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PRESORTED JANUARY 2009 STANDARD ® U.S. POSTAGE PAID MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 7315 Tel: (305) 238-2868 1-800-605-7516 [email protected] [email protected] We cover your world Vol. 20 No. 2 Jamaica: 654-7282 THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING NEWS MAGAZINE Dr. Carolyn Gomes, a Jamaican activist, is among seven global advo- cates to receive the United Nations General Assembly’s top human rights prize, page 2.

United States Congressman Alcee This month the United States Hastings, left, and immigration attorney will embrace its first African Cheryl Little are among those unhappy American president. But decades ago, Dr. Martin Luther that U.S. immigration officials have King Jr., whose birthday is cel- resumed deportation of Haitians, ebrated as a national U.S. holi- despite the devastation in that day, lost his life in a civil rights Caribbean country caused by recent struggle to make it possible, hurricanes, page 4. page 12. NATURAL MYSTIC ~ Take in a lung-full of the purest air from He played in a movie about a majestic panoramic perspective. Skim England’s monarch. Now 91- 100-foot high treetops with your toes. year-old Bermudan-born actor Marvel at the beauty of Mother Nature Earl Cameron gets ready to from the heavens. Culture and nature take meet real-life Queen Elizabeth II, who is honoring him for serv- center stage at Jamaica’s newest tourist ices to drama in a career span- attractions, page 15. ning seven decades, page 17.

CALL CARIBBEAN TODAY DIRECT FROM JAMAICA 655-1479 INSIDE News ...... 2 Business ...... 11 Tourism/Travel ...... 15 Viewpoint...... 7 MLK’s Birthday ...... 12 Arts/Entertainment...... 17 Health ...... 9 Sport ...... 14 Region ...... 19

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www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS U.S. immigration raid nets 110 Jamaican wins a Caribbean nationals in Florida U.N. award MIAMI - United States fugitives who went into hiding wanting to immigrate here to Immigration and Customs after earlier being ordered to do so in a safe, legal and UNITED NATIONS – A tion of these individuals and Enforcement (ICE) officials leave the country and 29 oth- orderly manner.” Jamaican activist is among organizations that have fought said their agents arrested ers who were guilty of violat- Of the 110 arrested, 93 seven global advocates to to see the rights and freedoms more than 100 Caribbean ing immigration laws were remained in ICE custody up receive the United Nations embodied in this historic nationals in a major immigra- arrested. to press time, and 17 were General Assembly’s top document become a reality tion sweep in South Florida. The operation netted 47 processed for removal and human rights prize. for people in all corners of Officials said 110 persons arrests in Miami-Dade, 30 in released. In the case of those Carolyn Gomes, execu- the world,” UN General classified as immigration fugi- Broward, 15 in Palm Beach, released, ICE officials said tive director and co-founder Assembly President Miguel tives and immigration viola- 11 in Tampa and seven in they released migrants who of Jamaicans for Justice, D’Escoto said. tors, were detained late last Orlando. were verified to be sole care- has received the award at a “These awardees consti- month after a five-day “ICE will continue to givers or as having medical General Assembly ceremony tute symbols of persistence, enforcement operation in arrest and deport aliens who concerns. marking the 60th anniversary valour and tenacity in their Miami-Dade, Broward and have ignored an immigration of the adoption of the resistance to public and pri- Palm Beach counties, as well judge’s order to leave the CRIMINAL RECORD Universal Declaration of vate authorities that violate as in Orlando and Tampa. country,” said Michael Rozos, Of the arrested, officials Human Rights (UDHR). human rights.? They consti- According to ICE, among field office director for the said 24 had criminal records The prize, which is given tute a moral force to put an those arrested and will be ICE Office of Detention and that included aggravated every five years, was first end to systematic human deported are nationals from Removal Operations in assault, battery, drug posses- awarded on Dec. 10, 1968, on rights violations.” Haiti, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Florida. sion, trespassing, disorderly the 20th anniversary of the Other winners of this and Trinidad and Tobago. “While we are a welcom- conduct, resisting an officer adoption of the UDHR. year’s award are: former U.N. They said 81 immigration ing country, we expect those Gomes joins a distin- High Commissioner for (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) guished roster of previous lau- Human Rights Louise reates that includes apartheid Arbour; United States ex- Investors cry fraud over U.S. money fighter and former South Attorney-General Ramsey African President Nelson Clark; and Denis Mukwege, Mandela; United States civil co-founder of the General scheme run by Haitian-born pastor rights leader Dr. Martin Referral Hospital of Panzi in MIAMI - United States feder- late last month that they had believed him,” he added. Luther King, Jr.; former U.S. the Democratic Republic of al and state authorities from filed a lawsuit in U.S. federal In response to the claim, first Lady Eleanor Roosevelt; the Congo (DRC). The list Florida are investigating a court, claiming that Theodule Theodule, 48, said tersely: former U.S. President Jimmy also includes Human Rights Haitian-born, self-styled bilked hundreds of investors “This is just too delicate to Carter; and Amnesty Watch, represented by its investment guru, who alleged- out of millions of dollars, talk about.” International. executive director Kenneth ly duped hundreds of his com- while promising to double “As we mark the 60th Roth; slain Pakistani leader patriots in South Florida to their money through stock NETWORK anniversary of the Universal Benazir Bhutto; and Dorothy pour their savings into his and options trading. According to the lawsuit, Declaration of Human Rights, Stang, a nu ventures. “Theodule said he was Theodule allegedly attracted we acknowledge the tireless Haitian investors in going to create 10,000 million- investors, primarily Haitian work and invaluable contribu- ® Florida claim they fell victim aires among the Haitian peo- Americans, through invest- to a scheme concocted by self- ple and empower them,” said ment clubs that he encouraged proclaimed evangelical minis- Jared Levy, a West Palm others to start in a network Decline in Caribbean ter George Theodule, who Beach lawyer representing at that grew rapidly over the past reportedly promised to double least 50 investors represented year. their money in three months. in the suit. The lawsuit said leaders poverty ~ U.N. The alleged victims said “The sad thing is, they (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) UNITED NATIONS, CMC – larly escalating food prices, The United Nations Economic although food and fuel prices Commission for Latin in the region have ceased America and the Caribbean climbing in recent months”, (ECLAC) says poverty ECLAC stated. declined slightly in the region in 2008, despite the global eco- DOWNTURN nomic crisis. It anticipates the global In its annual report, economic downturn to impact released last month, ECLAC the region “through a weaker said the percentage of the demand for commodity population living in poverty in exports, declining investment Latin America and the in productive sectors, lower Caribbean during 2008 migrant remittances, and dropped to 33.2 percent, or international financial market 182 million people, from 34.1 constraints for emerging coun- percent, or 184 million people, tries. for the previous year. “Employment is expected However, ECLAC said to stagnate during 2009, while extreme poverty or indigence average real wages are to rose mildly, from 12.6 percent remain unchanged or diminish in 2007, or 68 million people, slightly. to an estimated 12.9 percent, “Economic forecasts sug- or 71 million people, this year. gest that average household The report said efforts to incomes will deteriorate, par- reduce poverty and indigence ticularly among independent in 2008 were “less effective and informal workers whose than in the 2002-2007 period”, jobs are most sensitive to when the number of people liv- movements in economic ing in poverty or indigence cycles”, it added. dropped by 9.9 percent, or 37 In this context, ECLAC million people, and 6.8 percent, said poverty and indigence or 29 million, respectively. would most likely increase “Estimated figures for moderately, continuing the poverty and indigence reflect negative trend begun in 2008. the impact of rising inflation since early 2007, and particu- ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS U.S. resumes deportations to Haiti IDB pledges to help Caribbean MIAMI – Despite increasing (U.S.) government officials to legislators called on appeals for a halt to the depor- change their minds on this.” Washington to grant Haitians cope with global economic crisis tation of Haitians, United Ralph Latortue, the Temporary Protected Status WASHINGTON – The Inter lend to local firms to support States immigration officials Haitian consul general in (TPS). In late November, American Development Bank their investments and opera- have resumed sending back Miami, said he found out about Southern Florida Democratic (IDB) says helping Caribbean tions”, it stated. Haitians to their homeland. the resumption of deportations Congressman Alcee L. and Latin American countries “Conditional cash transfer “We determined that it to his native land when he Hastings wrote President-elect to weather the global economic programs for the poor, a grow- was appropriate to resume received an e-mail from the Barack Obama urging him to storm will be a key priority for ing alternative that the bank based on the circumstances in Department of Homeland make granting TPS to the international financial insti- supports, has also been an Haiti,” Nicole Navas, a Haitians a priority in his new tution in 2009. important measure to defend spokeswoman with U.S. administration. Hastings, who The commitment came in recent achievements in the Immigration and Customs represents the city of a year-end release issued by fight against poverty during Enforcement (ICE), said last Miramar, outside Miami, said the IDB in which it boasted of these trying times”, the IDB month, ending a three-month in his letter that “the people a record $12.2 billion in loan added. reprieve in the wake of a of Haiti cannot afford to wait approvals, credit guarantees series of storms that devastat- a single day longer for this and grants for the Latin ‘GLORIOUS’ ed the French-speaking much needed assistance. America and Caribbean region The release also noted that Caribbean country. “While I continue to hope in 2008. the past six years have been “The individuals being that our current President “This is 27 percent higher among the most glorious for returned have final orders of (George W. Bush) will finally than the $9.6 billion approved regional economies, with removal and the necessary acknowledge and address the in 2007, reaffirming the IDB’s growth fed by soaring com- travel documents,” added dire plight of the Haitian peo- role as the leading source of modity prices and generally Navas without further elabo- ple, it is important that the Hastings long-term funding for Latin more cautious fiscal policies. ration. next administration be made America and the Caribbean”, However, as the effects of The announcement came aware of the importance of the statement noted. the financial crisis in the United while Haiti is still reeling from Security requesting travel docu- TPS,” stated Hastings, who The IDB also approved States and Europe deepen, the the storms and hurricanes that ments for 43 non-criminal has been in the vanguard of operations totaling $900 mil- IDB is forecasting that growth left over 800 people dead, tens Haitians. pushing for TPS for Haitians. lion in 2008 from its new fast- in the region will likely slow to of thousands homeless, and “We still have thousands He said since Obama was disbursing emergency liquidity between two per cent and 2.5 caused over $1 billion in dam- of cubic meters of mud being elected on a platform of fund. The $6 billion facility, percent in 2009 from 4.5 per- ages. U.S. immigrant authori- removed from Gonaives,” renewing America’s global created in October, provides cent a year earlier. ties halted deportations to Latortue told reporters last leadership, by extending TPS funding for countries facing The IDB also expects capi- Haiti in September in the month, referring to the to Haiti, as has been done for transitory difficulties in access- tal flows into the region to fall wake of storm ravages. Haitian seaport hit hard by a other nations in similar situa- ing international credit markets below the required $250 bil- series of recent storms. tions, Obama would “once due to the financial turmoil. lion, pushing millions back into FRUSTRATION “There are still people in again prove that the strength “The funding will go for poverty. But immigration advo- shelters, and, of course, peo- of America is not simply the domestic banks so they can cates here expressed outrage ple know children are suffer- might of its military but also ® and frustration with the ing from malnutrition in Haiti. its capacity for compassion”. resumption of deportation. “These are all circum- The congressman is the U.S. immigration raid... “It’s an outrageously inhu- stances that put the country in author of H.R. 522, the (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) convicted for possession of mane act,” said Cheryl Little, a difficult position struggling Haitian Protection Act, which cocaine and sentenced to 18 executive director of Florida to recover.” would designate Haitian with violence, sexual battery, Social Security fraud, burglary, months probation. He was Immigrant Advocacy Center nationals in the U.S. eligible ordered deported on Jan. 25, in Miami. TPS CALL for TPS. carrying a concealed firearm, larceny, grand theft and lewd 2005. “We are attempting to do The latest immigration “We will conduct these target- whatever we can to convince move came as a host of U.S. ® and lascivious assault on a child. ed fugitive operations to ICE officials highlighted the ensure that removal orders case of a 46-year-old Haitian are carried out and locate national, who was also arrest- these immigration violators ed on Dec. 16 in Broward who potentially pose a threat County, who according to to public safety,” Rozos said. them entered the U.S. on Jan. 5, 1981 and, in May 1986, was ® Investors cry fraud... (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) them,” she added. “He made of the clubs agreed to recruit us believe he was going to investors, mainly through help us.’’ their churches in southern Florida, and then turn the NO SCRUTINY money over to Theodule’s David Rothstein, a Miami Creative Capital Consortium. lawyer, who represents dozens “People came from all of Haitian investors, said many over - Miami, Broward, Palm failed to scrutinize Theodule Beach (counties) - all thinking before buying into his alleged he was going to better their scheme. lives,” Levy said. “He got people to hand Nerline Horace-Manasse, over money without a good 30, one of the Haitian investors look behind the business cur- in Palm Beach County, said tain,” he said. she invested $20,000 in the “It appears to be a remark- alleged scheme last February ably unsophisticated fraud,’’ and another $5,000 later, after Rothstein added, pointing out Theodule reportedly said her that “it’s not clear where money had doubled. investors’ money was invested.” “He used his Haitian back- U.S. federal and Florida ground to reach Haitians,” authorities said Theodule is Horace-Manasse said. not a registered stock broker “He read the Bible, or financial advisor. prayed with people, cried with ®

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NEWS www.caribbeantoday.com Ex-Jamaica P.M.Seaga hospitalized in Florida with respiratory problems ormer Jamaica Prime tration from 1980 to 1989, However, sources in Jamaica Often a controversial fig- take up the academic post at Minister Edward Seaga was reportedly rushed to a said Seaga, a distinguished fel- ure on Jamaica’s political UWI and was replaced by Fwas admitted to a hospi- South Florida institution com- low at the University of the scene, Seaga led the JLP Bruce Golding as leader of tal in the United States on plaining of respiratory prob- West Indies, Mona campus, through a tough period in the JLP, which came to power New Year’s Day. lems. was under medical observa- which it suffered four consec- in the Sept. 2007 general elec- Seaga, 78, who was prime Details of his medical tion for at least a few days. utive general election defeats tions. minister under a Jamaica condition had not been Reports indicated that he was between 1989 and 2005 at the Labour Party (JLP) adminis- released up to press time. subsequently released from hands of the People’s National Compiled from several the hospital and was believed Party (PNP). reports, including CMC. to have returned to his home He stepped down as Haitian refugees nabbed in Florida in Jamaica. leader of the JLP in 2005 to ®

olice in the United officers and police dogs, with States detained 14 assistance from the Palm PHaitian refugees who Beach Country Sheriff’s landed in a fishing boat early Office helicopter, spent the this month at an inlet in the next hour searching for the southern state of Florida. boat’s captain but were unsuc- The Haitians came in on cessful. the 26-foot Ocean Runner Meantime, the city of fishing boat that headed Miami Gardens has unani- straight from the Boynton mously passed a resolution Beach inlet to Boat Club Park, urging the George W. Bush near Miami, the police said. administration to provide “The call came in from a Temporary Protected Status good Samaritan notifying that (TPS) to Haitian immigrants a boat was coming in and had in the U.S. a large group of Haitians lay- “It defies logic that the ing down,” said Sergeant U.S. government has not pro- Phillip Hawkins, of the vided TPS to Haitian nation- Boynton Beach police. als residing in the U.S. in the “When the driver landed, same way that they have pro- he jumped off and fled.” vided that status to other for- Noel A. Manheimer, a eigners”, the city council supervisor with the Marine noted. Interdiction Agent in South According to U.S. law, Florida, said police detained TPS may be granted when the 14 Haitians, who were there is ongoing armed con- taken to the Border Patrol flict posing a serious threat to Station in nearby Riviera personal safety; it is requested Beach. Manheimer said the by a foreign state that tem- immigrants most likely came porarily cannot handle the through The Bahamas since return of nationals due to “some were carrying paper- environmental disaster; or work from Bahamian customs. when “extraordinary and tem- “That’s usually the case porary conditions in a foreign with small boats,” he said. state exist, which prevent aliens from returning”. SEARCH Immigration advocates in South Florida Marine Florida have been appealing Officer Gregg Koch said he to the Bush administration to was monitoring a public access afford impoverished, hurri- VHF channel when someone cane-ravaged Haiti the same reported seeing a boat with status that was accorded immi- possible immigrants in the grants from Nicaragua and area. He said police quickly Honduras after Hurricane set up a perimeter, and he Mitch in 1998; and El Salvador spotted the empty boat in an immigrants after it suffered alcove near the boat ramp. the effects of two earthquakes Koch said officers found the within one month in 2001. 14 Haitians hiding throughout the park and ramps. He said ® Florida plane crash kills two Jamaicans wo Jamaicans, one a the Florida Everglades in trainee pilot, were Broward County. Tkilled following a mid- Brown, along with passen- air collision last month in ger Edson Jefferson, also a South Florida. Jamaican, were killed. Stuart Brown, a 25-year- Up to press time the cause old flight student attending the of the collision was not known. Pelican Flight Training Center According to reports, in the United States, was the Brown attended flight school pilot of a single-engine Cessna in Jamaica up to late 2005 172R which collided with a before moving to the U.S. to twin-engine Piper 44 on Dec. continue his training. 6. Both planes plunged into ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS Son of American actors dies in The Bahamas U.S. seizes cocaine in Caribbean CHARLOTTE AMARLIE, discovered the drugs destined ~ 16-y-o suffers seizure, falls during family vacation, according to lawyer USVI, CMC - United States for Canada inside the lining of authorities are claiming that the corrugated boxes. NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC - Florida for burial, adding that gathering of 60 family and their fight against the drugs The 16-year-old son of Jett’s death “was completely friends. trade is heading in the right SAME METHOD American actors John out of the blue. Reports indicate that Jett direction, after seizing100 kilo- They said the drug was Travolta and his actress wife “This is the worst day of Travolta had a developmental grams of cocaine at the Port of hidden exactly the same way Kelly Preston died in The John’s life,” Ossi added, disability that his parents St. John on a ship traveling authorities in St. John found Bahamas early revealing that the Travoltas linked to Kawasaki disease, from Guyana - the second in 276 kilograms in another ship- this month, also have an eight-year-old an inflammatory disorder of the U.S. Virgin Islands recently. ment. their lawyer daughter Ella. the artery walls that most U.S. Drug Enforcement “The dog alerted us that has confirmed. Bahamian police report- commonly occurs in young Administration (DEA) officers there was something there. Michael edly said a caretaker at the children and can lead to heart in the USVI said they acted on Then, our x-ray technology Ossi said that West End disease. a tip from the Canada Border actually narrowed down to Jett Travolta resort, where Preston told U.S. televi- Services Agency. Special where it was,” said Santiago, died after suf- the Travoltas sion viewers in 2003 that, Agent Waldo Santiago, a who credited the discovery to fering a seizure were vacation- when Jett was two, he became spokesman for the DEA, said Canadian authorities. while vacation- ing, found the ill with flu symptoms, includ- officers from the U.S. territory “It’s very elaborate the ing with his teenager ing fever, rashes and swollen in the Caribbean were waiting way this organization took family. Travolta unconscious in lymph nodes, before a doctor when the unidentified ship their time and concealed this “At this the bathroom. diagnosed him with Kawasaki from Guyana stopped in St. cocaine individually.” point, we Police said disease. Croix late last month. Up to press time there know that John Travolta and Jett Travolta John Travolta gained The officers said they were no arrests in the most Kelly Preston’s only son, Jett, was taken by Preston fame in the 1970s when he were particularly interested in recent seizure, but Santiago had a seizure,” Ossi said. ambulance to starred in the television series, examining some boxed gro- said his agency expects “All attempts to revive Rand Memorial Hospital in “Welcome Back, Kotter”, and cery items after it was discov- authorities in Guyana to coop- him were unsuccessful,” he Freeport and was pronounced the movies, “Saturday Night ered during the St. John bust erate with the investigation. added. dead on arrival. Fever” and “Grease”. His that cocaine was being hidden The latest seizure brings Ossi said Jett Travolta hit Obie Wilchcomb, former career catapulted in 1994 with inside cardboard boxes. the amount of cocaine seized his head after the seizure, but minister of tourism for The his second “Best Actor” “They contained some as a result of the investigation the exact cause of death is Bahamas, told reporters Jett’s Oscar nomination, for his role spice seasoning, and they were to 376 kilograms, with an esti- unknown. An autopsy was death was mourned by the staff as a hit man in “Pulp Fiction”. concealed similar to the cargo mated street value of $54.5 scheduled for Jan. 5. and residents of West End, Preston has numerous where the Travoltas were T.V. and movie credits, includ- that was seized by the Canadian million. ‘WORST DAY’ beloved members of the com- ing a supporting role in 1996’s authorities,” Santiago said. ® The lawyer said the body munity. He said the Travoltas “Jerry Maguire”. He said that DEA agents will be transferred to Ocala, were in The Bahamas for a ® U.S. gun smuggling probe targets owner of Belize firm LOS ANGELES - A United Academy Store, and shipped States federal investigation them along with two other into an alleged gun smuggling weapons and 1,530 rounds of operation is focusing its inter- ammunition to Belize. est on the owner of a Belizean The LAPD said Baltazar security firm. – who serves on the board of According to law enforce- directors of the Oscar Joel ment authorities here and internal Bryant Foundation, an associ- Los Angeles Police Department ation of African American (LAPD) documents, veteran employees of the Los Angeles LAPD officer Johnny Baltazar, Police Department – has been who operates a company by the suspended with pay, pending a name of Elite Security in Belize, disciplinary hearing that could allegedly purchased 10 guns and result in his firing. over 1,500 rounds of ammunition The court documents said and smuggled them into the U.S. federal authorities are Caribbean community (CARI- expected to present their find- COM) member state. ings soon to a grand jury. The The LAPD has accused documents state that Baltazar Baltazar, 49, with “exporting bought the handguns from the firearms without a license, fail- academy store in Feb. 2007. ing to declare firearms he They said in July 2007 he placed exported and failing to notify them in a safe, along with a pair his LAPD superiors that he was of 9-millimeter handguns and under federal investigation”. the ammunition, and arranged According to the claims, to ship them to Belize. Baltazar bought eight .40 glock handguns from the LAPD ®

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VIEWPOINT www.caribbeantoday.com The United States is in trouble; Powerful, abusive women he abuse of power has immigrants are part of solution infected man from the Tdawn of time, and as mong the more prom- high-tech, science or engineer- they always say, “Power cor- ising candidates being ing - all areas vital to sustain- rupts and absolute power cor- Abruited for appoint- ing the nation in the future. rupts absolutely.” ment to President-elect If Napolitano takes the Anyone who dominates Obama’s Cabinet is Arizona helm at Homeland Security, the another, relentlessly and with- Governor Janet Napolitano, agency that handles immigra- out mercy, abuses their power. who some believe is on the tion, she will have the power to And the victims live with their short list for secretary of make the most of what these secret shame. Homeland immigrants can offer. Time will Usually it’s women who Security. She be on her side. Obama will have seem to be always abused by would be a plenty of other seas to calm men, at least that’s what we good choice, before any real overhaul of are made to believe. But not only for immigration law can occur. It’s what’s even more secret and her wisdom as unlikely to happen in his first more shameful, are the many a border state year in office. men who live under the rule leader but also But that just might give of domineering women. because she Napolitano the time to pursue Yes, believe it or not, they seems to get the difficult work of changing MARY exist, and they suffer in that an educat- public perception about what silence, even as they bury SANCHEZ immigrants offer. They ought to the poor “Say what, yu wife beat ed workforce is their sorrow in a glass of rum. hapless, yu up again? the key to eco- be viewed not as competitors but It’s bad enough when a man as stimulators to the economy. helpless, har- Hahahahahahahaha, come, we nomic dominates a woman - I am ried, will escort yu home, so hide strength. Bill Gates understands that fact. totally against it - but when a harangued behind us.” The one time I heard Along with other chief executive woman dominates a man, it husband who Napolitano speak in person, she officers, he hounded Congress goes against all natural laws would rather DISTRESS pounded home her view that last year to increase the numbers and all that is holy. die of shame And so they live in America needs to seize a of highly educated immigrants Think about it, “Man before he shame, afraid more of the “Sputnik moment.” That is, we allowed entry into the U.S. In beats wife”. Bad as it may called police TONY derision from society, than of need to grasp how far behind 2007, the 65,000 visas allowed for sound, it’s not really news. on her. ROBINSON the constant, perennial, pum- the rest of the world our stu- this group of immigrants were After all, it happens all the Imagine him meling from their pugilistic dents are falling in educational spoken for within the first four time. But,”Woman beats hus- at the police partners. achievement in technology, the months of the fiscal year. band” is reason to pour station, and the cops’ sciences and math. I agree. We ridicule, scorn and derision on are at the beginning of a painful CATALYSTS response. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) national reality check, and the The denied immigrants time to act is now. could have become catalysts Under the Obama admin- and coworkers of native-born istration, the secretary of people. Homeland Security will be well Consider this other fact positioned to encourage the from the report: More than 1.3 necessary shifts in attitude, so million college-educated immi- that policy begins to match grants were underutilized in the some of our nation’s most U.S. labor market in 2005-2006. cherished beliefs about our- Meaning, many of those selves. Such as that we are “a who are here are not being nation of immigrants” and the used to the best of their abili- “land of opportunity”. ties. And you can bet that Let’s leave aside for the means the trickle-down job cre- moment the passionate feel- ation that comes from the high- ings about immigrants who are ly educated and motivated among us illegally and consider classes did not occur. And that some facts outlined in a new hurts U.S.-born people as well, report by the Migration Policy including those sons and daugh- Institute. For instance: “About ters who have long forgotten or one in three immigrants is a never knew that their teeming person with either a U.S. or immigrant forefathers did not foreign college degree”. So speak perfect English. much for the image of huddled Every economic downturn undereducated masses slipping in U.S. history has produced a across borders. backlash against the most recent immigrant arrivals. But EMBARRASSING maybe this time it can be dif- One in six members of ferent. America needs more America’s 130 million-person than ever to retool itself for labor force came to our shores future economic growth. an immigrant. In 2007, 15 per- Immigrants are a source of cent of all college graduates in innovation and inspiration that the U.S. labor force were can help us rebound - just as immigrants. Of the 6.5 million they always have been. college-educated foreign born, one-third arrived in the last 10 This article was first posted on years. About 18 percent of col- Dec. 18, 2008. Janet lege-educated immigrants were Napolitano has been named of Latino descent. President-elect Barack And here is the statistic Obama’s designate for secre- that ought to embarrass U.S. tary of Homeland Security. citizens by birth: College-edu- cated immigrants are more © 2008, The Kansas City Star. likely than native-born gradu- Distributed by Tribune Media ates to achieve postgraduate Services. degrees. And they are far more likely to be educated in ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com VIEWPOINT Manning sounding • “We are far resilient, the country must remain and if they do not give it, we confident in his from those watchful of the global financial must take it” - Nevis Premier recovery last month moments in which situation. Joseph Parry last month calling before departing it was possible to for a zero tolerance approach to for Cuba to under- isolate Cuba” – • “There are lots of treasures in gang violence in the twin island go surgery to Cuban Leader the Caribbean and we have to do federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. • “We’ve declared assets. Now is remove a cancerous Raul Castro prais- a better job of really presenting the time for us to declare our tumor. ing Caribbean it” – St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism • “It is very unfortunate that sexuality” - ruling Democratic countries for standing behind his Minister Rickey Skerritt warning something like this has happened Labour Party member Patrick • “We ask you Lord to let them communist nation when others that increasing competition from again” - Bishop Herro Blair, head Todd last month demanding that take the bribes and vote them would not. new and emerging markets of the Peace Management Initiative Barbados’s parliamentarians take out” - Father Charles Willock last should serve as a wake-up call for in Jamaica, last month describing a lead role in the fight against month urging Opposition • “We are a part of the global the Caribbean. the situation in two volatile com- HIV and AIDS by publicly Antigua Labour Party (ALP) community, and if the roof of munities where residents have been declaring their sexual orientation. supporters to accept bribes the global economy falls in, we • “They must get a signal that forced to flee their homes in fear. offered to them in the lead-up to too could get wet when the rain the governments are serious, the • “At any rate, why are we dis- the general elections. The comes pouring in” - Prime politicians are serious, the people Compiled from CMC and other cussing a successor? There is no Anglican Church moved to dis- Minister Denzil Douglas saying are serious…and that we mean sources. vacancy” – Trinidad and tance itself from the priest’s state- recently that although the St. Kitts business. We must demand Tobago’s Prime Minister Patrick ment. and Nevis economy remains respect from them immediately ® Powerful, abusive women (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) face made me realize that that there are countless men living ter for some, and they will say, clock by these domineering Battered man, abused hus- I was standing face to face in fear of their women, men “What is joke to you is death women, and it’s so subtle and band, Manto, Boy, wimp, with a living breathing victim who look big and strong on to bullfrog.” innocuous, that the victims wuss, p…y whipped. So many of an abusive woman. Clearly, the outside, have high pow- hardly even see it. But after a words are used to describe the women are not socialized to ered jobs, but cannot and dare ‘GOLDEN RULE’ while, the men become horrors that many men have dominate and abuse men. It not make a move or a decision There are women who trained, conditioned like to live through, and they are goes against their nature, as without asking their wives’ completely and totally domi- Pavlov’s dogs to a conditioned real. When I showed my they are genetically pro- approval. nate their men and every reflex, and respond without friend the definition of female grammed to nurture, mother We see the comic strips, aspect of their lives. Come knowing why they do what spousal abuse, he said all that and cater to men. It’s the nat- Maggie and Jiggs, and we payday, the man has to hand they do. So by 10 p.m., the was missing was a photograph ural order. So when you have chuckle, where the husband over the pay check and wait reflex is to look at his watch of his wife beside it. a woman who displays this has to sneak in the house late diligently on his subsistence. It and declare, “Oh my, look at “My God man, I can’t beast-like attitude to her man, at night and she calls him falls under the guise that, the time, I have to go now.” make a move, I can’t do a it is cause for concern. After ‘insect’ and clobbers him with “She controls the finances and He is the victim of a pow- thing, the woman is like a all, when woman bites dog, it’s a rolling pin. He is deathly knows how to make a dollar erful abusive woman but does- prison warden in my life.” big news, not the other way afraid of her, and so are many stretch.” But in reality, it’s the n’t even know it. He cannot That, plus the look of around. men, afraid of their women in golden rule in effect, which know it, he cannot admit to it, obvious distress on the man’s I am here to tell you that real life. It is no laughing mat- means that she who has the as society will not allow it. So gold, makes the rules. She he lives in denial, saying then decides how much he instead that he’s tired, and gets to spend, while she has wants to go home. dominion over his life and can But why do men allow spend on whatever she wants, this? One theory is that they without his knowledge. were victims of powerful abu- She who controls the sive mothers, and are there- purse strings does not wear fore conditioned to live under the apron strings, and money rule of thumb, swapping one is independence. She decides despot, one tyrant for another how the house is run, what is when they get married. These bought, what they eat, when men cannot exist without hav- they go out, where they go ing a Harridan lording it over and how long they stay. Just their lives. So even though look for the signs. If and when they may live lives of quiet they do go out, she is the one desperation, or even complain who says, “Okay, it’s time to bitterly, or try to drown their leave now.” No buts about it, sorrows, the fact is, they are he has to go. part and parcel of the whole, If perchance he deigns to and are willing contributors to go out by himself, his noose the mistress servant scenario. extends via the modern tech- The powerful abusive nology of the cell phone, woman rules supreme. She which he better have on all the dictates if and when they have time. How often we have seen sex, and who goes on top, how these men, out having a good many kids they will have, and time, when, ‘riiiinnnng’, his the ultimate insult, what he cell phone goes off, and after should watch on T.V. answering it, speaking softly of “Enough sports, let’s watch course, he sheepishly looks up something more uplifting like and says, “Well, I have to go Home & Gardening T.V.” now, see you guys whenever.” They may not breathe It’s no emergency, no seri- fire, have horns on their ous problem, just the domi- heads, or look like dragons, neering wife beckoning her but these damsels do distress subject to find his ass home their men. Some may shout at before it’s too late. If those them, others even physically women had their way, they abuse them, but for most we’ll would implant a tracking never know, for the powerful device like they have on vehi- abusive woman is as silent, cles and prisoners, on their deep and dangerous as the men instead. depths of Hades.

REFLEX [email protected] You’d be amazed at how many men are put on the ®

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HEALTH www.caribbeantoday.com Eating healthier, cheaper in tougher By the way, doctor: What is the times by cooking from scratch healthiest amount of sleep? JANE GLENN HAAS cents a pound. They help recipes. lower cholesterol and one • Consider meatless meals. ere’s something to pound will probably last you a • Choose local and in-season chew on: It’s easier for whole week. foods which are typically Holder people to save priced lower. substantially on their grocery Q: Other suggestions? bills if they will switch from A: It’s crazy to buy the 100- Q: Some things you can’t save boxed - or prepared foods - to calorie snack packs. Buy on, however. cooking from scratch. something similar in bulk and A: Right. You might as well Janet Little, nutritionist it’s a fraction of the cost. Or buy milk by the gallon. It’s for Henry’s Farmers Market, save money by going meatless cheaper. You can buy by the says families of four can eat on once in a while. One of the half, but your price goes up. $75 a week and older folks on just about half that if the cooks do a little planning ahead. With the Food Marketing Institute estimating families in the United States spending a DR. ANTHONY hours a night, the greater the minimum of $115 a week on KOMAROFF risk of death. groceries, shaving $40 a week from the bill saves about Question: I heard about a MISSING PROOF $2,000 a year, she says. study that found people who But observational studies Even better: By choosing sleep six and a half to seven can’t prove causality, so they to purchase raw ingredients to hours a night will live longer can’t show, for example, that prepare meals at home, con- than those sleeping eight to changing from five hours of sumers can better ensure that nine. What is the right amount sleep a night to six or seven they are getting their recom- of sleep? for the next 20 years will help mended daily allowance of you live longer. An excellent nutrients, instead of the hard- Answer: You’re asking an study from the University of er to determine dietary con- important question, but it’s Pennsylvania in the United tents of pre-packaged and hard to answer, and here’s States found that people who processed foods. why: sleep less than eight hours a Consider the perfect study night have lower cognitive Question: You say the secret is to answer the question. First, performance than people who planning ahead? you would recruit a large num- sleep eight hours or more. If Answer: Planning ahead is ber of people — say, about that’s true, maybe you should going to save you money. Effective planning of your grocery shopping can save lots of money. 100,000. Then you’d randomly sleep eight and a half hours When we don’t have a plan, assign some of them to sleep nightly if your goal is to be we spend more money at the biggest food expenses is meat. Q: Are there tricks to keeping five hours a night, others six, clearheaded, but six to seven if grocery and we buy things we produce fresh? others eight, and so on. You’d your goal is longevity! may not use and so the food Q: But we need protein. A: Here’s one. Most fruits also have to figure out some What do I do? As a rule, I A: Rely on eggs. They are a release ethylene gas. And way to make sure people stick sleep seven hours weeknights great source of protein. I most vegetables receive the with their assigned sleep and eight hours on weekends, By choosing to purchase always have a dozen at my gas. So store them separately amounts. Then you’d carefully because those are the amounts I raw ingredients to prepare house. Hard-boiled eggs are in the refrigerator. That trick monitor the health of the need to feel best. All of the stud- meals at home, consumers great snack items. There is right there will save you from study participants — for ies I’ve talked about give “on can better ensure that they some cholesterol, but also the having so much rotten fruit. decades. average” answers. However, are getting their recom- yolk contains lecithin and You can see how impracti- we’re all different, and some lutene, so it’s kind of a wash. Jane Glenn Haas writes for cal such a perfect study would people need more sleep than mended daily allowance of The Orange County others. I think you can figure nutrients, instead of the be. So what we have instead Q: Well, I don’t have the time to (California) Register. E-mail are observational studies that, out what your personal sleep harder to determine dietary cook every day, as I once did. her at [email protected]) after following people for many requirements are by listening to contents of pre-packaged A: Then make a dish and © 2008, The Orange County years, find statistical associa- the wisdom of your body. and processed foods. freeze half of it. Eat the Register (Santa Ana, California). tions between habits and health frozen half a couple of weeks outcomes. A number of these Dr. Anthony L. Komaroff is rots. When you plan a meal later and it won’t make you Distributed by McClatchy- studies have asked the partici- editor in chief, Harvard you can stretch the food for think of leftovers. Tribune Information Services. pants about their sleeping Health Letter. © 2008 three days. habits. Not all of the results Copyright Harvard Health Q: We have gotten ourselves ® agree, but most suggest that the Publications. Q: How do you do that? hooked on convenience foods, farther away you get from the A: Buy a whole chicken - or haven’t we? “sweet spot” of six to eight ® two - depending on the size of A: Here are some tips for the family. Roast the chicken trimming the fat from your and serve it with broccoli and grocery spending. brown rice. The next day, • Plan out meals. Only buy make chicken enchiladas or a the ingredients for meals in casserole. Then there’s soup your weekly plan. and salad. One item stretched • Pay attention. Stock up on into three different meals. staples when they go on sale. • Reduce driving. Don’t go to Q: Got recipes? multiple stores to save a few A: Of course. Go to www.hen- dollars. rysmarkets.com for lots of • Buy from bulk bins. Buy just recipes. what you need. • Minimize prepared and Q: You also tout other what processed foods and avoid we would call “old fashioned” waste. Eat perishables first. solutions. • Freeze your meals in portion A: Yes, like oats. You can buy sizes. them in bulk at Henry’s for 79 • Look for budget-conscious

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January 2009 CARIBBEAN TODAY 11

BUSINESS www.caribbeantoday.com U.S. businesses want Obama to lift embargo against Cuba WASHINGTON - A group of “We recognize that paign, that he would scrap the go was costing U.S. exporters leading United States business change may not come all at regulations sharply limiting up to $1.2 billion annually in organizations has urged once, but it must start some- the ability of Cuban lost sales. President-elect Barack where, and it must begin Americans to visit their home- A poll released last Obama to initiate the process soon”. land or to send money and month showed that 55 percent of scrapping the 46-year-old The organizations told goods to family members in of Miami’s Cuban Americans economic embargo against Obama, who will be sworn in the Spanish-speaking country. said the U.S. should end the Cuba. as U.S. president on Jan. 20, Obama’s election victory economic embargo, while 65 “We support the complete that it was “simply wrong” has also fuelled calls to nor- percent said Washington removal of all trade and travel that American citizens are malize relations with Cuba. should re-establish diplomatic restrictions on Cuba”, the free to travel to North Korea Jake Colvin, vice presi- ties with the island. group, which includes the U.S. or Iran but not to the dent of the U.S. National The Caribbean communi- Chamber of Commerce, said Caribbean island. Foreign Trade Council, said Obama ty (CARICOM) recently sup- in an open letter to Obama Obama had promised, the letter to the U.S. presi- ported a United Nations’ last month. during the presidential cam- dent-elect, who will officially assume office on Jan. 20, was General Assembly resolution signed by a number of busi- - in its 17th year running - ness groups, including the calling for end of the econom- St. Lucia hosts Caribbean Marketplace 2009 American Farm Bureau ic embargo against Cuba. Federation, Business CARICOM said the “punitive er companies from 32 coun- CHTA at 305-443-3040, undreds of tourism busi- Roundtable, National Retail embargo” is of particular con- tries, in addition to the 369 e-mail: events@caribbeanhote- ness interests are sched- Federation and Grocery cern since it shares a “history, buyer delegates from 148 lassociation.com or visit Huled to attend Manufacturers Association. culture and brotherhood with companies representing 22 http:www.caribbeanhoteland- “Caribbean Marketplace 2009” The letter cites a 2001 govern- the people of Cuba”. countries, attended last year’s tourism.com/Marketplace.php. this month in Gros Islet, St. Lucia. ment report that Cuba embar- The Caribbean Hotel and event. In 2008, CHTA report- ® Tourism Association (CHTA), edly pre-scheduled 16,172 ® together with the St. Lucia appointments before the start Hotel and Tourism Association of last year’s marketplace. and the St. Lucia Tourist Supplier participation at Board, will host the event, Jan. Caribbean Marketplace 2009 18-20, for the first time in the requires the purchase of a Eastern Caribbean. booth. Caribbean Marketplace In addition to CHTA and provides a forum for business St. Lucia, sponsors of Caribbean meetings that match buyers Marketplace 2009 include: and suppliers through a com- American Express, Caribbean puterized program of appoint- Travel & Life, Foster’s Group, ments, making it easier to Interval International, Pegasus conduct business meetings. Solutions, Starwood Caribbean More than 1,000 supplier dele- Collection and Virgin Holidays. gates representing 381 suppli- For more information, call Air Jamaica intensifies U.S. search for partner NEW YORK – Air Jamaica is scouring the United States market in the hope of finding a new “strategic” partner that can help the cash-strapped carrier turn around its eco- nomic fortunes. “Whether the partner is another airline, a hotel com- March. pany or even a financial com- pany, the goals must be in IMPORTANCE sync: Maintain the brand and Nobles also said Air its value in the marketplace, Jamaica was committed to and put the airline in a solid serving the needs of the financial position,” said Bruce Jamaican community. He Nobles, the new president and described Air Jamaica as a chief executive officer of the “large and important compo- airline. nent” of Jamaica’s gross He stressed that while Air domestic product (GDP), pro- Jamaica was seeking a partner viding 2,000 jobs and bringing that can put capital into the 50 percent of the visitors to airline which has racked up the island. billions of dollars in debt, “it Nobles said the airline must be a strategic partner- does not have any immediate ship.” plans to start flying to new During his recent visit to destinations and was currently the U.S., Nobles was dis- evaluating which of its current cussed the current status and destinations “make sense and future plans for the airline which do not from an eco- with consumers, members of nomic and passenger demand the travel industry and the standpoint.” media. He said the airline’s Last year, Air Jamaica name and brand would lost $170 million, and this year remain unchanged under the it is projected to lose another divestment program, which is $200 million. scheduled to take place in ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BIRTHDAY ~ A Caribbean Today special feature Florida church to host King MLK memorial fund gets $1M boost WASHINGTON, D.C. – One Building Museum, which ‘Live the Dream’ celebration of the top health insurance houses the foundation, which companies in the United has raised $102 million out of ducator Delores Mixon served for five years as presi- States has made a $1 million the needed $120 million. Smiley will deliver the dent of the Albion, Michigan donation to the Washington, UnitedHealth Group joins Ekeynote address at the branch of the NAACP. For D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. several other major donors to 12th annual “Dr. Martin the year 2007-2008, she was National Memorial Project the foundation. The founda- Luther King, Jr. Celebration” named “Executive of the Foundation, Inc. tion has submitted its design sponsored by the Plantation Year” at Nova Southeastern Harry E. Johnson, presi- and financial documents to Interfaith/Multicultural University (NSU). dent and chief executive officer the National Park Service and Committee in South Florida. Dr. Smiley has been of the foundation and former is awaiting a construction per- This year’s event, which included in the “Who’s Who U.S. Secretary of State General mit. The memorial is sched- carries the theme “Live the in Black South Florida”. Colin Powell, a member of the uled to be completed approxi- Dream – Yes We Can!”, will The MLK celebration will foundation’s Executive King mately 20 months following also feature special guest, be held at 3 p.m. Jan. 18 at Leadership Cabinet, participat- cause we are honored to sup- the beginning of construction. Plantation United Methodist retired Lieutenant Colonel ed in last month’s ceremony, port,” said Welters. “The val- The foundation is behind Church, 1001 N.W. 70th Ave. Eldridge Williams, a World which included presentation of ues of equality and social building a memorial in in Plantation. War II veteran. a check by UnitedHealth change that Dr. King champi- Washington D.C. honoring Dr. Dr. King’s birthday will be The annual event is held Group’s Executive Vice oned inspire UnitedHealth Martin Luther King, Jr. It will celebrated in the United to honor Dr. King’s vision and President Anthony Welters. Group’s commitment each day be built on the National Mall, States with a national holiday dream. His legacy will be According to Gen. to advancing social responsi- adjacent to the Franklin on Jan. 19. remembered through words, Powell, UnitedHealth’s dona- bility and diversity in ways Delano Roosevelt Memorial Smiley is dean in the Office music, song, and dance, with tion adds to the momentum that foster a healthy society and in a direct line between of Community Education and performances by local schools, surrounding the foundation’s and a healthy company.” the Lincoln and Jefferson Diversity Affairs at Nova churches, and houses of wor- fundraising effort. memorials. Southeastern University’s ship. A special feature of the “Sustaining the legacy of TARGET Fischler Graduate School of program is the elementary Martin Luther King, Jr. for The check presentation Edited from Black PR Wire Education and Human schools’ student essay compe- our children through the cre- took place at the National Services. tition themed, “Live the ation of this memorial is a ® Smiley has written a mas- Dream,” sponsored and ter of science degree program judged by Friends of the in instructional design and Helen B. Hoffman Library. The activist who showed ‘universal, unconditional love’ diversity education, which was A reception will follow artin Luther King Jr. Dr. King was 39 when he website of the King Center: launched in 2008. She is cur- the ceremony in the Day is a United was assassinated on April 4, “On this Martin Luther King rently writing diversity train- Fellowship Hall. MStates holiday mark- 1968 at the Lorraine Motel in Jr. holiday, we commemorate ing programs, which will be The community celebration ing the date of birth (Jan. 15, Memphis, Tennessee. Yet that the universal, unconditional offered internally and exter- is free and the public is invited. 1929) of the Reverend Dr. did not slow the Civil Rights love, forgiveness and nonvio- nally online and onsite. For more information, call Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is Movement in the U.S. lence that empowered his rev- As a result of a guberna- Ruby Lobban at 954-749-7864 observed on the third Monday The late Coretta Scott olutionary spirit. The King King, the widow of the civil Holiday commemorates torial appointment, Dr. Smiley or Plantation United Methodist in January each year. rights leader, was an activist in America’s pre-eminent advo- sits on the board of directors Church at 954-584-7500. In 2009, King Day will be celebrated on Jan. 19 and will her own right. In 1970, she cate of nonviolence - the man for the Florida Fund for established the Martin Luther who taught by his example Minority Teachers. She also ® take on an added significance as it will precede the day King Jr. Memorial Center in that nonviolent action is the when Barack Obama, the first Atlanta, Georgia. This “living most powerful, revolutionary black American president, is memorial” consists of his boy- force for social change avail- inaugurated at noon Jan. 20 hood home and the Ebenezer able to oppressed people in on the steps of the west front Baptist Church, where Dr. their struggles for liberation.” of the U.S. Capitol building in King is buried. Washington D.C. Scott King stated on the ® Declaring a national day to honor MLK How Dr. Martin Luther King all 50 states Others feared the King Day happened for the first holiday was meant as a way to United States President time in 2006. make up to African Ronald Reagan signed a bill Americans for slavery. into law in the Rose Garden Opposition to Senator Bob Dole pointed out 15 years after Dr. King’s honoring Dr. to those critics “I suggest they death, making the third King hurry back to their pocket cal- Monday of January a national America culators and estimate the cost holiday to celebrate the birth had only hon- King of 300 years of slavery, fol- and life of Dr. Martin Luther ored two indi- lowed by a century or more of King, Jr. viduals with economic, political and social But it was a rough journey. national holidays - George exclusion and discrimination.” Martin Luther King Day Washington and Christopher Sen. Jesse Helms led the was first observed in 1986. Columbus, and many felt opposition to the bill and Not all U.S. states observed there were more worthy peo- questioned whether Dr. King the holiday and others gave it ple. A senator from Georgia was important enough to a different name. King Day even denounced Dr. King as a receive such an honor. was only officially observed in communist ® Words, ‘dream’ inspire hope worldwide As a preacher and civil rights annihilation.” - 1963. activist, Dr. Martin Luther • “The chain reaction of evil - King Jr. has been a continuing hate begetting hate, wars pro- • “If a man hasn’t discovered inspiration to people all over ducing more wars - must be something that he will die for, the world. Here are few of his broken, or we shall be he isn’t fit to live” - 1963. famous quotes: plunged into the dark abyss of ®

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Here’s to a man who taught us all to think differently about the world. Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 1.19.09

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www.caribbeantoday.com SPORT ‘Supernova’ Bell makes comeback as heavyweight Caribbean hoops star shines GORDON WILLIAMS dropped out of college to pur- Federation title. sue a boxing career. The big punching ex- amaican-born boxer Although he boasts an champion, who currently in U.S. women’s pro league O’Neil Bell will attempt impressive current profession- resides the Atlanta-area of GLENFORD PRESCOTT Jto revive his ring career al ring record of 26 wins three Georgia, recently told by moving up in weight class losses and a draw, with 24 Caribbean Today that he knockouts, the former “Give decided to move up in class to KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, for a bout in South Florida CMC – St. Vincent and the this month. ‘em Hell” Bell turned attract more lucrative fights in “Supernova” has struggled the more competitive and Grenadines (SVG) “Basketball Bell, a former undisputed Diva” Sophia Young went home world cruiserweight champi- recently, losing his last two higher profile heavyweight fights as a cruiserweight. division. He was also report- for a Christmas vacation with her on, will step up to heavy- family after another standout edly known to struggle with weight to fight American campaign in the United States’ STRUGGLE making the 190-pound weight Willie Palms in an eight round Women’s National Basketball In Mar. 2007 he was beat- requirement for a cruiser- contest at the Seminole Hard Association (WNBA) season. en by Jean Marc Mormeck in weight. He claims he will have Rock Casino in Hollywood on The talented Young helped Jan. 14. France, losing his hold on the no such problems as a heavy- her team San Antonio Silver The fight card is being World Boxing Association weight. Stars to the final of the WNBA, billed as “Hard Knocks at the and World Boxing Council “I’ll be ready,” Bell told where they lost 3-0 to the Hard Rock” by promoters cruiserweight titles he had Caribbean Today last month Detroit Shock. She told CMC Seminole Warriors Boxing. taken from Mormeck by of his preparation for his Sports that losing the final was Bell’s career has truly knocking out the Frenchman upcoming bout. disappointing and she could not been one of hard knocks. He just over a year earlier in New pinpoint a reason for surren- York. In April last year he Gordon Williams is Caribbean Young is shooting for nothing less than a left his birthplace of Montego dering so easily to the Shock. championship. Bay, Jamaica as a young child suffered a technical knockout Today’s managing editor. “As an athlete you always loss to Poland’s Tomasz to live with his parents in the would like to win and when you 23 and home against the Shock Adamek in an eliminator bout ® United States. A talented all- don’t it is very disappointing… on Aug. 29. round athlete, he later for the International Boxing losing the final and so easily was one of those moments that OUTSTANDING hurt,” Young said last month. Young ended the 2008 sea- “When you look at where son with an average of 17.7 Jamaica crowned Caribbean soccer kings our team came from and reach- points per game, augmented ing the final and not winning amaica shrugged off the by 5.9 rebounds. the title which was right there The San Antonio Silver disappointment of being and needed just for us to grab booted from the next Stars drafted Young fourth J it…it really was tough…any- overall in the 2006 WNBA World Cup by winning the way coming so close gives me 2008 Digicel Caribbean Draft. A two-time WNBA All- more reason for having a good Star, Young earned first team Championship. season in 2009.” Goals by Luton Shelton, all-WNBA and all-defensive both from the penalty spot, team honors following the HEROICS 2008 season after helping San earned the Reggae Boyz their Young’s heroics were fourth regional title, defeating Antonio to their best record in responsible for taking the franchise history and a Grenada 2-0 in the final last Silver Stars into the final after month at the National Western Conference title. hitting a 14-foot turnaround The 6-foot-1-inch Young Stadium in Kingston. shot at the buzzer to lift the Both penalties were has now completed three Silver Stars to a 67-66 win over WNBA seasons after being a awarded following fouls on the Los Angeles Sparks, which Eric Vernan, who was named collegiate standout for Baylor Caribbean Football Union President Austin “Jack” Warner hands the Digicel Caribbean forced a deciding Game 3 in University. most valuable player of the the Western Conference Finals. tournament. The win also Championship trophy to Jamaica’s captain Tyrone Marshall. At left is Captain Horace She was voted to the Burrell, president of the Jamaica Football Federation. Asked if that was the pos- WNBA All-Star game in 2007 earned Jamaica a prize of sible highlight of her career so $120,000. ty of play in the final by the ing champions,” he said. and in her rookie year 2006, far, Young said it was a memo- when she led Silver Stars in It was the second Digicel Jamaicans was not their best “If we couldn’t have the rable moment but she was Championship win for Jamaica of the tournament. However, trophy there is no one else we both scoring and rebounding. quick to point out that the Young was given one of the in three years and added to he was pleased the result land- would want to have it,” added game should have been decid- regional titles the Boyz won in ed them championship honors. Modeste, who plays in Jamaica biggest honors in November ed long before that point. when she had her jersey retired 1991, 1998 and 2005. The result “Overall it’s been a with Portmore FC. “We had the game won also gave Jamaica’s coach John hard tournament,” he said. Earlier, in the third place by Baylor University. Young more or less having been up by played for the Baylor Lady Barnes a winning start to his “Grenada came out and did play-off Guadeloupe beat Cuba 14 points but just allowed too campaign. very well. Yes, we got a bit slop- 5-4 on penalties. All of the top Bears in NCAA, and became a many silly things to happen,” legend at the school when she “I am delighted for py during the game but overall four teams have qualified for she said. myself, I am delighted for the I am very happy right now.” the CONCACAF Gold Cup in won the Most Outstanding The Silver Stars are Player award at the 2005 NCAA team and the country,” said Grenada collected $70,000 the United States this summer. expected to begin their 2009 the former England interna- for the runner-up prize and Recently Jamaica failed to tournament, taking them to season on June 6 at Phoenix their first title in the process. tional and Liverpool legend. captain Anthony Modeste was make to the final round of before opening the home slate gracious in defeat. CONCACAF World Cup 2010 Young is the school’s all- June 13 against New York. time leading scorer with 2,480 COMPETITIVE “Congratulations to the qualifiers. According to reports, San Barnes, 45, said the quali- Reggae Boyz, they are deserv- points. She said this was her ® Antonio will play before a proudest and most memorable national television audience moment. twice during the regular season “It is always good to be rec- 13 West Indians for Cricket Hall of Fame with a June 23 home match ognized for your contribution against Phoenix and an Aug. but to have your jersey retired is George Headley, fastbowler he International Cricket 29 home game against Detroit, just so amazing…as a player you Council (ICC) has Michael Holding, batsmen both on ESPN2. always want to leave a legacy Tnamed 13 West Indies Rohan Kanhai and Clive San Antonio will play 34 and leave something for people players for induction into its Lloyd, fastbowler Malcolm regular-season games – 17 at to remember you by,” she said. Cricket Hall of Fame, which it Marshall, batsman Vivian home and 17 away - matching Prior to the start of the launched as part of the ICC’s Richards, fastbowler Andy up against each Western start of the 2009 season, the centenary year celebrations. Roberts, all-rounder Garfield Conference opponent four 25-year-old Young, who cele- The West Indies inductees Sobers, batsmen Clyde times and each Eastern brated her birthday on Dec. 15 as they appear on the ICC’s Walcott, Everton Weekes and Conference team twice. will return to Greek team list in alphabetical order are: Frank Worrell. Fans will have to wait until Galatasaray for a second sea- spinner Lance Gibbs, batsmen August to see a rematch of the son in Europe. Gordon Greenidge and ® 2008 WNBA Finals with the Sobers Silver Stars at Detroit on Aug. ®

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January 2009 CARIBBEAN TODAY 15

TOURISM/ TRAVEL www.caribbeantoday.com Culture, nature highlight Jamaica’s newest tourist attractions DAWN A. DAVIS station”. Amazingly, the stain- less steel track was hand-car- ake in a lung-full of the ried and installed to protect purest air from a majes- the forest. Ttic panoramic perspec- tive. Skim 100-foot high tree- ‘GREEN’ AIM tops with your toes. Marvel at Adventure seekers can the beauty of Mother Nature also “fly” across the property from the heavens. literally strapped to steel This is the breathtaking cables. Helmeted and buckled experience that beckons on, the five-pronged flight, at adventurous nature lovers to what felt like “lightning” Mystic Mountain, Jamaica’s speed, left a blur of green. newest attraction nestled And green it will remain, as among the lush mountains of the property owners generate Ocho Rios. their own electricity with the Opened last July, Mystic use of fuel that stores the cur- Mountain, is sprawled over rent in batteries for nighttime 100 acres of rain forest with use. Lulich said the facility unique tours taking the adven- will soon move to wind tech- ture seeker hundreds of feet nology, generating power from above sea level in sky lifts, windmills. She also showed off ‘flying’ through the woodlands the property’s waterless com- on bobsled rides, and whizzing posting toilet that utilizes across the forest canopy on organic material to turn the tranopy lines stretching from waste into fertilizer for the one end to the other. healthy forest. The facility also boasts a Eager to pass on environ- pavilion designed to look like Skimming’ Mystic Mountain offers a breathtaking view. mentally-friendly concepts, the owners have contributed a a 1900s Jamaican railway sta- Board-sponsored tour of this The 15-minute sky lift destroying trees, the sky lift tion, enhanced with a story- million Jamaican dollars to and other eco-friendly attrac- ride slowly takes visitors installation, including the the Environmental Trust to board display of Jamaican cul- tions gave observers the ride across the property over to chairs and concrete for the ture including the “gold” suc- educate Grade 6 students on of their lives and revealed the pavillion, giving them a stop off points, was done climate change and the envi- cess of Usain Bolt and other Jamaica’s embrace of environ- chance to see Ocho Rios and entirely by aerial helicopter Jamaican athletes at the 2008 ronment. Another million mentally responsible tourism. its surroundings from a rare said Lulich, adding, “if what Jamaican dollars went to the Beijing Olympics. With a “We’re showing the natu- perspective. Chirping birds we’re trying to showcase for lookout tower to take in the Jamaican Bobsled Federation ral beauty of the island in a atop the tallest trees and the our visitors is the beauty of to complete their training magnificent surroundings, a new, innovative, exciting way,” sparkling aqua sea below cre- the forrest, you can’t go in and restaurant/bar, retail shop, and facility at G.C. Foster College declared Barbara Lulich, ate a meditative mood to strip chop it down.” in St. Catherine. a small museum highlighting Mystic Mountain’s marketing away the stresses of today’s Another exciting ride Jamaican culture, the building manager. “We operate from a world. forces visitors to hold on to sits unobtrusively among the CHUKKA very serious environmental Interestingly, to avoid cut- their hats. A thousand meters Want to get your feet wet, tall trees that surround it. platform.” ting roads into the forrest and of track, twisting and turning A recent Jamaica Tourist or better yet, get down and around the forest, marks the dirty? Then Green Globe popular Jamaica Bobsled ride, Certified Chukka Caribbean Not all gloom for Caribbean tourism ~ CTO taking explorers on a roundtrip from the “railroad (CONTINUED ON PAGE 16) BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Tourism is a multi-billion region with a tremendous CMC – Top officials of the dollar industry for the opportunity to bring a sense of Caribbean Tourism Organization Caribbean and the leading urgency to the much talked (CTO) have assured that it was money earner for several small about “One Caribbean” mar- not all gloom and doom for the island economies. Lovell, who keting campaign, which has the region’s bread and butter tourism is also the aim of shoring up regional sector, even as it grapples with tourism minis- tourism markets. Caribbean the effects a global economic ter for Antigua leaders have mandated downturn. and Barbuda, tourism officials to raise mil- “It’s the season of good said that the lions of dollars to promote the cheer, notwithstanding the cur- region really region as a single destination. rent global eco- had no choice nomic situa- but to meet ® tion,” said the challenges CTO Chairman as they arise Lovell Harold Lovell and to ensure last month. that the liveli- Also hoods of the thousands addressing throughout the region who reporters at a depend on tourism can be pro- news confer- Riley tected. ence at the Already, the global eco- CTO’s head- nomic situation has been quarters in Barbados, interim blamed for a number of lay- CTO Secretary General Hugh offs in the sector, with one of Riley was just as optimistic the region’s largest hotel about the prospects for the chains, Sandals Resorts, send- tourism sector. ing home over 600 workers in “The forecast is not as Antigua and Barbuda, The sunny and bright as we would Bahamas, Jamaica and St. want it to be,” Riley said, “but Lucia; while The Bahamas- I cannot tell you that there are based Atlantis hotel has laid storm clouds either. There are off 800 employees. clouds (but) they are not with- Lovell also said that the out silver lining.” unprecedented world econom- ic crisis has presented the

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16 CARIBBEAN TODAY January 2009

www.caribbeantoday.com TOURISM/ TRAVEL Jamaica to introduce CARICOM passport St. Lucia cancels rum

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC - Jennifer McDonald, the CARICOM logo and the words and food festival Jamaica is preparing to launch chief executive officer of the “Caribbean Community” on the Caribbean community Passport, Immigration and the cover.?The CARICOM CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – economic downturn and its (CARICOM) passport this Citizenship Agency (PICA), passport will also bear the St. Lucia’s tourism calendar impact on the tourism indus- month. said the document will bear the country’s coat of arms with the suffered its first casualty of try. word “Jamaica” as the issuing the current global economic “While we are disappoint- state beneath. crisis, with officials saying fur- ed that the event cannot now CARICOM heads of gov- ther cuts could be made to take place before the ernment have approved of the events planned for 2009. Caribbean Marketplace in issuing of the regional travel Tourism Minister Allen January, having had almost all document, which has already Chastanet said last month that the planning in place, we do been introduced in several the Ministry of Tourism and understand the need to allo- member states, including the St. Lucia Tourist Board cate scares financial and tech- Trinidad and Tobago, have been undertaking a nical resources to other more Barbados, St. Vincent and review of its program of vital marketing components of Guyana. events and decided that the the island’s tourism sector at McDonald said the intro- country was not able to host this time,” Soodeen said. duction of the CARICOM its “Rum and Food Festival” The event was due to take passport this month will not this month. place at the same location that interfere with the validity of Organizer of the festival will be used by the Caribbean current passports. Neysha Soodeen, told the Hotel Association (CHA) for Caribbean Media Corporation its annual Caribbean Market ® (CMC) that it was disappoint- Place show on Jan. 18-20. ing that the Jan. 15-18 event was being cancelled due to the ® Culture, nature highlight Jamaica’s newest tourist attractions

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15) Stop off points gave riders the cafe’s edge. Adventures is for you. The a stunning view of the far-off fun-packed nature adventure mountains and valleys that OUTAMENI tours include horseback rid- shape the landscape. Some seek adventure, ing, canopy tours, river tubing, Knowledgeable guides point- some seek thrills, others want adventure and dogsled rides ed out herbal plants, fruit to relive the historic past. (with rescued dogs), and dune trees, an old dam, and old Outameni Experience, in buggy tours through the scenic plantation ruins that still mark Coopers Pen, just between fishing village of Sandy Bay. the unspoiled countryside. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Founded in 1983 by Danny “Every employee at brings Jamaican culture and Melville in Ocho Rios, the so- Chukka Caribbean heritage alive with an interac- called “attraction capital of Adventures has made a tive tour through a Taino, the Caribbean”, the business contribution to the success of (Jamaica’s first in habitants) grew, and in 2000 the Melville our company being able to village, a slave ship and living family partnered with John reduce its environmental quarters, Spanish and British Byles to create what is today impact and to continue to plantation, a rural Chinese one of the most popular meet the rigorous standards shop, Indian village, and adventure destinations in the set by Green Globe,” said today’s citified Jamaica. Caribbean. The company now Mark Hylton, the company’s On a directed tour with has operations in The general manager. “The natural Nanny, a spiritual guide, a Bahamas, Belize, and Turks attractions of Jamaica and our group experienced what it was and Caicos. other Caribbean destinations like when the Spaniards hap- By far, the most popular are an integral part of the pened upon Jamaica and the ride, at least among the team tours that we sell. We have to subsequent extinction of the of observers, was the dune be responsible caretakers to Tainos. A moving portrayal of buggy that traversed a muddy, ensure these irreplaceable a slave being whipped and dusty trail through the Sandy assets remain intact for future shackled quieted spectators, Bay hills to 1,200 feet above generations.” followed by a mulatto planta- sea level. Some of the future gener- tion manager who reminded ation are employed by observers of a class system Chukka, most of whom live that still exists today. within 20 kilometers from the Outameni is well named, property. for it showcased the many nationalities that make up the WILDTHING island nation of Jamaica. The If you are a sea lover, a “Chinie” shops that dot many soothing yet stimulating cata- country areas and the Indian maran cruise is the way to go. village reminded observes of Wildthing Catamaran’s sunset the indentured laborers that cruise shows the other side of were brought to Jamaica after Jamaica, sailing along Negril slavery was abolished. The beach and the ragged cliffs experience brings it all togeth- along the way to the famous er with a slice of city life fea- Rick’s Cafe in search of the turing a dreadlocked dancer perfect sunset. and his skimpily clad partner With drinks and pounding at a “wicked” dancehall party. reggae music, seafarers count- One love! ed starfish dotting the bottom of the crystal clear sea. But, Story and photograph by the ultimate experience was Dawn A. Davis, a freelance the brilliant orange sunset writer for Caribbean Today. with a backdrop of young divers plunging into the sea ® from the “mile-high” cliff at

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January 2009 CARIBBEAN TODAY 17

ARTS/ ENTERTAINMENT www.caribbeantoday.com Haitians celebrate Independence 91-y-o Bermudan actor gets ready with Miami music festival Jan. 17 to meet real-life Queen Elizabeth II t will be staged more than 91-year-old Bermuda- HUMBLE START The play ran until 1946, two weeks after the official born actor been Cameron was born in becoming the longest-running Idate of Haiti’s Anamed in the Queen’s Bermuda in 1917, and grew up musical in the West End dur- Independence, but an annual New Year Honors List. on Angle Street, Hamilton ing its time. United States celebration to Earl Cameron has been just yards away from the cur- mark the event should be well given a CBE for services to rent site of the Liberty BIG BREAK worth the wait. drama after a career spanning Theatre. He joined the Cameron’s big break The 2009 Haitian 70 years, including a role in Merchant Navy as a young came in “Pool of London”, a Independence Festival is set the movie about Britain’s man and sailed mostly 1951 film about a diamond for Jan. 17 at Bayfront Park, royal highness. between New York and South robbery that, unusually for its downtown Miami, Florida. Cameron, who now lives America time, featured a black actor in Presented by Voila, in con- in Warwickshire, England, is before the a leading role. That first role, junction with Kaliko set for a real-life meeting with outbreak of as a Jamaican sailor, sparked Productions, the Caribbean-fla- Queen Elizabeth II - just two World War II the beginning of a movie, the- vored festival is scheduled to Nu-Look years after his role opposite diverted his ater and television career that feature a line-up of popular Helen Mirren in the Oscar- ship to the has lasted almost seven its Independence on Jan. 1. entertainment figures, including winning film “The Queen”. U.K. decades. Other Haitian entertain- CaRiMi, T-Vice, Nu-Look, Cameron, widely regard- Unable to Cameron’s popularity on ment events scheduled for Krezi Mizik, Zenglen, Hangout, ed as the first black actor to get back to the big and small screen has South Florida in 2009 include: Suave, Gabel, Djakout Mizik break the color barrier in the Bermuda seen him star with actors • Mar. 14 – Haitian Cameron and the group Kassay. United Kingdom film industry, without a including Sean Connery in Gospel Festival, Senator Festival promotion told reporters late last month passport, he took menial jobs theJames Bond movie Gwen Margolis Amphitheater, includes a Jan. 16 press con- that he was looking forward to to pay the bills. “Thunderball”, in which he North Miami Beach. ference, followed by an offi- visiting Buckingham Palace to Two years later, while played the Caribbean assistant • May 16 - the 11th cial party to be attended by receive his award from the working in the kitchen of a Pinder. Annual Haitian Compas some of the show’s artistes. Queen. restaurant, he saw a play in the He also starred alongside Festival, Bicentennial Park, On Jan. 18 there is a party at “I played an artist who West End, “Chu Chin Chow”, Richard Attenborough and downtown Miami. Marabou Café in Pembroke painted Helen Mirren’s por- a musical comedy based on the his friend Sidney Poitier in the • Nov. 7 – RASIN festival, Pines. Bouyon Night is sched- trait in ‘The Queen’, so I have story of “Ali Baba and the 1973 film “A Warm Bayfront Park. uled for Jan. 19. already had a trial run,” he Forty Thieves”. A few weeks December”, a love story set in Haiti officially celebrates ® said. later, a small part in the play the English countryside. “It never occurred to me I opened up – and Cameron, would come up for any kind who had friends in the produc- - CMC Rookie wins Montserrat’s of award like this.” tion, gladly took the role. 2008 soca monarch crown ® BRADES, Montserrat, CMC Whine”, finished as the sec- – It was a field that included a ond runner-up._ three-time champion, multiple road march winners and an FAVORITE international recording artiste, Meade was among the but it was a first-time partici- pre-show favorites and did not pant who emerged victorious disappoint the audience as he in the 2008 Montserrat Soca had them singing along and Monarch last month. waving as he proclaimed “I Rondell Meade outclassed love my festival, I love it!” 11 other competitors with his In the end, there appeared popular tune “My Festival” to to be no doubt in the minds of win the crown in his first most of the spectators, who attempt, ahead of former road had already proclaimed him to march champion Flying Dove be the new soca king even and dancehall/hip-hop before the judges’ scorecards crossover artiste Kulcha Don. were tabulated. Flying Dove was judged Meade was also among to be the first runner-up for the 10 finalists in the calypso his rendition of “Rootar monarch competition last Stylee”, while the United month. States-based Kulcha Don, who performed “Wickedest ® T&T ‘village’ adds spice February is Black History Month, and this year it may quite possibly be the most to ING Miami Marathon special ever. Join Caribbean Today as we celebrate the fantastic strides that we The spirit and culture of gram, which will include live have made and continue to make, as we salute the giants of black history. This is Trinidad and Tobago, includ- music, will run from 9 a.m. to ing steel pan music and cui- 11:30 a.m. your chance to salute and wish our new president all the very best. sine from the twin-island Last year’s event featured To advertise in this section, please call republic, will be showcased appearances by Gerard Dorothy, Sharon or Carmen at 305-238-2868 this month in downtown Greene, T&T’s consul general; Miami, Florida. Neki Mohan, from Channel 10 or fax your information to 305-252-7843 Visionz Entertainment, News; Arthur Joseph, “Deal or email us at [email protected] Marketing & Promotions Inc or No Deal” winner; and Papa will host the second annual Keith, radio personality from ADVERTISING DEADLINE IS JANUARY 30, 2009 “Trinbago Village” on Brickell 99Jamz). There was also a Avenue during the ING Miami special musical performance Marathon scheduled for Jan. 29. by Miami Pan Symphony. The entertainment pro- ®

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18 CARIBBEAN TODAY January 2009

www.caribbeantoday.com FEATURE Caribbean grapples with the politics of dual citizenship

PETER RICHARDS Caribbean,” said Kim Marie tional issue.” defeated candidates had and thus has no ‘escape Spence, one of the authors. Given the different cir- brought election petitions ask- clause’ - would not have the hen Jamaica’s chief She noted that in the various cumstances under which per- ing the court to declare their option of doing,” the group justice disqualified Caribbean islands where the sons become dual citizens - nominations null and void noted. However, the study WDaryl Vaz from sit- matter has surfaced, it has birth, marriage or naturaliza- because they held dual citizen- also found that widening the ting in Parliament last April, it “became a political and per- tion among others - and the ship at the time. However, pool of eligible representa- brought into focus the compli- sonal issue. However, CaPRI high rate of returning resi- fresh general elections later tives to include the diaspora cations surrounding dual citi- noted that, with dual citizen- dents, the issue needs a deci- that year meant that the court enhances the overall quality of zenship, not only in that coun- ships increasing and the sion. Section 40 (2) of the proceedings had become pure- the political process. try, but throughout the entire Caribbean territories making Jamaican Constitution speci- ly academic and the matter “We found that this had English-speaking Caribbean. a great effort to involve their fies that “No person shall be has never really been stronger backing, due to the Vaz, a member of the rul- respective diasporas in the qualified to be appointed as a resolved. fact that the majority of our ing Jamaica Labour Party development of their home- Senator or elected as a mem- tertiary-educated population - (JLP), was disqualified on the lands, it is an important point ber of the House of COMPLICATIONS 85 percent - emigrates. Trade basis that he “voluntarily” of the body politic to discuss,” Representatives who (a) is by But the issue re-surfaced theory indicates that open renewed his United States Spence said. virtue of his own act, under in the Nov. 5 general elections economies are more likely to passport and used it to travel any acknowledgment of alle- of 2007, when attorney Anan operate at optimal efficiency, overseas on numerous occa- LOYALTY CONFLICTS giance, obedience or adher- Ramlogan warned voters that leading to aggregate welfare sions. The study, titled “Dual ence to a foreign Power or “their votes may be wasted” if gains. It is fair to assume a He has appealed the rul- Citizenship and Political State”. Similar clauses are they supported two similar within the political sys- ing, as lawyers representing Representation in tem, through the effect of the defeated People’s National Jamaica”, was compiled widening the pool of suppli- Party's candidate in the 2007 using a 10-year survey of ers,” it said. general election Abe legislation in Jamaica, Spence believes that Dabdoub are urging the Court along with a sampling of an examination of both of Appeal to affirm the deci- the discussion in the hypotheses was very useful, sion and declare their client Jamaican media. CaPRI with the study focusing on the the duly elected legislator. said it found that potential possible trade-off between A judgment is expected conflicts of loyalty arose capacity and commitment. soon, but Prime Minister less than one percent of ”For example, not all for- Bruce Golding has already the time, and these con- eigners have capacity. Not all indicated that he would call flicts often applied to the citizens are committed to the fresh general elections if the minister responsible for country. Widening the eligibil- ruling goes against Vaz, there- the specific policy area ity to Parliament could by reducing his slim majority under legislation. The enhance the quality of the in the 60-member legislature study also found that the political process. Many to 31. majority of acts were fairly Caribbean nationals emigrate Caribbean countries will mundane, dealing with the to become better-educated,” no doubt be following the very-localized sphere of she said. “We do not want to outcome of the Jamaica case constituency work. give the impression that all closely, since many of their “It is the conclusion of members of the diaspora constitutions include a provi- CaPRI that it is time to Jamaica’s case involving Dabdoub, left, and Vaz brought focus to the would add value just because sion disqualifying dual citizens move beyond personal complications of dual citizenship. of living abroad -- individual from politics. dynamics and realize that merit is still important.” “The issue of dual citizens this is a national issue. CaPRI said that while an and their eligibility for higher Jamaica is at a global cross- also found in the constitutions Opposition candidates, international survey has office in the Caribbean has roads and it is necessary for us of Trinidad and Tobago, St. because they had performed a demonstrated that the global been on the agenda most to explore fully the ramifica- Vincent, Guyana, St. Kitts and “voluntary” act by applying trend appears to be towards forcefully in the last two years. tions of dual citizenship,” Nevis, The Bahamas, Antigua for British and U.S. passports, more rather than less open- This issue has surfaced not Spence said, adding that and Barbuda, Barbados, respectively. In the study, ness, when it comes to matters only in Jamaica, but also in CaPRI wants a national Grenada and St. Lucia. CaPRI said it found little of citizenship, many countries, Trinidad and Tobago, St. debate on the clauses, rather In Trinidad and Tobago, empirical support for the such as Japan, Germany, Kitts and Nevis, Guyana and than just a facile statement the issue of dual citizenship hypothesis that an individual Iceland, Austria, Peru, Burma Grenada," said the Jamaica- that the law is the law. surfaced during the last two who has “pledged allegiance and Indonesia, all bar dual citi- based Caribbean Policy She added that the politi- general elections. Following to a foreign power” may offer zenship. Its message for Research Institute (CaPRI), cal space for discussions on the 2001 general elections, less than full commitment to Jamaica and by extension the which has just released a study revising or keeping the rele- Justice Ivor Archie ruled that either country. Caribbean: “It is up to Jamaica on the matter. vant clauses is often limited, the constitutional rights of two “The risk is that, at the and Jamaicans to decide which “The study was conceived “especially when majorities junior ministers were not margins, the individual in works best for us”. in response to the possible are razor-thin, then it is treat- breached by the attempts to question might make trade- instances of breaching this ed as a political power issue, unseat them from the House offs that an individual who - CMC proscription all over the rather than strictly a constitu- of Representatives after two holds only one citizenship - ® Caribbean tourism will be hardest hit by economic slowdown ~ ECLAC UNITED NATIONS - The the English-speaking percent and two percent”. has flourished most in recent the Caribbean grew by only United Nations’ Economic Caribbean come from devel- years, noting that its impor- three percent. Commission for Latin oped economies that are expe- ‘DECELERATION’ tance has increased “as a gen- It said between June and America and the Caribbean riencing a recession. ECLAC said Caribbean erator of value-added and August, demand for tourism (ECLAC) has warned that The United Nations’ tourism began experiencing a income”. services in the Caribbean Central America and the World Tourism Organization “strong deceleration” between According to ECLAC, came to a “standstill, due to Caribbean will be most affect- (UNWTO) estimates that, in June and Aug. 2008, due to tourism expenditures in the the lower number of visitors ed by stagnation in tourism 2008, regional tourism grew “increasing deterioration of English-speaking Caribbean - to The Bahamas, Barbados, caused by the global financial between two percent and real income and consumer with the exception of Guyana, Bermuda and Puerto Rico - crisis. three percent, compared to 6.6 expectations, the volatility of Suriname and Trinidad and four destinations visited main- According to ECLAC’s percent last year. UNWTO exchange rates, and restraints Tobago - are equivalent to 15 ly by United States and “Preliminary Overview of the projects that tourism to the on consumer loans due to the percent to 41 percent of gross European travelers”. Economies of Latin America region will expand even less in financial crisis”. It said domestic product (GDP). In and the Caribbean 2008”, 2009, estimating that it will be tourism is one of the econom- the first eight months of 2008, ® about 75 percent of tourists to “somewhere between zero ic activities in the region that ECLAC said tourist arrivals in

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January 2009 CARIBBEAN TODAY 19

REGION www.caribbeantoday.com Three more members of ‘Grenada 17’ released ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, administration also said that In Dec. 2006, Andy Street Address: CMC – Three prisoners, who the decision to free the men Mitchell, Vincent 9020 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33157 were among the infamous was based on the recommen- Joseph and Cosmos Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6010 “Grenada 17” jailed for the dations by Supreme Court Richardson were Miami, FL 33116-6010. 1983 murders of former Prime Justice Francis Bell in his re- released, after spend- Telephone: (305) 238-2868 Minister Maurice Bishop and sentencing judgment last year. ing 23 years in jail for (305) 253-6029 • Fax: (305) 252-7843 several of his Cabinet col- “The previous (Keith firing the shots that Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-290-4550 leagues, have been released Mitchell) administration did killed Bishop. Prior to 1-800-605-7516 • Jamaica: 654-7282 from jail here. not pay heed to Justice Bell’s that, Phyllis Coard, E-mail: [email protected] The decision was made recommendations and it was the lone female mem- Send ads to: [email protected] last month by the local Mercy imperative that this adminis- ber of the group and Committee, which has advised tration give effect to the the wife of the former Vol. 20, Number 2 • DEC. 2009 Governor General Carlyle learned judge’s counsel”, the deputy prime minister Glean to remit the balance of release noted. and apparent master- PETER A WEBLEY Publisher the sentences of Hudson mind of the coup Austin, Colville McBarnette RE-SENTENCED Bernard Coard, was GORDON WILLIAMS and John Ventour. Based on In the re-sentencing judg- set free in 2000 on Managing Editor this advice, the governor gen- ment, Justice Bell handed Bishop medical grounds. SABRINA HOPKINS eral issued the necessary doc- down 40-year jail terms to Last year, another Graphic Artist uments, clearing the way for each of the men. He, however, recommended by the medical three members of the their immediate release. recommended that Austin, officer assigned” in the case of Grenada 17 - Lester Redhead, DOROTHY CHIN A release issued by the who has been credited for his Ventour, who suffers from Christopher Stroude and Cecil Account Executive Office of the Prime Minister role in rebuilding the prison prostate cancer. Prime - walked out of the Justice Bell also recom- SHARON LEE stated that prison reports had after the passage of Hurricane Richmond Hill prison at the Account Executive shown that “all three men Ivan, be considered for special mended “a board review of order of Justice Belle. have given leadership to the remission based on his con- the sentence of Colville That leaves seven members of CARMEN CHANG Account Executive prison population during their duct and service to the prison. McBarnette within 12 months the group in jail. or as recommended by the incarceration at Richmond The judge also recom- JACQUELINE RUBIANO Hill”. mended “a Prison Board medical officer assigned to the ® Accounting Manager prison in light of his health The Tillman Thomas review within six months or as Caribbean Media Source issues.” Media Representatives Opinions expressed by editors and writers St. Lucia offers three-month amnesty for are not necessarily those of thepublisher. Caribbean Today, an independent news magazine, is published every month illegal migrants by Caribbean Publishing & Services, Inc. Caribbean Today is not responsible CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – ment for its nationals who are The previous St. Lucia St. Lucia, with nationals of for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. To The St. Lucia government has living illegally in other CARI- Labour Party government had Guyana comprising the guarantee return, please include a self- announced a three-month COM countries. approved a six-month amnesty biggest single group. addressed stamped envelope. amnesty, beginning Jan. 1, that expired on May 31 last Articles appearing in Caribbean Today may not be reproduced without 2009, for Caribbean communi- CRACKDOWN year, but the present adminis- written permission of the editor. ty (CARICOM) nationals liv- The national security min- tration said that a consider- ® ing in the country illegally, to ister said that once the able number of eligible per- have their status regularized. amnesty expires at the end of sons were unable to take part Home Affairs Minister March, local authorities would for a variety of reasons. Guy Mayers said that the undertake a massive crack- There are an estimated grace period down on illegal immigrants. 10,000 people living illegally in would apply only to people who have lived Personalized gift services for that special him here for three or her for all occasions. Birthdays, anniversary, years or more Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, on a continu- appreciation, or just because... ous basis; do not have a Save time, let me take care of it for you. criminal Mayer Packaging included. record either Call Derwyn Garcia in St. Lucia or their native land; and are not MARY KAY deportees. Senior Sales Director However, he said that 305-975-5874 even then, the guaranteeing of permanent residence or citi- FREE DELIVERY zenship would not be auto- matic. “The only persons who have a legal right as a citizen of St. Lucia are persons who are born in St. Lucia,” Mayers said. “We will deal with the necessary processing and engage in background checks to ensure that you are who you claim to be and have been contributing to the develop- ment of the country. “Once we are satisfied with that, then we will extend citizenship to the individual.” Mayers said that St. Lucia intends to seek similar treat-

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20 CARIBBEAN TODAY January 2009