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PRESORTED NOVEMBER 2008 STANDARD ® U.S. POSTAGE PAID MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 7315 Tel: (305) 238-2868 1-800-605-7516 [email protected] [email protected] W e cover your world Vol. 19 No. 12 Jamaica: 654-7282 THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING NEWS MAGAZINE Grenadian sociologist Claude Douglas argues that the Caribbean’s attitude to homosexuality is changing and tolerance has increased significantly. He blames that partly on America’s cultural invasion of the Caribbean, page 8. ~ Democrat Barack Obama is elected president of the United States, the How does first African American to hold the Caribbean nation’s highest office, ending visual and lit- erary art eight years of Republican shape cultural White House rule under identity? Is George W. Bush and there artistic offering hope to Caribbean value in people in the U.S. and the Jamaican region, page 3. dancehall? Is skin bleaching and hair straight- ening forms of artistic expres- sion? These and other questions were explored by critic and writer Annie Paul at a sympo- sium in Miami, page 17.

Former sprint World Champion Lauryn Williams, of the United States, believes the prolonged backlash against Jamaica’s successful outing at the recent Olympic Games is totally unjust, page 19.

CALL CARIBBEAN TODAY DIRECT FROM JAMAICA 655-1479 INSIDE News ...... 2 Local/FYI ...... 11 Business ...... 16 Health ...... 22 Feature ...... 7 Caribbean Foods . . .12 Arts/Entertainment .17 Region/Politics . . . . .23 Viewpoint ...... 9 Tourism/Travel . . . . .15 Sport ...... 19 CTNov08.qxd 11/9/08 1:28 AM Page 2

2 CARIBBEAN TODAY November 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS President Préval calls for U.S. Grenada’s P.M.meets Bush WASHINGTON – Grenada’s a matter we are going to fol- Prime Minister Tillman low up on,” he said. to end deportations to Haiti Thomas last month held talks with United States President CRISIS MIAMI – Haitian President Préval told the Americas Meek, who last month led a George W. Bush, with trade, The meeting also touched René Préval has reiterated his Conference in Coral Gables, delegation of U.S. legislators on security and climate change on the current global financial fervent appeal to United Florida last month. a fact-finding mission to Haiti, foremost among their con- crisis, in particular high food States President George W. Préval said while he had said it was unconscionable that cerns. and fuel costs with Bush Bush to grant temporary pro- personally told Bush about his the White House had continued “We are not only neigh- inquiring after the welfare of tected status (TPS) to Haitians deep concerns, he will again to deport Haitians while the bors but we share a common ordinary Grenadians. living illegally in the U.S. write him on country suffers. tradition, so we are concerned Overall, Thomas, who is Préval’s call came at a the matter. “It’s gone far beyond rea- about the security of the the current chairman of the time when the French-speak- son for the administration not region, trade and climate Organization of Eastern ing Caribbean country faces a PUSH to give Haiti some relief,” he change,” said Thomas after Caribbean States (OECS), massive task to rebuild in the Two said. meeting with the president for characterized the day’s delib- aftermath of a series of deadly Florida Meek, who represents just about half an hour at the erations as “interesting” and storms, which killed nearly Democratic Miami, said Haiti “over-quali- White House. said he looked forward to 800 people and also destroyed congressmen fies” for TPS, bestowed when Thomas, who recently strengthening and deepening homes, crops and infrastruc- have been the U.S. government deter- took over the leadership reins of the relationship between ture. It also came against the pushing the mines eligible nationals are Préval in Grenada also used the the U.S. and the Caribbean. backdrop of a recent decision Bush adminis- temporarily unable to safely opportunity to appeal to the It was Thomas’s first visit by U.S. immigration officials tration to per- return to their home country U.S. president, who demits to Washington since he led to temporarily halt the depor- manently cease deportation because of ongoing conflicts, office in January next year, for his National Democratic tation of Haitians. of Haitians because of the environmental disasters or support in the restoration of Congress to victory in general Préval cautioned against a hardship being experienced other “extraordinary and tem- his country’s centuries-old elections on July 8, defeating resumption of deportations in the impoverished country. porary conditions.” Parliament building that was the Keith Mitchell-led New because of the economic chal- Kendrick Meek and Alcee L. Hastings, who represents destroyed by Hurricane Ivan National Party that had gov- lenges faced by Port-au-Prince. Hastings, strong Haitian advo- the city of Miramar, outside in 2004. erned the island since 1995. “This is a chance for the cates, have assailed the admin- Miami, said, in his letter to “I regard that as a very In March, the newly elect- U.S. administration to put in istration’s policy on Haiti, stat- Bush, that Haiti can “hardly important institution within ed leaders of The Bahamas, place for Haitians, the tempo- ing that Haitians have, for too sustain the lives of those cur- the democratic system and it Barbados and Belize also met rary protected status that has long, been victimized by rently living within its borders.” seems as if President Bush with the U.S. leader. already been granted to other Washington’s “double stan- sees it as a priority too, so it is countries in the region,” dard” immigration policies. ® ® Haitian strongman jailed Jamaican-born pilot helps Miami for fraud in New York students ‘Build and Soar’ NEW YORK – A United “This case, while serious JUDITH HUDSON city youth and minority stu- Kenneth Mack, 15, also States court has sentenced for- in and of itself, takes on an dents to pursue careers in avi- from Norland, agreed that mer Haitian paramilitary leader added resonance given the ation and aerospace. hard work paid off. Emmanuel Constant to up to current global financial crisis,” Gentle, quiet, always ready to help,” Clovealy “We had an open door “It was hard work putting 37 years in prison for his role in he said. policy,” Irving said of the stu- the plane together,” Mack a mortgage fraud scheme in “While the defendant and “Irving beamed with pride as she described her son. said. “We stopped and rested, New York that bilked lenders his confederates cannot be but we continued until it was out of more than $1 million. held accountable for the Her words rang true as Barrington Irving gladly finished.” In his sentencing remarks nationwide economic melt- Irving has no plans to go late last month, Justice down and the foreclosure cri- stopped to take pictures with anyone who asked. He around the world, at least not Abraham G. Gerges, of the sis, this scheme, and others on another solo flight. Instead, State Supreme Court in like it, have played a role in indulged the young mother screaming out from the crowd he dreams of working with at- Brooklyn, linked Constant to the situation.” risk children. He wants them the American foreclosure cri- Constant’s lawyer Samuel that her son wanted to meet him, and the teacher speaking to know that they can accom- sis and the current global eco- Karliner planned to appeal. plish whatever they desire. nomic turmoil. on behalf of her mentally- ® challenged students who des- “I want them to look at perately wanted to take a pic- me and realize that if I can ture with their hero. achieve my dream, they can It was only a year ago that too,” he said. the 24-year-old Irving made his- His mission will also take tory as he circled the globe in a him to Jamaica where youths single-engine aircraft. Not only there will be able to share in was he the youngest person to Irving his vision. achieve that feat, but Irving was “My dreams started when also the only Jamaican-born dents. “We weren’t interested I met a Jamaican pilot named African American to do so. in their past, just what they Gary Robinson,” Irving No wonder, therefore, that wanted to do now and in the remembered. “He asked me on Oct. 16, thousands con- future.” if I wanted to be a pilot; if it verged at the Opa-Locka weren’t for him I would not be Airport in South Florida to HARD WORK here today.” celebrate another of Irving’s The students appear will- Miami Commissioner achievements – building a sin- ing to go along. Thomas Barbara J. Jordan, said gle-engine plane in 10 weeks Nelson, a 15-year-old from Irving’s speech and manner- with the help of 60 students Norland who helped build the ism make him seem much from Norland and Carol City plane, said he always wanted older than in his 20s. high schools. This time Irving’s to be a pilot. “He is an inspiration just flight was not around the “Hard work will pay off,” like the plane said,” Jordan world, but around the airport, he said. “Barrington is the exclaimed. showcasing their creation. greatest person now in avia- The students were select- tion, and to get the opportuni- Judith Hudson is a freelance ed as a part of Irving’s “Build ty to work with him was great. writer for Caribbean Today. and Soar” aviation program I hope that I get to work with designed to encourage inner- him next year.” ®

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November 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 3

NEWS www.caribbeantoday.com Obama whips McCain, sweeps into U.S. White House GORDON WILLIAMS Illinois minutes before mid- sage to Jamaica’s motto “Out too, including the Caribbean, Cooper, who at 106 had lived night on Nov. 4, and shortly Of Many One People”. indicating that the U.S. under through an era when African emocrat Barack after John McCain acknowl- Millions of people in the his leadership would be part Americans were not even Obama, campaigning edged defeat from his state of Caribbean and around the of their struggle for better allowed to vote, but who Don a platform of Arizona, the president-elect at world appeared to openly cel- global relations. could now witness one change and an end to politics once embraced the signifi- ebrate Obama’s victory. “To all watching from become president. that has divided his nation, cance of his accomplishment Hundreds gathered in front of beyond our shores,” Obama “It’s been long time com- convincingly swept aside the while pledging to be the presi- the White House in said, “…our story is singular, ing, but tonight change has challenge of Republican John dent for all Americans, not Washington D.C. when it but our destiny is shared.” come to America,” said McCain to become the 44th just his supporters. became clear he had won. He zoomed in on his own Obama in an acceptance president of the United States “Out of many we are Obama sounded a note of nation, and talked about peo- (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) and the first African one,” he said in a similar mes- hope for countries elsewhere ple like Atlanta’s Ann Nixon American to hold the coun- try’s highest office. Obama, the 47-year-old Double the pleasure this holiday season. senator from Illinois born to Get Economy Internet or Digital a black ® African father Voice Local with More™ for only 95 and a white each per month American every month* mother, fin- Comcast Economy Internet* ished the Nov. Obama 24 4 election with t This holiday season, free yourself from dial-up and busy phone lines! Research new recipes, download 349 electoral votes to holiday photos and shop online for gifts faster with up to 768 Kbps of download speed - up to 13 times McCain’s 163. He only faster than 56K dial-up. required 270 votes for the his- toric win that t Enjoy all these FREE features on comcast.net: ended eight years of

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4 CARIBBEAN TODAY November 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS Caribbean Americans celebrate Obama’s election victory JUDITH HUDSON we have done enough in think we might get some help America to get special obliga- from him.” aribbean Americans, tion,” he said. “We must ask Yet Pauline Walters, a eager for change in ourselves, ‘are we doing businesswoman, said that she Ctheir adopted home- enough to make an impact on voted for Obama because of land, have enthusiastically this nation, are we at the level his stand on immigration. embraced Barack Obama’s to demand change’. I don’t “Senator Obama voted in successful bid to become pres- think we are.” favor of giving illegal aliens ident of the United States. Clare also added that amnesty,” she said. According to several whatever happens it is a great Walters added that the interviewed by Caribbean time to be in the U.S. Democrat will need time to fix Today on election night, Nov. “Barack is the first the economy and other prob- 4, they voted for a candidate African American president, lems that the U.S. faces, but who will make life better for and if he can do it, as a child the first step was to put him them and their relatives, one with immigration background, in the White House instead of who they hope will not forget that makes me believe that I Republican opponent John them when he settles in the can do anything,” he said. McCain. White House and not sweep “This is history in the mak- “President-elect Obama is their issues aside but will tack- ing.” the best person to set us free,” Obama proved popular to voters in South Florida and the entire U.S. le them head-on. she said. “He will restore all “For the economy to stabi- ‘ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE’ that is lost. He is the only lize, we have to first choose a Patrick Beckford, chair- American politician who went good leader,” said Irwine man of Jamaica Diaspora to Germany and got such a Fashion from the islands Clare, the Jamaican-born man- organization in the U.S. north- reception. Barack brings new aging director of Caribbean east region, agreed. ideas, while McCain has none.” Immigrant Services in New “Words cannot express Sara Williams, a retired hit The Bahamas catwalk York, who said that he always how I feel,” Beckford said on elementary school teacher said ed to show. believed that Obama was the Nov. 4. “Look at what is hap- she cried when Obama won. GORDON WILLIAMS Despite a disappointing better candidate to become pening. I picked my daughter “We have come a long late start to the first day, the president. up today from college and I can way,” she said, “from the cot- NASSAU, The Bahamas - show unfurled into a steady “We have chosen a leader now tell her that anything is ton fields to the White House. Fashion creativity in the flow of tropical-flavored not only for the United States possible, anything can happen.” This is what we have dreamed Caribbean is fast becoming seri- designs. Haitian David Andre’s but for the world, one who Beckford said that many about, but thought it was ous business for designers from line of “Sea, Sex, Sun” starting will now bring everyone to the young people voted because impossible. Now that our around the world, and The the event rolling, followed by table.” they believe they have a voice dreams has come through we Bahamas is stepping boldly presentations from Darcel De Clare said it is still unclear and can be a part of the deci- need time to take it in, then onto the catwalk, hoping to cap- Vlugt and hometown girl about Obama’s immigration sion-making. But he too was we must get ready to work.” italize on that growing interest. Christine Demeritte. Yet the policy, but he believes that the not sure where President The Caribbean chain Caribbean will need a greater Caribbean community will Obama will stand on immigra- Judith Hudson is a freelance staged “Islands of the World push along the runway to benefit if it works with other tion. writer for Caribbean Today. Fashion Week” (IWFW) from carve out a sizeable niche. racial groups. “He has a Caribbean affairs Nov. 5-8 here and, according “To be honest with you, I “Right now, I don’t think advisor,” Beckford said, “so I ® to its organizers, the aim is to transform entrepreneurial don’t think that the Caribbean spirit of the region into real Obama whips McCain, sweeps into U.S. White House recognition and earnings. “If you look at a number (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) Powell told one news organi- the nation’s economic woes of the established designers zation, “…to bridge the gap and his inconsistent shows of speech often punctuated by around the world, they look at between generations.” leadership which the Obama other cultures in terms of chants of “Yes we can!” from Obama said he was deter- campaign often described as the estimated 200,000-plus transporting and importing a mined to “heal the divide that erratic. McCain humbly lot of the designs etc. from people who gathered in Grant held back our progress.” accepted the voters’ decision. Park, Chicago. other cultures into their fash- “The American people ions and you see it on the cat- In a sober but command- BUSH’S BURDEN have spoken and they have ing tone Obama hardly walks in Paris, in London, Outgoing President spoken clearly,” he said. wherever,” Owen Bethel, acknowledged an often hostile George W. Bush led the U.S. The Arizona senator was campaign, in which his oppo- president of Mode Iles, an for two terms, which culminat- gracious in defeat, congratu- affiliate of a financial services nent’s camp linked him to ter- ed in the country’s worst eco- lating his opponent and prom- rorists and a socialist philoso- operation which produced nomic crisis possibly in a cen- ising to help him rebuild IWFW, explained to Photograph by Demetrius Francis phy and questioned his fitness tury and his own personal America. McCain also Bahamian Apryl Weech leads a group of to lead the nation, to credit Caribbean Today on the eve popularity plunging among acknowledged the “special of the four-day extravaganza. models on the catwalk during “Islands of McCain and ask for his help the lowest ever for a sitting significance” of Obama’s win. the World Fashion Week” to move the U.S. forward. “…And so what I saw U.S. leader. That appeared to “Senator Obama has was really to bring to value to “This is our moment,” he weigh heavily on McCain’s achieved a great thing for has really presented itself sig- said, repeating a line from his the economies of the campaign. Other stumbling himself and his country,” said (Caribbean) countries, to the nificantly in the world of fash- campaign trail. “This is our blocks, revealed by several McCain during his concession countries those designs origi- ion,” Bethel admitted. time.” national polls, included the speech. nate from…That’s why I refer “We have some fantastic Long before election Republican Party’s consistent Obama signaled his intent to it as the business of fashion designers, but I think what night Obama’s message had negative campaigning and to hasten the transition from as opposed to simply the has happened…is that it has indeed started to change the McCain’s choice of Alaskan the Bush administration. He entertainment of fashion.” not gone to the next level of way American’s view politics. Governor Sarah Palin as his had reportedly long decided To prove its point, IWFW business, as such, outside in Several senior Republicans, vice presidential running on key team members, includ- advertised some 30 garment the international market…As included former Secretary of mate. ing a chief of staff. His job, he and accessories designers from a region, I don’t think we State Colin Powell, a son of The growing unpopularity said, required urgent attention. 11 islands, many in the have gone anywhere near the Jamaican parents, openly of the U.S. involvement in “Victory alone is not the Caribbean but some from as force that we have and the endorsed Obama, the first two wars did not help the change we seek,” Obama said, far away as Fiji, Indonesia and potential that we have.” senator since John F. Kennedy Republican. Neither did “It’s the chance to make that Madagascar. The world is waiting…at to take the Oval Office. After McCain’s - a long time senator change.” International guest the end of the runway. the election they remained and respected ex-military man designers, including Peter confident Obama could carry - failure to convince the Gordon Williams is Caribbean Ingwersen, of Noir Illuminati Gordon Williams is Caribbean out his mandate. majority of Americans he Today’s managing editor. II from Denmark, and Nick Today’s managing editor. “What he did in this cam- offered the best solution to Verreos of Nikolaki in the paign was be all-inclusive,” ® United States, were also slat- ®

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November 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 5

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6 CARIBBEAN TODAY November 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS Home affairs minister dismisses U.S. student rescued U.S. report on crime in Guyana from St. Lucia ordeal GEORGETOWN, Guyana, darkness, the U.S. Embassy is were minor criminal activities, CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – body and a pain in his shoul- CMC – Guyana’s Home recommending that its but said the security forces An American biology student der, but appeared to be in Affairs Minister Clement employees fill were fully prepared to tackle was released from hospital good spirits. Rohee has accused the their gas tanks these problems. here on Oct. 26 following his The entire ordeal lasted United States Embassy of during day- Rohee further noted that dramatic rescue from Petit more than 12 hours as the blowing the crime situation light hours in recent times there have Piton – St. Lucia’s landmark French Coast Guard Rescue out of proportion, after a only”, the been no attacks on overseas- 2,461 foot mountain. Helicopter, stationed on near- warning was issued to advisory stat- based Guyanese, labeling the Mark Francis Heinmann, by Martinique, had to be American citizens about an ed. U.S. report as yet another 21, of the New York College, mobilized by way of a request upsurge of crime in the coun- “Private attempt to “blow out of pro- was among a party of students by the United States Embassy try. U.S. citizens in portion” the crime situation in who came to St. Lucia for the in Barbados. The report, issued Guyana may Rohee Guyana. “semester-at-sea program” Several local agencies through the Overseas Security wish to heed The minister also chided and made the climb up the were also involved in the res- Advisory Council (OSAC), this same advice”. the department, suggesting Piton. However, officials say cue, including the National said the U.S. was aware of the there were other countries in he ran into difficulty on his Emergency Management recent increase in robberies at ‘INACCURATE’ the region with a worse crime way down, slipping 200 feet Organisation (NEMO), the St. local gas stations, including However, Rohee late last situation than Guyana. He down the slope and landing on Lucia Fire Service, St. Lucia those often frequented by month described the U.S. called on the U.S. to consult a ledge from which he had to Helicopters, the Soufriere U.S. Embassy personnel in report as inaccurate, saying with Guyanese authorities be rescued. Disaster Committee and the Georgetown. there have not been any before making wild and irrele- The student suffered Royal St. Lucia Police Force. “Due to a rise in criminal recent attacks on gas stations. vant assumptions. dehydration, bruises to his activity during the hours of He acknowledged that there ® ® Cubans to get U.N. food aid HERO IN THE HOUSE NEW YORK – The United “WFP is playing an Nations says close to two mil- important role helping people lion Cubans affected by recent who suffered great losses in hurricanes Gustav and Ike will the storms,” said Sonsoles receive vital assistance under Ruedas, WFP representative its World Food Program in Cuba. (WFP) over the next six In addition to the rations, months. WFP will supply temporary Under the newly- food storage warehouses and approved emergency opera- liquid gas stoves to people tion, WFP will provide $5.7 who lost cooking facilities in million in food rations, includ- the storms. ing rice, beans, vegetable oil, A series of hurricanes – canned fish and CSB, a blend- Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike – ed food compound of maize killed hundreds of people and and soy fortified with vitamins caused billions of dollars of and minerals. damage to infrastructure The agency’s efforts are in across the Caribbean. support of the Cuban govern- In addition to Cuba, Haiti ment as it responds to commu- and the Turks and Caicos nities needing food assistance Islands were among the hard- in areas that bore the brunt of est hit. hurricane damage in late August and early September. ® Caribbean American congresswoman wants more aid for struggling Haiti - Photograph by Derrick Scott/JIS Jamaica’s Prime Minister Bruce Golding, left, and Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) José Miguel Insulza stand next to a statue of Jamaica’s first National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey during the prime minister’s recent visit to WASHINGTON – Caribbean “physically examine the dam- Washington D.C. in the United States where Golding paid a courtesy call on Insulza. The statue is on display in the foyer of the OAS American Congresswoman age on the ground.” headquarters. The OAS recently passed a resolution to name its cultural hall in honor of Garvey. Yvette D. Clarke has called on the George W. Bush MORE AID administration to increase aid Clarke, the representative to Haiti in the wake of for the largest Congressional destruction by a recent series district of Caribbean immi- of storms. grants in the U.S., has joined Clarke, the daughter of her Congressional colleagues Jamaican immigrants who rep- in asking Speaker of the U.S. resents the 11th Congressional House of Representatives District in Brooklyn, told the Nancy Pelosi to provide an Caribbean Media Corporation appropriation of at least $300 before departing for Haiti million in disaster assistance recently that more needs to be for Haiti in the Supplemental done to help the French- Appropriations Bill. speaking Caribbean country. The U.S. Agency for “We cannot allow this sit- International Development uation of poverty, disease, and (USAID) has nearly doubled vulnerability to the elements the amount of humanitarian to continue unanswered,” said assistance to Haiti from $10 Clarke, who was part of a million, announced on Sept. 8, United States Congressional to $19.5 million. delegation which went on a two-day visit to Haiti to ®

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November 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 7

FEATURE www.caribbeantoday.com Caribbean tourism responds positively to climate change

DAWN A. DAVIS UNWTO report also found by adopting the Davos such as the Office of Disaster disasters. tourism flows could be affected Declaration principles reached Preparedness and Emergency At the ground level, the esponding to climate in climate-sensitive regions among members of the Management and the National Ministry of Tourism along change is no longer an such as the Mediterranean, UNWTO at its climate change MET service was one of the ini- with the Tourism Product Roption for Caribbean Southeast Asia, and the Development Company created tourism practitioners and prop- Caribbean, events that could programs such as Spruce Up erty owners. cripple the sector. Jamaica and the Intercoastal Global warming is destroy- The urgency of the prob- Cleanup Project designed to ing coral reefs, creating more lem is underscored by findings harness the interest and actions frequent and ferocious storms, from the Inter-governmental of the entire population through and raising sea levels. This Panel on Climate Change awareness and eco-friendly issue is affecting how hoteliers warning that global tempera- practices. and attractions are doing busi- tures could rise by 1.8 degree Tourism’s collaboration ness, sparking strategies aimed Celsius to 4.0 degree Celsius with the Ministry of Energy is at keeping small island nations’ by the end of the 21st century also a signal of the govern- bread-and-butter economies if greenhouse gas emissions are ment’s commitment to develop alive. not reduced. Added to this is alternate sources of energy “Without a doubt, climate the fact that tourism is highly such as ethanol and bio-diesel. change can bring about a total climate-sensitive and, there- The ministry also outlined the reversal of development,” fore, vulnerable to these disas- sector’s investigation into car- warned Jamaica’s Minister of trous changes. bon markets and the potential Tourism Edmund Barlett at a “It therefore seems that of selling carbon offsets for recent seminar on Climate making Jamaica and the region credits. Carbon off-setting sim- Change and Tourism held at carbon neutral destinations is Photograph by Dawn A. Davis ply means the greenhouse gas an imperative. The Caribbean’s Resorts like The Palms Negril in Jamaica are doing their part to preserve the emissions that is created in one the Ritz Carlton Resort in Caribbean’s environment. Montego Bay, Jamaica. carbon intensity relative to area, for example from an air- According to the United GDP is currently the world’s line flight, can be offset by Nations World Tourism highest,” Bartlett said in his conference last year. The min- tiatives the ministry believed reducing emissions in another Organization (UNWTO), address to stakeholders at the istry will thus integrate climate was needed to “instigate a more area by planting a tree, for world tourism is responsible ministry-sponsored seminar. change polices and practices integrated sense of environmen- example. for four percent to six percent into its Sustainable Tourism tal awareness”. Out of that was The Jamaican government of total global emissions and GOV’T RESPONSE Master Plan at its mid-term borne a Tourism Emergency is also encouraging the adoption could grow by 150 percent Jamaica’s Ministry of review. Management Committee to over the next 30 years. The Tourism has answered the call Partnering with agencies focus on the sector’s response to (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) Recognition battle rages on in Grenada at U.S. invasion milestone ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - Government (PRG) of former Cuba to erect a monument in Patriotic Movement (MBPM) here believe the chances of The words from former United Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. honor of the 24 Cuban con- Dr. Terrence Marryshow has state tribute to soldiers of the States First Lady Nancy Reagan Bishop, who was placed structions workers who died been a leading campaigner for People’s Revolutionary Army echoed to a captive audience a under house arrest by the PRG during the invasion has angered recognition of Oct. 19 and the (PRA), who died defending stone’s throw away from where faction opposed to him, was sections of the population. soldiers who died. Grenada, has increased since a battle waged between U.S. later rescued by supporters The Cuban monument will “On October 25th we the new Thomas administra- marines and Grenadian soldiers many of whom be funded by Havana and is commemorate the lives of tion took office following the 25 years ago. were massa- expected to be erected near the those who invaded us, but our July 8 general elections. Many The man who made the cred by the fir- Point Salines Airport built main- soldiers who died giving their of the key players of the new call to the U.S. - former ing squad ly by workers from the Spanish- lives in defense of the country government were members of Governor General Sir Paul which execut- speaking Caribbean island. for whatever reason…what the PRG as well as its political Scoon - Prime Minister Tillman ed the revolu- The rededication of the they did was patriotic…they arm, the New Jewel Movement Thomas, as well as veterans of tionary leader American monument, and died defending Grenada’s (NJM). Recently, amid public the war, were part of the audi- and some of plans for a Cuban monument Independence, sovereignty and debate on the subject, Junior ence at last month’s ceremony his Cabinet are bound to fan the flames of territorial integrity,” com- Culture Minister Arley Gill rededicating a monument for colleagues. Bishop debate over similar tribute to plained Marryshow, who now announced that some form of 19 American soldiers killed in In 1979, fallen local soldiers. Cuban leads the Maurice Bishop and tribute would be paid. the war. former Prime trained medical practitioner October Martyrs Foundation, “I can hardly believe 25 Minister Eric Gairy was ousted and former leader of the now (MBOMF). - CMC years have passed since my hus- in a bloodless coup and the defunct Maurice Bishop Some political pundits band received that early morn- Marxist-Leninist PRG came to ® ing call for help from the gover- power, headed by Bishop. Under nor (general) of Grenada,” his leadership, Grenada aligned recalled Reagan in a letter read itself with Cuba and other Soviet by U.S. Ambassador to bloc countries, which alarmed Barbados and the Eastern the U.S. and other Caribbean Caribbean Mary Ourisman. nations. Following the bloody “Authorizing military force is events of Oct. 19, 1983, the day an extremely difficult decision Bishop was killed, a dust-to- for a president to make, but my dawn curfew was announced by husband didn’t hesitate.” a Revolutionary Military The ceremony, a highlight Council (RMC) headed by for- of the national Thanksgiving mer Deputy Prime Minister Day, occurred just outside the Bernard Coard. Point Salines International air- port where Cubans and CONTENTION Grenadians fought side by side The pomp and pageantry to repel U.S. marines arriving of the rededication ceremony on helicopter gunships. and the high-ranking officials present may have sustained the UPHEAVALS high profile nature of the The invasion, supported by American tribute. However, the Organization of Eastern recognition of the events of Caribbean States (OECS), Oct. l983 has been an issue of Jamaica and Barbados, came at lingering contention and per- the peak of political upheavals haps political currency here as brought on by a split in the well. A recent government People’s Revolutionary announcement to work with

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8 CARIBBEAN TODAY November 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com FEATURE Caribbean’s gay uprising sparks heated debate RAWLE TITUS to the campaign to decrimi- be the most tolerant Mottley. years later prisoners killed 16 nalize homosexuality in the Caribbean country where gays, “A government in plural- fellow inmates who were ingers pointing to the sky region. The university lec- lesbians, bisexuals, transgen- istic society must accommo- thought to be gay. are shaped in the form of turer argues that there is not der and transsexual groups date and respect the human Despite the opposition to Fguns. Imaginary triggers a tremendous increase in the march openly in the annual rights and dignity of each indi- homosexuality in Jamaica and are squeezed as crowds of par- number of homosexuals in gay parade. vidual,” she said. “To that the rest of the Caribbean, tygoers react with approval to a the Caribbean, but that Fidel Castro’s niece and extent, a law, which seeks to Claude Douglas, in his book, popular song by Jamaican more people are finding the sexologist Mariela Castro is discriminate in a society whose maintains that the region, dancehall icon Buju Banton at leading a new revolution in history has been scarred with including the church commu- Grenada’s top nightclub Cuba, a country in which the cancer of discrimination, nity, has become more accept- Fantazia. homosexuality is becoming has in fact, to be reformed.” ing of this lifestyle. “Boom bye bye in ah increasingly recognized. Meantime, public health Some religious organiza- batty boy head, Rude boy nah To some extent, it appears authorities continue to advo- tions fronted the protest promote dem nasty man, dem that the struggle for homosexu- cate for the decriminalization action against gay cruises to ha fi dead”, Banton’s contro- al rights is helping to remove of homosexuality as a key Grenada last winter season. versial homophobic lyrics, laws considered oppressive. In strategy in the fight against But Leopald Friday, the bish- blare from the speakers. 1997, legislative changes in the spread of HIV/AIDS in op of the Anglican Church in This scene could very eas- Cuba effectively decriminalized the Caribbean. the Windward Islands, said ily be anywhere in the homosexuality “There is a rampant although the church remains Caribbean or the diaspora. and have paved homophobia in the opposed to homosexuality, it While the plethora of the way for gay Caribbean…a lot of it has its would not throw out members homophobic reggae songs Mottley and lesbian origins in the concept that who practiced the lifestyle. might have contributed to a couples to HIV/AIDS was a disease of sub-genre of its own, it seems enjoy the same homosexual males, which of - CMC to underline the region’s strong courage to “come out”. civil rights as course is not,” declared health resentment to the gay lifestyle. His book narrows in on heterosexual expert Sir George Alleyne, ® But Grenadian sociologist some of the key factors impact- couples. The who believes stigma and Claude Douglas argues that the ing on this lifestyle, including gay community Claude Douglas homophobia are obstacles in Caribbean’s attitude to homo- religious values and the cam- in the United the fight against HIV/AIDS. sexuality is changing. Douglas, paign of the gay rights move- Kingdom continues to pressure Among leading regional a lecturer at St. George’s ment. Although the former the Caribbean to change laws politicians calling for the Street Address: University, says tolerance has chair of the Social Sciences forbidding homosexual prac- decriminalization of homosex- 9020 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33157 increased significantly in recent Department at the T.A. tices. The British homosexual uality to help fight the spread Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6010 years and partly blames the Marryshow Community College organization Outrage has been HIV/AIDS have been St. Kitts Miami, FL 33116-6010. United States cultural invasion does not believe people like to working closely with Caribbean and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Telephone: (305) 238-2868 of the Caribbean. hear his argument, he envisages groups like Jamaicans for Denzil Douglas and Guyana’s (305) 253-6029 • Fax: (305) 252-7843 “Yesterday’s deviants will in his book that “homosexuality Lesbians, All-sexuals Gays (J- Health Minister Dr. Leslie Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-290-4550 become today and tomorrow’s is becoming an alternative and flag) and Barbados Gay and Ramsammy. 1-800-605-7516 • Jamaica: 654-7282 norms,” Douglas told the acceptable form of human sexu- Lesbians Against E-mail: [email protected] Caribbean Media Corporation ality in the Caribbean”. Discrimination (BGLAD). OPPOSITION Send ads to: [email protected] (CMC). In 2001, the U.K. forced Despite the progress ‘PROGRESS’ the repealing of laws in over- made by the gay rights move- CASE IN POINT Despite strong opposition seas dependent territories ment in advancing the cause Vol. 19, Number 12 • NOV. 2008 Douglas makes his by the religious community, such as the Turks and Caicos of the homosexuals in the case in his new book, the gay rights movement is Islands, Cayman Islands, region, stiff opposition to such PETER A WEBLEY “Homosexuality in the reported to be making consid- Montserrat and Anguilla. lifestyles remain, particularly Publisher Caribbean – Crawling Out of erable progress in the in Jamaica, which has been the Closet”, which examines Caribbean. From The CHANGE labeled the most homophobic Bahamas in the north to Among those who agree country in the world. Kingston GORDON WILLIAMS the rise of this alternative Managing Editor lifestyle in the region. In his Guyana in the south, there has that a change in attitude is continues to report the brutal 60-page book, Douglas been a persistent struggle for needed at the highest levels of murders of a rising number of explores issues ranging from equal rights. Puerto Rico, an society is former Barbados homosexuals, including gay SABRINA HOPKINS biological origins and the overseas department of the Attorney General and present rights activist Brian Graphic Artist “gay tourists phenomenon” U.S., is considered by many to Opposition Leader Mia Williamson in 1994. Three

DOROTHY CHIN Caribbean tourism responds positively to climate change Account Executive

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) becoming more efficient. island’s famous north coast of attract these types of resorts Among some of the Green Negril revealed a property fit- on the island because it helps of environmental management SHARON LEE Globe-certified properties are ted with low flow water-saving the environment as well as Account Executive systems that addresses environ- Long Bay Hotel in Antigua, toilets, energy-saving light tourism.” mentally efficient construction Bougainvillea Resort in bulbs, and locally-made furni- Fenton elaborated on a and planning. As well, there is a Barbados, Dominica’s 3 Rivers ture. Another small property, unique program within the sec- program of incentives to sup- Eco Lodge, Spice Island Beach Rooms, also featured water- tor. He explained that the JACQUELINE RUBIANO port eco-friendly practices such Resort in Grenada, and saving systems, a recycling pro- island’s Heritage Beach Resort Accounting Manager as concessionary rates to hotels Jamaica’s Sandals Resorts. The gram, and energy-efficient has come up with a creative Caribbean Media Source and other tourism properties for properties strive to teach envi- lighting in addition to fire program to curb waste in that Media Representatives alternative energy resources ronmental awareness, monitor extinguishers on each block of the resort gives leftover food and equipment such as solar water usage, and recycle bed rooms. Sea Wind Resort’s to a pig farm in return for water heaters. linens, towels, etc at guests’ response to the environment is fresh pork. request. In fact, there are 57 to offer rooms that virtually “There is more awareness GREEN GLOBE Opinions expressed by editors and writers such properties across the touch the pristine sea. on the island in regards to cli- are not necessarily those of thepublisher. Hotels and other tourism region according to the Dean Fenton, of the mate change and being eco- sector practitioners across the Caribbean Hotel Association- Antigua and Barbuda Tourism friendly. It is catching on,” region are taking the environ- Caribbean Alliance for office in New York, explained Fenton said. Caribbean Today, an independent mental issues seriously and are Sustainable Tourism website. that Antigua’s newest resort, Echoing this sentiment, news magazine, is published every month adapting. Properties in the Awareness is growing and the Veranda Resort & Spa, is Bartlett remarked: “United as a by Caribbean Publishing & Services, Inc. region are striving to become Caribbean Today is not responsible the sector is taking a stand. Green Globe certified. body, our actions today can be for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. To Green Globe certified, with Even smaller properties that “This hotel is a pure significant in turning the tide.” some attaining the honor. guarantee return, please include a self- cannot afford extravagant example that the sector and addressed stamped envelope. Green Globe participants have environmental systems are the government is moving in Story and photograph by set up systems to help them Articles appearing in Caribbean doing their part. A Jamaica the right direction,” he said, Dawn A. Davis, a freelance Today may not be reproduced without reach high environmental per- Tourist Board-sponsored tour adding that “the government is writer for Caribbean Today. written permission of the editor. formance by, for example, cut- of The Palms Resort on the looking at better ways to ting waste, recycling and ®

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VIEWPOINT www.caribbeantoday.com Circular firing squad Love costs more to get more CLARENCE PAGE energized by big ideas turns ove costs, that’s a fact, small-minded - and drowns but it costs more to get ush Limbaugh dis- itself in a bathtub full of its Lmore. missed Colin Powell’s own narcissism. Glub, glub. A lot of men want more Rendorsement of Barack Which brings us to my though, preferring to spend on Obama as motivated by race. second reason for picking on other women. Who’s playing the race card Rush. Like Campbell’s car- Still, this practice is not now? toon, Limbaugh’s race-based new, and occurs in many coun- “Secretary Powell says his rebuke reveals the narrow- tries. It was the Japanese who endorsement is not about gauge thinking that has cor- quantified and dignified the race,” the radio blab show rupted and fragmented the practice of men having mis- host e-mailed to the web site once-strong conservative tresses on the side without Politico’s Jonathan Martin. coalition that Ronald Reagan, having to hide and do so. “OK, fine. I am now research- the Republican Party’s last Japanese men had their con- ing his past endorsements to truly transformational leader, sorts, women who were like see if I can find all the inexpe- built in the 1980s. Two second wives, but did much rienced, very liberal, white decades later, President Bush’s more. candidates he has endorsed. approvals have plunged, along Every Japanese man of I’ll let you know what I come with those of Congressional worth, nobility, breeding or up with.” Republicans. The old coali- class in ancient times, had his No need, Rush. Instead, tion’s latest iconic leader was consort, and there was no expect and goes. The wine, the foreign here is a list of recent presi- former House Majority hypocrisy or secret in the mat- indeed cheese with the French name, dential candidates to whom Leader Tom DeLay, the con- ter. Of course, he had to main- demand some the fruit cocktail, the Pringles Powell has given money: servative Texas Republican tain her, and royally too, for sort of finan- potato chips, and the Charmin • Sen. John McCain of still awaiting trial in connec- consorts did not come cheap, cial assistance rolls, all for her. Meanwhile Arizona: $2,300 (the maxi- tion with campaign finance and that’s why it was mostly from their the wife and household in mum allowed). allegations. men of means who could men. It’s general will have to settle for And here’s a list of the afford them. hardly likely the generic brand name, sec- very conservative inexperi- ‘CHANGE ELECTION’ The practice in the west that a profes- ond-rate stuff and be grateful enced people who Powell Judging by the polls, still pervades now, albeit sional woman TONY for it too. wishes McCain had not nomi- McCain never quite grasped under a cloak of secrecy and with her own ROBINSON nated to be vice president: what this “change election” is guile, as men are forced by income and STYLE • Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. about. He had a perfect society to keep their consorts dwelling is Then the girlfriend has to As Powell put it, if race opportunity to wage a nation- under cover. Call them what going to be any man’s mis- live in a certain area and in a were all that he had only in al contest for what Powell has you will, consorts, mistresses, tress. So right then and there, particular style. No way is she mind, “I could have done this called the “sensible center” of “mateys”, the other woman, she is a drain on the private going to be satisfied living in a six, eight, 10 months ago.” America’s political life. But, concubines, they all come with purse. small studio apartment or half Remember back that far? he passed over his friend and a price tag, a cost that is often For every action there is a house somewhere south of That was back when McCain fellow maverick Sen. Joe hidden. an equal and opposite reac- the ghetto. Mistresses have was still speaking and behav- Lieberman, a breakaway inde- Whichever way you slice tion. So when the man, with a class, or at least aspire for it, ing like a true maverick. Back pendent from the Democrats, it, however you approach it, fixed income, gives her and class demands cash, and then, the far-right folks like to be his running mate. extra love is going to cost you, money, it is from funds that cash invariably flows from the Limbaugh were calling Fearing a walkout by the reli- both financially and emotion- would normally go to his wife fool, bypasses the family, and McCain some sort of a gious right, McCain swung ally, for you will have to share and family. Something’s got to then to her. “RINO” - Republican in back to his party’s base and what resources you have give. And the bitter irony is, Mistresses do not give, name only. chose Palin, a darling of social between her and your wife most men will sacrifice the but take and take and take. conservatives, but woefully and family. house money to give to the No man is going to have his EASY PICKINGS unprepared for prime time in other woman. His wife will mistress looking all frumpy, I’m picking on Limbaugh national politics. TERMS OF need stuff for the house, or ordinary and haggard. If that for two reasons. One, he’s Instead of ideas, McCain ENDEARMENT the kids will require clothes or were the case, he’d just stay easy. He sets himself up, bend- tried an arsenal of tactics. He A concubine or “matey”, school things, and he will cry home with his wife. ing over with a big kick-me never got around to articulat- is a woman who cohabits with how broke he is and beg her Girlfriends have to always sign, so he can play the victim ing a governing philosophy a man without being legally to stop pressuring him. But as look sharp, wear the finest after he gets kicked. except to denounce “pork” married to him; a mistress, a the “matey” opens her mouth clothes and makeup, and When Powell was a fea- and “earmarks” and call him- secondary wife basically, as or makes a phone call, he will smell of the best perfume. She tured GOP convention speak- self a “maverick.” When defined by the dictionary. Still, drop whatever he is doing and always demands and gets the er in 2000, he was a fine patri- denunciations of Obama’s most women do not really rel- run to her with his last dollar. best. It doesn’t take a fashion otic American, in the eyes of “inexperience” failed, McCain ish the term, and prefer to be You’d be surprised how guru to spot a mistress among those who see the world as tried to present himself as a called, girlfriends, wives, or many men have to buy two a crowd of wives. Put them Rush does. Now that Powell better agent of “change”, ‘my woman’. sets of groceries and hide one side-by-side and even an prefers a guy who happens to without explaining quite what But that should be the in the car trunk for the other untrained eye can tell who is be a Democrat, the retired he meant. least of the man’s concerns, as woman. Usually the fancier the wife and who is the mis- chairman of the Joint Chiefs of McCain won Limbaugh’s the cost of the mistress should one is for her, for they do Staff suddenly is a Benedict support and lost Colin take priority. First of all, most have ‘high chest’, as the term (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10) Arnold in blackface, “Benedict Powell’s, not because Powell is Powell”, which is how syndi- black but because McCain lost cated cartoonist Gordon interest in new ideas. He left Campbell recently portrayed the broad middle ground of him. America’s electorate, the In case you snoozed masses who are looking for through history class, programs, not just platitudes Benedict Arnold was a bril- about “pork” and “earmarks”, liant Revolutionary War gen- to the neophyte Obama. eral who joined the English in Meanwhile, back on the one of the greatest acts of right, there are reports that a treason America has ever blamestorm begun within the known. That’s how Campbell McCain campaign. A circular later told an interviewer that firing squad of advisors blamed he sees Powell’s support of Palin for the campaign’s set- affirmative action and the backs in the polls after her ini- Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade tial bloom wore off. One insid- abortion rights decision. And that’s how a movement once (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10)

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www.caribbeantoday.com VIEWPOINT Congressman Kendrick Meek Grenada’s Opposition leader Claude Douglas predicts Affairs John Holmes warning opposing deportation of and former prime minister increasing tolerance for gays in that Haiti was suffering its worst Haitians from the U.S. even as issues a denial last month in a the Caribbean. disaster in over a century and the Caribbean country battles to bid to stop mounting claims. that aid agencies are far short of recover from recent natural dis- • “If urgent action is not taken the millions needed to help the asters. • “We have some trying times on the disaster risk reduction country recover from four dead- • “It is really ahead” - Barbados’s Central front, then we’re ly hurricanes this year that left cruel for the • “You are say- Bank Governor Marion Williams simply going to 800 people dead and affected United States to ing that I am a last month focusing on the coun- see more another million. do this, U.S. citizen. I try’s economic downturn. tragedies in the especially now am saying I am future” - United Compiled from several sources, under these not a U.S. citi- • “Yesterday’s deviants will Nations Under- including CMC. circumstances” zen” – Keith become today and tomorrow’s Secretary-General – U.S. Mitchell, norms” - Grenadian sociologist for Humanitarian ® Circular firing squad Love costs more to get more (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) they care? away. That’s reserved for the effect on families, as men They say that if the man girlfriend, and the same money have been known to lie tress. But for her to maintain er called her a “diva”, accord- wants to keep them, then he that could be used to look after through their teeth about not this high fashion standard, she ing to CNN. Her supporters, has to stand the costs. After a the house, is instead diverted to having any money to support requires high maintenance, by contrast, blame McCain’s while, they get bold, and think care and maintain her on these the household, while secretly and she’s not doing the main- team for refusing to let her be that they have a right to the romantic ventures. they have a stash waiting to taining, plus she doesn’t care herself. In fact, McCain would man, which includes calling And where do you think give to the mystery lady. Men where the man gets it from, as have had more success had he him at home, even if the wife the money comes from, some have been known to give long as he delivers. For that been content to let himself be is there or not. This takes an secret stipend on the man’s small fortunes to them, while reason, it’s usually not young himself. enormous emotional toll on salary?’ I think not. It comes wives have to live from hand men who have mistresses, as Fingers of blame point wives, and by extension the from the same paycheck that to mouth. that onerous privilege is every which way in a losing children, for pickney is not the man gets, but he has to That’s why in the past it reserved for men a little up in campaign. Some conservatives fool, and most know what’s share it up, and divert an was only men of means who age and more financially long welcomed a loss. Only going on. ample portion to the mistress. could afford to have mistress- established than their younger then, some say, could they Many have told me of the It’s very rarely that the girl- es, concubines or consorts, but counterparts. hope to regain the energy and grief and torment that they friend is refused cash, but mar- nowadays even broke old men After all, the older the vitality that comes from being felt growing up under the grip ital discord over money is leg- want them, resulting in finan- man, the more foolish he his, the “out” party. Looks like of a mistress. endary, and indeed is the basis cial and emotional ruin. and a fool and his money they’re about to get their Mistresses have to be for many a divorce. A man Mistresses cost, and if you makes nice parties. chance. taken out, and to the finest will refuse his wife money, but can’t afford one, stay home places too. What’s the point of never his other woman. I have with your wife, for they may DAMAGE © 2008 Clarence Page. being a mistress if you can’t live never heard of a man and his cost more than you can afford. But do these women Distributed by Tribune Media the good life? Wives on the “matey” bickering over money know what damage they cre- Services, Inc. other hand are grateful if they and breaking up. [email protected] ate to the financial and emo- get to see a play, taken to a The cost of getting more tional state of families? Or do ® fancy dinner, or a weekend get- loving can have a devastating ®

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LOCAL/ FYI www.caribbeantoday.com FYI Accuracy, honesty best PARENT RESOURCE Union) locations in the South GUIDE Florida area. Parents in Miami-Dade All remittance fees will be policies when applying for County, Florida have a power- waived for contribution to ful new tool to help their chil- those accounts. U.S. citizenship dren succeed inside and out- side the classroom. COLLECTION DRIVE Question: When I submit a be a burden to the country. The online Miami-Dade Broward County, Florida family petition for my wife Once the application is County Public Schools 2008-09 is collecting donations to pro- and kids who are overseas, approved, you will be notified Parent Resource Guide vide aid for hurricane victims will the USCIS check all the when a decision is made. includes information parents in Haiti, Cuba, Turks and information that I declare Normally, when the applica- need to know about their chil- Caicos, The Bahamas and when I apply for United tion is approved, the petition dren’s education - from curricu- other Caribbean islands States citizenship, such as date is sent to the U.S. State lum and testing to family affected by the storms. of birth of my children and Department’s National Visa involvement and advocacy tips. County residents are our marriage date? Center (NVC). The guide is available at encouraged to donate: www.dadeschools.net. • Canned goods (no items If they entered legally and Answer: Absolutely, says Compiled by Felicia Persaud. For more information, within six months from expi- are currently in the U.S. (and Irwine Clare, head of the The answers provided here contact the Office of Parent ration) meet certain other require- Caribbean Immigrant Services are for information purposes Involvement at 305-995-1233. • Bottled water ments), they may be able to in Queens, New York. The only, and do not create an • Men’s, women’s, chil- file applications to adjust to application that you submit attorney-client relationship; dren’s and infants’ clothing in permanent resident status. HURRICANE RELIEF includes biographical informa- nor are they a substitute for In response to relief good wearable condition; The other stage of the tion, which a USCIS agent “legal advice”, which can efforts following damages by • Baby items, such as bot- application will include verifi- will use to confirm your citi- only be given by a competent Tropical Storm Gustav in tles, formula, diapers, wipes, cation of your poverty level to zenship, your birth certificate attorney after reviewing all Jamaica recently, a disaster etc.; ensure you can take care of and marriage or divorce cer- the facts of the case. recovery fund was launched • First aid and personal your family once they arrive tificates and children’s birth with a donation of $20 million hygiene items; in the U.S. and they will not certificates. ® by Supreme Ventures, in col- • Gently-used, clean bed- It is the USCIS agent’s job laboration with the govern- ding; and to check on all the facts you ment’s effort. • Flashlights, radios, bat- provide and ensure it is accu- Additionally, Jamaica teries, etc. rate. And this can take some National Building Society Last month collection time since to verify as the U.S. through its remittance arm, boxes were set up at the fol- immigration agency also cross- JN Money Transfer services, lowing locations: references existing files for as well as Grace Kennedy • Broward County consistency, added Clare. Remittances Services Governmental Center Lobby, Follow the I-130 relative (GKRS), through Western 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort petition instructions and check Union, have agreed to open Lauderdale; the USCIS website for any accounts to enable Jamaicans • African-American updates on instructions or in the diaspora to contribute Research Library and fees. Make sure your petition to the fund. The funds are Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk is complete. You will need to Hurricane Relief United Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; submit evidence of your U.S. Jamaica Account for Grace • Northwest Regional citizenship, and evidence Kennedy and, in the case of Library, 3151 University Dr., proving your qualifying rela- Jamaica National, the JN Coral Springs; tionship to each person for Recovery Fund Account. • Southwest Regional whom you are filing. The funds from the Library, 16835 Sheridan St., accounts will help to meet the Pembroke Pines; and SPECIAL STANDING cost of the emergency works • West Regional Library, Note, however, that the and relief measures that are 8601 W. Broward Blvd., law gives special standing to a being carried out with particu- Plantation. U.S. citizen’s wife, unmarried lar emphasis on schools and For more information, children under 21, and par- hospitals. visit www.broward.org or call ents. There is no waiting list The public is being 954-357-8053. for immigration for these rela- advised to make donations at tives. The Department of any JN or GKRS (Western ® State will invite them to apply for an immigrant visa as soon as it approves your petition. HELP FOR HAITI In some cases, the petition can be filed outside the U.S., directly at the U.S. consulate.

Daniel Armstrong, a student of Barry University in South Florida, helps load a van with items such as clothes, food and toiletries for victims of Hurricane Ike in Haiti during the school’s recent charity drive. Thousands of victims of deadly storms, which have hit Haiti in recent months, are expected to receive donations of cash and kind from the drive. Collected supplies were delivered to St. James Catholic Parish, which will ship them through the Catholic Charities Mission Office.

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CARIBBEAN FOODS www.caribbeantoday.com ~ A Caribbean Today special feature Refreshing, tasty Strict diet not the only way to fight gout ‘Bahama Mama’ peanut punch DR. ROBERT SHMERLING dissolve well in the blood and tissues. When the blood levels Ingredients Question: I recently had my are even slightly high, uric acid • 1/2 oz. of first experience with gout. I can get deposited as solid crys- 151 rum had blood work done, which tals in the joints (causing • 1/2 oz. of showed high levels of uric acid. arthritis), kidneys (causing kid- dark rum? I was given a list of many foods ney stones), and other tissues. • 4 oz. pineap- I should avoid, but the list is so ple juice extensive! I’m not sure what to RISK • 1/2 oz. cof- eat besides fruits and vegeta- Recent research suggests fee liqueur Ingredients bles. What do you recommend that a diet high in meat, • 1/2 oz. seafood, and alcohol increases • 2 teaspoons of sugar to balance my diet? I would ‘Bahama Mama’ coconut the risk of newly diagnosed • 1 teaspoon of essence like to avoid taking medication liqueur gout. In addition, dairy prod- • 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg unless I really need it. A diet including fruits, many commonly Method ucts and coffee may be protec- • 2 1/2 teaspoons peanut butter Answer: Personally, I don’t found in the Caribbean, may help to pre- Stir together all the ingre- recommend strict dietary mod- vent attacks of gout. tive, lowering the risk of gout. dients_with the ice, then strain ifications after an initial attack However, these studies looked into a chilled_tumbler filled Method mal waste products. Most uric at people who had not had Blend together the milk with the of gout. Here’s why: with ice. Gout is a condition in acid is removed from the body gout before. They did not Finally, garnish the drink peanut_butter, along with sugar, by the kidneys, so people with assess the effect of diet on peo- for about three to four_minutes. which uric acid deposits in with a cherry_or strawberry. joints, causing inflammation. A kidney disease typically have ple who already had gout. Next add the nutmeg and gouty joint is an unhappy joint high levels of it. But gender, The list that you got of foods essence to taste. - it’s painful, swollen and does genetics, body weight, and other to avoid was probably a list of Place the punch into the ® not move well. factors go into making a per- foods that are high in purines, fridge. Chill and_serve. People with gout almost son’s level of uric acid what it is. a building block of protein that always have high blood levels of A unique property of uric Papaya pie ® uric acid, one of the body’s nor- acid is that it cannot always (CONTINUED ON PAGE 14) Ingredients • 4 egg whites • A pinch of cinnamon • 4 table- spoons of flour • 4 tablespoons of sugar • 3 ripe medium papayas • 2 teaspoons of lime juice • 1/2 teaspoon of lime zest • 1 dash of orange extract • 1 sweet medium pre-baked pie shell

Method Remove the seeds and coarsely mash the_papayas. Add the lime juice, zest,_cin- namon and the orange extract. Fold_in the sugar and flour. Beat the egg whites together until_they are stiff, then fold into mixture. Finally, bake for at least 25 minutes until the top is brown. Serve warm or cold. ® Ackee, callaloo, rice casserole Ingredients • 1 beaten egg • 1/2 cup of milk • 1 teaspoon paprika • 2 cups of rice • 1/2 cup of chopped onion • 2 teaspoons pepper (white) • 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 can ackees in salted water • 1 can of callaloo in salted water

Method First preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.?Cook rice and

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 13)

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CARIBBEAN FOODS www.caribbeantoday.com ~ A Caribbean Today special feature Spiny lobster bisque CARNIVAL WINE AND DINE and Johnny cakes

Lobster bisque

Ingredients lobster. Cool?and roughly cut - Photographs by Dawn A. Davis • 2 cups of milk the lobster into bite-size Broward Carnival 2008 was a kaleidoscope of hot colors, costumes, music and food. The food stalls did brisk business. Among • 3 cups of cream pieces and set aside. the most popular were the Trinidadian vendors serving up favorites such as “shark ‘n bake” - fried dough stuffed with richly sea- • 4 tablespoons of butter In a large?saucepan, melt soned shark fillet topped with condiments, and “doubles”, that’s fried dough stuffed with channa, spicy curried chick peas. Photograph on the left shows Giselle, from the Mascots troupe, enjoying shark ‘n bake, while Charlene from Curry Hut restaurant • 1/2 cup of tomato puree the butter. Stir in the green makes sure the channa just right. • 1 clove of garlic, minced onions and the?garlic and • 1/2 pound of fresh lobster sauté until the onions • 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour are?transparent. • 1/4 cup of minced green Blend in the flour. Cook, onions stirring?constantly to blend in • 1 tablespoon of minced with the flour?and the butter. fresh dill Slowly, add in the milk along • 2 tablespoons of dry cook- with the?cream, stirring until ing sherry the mixture is a?nice and • 1/4 teaspoon of pepper thick texture. hot?-pepper sauce to taste Finally, add the lobster, • 1 teaspoon of salt salt, puree,?sherry, tomatoe, dill weed and pepper. Method First boil or steam the ® Creole fish stew, St. Lucia style Ingredients peeled and finely chopped • oil for frying • 1 hot chilli pepper chopped • flour for dusting • oregano springs to garnish • 2 tablespoons spice • 2 tablespoons of vegetable seasoning oil • 2 tablespoons of malt • 2 1/2 cups of fish stock or vinegar water • 2 whole red bream or large • 8 ounces of green and red snapper,?prepared and cut pepper, finely chopped into one-inch pieces • salt to taste

For sauce Method • 2 thyme springs Sprinkle the fish with the • 1 tablespoon of butter spice seasoning?and vinegar, • 1 onion finely chopped turning to coat. Set aside • 2 garlic cloves crushed to?marinate for at least two • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon hours. • 10 ounces of fresh tomatoes, ® Ackee, callaloo, rice casserole

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12) chopped onions. Add the set aside in a greased?casse- drained ackees and the white role dish. pepper,?then set asid In a frying pan, heat the ® vegetable oil and sauté the

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CARIBBEAN FOODS www.caribbeantoday.com ~ A Caribbean Today special feature Roast breadfruit and saltfish JAMAICAN JERK FEST Ingredients • 1 onion • 1 tomato • 1/4 cup of oil • 1 small cucumber • 1/4 cup of water • 1 large bread- fruit • 1 pound of salt- fish • 1 teaspoon of butter

Method Breadfruit Place saltfish into a pot and boil until it is fish into small bite size pieces. not too salty. Strip and clean the salt- ® Grenada’s oil down Ingredients • 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional) • 2 chives • 1 celery stick Method • 1 whole pepper Add the fish and meat in cold • 2 sprigs of thyme water?and soak overnight. Competition among some the best “jerk” food chefs in the United States will resume at the seventh annual “Jamaican Jerk • 2 breadfruit (small) Pour off excess?water then Festival” from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 9 at Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida. On tap will be a variety of jerk cuisine, including • 250 grams of saltfish remove the core from delicacies such as jerk ice cream. The event is also scheduled to include cultural presentations, including Byron Lee and the • 1 whole chilli pepper the?breadfruit. Peel and Dragonaires band. The festival is being presented by Air Jamaica and Publix. For more information, visit www.jerkfestival.com. • 250 grams of salt meat • 1.5 litres of coconut milk ® Corn soup from Cuba Ingredients • salt • 1 cup light cream • 2 cups chicken stock • 2 eggs, beaten lightly • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped • 4 cups of fresh corn kernels • white pepper (freshly ground) Note: if you choose to use frozen?corn kernels, thor- oughly defrost. Fill the saucepan with the puree. Stir in the cream and Method let it simmer on?low heat, stir- In a blender or a food proces- ring from time to time,?for sor add?the corn and chicken five minutes. stock. Blend?to a puree. Do this in about two batches. ® Strict diet not the only way to fight gout (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12) (being overweight increases the risk of gout) is broken down into uric acid. • Avoid foods that seem Most of the foods with the to trigger attacks of gout for highest purine content are not you ones that people eat often. Ask your doctor if there These include thymus, pan- are medications you’re taking creas, anchovies, liver, kidneys, (especially diuretics) that can brains, and game meats. cause uric acid buildup, and It turns out that following see if you can switch to some- a strict diet to avoid purines thing else. doesn’t usually accomplish When needed, there are much. There are better ways medications (especially allopuri- to help lower uric acid and nol) that can effectively lower decrease the risk of further uric acid and markedly decrease gouty attacks. It’s much more the risk of gouty attacks. They effective to: are much better at doing so • Limit alcohol intake than following a strict diet. (alcohol is known to trigger gout attacks) ® • Lose excess weight

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TOURISM/ TRAVEL www.caribbeantoday.com Resilient Jamaica bouncing back from Hurricane Gustav DAWN A. DAVIS sites, was affected. It The housing sector, both has since been informal and formal, were also udging from the north repaired and re- touched by Gustav, particular- coast side of the island, it opened to vehicular ly on Jamaica’s east coast. To Jwould seem Gustav did traffic. address the problems, Jackson little damage to Jamaica said that the sector is “working recently. Although the prime REPAIR BILL with international develop- tourism areas were not much However, the ment partners, the various affected, the eastern side of destruction caused by missions in Jamaica, and the country felt the brunt of Gustav will take a tidy Jamaicans in the diaspora to the hurricane. sum to repair, accord- see what we can raise.” But the island is bouncing ing to Minister of Although the ODPEM back. Tourism Edmund director general could not pre- “We were back up Bartlett, especially dict how long it would take to and running almost immedi- with Jamaica facing complete all the necessary ately (after the hurricane),” other financial issues repairs to the infrastructure, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism at this time. as well the housing sector, he Basil Smith told Caribbean “When we begin said a number of areas rela- Today at the recent World to look carefully at tive to housing would be fully Tourism Day conference and the damage that has addressed by December, while seminar hosted by the Jamaica been done, particular- infrastructure repairs could Tourist Board at the Ritz ly in the eastern side take up to a year or more. Carlton in Montego Bay. of the country, it is Jamaica still expects a good winter tourism season despite Hurricane Gustav’s damage. Strategies, he said, would According to Smith, the really huge,” Bartlett include looking at placing country did take a heavy beat- said. remittance flows as well as ture, including bridges, roads, affected families in alternative ing from the rains and wind, “We are looking at a price tourism traffic, two of the retaining walls and gullies. housing locations as land for “but fortunately it did not tag of well over J$28 billion, most important foreign housing is not readily available. affect tourism.” Noting that that at a time when we have exchange earners for Jamaica. RESILIENT Meanwhile, Jamaica the sector is ready for the win- issues with oil prices, issues The priority, however, is to Jackson also confirmed seems to be getting back on ter season, the tourism direc- with the sub-prime, issues restore the roads and bridges that the export side of agricul- its feet. tor outlined that the affected with the financial meltdown in that were destroyed to ensure tural sector, particularly “We are a resilient peo- areas have been cleaned up the U.S.” smooth traffic into the north banana growers, was negative- ple, a resilient brand,” said and trees trimmed in prepara- To find the money to coast, the minister said. ly affected, although the Smith. “You can’t beat brand tion for what he expects to be cover the costs, Bartlett Office of Disaster domestic market was saved as Jamaica, try as you might.” a good season. explained, the government Preparedness and Emergency recoverable bananas would be Smith explained that will have to readjust certain Management Director used for local consumption. Dawn A. Davis is a freelance the Bog Walk Gorge in St. areas of priority to allow for General Ronald Jackson He noted that the Hope River writer for Caribbean Today. Catherine, an important route some level of repairs. He said that a good chunk of the Watershed in St. Andrew was linking the island’s capital added that the impact of the money earmarked for repairs also affected. ® is being used on infrastruc- Kingston to other tourism storm could also disrupt Spending plunges in Bermuda HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC increased by six percent and 10-y-o Vincentian wins Caribbean essay contest - Spending by visitors to 5.9 percent respectively”. en-year-old Storm herbs to cure everyone. are: Bermuda plummeted by more Halbich, from St. Tourists come from far and Anguilla: Avern Gumbs than $18 million in the second SPREADING Vincent and the wide to cure ailments by her Antigua and Barbuda: quarter of this year, according The decline in air arrivals T to new statistics released early translated into a similar fall in Grenadines, has been named side. And what about old man Terrikia Benjamin winner of the 2008 Condé Earl who takes you on a beach Aruba: Ekta Alwani this month. visitors staying at guest Nast Traveler “My Caribbean” lime and shows you how to Bahamas: Adrianne Kelly The Quarterly Bulletin accommodations, according to essay contest. catch your own fish for lunch, Barbados: Abigail Bryan of Statistics shows that air the report. Resort hotels The announcement was man you will have so much Belize: Tatiana Habet arrivals during the second experienced a decline in occu- made at a recent Caribbean fun. Grandma Vee in her Bermuda: Brittney Ferreira quarter fell by 10 percent pancy for the fifth consecutive Tourism Organization (CTO) wooden house will invite you British Virgin Islands: William compared to the same quarter quarter, dropping by 13 per Conference in Trinidad by the in for fresh passion fruit juice McIntyre last year. The number of visi- cent, or 6,077 fewer bookings magazine’s Editor in Chief and a slice of hot banana Cayman Islands: Rachael tors stood at 89,642. than recorded in the second Klara Glowczewska, who also bread; you will unbuckle your Boyd-Moss The report says that the quarter of 2007. named the two runners-up: belt and beg for more. Let me Curacao: Minuska Belioso “decline can be partly attrib- Similarly, visitors staying Kemisha Sylvan, of Grenada carry you by Rasta Wally who Dominica: Breeanne Louis uted to the knock-on effects at small hotels, cottages and and D’Vaughn Powell of will strum some sweet reggae Grenada: Kemisha Sylvan of soaring oil prices on the clubs fell by 19 percent to Jamaica. music while we sit drinking Guyana: Chelsea Edghill global economy, as some 17,515 compared to 21,631 The contest, now in its coconut water by the seaside. Haiti: Marckenley Djovany major carriers have reduced people in the same quarter 16th year, is open to Caribbean So come, let me take you Exume their service to the island to last year. The number of visi- school children. Grand prize to find the Caribbean you’ve Jamaica: D’Vaughn Powell combat increased fuel costs.” tors staying at housekeeping winner Halbich received a been looking for. Martinique: Valentin Vigee Air arrivals from the and guesthouses also declined $2,000 scholarship. The run- This annual contest is Montserrat: Dikembe Cabey- United States fell 14.5 percent significantly, dropping by 18.1 ners-up each received a $500 administered through the Lee in the second quarter to percent and 18.6 percent, scholarship. Halbich’s winning school system in each Nevis: Kelsia Liburd 66,379, down from 77,648 visi- respectively. essay, which focused on the Caribbean country. It aims to St. Eustatius: Reinalda tors in the same period last In contrast, around 6.8 theme “If you could share a educate primary and early sec- Fleming year. percent more visitors stayed in secret about your island with ondary school children in the St. Kitts: Chioma Henry “Despite lower numbers, private homes. someone visiting for the first Caribbean about the impor- St. Lucia: Christian Henry visitors from the U.S. continue Expenditure by air arrival time, what would it be?”, will tance of tourism in their St. Maarten: Manaar to account for the largest visitors amounted to an esti- also be featured in the January region. Mohammed percentage of air arrivals to mated $126 million during the “Gold List” issue of Condé After a multi-step judging St. Vincent and the the island, representing three second quarter of this year, Nast Traveler. It read: process involving the min- Grenadines: Storm Halbich quarters of all tourists”, the some $18.3 million less than I really want to tell you istries of tourism, the min- Suriname: Gideon Alidikromo report stated. the second quarter of 2007. about our friendly and interest- istries of education and the Trinidad and Tobago: Cergio “Conversely, modest “This 12.7 percent ing people who are always Caribbean Tourism Augustine growth was recorded in decrease in spending is a ready to welcome you to our Organization, a finalist was Turks and Caicos: Clintdrea arrivals from other major direct consequence of fewer country. Let me tell you about chosen from each island. Simmons tourist markets as the number air visitors”, stated the report. Tonty Muggy who mixes up This year’s finalists, in of visitors from Canada and alphabetical order by country, ® the United Kingdom ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com BUSINESS Caribbean exports on track for growth ~ ECLAC NEW YORK – The Economic in commodity prices in the threatened global economic Commission for Latin third quarter of this year com- slump and financial meltdown. America and the Caribbean bined with a falling demand It stressed that these says the region’s exports are for Latin American products, reforms must be maintained, on track for more than 20 per- primarily from the United particularly those contributing cent growth this year, despite States and to a lesser extent to fiscal responsibility, control the global financial crisis. the European Union (EU) of inflation, freer trade, mar- In its latest report, the and Japan, will lead to lower ket diversification, debt reduc- United Nations agency said growth rates and less favor- tion and the accumulation of higher commodity prices dur- able trade balances in 2009, international reserves. ing the first half of the year, ECLAC said. ECLAC also recommend- particularly in metal and fuel, The report stressed that ed that regional governments led to a 25.5 percent increase the looming recession and cur- undertake a series of meas- in the value of exports, com- rent credit crisis means that ures to absorb the economic pared to a 10 percent increase states in the region will have shocks felt around the world for the same period in 2007. to deal with restricted access and reduce the impact felt on The “Latin America and to external financing, higher their economies. Its sugges- the Caribbean in the World interest rates, tumbling stock tions include reinforcing Economy” report, released in exchanges and a shift of capi- supervision of banks and Mexico City late last month, tal to safer destinations, as financial institutions, main- also noted that the value of well as lower remittances and taining the reforms and invest- imports to the region will rise direct foreign investment in ing income from higher com- by an estimated 22 percent, the coming year. modity prices to promote leading to an expected trade competitiveness, human surplus of $51 billion at the REFORMS resource development and end of 2008. But it said reforms made export diversification. However, the global eco- over recent decades had bet- nomic slowdown and the drop ter prepared the region for the ® Getting free job help Courts Caribbean furniture chain from the ‘yellow pages’ JOYCE LAIN KENNEDY Pages Starter Solution. Here it opens store in New York is, step by step. DEAR JOYCE: Although I Step 1. Sit down with the ourts, a top Caribbean Courts Caribbean said it A contingent from Courts have a college degree, I’ve thickest yellow pages directo- furniture, electronics is following on a tradition of Caribbean was scheduled to been out of the job market for ry you can find. Go through Cand appliance chain, connecting families and be in New York late last six years raising my child. My the directory, A to Z, circling was scheduled to make its friends, and will offer the month for the official media husband’s hours in the auto or highlighting each classifica- debut in North America late service of island delivery to kick- off and reception. business have been cut and I tion that appeals to you. last month by opening a store people in the region. The Courts store opening need a job. To avoid paying Ask yourself: “Does this in the New York borough of “Wherever your relatives came on the heels of its sum- expensive baby sitters, I’d like subject interest me?” If the Brooklyn. live in the Caribbean, the mer debut at the largest carni- to start work in late after- answer is “no”, move on. If the The chain was set to open company will offer you hassle val in North America, the West noons after my husband gets answer is “yes” or “not sure”, its doors at 2822 Church Ave., free shopping of the latest in Indian Labor Day in Brooklyn, home. My head’s in a glue pot. mark or highlight it. Don’t between Nostrand and Rogers furniture, electronics and and at Irie Jamboree in Ideas? - S.G. deliberate - be quick to decide. avenues on Oct. 31, bringing appliances, plus guaranteed Queens, New York. Answer: Your preferred Go with your visceral feelings. economic empowerment to the free delivery of your purchas- time frame fits cashier jobs in Step 2. List the headings Big Apple despite the current es,” officials said in a recent ® supermarkets, box stores, you select on the tablet of economic turmoil in the U.S. press release. movie theaters, restaurants paper. Reduce the number of and sports venues, to name a headings (perhaps hundreds) few. Construct a lead- to the 30 you like best. generation list of poten- Step 3. For each of the 30 tial employers who headings, ask yourself: “What might be a fit with your in my education, training or time frame. Start with experience validates my inter- phone calls and follow est in this particular field?” up in person when you Step 4. By now you have sense a job opening on trimmed your list of interest- the horizon. ing headings to 15 or so. The Hold a brainstorming next question to ask yourself party and offer an amus- is: “In view of my require- ing, inexpensive prize ments, such as lifestyle prefer- for party guests who ences, travel potential and offer specific ideas of earnings future, which fields where to find the kind should I consider?” of job you want. Step 5. Your list should Scout the help-want- now be a manageable size. ed ads in your daily and Rank your top 10 headings, weekly newspapers, putting the most appealing at including the free publi- the top. cations. Major online Step 6. Turn back to the job boards sometimes “yellow pages” directory and list local part-time and find a list of companies that night jobs, but you can have the kinds of jobs you check the niche job prefer. Work these companies board snagajob.com. to qualify them for your lead- You can also choose generation list. the golden-oldie approach that’s helped © 2008 Tribune Media countless job seekers Services, Inc. for decades: the Yellow ®

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ARTS/ ENTERTAINMENT www.caribbeantoday.com Critics celebrate Caribbean visual, literary culture in Miami DAWN A. DAVIS (http://www.library.miami.edu/ Popular Culture”, which exam- threatening caribbeanvisual) focused mainly ined the great divide between to drown the ow does Caribbean on the work of Caribbean the Jamaican art world and the hard won visual and literary art artists, both local and interna- island’s masses. gains of high Hshape cultural identity? tional. The site, she explained, “Visual art in Jamaica is an art with their Is there artistic value in will feature the artists talking interesting case study in itself,” vulgar music Jamaican dancehall culture? Is about their lives and work as Paul insisted. “Although politi- and dance.” skin bleaching and hair background to the art. Dubbed cally an open society, it has pro- But, straightening forms of artistic “As Far As the Eye/I Can see”, duced one of the most insular the UWI crit- expression? These and other the site will promote a variety of and isolationist art scenes in the ic warned questions were explored at a work, including photography, region.” that this for- recent symposium hosted by painting, music, film, digital art, She bemoaned that even mal art world University of Miami’s as well as galleries and art with the creation of Jamaica’s had better Caribbean Literary Studies spaces that support and pro- National Gallery and Edna learn to Program in association with the mote Caribbean visual culture. Manley College of Visual and speak “the Otto Richter Library’s Digital Performing Arts, the majority language of Media Services. STARZ BORN of Jamaica’s populace is still the Jamaican The event brought togeth- This collaborative effort not included in the country’s street” if it is er noted critic and writer also celebrated the fifth art scene. Paul partly blames Annie Paul, right, discusses art with Jamaican-born, Florida resi- to reach this Annie Paul, based at the anniversary of “Anthurium”, a the attitudes and assumptions dent Louis Davis. wider public University of the West Indies Caribbean studies journal that of the “elites” that define and that has creat- publishes the work of run the art institutions noting: ment; a veritable bulwark ed a legitimate form of expres- (UWI) Mona campus, and aca- against the incursions of the demic visionaries Patricia Caribbean writers and scholars “Visual art is constructed as a sion through the raw visuals of on a range of topics incorporat- signifier of good taste, connois- supposedly loud, cultureless, Saunders and Sandra Pouchet clueless mob perpetually (CONTINUED ON PAGE 18) Paquet, University of Miami ing Caribbean themes and cul- seurship, civility and refine- professors spearheading the tures. Marking this milestone, a Caribbean focused program at special issue was produced fea- the Miami-based institution. turing selected writings and Representing artistic voic- interviews from the program’s es from across the Atlantic, Archaeologies of Black Renee Mussai introduced the Memory Symposium and audience to Rivington Place, a Seminar held last year, which public space in London devot- included presentations on sci- ed to showcasing culturally ence, history, literature, visual diverse visual art and photog- arts, and popular culture. raphy. A perfect backdrop for Acknowledging the Paul, the literary critic, in her Caribbean’s rich visual heritage, lecture “Starz Are Born: Ship early Saunders announced the launch Entertainment Report (ER) as of an interactive website an Archive of Jamaican Two days of ‘Caribefest’ for the in Miramar, Florida eteran reggae singer Gregory Isaacs will Vlead a diverse list of Air Jamaica Cargo Caribbean performers scheduled for two days of encourages you to send “Caribefest-Community your cargo home early Mr. Gus Bro Showcase” this month in W A I wn South Florida. T T - A to avoid the last minute rela - B I The multi-cultural event, Jamaicawny T slated for Nov.15 and 16 at holiday rush. the Miramar Cultural Arts Center, is free and open to the public. On the first day of the showcase, which is staged annually by Caribefest Inc. and the City of Miramar, Isaacs will be joined by Brazilian singer Soaria, Haitian band T-Vice, and the group MaWon. New Isaacs York-based reggaeton rapper Negro Baby, reggae singer ing veteran Jamaican musician King Banton and the Latin and founder of the Ocho Rios group James De La Raza and Jazz Festival Sonny Bradshaw. El Ritmo Band are billed for He will be joined by vocalist the show, which will also fea- Myrna Hague, saxophonist ture the Virgin Islands Mocko Dean Fraser, Grammy nomi- nated Haitian-born Reginald MIAMI Jumbies, Trinidadian steel 1701 NW 66th Avenue, Building 709 band and neighborhood dance Policard on keyboards, as well Miami, FL 33126 • Tel: 305-526-5985 groups. as trumpeter Jean Caze. Mon - Fri 7:00AM – 9:00PM For further information, Sat 7:00AM – 7:00PM The festival will feature a Sun 9:00AM – 2:00PM varied selection of booths sell- call Alex Davis of Caribefest ing Caribbean foods such as Inc. at 954-270-4601 or Lolita FT. LAUDERDALE 3519 SW 2nd Avenue, Bay #1 jerk chicken, curry goat and Dunn, City of Miramar, at Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33315 • Tel: 954-359-8088 www.AirJamaica.com/Cargo fish, plus art and craft items. 954-704-1631. Mon - Fri 8:00AM – 8:00PM On Nov. 16, the focus will Sat & Sun 8:00AM – 12:00PM turn to Caribbean jazz, featur- ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com ARTS/ ENTERTAINMENT Byron Lee conferred Jamaica’s fourth highest national honor KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – est national honor, the Order with the award during a spe- “Byron Lee and the emony. Popular Jamaican band leader of Jamaica (OJ). cial ceremony at the Dragonaires was an institution Lee founded the band in Byron Lee has been conferred Lee, who is gravely ill University Hospital of the that made such an impact on 1950. One of their most recent with his country’s fourth high- with cancer, was presented West Indies on Oct. 26. the lives of so many people performances was the opening that Byron’s contribution must ceremony of the Cricket Critics celebrate ... be boldly recorded when the World Cup at Jamaica’s history of Jamaican music is Trelawny Multi-purpose (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17) being written,” Prime Minister Stadium in Mar. 2007. dancehall and music videos. Bruce Golding said at the cer- ® PATWA One such official channel ‘WHAT GOES AROUND has taken up the call. Entertainment Report (ER) began as a five-minute segment in 1990 on the island’s govern- ment-sponsored television sta- tion - the Jamaica Broadcasting Company (JBC), now Television Jamaica (TVJ). The show, host- ed by Anthony Miller, show- cased the rebellious and increas- ingly popular dancehall culture that would eventually help shape mainstream identity. A reclusive, no-nonsense, hard-hitting interviewer, Miller highlighted dancehall culture and its requisite fashion and accoutrements, with a fresh, objective eye. According to Paul, the ER host only speaks standard English even while interviewing Patwa-speaking guests, and has no problem communicating. As a result, Miller has per- sonally bridged the gap and has earned the respect of a “rene- gade culture” that has created stars out of the art movement called dancehallThe ER creator Glamorous Sakina Samuda poses on the red carpet at the premiere of the Sunrason can be viewed as a ground- Films’ latest release “What Goes Around” at the Cinema Paradiso in South Florida breaking performance curator, recently. Samuda plays a leading role in the tale of love, lust, revenge and remorse. according to Paul. The movie, which carries a message of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, is direct- The Caribbean on a whole ed by Jamaican-born Steve “Tehut Nine” McAlpin and produced by Johnny Blacks of would be greatly served with Johnny Blacks Entertainment. Additional United States screenings have been sched- out-of-the-box thinkers such as uled for Washington D.C., Atlanta, Philadelphia New York. The film will also be shown in Jamaica, and Toronto, Canada. McAlpin was also behind the films “Foreign” and Miller. For “in regions like, this “Bashment: The Fork in the Road”. visual art cannot model itself on narrow, modernist concepts and tropes without risking extinc- tion,” Paul concluded.

Story and photograph by Dawn A. Davis, a freelance writer for Caribbean Today. ®

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November 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 19

SPORT www.caribbeantoday.com U.S. athlete praises Jamaicans’ T&T, Jamaica only Caribbean teams performance at Beijing Olympics remaining in World Cup soccer hunt MIAMI - Former sprint they achieved. They have been World Champion Lauryn in the mix for a long time, they GORDON WILLIAMS rently holds the edge with a by a huge home crowd, Williams, of the United States, haven’t suddenly appeared this plus one difference, after scor- Jamaica competed hard in the believes the prolonged back- year,” said Williams, who hree Caribbean coun- ing six goals and conceding second game as well. lash against Jamaica’s success- turned 25 last month. tries were officially elim- five, while T&T is even, scor- “It’s the Jamaican spirit ful outing at the Olympic inated last month, but ing six and allowing six. that came out in the game,” Games in August is totally CRITICISM T the region’s traditional top two said Jamaica’s assistant coach unjust. Jamaica’s drug-testing teams hung on dearly to hopes KEEPING PACE Bradley Stewart. Williams, the fourth place program has been criticized of qualifying for World Cup The two teams advancing If Jamaica wins and finisher behind three and Bolt’s rise to stardom in 2010, soccer’s premier event. from Group 2 will also be Honduras loses next month, Jamaican athletes in the the 100 meters this year has Haiti, Cuba and Suriname decided on Nov. 19 when Jamaica will join Mexico in women’s 100 meters final in all tumbled out of the CON- Jamaica hosts Canada, which the next round. If Jamaica Beijing, said she believes the CACAF semi-final round of loses or draws, the Reggae sprinters who forced her off qualifiers after failing to finish Boyz will be eliminated. If the podium in the event, and among the top two in their Jamaica wins and Mexico the dominance of Usain Bolt respective groups following draws with Honduras, Mexico in the men’s category, were crucial games last month. will advance as group winner not a result of performance- However, Trinidad and and the second spot will be enhancing drugs and vowed Tobago and Jamaica both decided on goal difference. If not to be drawn into the con- secured important points to Mexico loses and Jamaica tinuous insulting debate. stay in the race for places in wins, Honduras will advance “I think the slurs about the final round of qualifiers and goal difference will decide Jamaican sprinters are unfair,” which begins next year. the remaining place between said Williams, who won the Last month, when teams Mexico and Jamaica. 2005 World Championships 100 in all three groups completed Going into the games next meters title in Helsinki, Finland. Williams five games, T&T drew with Fuller month, Mexico, with nine “I believe they are clean. rival Guatemala 0-0 on Oct. goals scored and five against, I’m not really worrying about raised a flurry of reaction 11 and beat leaders United has been eliminated, and holds a plus four goal differ- drug issues,” she added. from the track and field fra- States 2-1 on Oct. 15 to move Mexico travels to Honduras. ence. Honduras has a plus “Of course, we’re working ternity – including former U.S. into second place in Group 1 Mexico has 10 points and three goal difference, scoring hard to make sure every coun- Olympic sprint star Carl Lewis with eight points. The U.S. leads the group, followed eight and allowing five. try has the same testing poli- – questioning the validity of has 12 points, while by Honduras on nine and Jamaica has a negative differ- cies, but the Jamaicans have the Jamaican sprint domi- Guatemala has five. Jamaica with seven. ence, having conceded six worked really hard for what nance. But in spite of the Cuba, currently on three The Reggae Boyz scored goals while scoring only three. cloud over the sport in the points, could finish last in the two stunning home wins last Jamaica and T&T are the past few years, Williams backs group once the semi-final month to keep pace with the only two English-speaking Chanderpaul the Jamaicans to be clean and round fixtures are completed group leaders. On Oct. 11 countries to qualify for the thinks it is heartbreaking to on Nov. 19. On that date the Jamaica beat Mexico 1-0 World Cup finals. The Reggae know that whenever someone U.S., which has already quali- through a goal by striker Boyz made it to France in leads Windies runs fast it rests on perform- fied, will host Guatemala. Ricardo Fuller. 1998, while the Soca Warriors ance-enhancing substances. Cuba will visit T&T, which “Jamaica played well,” qualified for the 2006 finals in “It’s sad that athletics is only needs a point to advance. admitted Mexico’s coach Sven Germany. The 2010 finals will in rankings constantly dragged back to If Guatemala wins and Goran Eriksson after the be staged in South Africa. game. “…Physically we can’t DUBAI, United Arab that,” said Williams. T&T loses, the second place finisher in the group, which compete with them.” Gordon Williams is Caribbean Emirates, CMC – Batting star Four days later, Luton Today’s managing editor. Shiv Chanderpaul is the only - CMC will join the U.S. in the next round, will be decided on goal Shelton’s strike nipped West Indies player among the Honduras 1-0. Backed again ® top 10 in the latest International ® difference. Guatemala cur- Cricket Council (ICC) batting and bowling rankings for one- day Internationals (ODI). Chanderpaul, who is num- ber one in the current Test match batting ratings, is listed at sixth on the ODI list, which is headed by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, of India. The Australian left-han- der Mike Hussey is number two, followed by South African Graeme Smith and Australian Ricky Ponting, with Pakistan’s Mohammed Yousuf at number five. West Indians Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan hold top 20 spots in the ODI bat- ting, with Gayle at number 11 and Sarwan 19th. Australian pacer Nathan Bracken heads the ODI bowlers’ list, ahead of New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, and Australian Mitchell Johnson. Sri Lanka’s magic spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who leads the Test bowling rank- ings, is number six on the ODI list that has pacers

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 21)

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20 CARIBBEAN TODAY November 2008 Meet Them in Miami! Miami Book Fair International 2008 November 9-16 These celebrated authors explore the stories and issues of the Caribbean in their work, and they’re among the more than 300 writers joining us for our A Celebration of Cities of Refuge With 25th anniversary. Derek Walcott & Russell Banks, Sarah Mkhonza, Irakli Kakabadze, Wole Soyinka and Helge Lunde s Friday, Nov. 14

For those who dare question authority, writing is a perilous act in many places of the world. And so some of the world’s most famous- Elizabeth Nunez Geoffrey Philp ly endangered writers created an organization – Cities of Refuge North America – dedicated to saving persecuted scribes around the globe by cultivating safe havens for them in North America. The organization, established in 2003 by acclaimed novelists Russell Banks, Salman Rushdie and Wole Soyinka, has thus far relocated nine threatened writers to American cities.

Derek Walcott received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992. A native of St. Lucia, he is the author of 13 books of poetry, including the recent Selected Poems, which spans 50 years of work. Walcott is also the author of seven collections of plays and a book of Cyril Dabydeen Brian Meeks essays. He is the founder of the Trinidad Theater Workshop and the Boston Playwright’s Theatre. He is on the executive board of Cities Lisa Allen-Agostini, Tim Brothers, Willie Chen, Carol Boyce of Refuge North America. Davies, Jan J. Dominique, Brenda Flanagan, Cynthia Barrow Giles, Maude Heurtelou, Fequiere Vilsaint, Josaphat-Robert Gusman Center for the Performing Arts Large, Max Manigat, Austin C. Clarke, Harvey Neptune, 174 E. Flagler St., Downtown Miami Selwyn Ryan and more.

Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, Downtown Miami, Florida Miami Book Fair is a premier program of the Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College. www.miamibookfair.com 305-237-3258

CORPORATE SPONSORS Anthology Biography Memoir Media Sponsors With the support of

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WPBT Affairs, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Com- missioners, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the Miami Dade College Foundation, the Miami Downtown Development Authority, and the Book Fair’s Friends of the Fair

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SPORT www.caribbeantoday.com Jamaica’s Johnson returns Euro’s pro soccer clubs woo Caribbean players GORDON WILLIAMS the wing, put you up front, not program sponsored by to boxing ring on Nov. 11 positions of responsibility – telecommunications company KINGSTON, Jamaica - defensive midfielder, goal- Digicel. He invited several FLORIDA, United States – “We’re looking to do Professional soccer clubs in keeper, center back. Whereas under-20 players from the Glen Johnson is hoping his something in January hopeful- Europe, particularly in now all of those myths have region to EPL club Sunderland Nov. 11 clash against Tiwon ly that will work out,” he said. England, are steadily wooing been dispelled, because the earlier this year, where reports Taylor will be the catalyst for “I think they’re talking about more players from the England team indicated they impressed the more competitive fights in January 3 for another big Caribbean, drawn by their has black cen- club’s management. boxing’s light-heavyweight fight. skills and athletic ability. ter halves, “Sunderland actually division. “I want to be the champi- According to Jamaican- black goal- wanted to bring three of them Johnson, the Jamaica- on of the born John Barnes, who was keeper. back; three of the eight,” said born former International light-heavy- recently appointed coach of “Now, Barnes. “…After two days Boxing Federation champion, weight divi- Jamaica’s senior national team from the (Sunderland’s manager) Roy is set to face American Taylor sion. All of and who played professionally Caribbean Keane himself came down, at the Seminole Hard Rock the guys who in England for 25 years, where perspective, it took the boys into the dressing Hotel & Casino here, and have the titles, once they doubted, the clubs was like ‘yeah, room for one of the matches. intends to make the bout a I want to fight have now become more con- you can get Barnes He recognized the talent…The tune-up for bigger contests. them and col- vinced that Caribbean players the wingers manager heard about the qual- “I’m looking forward to lect those.” have the necessary commit- over ‘cause they’re fast, but if ity they actually had, heard fighting the big boys in the Johnson Johnson ment to handle the rigors of it’s cold…’ Whereas now, and about the discipline and the light-heavyweight division, last fought some of the world’s most com- of course from a Jamaican spirit they showed in playing.” they don’t want any part of southpaw Chad Dawson in petitive leagues. perspective, since Ricardo Yet while the door to a me,” the 39-year-old Johnson April, losing a controversial “(The perception of Gardner went there, it opened professional soccer career may told the Boxing Talk website. unanimous decision to the Caribbean players has) been the doors for a lot of people.” be widening in Europe, “With a fight like this, I American in Tampa, Florida. changing since (Trinidad and Barnes said talent alone will have to do what I have to do “I wouldn’t say I’ve gotten Tobago’s) Dwight Yorke,” EVERYWHERE not help Caribbean players to stay busy…I’m coming out over it, but I know that I just said Barnes, who played for Dozens of Caribbean- force their way through it. bombs away, and I’m trying to have to move on,” he said. clubs such as Watford, born players are currently “You have to have that take care of business real Johnson holds a fight Liverpool and Newcastle in with top British clubs. Yorke, hunger and playing,” he said. quick.” record 47 wins, 12 losses, and the top division after moving Gardner, T&T’s Kenwynne “…The commitment that you Johnson, also known as two draws in 61 fights. to England as a boy. Jones and Jamaica’s Ricardo need has to be the commit- “The Road Warrior”, indicat- . “I wouldn’t say since me, Fuller are among those play- ment within yourself, not to ed that he is looking to fight - CMC because I went to England ing in the top flight English the occasion or the situa- any of the pugilists in the top ® when I was 13 so I grew up Premier League (EPL). Many tion…Because (the clubs 10 of the world rankings. there and played, whereas others play in lower English have) always known they Dwight came over as a foot- leagues and in Scotland. (Caribbean players) have baller. So since Dwight it’s Several others have been good ability, but now they are been like ‘yes, we can get signed by agents and are looking at their spirit and Caribbean players’,” Barnes awaiting work permits to join their desire and their dedica- Bahamian high jump star told Caribbean Today. British clubs. Some have tion and their discipline.” “…Because once upon a moved on to other European time, the perspective that they clubs while they await word Gordon Williams is Caribbean considers return to hoops had of black players generally, on the permits. Today’s managing editor. even English black players in Barnes has helped expose NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC - from an ankle injury which the 70s, was fast, skilful, can’t Caribbean talent to England ® Reigning high jump world shortened his indoor season think too much, put you on working as a scout as part of a champion Donald Thomas is this year and also hampered considering the possibilities of his preparation for the rest of ending his track and field season, Thomas failed to gen- career to focus his attention erate the same form he showed again on playing basketball. the previous year and flopped Bahamian at the Beijing Olympics. He is Thomas, who now thinking about switching only took up back to playing ball. high jumping “That’s something that I in 2006 to get will have to evaluate when I a break from get back in training and basketball decide what I will do from while attend- there,” Thomas was quoted as ing school in telling The Freeport News. the United Thomas The 24-year-old Thomas States, sur- failed to get beyond the quali- prised his more seasoned fying round in Beijing in competitors to win the world August, after clearing a mere title at the 2007 World 2.20 meters for 12th in his Championships in Osaka, qualifying height. Japan. However, after suffering ® Chanderpaul leads Windies in rankings

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19) Zimbabwe and Ireland in Nairobi. He is 20th. New Jerome Taylor (11th) and Zealand’s Jacob Oram leads Daren Powell (15th) as the the all-rounders’ list ahead of highest ranked West Indies England’s Andrew Flintoff bowlers. and Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik Kenya’s Peter Ongondo and Shahid Afridi, with Gayle has reclaimed a top 20 spot at number five. among ODI bowlers following his team’s Tri-series with ®

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22 CARIBBEAN TODAY November 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com HEALTH HIV/AIDS killing 38 per day in Caribbean No ‘best’ remedy for arthritis PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, lighting the need for behav- region,” she said. DR. ROBERT SHMERLING Just how acupuncture CMC – The head of the iour modification in the In his address, Prime improves symptoms of arthri- United Nations AIDS Office region. Minister Patrick Manning Question: What’s the best nat- tis is uncertain. in the Caribbean has called noted that his government had ural way to combat the aches • Diet - While recommen- for renewed action to combat CONCERN scored some successes in the and pains of arthritis? dations abound regarding the spread of HIV/AIDS in Of particular concern to fight against the deadly dis- Answer: That’s a tricky which foods to favor and the region, which is currently the U.N. official are men who ease through the provision of question, for a number of rea- which to avoid for various reporting 38 deaths each day have sex with men and sex antiretroviral drugs. But he sons. types of arthritis, the link from the deadly disease. workers, who she listed acknowledged there was still First, there are more than between diet and arthritis is Addressing the seventh among high risk groups where much work to be done in 100 types of arthritis. The best strongest for one particular annual United States Chiefs the virus seems to be on the curbing its spread. He told the remedy - natural or otherwise type of arthritis, gout. of Mission Conference on rise. Sealy said there was also delegates that most of those - often depends on the type of Limiting alcohol and high HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean an increase in reported cases infected with the virus were arthritis a person has. In addi- purine foods (such as herring, last month, Dr. Karen Sealy among crack cocaine users, now able to live “a high quali- tion, many people with aches anchovies, liver, and bacon) said while there had been adding “perhaps the category ty of life” as a result of the and pains have no arthritis; can reduce the frequency of remarkable improvements that we have not identified is country’s health care program. conditions such as tendonitis gout attacks in some people. in reducing the spread of that of prisoners. He said “one of the true suc- or bursitis can cause joint Recent studies have linked HIV/AIDS, there is need to “We know that the spread cesses” was the decline in the pains that mimic arthritis. various dietary components increase momentum in the of HIV in the Caribbean is in mother-to-child transmission Second, what should be (including meat, fish, and high areas of prevention, care, fact being fuelled by serious of the disease, noting that all considered “natural”? Some fructose corn syrup) to an treatment and education. gaps in gender equality with pregnant women who attend people don’t consider pre- increased risk of newly diag- “We lose 38 citizens of the the removal of homosexuality government pre natal clinics scription medications natural nosed gout. Other foods Caribbean to AIDS every sin- from the legislation in Panama and were found to be HIV even if they contain sub- (especially low-fat dairy prod- gle day and on a daily basis, recently. positive could access anti- stances found in nature. ucts) seem to reduce the risk 55 Caribbean citizens are “All the countries of the retroviral drugs free of cost. Certain thyroid hormone sup- of gout. However, for people newly infected with HIV Americas which have homo- plements and digitalis are with established gout, the every single day,” she told the sexuality as a crime are now ® examples of prescription med- impact of changing the intake conference, while also high- located in the Caribbean icines that contain naturally of these foods is uncertain. occurring components. For rheumatoid arthritis, Finally, there is frequently no best “natural way” to treat Colonic irrigation remains controversial symptoms of arthritis. DR. HOWARD LeWINE impede the func- Unfortunately, we have no tion of the body’s convincing evidence that natu- ral remedies will reliably and Question: A friend of mine immune system. effectively treat symptoms of recently told me she was get- It is proposed but the most common types of ting colonic irrigation. She is unproven that arthritis. generally healthy but had washing away That said, here’s what I been feeling run down. After these flora and consider some of the best three sessions, she felt much waste products complementary remedies for more energetic and believes may have benefi- symptoms of arthritis: that the treatment removes cial effects. • Weight loss - For most toxins from her body. Is this Colonic irri- forms of arthritis, taking the there is limited evidence that true? Is colonic irrigation gation can poten- load off a weight-bearing joint omega-3 fatty acids may safe? tially cause (such as the knee) by losing reduce joint inflammation; in Answer: Colonic irrigation, severe adverse excess weight can be helpful. my own practice, I haven’t also called colonic hydrothera- effects and must • Exercise - Physical activ- seen much benefit. py, is a variant of enema treat- be carefully ity may provide significant Keep in mind that as ment, which involves flushing administered. benefits for many types of appealing as natural remedies the bowel with water in differ- People receiving arthritis. Exercise can include may be, they can be just as ent quantities, temperatures, frequent treat- land or water-based physical dangerous as prescription and pressures. Through a tube ments may activities or other low-impact medications. After all, toxic inserted via the rectum, water absorb too much A colonic irrigation set used for the procedure. exercises that strengthen mus- mushrooms are all-natural! may be introduced alone or water, leading to therapies) for severe condi- cles around arthritic joints, And because the regulation of with added enzymes, coffee, electrolyte imbalances in the tions, and it should not delay improve balance, and enhance herbs, vitamin supplements, probiotics or herbs. Treatment blood. If severe, this can lead consultation with a qualified physical fitness. and other non-prescription sessions usually last about one to nausea, vomiting, abnormal health care provider for a • Vitamin D - Low blood “neutraceuticals” is less strin- hour. heart rhythms, and, very potentially severe symptom or levels of Vitamin D are com- gent than for prescription Colonic irrigation may rarely, coma. There is a risk of illness. mon, may cause achiness, and medicines, it can be difficult to have been used as early as bowel perforation (breakage In my opinion, the evi- have been linked with an know exactly what’s in an all- ancient times in Egypt, China, of the bowel wall), which is a dence to date does not sup- increased risk of osteoarthritis. natural remedy. Impurities, India, and Greece. This prac- serious problem. port the use of colonic irriga- While increasing your vitamin interactions with other medi- tice gained some popularity in Colonic irrigation should tion as a way to promote bet- D intake (through foods or cines, and variable potency 19th century European spas. not be used in people with ter health and prevent disease. supplements) is unlikely to can cause significant problems. Without scientific evi- diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Although rare, serious compli- produce a prompt reduction in dence to support the claims, Crohn’s disease, severe or cations can occur. arthritis symptoms, it may pre- Dr. Robert H. Shmerling is colonic irrigation has been internal hemorrhoids, or vent future arthritis and reduce associate physician at Beth promoted in modern times to tumors in the rectum or colon. Dr. Howard LeWine is a bone pain in the long term. Israel Deaconess Medical improve general well being Unless directed by your doc- clinical instructor of medicine • Glucosamine - Multiple Center, Boston, Massachusetts, and suggested as a treatment tor, it should not be used soon at Harvard Medical School studies suggest that glu- USA, and associate professor for cancer and other diseases after bowel surgery. Regular and practicing internist with cosamine may reduce knee at Harvard Medical School. unrelated to the lower intes- treatments should be avoided Harvard Vanguard Medical pain due to osteoarthritis. He has been a practicing tine. Proponents of colonic by people with heart disease Associates and Brigham and There is controversy about rheumatologist for over 20 irrigation claim that it can or kidney disease. Women’s Hospital in Boston, claims of other benefits, years at Beth Israel Deaconess improve mental outlook, elim- If you are not doing the Massachusetts, USA. © 2008 including the possibility that it Medical Center.) inate toxic substances that cleansing yourself, be sure President and Fellows of can prevent arthritis or heal © 2008 President and cause chronic diseases, and that the equipment used is Harvard College. All rights established arthritis. Fellows of Harvard College. boost immunity. One theory is sterile and that the practition- reserved. Distributed by • Acupuncture - Well- All rights reserved. Distributed that intestinal flora (bacteria er is experienced. Tribune Media Services, Inc. designed studies suggest that by Tribune Media Services, Inc. that normally live in the intes- Colonic irrigation should acupuncture may be effective tine) and waste products in not be used as the sole treat- ® for osteoarthritis, fibromyal- ® our lower intestine somehow ment (instead of more proven gia, and other chronic pain.

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November 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 23

REGION/ POLITICS www.caribbeantoday.com Lack of interest stalling Caribbean Guyanese tops single market, economy ~ Gonsalves Caribbean exams BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Spanish and technical drawing BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, COM. But he warned that 2015 CMC – Yana-Marisa Edwards, – and a Grade II in music. CMC – St. Vincent and the deadline set by leaders for full a Guyanese student, has She follows Wainella Grenadines Prime Minister implementation of the CSME emerged as the most outstand- Isaacs in 2007 and Shivarnie Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says an was unlikely to be met, based ing candidate in the region in Persaud in 2006 respectively as apparent lack of interest by on the unwillingness of certain this year’s Caribbean Secondary the top student in the region. key players, including governments to move forward. Education Certificate (CSEC). Two other Queen’s Jamaica, is currently fore- He said the Bruce It is the third straight year College students - Aaron stalling the creation of a Golding administration in that a student of the Queen’s Haralsingh and Suraj Mattai - Caribbean community Jamaica also seemed unwilling College in Guyana has taken also received awards. (CARICOM) Single Market at the moment to countenance the top spot, the Caribbean The award for the “Most and Economy (CSME). the requirement for there to Examinations Council (CXC) Outstanding Performance in Gonsalves leveled the be “a centralized political said in a statement late last Humanities” went to Lori-Ann charge, even as he sought to apparatus. month. Vaz of Wolmer’s Girls School, justify recent efforts by the Gonsalves “A host of reasons may Edwards achieved Grade I Jamaica. She achieved Grade I Eastern Caribbean leaders to be offered, one of them I Delivering a special inte- in 14 subjects - agricultural sci- in 11 subjects, including five forge a closer union with believe is that Jamaica has not gration lecture at the University ence (Double Award), biology, humanities subjects – Caribbean Trinidad and Tobago. yet exorcised the ghost of the of West Indies Cave Hill Caribbean history, chemistry, history, English B, geography, “What do you do, do you failed federal venture,” sug- Campus here late last month, electronic document prepara- social studies and Spanish. She wait for the slowest in the gested Gonsalves. he went further to suggest that tion and management, English also achieved Grade I in biolo- integration movement or there was absolutely nothing A, English B, French, human gy, chemistry, English A, infor- those who wish to go further ® wrong with having different lev- and social biology, information mation technology, mathematics and deepen the integration els of integration within CARI- technology (general), mathe- and physics. processes?” asked Gonsalves. matics, physics, social studies, ® Manning v. Rowley: T&T political party rift widens PETER RICHARDS of housing on whose recom- “fall in love with the positions Ken Valley, were not part of Robinson and Karl Hudson- mendation that the Cabinet and become less and less the slate of candidates. The Phillips “never attained the PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – took a decision for 143 mil- accountable as they grow big- party’s campaign song public dimension as the current Regardless of what the former lion,” Manning said, noting ger than the posts into which “Patrick We Stepping Up dispute”. Housing Minister Keith that the issue would be a sub- they have been placed”. With You” included the line Political scientist Rowley does to clear his name, ject of an inquiry. Emile Elias, whose compa- “Patrick is boss”. Professor Selwyn Ryan also the die has already been cast. “And therefore, I cannot ny, NH International, was con- reflected on that internal elec- While Prime Minister get an answer anywhere else. tracted to build the houses, has OPEN CONFLICT tion, noting that “the two men Patrick Manning did not specif- Perhaps he (Rowley) is in a all but called Manning a liar Rowley was among the few have little real love, Christian ically call his name in connec- position to help me and I am over the affair and has demand- who were initially spared, but or otherwise, for each other.” tion with the supposedly miss- asking him, where de money ed a forensic investigation. then in April, Manning fired The conflict between the ing TT$10 million ($1.6 million) gone.” But political observers are him over allegations that he two men has not been lost on from a housing project in 2003, The reaction was immedi- questioning how long could had behaved in a very disorder- the general public either. the intention was very clear. ate. Rowley, who in 1996 had Rowley remain within the fold ly manner during a meeting of Various radio and television Speaking during the recent challenged Manning for the of the ruling party. They point Cabinet ministers in the prime talk shows have been flooded budget debate, Manning told leadership of the ruling out that prior to last year’s minister’s absence. with calls from listeners and legislators that the cost of the People’s National Movement general elections, Manning “If they haven’t already viewers with their comments residential units in the eastern (PNM), said that Manning’s sought and received the back- done so, or been asked to, in support of either man, while part of the country amounted statement was an “act of des- ing of the PNM for him to members of the executive of venting their frustration in let- to TT$133.4 million ($22.2 mil- peration.” take action he thought would the Diego Martin West con- ters to newspaper editors. lion) “but the contract is for ensure the success of the party stituency of the ruling party The Sunday Express TT$143.4 million ($23.9 mil- WARNING in the polls. They said what are going to have to choose newspaper quoted party lion). In September, in a news- Manning did was unprece- between their member of sources as saying that the rift “I ascribe no motive to the paper column under the head- dented in local politics. He Parliament and their political between the two men could member for Diego Martin ing “Paying Lip-service To ensured that half of his old leader”, wrote veteran jour- result in “tremendous damage West. All I am saying is that Ethics, Integrity”, Rowley Cabinet colleagues, including nalist Andy Johnson. to the party”, noting that the member was the minister warned of office holders who the deputy political leader The Sunday Express news- moves were afoot for some paper’s Political Editor Ria form of rapprochement. Both Taitt said there had never been men have, according to the Liverpool holds on to Dominca’s presidency an open display of conflict article, indicated a willingness ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – member of Parliament for the within the ruling PNM before, to discuss the matter. 74-year-old Nicholas Liverpool western community of Mahaut. noting that earlier situations has taken the oath as president Speaking to the media fol- involving then Prime Minister - CMC of Dominica for a second time, lowing the Oct. 2 swearing in, Eric Williams and other senior ending public speculation that acting Prime Minister Rayburn party officials such as ANR ® he would not stay on as cere- Blackmoore said Liverpool’s monial head of the country. agreement to serve for a second Liverpool’s recent re-appoint- term demonstrates “the honor ment came during a brief ceremo- of the man.” He also described ny, presided over by Senior Liverpool as an outstanding son Council Denis Barrow, at the of the soil and credited his con- Office of the President, just out- tribution to national develop- side the capital. ment. In July, Liverpool received Liverpool Liverpool was previously an endorsement from both awarded Dominica’s highest houses of the Dominica make way for Sir Brian honor (the Dominica Award of Parliament to continue as head Alleyne, the retired acting Honor) and earlier this year of state after the Oct. 1, 2008 chief justice of the Eastern received the Order of the expiration of his initial five- Caribbean Supreme Court. Caribbean Community – year term. But there had been Alleyne subsequently said CARICOM’s highest award. media speculation that he was not interested in the Liverpool would retire to presidency, after retiring as a ®

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