performance, Tobago more than two percent of especially the vitamins and the adrenal glands. DHEA Dr. Howard LeWine is a tends to fall as we age, and member of the Harvard the adult population is living with minerals when an athlete is HIV. not getting sufficient amounts one study showed that DHEA Medical School faculty and given to older men improved practicing internist with from a balanced diet. • New plan to Most other supplements strength in some. Harvard Vanguard Medical This one piece of evi- Associates and Brigham and tackle dia- do not have a dietary origin, Supplements betes in and in fact act like drugs. But dence has been wrongly Women’s Hospital, Boston, medications they are taking. applied to younger people, Massachusetts. He serves as youth unlike control over prescrip- The Barbados tion medications, the United The athletes must be certain especially athletes. The reality chief medical editor of that none of their medications, is that DHEA isn’t effective in Internet publishing at government has States Food and Drug unveiled a new Administration (FDA) does including inhalers, is on the improving athletic perform- Harvard Health Publications. list of banned substances. ance or strength training. Side plan to tackle not have the same regulatory the worrying Estwick control over supplements. Many of the over-the-counter effects of DHEA are © 2008 President and asthma sprays contain banned unknown. Because DHEA Fellows of Harvard College. trend of diabetes substances. can be converted to testos- All rights reserved. in young people here. EPHEDRA (Ma Huang) - According to Health Minister Ephedra and related com- If you have asthma but terone and estrogen, DHEA exercise non-competitively, may result in problems similar Distributed by Tribune Media Dr. David Estwick, there has been pounds, such as phenyl- an increase in diabetes in children propanolamine, ephedrine, good control of the condition to those of andro. In addition, Services, Inc. with medications means more researchers recently discov- and adolescents in recent times. epinephrine and phenyle- He said that surveillance systems phrine don’t enhance athletic enjoyment of exercise and ered that DHEA increases the ® better performance. will be implemented in the poly- performance nor do they pro- clinics across the country to report vide any nutritional benefit. on the incidence of diabetes and Ephedra-like substances ANDRO - Despite the claims, “andro” (short for androstene- other non-chronic diseases among stimulate the nervous system, young people. increase heart rate and blood dione) doesn’t build muscle mass or enhance athletic per- pressure, and speed up the • User fees metabolism. They are consid- formance. It may boost testos- terone levels a bit, but most of removed from Jamaican hospitals Health Minister Ruddy Spencer says all is in place for the removal of user Spencer fees at Jamaica’s public hospitals and clinics starting this month. Spencer told a news confer- ence late last month that some J$60 million ($845,172) had already been disbursed to regional health authorities to carry out immediate upgrading of some pub- lic health facilities and to purchase additional chairs, filing cabinets and tents to accommodate the pro- jected 30 percent increase in patients expected on April 1. The minister said it would cost the government J$3.85 billion ($54,231,921) to support the new policy.

Compiled from CMC reports. ®

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SPORT www.caribbeantoday.com Jamaican gets shot at world boxing title Jamaica dominates

GORDON WILLIAMS Foster told Caribbean Today against Britain’s Clinton recently. “His training is in full Woods to take on Dawson. CARIFTA Games again Jamaican-born light heavy- swing.” “Anytime you get a shot weight Glen Johnson will get According to Foster, at the world title can be realis- BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, and 15 bronze to overwhelm what could be his final chance Johnson was sparring up to tically your last,” Johnson CMC – Jamaica’s junior ath- the opposition again. at reclaiming a world boxing three times a week in Miami said. letes produced another colos- Trinidad and Tobago title when he fights American leading into “We gave up our manda- sal display and strode to an placed second with 30 medals, Chad Dawson in Tampa, the champi- tory IBF shot to take this one unchallenged 24th consecutive 10 gold, 10 silver and 10 Florida this month. onship bout, because it came before the medal-topping performance as bronze, and The Bahamas col- The April 12 showdown at but was Woods bout. Now we have to the 37th CARIFTA Games lected eight gold, three silver, the St. Pete’s Times Forum expected to go out and capture the title. last month. and 12 bronze to finish third offers the Miami-based Johnson “scale back” “This guy (Dawson) chose Propelled by champi- with 23 medals. a shot at Dawson’s World by the first me,” he added. “Now we’ll onship records from distance Barbados placed next on Boxing Council (WBC) crown. week of April. just have to deal with him.” runners Natoya Goule and the medal grid in fourth place The 39-year-old Jamaican Johnson’s The Clarendon-born Kemoy Campbell, the with 26 medals, seven gold, 10 told Caribbean Today recently Johnson sparring part- fighter said he had no predic- Jamaicans won 11 of the 22 silver and nine bronze, fol- that he is fit and ready to bat- ners were tions for the Dawson fight. He gold medals during the last lowed by Martinique with 14 tle for the full 12 rounds if handpicked for their youth, plans to seek an early knock- session of the three-day meet medals (5-3-6), and Grenada necessary. power and especially speed to out, but if that doesn’t work at the Jubilee Stadium. with eight (3-2-3). “All is a go,” Johnson simulate the younger he said he is ready to go the They piled up 69 medals, said. “Training is good. I can’t Dawson’s style. distance. The only object, comprising 29 gold, 25 silver ® complain.” “Everything is a little he said, is to win, and for He also promised not just more quicker,” the man called Johnson the title fight could to take the 25-year-old the “Road Warrior” said. not come soon enough. SPORT BRIEFS Dawson’s title, but punish his “This is an urgency from opponent as well. LAST CHANCE? two years now, since we last •Caribbean bags four medals the Rapids. “Everything is sweet,” Johnson, the 2004 lost the title in 2005,” said at World Indoors Johnson said. “Pure lick the “Fighter of the Year” who Johnson. “The time for me is Bahamian Chris Brown and • Caribbean athletes win U.S. boy a go get.” once held the International now, definitely. We’re not Jamaica’s 1600-metre men’s relay junior college sprints Meanwhile, manager Boxing Federation (IBF) looking towards tomorrow. team boosted the English-speaking Caribbean athletes Ryan Brathwaite Henry Foster backed crown for the 175-pound April 12 is it.” Caribbean’s medal haul to four as and Natasha Ruddock registered Johnson’s claim that the fight- weight division, believes time the 12th IAAF World Indoor track impressive wins in the sprint hur- er’s preparations for the bout may be running out for him to Gordon Williams is Caribbean and field championship ended last dles at the National Junior College were going smoothly. reclaim a world title. For that Today’s managing editor. month. Athletic Association (NJCAA) Indoor “Glen is doing great,” reason he set aside a title bout Brown took the bronze medal in Track and Field Championships in ® the men’s 400 meters in 46.26 sec- the United States last month. onds and Jamaica’s men chased the Both athletes posted meet United States to collect silver in the record victories in the semi-finals Caribbean clubs crash out of CONCACAF soccer 4x400 meters relay. Their medal suc- before collecting gold in the finals. GORDON WILLIAMS showing by D.C. United at Franco Niell and Fred from cesses added to those of Kim Collins home, conceded three goals Brazil, and Argentine Marcelo and Tahesia Harrigan, who had • Bahamas, Bermuda WASHINGTON D.C. - The within five minutes in the sec- Gallardo. Emilio scored twice picked up silver and bronze medals, advance in World Cup soccer gulf between professional soc- ond half, and crashed out of at RFK and Fred once. Devon respectively, in the 60-meter sprint The Bahamas and Bermuda chose cer in the Caribbean and the CCC. The second half McTavish, who got D.C. on the meet’s opening day. contrasting routes but still booked United States was again swoon was indicative of the United’s lone goal in Kingston, their places in the next round of exposed last month during long road ahead for regional scored a double at home. • Jamaican Cummings scores the World Cup qualifying campaign the quarterfinal round of the teams if they are to match their Harbour View reached the in MLS late last month. CONCACAF Champions Cup North American counterparts. quarterfinal after eliminating Jamaican-born forward Omar While Bermuda trounced the (CCC) between American club “There’s a big gap Joe Public from Trinidad and Cummings scored a second-half Cayman Islands 3-1 to win 4-2 on D.C. United and Harbour between us and the MLS up Tobago to become Caribbean goal to help the Colorado Rapids aggregate, The Bahamas drew 2-2 View of Jamaica. here,” admitted Harbour champions. open the new Major League Soccer with the British Virgin Islands to The home and away tie, which View’s coach Lenworth Hyde. season with a 4-0 home victory finish with a 3-3 tie on aggregate, featured four-time U.S. Major Gordon Williams is Caribbean over the Los Angeles Galaxy late advancing on the away goal rule. League Soccer (MLS) champi- SETBACKS Today’s managing editor. last month. on D.C. United and Caribbean D.C. United was expected The 25-year-old Cummings, Compiled from CMC reports. to give an improved showing at ® playing his second season for home. Coach Tom Soehn Colorado, scored the third goal for ® lamented his team’s pre-season rust in Kingston – MLS began late last month -and also the unfavorable playing surface at the Harbour View mini-stadi- um. He looked forward to fan support at the RFK Stadium. But neither D.C. United nor Harbour View was at full strength in front of the 12,394 fans who showed up at RFK. Harbour View Football Club’s Ronny Amaguana, right, tries to escape from The home team was without D.C. United’s Fred. top striker Bolivian Jaime Moreno, who was injured in kings Harbour View ended in Kingston. Harbour View field- a lopsided 6-1 aggregate loss ed a team minus two starters, for the regional team, follow- Rafiek Thomas and Kemeel ing a 1-1 draw in Kingston on Wolfe, from the first leg. Both Mar. 12 and a 5-0 drubbing at were denied U.S. visas. the RFK Stadium here on Mar. Harbour View still boasted 18. several Jamaica senior national After a spirited showing players. Yet that could not stop from Harbour View in the first a talented D.C. United club leg, and a creditable first half featuring several players from here, the Jamaican champions soccer hotbed South America, crumbled under a stepped-up including Luciano Emilio,

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www.caribbeantoday.com FYI FORECLOSURE CLINIC and open to the public, will be stage presentation, speech and Congressman Kendrick B. held at the church grounds physical conditioning. “Miss New Jamaican envoy presents credentials to OAS Meek (Democrat-Florida) will 16000 S.W. 112th Ave. The Florida Caribbean” 2008 will host a “Foreclosure opening day will run from make appearances events such WASHINGTON – In present- through the electoral observa- Prevention Clinic” from 10 9 a.m. to sunset. The second as fundraisers, carnivals, talk ing his credentials to the tion team — led by Assistant a.m. to 3 p.m. April 12 at the day’s program is from noon to shows and festivals. Organization of American Secretary General Albert Miami-Dade College, North 5 p.m. The pageant finals will be States (OAS) last month, new Ramdin — that monitored the Campus, 11380 N.W. 27th staged on Nov. 9 at the Hilton Jamaica Ambassador Anthony general elections on the island Ave. in Miami, Florida. DISCOVER BELIZE Fort Lauderdale Airport Johnson pledged the continua- last September”, the state- The clinic will focus on The South Florida Hotel. tion of his country’s “impor- ment said. various mortgage and foreclo- Chapter of the Caribbean For more information, tant role” in the hemispheric Insulza lauded Jamaica sure issues such as loan terms, Tourism Organization, Belize call 954-882-2729. body. for its “tradition of providing foreclosure prevention, loss Tourism Board and The An OAS statement said leadership at the regional and mitigation counseling, delin- Belize Tourism Industry CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL Johnson “underscored sub-regional levels, an ele- quency procedure, under- Association Members will The fifth annual “Jerk & Jamaica’s continued commit- ment that is always important standing various options, refi- hold a “Discover Belize” func- Caribbean Culture Festival” ment to the principles of the to the activities of the OAS”, nancing, reverse mortgage and tion on April 8 at the Ten will be held on May 26 at the OAS charter and to the orga- it added. The legal assistance. Palms Restaurant, Gulfstream Meyer Amphitheatre, down- nization’s essential purposes — secretary gen- Those who attend will also Park in Hallandale, Florida. town West Palm Beach, the promotion of democracy eral expressed have the opportunity to partic- The function begins at Florida. and human rights – in present- confidence ipate in a private session with 6 p.m. with a networking ses- For more information, ing his credentials to OAS that Jamaica their lender and receive per- sion for hoteliers and other call 561-236-2537. Secretary General José Miguel would “contin- sonal, private advice on their travel industry interests. For Insulza. ue to lead the particular housing concern. more information, call 305- WHEELCHAIRS Johnson also promised to way in our Individuals planning to 823-3939. Wishes on Wheels is mak- uphold the charter’s mainte- organization participate in the clinic should ing available power wheel- nance of peace and security, Johnson for better bring all relevant mortgage MISS FLORIDA chairs to non-ambulatory sen- and the promotion of econom- understanding, and financial information, as CARIBBEAN ior citizens, ages 65 and over, ic development to eradicate peace and cooperation among well as proof of income. Females of Caribbean ori- and the permanently disabled extreme poverty. our countries”. gin, ages nine to 25, single, of any age, if they qualify. The new Jamaican envoy ARTS & CRAFTS residing in Florida for over six Usually there is no charge OVERVIEW replaces Professor Gordon FESTIVAL months and who have never or out-of-pocket expense or Johnson, who is also Shirley, who demitted office A variety of attractions been married or given birth to the power wheelchair, includ- Jamaica’s envoy to the United last September. from the Caribbean and else- a child, are being invited to ing shipping and delivery to States, gave a brief overview Prior to his current assign- where will be featured at the enter in the 2008 “Miss the home by a technician. of his government’s emphasis ment, Johnson was senior lec- Christ The King Catholic Florida Caribbean” pageant. For more information, on promoting economic devel- turer in the Department of Church’s two-day “International Selected delegates will under- call 1-800-823-5220 or visit opment, based primarily on Management Studies at the Arts & Craft Spring Festival” go eight weeks training in a www.threewishes2.com. tourism, agriculture, mining University of the West Indies; April 26-27 in Miami, Florida. self-development workshop, and energy. He also thanked Opposition spokesman on The festival, which is free which includes grooming, ® the OAS for its “engagement agriculture; and minority and collaboration with leader of the Jamaica Senate. Former Barbados minister wins U.N. award Jamaica over years, including ® UNITED NATIONS, New chosen from by profession, was first elected York - Former Barbados Senior among 11 as a Member of Parliament in Does your information match up? Minister Dame Billie Miller has individual and 1976 and was the first woman ax time is here. You number too. Most people apply been awarded the 2008 United seven institu- to be named minister in for their baby’s Social Security Nations Population Award. tional nomi- Barbados. In addition to hold- should have already card while they’re still in the The U.N. Population nees from ing a numerous ministerial Treceived your W-2s from hospital at the same time they Fund (UNFPA) said last around the portfolios, including health your employer(s) and tax infor- apply for the birth certificate. month that Dame Billie, who world, the and education, UNFPA said mation from the Internal But if you didn’t, you’ll need to was also a former foreign UNFPA said. Miller “has been promoting Revenue Service (IRS). Miller apply for your child’s Social affairs minister and a gender The population and gender issues Carefully check your name, Security number in order to advocate, is the recipient of award is given in several capacities”. Social Security number and all claim the child as a dependent the award along with a New each year to individuals and The awards will be pre- of the data on your W-2s and on your tax return. You’ll also York-based non-governmental institutions for their “outstand- sented at U.N. headquarters on your Social Security card. A need it if you ever need to organization that “helps to ing work in population and in in New York on May 22. mismatch could delay your tax save the lives of women in improving the health and wel- refund and cause apply for government benefits developing countries”. fare of individuals”, UNFPA ® problems with on behalf of Dame Billie and Family said. your Social the child or Care International (FCI) were Dame Miller, an attorney Security benefits your family. in the future. To apply for a Such errors are Social Security easy to fix now. card, all you This informa- need to do is tion includes complete a name changes. If one-page you’ve legally application changed your name due to mar- and provide proof of identity, riage, divorce, court order, or age, and citizenship. In the case for any other reason, make sure of a child’s first card, you’d also you change your name with need to prove that you are the Social Security by applying for parent. For a name change, a new Social Security card. you’d need to provide docu- Make sure you change your mentation with your old and name with your employer as new names. well. If you change with one For more information source but not the other, it about getting a Social Security could cause your earnings to be card and number for your child, improperly recorded. or to change your name and get a replacement card for yourself BABY’S NUMBER with your updated information, If you are the parent of a visit Social Security’s website at newborn, you want to make www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnum- sure that the newest family ber. member has a Social Security ®

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BUSINESS www.caribbeantoday.com U.S. legislators table bill to close Weakening U.S. dollar tax loopholes in the Caribbean will affect region ~ minister WASHINGTON – United payroll taxes,” it added. statement said. ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, dollar is floating vis-à-vis States presidential hopeful The Fair Share Act of CMC – A former finance min- these currencies and the U.S. Barack Obama has joined RESPONSIBILITY 2008 legislation will, among ister in Grenada has said the dollar is moving downwards it three Democratic colleagues Obama said American other things, amend the weakening United States dol- means that we have to pay in tabling a bill in the U.S. companies have a responsibili- Internal Revenue Code and lar would have an adverse more,” Boatswain explained. Senate that would close a ty to pay taxes, and “guaran- the Social Security Act to effect on visitor arrivals to the loophole which now allows tee that their employees will treat foreign subsidiaries of Caribbean, as well as the FALLOUT rich Americans to avoid pay- U.S. companies, performing region’s ability to repay Boatswain’s comments ing taxes through offshore services under contract with national debt. echoed similar sentiments by havens in the Caribbean. the government, as American Anthony Boatswain, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent Obama, an Illinois sena- employers for the purpose of current minister of economic and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph tor, and senators John Kerry Social Security and Medicare development, made his projec- Gonsalves and former Central of Massachusetts, Brad payroll taxes. tion as the U.S. economy grap- Bank Governor of Trinidad Ellsworth of Indiana and ples with an escalating credit Dr. Terrence Farrell. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois PROBE crunch sparked by a mortgage While Gonsalves was con- introduced the Fair Share Act In the wake of the U.S. crisis. cerned about countries’ ability of 2008 in the wake of the Department of State’s release As the U.S. dollar to service their national debts, “fleecing of the American tax- of a scathing report on alleged declined against currencies Dr. Farrell said the region’s payer by almost US$100 mil- money laundering in the such as the Japanese yen and tourism sector would begin to lion a year” by U.S. defense Caribbean, the U.S. Congress the Euro, Boatswain said feel the effects of the crisis as Caribbean countries would U.S. consumers cut spending. contractor KBR, Inc. Obama recently dispatched a team of “It was discovered that investigators to the Cayman have to dig deeper to pay for Boatswain is suggesting KBR has avoided paying its receive the Medicare and Islands. imports from outside the U.S. two key counter measures to fair share of Social Security Social Security benefits they The Cayman Islands gov- “It means that we would combat the effects of the U.S. and Medicare taxes by creat- are entitled to through their ernment said the U.S. inves- have to pay more for the credit crunch and the falling ing shell companies in the employment. tigative team met with offi- goods that we import from currency – an increase in local Cayman Islands,” the senators “It’s unacceptable for fed- cials to address “any misper- countries outside of the U.S. production and a reduction of said in a joint statement. eral contractors to use foreign ceptions about the role of with which we trade, for the country’s dependence on “The Fair Share Act of affiliates or tax shelters in Cayman’s financial services example Japan, Canada foreign goods. 2008 will end the practice of order to avoid paying their sector relative to U.S. business Europe…because the U.S. U.S. government contractors share of payroll taxes and to interests.” ® setting up sham companies in shirk on their basic obligations foreign jurisdictions to avoid to American workers”, the ® Getting financing first can clear What’s the secret to successful path to dream homeownership JOSE H. CARABALLO or omissions in the information investing? Start with discipline on which the pre-approval was t’s most homebuyers’ worst granted. HUMBERTO CRUZ life. To achieve that goal, 150,000 members. nightmare. They’ve finally depending on how much At $29 a year, its basic Ifound the perfect house. ADVANTAGES QUESTION: I would like to money I would save every membership is one of the best They sign the purchase agree- There are several important know all about the stock mar- month, I calculated the rate of bargains I’ve found, providing a ment and begin planning for advantages of pre-approval: ket, what you look for in stocks return my investments needed wealth of investment education life in their new dream home - • Because sellers and real and how you go about picking to achieve. I then picked an and guidance, including an ad- only to find out that they can’t estate agents view consumers winners and why you feel you asset allocation likely to give free magazine 10 times a year, qualify for the loan. who are pre-approved as seri- have been successful. me such a return with the least annual mutual fund and tax Fortunately, that scenario ous buyers, you can increase amount of risk. guides, model stock and mutual frequently can be avoided your purchasing power and, QUESTION: I was always Asset allocation in its fund portfolios and free stock thanks to the growing popularity therefore, may be able to nego- taught that your money should broadest sense means how you reports. The magazine never of pre-approved loan programs. tiate a better deal. work for you. I’m looking for divide your money among dif- touts “Must Buy” lists or “hot” Today, most lenders encour- • Once you know how an investment to grow dramati- ferent “asset classes”, such as tips but rather stresses invest- age prospective homebuyers to much you can afford, real cally over the coming years. stocks, bonds and cash. I ment education and understand- secure financing before they estate agents can guide you Any advice would be great. believe that low-cost, broadly ing. The web site, while offering start shopping for a home. Pre- toward properties in the right diversified mutual funds and special content to members, also approval saves time for every- price range. ANSWER: I don’t know of any exchange-traded funds are the has extensive free educational one and makes the closing • Since verification of investments that will grow “dra- most efficient and effective materials for everyone. process more efficient. It also financial information can take matically” over the coming building blocks that investors Another not-for-profit lower costs, since buyers do not place up front while you are years. Nobody does, least of all can use for their asset alloca- investor education organization pay upfront fees for credit shopping, the total underwrit- the self-anointed gurus and tion, particularly their alloca- worth considering is checks and appraisals only to ing time, and the eventual clos- investment newsletter publish- tion to stocks. BetterInvesting (www.betterin- find that they didn’t qualify. ing of the loan, is faster and ers who promise huge, huge vesting.org), formerly the Before discussing how pre- more efficient, meaning you profits in bold-faced letters if OPTIONS National Association of approval can take the uncer- enjoy the tax benefits of home- you subscribe. If they really Many people I respect dis- Investors Corporation. tainty out of shopping for the ownership sooner. knew, why would they tell? agree and argue that investors BetterInvesting, an umbrella home of your dreams, it is • Credit problems caught Could it be their real profits willing to put in the time and group for nearly 12,000 local important to understand the early, such as late payments on come from the money their effort can build a diversified investment clubs, offers a free difference between pre-qualify- a credit card, can frequently be clients and subscribers pay them portfolio of stocks on their own one-month trial membership. ing and pre-approval. resolved so that the loan rather than from the invest- without the management fees, After that, it costs $6.95 a Prequalification is simply a ver- process can move forward. ments they so loudly tout? other costs and potential tax month or $79 a year. bal exchange in which lenders Getting pre-approved for a My success as an investor - drawbacks of mutual funds. For my money, I prefer tell prospective buyers the max- home loan is a smart step. When yes, I have been successful - has Those who want to learn AAII. But BetterInvesting may imum mortgage amount they you find that perfect home, you come not from picking “hot” more about picking stocks - appeal to those interesting in are able to borrow based on can plan your future with a stocks but from having the dis- and investing in general - forming investment clubs, and their financial status. Pre- smile. cipline to adhere to basic and should consider joining the several people I know belong approval goes a step further by time-tested principles. American Association of to both organizations. verifying credit information at Jose H. Caraballo is a home loan I’ve always had a clear Individual Investors the time of loan application. It consultant with the Pembroke goal, including the amount of (www.aaii.com), a not-for-prof- Edited for space. © 2008 is a commitment to lend subject Pines, Florida office of money I wanted to have accu- it investor education group Tribune Media Services Inc. to receipt of satisfactory prop- Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. mulated at different stages in founded in 1978 with about ® erty appraisal, and no changes ®

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18 CARIBBEAN TODAY April 2008

FOOD www.caribbeantoday.com Island style: chicken calypso with rice and peas Calypso is the exuberant spirit CHICKEN CALYPSO meat thermometer to accu- of the Caribbean. Upbeat, rately ensure doneness. spicy and sweet. This month’s Ingredients 2. Combine remaining Caribbean Today dish, cour- • 1 3/4 lbs. boneless, skinless ingredients, including juice of tesy of Publix Apron’s Simple chicken thighs one-half lime (one table- Meals, fits the bill precisely. • 1 1/2 teaspoons Complete spoon), in medium bowl. Add seasoning chicken, turning to coat even- Cooking sequence • 1/4 teaspoon pepper ly; cover (with foil) and let • Preheat grill • olive oil cooking spray stand five minutes, turning • Prepare rice through step • 1/4 cup molasses occasionally, until flavors have three to five minutes • 1/4 cup pre-sliced green blended. Serve chicken with • While rice cooks, prepare onions sauce for dipping. and grill chicken - 15 minutes • 3 tablespoons Asian sweet • Complete rice and chicken; chili sauce ISLAND RICE AND serve - 10 minutes • 1 tablespoon cilantro herb PEAS paste Meal time – 30 minutes. • 1 lime (for juice; rinsed) Ingredients Serves four. • 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut Suggested items – sweet plan- milk Steps Steps 25 minutes (covered), without tains, bakery Cuban bread, 1. Preheat grill. Sprinkle • 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium apple pie. chicken broth 1. Combine coconut milk, stirring, or until most of liquid both sides of chicken with sea- chicken broth, raisins, and is absorbed and rice is tender. soning and pepper; coat with • 1/4 cup raisins (optional) Wine suggestion – A smooth, • 1 1/2 teaspoons jerk jerk seasoning in medium 3. Stir in peas; cover and cooking spray. Place on grill saucepan. Cover and bring to cook four to five more min- medium-bodied wine such as (wash hands); close lid (or seasoning Clos Du Bois Chardonnay, • 1 (10-ounce) package yellow boil on high. utes or until peas are heated. cover loosely with foil). Cook 2. Stir rice mix into boil- Fluff rice with fork and serve. which has fruity flavors of five to six minutes on each rice mix pear, green apple, butter, and • 1 cup frozen green peas ing mixture. Cover and side or until internal tempera- reduce heat to low; cook 22 to ® toasty oak. ture reaches 165°F. Use a An easy pan roast chicken you all will crave WOLFGANG PUCK won’t form clumps. of smoke, carefully place the board, and cover with alu- the Dijon and Meaux mus- That’s all there is to it. chicken skin side down in the minum foil to keep it warm. tards, and adjust the seasonings ou know a recipe And the result is a roast chick- skillet. Sear the chicken, undis- Pour off all but a thin to taste with salt and pepper. you’ve cooked is a clas- en that will linger in the mem- turbed, while reducing the heat layer of fat from the skillet. With a heavy knife, cut the Ysic when people ories of the people who eat, little by little to medium, until Add the port, put the skillet chicken into serving pieces. remember it and crave it years, and give you the reputation of its skin has turned golden over high heat, and boil until Return the chicken pieces to or even decades, after they a wonderful cook capable of brown and crisp, five to seven the port has reduced by half, the skillet, spoon some of the first ate it. creating a kitchen classic. minutes. With tongs or a large about five minutes, stirring and sauce over them, and sprinkle What makes a chicken fork, carefully turn the chicken scraping with a wooden spoon with parsley and tarragon recipe a classic? First, it’s the PAN-ROASTED CHICKEN skin side up. to deglaze the pan deposits. before serving. way the chicken is cooked. For WITH WHOLE-GRAIN Transfer the skillet to the Add the broth and continue Serves four. roasting, I always like to but- MUSTARD AND PORT oven and roast until the chick- boiling until the liquid has terfly a whole chicken, cutting en is deep golden brown and reduced by half again, about Edited for space. out its backbone and flattening Ingredients the juices run clear when the seven minutes. © 2008 Wolfgang Puck it. Then, I brown the chicken • 1 whole frying chicken, about thickest part of the thigh is Stir in the cream, bring the Worldwide, Inc. Distributed by skin-down in an ovenproof four pounds pierced with a skewer, 10 to 15 liquid back to a boil, and cook Tribune Media Services Inc. skillet before finishing the • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin minutes. When the chicken is for about three minutes. cooking in the oven. olive oil done, transfer it to a carving Reduce the heat to low, stir in ® The result is a beautiful, • 1/2 cup port wine evenly cooked bird with crispy, • 1/2 cup store-bought organic EASTER FEAST golden-brown skin. chicken broth Then there’s the sauce. It’s • 1/3 cup heavy cream really simple to make, a quick • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard reduction of port wine and • 1 tablespoon Meaux chicken broth. Next, the sauce (whole-grain) mustard • Salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves

METHOD Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. (200 degrees C). Meanwhile, butterfly the chicken. With poultry shears or a sharp knife, carefully cut along the ribs on both sides of the is enriched with a little cream backbone to remove it. Spread and, finally, the whole-grain out the chicken, skin up, on a mustard (in the style of clean work surface and press Meaux, France, available in down firmly with the heel of most food stores) and some your hand to flatten the chicken. Dijon mustard are stirred in at Over high heat, preheat a the last minute, naturally heavy ovenproof skillet large thickening the sauce. Just be enough to hold the flattened chicken. Add the olive oil and Miami-Dade Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle and some of the crowd at Arcola Lakes Park get some food during a fun afternoon at sure to reduce the heat to low his fifth annual “Easter Egg Bash” last month. Hundreds of children, their parents and guardians were entertained with games, before you add the mustard, so swirl it in the skillet. As soon music and a performance by the dance group Royalty. it will blend smoothly and as you begin to see slight wisps

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POLITICS/ REGION www.caribbeantoday.com U.S. official promises to review CARICOM leaders announce CARICOM’s crime fighting needs plans for June confab in N.Y. BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, be able to lion to help those countries NASSAU, The Bahamas, culture, education and other CMC – A high-ranking have a conver- boost technical and material CMC – Caribbean communi- issues of interest and concern United States official has sation with our capacity in maritime security ty (CARICOM) leaders have to the region.” urged Caribbean governments Caribbean and law enforcement. announced that they will hold Congressman Rangel, to identify what they need to partners to get However, Shannon a conference in the United who is regarded as a friend of deal with the growing crime their under- acknowledged there was still States in the next three the Caribbean, was instru- problem in the region. standing of more to be done. months, which will coincide mental in organizing the 2007 Assistant Secretary of how we can “We need to put more with the Conference of the conference at which the lead- Caribbean which was held in ers of Antigua State for the Western better help Shannon resources into the region and Hemisphere Ambassador them,” he told that’s the bottom line. A lot of Washington on June 20, 2007. and Barbuda, Thomas Shannon told the CMC after meeting with Caribbean countries are At the closing press con- The Bahamas, Caribbean Media Corporation Barbadian Prime Minister expending a lot of their budg- ference of the 19th Inter-ses- Barbados, (CMC) that as Caribbean David Thompson in et on security issues…and we sional Summit of the Belize, community (CARICOM) Bridgetown. need to recognize that and Conference of Heads of Dominica, leaders prepared for their spe- help out,” he said. Government here last month, Grenada, cial Crime and Security AID “So we’ll be working with chairman and host Prime Guyana, Haiti, Summit in Port-of-Spain, they The U.S. has pumped our Congress to make sure Minister Hubert Ingraham Jamaica, St. said leaders took the decision Kitts and should compile a list of their $170 million into initiatives in that as our budgets go forward Rangel pressing needs. the Eastern Caribbean over we have the resources we to accept an invitation from Nevis, St. “We’re going to be look- the past three years and need to help our Caribbean the chairman of the Ways and Lucia, St. ing to Caribbean countries to this year the U.S. State partners.” Means Committee of the U.S. Vincent and the Grenadines, help us understand that (crime Department said it had bud- House of Representatives, Suriname and Trinidad and problem) better. We hope to geted an estimated $1.6 mil- ® Congressman Charles Rangel Tobago met with U.S. to have the meeting in New President George W. Bush. York. At that meeting the leaders Fraud case against Jamaica ex-minister “It’s called the New York reaffirmed their unequivocal Conference of the Caribbean commitment to a secure and Community - 2020 Vision prosperous region and future delayed in Cuban light bulb scandal Continued”, Ingraham said. for the benefit of all “We expect to meet with Caribbean and U.S. citizens. KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Prosecutions a courtesy that is given on the mayor of New York, the The New York meeting Attorneys for embattled (DPP) Paula many occasions in many cases governor of New York state will be held over two days Jamaican parliamentarian Llewelyn told and the Crown regards this as and business leaders to dis- from June 19 to 20. Kern Spencer, who is charged the court that it would any other case,” she cuss trade and investment, in connection with the Cuban the Crown said after emerging from ® light bulb scandal, have was not yet in court. expressed concern about the a position to The decision did not sit Deciding U.S. presidential elections delay in the start of the for- hand over the well with Spencer’s legal team, lar) election mer minister’s trial. relevant docu- Spencer which argued that the delay residential elections are Spencer who is facing ments to the was too long. held every four years in Now that each party is rep- fraud charges related to the defense and “There is nothing for us to Pthe United States. This resented by one candidate, the controversial project appeared an adjournment until May 16 do. We can’t prepare a defense process was set up in the U.S. general elections process in court late last month, but was granted in the high-profile because we don’t know what Constitution. The constitution begins. Candidates campaign the prosecution made a suc- matter. the charges are,” contended requires a candidate for the throughout the country in an cessful submission for more “We have to get our case attorney Deborah Martin. presidency to be: attempt to win the support of time to present its case. together. We have to deal with • At least 35 years old voters. Finally in November, the people vote for one candidate. The Director of Public certain matters and it’s usually ® • A natural born citizen of the U.S. When a person casts a vote • A resident of the U.S. for 14 in the general elections, they years are not voting directly for an Caribbean American voters’ alert So how does one become individual presidential candi- DR. MARCIA MAGNUS not declare a party affiliation, able to vote for a presidential president of the United States? date. Instead, voters in each you will not able to vote on candidate in the November The following steps outline the state actually cast their vote for or immigrants, one of the presidential ballot ques- presidential election. But general process for presidential a group of people, known as the disadvantages of tion in future primary elec- don’t be caught unaware in elections. electors. These electors are part moving to a new country tions (usually in January), you the next primary presidential of the Electoral College and F are supposed to vote for their that has a different political need to declare a party affilia- election. Declare your party Step I: Primaries and caucuses system is that we often auto- tion by July 25, 2008. affiliation now so that you There are many people state’s preferred candidate. matically transfer expectations There are two ways to won’t have another surprise. who would like to become from our native country to declare your party affiliation. Do it now and get it over president. Each of these peo- Step 4: The Electoral College the host country. First, you can pick up and fill with! ple have their own ideas about In the Electoral College system, each state gets a cer- Many Caribbean out a new voters’ registration See you at the polls! how our government should tain number of electors, based American immigrants who application, indicate a party work. Some of these people on its population. Each elector were ready to cast their ballot change, and mail the completed Dr. Marcia Magnus is chair- can belong to the same political gets one electoral vote. For for their presidential candi- form to the Supervisor of person of Caribbean- party. That’s where primaries example, a large state like date on Jan. 29, 2008 got a Elections office. Or you can American Politically Active and caucuses come in. In these download the form and mail it Citizens, a group of elections, party members get to California gets 54 electoral surprise - they could not vote votes, while Rhode Island gets for their presidential candi- to the Supervisor of Elections Caribbean Americans who vote for the candidate that will represent their party in the only four. All together, there date because they were regis- office in your county. (The fol- are committed to increasing lowing are contacts for offices in voter turnout. Members are upcoming general elections. are 538 electoral votes. tered as independents! They In December (following had no party affiliation. Miami-Dade, Broward and non-partisan and, based on Step 2: National conventions the general elections), the elec- To vote on all ballot ques- Palm Beach counties in Florida:) the recommendations of a www.miamidade.gov/elections panel of advisors, make rec- At the end of the primaries tors cast their votes. When tions, including the presiden- the votes are counted in 305-499-8683 ommendations on which can- and caucuses, each party holds tial question, in any primary January, the presidential candi- www.browardsoe.org 954-357- didates and issues would be a national convention to final- election, you need to have a date that gets more than half 7050 most beneficial to Caribbean ize the selection of one presi- party affiliation. You need to (270) wins the elections. www.pbcelections.org 561- Americans in South Florida. dential nominee. During this be either a declared Democrat time, each presidential candi- or a Republican. 656-6200 For more information, call - Ben’s Guide to U.S. 954-454 -7473. date chooses a running-mate If you are registered to (or vice-presidential candidate). Government for Kids. vote as an “independent” with As an independent regis- tered voter, you will still be ® no party affiliation, if you do Step 3: The general (or popu- ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com TOURISM/ TRAVEL U.S. travel alert for Guyana expires May 1 New ‘one stop’ Caribbean WASHINGTON - The both places, attacks were con- U.S. citizens traveling in United States Department of ducted by “heavily armed Guyana to maintain a high travel website launched State says its travel alert for gangs”. level of vigilance, consider Guyana expires on May 1. The Jan. 26 and Feb. 17 security issues when planning NEW YORK - The Caribbean including weather reports, It said the alert, first attacks resulted in the deaths activities throughout Guyana, Tourism Development upcoming festivals and events, issued on Feb. 26, is issued to of more than 23 people, minimize movement when Company (CTDC), the market- news from the Caribbean, “inform U.S. citizens of safety including five children and possible while avoiding large ing and business development travel deals and promotions. and security concerns three police officers, it said. crowds, and not to travel at unit owned equally by the Travelers can also utilize the throughout Guyana following “Due to the seemingly night. Caribbean Hotel Association site to book a Caribbean trip recent events in Lusignan and random nature of these “Guyanese authorities are (CHA) and the Caribbean with Travelocity, the website’s Bartica by armed criminal ele- crimes, the disparate locations conducting an investigation in Tourism Organization (CTO), official travel booking engine, ments. in which they occurred, and response to the recent inci- has launched its official website. or to be connected to a “U.S. citizens should care- the fact that the perpetrators dents and may institute fur- www.CaribbeanTravel.com Caribbean specialist travel fully consider the risks of trav- have not all yet been appre- ther actions or precautions, is designed as the first central agent to plan el to Guyana in light of recent hended, additional attacks in including roadblocks or other portal for all things related to or book their attacks in the Georgetown other parts of the country can- measures”, it added. Caribbean travel. vacation. suburb of Lusignan and the not be ruled out”, the state- “Our goal with Other dis- Essequibo River town of ment said. ® CaribbeanTravel.com is to tinctive fea- Bartica”, it said, noting that in “The U.S. Embassy urges create a one-stop shop for tures of the travelers and travel agents site include: a with all necessary information, “Hot Deals” Montserrat volcano still dangerous ~ scientists images and vacation offers at section with BRADES, Montserrat, CMC She, however, noted that single rock fall signal,” the their fingertips,” said Vincent special travel Vanderpool-Wallace – Scientists monitoring the the likelihood of an explosion statement added. Vanderpool-Wallace, co-chief values; maps Soufrière Hills volcano have or collapse of the dome which The release also indicated executive officer of the of the region; and detailed reported that while lava extru- still consists of a large mass of that the alert level on the CTDC. “In today’s web-ori- descriptions of places to stay, sion has stopped, the dome is hot lava, was decreasing with island remained at four. ented world, things to do and special events still capable of either collaps- time as the dome slowly Access to all areas on the it’s all about throughout the year. ing or exploding. cooled. southern flanks of the Belham the rich con- “Our goal since day one “During heavy downpours, The statement also noted Valley, except Isles Bay Hill tent and our of the creation of the CTDC ions, lahar activity in drainages that measurable activity at the and to the east of the Belham site provides has been to create buzz and around the volcano remain a Soufrière Hills Volcano, which Bridge, has been prohibited, visitors with a business for the Caribbean,” potential hazard,” said Director began erupting in July 1995, as well as the area south of complete vir- said Alec Sanguinetti, co- of the Montserrat Volcano showed no significant change. Jack Boy Hill to Bramble air- tual experi- CEO of the CTDC. “We are Observatory Dr. Vicky Hards “Recorded seismic activi- port and beyond. ence that will achieving both of these goals in a statement issued on ty remained low and the seis- both whet Sanguinetti on this new site. Never before Mar. 31. mic network recorded just a ® their appetites have travelers had the oppor- and provide all the tools they tunity to find so much dedicat- need to plan and book their ed information in one place as trip.” they now have available on Anguilla upgrading disaster warning system The website was designed CaribbeanTravel.com.” to offer travelers the most cur- THE VALLEY, Anguilla, The first phase of the radio receiver will also be rent destination information ® CMC - Anguilla has taken the national system was tested here included on the website. lead among Caribbean islands late last month, following a suc- Partners in the project in rolling out its National cessful pilot project last year. include the Anguilla Tourist Disaster Warning System. Officials said the second Board and the Anguilla Hotel Guyana rejects lowering Disaster management offi- phase of the project will be and Tourism Association, cials here said the system was the establishment of a website Radio Anguilla, Royal Anguilla designed to provide emergency through which the public can Police Force, the DDM, and standards for investors alerts and notification and will register to receive emergency the Media Coordination Group “take advantage of multiple and tourism information mes- of the National Disaster GEORGETOWN, Guyana, communications means to get sages. Information on pur- Management Committee. CMC - The Guyana govern- the message out”. chasing a warning system FM ment says it has no intention ® of lowering its environmental standards to attract foreign investment in the mining sec- Region urged to focus on health, wellness tourism tor. Prime Minister Sam Hinds, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, trade and health tourism is are some concessions avail- speaking at a one-day Corporate CMC – The Caribbean region concerned is that there have able,” Sealy explained. Social Responsibility (CSR) has been encouraged to market been several approaches Executive Director of workshop organized by the itself to the United States, adopted worldwide and gov- Caribbean Export Phillip Canadian High Commission last Canada and Europe as a mecca ernments can get involved in Williams, who also addressed month, said that there would be for health and wellness tourism. the sector as part of their the conference, added that the no adulteration of the global Tourism Minister Richard national policies in many dif- Caribbean was ideally suited environmental guidelines. Sealy said since many ferent ways.” to service the North American Hinds Hinds, a Canadian-trained Caribbean economies rely market given its geographic mining expert, said the local global warming “there have on tourism as a major foreign ON THE CARDS proximity, direct flights, com- standards would not be “an been renewed attention to exchange earner, it was time Commenting directly on mon language and its sun, iota lower” than the interna- finding uranium resources for the region to create a new how Barbados planned to sands and sea, which all con- tional benchmarks because of here as an alternative energy niche for itself. assist investors in health and tribute to the region’s attrac- heightened searches for min- source to the popular, but “I think that it is a neces- wellness tourism ventures, tiveness as a primary destina- eral resources in Guyana by expensive, fossil fuel.” sity for us given that tourism Minister Sealy noted that leg- tion for health tourism. He overseas-based companies. The prime minister, who is is our main industry, and given islative amendments were on said the time was ripe for But he praised the historic also the minister of mining in our limited resources and the the cards. service firms to explore con- role foreign companies have the Bharrat Jagdeo administra- fact that a hardworking and “There is already enabling crete business opportunities played in the country’s eco- tion, said there were three for- well educated work force is legislation (the Tourism and for business support nomic development adding eign companies that have been about all we have going for Development Act) and all organizations to develop serv- that they bring “connection exploring alternative energy us,” he told regional partici- that is required is for the ice sector strategies to facili- and integration in the world resources in the country. pants at a recent Caribbean sponsor of the project to tate two-way trade between market.” Export Development Agency prove to the minister of Canada and the region. Hinds said with interna- ® three-day seminar. tourism that it is a tourism- tional nervousness created by “My understanding where related project and that there ®