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PRESORTED MAY 2006 STANDARD ® U.S. POSTAGE PAID MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 7315

Tel: (305) 238-2868 1-800-605-7516 [email protected] We cover your world Vol. 17 No. 6 [email protected]

The debate over immigra- tion reform in the United States is approaching boiling point. America is trying to protect its borders as undocumented aliens contin- ue to flood in. Yet immigration activists like Irwin Claire are wondering if the Caribbean Caribbean nationals did not escape a Florida dragnet community is doing enough to set by the United States Immigration and Customs help its own in the struggle, page 6. Enforcement (ICE), which hauled in dozens of suspects late last month and sent them packing, page 2.

Basdeo Panday is a powerful man in Trinidad and Tobago. But last month the former prime minis- ter and Opposition leader was con- victed of fraud and sentenced to two years in prison. Could this be the end of Panday’s political career or will jail harden an already tough cam- paigner? The rise and fall of Panday, page 7.

Yet another mainstream conglomer- ate has carved out a big piece of the Caribbean entertain- ment busi- ness, and artistes like Freddie McGregor are asking ques- tions about the move, page 16.

INSIDE News ...... 2 FYI ...... 11 Arts/Entertainment ...... 16 Health ...... 21 Feature ...... 7 Food ...... 12 Culture ...... 18 Politics ...... 23 Viewpoint ...... 9 Tourism/Travel ...... 13 Sport ...... 19 Banking and Investing ...... 25

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2 CARIBBEAN TODAY May 2006

NEWS ICE freezes Caribbean nationals U.S. warns region in Florida on immigration violations over human trafficking ed,” she said. trafficking and weapons viola- GORDON WILLIAMS DAMIAN P. GREGORY form new partnerships to fight The operation was spear- tions”. it. Countries that engage in headed by ICE Fugitive Among the arrested was aribbean nationals did onths after the trafficking are ranked accord- Operations teams in Miami, Liston Bartley, a 55-year-old not escape a Florida United States State ing to tiers, or categories, Cdragnet set by the Tampa, Jacksonville and Jamaican who had been con- Department threat- according to activities they Orlando, according to a press victed of indecent assault after M United States Immigration ened Jamaica and 14 other were believed to have partici- and Customs Enforcement release issued by the agency. impregnating a 12-year-old countries with sanctions if pated in. Jamaica was initially (ICE) which hauled in dozens The release stated that the girl. His subsequent appeal to they did not take steps to ranked in Tier 3 of the report. of suspects late last month. arrests were part of efforts by the Board of Immigration combat cases of human traf- “Jamaica is a source coun- Several fugitives and ICE “to identify and arrest Appeals (BIA) was denied ficking - mostly of women and try for children trafficked immigration violators with those who pose a threat to our and he was ordered by an children - that has become the internally for the purpose of links to the region were community and who have no immigration judge removed focus of international atten- sexual exploitation”, the among the 183 arrested for legal right to remain in the from the U.S. Up to press tion, the island’s status on the report stated in June 2005 crimes ranging from rape – country”. time Bartley was still in ICE list of countries involved in when it was first released. including cases involving ICE claimed that “among custody awaiting deportation. the practice has been down- “Jamaica is a transit country minors - to drugs and gun pos- the arrested were 130 fugitive ICE also reported that its graded. for illegal migrants moving to session during a weeklong criminal aliens that were agents “discovered and seized There are between 600,000 the U.S. and Canada; some operation. ordered removed from the a SKS 7.62mm assault rifle, a and 800,000 persons trafficked may be trafficking victims. There were at least 37 U.S. by a federal immigration 9mm pistol, seven grams of across international borders Jamaicans are also trafficked Caribbean nationals among judge but failed to comply marijuana, three scales and each year, the majority of into forced labor in the those arrested by detention with their lawful orders…The $2,200 in U.S. currency fol- those are women and children, United States”. and removal officers and spe- remaining 53 arrested were lowing a consent search given and about 80 percent of those cial agents in the statewide illegal aliens amenable to by Clovis Walbert Pinnock, a are minors under the age of IMPROVEMENT operation. They included 16 removal from the United citizen of Jamaica”. Pinnock, 18, the State Department But according to a Feb. Haitians, 11 Jamaicans, four States. according to the agency, estimates. 2006 interim report, things have from the Dominican Republic, “All have been charged entered the country in 1997 as The 256-page annual begun to improve for some of three from Trinidad and administratively for being in a visitor but failed to depart as report is intended to heighten the island’s most vulnerable. Tobago, two Guyanese and violation of immigration required by law and was sub- awareness about the problem “The government of one from The Bahamas. laws”, the release added. sequently ordered deported of human trafficking and Barbara Gonzalez, public by a judge. He is a convicted encourage governments to (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) relations officer for ICE, told CRIMINAL HISTORY felon who had been on the Caribbean Today that the sig- The agency said “many of run since 2001. nificant presence of Caribbean the fugitives arrested during Nationals from the follow- Developed countries lobby nationals among the group of this operation have a history ing other countries were also those arrested was not an indi- of violent criminal activity nabbed during the operation cation that the region was a that includes sexual assault of which, according to ICE, “was Caribbean for U.N. seats special focus of the agency’s a child, driving under the a combined effort between operation. influence (DUI), child abuse, (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) United Nations, CMC - approached by the candida- “No country was target- aggravated assault, cocaine Caribbean community tures countries seeking sup- (CARICOM) diplomatic rep- port for their respective candi- resentatives at the United datures,” he told CMC. U.S. Congressman wants ‘blueprint’ Nations say they have been Last month, the U.N. inundated with requests from General Assembly adopted other countries to support Resolution 60/251 establishing for economic and social development their individual bids for a seat the UNHRC as a subsidiary NEW YORK, CMC - worry about our backs. on the newly-established U.N. organ of the General Influential United States “We may disagree from Human Rights Council Assembly. The UNHRC, Congressman Charles Rangel time to time, as sovereign (UNHRC). which will be based in has called on Washington and nations often do, but the “We have been inundated Geneva, replaces the U.N. the Caribbean community states in the region have stood with requests from other Commission (CARICOM) to fashion a with us as our friends,” he countries for support,” said on Human “blueprint” that would accel- said. Crispin Gregoire, Dominica’s Rights. erate economic and social Rangel believes the recent ambassador to the U.N. Members of development in the region. meeting in The Bahamas Gregoire told the the Council Rangel said this is now between U.S. Secretary of Caribbean Media Corporation will be elected necessary in light of recent State Condoleezza Rice and (CMC) that since the UNHRC “directly and efforts by both parties to nor- CARICOM foreign ministers is a new entity, “a lot of coun- individually” malize their tattered relations. was a first step towards the tries want to be founding Hunte by secret bal- The dean of New York’s creation of the “blueprint”. members of it.” lot, Sealy said. Congressional delegation, who “The comprehensive plan St. Lucia’s U.N. Membership represents Harlem, said the should emerge from follow-up Ambassador Julian Hunte, will be based on equitable “blueprint” would take Rangel meetings between officials of said there were more candi- geographical distribution, with regional countries “forward”. both sides and in subsequent dates than available seats on the groups of African and “These islands are among which everyone can agree as talks between Rice and the the UNCHR. Asian states both getting 13 our strongest allies, and they to what has to be done for the foreign ministers,” he said. “This is the level of com- seats each, the group of Latin deserve a better deal from its Caribbean to be competitive,” Rice is expected to meet petition that exists, where American and Caribbean powerful neighbor and trading he added. with the region’s foreign min- there are more candidates states eight, the group of partner,” Rangel said. isters in September “on the than seats. It’s intense lobby- Western European and other Rangel said the U.S. has ‘COMMITMENT’ margins” of the United ing across the board,” he said. states seven. The group of an onus to make the region “There must be a commit- Nations General Assembly. Hunte’s Trinidadian coun- Eastern European states will more “competitive” in this age ment by the U.S. that it is a Rangel was instrumental in terpart, Philip Sealy, said can- get six seats. of globalization and trade lib- part of our obligation because helping to broker the recent vassing for votes on the 47- Gregoire said the United eralization. the Caribbean countries have meeting between then U.S. member council for the May 9 States, which voted against “We have to extend a been our friends and neigh- Special Trade Representative elections has, indeed, been the UNHRC resolution, is not helping hand to the island- bors. We must also look upon Robert Portman and CARI- intense. seeking a seat. nations and coastal states in this exercise as part of our COM trade ministers in “In most regional group- “There’s a perception that the Caribbean so they can be national security. When we Washington. ings, there are more candi- they would not get enough competitive. are dealing with the dates than vacancies. Member votes,” he said. “It must be a blueprint on Caribbean, we never have to ® states are, accordingly, being ®

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May 2006 CARIBBEAN TODAY 3

NEWS U.S. report gives Caribbean poor marks for human rights protection WASHINGTON, CMC – In a “dynamic” multiparty system, this situation”, it said. new report released last “accountable, democratic gov- month, the United States has ernance with appropriate JAMAICA given five Caribbean countries checks and balances is still The report said while the poor marks for their human new and fragile, and much government of Jamaica gener- rights record. remains to be done”. ally respected the human rights The report, “Supporting The report said while of its citizens, there were seri- Human Rights and freedoms of the press, assem- ous problems in some areas. Democracy: The U.S. Record bly, and religion were respect- It charged that members 2005-2006”, complements the ed, problems remain in other of the security forces commit- U.S. State Department’s coun- areas, noting that security ted unlawful killings, and that try report, which was issued forces carried out unlawful mob violence and vigilante last month. killings and used excessive killings against those suspect- It identified Cuba, the force. It said, however, that ed of breaking the law remain Dominican Republic, Haiti, deaths at the hands of police a problem. Jamaica and Suriname among officers declined in the second “Although the govern- global countries with poor half of last year. ment moved to investigate human rights records, stating, incidents of police abuses and however, that Caribbean and HAITI punish some of those police Latin American democracies Protestors in Canada rally against poor conditions and human rights violations in Haiti. The State Department involved, continued impunity continue to confront chal- also said the human rights for police who commit abuses lenges of strengthening weak record of Haiti remains poor. remained a problem”, the institutions, fighting corrup- record remained poor in used them frequently, includ- It said while civilian authori- report said. “The judicial sys- tion and redressing social 2005”, the report charged. ing against those who ques- ties generally maintained con- tem was overburdened and inequality. “The Cuban government tioned the single-party rule. trol of the security forces, lengthy delays in trials were ignored or violated virtually Accused dissidents, some there were frequent instances common”. CUBA all of its citizens’ fundamental charged with common crimes, in which elements of the secu- On Cuba, the U.S. State rights, including the right to received sham trials, and rity forces acted independent- SURINAME Department said the Fidel change their government. those sent to prison were ly of government authority. In Suriname, the report Castro government has, for 47 “The Cuban people did often held in harsh conditions, The report said state- said problem areas include years, “consistently spurned not enjoy freedom of speech, the report said. orchestrated abuses ceased alleged police mistreatment of domestic and international press or movement, and were under the interim govern- detainees at the time of arrest, calls for greater political toler- denied the right to assemble DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ment, but there were “credi- abuse of prisoners by guards, ance and respect for human peacefully or freely form asso- The State Department ble allegations” of extra judi- and overcrowding of local rights. ciations”, the report said, said though the Dominican cial killings by members of the detention facilities. It said a “Cuba’s human rights adding that the police had Republic has a democratically Haitian National Police, inci- shortage of judges resulted in broad detention powers and elected government and a dences of retribution killings a significant case backlog and and politically motivated vio- lengthy pretrial detentions. lence, and kidnappings for The report said self-cen- U.S. requests extradition of ransom. sorship by some media contin- “Endemic corruption, a ues, and that instances of cor- deteriorating judiciary, and ruption in the executive T&T five on kidnap charges worsening economic and branch are more visible. PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, detained…shall be punished hostage-taking resulting in social conditions exacerbated CMC - The United States gov- by imprisonment for any term death and hostage taking ® ernment has requested the of years or for life”. resulting in death in violation extradition of five people, It also warns that “if the of Title 18 of the U.S. Code. Guyana asks Canada, U.S. to help including two soldiers, now death of any person results” Attorney David West, before a court in Trinidad on those accused “shall be pun- who represents the U.S. gov- solve murder of government minister charges of kidnapping and ished by death or life impris- ernment, said the Grand Jury murdering a former U.S. onment” if they are convicted. indictment had been handed GEORGETOWN, Guyana, injured during the armed soldier. Four of the five, Sargeant late last month and wanted a CMC - Guyana is seeking help attack. Washington is seeking the Leon Nurse, Private Ricardo 60 day period to seek the from the Canadian and United Government officials, the extradition of the people De Four, of the Trinidad authority of the attorney States governments to help human rights body, private citi- under a violation of Title 18 of Defence Force, Kevon general to proceed with the solve last month’s murder of zens, and organizations, over- the United States Code that Demerieux and Zion Clarke, extradition. But lawyers for Agriculture Minister seas-based Guyanese and states “whoever, whether have been charged with the the accused have labelled the Satyadeow groups, Opposition legislators inside or outside the United murder of U.S. war veteran extradition as a ploy and a “Sash” Sawh and the labor movement here States, seizes or detains and Balram Maharaj, 62, who was delaying tactic by the state and three have condemned the slaying threatens to kill, injure, or to abducted on April 5, 2005. His not to begin the murder case. others. of the minister and the three continue to detain another remains were found in two Chief Magistrate Sherman According others. person or a government containers in the Santa Cruz McNicolls reserved his ruling to reports organization to do or abstain forest, west of here on Jan. 9. on the application by the U.S. here, the EXECUTIONS from doing any act as an The fifth, David Suchit, government to May 5. Guyanese gov- Between January and explicit or implicit condition has been charged like the oth- ernment has April 22 this year, 42 people for the release of the person ers of conspiracy to commit ® written the two Sawh have been murdered in the foreign admin- Caribbean community head- istrations seeking assistance for quarter state, with 24 of the J’can among 12 most wanted local law enforcement agencies victims killed execution-style. currently probing the latest The majority of the killings gun-related executions here. have remained unsolved. U.S. immigration fugitives Government sources have Many Guyanese expressed said the murders were politi- outrage over last month’s NEW YORK, CMC - The only Caribbean national on In Feb. 2001, Walker, who cally motivated. killings with some calling for United States Immigration the ICE fugitives list. also carries the aliases Ralph Minister Sawh, his brother vengeance. However, Minister and Customs Enforcement Officials said he is wanted Newman, Colin James, Rajpat Sawh, sister Pulmattie Sawh’s younger son Dave, in (ICE) agency says a Jamaican on international drug smug- Preston and Rusty, was indict- Persaud and the minister’s an appeal, advised the national is among its 12 most gling charges. They allege that ed in the Middle District of personal bodyguard Curtis aggrieved to “move on and wanted fugitives. Walker “is responsible for the Florida with conspiracy to Robertson, were executed in a not take revenge as it would The agency said late last importation of at least 100 import cocaine. ICE officials hail of gunfire when heavily not heal the hurt. Revenge month that Robert Anthony kilograms of cocaine, smuggled said he is “armed and danger- armed gunmen stormed the could only cause more blood- Walker, 35, of St. James, from Jamaica and distributed ous”. minster’s east coast residence shed and pain,” the young Jamaica, has been eluding to central and southern Florida ® at Earl’s Court, La Bonne Sawh counselled. officials since 2001. He is the over a three-year-period”. Intention. Three others were ®

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4 CARIBBEAN TODAY May 2006

NEWS Caribbean-born convicted Brain drain to North America sex felons arrested in N.Y. is substantial ~ Jamaica everal Caribbean-born Other migrants nabbed UNITED NATIONS, CMC - “In recent years, the gov- and genealogical features.” sex felons were arrested for deportation in the New Jamaica has told the United ernment had implemented a Williams also said the vol- Sin New York last month. York raid included nationals of Nations Commission on number of innovative meas- ume of remittances channeled They include a 60-year-old Jamaica, Trinidad and Cuba, Population and Development ures for the mobilization of through official money trans- national of the Dominican, as well as China, Ecuador, that based on studies the brain the diaspora for national fer networks has been increas- who served time for the sexual Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, drain from Jamaica to North development,” he said. “The ing since the 1990s, currently abuse of his granddaughter. Liberia, Mexico and Norway. America is “quite substantial”. Jamaican diaspora had created estimated at some $1.5 billion, Another Dominican Their names had not been Easton Williams, niche markets in all its major or 10 percent of the Gross Republic national nabbed in released up to press time. Jamaica’s representative at the destination countries that had Domestic Product (GDP). He New York was charged with 13 “When you think you have commission’s general debate great potential for expansion.” said remittance is currently counts of rape, six counts of seen it all, you find that there on population, migration and the largest source of foreign sodomy and endangering the are sex crimes even more remittances, said “some 70 COMMUNITIES exchange available to the welfare of a 15-year-old he heinous,” said New York percent of tertiary-level grad- Williams said given Jamaican government. tutored at an after-school tutor- Special Agent-in-Charge uates emigrated annually from Jamaica’s long history of emi- “The reduction of ing center. He too served jail Martin D. Ficke. Jamaica to North America gration, Jamaicans have estab- absolute poverty from an esti- time. “As their convictions and the United Kingdom.” lished large communities in mated 35 percent in the early Others picked up late last demonstrate, these predators Noting that migrants from major cities in North America 1990s to the current estimate month in New York, United are the worst of the worst. Jamaica were mainly persons and the United Kingdom, and of below 15 percent is also States immigration officials They prey on our children and in their “prime reproductive set up numerous informal and linked to the increase in the said, included a Guyanese, they have forfeited their privi- and productive years,” and formal associations and net- flow in remittances,” he said. who was charged with rape, lege to remain in this country.” were predominantly female, works in those cities. He kidnapping and sodomy of a Martin F. Horn, New York Williams added that recent noted that, in the 19th century, ® 12-year-old girl; and a Haitian, City’s probation commissioner, studies indicated that Jamaica Jamaicans had migrated to who was convicted of four added: “When the offenders and other countries in the Central America and other counts of rape, five counts of rounded up this morning are English-speaking Caribbean Caribbean territories in search U.N. appoints sodomy, nine counts of sexual deported, New York City will have the highest loss of terti- of employment opportunities. abuse and endangering the be a safer place.” ary graduates in the world. He “Many Jamaicans had Jamaican to int’l welfare of a 12-year-old child. said as a result of Jamaicans’ died while building the The Haitian man allegedly Compiled from CMC reports. migratory patterns, the gov- Panama Canal,” he said. abused the young girl over a ernment has established a spe- “Today, many Central emergency group four-day period. ® cial department in the American communities retain Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Jamaican language, culture UNITED NATIONS, CMC - United Nations Secretary ICE freezes Caribbean nationals General Kofi Annan has U.S. willing to assist T&T fight corruption appointed a Jamaican among in Florida on immigration violations PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, 24) between 12 members worldwide to the CMC - The United States has Attorney Advisory Group of the U.N. (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office; offered to assist Trinidad and General Central Emergency Response Hialeah Police Department; Tobago fight corruption and Jeremie and Fund (CERF). federal, state and local law and Florida Probation and terrorism, Attorney General his U.S. coun- Barbara Carby, director enforcement agencies”: Brazil, Parole also participated in the John Jeremie has said. terpart, general of the Office of Canada, Peoples Republic of operation. Jeremie returned from the Alberto Disaster Preparedness and China, Colombia, Costa Rica, ICE explained that the Dominican Republic where he Gonzales…”, Emergency Management of Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, operation was “part of the met with his U.S. counterpart said the state- Jamaica, is the only Caribbean Ghana, Honduras, India, Gonzalez second phase of the Secure Alberto Gonzales during the ment. national appointed to the Israel, Lebanon, Mexico, Border Initiative (SBI), a meeting of the Attorneys It said that the assistance group. Nicaragua, Peru, Syria, comprehensive multi-year General and Ministers of from Washington would come Other representatives Poland, Uruguay and plan launched by the Justice of the Americas. on a bilateral level. comprised nationals from Venezuela. Department of Homeland A statement issued by his The statement said that Canada, India, Egypt, Sweden, Florida law enforcement Security to secure America’s office said that he held private Jeremie had been elected United States, Malaysia, agencies, including the borders and reduce illegal talks with Gonzales on the vice-president of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Orange County Sheriff’s migration”. issue and was offered assis- Attorneys General and South Korea, South Africa Office; U.S. Customs and ICE was formed in Mar. tance in the fight against cor- Ministers of Justice, a working and the Netherlands. Border Protection (CBP); 2003. It is the largest investiga- ruption and terrorism. group under the auspices of The first meeting of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office; tive arm of the Department of “The offer of assistance in the Organization of American Advisory Group is scheduled Miami-Dade Police Homeland Security in the U.S. dealing with corruption and States. for May 23 in New York. Department; City of Miami terrorism came in an hour long Police Department; Coral Gordon Williams is Caribbean closed door meeting on (April ® ® Gables Police Department; Today’s managing editor. Broward Sheriff’s Office; ® U.S. warns region over human trafficking (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) March, when Caribbean For the U.S. State Today tried repeatedly to con- Department, the importance Jamaica has shown clear tact Jamaican government of this issue is becoming an progress in its efforts to combat representatives to get them to even greater concern. trafficking in the country. After discuss what specific steps Estimates are that human traf- Jamaica was ranked at Tier 3 in they are undertaking to ficking is a $9.5 billion indus- the 2005 TIP Report, the gov- address this issue, calls went try, which brings about 17,500 ernment stepped up efforts to unreturned to both the perma- people into the U.S. each year. address the problem and has nent secretary in the Ministry The U.S. can cut off military committed to do more in the of Justice and or the Jamaica aide and cultural exchange future”, the report stated. Constabulary Force. programs and “withholding of Among the accomplish- Meanwhile, the problem is non-humanitarian, non-trade- ments cited are the raids, clo- causing serious hurt. related assistance”, to coun- sure and arrest of 39 people “The heartbreak of this is tries deemed to have done believed to be involved in that you lose your children,” nothing to combat trafficking. trafficking activities. Katharine Cahn, Univerisity But the report warns that of Portland graduate social Damian P. Gregory is more needs to be done in the school professor, told Caribbean Today’s deputy by the island’s law enforce- Caribbean Today. “It is an managing editor. ment to combat this problem. invisible issue. There is a real Throughout the month of lack of awareness about it.” ®

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6 CARIBBEAN TODAY May 2006

NEWS Caribbean not pulling its weight on U.S. immigration reform ~ Irwin Claire he current debate over heavy with speakers, and so a mentality of being secretive are not the ones coming out. C.T.: What is immigration reform in the speakers don’t get an opportu- and we (Caribbean people) are They are not coming out in the the sense you TUnited States has stirred nity, not only to speak on an always busily working… numbers we need them to get, in such a mixed feelings among issue or a point, but they start It is unfortunate. There are come out, because for some large Americans and non-U.S. citi- dropping sound-bites. That can many among us who have reason they are afraid… Caribbean zens. Irwin Claire, co-director of be very dangerous, when peo- worked diligently, but not in although they are the first ones community as Caribbean Immigration Services ple hear piece of the the numbers. When you to take their money New York, in Queens, New York, is among story and it is not properly look at Eastern Parkway (in to some bogey man who prom- what is the those who have weighed in. explained. So that is something Brooklyn, N.Y. during the ises them some kind of (immi- sense you get Claire Caribbean Today’s Managing that we run afoul of at forums annual West Indian Labor gration) benefit. As a among the Editor Gordon Williams spoke every year, when it becomes Day parade) there’s three Caribbean community we are undocumented? Is there a with Claire two days after his top-heavy with flowery stuff, million people, yet we can’t full independently rich and collec- heightened sense of fear (over presentation on the issue at a feel good stuff. 10 buses, when you give them tively poor. Rich in the fact upcoming immigration reform? community forum in I made the point in my free seats, to go to Washington that we can stand up and show Philadelphia, Pennsylvania late presentation, as far as where (to immigration rallies). the physical wealth, rich in the E.C.: Yes, there is a heightened last month based on we are with immigration, what fact that we have the collateral sense of fear when you realize the theme “Immigration Reform we need to do. My challenge to C.T.: Did you sense that there to demonstrate that we are a that the (U.S.) Department of and The Caribbean the group that evening was to is urgency, coming out of the force, but collectively it doesn’t Homeland Security has been Community”. The following the clergy, because here in community forum, with what is make any sense. doing some work site raids, is an edited version of that inter- Philadelphia it is a very power- going on with the immigration that they made public, when view. ful group. Community-based situation now? Is there an C.T.: Coming out of the forum, you see these enforcement organizations also need to rec- awakening or is it still laid did you get the sense that there measures that have been taking Caribbean Today: The forum ognize that they need to start back? is any type of turning point, place that are being made pub- must have taken on added sig- making sure that the also in your dealings in New lic, when you see that you can’t nificance considering what is Caribbean face is showing up E.C.: There is an awakening (in York, from a Caribbean stand- get driver’s license because going on with the immigration in the pictures and in the rallies the Caribbean community). point? (of) the rule changes, when you issue in the U.S. What kind of that are being held, as far as The problem is though is that see that employers are now response was there to the the immigration rallies, the people who need it most E.C.: I think (Caribbean) peo- checking more into certain forum and what came out of it? because for many people who are not the ones coming out. ple need just to reiterate that situations. are our friends, when they look we have an issue. I don’t Yeah, there is fear. But Irwin Claire: The response at the pictures and don’t see C.T.: Meaning? believe that we came out (of then people realize they have was great. I was one of maybe our pictures they don’t believe the forum) with any kind of to survive, they’re survivalists two speakers who might have that we have a problem too. E.C.: Meaning it is probably platform that we are going to and that is the irony. They will spoken on immigration… C.T.: Why is that so? the persons who don’t see go out and marshall people. make sacrifices and expose We had a fantastic turnout. (immigration reform) as No, I don’t think we achieved themselves to certain situations Sometimes you have these E.C.: Complacency. The fact of urgent. Meaning the persons that. forums which are too top- the matter is that we have who are undocumented, they (CONTINUED ON PAGE 11)

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FEATURE The rise and fall of a T&T political giant ~ Basdeo Panday goes from prime minister to prison inmate PETER RICHARDS noted. But a former UWI lecturer and PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC - political scientist, Dr. John La When he was prime minister of this oil Guerre, said the guilty verdict against rich nation, Basdeo Panday said his Panday last month may well spell the greatest desire would be to use his end of a charismatic political career tenure in office to unite the citizens of that in recent months had been Trinidad and Tobago “so that we might bogged down by political infighting better face the challenges ahead.” within the UNC and Panday’s own But last month, a Magistrate’s Court legal troubles. sentenced the 72-year-old lawyer to two “He would be badly wounded years imprisonment on charges that he and would be the end of his career,” knowingly failed to declare to the he said, adding that the verdict could Integrity Commission a bank account he also affect the UNC’s chances in the and his wife, Oma, held in London while next general elections. he was prime minister. In addition, Chief “What we are witnessing is that it Magistrate Sherman is a very critical stage for McNicolls also ordered the UNC,” La Guerre that the TT$1.6 million said. ($258,000) in the for- Married and the mer prime minister’s father of four girls, accounts be confiscat- Basdeo Panday was ed. born in the southern Panday had, dur- rural village of Prince ing his trial, told the Town on May 25, 1933. court that he knew He worked as a cane nothing about the weigher with the state- account that was in his owned sugar company, wife’s name, and Caroni Limited, as a pri- Lawrence Duprey, mary school teacher and chairman of the also as a civil servant Colonial Life attached to the San Insurance Company Fernando Magistrate’s Panday (CLICO), the court. Trinidad-based con- His involvement in glomerate, testified that he had indeed the trade union movement began in given over one million dollars 1956 when he served as legal adviser ($166,666) to the Pandays for the edu- to the powerful Oilfield Workers cation of their children in London. Trade Union (OWTU) before head- ing off to London to study law. THE END? In 1962, he became a barrister The ruling may well spell the end at law, Lincoln’s Inn, and three years of a political career for Panday, the later graduated from the London first indo-Trinidadian to have been University with a bachelor’s degree elevated to the Office of Prime in economics. Minister, when in1995, his United On his return home, Panday National Congress (UNC) formed a entered into private practice, but by coalition with the National Alliance for 1973 had moved to the top position Reconstruction (NAR) to defeat the within the All Trinidad Sugar and People’s National Movement (PNM). General Workers Trade Union, a A former trade unionist, and cur- position he held until 1995, when he rent Opposition leader in Parliament, resigned the position because of his Panday’s legal battles are far from elevation to the post of prime minister. over. Along with his wife and other ministers of his administration, he is FIREBRAND before the courts on other corruption A firebrand politician in his early related charges. years, Panday’s biographers recalls He was fond of telling his support- the many labels that have been used ers that “if you see me fighting with a to describe him. To some he was a lion, feel sorry for the lion,” reflecting capitalist/imperialist stooge, commu- perhaps his love for drama having nist and socialist Brahmin. Nowadays graduated from the London School of he has been dubbed a friend of the Dramatic Arts in 1960. “parasitic oligarchy”, a term Panday Writers Samaroo Siewah and himself used effectively to describe Roodal Moonilal, in their book enti- the capitalist business sector in tled “An Enigma Answered”, noted Trinidad and Tobago in his days as an that Panday’s “mesmeric leadership” Opposition politician. has been sufficient to steer him His rise to the highest political through the roughest times adding, “of office in the land has been a checkered Panday’s magnetisability there can be one. In 1976 he founded and led the no doubt.” United Labour Front (ULF) entering Parliament that same year. He was FALLOUT Leader of the Opposition during the Political scientist and University of period 1981-86 and led his ULF into the West Indies (UWI) lecturer Dr. the coalition of opposition forces to Hamid Ghany once referred to Panday form the NAR that successfully ended as “a craft mover,” a “political animal the 30-year unbroken rule of the PNM. who can’t really be under-rated. But Panday’s involvement in the “He has been down and then new government lasted only two bounced back so many times, his years after public disagreement with instinct for survival is tremendous.he has that ability to stay on,” Ghany (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)

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FEATURE La Soufrière eruption: 27 years on KENTON CHANCE Bernard, Forbes said because essentially a sea of aggregate recounting of the higher level of and a highly unpredictable KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – the 1979 monitoring since flow of water making sea Thursday, April 13, marked 27 experience, 1979, NEMO can evacuation on the rough, years since La Soufrière in St. spoke of the start warning resi- Atlantic side of the island Vincent last erupted. lack of pre- dents early of any mandatory. Vincentians were remind- paredness activity at the vol- Disaster officials also fear ed of the national emergency then. cano. and are preparing for tsunamis plan to be implemented if “Things At this stage, that could be generated if the the volcano becomes active were so hec- the plan allows for flank of the volcano collapses. again even as residents of tic, people families in the “red NEMO took to communities Montserrat were warned last were really areas” to identify the across the nation sensitizing month of increased dangers as getting hun- shelters to which they residents about the dangers of a result of the “vigorous gry, so we want to relocate, a volcanic eruption and how resumption of dome growth” went back to hence minimizing they could minimise loss of life within the Soufrière Hills our little shop separation. The plan and property. volcano there. in Orange also identifies the Houlda Peters, NEMO’s Aisha Samuel, volcanolo- Hill and got evacuation routes training officer, said the gist at the Soufrière Monitoring flour and lots and rendezvous response to the itinerant exhi- Unit, said that the 4048-feet of bananas,” points, both at the bition was “very, very, very, mountain is in a “quiet state” Barnard, a La Soufriere erupts. community and good.” and that the alert level is at former owner national levels. “green”, “which means that the of the Orange Hill Estate apprise residents of this multi- - CMC volcano is behaving normally.” recounted in a Ministry of island nation of revisions to CHALLENGE Samuel said there are tremors Agriculture publication last the volcano plan drafted in Forbes said the major ® once or twice each month with month. 1979. Michele Forbes, acting challenge to evacuation during gaseous emissions. Barnard’s efforts were director of training at NEMO, a volcanic eruption in “That’s normal behavior, “just to keep the wolf from says the revised volcano plan St. Vincent would be pyroclas- more or less,” she said. the door until the government of 2004 focuses on threats to tic flow. And, although she machinery could have kicked which residents can be said this did not occur in 1979, Street Address: BAD FRIDAY in with food from other exposed if the volcano erupts. Forbes said the Rabacca “dry” 9020 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33157 places.” The plan identifies the “red River, in north west St. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6010 It was on a Good Friday Miami, FL 33116-6010. morning 27 years ago that La And, the National areas” in which evacuation is Vincent, is a natural path for Emergency Management mandatory in a volcanic erup- lava flow. This would cut off Telephone: (305) 238-2868 Soufrière belched ash and lava (305) 253-6029 • Fax: (305) 252-7843 on St. Vincent and neighbor- Office (NEMO) is using the tion. These are the communi- all the communities north of ties on the north east and north 1-800-605-7516 ing Barbados. And Martin anniversary of the eruption to the Rabacca River, which is E-mail: [email protected] west of mainland St. Vincent. Send ads to: [email protected] A REGION RESPONDS Vol. 17, Number 6 • MAY. 2006 PETER A WEBLEY Last month Basdeo Panday, Owen Arthur reportedly quot- Tobago, Mr. Basdeo Panday, ment. One can’t use the Publisher then leader of Trinidad and ed by the Daily Nation news- representative for the opportunities created by the GORDON WILLIAMS Tobago’s Opposition United paper. Constituency of Couva virtue of holding public office Managing Editor National Congress (UNC) North, shall forthwith cease to corruptly or otherwise and a former prime minister • “I understand to perform his functions as a enrich themselves” - Chester DAMIAN P. GREGORY Deputy Managing Editor of the twin-island republic, that he should be member of the House of Humphrey, who represents the was convicted of criminal treated harshly, Representatives” - T&T labor movement in the SABRINA FENNELL charges. His sentencing drew but the idea of President Grenada Senate. Graphic Artist a range of reactions in the sentencing a 72- Professor Max Caribbean. Below are some year-old man to Richards declar- • “Nobody is above the law” DOROTHY CHIN of the responses: hard labor, I ing the office of - Chairman of St. Lucia’s Account Executive think it offends a the Leader of the Integrity Commission SUNDAY SELLERS • “It is a devel- moral tone in a lot of us and Opposition Randolph Evelyn, adding that Account Executive opment that for that reason it was a bit vacant following Panday’s conviction should affects the shocking” - political scientist the guilty verdict. serve as a lesson for St. Lucia Peter Wickham. and the wider Caribbean. AMANDA ECHEVERRI image of the Accounting Manager Caribbean • Politicians must begin to politician – • “…By virtue of Section 49 understand that to serve in Compiled from CMC and Caribbean Media Source Media Representatives Barbados (3) of the Constitution of the public service is an honor and other sources. TOM JONAS Prime Minister Republic of Trinidad and is not a route to quick enrich- 353 St. Nicolas Street, Suite 200 ® Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 2P1 Tel: (514) 931-0422 • Fax: (514) 931-0455 The rise and fall of a T&T political giant E-mail: [email protected] Jamaica Bureau (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) instance. Following the incon- Panday came into office country ranging from the judi- MARIE GREGORY clusive 1995 election when promising to unite the various ciary to the media. (876) 925-5640 the then Prime Minister ANR both the UNC and the PNM ethnic groups here under his During his term in office, P.O. Box 127, Constant Spring Robinson erupted in a divi- gained 17 seats each, Panday, “National Unity” banner, Panday made it clear that no Kingston 8, Jamaica sion within the Cabinet. nicknamed the “Silver Fox” while pursuing macro-eco- one who attacks his adminis- Panday left the govern- for his political acumen, was nomic policies that would be tration and “escape unscathed” Opinions expressed by editors and ment, taking along some col- able to form a coalition beneficial to the entire nation. while flippantly being dismis- writers are not necessarily those of the leagues to form Club 88 that administration with the NAR, “My greatest desire is that sive of charges of corruption publisher. later became the UNC. becoming the first Trinidadian as prime minister, I will be and other allegations levied Caribbean Today, an independent Defeated in the elections of of Indian descent to have able to use my office and against his government. news magazine, is published every month 1991, Panday sat as Opposition by Caribbean Publishing Services, Inc. attained the highest political influence to bring our people He was fond of urging Subscription rates are: US$20 per year leader in the Parliament until office in the land. closer together and to unite all those making such accusations (Bulk); 1st Class $35 per year. 1995, when he negotiated his He consolidated his gov- of us, so that together we to “take the evidence to the Caribbean Today is not responsible way to the office of prime min- ernment’s shaky position by might better face the chal- police” while insisting that his for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. To ister following the historic tie guarantee return, please include a self- luring two of the Opposition lenges ahead,” he said. administration was the “most addressed stamped envelope. in the general election. MPs to his side, while his gov- But his desire to unite the transparent” in the history of Articles appearing in Caribbean ernment nominated Arthur nation has been dismissed by the country. Today may not be reproduced without ‘SILVER FOX’ NR Robinson, the NAR his critics who pointed to a written permission of the editor. It is perhaps this strength leader and minister of extraor- number of factors, including - CMC and belief in self that made dinaire for the post of presi- his government’s attack on him prime minister in the first dent of the oil rich republic. almost all institutions in the ®

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VIEWPOINT U.S. border policy: Long live loose women balance, not baloney WASHING- nannies, housekeepers and TON- George gardeners. Washington is Republicans, notable as said to have they usually are for lockstep described party discipline, are divided Congress’s over immigration because functions as the country always has been the hot tea of deeply divided on immigra- the House tion. We’re a nation of poured into CLARENCE immigrants, voluntarily or the cooling PAGE involuntarily, who never have saucer of the been quite sure of how many Senate. On new immigrants are enough - the volatile issue of immigra- or what kind of immigrants tion, a saucer may not be will make the best Americans. enough. A chilled dinner plate Even Benjamin Franklin, who sounds more like it. later would enlist German A taste of how low the help with our Revolutionary debate can go spilled out War, railed in 1751 against the when Rep. Dana Rohrabacher “swarm” of German immi- (R-California) suggested that grants he feared would make we give jobs now held largely Pennsylvania “a Colony of by illegal aliens to convicts. “I Aliens.” say, let the prisoners pick the In a far more relaxed fruits!” he said. time, the 1986 Simpson- Ah, yes, involuntary servi- Mazzoli law legalized three tude. I think we tried that million illegal immigrants in you can simply log on to with no com- once before in America. a mass amnesty, accompanied h we all long for them, www//xxx.com. mitment, he Didn’t work out. by new employer sanctions lust after them, women seeks out a Yet, even a remark and other get-tough measures Ohate and fear them, PURPOSE loose woman. as memorably goofy as that didn’t stay tough very many of them hate themselves, Loose women serve their After all, a Rohrabacher’s stumbles onto long. Now, 20 years later, but loose women are a perma- purpose and are here to stay. good woman a troubling truth: If we did Congress finds itself grappling nent part of society. Even in the Bible loose will want a look to prison workers to save with an estimated 11 million Loose women leave their women held centercourt, as long term certain industries, we would more illegal immigrants and musk, their perfume and instil when one was about to be relationship find an unfortunately growing an unexpected but under- fear in other women, merely stoned, Jesus rebuked the TONY with all the labor pool. standable opposition to because of their sheer poten- mob with the now famous ROBINSON trappings, America’s porous borders President Bush’s proposed tial to take away their men line, “He who is without sin, pitfalls and and bulging prisons both stem plan to allow temporary from them, real or imagined. cast the first stone.” emotional from a dirty little open secret: “guest workers” to take “jobs Loose women are the stuff Loose women are the baggage, things he does not Our national desire to live life Americans don’t want.” that legends are made, they object of desire of males of all need. If he did, he’d just stay on the cheap. Again, we’re talking about are the subject of male gossip ages, from young boys just with his wife. Loose women cheap. If the president were and the stories and accom- approaching puberty, to mid- provide a relief with no strings CHEAPER YET being candid, he would say, plishments last forever. dling men, single, married or attached. “Say what, she could do Yes, it’s cheaper, at least “jobs Americans don’t want at in between, to the older Loose women are more what, and for how long, and in the short run, to lock up the low wages that illegal males, who now have the likely to have one night where?” people after they commit workers will eagerly accept.” dubious distinction of having stands, although many so crimes than to invest earlier in Every young lad remem- dirty placed before their called good women have also the lives of poor, undereducat- REVEALING bers that special girl from high names, to wit, Dirty Old Men. indulged in this practice. The ed children, long before they In a revealing sign of the school days who left her mark Loose women have them lust- irony is, usually after a one spiral downward into lives of times, Bush’s plans have run on him, and others, and oth- ing. night stand, a good woman crime. into a stalemate in Congress ers, and others. Loose women If it wasn’t for loose instantly becomes a ‘loose And it’s cheaper for con- between its two most powerful are the subject of graffiti, the women, many boys would woman’. A loose woman does sumers to give a wink and a factions: Republicans vs. poetry of the streets and bath- never know what it is to expe- not care about reputation, and nod to massive illegal immi- Republicans. House rooms. rience sex. Say what you will, may even juggle two or three “For a really great time, gration, as long as it helps Republicans in December but many fathers still intro- men at the same time. call Lurline, she can suck a them to avoid paying more for passed a get-tough bill that, duce their sons to sex via the golf ball through twenty feet of restaurant meals, produce, among other breathtaking route of loose women. Other GRATIFICATION garden hose.” home construction and vari- boys get the experience from Loose women exist for Now with the Internet, girls with a less than instant gratification; loose ous domestic services like (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10) respectable reputation. women appear in porno “Hey, just go check Easy movies and may even become Eloise, she will let off for a huge stars. Where would that cream.” industry be without loose Loose women fill a niche. When a man wants a fling (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10)

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VIEWPOINT

month. • “No one - no territory, no no one has a • “It’s a blight that will never matter how small - can hide right to go away” - Bermuda’s • “We view this as these desperate criminals threaten any- National Drug Control as totally unac- act globally” - Lord one” – Minister Wayne Perinchief ceptable and we Goldsmith, the British govern- Grenada’s voicing his support for down- hold the police ment’s top lawyer warning of Prime grading marijuana offenses in • “All the Caribbean has lost commissioner the importance of all Overseas Minister Dr. a bid to stop criminalizing a good comrade” - Peter totally and personally respon- Territories pulling together in Keith “victims” of the illegal drug David, general secretary of the sible for this” - a statement the fight against international Mitchell hop- trade. National Democratic Congress issued last month by the terrorism. ing to quell the fears of two of Grenada on the murder of Georgetown Chamber of feuding communities in his Compiled from CMC and Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Commerce and Industry fol- • “No one should be allowed constituency last month. other sources. Satyadeow “Sash” Sawh last lowing Sawh’s murder. to walk around with a cutlass; ® U.S. border policy: balance, not baloney

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) Now, the heated process goal is perfect. Hardliners needed, if imperfect, improve- balance in our immigration to reconcile the two measures oppose another amnesty, and, ments. Past immigration policy, not more baloney. provisions, would turn the could drag on and on, maybe no matter how high we build reforms failed not because nation’s estimated 11 million even past the November elec- fences or walls along the bor- they were bad laws but © 2006 by The Chicago illegal immigrants into felons tions, which would be just fine der, some new folks will sneak because they were not Tribune. Distributed by and criminalize anyone who with quite a few nervous in - even if only by overstay- enforced. Our country, includ- Tribune Media Services Ltd. assisted them in any way. Just incumbents in both parties. ing tourist or student visas. ing its many newcomers, what we need: more convicts. Yet, Congress should not But we can’t let the pursuit of deserve better than that. Our ® Perhaps they, too, can pick be allowed to wiggle that easi- perfection be the enemy of leaders need to come up with fruits, if ly out of what Rohrabacher many perceive gets his way. Hardliners oppose another to be a grow- Long live loose women Fortunately, amnesty, and, no matter ing immigra- that cool saucer tion crisis. If how high we build fences or HBO documentaries about good woman and my of the Senate nothing else, (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) walls along the border, some hookers, you will understand. boyfriend is always looking at responded Congress new folks will sneak in... women? And even as society Men in fancy cars will cruise porno and lusting at loose recently with a should deliver looks down on the porno the streets in search of loose women how can I get him to recipe of meas- what it prom- industry, it still ranks as one of women, and the risks that look at me that way?” another ures that return the debate to ised in the 1986 but failed to the world’s largest industries. they take are enormous. The one told me. a realm resembling reason and deliver: Better border controls Loose women supply maga- wads of cash that they fork reality. Their bill would boost to keep new illegals out and zines with photos that have over are huge. Loose women THE TRICK border security, but also allow an orderly process to lift those males and even some females, can earn a good living. But it’s The trick is to be all immigrants who already are who already here out of the from age three to 93, drooling not all glory and glamour, things to men, a good woman here to work their way to underground economy and at the pages. Without loose even for the high class call by day, but a loose woman by legal status, temporary or per- into the mainstream work- women, all that would be zip, girls. The life of the loose night. Few women have mas- manent, depending on how force. zero, nada. Then we have the woman isn’t what it’s cut out tered that art, very few. What long they’ve been here. I know, I know, neither loose women dancers who fill to be, as even though they’re usually happens is that men the strip joints and clubs, hav- sought after, desired by men, will settle with good women, ing lascivious men leer and yearned after, it’s not usually even marry them, but have salivate as they bump, grind for a long term relationship. loose women as mistresses. and wine. Just mention the But loose women need The loose women who I name go-go and watch the love too. The irony is, men spoke to included multi-part- reaction of some men, men will say that they want a loose ners women, mistresses, plus who are hooked on loose woman, and they really do, some generally loose women women, drawn like the moth but the usual phrase is: “Hey who gave new meaning to the to the flame, as the allure and man, only for a good time, word promiscuity, and the one lore of the loose woman remember, some you marry underlying theme from all of excites and titillates him. Even and some you just have fun them was that they got no a tight man will pour his and run.” love, real love that is. money into a loose woman, The irony is, the few men “Oh, the men come, rather than give it to his wife, who take the chance and set- spend time, but always go or even his child. tle down with a loose woman home to their wives,” was the Loose women have that often regret it, for loose common cry. magnetism. women often do not change Loose women are always When you watch those and will exhibit looseness with left lonely, no matter how other men. often the man visits, whether Why are you bitching, you it’s for a short term fund and knew that I was a loose fun lay away plan, or a mis- woman when you met me, tress who lets him in, then lets didn’t I two time my husband him out before the crack of with you?” dawn, the feeling is the same, I spoke to some good unloved and lonely. Men just women (tight as opposed to don’t seriously stick around loose?) who were lamenting with loose women. So even the fact that they had no men, though they may look hot and while others had men but the sexy, healthy body and lusty, men seemed bored with them, it’s often a sad lonely life for a lost interest, had no passion loose woman. for them. Damn, damned if they do, “He says he wants me to and they do so often. act loose with him sometimes, but I just can’t be what I’m [email protected] not, I wasn’t brought up that way,” one told me. “I’m a ®

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VIEWPOINT 6618 or 954-721-6268. The Lockbox is a process- appointment. their biometrics appointment ing facility used by USCIS to Applicants will receive in the mail. STORYTELLING accelerate the collection of The Miami-Dade Public applications and petitions. Library System will present its The announced change allows Caribbean not pulling... 5th Annual International Art the agency to improve the (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6) Latino group, and that’s what is of Storytelling Family Festival processing of Form I-90 driving it (the protest rallies). Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Application to Replace for independent gains, but for May 20 at the Main Library, Permanent Resident Card) by collective gains they shudder. C.T.: And that’s whose fault? Miami-Dade Cultural Plaza, electronically capturing data 101 W. Flagler St. and images and by performing C.T.: In terms of the vulnerabil- E.C.: I think the answer is self The festival, presented in fee receipting and depositing ity of the Caribbean (undocu- explanatory. Recently, case in collaboration with the Rio de from one central location, mented) population, you men- point, CARICOM met with Janeiro Public Library, will rather than at the local district tioned the ‘bogeyman’…who (U.S. Secretary of State) feature live music, food, office, service center, or appli- offers them sweet deals and Morton Condoleezza Rice and the sub- Brazilian martial arts, games cation support center (ASC). don’t deliver, that will show up ject matter they were discussing CBA’S BARRISTER’S and crafts. Children will be Aliens filing a Form I-90, more now? was deportation. Nobody is BALL treated to a special appear- regardless of their state of res- gonna listen to them when you Frederick Morton, general ance by PBS characters idence, must mail those appli- E.C.: And is going to show up start with deportation. You speak manager for MTV’s Arthur & DW, Clifford, Maya cations with an application fee itself more. I am optimistic that on immigration, its implication, Caribbean Cable Channel & Miguel, and they will also of $185 and a biometrics fee some form of immigration how we assist the United States, TEMPO, is the scheduled have the chance to win free of $70 to one of the following reform will come. I don’t know how the United States need to keynote speaker at the 2006 books with stamps collected addresses: when, because it creates a new reciprocate. You look at it in a Barrister’s Ball to be staged in their festival passport. For U.S. Postal Service industry for fraud. When you general sense. Once you pigeon- on June 10 by the Caribbean The event is free and (USPS) deliveries: start to put up cut off points hole yourself with deportation, Bar Association’s Central open to the public. Miami- • U.S. Citizenship and (for an undocumented alien to the argument locks. No one in Florida Chapter. The black tie Dade Transit is offering free Immigration Services, P.O. qualify for amnesty) and a man the (U.S.) Executive, no one in event will kick off the CBA- bus and Metrorail passes Box 54870 Los Angeles, CA misses the cut off point by two Congressional is going to go back CF’s Caribbean American (while supplies last). 90054-0870; days, do you really think he’s to their constituents saying we Heritage Month celebrations. For more information, Or for non-USPS deliver- going to say ‘I missed the cut are going to relax situations so Morton was born and call 305-375-BOOK (2665), or ies (e.g. private couriers): off point by two days I’m that criminals to remain here. raised in St. Croix, United visit www.mdpls.org • U.S. Citizenship and gonna go back home?’ Hell no, Hell no. States Virgin Islands, to Immigration Services, he’s going to make sure he Nevisian parents. Before join- PASSPORTS Attention: I-90, 16420 Valley qualifies himself one way or C.T.: So Caribbean people are ing TEMPO, he was senior The National Passport View Ave., La Mirada, CA another. That’s why we say any not carrying their own weight vice president and deputy gen- Information Center (NPIC), 90638 immigration reform that is to on immigration matters? eral counsel of business and the United States Department Applicants should not be passed has to be wide legal affairs at MTV of State’s single, centralized include initial evidence and enough to the largest possible E.C.: We are not carrying our Networks. Prior to joining public contact center for U.S. supporting documentation amount of persons are own weight, no. We need to MTV, he practiced law at the passport information, is offer- when submitting the Form I- involved. So those who are left take a page from Vincente Fox, firm of Simpson & Thatcher. ing a toll free service and has 90 to the Los Angeles out is a more manageable (president) from Mexico. Before that, the graduate of expanded its service availabili- Lockbox. group to be controlled. Vincente Fox, in every oppor- Rutgers University School of ty/options. Applicants will receive a tunity that he gets to address Lawhe was a corporate coun- Persons with questions or notice for a biometrics pro- C.T.: Do you think Washington the United States government sel at Johnson and Johnson. need status checks on pending cessing appointment at an hears the Caribbean? or services, he mentions his For more information passport applications can call ASC and will submit their ini- Mexican people. about the CBA and the ball, 1-877-487-2778. Customer tial evidence during that E.C.: No, Washington hears the visit www.caribbeanbar.org service representatives are ® available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. JAMAICA YOUTH Monday through Friday, PAGEANT excluding Federal holidays. The annual Miss Jamaica Automated information is Florida 2006 Pageant will be available 24 hours a day, seven held on June 25 in South days a week. Florida. For e-mail access, visit: The pageant, presented [email protected] Website of by the Partners for Youth passport and other interna- Foundation in association with tional travel information is ABI Startime, allows contest- available at travel.state.gov ants who are either Jamaican- born or of Jamaican parentage ‘GREEN CARD’ FILING to vie for titles in four age cat- The United States egories: five to eight; nine to Citizenship and Immigration 12; 13-16 and 17-21. Services (USCIS) has This year’s event is sched- announced that aliens must uled to be held on at the mail applications to renew or Coral Springs Center for the replace permanent resident Arts. cards, commonly known as For more information, “Green Cards”, directly to the call June Minto at 954-739- Los Angeles Lockbox.

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FOOD www.caribbeantoday.com Celebrate summer with a barbeque feast Snack on hot, spicy black veryone likes pan and pour the marinade on a barbeque – top. beans with mango salsa Ethe simple and Cover the pan with a lid hearty fare has uni- or aluminum foil and marinate ere’s a great treat that’s • Two mangoes, peeled, pitted versal appeal and is for eight hours or overnight. perfect as a snack or and chopped appropriate for Remove the ribs from the appetizer. It’s one of • 1/2 sweet red pepper, cored, almost every gather- pan and place them on a pre- H the many international treats seeded and chopped ing. heated barbecue grill. Cook that can be prepared using • Three Serrano chiles, or one Use these flavor- slowly, away from high heat, for about 20 to 30 minutes or healthy and flavorful citrus. large jalapeno chile seeded ful and simple and thinly sliced recipes from “The until done, basting continually The new book “Citrus • Two tablespoons fresh lime Dinner Party with remaining marinade. Cookbook: Tantalizing Food juice Cookbook” Serve with plenty of nap- & Beverage Recipes from • Two tablespoons chopped (Meadowbrook Barbecue spareribs kins. Makes eight servings. Around the World”, by Frank fresh cilantro Press) to have a fun Thomas and Marlene • One teaspoon grated fresh cookout! absorb some of the garlic juice WATERMELON SORBET Leopold, lists over 200 citrus For the garlic toast, get and keep the garlic from stick- • 3 cups watermelon chunks, recipes that include condi- ginger one large loaf French bread, ing to the knife. Makes eight seeded ments, sauces and dressings, sliced, a stick of butter and servings. • 3 tablespoons sugar appetizers, soups and salads, one teaspoon garlic, minced. • 2 tablespoons lemon juice rice, pasta, seafood, and meat METHOD Place bread slices on a cookie BARBECUED SPARERIBS • Thin watermelon wedges for entrees as well as breads and Combine all ingredients in sheet and toast on one side garnish desserts. a large mixing bowl and mix INGREDIENTS It even includes recipes well. under the over broiler. METHOD • 1 cup ketchup for over 25 delicious citrus Tightly cover and place In a saucepan or a In a blender, mix together • 1 cup orange juice beverages including tangy the mixture in the refrigerator microwave-safe container, the watermelon chunks, sugar, • 1/3 cup honey strawberry rhubarb lemonade, for several hours or overnight. combine butter and garlic and and lemon until slushy. • 1⁄4 cup soy sauce refreshing mint strawberry Serve with hot tortilla heat over low hear or in a Pour the mixture into microwave until melted. • 2 cloves garlic Cooler, and a super-zesty chips or chunks of Cuban or • 1 teaspoon salt metal bowl and freeze for French bread to please the Spread the butter mixture about 30 minutes. blackberry lime margarita. • 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper most finicky of appetites. on untoasted sides of the Remove the bowl from the • 4 to 5 pounds pork spareribs Yield: eight cups. bread and return the bread to freezer and beat the mixture the broiler, butter-side up, with an electric mixer. Repeat INGREDIENTS until golden. Serve immedi- METHOD • Two 15 3/4-ounce cans black - FeatureSource In a medium bowl, com- freezing/whipping process one ately. or two more times before serv- beans, drained and rinsed Tip: Before mincing gar- bine all the ingredients except • Two oranges, peeled, seeded ® spareribs; mix well to make ing, until mixture reaches the lic, sprinkle the garlic cloves desired consistency. and chopped with a little salt. The salt will the marinade. Arrange the ribs in a shallow ®

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T OURISM/ TRAVEL Analyst identifies four Caribbean tourism hot spots CTO to help U.S. HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC up, there were a lot of - A leading international new projects underway in citizens get passports corporate finance company Barbados, and while the event has identified four Caribbean provided only a short window, states as being in the forefront and there were concerns going NEW YORK, CMC - The the tourism industry in the of tourism development activi- forward as to how this addi- Barbados-based Caribbean region. ty and the focus of investor tional capacity would be used, Tourism Organization (CTO) “We see this financing among the interna- the fact was the event has says it has reached an partnership as a cru- tional banking community. brought in huge investment agreement with cial ingredient in our Simon Townend, partner for a year or two. the United nationwide efforts at KPMG Corporate Finance, “The event will surely States Postal to inform con- told the 10th Caribbean Hotel bring in hundreds of visitors Service (USPS) sumers about the and Tourism Investment during the few weeks who will to facilitate appli- need to get pass- Conference last month that come back and by word of cation for U.S. ports before the while several Caribbean coun- mouth encourage others to passports at CTO- December 31, tries were doing well, St. visit,” he said. organized events. 2006 deadline set Lucia, Barbados, the Turks The KPMG Partner said “CTO has by the U.S. gov- and Caicos and The Bahamas CWC provided a lot of posi- taken this necessary ernment,” said were the hot spots. Golfer Tiger Woods is reportedly involved tive benefits which would put leadership role in Hugh Riley, “This we think is a success in a Caribbean tourism project. each of the host countries on approaching the CTO’s director story of the private sector and the map and as a world event, USPS to establish a of marketing governments working closely five million tourists going into people will now start thinking partnership to ensure for the together ensuring that the cor- The Bahamas each year,” he about Barbados and stop con- that the passport Americas. rect infrastructure is in place, said. fusing it with The Bahamas or application process is “We support the U.S. and that the destination is Townend said St. Lucia Bermuda. He said while the quick and convenient Postal Service efforts and marketed and finding the right was always a very strong prod- short term windfall was great, for prospective Caribbean appreciate all that they plan to investors who are committed uct which attracted the high- it was important how the vacationers who will need do to help inform and sign up to the long term have deep end traveller and tended to be investments were managed in documentation to return citizens for U.S. passports. pockets and can make things well marketed and there was a the long term to ensure that home starting in January With the deadline fast happen,” the KPMG official lot of construction activity what was being built up now, 2007”, CTO said in a state- approaching, we don’t want to said. taking place on the island, would not end up empty in ment late last month. jeopardize the peak vacation while the Turks and Caicos, the years ahead. It said the partnership season next winter when vaca- ATTRACTIVE and Grace Bay Beach in would help “address the new tioners will not be allowed to He said in the case of The particular, was developing ® U.S. requirement under the re-enter the U.S. without a Bahamas, there were three quickly. Western Hemisphere Travel valid passport.” billion dollar projects under- “The development there Initiative for all travellers CTO said that the USPS way in the south, one involv- is huge and prices are sky- entering or re-entering the had been actively promoting ing golfer Tiger Woods, so it rocketing, there is a lot hap- Tourism officials United States starting its passport services around was a very attractive location pening there so it is all very December 31, 2006 to be in the country and would have for investment at this time. positive,” he said. seeking change possession of a valid pass- application forms and a cam- “It’s something of a mar- He said with the 2007 port”. era at the Caribbean Fair on keting engine, with as many as Cricket World Cup coming June 13, where U.S. citizens to marriage laws CRUCIAL can apply for a U.S. passport Caribbean governments without difficulty. ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada have said the new require- St. Kitts prepares for (CMC) - The Grenada Board ment could adversely affect ® of Tourism (GBT) is lobbying for the marriage laws of the visitor influx 2007-8 country to be changed to BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, meet the growing demand CMC – St. Kitts and Nevis from cruise ship passengers is bracing for an influx of who want to get married here. visitors over the next two Newly appointed GBT years as a result of Chairperson Nikoyan Roberts increased visits by the said Grenada is losing out on Royal Caribbean and business opportunities since Celebrity cruise lines, there have been requests from couples about tying the matri- according to junior Tourism Empress of the Seas Minister Richard Skerritt. monial knots on the island. He said Royal Caribbean He said he is confident “There are other islands and Celebrity Cruise Lines that all of the local tourism that have done their research (RCI) have confirmed that stakeholders would take and gone ahead and changed they will be significantly advantage of the new chal- the legislation to make it easi- increasing the number of calls lenge to improve the quality er for their different niches to and the size of their ships to of “our destination’s products maximize these economic the federation starting in Oct. and services while undergoing returns,” Roberts said. 2007. such significant growth.” “One of our niches is Skerritt last month held In the 2005/06 cruise sea- wedding and honeymoons talks with executives of RCI son, which ended last month, and we’re not making it avail- in Miami, Florida and said the St. Kitts had a total of 28 calls able for more people to come, increase in visitor arrivals from the RCI’s “Empress of get married and drive busi- would be felt by the local the Seas” and the Celebrity ness.” cruise sector in the 2007/2008 Cruises “Constellation”. For A visiting couple wishing season, when five RCI ships the upcoming 2006/2007 sea- to marry in Grenada needs will be deployed to St. Kitts. son, which begins in October, to spend at three days on the He said the five ships carry a RCI/Celebrity will again have island before taking the mar- total of 11,478 passengers. 28 calls to St. Kitts, but in riage vow. But the Grenadian He said as a result of RCI addition to the “Empress” and official is hoping that the rescheduling their calls, the the “Constellation”, a third Marriage Act could be ships would make an estimat- ship, Celebrity Cruises’ changed to provide marriage ed 45 calls here, bringing “Galaxy” will be deployed for less than one day. more than 103,000 passengers to St. Kitts. ® to the island. ®

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T OURISM/ TRAVEL Regional officials want changes to Caribbean marketing strategy

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC - called for the market strategy to terms with an increasingly series of professional develop- ever before. The need for a Regional tourism officials, for the Caribbean to be competitive environment. ment meetingshosted by the regional marketing campaign who met here last month, changed in an effort to come The calls came during a Caribbean Society of Hotel is more apparent than ever Association Executives before,” Chastanet said. (CSHAE). The CHA director also Guyana gives ‘green light’ to three new air carriers President of the St claimed that governments Lucia Hotel and Tourism tend to shy away from the GEORGETOWN, Guyana, service to be and Georgetown - Toronto Association development of the tourism CMC - The Guyanese govern- offered, routes, the government offi- (SLHTA) sector and focus more on local ment has given the go-ahead among other cial said. Allen politics. He contended that for three new international undisclosed In recent times there have Chastanet they needed to change their carriers to ply its regional and factors. It has been dramatic collapses of sent a strong approach to the tourism international routes. been agreed local carriers, with GA 2000 message to industry so they may treat it Head of the Presidential that and Universal Airlines investors in an export. Secretariat (HPS) and Caribbean folding in the last five years. the regional Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Air Systems Luncheon Universal is still to repay Chastanet tourism indus- BRAND Luncheon told reporters that will provide a scores of passengers left try that they President of CSHAE Cabinet authorized granting regional serv- stranded in Caribbean and should heed and representative of the licenses to Caribbean Air ice to Belem, Cayenne, North American countries the recent changes in the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Systems; Travelspan Guyana Paramaribo, Port of Spain, last summer after the business global travel market as a sign Association Sue Springer Inc.; and E-JET Inc. Caracas, Curacao, St. Maarten collapsed. that difficulties may lie ahead supported the call for a new “The three carriers will be and Santo Domingo. Local and overseas offi- for the industry. direction in marketing, noting establishing escrow accounts Travelspan Guyana Inc, a cials representing the three “Right now the competi- that although Caribbean gov- and performance bonds sister company of the existing new airlines held detailed dis- tion from cruise ships is crucify- ernments have recognized the prior to commencing opera- Travelspan Inc., which cur- cussions with the Guyana ing us,” he told representatives potential economic impact of tions...which are expected to rently provides chartered serv- Civil Aviation Authority from 10 hotels and tourism tourism, sufficient attention commence by the peak season ices between Port of Spain (GCAA) before their licenses associations across the is not being given to the of 2006,” Luncheon said. and North America, would were granted. Caribbean. industry. He said the size of the provide direct service to New “The honeymoon afford- “We need to look at the escrow accounts lodged York, while E-Jet Inc. will fly ® ed us by 9/11 is over. Asia is Caribbean as a brand. Some depended on the range of the Georgetown – New York on the way back and they are people say I am going to Asia. coming back stronger than I am going to the Middle East. I am going to the Far East. But people don’t often say I am going to the Caribbean. They say they are going to St. Lucia or Jamaica,” she said. Springer said people need to be sensitized that the Caribbean is a brand as a region and then there will be individ- ual opportunities for each island to also market themselves for their own culture and diversity. President of the Caribbean Hotel Association Berthia Parle said the Caribbean Federation of National Hotel and Tourism Associations is the backbone of the Caribbean tourism private sector. “Our goal is to strengthen the relationship between national hotel associ- ations, CHA and its subsidiaries and explore how together we can drive the tourism private sector to achieve better results, enhanced perform- ance and more pro- ductivity at the national level,” Parle said. ®

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ARTS/ ENTERT AINMENT BET targets Caribbean music, culture markets

DAWN A. DAVIS media outlet outside the the current channel’s market New York for example, where market where they can make region as MTV launched its share. These numbers should 25 percent of the population is money,” McGregor explained. et another mainstream Tempo network late last year boost the digital network’s Caribbean, we are carried by “It is all money driven.” conglomerate has with a focus primarily on “relationship with its Time Warner Cable (Channel Referring to the network Ycarved out a big piece Caribbean entertainment and Caribbean destination part- 89) and Cable Vision, and we as Black American Television, of the Caribbean entertain- cultural activities. MTV held a ners,” according to the com- are in 80 percent of the televi- McGregor continued, “BET ment business. series of launches in several sion households in New York, has never helped Caribbean Recently, Black islands, including Jamaica, probably greater now with our artistes. The few artistes who Entertainment Television which set the stage for other Direct TV launch.” manage to be shown on BET (BET) in the United States serious ventures into the A subsidiary of Viacom, is because they are signed to announced changes to its BET Caribbean market. Inc., BET Jazz is a 24-hour major record labels (artistes Jazz television network. With Certainly not new to channel that provides jazz such as Sean Paul and Kevin a new attitude and name, BET, the primarily African music, news, and information Little). BET does not respect BET J, the channel will American-focused network for primarily a black audience. the Caribbean people.” increase its Caribbean music has always showcased It carries live concerts and fes- The outspoken artiste and culture programming in Caribbean music festivals, tivals, in-studio events. stressed that BET does not addition to offering news from such as the St. Lucia Jazz work with independent the region. Festival on its BET Jazz chan- MIXED IMPACT artistes whose videos are not Launching its new format, nel. However, this makeover Undoubtedly, Caribbean on film, citing quality issues. Cybelle Brown, vice president is designed to capture a huge entertainment producers have Explaining that the high costs of sales and marketing for share of the Caribbean market taken note. How will this for producing on film is pro- Events Production and BET in South Florida, New York seeming trend impact their hibitive, the reggae artiste Digital Networks, said “there and most of the region - wher- business? admonished: “That cuts out ever BET J is available. “The fact that BET is now the entire Caribbean, and to will be a lot more Caribbean McGregor coverage…We will be a true spotlighting Caribbean culture me that is racist!” home for Caribbean artists to and music is only going to For those who feel they present their skills and talent.” pany. Those destina- enhance it. I think it’s a won- are being squeezed out of the Brown added “BET as a com- tion partners include derful opportunity. They are business Clarke had this to pany has always recognized Barbados, St. Lucia, finally realizing that there is a say: “It is closed-minded to the Caribbean as part of the Anguilla, Cayman wealth of information and feel that way. If you are confi- African American heritage Islands, Jamaica, entertainment that has been dent in your product and what and culture. As a company Antigua, Trinidad and untapped,” said Bobby you are producing, then noth- that targets this demographic Tobago, and Turks Clarke, chief executive officer ing can touch it.” (African Americans), we feel and Caicos. of New York-based Irie Jam that it is critical to include “We are pursuing Radio and independent pro- IGNORED Caribbean programming on other partnerships ducer. McGregor agrees that our networks.” and look forward to Clarke welcomes the there is great talent coming The BET J executive working with each move by BET J because of out of the Caribbean, but outlined that the channel has island to successfully the attention it brings to the without a network of their achieve their strategic genre, adding “it exposes what own few are acknowledged. created an entire day of Clarke Caribbean programming, plans for their destina- we are doing globally…I must “We yearn for assistance adding: “Our audiences love tion,” Brown under- commend them for finally see- from companies like BET, but it, and we generate successful PARTNERSHIP scored. Asked about the per- ing the light.” it never happened. So, there is business partnerships from the BET Jazz has been work- centage of Caribbean viewers, He also had good words no real interest as far as I can region. There is a lot of ing hand-in-hand with its “sis- Brown said: “We do not have for Frederick Morton, founder see. They just see money in demand for this format and ter” MTV Digital Networks to a measure of what percentage of MTV’s Tempo channel. the Caribbean,” he said. we are currently exploring the help build its Caribbean audi- of Caribbean viewers watch However, noted reggae artiste Although Clarke wel- economic advantages of it.” ences. According to the com- the channel, however, what I and producer Freddie comed BET J, he explained BET’s move is not the pany, BET J’s viewership is can say is that we are carried McGregor disagrees. that local Caribbean networks first foray into Caribbean expected to shoot to an in every major U.S. market “BET is not doing this are doing a better job. entertainment by a major incredible 21 million house- where there are large because they think the “I have seen better pro- holds, eight million more than Caribbean communities. In Caribbean has talent, they Poetry goes Wilde in Jamaica see the Caribbean as a great (CONTINUED ON PAGE 17) ome 50 women are from Jamaica and the United WiSPA is the concept of Caribbean’s top women expected to come togeth- Kingdom collaborate in the two U.K.-based arts organiza- Ser in Jamaica over two first International Black tions – JustWrite, a communi- writers for conference weeks beginning next month to Women Writers Retreat. ty writers group - and The retreat is expected to WILDE Network Ltd., which exchange literary skills, knowl- ome of the most talented Douglas, Opal Palmer Adisa take the form of an explo- have joined forces with edge and culture as a pre-cur- female writers from the and Olive Senior. Martinique’s ration of Jamaican people and Positive Tourism in Negril. sor to the publication of an region will get together Nicole Cage-Florentiny, and anthology celebrating the cultures, especially those that For more information on S for “The Caribbean Woman Haiti’s Evelyne, Myriam strongly reflect their African the event, call 876-381-1591; bicentennial of the Abolition Writer as Scholar” conference Chancy, J.J. Dominique and heritage; and a series of cre- visit www.wilde2000.org.uk of Slavery Act 1807. between May 30 and June 3 in Joanne Hyppolyte have also ative writing workshops. It is or email Sharon Parris- The annual Wilde South Florida. been invited. They should scheduled to culminate in a Chambers at sharon@posi- Summer Poetry Alliance The 10th anniversary con- be joined by Trinidad and free two-day literary festival tivetourism.com (WiSPA) will be launched in ference, presented by Florida Tobago’s Ramabai Espinet, for the public. Negril on June 30 as women ® International University, Merle Hodge, Eintou Pearl will be held at the Westin Springer and Elizabeth Diplomat Resort and Spa Nunez, along with Lelawattee in Hollywood. Manoo-Rahming of The Haitian American Bahamas and others. Edwidge Danticat will serve The conference is sched- as distinguished conference uled to include panel presen- host writer, while Jamaican tations, poetry/spoken word American Sylvia Wynter will presentations and perform- be awarded a special confer- ance art. ence honor. Jamaica’s Erna For more information, Brodber will be the opening visit www.fiu.edu/- plenary speaker. africana/caribbean.women Among the invited writers are Jamaicans Marcia ®

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ARTS/ ENTERT AINMENT Inner Circle opens up to a new world of music DAMIAN P. GREGORY decades ago, they were busy at salt. Awards are more work in their North Miami about popularity than itting comfortably in a home. But they remain low-key about anything else, they leather chair in his Opa despite the opulence of their say. SLocka, Florida living recording studio and neighbor- “Gimme something room, guitarist Roger Lewis ing home, where they work on from Jamaica, it mean casually supervises the goings- new recordings, mentor new up more to me,” Roger said. on and talks with excitement and coming artistes and run “Gimme something from and confidence about politics - their own business. my own Jamaica people both. Jamaican and American - Lewis is happy calling and Jamaican musicians, religion, and how the music South Florida home. say bwoy, dem man deh industry continues to evolve - “I have adapted a little bit wicked. That mean more all of which will be reflected in of Jamaica here,” he said. to me.” his group’s latest project. Though the group has On the horizon for Lewis’s Inner Circle, the been together for more than 25 the group is its next quintet of Jamaican-born musi- years, to most of the world release, tentatively titled cians which first came to the they are known primarily for “The State of the World”, fore in 1970s as a regional two songs, “Bad Boys” the which members say will group, strives to keep the 1993 hit that is still the theme chronicle its experiences Inner Circle members, from left, Roger Lewis, Kris Bentley, Lancelot Hall, Bernard “Touter” Harvey music flowing. The group, for Fox television’s “Cops”, in the post 9/11 world. and Ian Lewis. fronted by Jacob Miller and “Sweat (A La La La La Harvey said the album will through many of its formative Song)”. The group, though be less constrained than some make back ($400,000)’. They making something from noth- years, gained commercial inter- happy for the success of both of Inner Circle’s past efforts. got big overheads.” ing” that still gets him charged national success a few years songs, is borderline indifferent The members plan to distribute To avoid that, they hope to up about the future. Band after Miller’s death. The other to it. the record themselves without ride the wave of success of digi- members say both their kind of members are Roger’s brother “Just another song,” Roger the help of a major record tal media that has captivated music and dancehall can co- Ian, who plays bass guitar, key- Lewis told Caribbean Today. label, which they claim makes the music industry and sell exist on the musical landscape board player Bernard “Touter” “We have worked hard for more financial sense. directly to their fans via their and appeal to different audi- Harvey, lead vocalist Kris so long and have done so many “You don’t have to sell a website www.innercircle-reg- ences. Bentley, and drummer/percus- other songs,” band mate and lot of records to make back gae.com. “Music is always chang- sionist Lancelot Hall. brother Ian agreed. your money,” he explained. The group estimates it gets ing,” he adds. “As long as it’s When Caribbean Today sat As for the critical acclaim, “With the label, they go for 200,000 visits to its site from spiritual and meaningful to the down with three members of the group has received a bottom line 300 to 400,000 in all over the world, and that is people.” the group that became interna- Grammy Award. Yet that, America and maybe a 500 to enough to make them viable on tionally famous more than two too, they take with a grain of 600,000 worldwide, to make the scene for a huge internation- Damian P. Gregory is back their money…because al audience. Caribbean Today’s deputy they look at it this way, ‘if I “It is about the process,” managing editor. BET targets Caribbean music... invest $100,000 in you I have to Roger Lewis says. “It is about ® (CONTINUED ON PAGE 16) “Fiwi Grammy”, recognizes gramming on Jamaica’s reggae and soca artistes RETV, TVJ, and CVM. BET throughout the region, tradi- has a ways to go to catch up to tionally left out of the popular those stations,” he said. They American Grammy Awards. (BET J) might not know who “It has taken them a long Eek-A-Mouse is, whereas time to recognize the incredi- local producers have a lot ble talent in the Caribbean,” more to offer because they Charlton said. “I hope they live the culture.” will look into other programs McGregor lauded the like the ReggaeSoca Music efforts of a network station, Awards as well.” Caribbean Satellite Network Charlton explained that (CSN), that was in existence BET could go way beyond up to the 1990s. producing Caribbean music “CSN was our little BET,” programs. he said. “When Mr. Cowan “We have so much more was struggling with CSN, none than music,” she said. “There of them (mainstream network are plays, carnival, jerk festi- companies) would help val, fashion shows, and other although they saw the poten- cultural events. These are the tial. Those were the only kinds of programs our people times Caribbean music had a want to see on channels like chance to be aired across the BET.” Caribbean. However, the fact that “BET never had any mainstream media is recogniz- interest. After CSN went ing Caribbean music and cul- down there was no more ture is what’s important, Caribbean videos to be seen Clarke said. The bottom line in the region. There was no for him is that “people are network that would carry any- appreciating reggae music for thing Caribbean. All they are what it is - just great doing is sucking out what is music…I’ve seen the music in left from the poor Caribbean a slump for so long, and I’ve people that they care nothing seen it at its worst. There is no about,” McGregor added. way that this move by BET “Basically, our industry has can be negative. I welcome always been supported by us, more people in the market- nobody else.” place because the only way to Winsome “Lady C” grow reggae to the level of rap Charlton, founder of the or rock is to expose it.” ReggaeSoca Music Awards, is one such supporter. First pre- Dawn A. Davis is a freelance sented in 1994, the awards writer for Caribbean Today. show, sometimes dubbed ®

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CULTURE Pan music ready to ring out in the U.S., world No ‘Caribana’, GORDON WILLIAMS bands in Switzerland, for can make the returns coming pan to reach,” said Nyomba, but Toronto example. And in the U.S. the out of pan beneficial to the who formed Pan People some t still puzzles many listen- instrument is starting to take youth and people of Trinidad 30 years ago. The band was ers outside the Caribbean hold in school curriculums, in and Tobago.” recognized by Georgia legisla- gets new fest Ihow music so sweet could states like Illinois, Florida, T&T, after all, is the home tors last month with a “Pan TORONTO, CMC - Toronto possibly escape from beating West Virginia and Georgia. A of pan, the only acoustic People Steelband Day”. will not be having its popular cut off, dented tops of oil company in Ohio reportedly instrument invented in the But Nyomba’s wishes Caribana festival this year, but drums. sells pan instruments for thou- 20th century. But just as how would mean getting more the city will be home to a new It’s one of those young people involved. He summer festival of calypso, “how do they do that?” and band members have steel band and mas to be mysteries to those uned- taught pan to students in the organized by a new manage- ucated about the instru- U.S. for years. But often, he ment committee. ment that originated in explained, many young After months of wrangling Trinidad over seven Americans will eventually between Caribana organizers decades ago. embrace their own culture and and the Toronto City Council, Yet, if the promot- music as they grow older. Still, it has been revealed that a new ers of pan - those pas- he claims that three steel festival, to be called the sionate Caribbean bands have been started Toronto Caribbean Committee, islanders - get their way, among predominantly white will be staged instead of listeners – especially schools in Georgia in the past Caribana, which has been a those in the United four years and he is particular- feature of Canada’s cultural States - will be getting ly happy that the Trinidad and landscape since 1967. far more chances to sat- Tobago government recently This year’s Caribana had isfy their tastes and earmarked some TT$40 mil- been slated to run from July 15 curiosities. lion in its budget for pan to Aug. 7. The 2006 Toronto “Pan is now instruction in school. He Caribbean Carnival will run in every corner of thinks that will have an impact from July 19 to Aug. 7. the globe,” boasts as more students will be The newly appointed exposed to the pan. Festival Management Trinidadian-born Dr. Pan music has spread from the Caribbean to Europe and North America. Ajamu Nyomba, a lec- “Pan is the easiest instru- Committee, which is charged with organizing the new festival, turer at Clark Atlanta ment to learn to play music is being headed by Jamaican- University and a founding sands of dollars a pop. Nyomba described the origi- on,” Nyomba said. “Pan has The recent symposium, nation of the instrument from this natural feel.” born Joe Halstead, a former member of the “Pan People” economic development, cultural steel band, convener of the Nyomba explained, was African goat skin drums which designed to heighten the came with slaves, to the tam- LACKING and tourism commissioner for recent symposium “Pan in the the City of Toronto. 21st Century: The Scholarship awareness of the potential the boo bamboo which then led to UNDERSTANDING and Music of Steel Drums” business of pan can generate. the idea for the modern day Yet he was not pleased ® last month in that Georgia “We want to start an intel- pan instrument, he is also anx- that the T&T government did city. lectual movement for pan,” he ious to see the transformation not send a representative to “It’s growing in leaps and said. “We don’t have a forum of pan music from a local the symposium, despite, he May is ‘Haitian bounds,” Nyomba would tell to discuss pan on that level.” Caribbean corner to become said, not only being invited, Caribbean Today later. “…It’s So representatives from embraced worldwide like its but also offered assistance to Heritage Month’ growing all over the world.” various fields gathered at regional counterpart reggae. make the trip. He said the According to Nyomba’s Clark Atlanta University for a However, he is careful not to government “has a little way ay is being celebrated calculations, pan music is a couple days to examine the match the two. to go to understand and as “Haitian Heritage “multi-billion dollar business.” business of pan, how it can be “To me, it’s not an appro- appreciate” where pan is MMonth” and the City And the instrument is being properly marketed and pro- priate comparison,” Nyomba going internationally. of Miami has planned several played not just in balmy moted, and how to get the said. “Pan is a musical instru- Nyomba would also like activities in recognition of the climes of tropical regions such younger generation involved. ment. Reggae is a form of to see the pan movement in event. as the Caribbean, but in They came mainly from North music. It’s like comparing his homeland expand beyond City Commissioner places where fur coats would America and Europe. apples and oranges. It’s not the infrequent competitions. Michelle Spence-Jones of be the clothing of choice dur- “What came out is like we a fair comparison.” One of reggae’s advantages, District 5, joined Miami-Dade ing early year carnival time in are well on our way to having Yet he readily accepts he explained, is that musicians Commissioner Audrey the region instead of skimpy that forum,” Nyomba contin- reggae’s popularity worldwide, can easily get their instru- Edmonson of District 3 and the costumes that show curves ued, “to share with the inter- spurred on by the work of ments from one country to the 2006 Haitian Heritage commit- and paint almost everywhere. national community the icons such as Bob Marley. It is next. For pan, the task is more tee members to officially kick- different aspects of pan… what he would eventually like difficult. So tough, in fact, that off the month of events at a LEARNING PAN The underlying aim is see pan to match. his own band is considering recent press conference at the There are about 250 steel what we can see, how we “That’s the level I want sending a member in advance Freedom Garden on North of the main party for an Miami Avenue. upcoming overseas gig to This year’s theme is get the instruments ready “Celebrating the Past, Building by time the rest arrive. the Future”. “A reggae band can leave During the press conference Jamaica without instruments participants announced the activi- and come to the U.S. and per- ties surrounding the celebration. form,” Nyomba explained. Those will include Haitian art “Now you have to transport exhibits, street festivals, book pan instruments to the U.S.” signings, a youth march with the However, for those wait- Mayor’s Youth Council /Miami- Dade County Public Schools and ing to catch pan in music’s the first Toussaint L’Ouverture mainstream, the wait might Parade and Birthday Celebration. not that long. After all, the All Haitian Heritage instrument has that unique Month events are free and sound, that sweet sound you open to the public. just cannot keep locked in a Participating organizations pan. include the City of Miami Film, Arts, Culture and Entertainment, Gordon Williams is Caribbean Miami Parks and Recreation, Today’s managing editor. NET offices, Miami-Dade County and Miami-Dade County ® Public schools. ®

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SPORT T&T names World Cup soccer squad Jamaican stars shine PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad enough fitness-wise over the (West Ham United), Clayton (CMC) - National coach Leo last few months to be included Ince (Coventry City). at 112th Penn Relays Beenhakker last month in the squad. announced the initial 24-man Several players will join DEFENDERS - Cyd Gray GORDON WILLIAMS Sutherland who ran on all squad to represent Trinidad Sealy on the standby list, (CL Financial San Juan three winning teams. Three and Tobago at the FIFA World including Fulham’s Anthony Jabloteh), Marvin Andrews aribbean athletes others, Annastasia Le-Roy, Cup Finals in Germany next Warner, Kiruana’s Nigel Henry, (Glasgow Rangers), Brent turned in high quality Bobbi-Gaye Wilkins and month. Sancho (Gillingham), Ian Cox Cperformances during Schillonie Calvert were mem- However, the Dutchman (Gilligham), Atiba Charles (W the 112th staging of the Penn bers of two of the three win- will omit one player before Connection), Dennis Lawrence Relays at Franklin Field in submitting his final 23-man (Wrexham), Avery John (New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania squad to FIFA on May 15 for England Revolution). late last month with Jamaicans the June 9 to July 9 world once again proving to be a showpiece. MIDFIELDERS - Silvio dominant force. The squad includes most Spann (Unattached), Chris In a setting described as of the players who were a part Birchall (Port Vale), Aurtis carnival-like over the three- of the historic 1-0 victory over Whitley (CL Financial San day weekend, and the bright Bahrain in the Persian Gulf Juan Jabloteh), Anthony sunshine and colorful atmos- state last November. Rougier (Petrotrin), Anthony phere generated mostly by the “Before making the final Wolfe (Jabloteh), Densil huge number of Caribbean choice of 23, we did our home- Theobald (Falkirk). supporters adding to the fes- work the best we could,” tive mood, top athletes from Beenhakker said. ”I have to FORWARDS - Carlos schools and the professional protect the players also who Dwight Yorke will lead T&T. Edwards (Luton Town), ranks alike once again brought us to Germany. They Dwight Yorke (Sydney FC), reminded the world that the have to be credited. And there Swindon Town’s Ricky Shakes, Russell Latapy (Falkirk), Stern region remains a powerhouse must be balance in the team.” Port Vale’s Hector Sam and John (Coventry), Kenwyne in track and field. The lone omission from Anton Pierre of Defence Jones (Southampon), Collin World record holder Powell wowed the crowd. the historic squad which quali- Force. Samuel (Dundee United), Asafa Powell of Jamaica fied in Bahrain is Kansas City The 24-man squad will go Jason Scotland (St Johnstone), turned in an awesome display ning relays. Sutherland said Wizards striker Scott Sealy, into camp for a May 10 friend- Cornell Glen (LA Galaxy). in the Olympic Development the workload was difficult, who is on the standby list. ly international against Peru in 100 meters dash on the final but that she had properly Veteran former captain Port of Spain, after which the STANDBY PLAYERS - day. Though his time was a prepared for the meet. Anthony Rougier is the one squad will be whittled down to Anthony Warner (Fulham), relatively modest 10.10 sec- “We were confident com- surprise in the squad, but 23. T&T will undertake camps Nigel Henry (Kiruana FF), onds, it was the easy manner ing here,” said Sutherland, Dundee winger Collin Samuel in England, Austria and Czech Ricky Shakes (Swindon in which he blew away the rest who was named the high has been included following a Republic before heading on to Town), Hector Sam (Port of the field that stunned the school girls athlete of the good showing in Trinidad and Germany. Vale), Scott Sealy (Kansas City crowd. Yet, according to meet for relay events. “We Tobago’s 2-0 victory over The Soca Warriors kick Wizards), Anton Pierre Powell, the race went accord- know we could win all three Iceland in London last month. off their campaign against (Defence Force), Brent Rahim ing to plan. relays because we had the Beenhakker explained Sweden on June 10 before (CL Financial San Juan “I did what I wanted to fastest times from (the that from looking at past taking on England (June 15) Jabloteh). do,” he said afterwards. “I ran beginning of the) season.” footage he realized there were and Paraguay on June 20. 30 meters and took it easy. I Also confident was no players in his squad with TECHNICAL STAFF - Head shut it down about 65 meters Camperdown High of Rougier’s characteristics and GOALKEEPERS - Kelvin coach Leo Beenhakker, assis- in.” Jamaica, which scored felt the player had done Jack (Dundee), Shaka Hislop tant coaches Wim Rijsbergen Other regional athletes a double victory in the and Anton Corneal, goalkeep- had to work much harder to Championship of America ing coach Michael Maurice, earn their success. Holmwood 4x100 (40.13) and 4x400 football manager Hans Technical High School of meters (3:11.46). Star sprinter West Indies names Remaldo Rose earned the Hagelstein, general manager Jamaica girls’ team made a Bruce Aanensen and assistant sweep of the three relays they high school boys athlete for Lara captain again manager George Joseph. entered, capturing the the relays for his efforts in Championship of America both winning relays. Six of the atting superstar Brian who were trying to influence ® titles in the 4x100 (44.56), eight schools in the final of Lara has once again me.” 4x400 (3:36.98) and 4x800 Bbeen chosen to captain West Indies Cricket (9:04.35) meters, led by Sonita (CONTINUED ON PAGE 20) the West Indies, marking the Board Chairman Ken Gordon third time he will lead the said Lara’s appointment was regional cricket team. “not for any “It’s a great honor,” Lara fixed period FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY! told reporters after learning of time.” caribbeantoday.com IS HERE!!! about the appointment late Lara first last month. “It’s the third time served as NOW YOU CAN PLACE UNLIMITED CLASSIFIEDS WITH PHOTOS on I’m taking the job and I feel I captain have the necessary support. between caribbeantoday.com! (Former captain Shivnarine) 1996-97 and Chanderpaul did a wonderful 1999-2000. YES! YES! YES! job under the circumstances. He was again FOR JUST $24.00 A YEAR! THAT’S RIGHT, JUST $24.00 A YEAR! appointed in He’ll reap the benefits later in Lara life. He called me and he said 2002-03, but YOU CAN PLACE UNLIMITED CLASSIFIED ADS!!! he’d support me and asked was replaced • REALTORS & MORTGAGE BROKERS • AUTO SALESMEN that I give it some considera- by Chanderpaul in 2005. tion. Lara led the Windies in 40 • EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES • PROPERTY DEVELOPERS “The fact that a lot of for- Test matches, winning 10 and • RETAILERS AND WHOLESALERS ...EVERYONE WITH A BUSINESS! mer players called me was losing 23. His next assignment humbling. This was followed is against Zimbabwe, which is You must check it out! up by phone calls from pres- currently touring the West Visit us at caribbeantoday.com or call 1-800-605-7516 ent team-mates who thought I Indies. But the big test will be should assume the mantle of next year’s World Cup one-day Sounds Good and its True! leadership at this juncture. I competition which is being called past and present players played in the Caribbean. for an objective view on the .com matter. They unequivocally ® Caribbean Today, Consistently Credible thought the same as the others

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20 CARIBBEAN TODAY May 2006

SPORT Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz salvage Jamaican stars shine at pride in soccer draw with U.S. 112th Penn Relays

GORDON WILLIAMS quite satisfying.” field. U.S. coach Bruce Arena, (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19) and Calabar’s Nicholas Downswell’s full squad, who was expected to name his Gordon (7.02) finishing sec- the 4x100 were from Jamaica, ond and third. amaica took a big step assembled for only a single World Cup squad early this and finished in that order. In towards regaining lost training session the evening month, expressed disappoint- the 4x400 Jamaican schools Jinternational soccer credi- before the game, and missing ment in his team’s surrender took the top three places. bility last month by battling to several experienced and of the early goal, but praised Holmwood’s boys 4x800 a hard fought 1-1 draw with proven performers, snatched Jamaica’s performance in the team also won in a time of the fancied United States at an early lead match. 7:43.35 seconds. the SAS Soccer Park in to silence the “Give Jamaica credit,” Cary, North Carolina. partisan said Arena, who hoped to use INDIVIDUAL The Reggae Boyz, home crowd the game to assess players BRILLIANCE arguably the top ranked team before many vying for spots on his World In the individual events, in the Caribbean, but forced had even set- Cup roster. “I thought they the Jamaicans were again, fin- to watch regional rivals tled in their did well with that (scoring) ishing first or in the top three Trinidad and Tobago play in seats. Striker opportunity. For the night I several times. this summer’s World Cup in Teofore think they gave great effort Sherene Pinnock of Germany after failing in Bennett and defended pretty well.” Edwin Allen Comprehensive their own qualifying bid, had Downswell slipped in Jamaica too looked to clocked a new meet record slipped badly following a 5-0 behind the analyze its young squad, and 56.90 to win the 400 meters thrashing to Australia late last U.S.defense although Downswell said he hurdles. She was named high year. in the fourth minute to collect would have loved to see the school girls athlete for indi- However, on April 11 the a precise pass from midfielder Reggae Boyz break their win- vidual events. Other champi- Boyz rallied with a relatively Jermaine Hue and easily beat less streak against the U.S., he onship winners on the first inexperienced team to hold a goalkeeper Tony Meola, who returned to the Caribbean day were Taniesha Blair of U.S. team hungry for a win was making his 100th appear- with a better handle on his tal- Holmwood Technical in the following its own embarrass- ance for the American nation- ented group. girls javelin, with a throw of ing 4-1 loss to Germany al team. “Overall the game was 46.08 meters, and Kimberly recently. The match marked Roused by the early set- played in good spirits,” he Williams of Vere Technical in back, the U.S. swarmed all said. “…We have tried a num- the 17th time the two coun- the triple jump with a leap of Pinnock set a new meet record. tries had met and going into over Jamaica’s half of the field ber of young players and a 12.47 meters. Second in that the game Jamaica had never and earned a 25th minute few of them we were really event was Kimona Smith of The high school championship beaten its highly rated CON- equalizer when quick thinking impressed with. Definitely we Morant Bay. boys triple jump was won by CACAF rivals. The final captain Landon Donovan have to have another look at On the final day of the Robert Peddlar of Wolmer’s result still kept the Reggae passed to Ben Olsen who fired them again in another game.” meet, which ran from April with 14.73 meters. Third was Boyz winless against the a shot that was deflected by That chance comes in the 27-29, Jason Robertson of Sean Powell of Munro Americans, but helped them Jamaica’s goalkeeper next few weeks. Jamaica is Wolmer’s recorded yet anoth- College. Jamaica College’s score valuable recognition as a Donovan Ricketts before set- scheduled to play World Cup er victory for the Jamaicans, Sharif Small finished second program to be reckoned with tling into the net. bound Ghana and England in winning the 400 meters hur- in the boys championship dis- on the international soccer Britain. According to Jamaica dles in 52.89. cuss throw with 53.44 meters. scene. JAMAICA CREDIT Football Federation President Jamaicans also excelled in Several Caribbean ath- “Yeah, it was a good From then on the game Crenston Boxhill, the Ghana the field events. Alain Bailey letes also competed for col- result for us in terms of the was marked by steady streams match is scheduled for of Kingston College won the leges and clubs at the meet. whole marketing of the of attacks by the U.S. and Leicester on May 29. The high school boys long jump team,” said a happy Wendell stout defending by Jamaica, England game is set for championship with a leap of Gordon Williams is Downswell, Jamaica’s techni- spliced in with occasional June 3 in Manchester. 7.46 meters. The runner-up Caribbean Today’s managing cal director, after the game, attacking forays by the Boyz. spots were also taken by editor. which was played on a cool Both teams came close to Gordon Williams is Caribbean Jamaican athletes, with night in front of a standing breaking the deadlock, but in Today’s managing editor. Wolmer’s Julian Reid (7.39) ® room only crowd of 8,093. the end the result appeared to ® “…Overall the result was justify what transpired on the BRIEFS MIAMI GETS A KICK FROM SOCCER • Windies players agree to Barbuda. deal Jamaica finished the com- After more than a year petition unbeaten to secure of squabbling, the West the title with a round remain- Indies Cricket Board ing, defeating Leeward (WICB) and the West Indies Islands, Barbados, Guyana Players Association (WIPA) and Trinidad and Tobago. finally agreed to terms on the controversial retainer • K.C., Holmwood take contract for players last ‘Champs’ titles month. Kingston College and WICB President Ken Holmwood Technical fin- Gordon, announced that a ished on top at the popular group of between eight and and highly competitive 2006 12 players will be contracted. VMBS/ISSA Boys and Girls WIPA President Dinanath Athletics Championships last Ramnarine, said the players month in Jamaica. to be retained would be cho- K.C. won the boys section sen by the selectors. with 233.5 points, for a two- point edge over rivals Calabar. • Jamaica tops regional U-15 In the girls, Holmwood earned cricket 319 points to finish ahead of Jamaica earned top hon- Vere Technical on 302.5. Members of Miami F.C. soccer club take the field last month for an exhibition game against Caribbean champions Portmore ors in the CLICO West Compiled from several wire United of Jamaica. Miami F.C., which carries a roster that includes Caribbean-born players Sean Fraser of Jamaica and Haiti’s Indies Under-15 cricket tour- services. Stephane Guillaume, is the city’s newest professional sports franchise. It plays in the United Soccer Leagues (USL), which nament which was played began last month. last month in Antigua and ®

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HEALTH Breathe deeply to manage day-to-day stress (FeatureSource) The “Mayo breathing, inhale slowly end the session, don’t jump energy, improve sleep, What’s an easy, con- Clinic Women’s through your nose. Visualize out of your chair. Slowly start improve concentration and venient (and free) HealthSource” your diaphragm moving down to regain a sense of your sur- relieve muscle tension. The way to manage day- monthly publi- to create more space for your roundings. When you’re long-term goal is to reduce the to-day stress? Just cation offers lungs to expand. ready, allow your attention to effects of stress on your life. breathe. instructions to • Let your lower return fully. Deep breathing achieve relax- abdomen relax and expand Practice breathing deeply Author: Mayo Clinic Staff can help you relax by ation by breath- as it fills with air. to reduce anxiety, conserve lowering your blood ing. • When your lungs and ® pressure, slowing • Sit in a com- abdomen are full, slowly let your heart rate and fortable chair, air out through your mouth respiration rates and feet flat on the and allow your diaphragm to easing muscle ten- floor. collapse. sion. Even as little as five min- • Close your eyes, or visu- • Repeat. If your mind utes a day of deep breathing ally focus on something in the wanders, return your attention can calm and refresh you and room. to your breathing. leave you more alert. • Paying attention to your • When you are ready to Avoiding neck, back pain while using the computer osture ranks at the top of center of the chair. The proper ders. the list for good health. method is to sit deep in your • Tap the keyboard lightly. PIt is as important as eat- chair.” Don’t pound. ing right, exercising, getting a Unquestionably, children • Place your mouse within good night’s sleep and avoid- and adults alike spend more easy reach of your dominant ing harmful substances. time at computers today than hand. Hold the mouse loosely. Unnatural alignment of 20 years ago. Arnsdorff offers • Place the monitor at eye the body can cause head, nine tips to keep your posture level, 16 to 24 inches away. shoulder, neck and back pain. perfect when you’re at the • Take short stretch breaks It can also compromise neuro- computer: every 20 minutes. logical, digestive, respiratory • Sit up straight and deep in • Exercise your eyes fre- and cardiovascular functioning. the seat. Your feet should be quently. Look away and focus “We spend a large portion flat on the floor or on a on distant objects. of our lives sitting, especially footrest. • Periodically look up at the during the computer age, so it’s • Keep your lower arms ceiling to give your posture important to learn to sit tall,” level with the desk and keep muscles a break. says Dr. Marvin Arnsdorff, your wrists straight. This helps Good posture and body author of “Pete the Posture prevent carpal tunnel syn- mechanics are important for Parrot™: Dinosaur Dreams” drome. maintaining a healthy spine (Body Mechanics Press, • Sit close enough to your and nervous system. They www.bodymechanics.com). keyboard to eliminate stretch- even help boost self-esteem. “One of the most common ing but far enough to avoid mistakes we make is that when leaning. Your shoulders should - FeatureSource we move into a sitting posi- be back, and your head should tion, we tend to aim for the be directly over your shoul- ® Haitian group wins U.N. award United Nations, CMC – A and veteran Bangladeshi family individuals. Haitian family planning planning doctor and Program UNFPA said the provider has won the 2006 Manager Dr. Halida Population Award Committee, United Nations Population Hanum Akhter was awarded chaired by Ambassador Judith Award. this year’s United Nations Bahemuka of Kenya, chose the The United Nations Population Award. winners from 27 nominees, Family Planning Association The award goes each year including top-level policy mak- (UNFPA) announced last to individuals and institutions ers, researchers and health month that Haiti’s Foundation for their outstanding work in workers from around the world. for Reproductive Health and population and in improving Family Education (FOSREF) the health and welfare of ®

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POLITICS Woman replaces Panday as T&T Opposition leader BRIEFS PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Television reports said Opposition United National CMC - Attorney Kamla that Panday had personally Congress (UNC) took another • U.N. investigating Haiti won 18 seats in the 36-seat Persad-Bissessar has been endorsed Persad-Bissessar, a turn. polls Parliament. appointed former educa- Haiti’s most recent elections Opposition leader tion minister. DENIAL are being investigated by the • Bermuda premier plays in Trinidad and Opposition But UNC Deputy United Nations mission amid down election Tobago, according Chief Whip Chairman Vasant Bharat accusations that election officials Premier Alex Scott has to an official state- Ganga Singh denied that Panday had issued and other groups had committed moved to squash speculation that ment issued here said it was his instructions from jail on who fraud during the polls, a U.N. Bermuda might be heading for a late last month. understanding should be his replacement. spokesman said late last month. general election later this year. The brief state- He said however Spokesman Marc Jacque Speaking during an ment from the that Panday was said the inquiry into possible unscheduled appearance at a Ministry of Public informed about all fraud during the April 21 crucial Progressive Labour Party (PLP) Administration and the developments. legislative runoff is being con- meeting in West Pembroke Information said Bharat told a ducted throughout the country by recently, Scott ended a defiant, the appointment of news conference last the Major Crime Unit of the U.N. campaign trail-style speech with Persad-Bissessar, a month that “the Peacekeeping Mission, known as the comment: “If some of you former attorney UNC executive met MINIUTAH. think we are preparing for an general, “takes in emergency ses- “We are investigating possi- election, you might be right,” rais- effect from April sion and endorsed Persad-Bissessar ble fraud in the election,” said ing the possibility that govern- 26”. She becomes and approved the Jacquet saying no time limit was ment might soon be planning to the first woman to position taken by set for the investigation. call a snap vote. But the Premier hold the post in Trinidad and that Panday these MPs,” to back later warned the population not to Tobago. gave instruc- Persad-Bissessar. read too much into his comments Persad-Bissessar replaced tions to his In the letter to • Guyana’s gov’t seeks while speaking at last month’s former Prime Minister Basdeo Members of President Richards, extension community forum which was Panday, who was sentenced to Parliament to the eight Opposition The Joint Parliamentary attended by a number of govern- two years imprisonment last support MPs said that Singh ment ministers and other legisla- month after he was found Persad- Persad-Bissessar Opposition Parties (JPOP) late last tors. guilty of failing to declare a Bissessar. “commands our support in month said it had been taken by London bank account to the “This is what I was told the House of Representatives surprise by the Guyana govern- Integrity Commission for the by one sitting MP,” he said. and we kindly request that ment’s decision to table legisla- years 1997, 1998 and 1999, Later in the month Singh she be appointed as Leader of tion seeking to extend its parlia- • Christians offer election while he was prime minister of resigned his post as the the Opposition in the House”. mentary life. guidelines this Caribbean nation. infighting between the main “The move took us by sur- The Montserrat Christian ® prise,” Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine Council (MCC) has issued a list said. Head of the Presidential of proposed guidelines, which it Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon hopes will “serve as guides for Caribbean reps to monitor Fiji elections said that the intention behind the political parties and candidates, Constitution Amendment Bill was the electorate and the media for “to extend and provide for an the upcoming elections”. KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC - Secretariat the organization and conduct additional month within which General elections will be K.D. Knight, Jamaica’s former said that the of the general elections, in general elections could be held.” held on May 31. foreign affairs and foreign observer accordance with the laws of trade minister, will lead a group would the Fiji Islands. It would also He said that the amendment “removes the Aug. 4 date that Commonwealth Observer consist of six consider the various factors • New political party for Group for the general election eminent per- impinging on the credibility of has been bandied around as the in the Fiji Islands next month. sons, support- the electoral process as a end of the constitutional authority Dominica? A statement from the ed by three whole and to determine, in its of the administration to a month William “Para” Riviere, the later, by which time one antici- former general secretary of the London-based members of Knight own judgement, whether the Commonwealth Secretariat staff. conditions exist for a free pates the Elections Commission ruling Dominica Labour Party said that Knight would lead Last month, the expression of will by the elec- would be able to discharge their (DLP), says he will soon launch a the team from May 6-13. Commonwealth Secretary- tors and if the results of the mandate for general elections in new political party in Dominica. In addition to Knight, General Don McKinnon sent elections reflect the wishes of 2006.” “I stand firm in my belief who resigned from the a Secretariat Assessment the people, the statement said. that what is required now is a Jamaica government in Mission to Fiji, following an The group will submit a new political movement to take March, the other Caribbean invitation from the Prime report at the end of its mis- • Privy Council rules this country forward into the national on the team is Sheila Minister Laisenia Qarase. sion. Manning’s favor twenty first century,” Riviere Roseau, executive director, The London-based Privy told the state-owned Dominica Directorate of Gender Affairs FOCUS ® Council has said that Prime Broadcasting Station (DBS) last in Antigua. The observer group will Minister Patrick Manning did month. The Commonwealth focus on relevant aspects of nothing wrong when he delayed calling another general election • Preval likely to win after the unprecedented 18-18 Parliament support Small Opposition parties merge in T&T election tie in Trinidad and Tobago The political party of in 2001. President-elect Rene Preval failed PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, of Understanding (MOU) to Carson In an 11-page judgment, the to win a majority in last month’s CMC - Three political parties, guide the future activities. Charles said Privy Council, the island’s final legislative run-off for the 129 including the newly formed The NAR, which held he was confi- court, dismissed a judicial review seats in Parliament, but political Movement for National power in this oil-rich dent that the case brought by two electors, observers say he could still Development (MND), have Caribbean nation from 1986- new force Florence Bobb and Girlie Moses, receive the backing of at least 88 announced a merger, saying 91, has not fared well in the would be that Manning should have called legislators. they are confident of winning last two general elections, ready ahead fresh general elections when the Preval’s party “Lespwa” won the next general elections con- even though it once formed of the polls. House of Representatives failed to 11 of the 27 Senate seats already stitutionally due in Trinidad part of a coalition government “We will be elect a Speaker in April 2002. It decided and 20 the 85 house and Tobago next year. that replaced the ruling Charles ready before has ordered that they pay costs. seats tallied, according to the The leaders of the MND, People’s National Movement the elections,” The Privy Council found that results of the April 21 legislative the Democratic Party of (PNM) in 1995. Like the he said, adding “it will be a Manning did everything constitu- runoff released by the Electoral Trinidad and Tobago (DPTT) DPTT, which contested the terrible shame for us to have tional to resolve the crisis in Council on April 26. and the National Alliance for last general election, the NAR found that we have so much in Trinidad and Tobago, after then Reconstruction (NAR) told a has not been able to command common and not proceed ruling Peoples National Movement Compiled from CMC reports. joint news conference last more than five percent of the together.” (PNM) and the Opposition United month that a legal team would popular votes. National Congress (UNC) both ® be working on a Memorandum But NAR Leader Dr. ®

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REGION Caribbean looks to 2007 confab BRIEFS • Former Jamaican P.M. gets for help Assembly last month, as he sought to mend fences with Washington new job The St. Kitts and Nevis govern- parliamentary approval for a guaran- Four weeks after demitting ment says it is looking to Mexico to tee to a Canadian company of just ST. GEORGES, Grenada, consequences of this practice office as Prime Minister of Jamaica, help the federation diversify its over $500,000 for each of LIAT’s 13 CMC - Caribbean community on our societies.” P.J. Patterson has been appointed economy in the wake of the collapse planes, Lynch said while the carrier (CARICOM) governments are senior adviser to an international of the sugar industry. should record small losses in the looking SUPPORT consulting company, the Gleaner Prime Minister Dr. Denzil third quarter it should register an towards the Giving support to a recent newspaper reported. Douglas held a meeting with visiting operational profit by year-end. proposed July suggestion from Kerrie Patterson, 71, has joined Mexican Ambassador to St. Kitts and 2007 United Symmonds, Barbados’s minister GoodWorks International (GWI), Nevis, Sergio Saavedra Melendez • Decrease in murders in Jamaica States- of state in the Ministry of based in Atlanta in the United last month and thanked that country ~ police Caribbean Foreign Affairs, Nimrod said States, which was co-founded 10 for providing training for locals in the Jamaica police late last month conference as the issue of a collaborative years ago by Jamaican Carlton hospital service institutions. Douglas said there had been a 25 percent an occasion to approach to insurance and bur- Masters and the civil rights leader said with the closure of the 350- reduction in the number of persons help mend den sharing in natural disasters Andrew Young, a former U.S. year-old sugar industry, the federa- killed so far this year, as compared relations with as well as disaster preparedness ambassador to the United Nations tion faces several challenges as it to the same period in 2005. Washington, Nimrod and mitigation, including early and Atlanta mayor. puts in place a new tourism, finan- “In the last couple of months, according to warning systems, were impor- cial and services-based economy. the police, with the assistance of Grenada’s Minister of Foreign tant matters for a joint effort. • St. Lucia turns to U.K. for communities, have been able to Affairs and International Trade “These ideas and several crime fighting help • Suriname opens new bauxite reduce murder by approximately 25 Elvin Nimrod. others definitely warrant seri- The government has turned to mines percent this year, which in terms of Nimrod said there has ous discussions at the appropri- the United Kingdom government to President Ronald Venetiaan has lives, is probably over 200 people been a “period of relative cold- ate level with U.S. officials. I assist in improving the St.Lucia’s formally launched a $300 million less dead this year than there were ness” between the U.S. and the am confident that the tradition- national security and crime fighting bauxite project in Suriname funded last year,” said Deputy Commissioner Caribbean mainly because of al excellent relations that exist strategy. by the British and United Staes of Police Mark Shields. He gave no differences on contentious between both sides would be The announcement was made multinationals BHP-Billiton and actual figures, but used figures from issues such as the war in Iraq, further strengthened as a last month by Governor General Alcoa/Suralco. the Jamaica Constabulary Force to Haiti and the International result,” the minister told his Dame Pearlette Louisy in her Throne The new mining operations substantiate his claim. Criminal Court. colleagues at the meeting. Speech to the mark the opening of a began with the inauguration of a “Many matters directly Nimrod also identified the new session of Parliament. bridge over the Surinameriver and • New Cuban ambassador to related to our economic and need for CARICOM countries the authorities said the cross-river Antigua social viability should be high- to revisit the issue of shared • St. Vincent remains connection leading to the so-called Cuba has appointed Marcelino lighted, while the mechanisms diplomatic representation in committed to CCJ Successor Mines, Kaaimangrasie Fajardo Delgado as its new repre- to facilitate trade and invest- strategically selected countries. The St. Vincent and the and Klaverblad, as well as the sentative to Antigua and Barbuda. ment in both parties should “Our extremely limited Grenadines government last month accompanying roads, would be The Cuban news agency be revisited,” he said as he institutional and technical said it remains committed to the handed over to the government at Prensa Latina said that Fajardo addressed the Council for capacity to deal with several Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of the end of the project. Delgado had been appointed by the Foreign and Community trade negotiations and the Justice (CCJ). country’s Council of State as Relations (CONFOR) of plethora of issues which require However, Prime Minister and • LIAT improves on its finances extraordinary and plenipotentiary CARICOM in Grenada. opinions and perspectives on a Minister of Legal Affairs Dr. Ralph The cash-strapped regional air- ambassador. It said he had been Nimrod said among imme- constant basis, further highlight Gonsalves told Parliament the coun- line, Leeward Islands Air Transport working as major specialist in the diate matters to be addressed the need for more collaboration try might not sign on to the appellate (LIAT), has cut its losses in half and foreign affairs department for North between the U.S. and CARI- and co-operation in the conduct jurisdiction of the court before 2008 has increased passenger load by 20 America. COM was “the vexing issue of of our international relations,” when certain changes are made to percent, according to Barbados criminal deportees with a view he said. the island’s Constitution. Minister of Tourism and International Compiled from CMC reports. to agreeing on a better plan to Transport Noel Lynch. ® minimize the socio-economic ® • St. Kitts looking to Mexico Speaking in the House of U.N. agency projects favorable economic outlook for Caribbean UNITED NATIONS, CMC - Caribbean will grow 5.9 per- Caribbean: Projections 2006- growth in the region is expect- bined with active domestic An economic commission of cent in 2006, up from the 4.2 2007”, the commission said ed to slow slightly in 2007, to demands, are the main “driv- the United Nations is project- percent rate achieved in 2005. favorable international eco- about 4.3 percent. ers” behind the region’s ing that the gross domestic In a new report called nomic conditions are spurring Strong world trade, led by growth, according to the report product (GDP) of the “Latin America and the growth in 2006. Economic the Asian economies, com- published released by the U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). “The principal factor of economic uncertainty in the region is the possible change in the ‘evolution’ of the econo- my in the United States (U.S.), given the importance of the U.S. market for exports from Latin America and the Caribbean,” ECLAC stated. ECLAC said the sending of money transfers (remit- tances) from the U.S. to the Caribbean and Latin America countries is another important factor helping the region’s economies. The commission estimated that inflation in the Caribbean and Latin America will remain similar to 2005 lev- els of five percent to seven percent throughout the region. ®

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B ANKING & INVESTING ~ A Caribbean Today advertising feature U.S. tax facts and other myths CARICOM and U.S. to re-activate of a limited liability company joint trade and investment council WASHINGTON, CMC – The ings have been set between entity. JOSE NUNEZ & Caribbean community the two parties, there was a This tax form results in all MICHAEL ROSENBERG (CARICOM) and the United commitment to continue dia- of the LLC’s items of income, States last month agreed to re- logue as the need arises. gains, expenses, losses and or decades, corporations activate a trade and invest- “Today, we had a wide have been the preferred credits being reported directly on the sole member’s income ment council between them, ranging discussion which is Flegal entity used to con- after several years of dorman- useful to us because it pro- duct business or hold invest- tax return. As a result, the tax consequences of this LLC cy, the region’s chief negotia- vides a lot of additional infor- ments in the United States. tor Ambassador Richard mation on a variety of possi- Lately, however, with the depend entirely on the tax sta- tus of the sole member (e.g., if Bernal has said. bilities,” Amb. Bernal told advent of the limited liability “This mechanism would CMC. company (LLC) this is chang- the sole member is an individ- ual, the tax consequences be available to discuss any He noted that the Council ing and it is possible that the issue relating to trade and would not only promote trade preferred legal entity is or would be those applicable to investment. Whether it is and investment between the would soon be LLCs organ- individuals directly engaged in Bernal WTO (World Trade two sides but would also serve ized under the LLC laws of the activity of the LLC). Organization), the Free Trade as an early response mecha- any state in the U.S. Notwithstanding this, from an CARICOM trade officials Area of the Americas, or any nism to any trade disputes Like the corporation, the IRS viewpoint, even if an LLC here. LLC offers limited liability is a disregarded entity, the LLC bilateral trade and investment that may arise. It was first set protection to its members as may still be liable for the tax issue,” Bernal told the NO MANDATE up between CARICOM and each member’s liability is lim- liability of its single member. Caribbean Media Corporation However, there is no the former Bill Clinton admin- ited to each member’s interest b) Partnership - By (CMC). mandate for CARICOM to istration in the late 1990s. in the LLC. Thus, if a liability default, if two or more single He said the U.S. Trade raise the issue of a free trade However, after two meet- accrues within the LLC, the persons or entities form a Representative Rob Portman agreement with the U.S., ings, it became inactive. members’ personal assets will domestic LLC, such LLC made the proposal during Amb. Bernal said. He added be protected from a judgment would be considered a part- “frank” and “open” talks with that while no follow up meet- ® creditor of the LLC provided nership. Similar to a that the company form is Disregarded Entity, the part- respected by the members and ners, and not the partnership, Take action to fight Internet financial fraud the courts. include in their tax return the items of income, gains, ANDREW LECKEY ing”, a scam that employs information and seed money. PROTECTION expenses, losses and credits of official-looking e-mails and The son of a prominent the partnership. An important non-tax dif- nyone who uses a websites designed to replicate Orange County, Calif., psychi- ference between the corpora- c) “C” Corporation - A computer each day real organizations, most atrist recently obtained a court tion and the LLC relates to domestic LLC may elect to be comes into contact recently even the IRS. These order stopping his elderly another element of asset pro- taxed as an association taxable A with more attempts at finan- seek to trick us into revealing father from spending more on tection. In general, in the as a corporation. In this case, the net income earned by the cial fraud than we used to personal brokerage account a Nigerian Internet scam he event a judgment creditor of a numbers, Social Security had already given $3 million. member of an LLC (not of the LLC will be taxed in the encounter in six months. hands of the LLC at the cor- In 2006, the Internet is numbers, credit card numbers, We receive e-mail offers LLC, but of the member per- user names and passwords. in the guise of personal greet- sonally) seeks to satisfy such porate tax rate and distribu- the efficient, cost-effective tions of earnings will generally way to mislead us about We receive lottery-win- ings. In a consent decree, judgment with such member’s ning and Nigerian Internet Jumpstart Technologies LLC interest in an LLC, such credi- be subject to a second round investments or steal our of income tax in the form of a money outright. Most of us messages promising enormous tor will obtain only the rights sums if we forward financial (CONTINUED ON PAGE 27) of an assignee of such mem- tax on dividends or a tax on regularly encounter “phish- ber. This assignee interest gains. From an income tax would not give a creditor vot- viewpoint, this is probably the ing rights in the LLC nor the most inefficient vehicle to power to force a distribution conduct business or hold by the LLC. As a result, the investments. LLC and its assets are protect- d) “S” Corporation - An ed from the judgment credi- LLC may also elect to be tors of its members. taxed as an S corporation. From a U.S. tax view- Unlike C corporations, an S point, the LLC may take dif- corporation generally avoids ferent forms, but these differ- double taxation as its share- ent tax forms do not affect the holders are subject to tax in a LLCs separate existence and similar manner to partners in liability protection explained a partnership. in the previous paragraph. There are, however, some However, these different tax important differences and forms would greatly affect the these differences are the rea- ultimate U.S. income, gift and son corporations are losing estate tax consequences to the their appeal. In the domestic entity and its members, and area, an S corporation can thus, should be fully under- generally only have one class stood before making a choice of shareholders and this can among them. The different be quite limiting for establish- tax forms that an LLC can ing modern ventures where take are as follows: different class of interests may a) Disregarded entity - By be required for example deal- default, if a single person or ing with rights to profit or entity forms a domestic LLC, rights to capital. In the inter- such LLC will be disregarded national tax arena, an S cor- for all federal tax purposes. poration is even more limiting In this case, the LLC will be as only U.S. citizens or income taxed as a sole proprietorship tax residents (and certain if the sole member of the LLC trusts and other S corpora- is an individual, or it will be tions) may be shareholders of taxed as a branch or division if the sole member is a business (CONTINUED ON PAGE 27)

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B ANKING & INVESTING ~ A Caribbean Today advertising feature Seek new opportunities, Miller tells Caribbean U.S.-based firm to invest

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, going to impose new economic region, and suggested a CMC - Caribbean countries obligations on the Caribbean greater focus on services as a in Guyana’s energy sector have been advised to seek and investment promotion means of dealing with the GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Understanding (MOU) for new and creative business would be the key drivers of anticipated fall out. CMC - Guyana and Delta establishing and operating the opportunities, in order to sur- the economy in the future,” “We recognize that with Energy and Petroleum refinery. vive in an ever-changing busi- she said. the virtual demolition of the ness environment. “We must now effectively old trading pattern and the Company, a United States- The refinery could help The call came from manage this new relationship trade in goods and commodi- based firm, are close to sealing reduce fuel price on the local Barbados’s Minister for with Europe. We must now ties that has come about as a a $500 million deal to estab- market. Construction is Foreign Affairs and Foreign reallocate our resources, result of the banana issue and lish a refinery in Berbice, east expected to begin early next Trade Dame Billie Miller at sometimes away from and the sugar, we have to look to of here, according to an offi- year. The statement said that the fifth U.K./CARICOM sometimes around some services and we’re talking cial statement issued late last construction would be done in Forum, which ended here late of the traditional sectors, to specifically tourism services, month. stages “with actual production last month. sectors of growth, potential financial services and we have The Office of the Prime being realized within a further Dame Billie told the and areas capable of earning to develop our capacity in Minister said the facility would 15 months”. It said that other meeting that many countries foreign exchange.” those areas,” Compton said. have the capacity to handle foreign companies were keen would face serious challenges Compton noted that the some 100,000 barrels of crude to set up more petroleum against the background of NOT ALL BAD region has a competitive per day and create 1,000 new refineries in Berbice based on trade liberalization and With the pending changes advantage in the two sectors, jobs. It said the Guyana gov- the proximity to the Berbice reformed international rules, to Europe’s sugar regime, St. and countries therefore need ernment and Crab Island River and the Atlantic Ocean. and they would need to Lucia’s Foreign Affairs to strengthen their market Refineries Incorporated change. Minister Petrus Compton said outreach. signed a Memorandum of ® “This new dispensation is it was not all bad news for the ® BRIEFS Take action to fight Internet financial fraud • Prepare for free trade, U.S. tells Debt Relief initiative,” said World Bank Caribbean President Paul Wolfowitz. (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25) specific pink sheet listing with and other financial accounts: A United States diplomat is telling a spam message about how • Check monthly account of San Francisco recently great the stock is and then statements to be sure balances Caribbean counties that they need to • Grenada confident in cricket agreed to pay $900,000 in civil prepare for a world of free trade. investment dump it once it hits a high are what they should be. penalties for its FreeFlixTix on the hype,” said Michael • Make sure your computer John Maisto, the U.S. ambassa- Grenada Prime Minister Dr. Keith promotion that the Federal dor to the Organization of American Mitchell says his country will benefit Byrne, chief counsel for the has the latest security patches, Trade Commission said avert- Pennsylvania Securities and access accounts only on States said that while his government tremendously from staging World Cup ed spam filters by disguising is committed to assisting Caribbean cricket matches next year. Commission and chairman secure web pages using commercial e-mails as person- of the Enforcement Trends encryption. If a padlock icon countries with trade capacity building, Mitchell expressed such confi- al messages and misled con- the region must embrace change. dence even as Jamaica’s Finance Project Group of the North is shown, click on it to see if sumers as to the terms American Securities the pop-up window shows a Minister Omar Davies said last month involved in the “free” movie • World Bank to cancel Guyana’s that his country will not reap immedi- Administrators Association. certificate with the same site tickets promotion. Prime bank swindles - high- name. debt ate financial reward from the event. We’re offered money for The World Bank last month said “I can’t speak for Jamaica, but I yield investment programs • Don’t click on a link provid- simple tasks. The Securities promising to double your ed in an e-mail message, but Guyana is among a number of the feel confident that, relative to the invest- and Exchange Commission world’s poorest countries entitled to full ment, we’re going to benefit tremen- money - are prevalent, Byrne type the web address into recently froze funds of the col- said. Bold criminals make a your browser to see whether it debt cancellation. dously,” Mitchell said. lapsed “paid autosurf” site The bank said this has become fast hit, then run off with your represents the true sender. 12dailypro.com of Charlotte, money without giving any- • Never give others your pass- possible because of approval of the Compiled from CMC and other N.C., which promised mem- Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative. sources. thing in return. words, and be aware that bers a 44 percent profit in 12 “Fraud today has a tech- wireless networks in public “We have secured the total votes days for viewing a series of necessary to enact the Multilateral ® nological twist but is really places may not provide as online advertisements. The old wine in new bottles,” said much security as wired SEC alleged it was actually a John Stark, chief of the SEC Internet connections. U.S. tax facts and other myths of a Ponzi scheme, with the catch Office of Internet • Log out your computer being a hefty fee running as Enforcement in Washington, when you’re not around. Type limited liability company high as $6,000. D.C. “The Internet is a great in user name and password tool for the con artist, though information each time, rather COMMON also a tool for law enforce- than utilizing the “remember” (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25) ration considering becoming a Scams are so common- member in the same LLC, will ment because it provides a feature because anyone using place that the Federal Bureau the S corporation. also be considered engaged in trail.” your computer could access of Investigation has made Although the LLC is a the conduct of a U.S. trade or Nearly 600 Internet-relat- your financial accounts. Internet fraud a priority rank- very flexible business and business and not only subject ed cases have been brought by • Report “phishing” and other ing behind only counterterror- investment vehicle, anyone to federal and possibly state Stark’s office since he began cyber crime to the FBI at considering it must under- corporate income tax but also ism and counterintelligence. handling them in 1998. As www.ifccfbi.gov. Send your stand the different tax forms it to the “branch profits tax”. At the FTC, online incidents many as 5,000 Internet-related investment-related fraud com- may take. For example, a for- In conclusion any foreign accounted for nearly half of complaints of suspicious con- plaints to the SEC by e-mail- eign individual for U.S. person considering doing busi- all consumer fraud complaints duct in financial accounts are ing [email protected]. income tax purposes consider- ness or holding investments in filed last year. lodged daily (in the United Forward deceptive spam you ing whether to become a the U.S. should seek the assis- Cell phone text messages States). receive to the FTC at member of an LLC engaged tance of competent U.S. tax recently joined online bulletin “The newest thing is fraud [email protected]. in the conduct of a U.S. trade counsel to ascertain the U.S. boards, e-mails, voice mails that employs an electronic “Too often, hard-working or business must be aware tax consequences of such busi- and faxes as delivery vehicles logging program to monitor people want to believe there that by being a member of ness or investment. for unscrupulous stock pro- your keystrokes so someone are ways other people make such LLC, he or she will be moters. Messages are shorter, can figure out your broker money to which they haven’t considered to be so engaged Michael Rosenberg and Jose such as: “Hot stock money account password and user been privy.” and this would require him or L. Nunez are shareholders here!” and the stock name, name,” Stark said. “They then her among other things to file with the Coral Gables law typically a smaller-cap stock go directly into your account © 2006 Tribune Media a U.S. income tax returns on firm of Packman, Neuwahl & not traded on a major to remove your assets.” Services, Inc. an annual basis. and likely Rosenberg and can be exchange that is listed on the expose his or her estate to the reached at 305-665 so-called pink sheets. PREVENTION ® U.S. estate tax upon death. “The ‘pump and dump’ Take these steps to avoid Similarly, a foreign corpo- ® scams pump up the price of a online theft in your brokerage

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May 2005 CARIBBEAN TODAY 3