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PRESORTED MAY 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. 6 Jamaica: 654-7282 THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING NEWS MAGAZINE

~ Caribbean nationals again flocked to Bounty Killer and fellow Philadelphia in large numbers to cheer Jamaican dancehall artiste on athletes from the region and add their Mavado were last month own special flavor and pride to the 114th banned from entering Guyana Penn Relays in the ‘City of Brotherly because that Caribbean gov- ernment is unhappy with their Love’…page 7. lyrics, which it claims glorify guns and bash gays, page 13.

Jamaican- born boxer Glen Johnson was sure he had retained his world light heavy- weight title against American Chad Dawson. The crowd thought so too. The judges had other ideas, page 18. REVENGE PLOT ~ United States federal prosecutors in Florida have charged that a Jamaican man arrested last month, Hurricane season is almost while trying to board an Air Jamaica flight with here. History teaches that lack of awareness and preparation pipe-bomb materials, planned to seek retribution are common threads among all against two men charged with killing his major hurricane disasters. Find mother...page 3. out what you can do to get ready, page 23.

CALL CARIBBEAN TODAY DIRECT FROM JAMAICA 654-7282 INSIDE News ...... 2 Tourism/Travel ...... 12 FYI...... 16 Region ...... 21 Feature...... 7 Arts/Entertainment ...... 13 Sport...... 17 Politics...... 22 Health...... 11 Food ...... 15 Business ...... 19 Hurricane Preparedness ...... 23

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2 CARIBBEAN TODAY May 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS Pregnant Haitian spared U.S. Congressional Black Caucus urges deportation from U.S. Bush to take ‘decisive action’ in Haiti crisis MIAMI – In a rare decision, thing to eat, maybe some WASHINGTON - The United letter stated. United States immigration good Haitian food,” she con- States Congressional Black “Haiti, already suffering authorities have temporarily tinued. Caucus (CBC) is urging from extreme poverty, envi- spared the deportation of a Barbara Gonzalez, a President George W. Bush to ronmental destruction, and pregnant Haitian woman in spokeswoman for U.S. act “immediately and decisive- political instability, must now Miami on humanitarian Immigration and Customs ly” on the crisis in Haiti. also contend with sky-rocket- grounds. Enforcement in Miami, said In a letter sent last month, ing food costs and civil Fabienne Josil, 26, five Josil is not completely out of the 43 members of the CBC unrest”, the U.S. legislators months pregnant, was await- the woods; that she has expressed concern over what wrote, noting that recently ing deportation when immi- received an order of supervi- they described as the current thousands of Haitians have gration officials unexpectedly sion with reporting require- “economic and political insta- “flooded the streets in desper- told her April 25 she could ments. bility that has ensued in ation to protest rapidly leave detention to seek the “That doesn’t negate the Haiti”. increasing food prices. medical care she needs in the fact that she has a final order The letter also urged Bush “How desperate must the U.S. of removal,” Gonzalez said. Bush to provide immediate humanitarian crisis in Haiti “I’m going home to get “At this point her safety and debt relief and extend economic and political insta- become before the United some rest and be happy with security is the priority,” she Temporary Protective Status bility, it is now more critical States is willing to offer this my family,” an ecstatic Josil added. (TPS) for Haitian nationals than ever for the United deserving nation the compas- told reporters shortly after her Josil, who legally entered currently in the U.S. States to do everything within sion and generosity that it has release. “That’s all I’m going the U.S. in 2002, was under a “Given Haiti’s current its power to assist our hemi- to do. sphere’s poorest country”, the (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) “I’m going to have some- (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) City Council honors Guyanese subway hero Jamaican put on marshals’ NEW YORK – The New York grants to our city and nation,” in Harlem. City Council has honored a said Comrie, who represents “In a truly selfless act, he Guyanese-born mechanic who the 27th District in Queens. jumped down and crossed the most wanted list in U.S. risked his life to save a fallen “Kali serves as an inspira- tracks to hoist the much-larger WASHINGTON - United notice that it’s only a matter of subway passenger. tion to our community not unconscious passenger onto States marshals have added a time before we come knock- Councilman Leroy only because of his act of his shoulders and lifted him Jamaican man to their “Most ing,” said U.S Marshal Comrie, the son of Jamaican heroism but, more important- up to platform,” he added. Wanted” list, offering a Christina Pharo of the immigrants, presented the ly, because of how he inspires Comire said Kalimuthu is $25,000 reward for informa- Southern District of Florida. council proclamation to each New Yorker to serve one a “proud” Guyanese, who tion leading to his capture. “Our reputation of being Queens resident Veeramuthu another,” he added. migrated to the U.S. in 1991, A statement issued by the the best in fugitive apprehen- “Kali” Kalimuthu, a mechanic and has been a “proud resi- U.S. authorities said that sion can be backed up with at Columbia University in ‘HEROISM’ dent” of the Jamaica section David Clarke, 26, was last results, and we are hoping to Manhattan, during a ceremo- Comrie said Kalimuthu of Queens for 16 years. month placed on the list of 15 add Clarke’s apprehension to ny last month at City Hall. demonstrated “extraordinary He said Kalimuthu, who “Most Wanted Fugitives” for the numbers.” “Today, the council of the heroism” on Mar. 14 when a has been employed as a the “heinous” double murders Officials allege that the City of New York honors a fellow New Yorker collapsed, mechanic at Columbia of a South Florida couple on three men stuffed Chris devoted family man and ster- unconscious, onto the north- University for 11 years, is also June 16, 2007. Thompson and Cassandra ling example of the daily bound subway tracks of the a “passionate cricket player.” According to the release, Williams in a car trunk after unsung contributions of immi- No. 1 line at the 116th station two other men involved in the shooting them and then aban- ® shooting deaths were arrested doned the vehicle in Sunrise, just weeks after the incident Florida where authorities Jamaican ex-chief of staff for Vincentian and charged with first-degree made the discovery. murder, but Clarke is still on The U.S. marshal release the run. indicated that Clarke has rela- N.Y. city councilman indicted in scandal “Being added to the mar- tives and associates in Jamaica shals’ 15 most wanted list is a and South Florida. NEW YORK - United States Prosecutors also charged wake-up call to all fugitives federal prosecutors have that he directed two grand like Clarke to put them on ® indicted the Jamaican-born, jury witnesses to lie about former chief of staff for working for the Donna Reid Vincentian Councilman Dr. Fund and other related finan- Kendall Stewart on charges cial transactions. They said that he funneled taxpayer while the fund was expected money into pet projects and to furnish educational assis- favored community groups. tance to schoolchildren it “pri- In unsealing the indict- marily served as a conduit to ment, prosecutors last month provide cash and other per- accused Asquith Reid of using sonal benefits” to Reid. over $145,000 from the chari- The indictment also ty, Donna Reid Memorial Stewart charged that at least $31,000 Education Fund, a recipient of received by the fund was New York City funds. I’m deeply disappointed over wired to Reid’s friends and Authorities also indicted the allegations leveled at Mr. relatives in Jamaica. It further Joycinth Anderson, another Reid and the embarrassment accused Anderson of cashing Stewart aide, for assisting that his actions - right or wrong thousands of dollars in Donna Reid in the scheme. - have caused me, my hard- Reid Fund checks for Reid. Stewart, who represents working staff and the people of After their arraignment, the 45th Councilmanic District my district,” Stewart said. both Reid and Anderson in Brooklyn, which is over- were released on bond by a whelmingly Caribbean, was ‘CONSPIRACY’ Brooklyn magistrate. not named in the indictment. According to the indict- Prosecutors said Reid He said in a statement that he ment, Reid is charged with faces a maximum of 80 years did nothing wrong. “conspiracy to commit mail in prison, while Anderson can “While I believe in the fraud, money laundering con- be imprisoned for up to 40 presumption of innocent until spiracy and two counts of wit- years if convicted. ness tampering”. proven guilty, I must say that ®

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May 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 3

NEWS www.caribbeantoday.com Jamaican bomb suspect was planning revenge on mother’s killers ~ FBI

ORLANDO, Florida - United kicked a door” in front of her. International Airport The FBI said when he bomb-making literature were States federal prosecutors in They also said he was caught the attention of was detained his backpack found. Florida have charged that a admitted to a Veterans Affairs Transportation Security searched, two galvanized Brown also bought two Jamaican man arrested last hospital after trying to kill Administration (TSA) officers pipes, end caps, two small “boot knives” that could be month while trying to board himself. trained in spotting suspicious containers of BB pellets, bat- concealed in his shoes, the an Air Jamaica flight with Prosecutors said Brown’s body language, facial expres- teries, two containers of liq- prosecution alleged. pipe-bomb materials planned behavior at Orlando sions and behavior. uids, a laptop computer and to seek retribution against two ® men charged with killing his mother. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) alleged that Kevin Brown, 32, was taking the components to

Brown

Jamaica to make pipe bombs “as revenge” against the men believed to have killed his mother, Sandra McLeod in 2005. In a document filed in federal court prosecutors late last month said Brown, who has a history of violent and suicidal tendencies as well as

Brown, who has a history of violent and suicidal tenden- cies as well as tenuous ties to the Orlando area, made him too great a flight risk to be released from jail.

tenuous ties to the Orlando area, made him too great a flight risk to be released from jail. Brown was arrested on April 1 at Orlando International Airport and is currently being held at the Seminole County Jail. He has asked to be released on bail until his trial - a request that United States Magistrate Karla Spaulding is scheduled to consider on May 7.

DESTRUCTIVE Prosecutors charged that Brown, a U.S. Army veteran, was fired in December from his job as an equipment-parts receiver for a defense contrac- tor in Iraq because he made “offensive sexual comments to a female co-worker” and “grabbed an ax, threw items in a destructive manner, and

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4 CARIBBEAN TODAY May 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS U.S legislator wants U.S. civil rights activist blasts more aid for Haiti immigration policy towards blacks NEW YORK - The first ever ing for further assistance. Haitian to hold elective office CHICAGO – United States’ refugees. Jackson said while ing food crisis in the French- in New York has called for ACTION civil rights activist Reverend the U.S. readily welcomes speaking Caribbean country. increased aid for his homeland The U.N. said last month Jesse Jackson visited Haiti Cuban refugees, it neglects in the wake of riots over rising that it was taking further late last month to examine the Haitians. FOLLOW-UP food prices. humanitarian crisis emerging “When Haitian children’s Jackson’s visit came as a New York City in the Caribbean country. parents die at sea they are high-powered Organization of Councilman Dr. Mathieu A statement from sent back,” he said. “We sub- American States (OAS) dele- Eugene, Democratic represen- Jackson’s Chicago-based sidize Cubans to come to the gation wrapped up a visit to tative for the predominantly organization the Rainbow United States, but we ship Haiti late last month. The del- Caribbean, 40th Council PUSH Coalition said the for- Haitians out…We should egation, which was headed by District in Brooklyn, told the mer U.S. presidential candi- change our policy and meas- Secretary Caribbean Media Corporation date was ure human rights by one yard- General José (CMC) that he was putting accompanied stick.” Miguel together a task force to pro- by a delega- Insulza, pre- vide humanitarian assistance tion of minis- ‘RACIST’ sented pro- to Haiti. ters and con- Jackson also charged that posals and “This, I believe, is a moral cerned U.S. immigration policy is offered ideas obligation for Haitians in the Haitians to “racist,” giving preferential on the kind U.S. to do. We should band Eugene meet with treatment to Cuban refugees, of assistance together to send humanitarian Haitian citi- but not Haitian refugees who Insulza needed to assistance to the Haitian peo- action to confront food inse- zens, reli- have “darker skin color. tackle the ple,” he said. curity in Haiti with plans to gious leaders, Jackson “The Cuban immigrants food crisis “I’m calling on everyone distribute 8,000 more tons in government are called political refugees, the Caribbean nation faces. to join me, Haitians, Friends the poorest country in the officials and and they are welcomed in the An OAS statement said of Haiti, elected representa- Western Hemisphere. The members of non-government United States,” he said. “The the delegation met with tives, to collect food, water U.N. said its World Food groups. Haitian immigrants are called President René Préval and and medicine for the needy Program (WFP) would hand “His goal is to bolster economic refugees, and they other political leaders, as well people,” Eugene said, out the food, focusing on chil- immediate humanitarian aid are sent back…There is a dis- as community and business adding that he had already dren, pregnant women and and devise long-term solu- tinction without a difference.” leaders, to offer the support approached a number of nursing mothers. tions to the problem of rising Thousands of Haitians as representatives of the elected officials in the U.S. The World Bank also said prices and curtailed supplies have been fleeing to the U.S. Group of Friends of Haiti. Congress, the New York it is providing a $10 million of staples, such as rice, that since 1991 to escape the vio- Insulza said the group of State’s Senate and Assembly, grant to Haiti to help the led to recent riots across lence and economic hardship diplomats was “keen on hear- as well as the city council, for René Préval administration Haiti”, the statement said. after Haiti’s leader Jean- ing suggestions as to the kind support in this initiative. respond to the crisis. At the same time, Bertrand Aristide was over- of assistance Haiti needs in In addition, Eugene said Jackson lamented what he thrown. Last month, almost a order to tackle the underlying he would be sending a letter ® described as the “disparity” in dozen Haitian drowned off problems facing the society.” to the United Nations, plead- how the U.S. government the coast of The Bahamas as treats Cuban and Haitian they sought to escape the ris- ® Pregnant Haitian spared deportation from U.S. U.S. Congressional Black Caucus urges (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) because of uterine bleeding. Hines said after Josil was deportation order because she treated, she was released that Bush to take ‘decisive action’ in Haiti crisis had “aged out” of her residen- same day to the custody of an cy status, her attorney Jeanne nation’s recovery and stability. President René Préval formal- immigration agent and taken (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) Hines said. Under Congressional rules, ly requested TPS for his com- to the Broward Transitional Hines said Josil learned bestowed upon other coun- TPS may be granted when patriots living in the U.S. The Centre in Pompano Beach. about her detention and possi- tries?” there is ongoing armed con- CBC said while Haiti has But Hines said Josil continued ble deportation on April 18 flict, “posing a serious threat made “considerable progress” to experience uterine bleed- when immigration agents went DEBT SOLUTION to personal safety”. It is in its efforts to recover from ing, and doctors said she to the Pompano Beach home of Last month, the U.S. requested by a foreign state the physical and political dam- risked miscarriage. her fiancé, Frandy Deronvil, 36. House of Representatives that “temporarily cannot han- ages of recent years, through Josil had legally entered “She collapsed, her feet unanimously passed an dle the return of nationals due its “commendable” rebuilding the U.S. in 2002 as her father’s gave out,” Hines said, disclos- amendment to the Jubilee to environmental disaster” or efforts and its recent demo- dependent when she was 20. ing that Josil was then taken by Act, calling for the “expedited when “extraordinary and tem- cratic elections, its democracy ambulance to North Broward ® cancellation” of Haiti’s inter- porary conditions in a foreign “remains fragile. Medical Centre in Miami national debt. The lawmakers state exist which prevent “As Haitians continue to said although Haiti is expect- aliens from returning”. live under ever worsening ed to receive some debt relief “Undoubtedly, Haiti meets conditions, it is only a matter later this year, it is still sched- all of the requirements for of time before a humanitarian uled to make nearly $50 mil- TPS, and is just as deserving as crisis becomes a political one lion in debt payments in 2008. other currently protected threatening the stability of They said these funds could nations”, the legislators wrote. Haiti and our entire region. be better spent alleviating the “The people of Haiti have “Haitians, both in Haiti current crisis. been victimized by our coun- and in our own country, have “Congress has gone on try’s double-standard immigra- long suffered through natural record supporting debt relief tion policies for far too long. destruction, persistent poverty, for Haiti”, the letter stated. “As we wait for humanitar- repressive regimes, and the “We now call on you, Mr. ian relief to trickle into the inequitable policies of the President, to use your influ- hands of Haiti’s starving popu- United States. ence to make sure that this lation, the United States has the “It is now our moral obli- struggling nation is no longer power to provide our struggling gation to help Haitians sustain held captive to their past and neighbor immediate, substantial and rebuild their country by is put on a sustained path to relief by granting Haitians cur- alleviating their nation’s debt development”. rently residing in the United and granting Haitian immi- In urging Bush to grant States TPS”, they wrote. grants already residing in the Haitian immigrants, currently United States TPS”, the legis- residing in the U.S., TPS, the FRAGILE lators stated. CBC said this would enable In February, Haitian them to contribute to their ®

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May 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 5

NEWS www.caribbeantoday.com Cancel Haiti’s debt, Congress tells treasury WASHINGTON - The tion to low-income countries. helping provide much needed vanguard in the fight to end United States’ House of “With the passage of my resources and protection for “double-standard immigration Representatives has unani- amendment, Congress goes on Haitians in Haiti and within practices as they pertain to mously passed an amendment record supporting the cancel- our own borders so that they Haitian migrants” and has calling for the cancellation of lation of Haiti’s international may contribute to their coun- authored the Haitian Haiti’s international debt. debt to help alleviate poverty try’s recovery from years of Protection Act, which would The legislation, piloted and increase stability through- political, economic, and envi- designate Haitian nationals in by Florida Democratic out the country,” Hastings ronmental turmoil and put the the United States as eligible Congressman Alcee Hastings, said in a statement. nation on a sustained path to for Temporary Protected directs the U.S. Secretary of “This is an important ini- development.” Status (TPS). the Treasury to work with tial step toward finally freeing Last month, he and 43 Hastings international financial institu- Haiti from its onerous debt. ‘DOUBLE-STANDARD’ tions to provide debt cancella- “I remain committed to Hastings is also in the (CONTINUED ON PAGE 6)

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6 CARIBBEAN TODAY May 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS New quota rule for H-1B visa; Caribbean to discuss poverty, student visas to cost more climate change with Europe degree” exemption limit for under the advanced degree WASHINGTON – Latin Minister Dimitrij Rupel, fiscal year 2009. exemption will join the ran- QUESTION: Is it true that the American and Caribbean whose country holds the E.U. The agency added that dom selection process for the quota for H-1B visas is up? (LAC) countries will meet with presidency. before running the random regular 65,000 cap. ANSWER: Yes, says United the European Union (E.U.) He said the E.U.-LAC selection process, they will com- States Citizenship and this month to discuss coopera- summit “is an opportunity to plete initial data entry for all fil- PAYING MORE Immigration Services officials. tion to fight poverty, the nega- further build partnership ings received during the filing Caribbean and other for- A cap has been placed on H- tive effects of climate change between our two regions by period ending on April 7, 2008. eign students seeking to study 1B visas for this year. and other related issues. focusing on the main issues - It will reject and return filing in the U.S. may soon have to Officials said recently The Organization of the fight against poverty, fees for all cap-subject petitions shell out more. they have received enough American States (OAS) inequality and exclusion and not randomly selected. The U.S. Immigration and announced that 15 regional sustainable development, the The USCIS will conduct Customs Enforcement, which leaders have so far been con- environment, climate change the selection process for oversees the Student and firmed for the summit in Peru and energy.” “advanced degree” exemption Exchange Visitor Program, on May 16. Rupel told an OAS petitions first. said recently it may have to “Our aim is to strengthen Permanent Council meeting, All “advanced increase fees for nonimmi- strategic partnerships between chaired by Barbados’s degree” peti- grant students to help cover the two regions based on Ambassador Michael King, tions not the cost of improvements to mutual respect, common val- that at least 20 of Europe’s selected will be the program. ues and economic, political, heads of state and government part of the ran- Visa costs for nonimmi- cultural, historical and human are expected at the meeting. dom selection grant students could double to ties,” said Slovenia’s Foreign H-1B visa kit process for the $200 if the plan becomes a ® 65,000 limit. reality. Most exchange visitor Myers More than fees could rise from $100 to H-1B petitions to meet the 31,200 of those $180, while the fee for school Cash Plus boss, brother congressionally mandated cap petitions were for the certification could rise from for the general category and advanced degree exemption. $350 to $1,700. Site visit 20,000 under the “advanced granted bail in Jamaica Those petitions not selected charges could increase from KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – out on J$10 million dollars $230 to $655 for each site visit. A High Court judge here has ($140,921) bail. The fee increase is being approved bail for Carlos Hill, The judge also ordered proposed to cover improve- the embattled head of the Carlos Hill to report to the ments to the SEVP, including alternative investment scheme police’s Fraud Squad daily and adding ICE agents to follow Cash Plus, who is facing nine to remain in his home between up on alerts submitted by counts of fraud and conspiracy. the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. school administrators; a He, along with his brother as part of his house arrest. revamped SVEP database and Bertram, had been on remand Late last month, the com- a new recertification process, at the Horizon Remand pany’s chief financial officer, as mandated by the U.S. Centre for several weeks after Peter Wilson was released on Congress, to maintain the they were arrested following JA$5 million ($70,000). integrity and reputations of the company’s collapse. The company’s head has participating schools. Justice Bertram Morrison been charged with nine counts “U.S. colleges and univer- allowed the brothers bail after of fraud and conspiracy, while sities are the envy of the world hearing submissions from their his brother and Wilson are and accordingly attract as many lawyers. charged with conspiracy. They as a million individuals from The head of the failed were scheduled to return to overseas who wish to attend,” company was granted a J$15 court on May 14. said Julie L. Myers, assistant million ($211,318) release secretary of Homeland Security while his brother was allowed ® for ICE.“Validating the identi- ty of foreign students, verifying their intentions for entering our U.N. provides food for Haiti country and knowing where they are while they are here is NEW YORK - The United gram to combat malnutrition critically important to the secu- Nations last month unveiled a and spend about $1.6 million rity of our country. (The) pro- plan to distribute more than on water and sanitation in the posed new rule ensures that 8,000 tons of food supplies in northwest and the Artibonite America remains a welcoming Haiti where rising prices have regions. place for foreign students to led to widespread protests. Meanwhile, the Brazilian study, while enhancing our abil- The U.N. World Food contingent of the U.N. ities to protect our national Program (WFP) was expected Stabilisation Mission in Haiti security.” to distribute the food in the (MINUSTAH) last month After the events of Sept. 11, north, west and central regions, started to distribute food to 2001, Congress required the focusing on children, pregnant more than 3,000 families in the Department of Homeland women and nursing mothers. poorest quarters of the capital Security to implement a better The U.N. Children’s Fund Port-au-Prince. way of keeping track of interna- (UNICEF) was also expected tional students and exchange vis- to double its child feeding pro- ® itors. SEVP was the depart- ment’s response to that mandate. Cancel Haiti’s debt, Congress tells treasury (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5) been afflicted by violence and Compiled by Felicia Persaud natural disasters - is increas- members of the Congressional at [email protected]. The ingly desperate and volatile,” Black Caucus wrote to answers provided here are for he said. President George W. Bush information purposes only, “The United States gov- seeking an explanation as to and do not create an attor- ernment cannot turn a blind why Haitian nationals have ney-client relationship; nor eye as food prices escalate out not yet been granted TPS and are they a substitute for of control in the most impov- that the Bush administration “legal advice”. erished nation in the Western “continues to refuse to pro- Hemisphere,” Hastings added. ® vide an adequate explanation. “The situation in Haiti - a ® nation that has historically

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May 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 7

FEATURE www.caribbeantoday.com Caribbean fever grips Penn Relays again Food for thought: Caribbean

GORDON WILLIAMS matic April 26 drew 49,831, massive, flowing symbols that the second largest final day covered several fans at once. seeks to revitalize agriculture PHILADELPHIA, crowd in the meet’s history. Pennsylvania – Mere days The region was well rep- SUPPORT PETER RICHARDS exporting agricultural sector after the Democratic Party resented, and not just in num- Fans also decked them- will die because we can’t com- rolled its crucial primary elec- bers. Outside the stadium ven- selves out in familiar colors of xactly one year after pete with the rest of the world tion race out of this United dors selling food and other the Caribbean, including Caribbean leaders met and our domestic production States city, a Caribbean cara- items typical of the colorful Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Ein Trinidad with the will be displaced by imports, van – featuring mostly Caribbean lined the sidewalks. Guyana and The Bahamas. regional and international Jamaicans – began pouring in, Curried goat, jerk chicken, They sang and cheered loudly. donor community, stakehold- intent on creating intense roti, escoveitched fish, ackee The athletes responded too. ers will gather in Guyana next competition of their own at and dumplings, were on many Aleen Bailey, a member of month hoping to secure as Jamaica’s victorious women’s much funding as possible to medley relay team which help the region deal with spi- defeated the U.S., pranced raling food prices and revital- excitedly about the track and ize the important agricultural waved proudly at the stands sector. following the race. Other ath- The June 6-7 Regional letes showed their appreciation Agriculture Investment as well, even those who were Forum grew out of the first- not on the receiving end of the ever regional agriculture cheers. donor conference held in Port “I’ve been doing the Penn of Spain last June and organ- Jagdeo Relays in high school, in col- ized jointly by the Rome- lege,” said American runner based Food and Agriculture as has already happened in LaShawn Merritt. “It’s a great Organization (FAO) and the many of the countries.” atmosphere.” Guyana-based CARICOM CARICOM Secretary Many non-competitors at Secretariat. General Edwin Carrington the meet seemed to enjoy it as FAO Director General stressed that the region’s $3 well. Popular comedian Bill Jacques Diouf said then that billion food import bill is Cosby, a regular at Penns, was at least $200 million dollars becoming increasingly unten- again there last month. Aaron would be needed from exter- able. Ross, a defensive back with nal sources, including donors “We have a virtual crisis Super Bowl champions New and investors, to kick-start the situation on our hands. All York Giants and fiancé of initiative. But as he spoke at hands must now come on Caribbean supporters show excitement and anticipation as the runners race to the fin- Jamaican-born U.S. runner the launch of the forum deck, governments, private ish line. Sanya Richards, showed up as recently, Guyana’s President sector and civil society in part- Bharrat Jagdeo, who has lead nership,” said Carrington. the 2008 Penn Relays. responsibility for agriculture Regional governments They did not fail. within the 15-member CARI- have already agreed on a Whatever excitement Barack COM grouping, said the event novel idea of using Guyana’s Obama and Hillary Clinton should not be viewed as a vast amount of lands to may have generated in the “knee-jerk reaction” to rising increase food production for “City of Brotherly Love”, in food prices as there has been Caribbean territories. At the their quest to become either talk for years about boosting end of their special summit on the first African American or agriculture with little success. food security in December last female U.S. president, was “For a very long time year, the embellished by a distinct across the region, little fund- regional lead- Caribbean flavor at the 114th ing was put into the agricul- ers issued a staging of the annual athletic tural sector, and very few statement that carnival here from April 24-26. requests that went to the mul- expressed “It’s a very convenient tilateral financial institutions appreciation thing for us, a very oppor- were for agriculture,” Jagdeo “for the gener- tunistic occasion,” said said. ous offer by Jamaican-born, New York- the based immigration activist TOURISM CHOICE Government Carrington Irwine Claire, who is also He added that many of Guyana to Members of Team Jamaica Bickle prepare meals for distribution to Caribbean athletes member states, of access to chief executive officer of at the Penn Relays. countries have preferred to Team Jamaica Bickle, an focus on tourism, as it con- land for the pursuit of agricul- organization which has pro- menus. Inside the stadium, the well. So too did former U.S. tributes more directly to their tural production, including vided food and hospitality for region’s flavor dominated as Olympic great Carl Lewis. Gross Domestic Product agro-processing, and encour- Caribbean athletic teams com- well. At least two Golden Several notable names from the (GDP). age member states to take peting at “Penns” for the past Krust Bakery stalls beneath Caribbean attended too, includ- “We pointed out that food advantage of this offer. 14 years. the Franklin Field stands were ing Jamaica’s former Public security is vital to the region, “In this regard, we note “…The fact is that that kept busy with long lines of Defender Howard Hamilton. that you can’t eat tourism,” he that Trinidad and Tobago is type of situation (the primary) patrons seeking out the taste Few were disappointed noted. “Tourism may con- already pursuing this offer in taking place in Philadelphia, of patties, bun and cheese, and their pride showed. tribute a lot to employment, the context of a CARICOM for Caribbean nationals here jerk chicken and pastries. “They soon have to re- but if this region does not Food Security Facility,” the in Philadelphia this is a whale The fans also brought name it the Caribbean relays,” have food security or a com- (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) of a week.” along their own food, some said one happy fan decked out petitive agricultural sector, our willing to share items like in the black, green and gold of CROWDS puddings and rice and Jamaica. This year’s meet could peas and chicken with total hardly have been much better. strangers. But their greatest Photographs and story by Caribbean nationals from all generosity was showered on Gordon Williams, Caribbean over the U.S., and many trav- the athletes from the region Today’s managing editor. eling from the region, crowd- competing at the meet. Every ed into Franklin Field and its event that featured a Main cover photograph by surrounding environs in near Caribbean athlete, especially Anthony Foster. record numbers. According to Jamaican, drew roaring cheers organizers the meet “missed from the stands, coupled with Caribbean success on the three attendance marks by intense waving of flags rang- track, turn to Sport, page 17. less than 1,000 fans”. The cli- ing from handkerchief-sized to ®

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8 CARIBBEAN TODAY May 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com FEATURE Brain drain can be gain for Caribbean ~ report UNITED NATIONS – A source that people leave their coun- cautioned that while these advisor at the U.N. Economic United Nations University country is try take whatever abroad and benefits will be seen in areas Commission for Latin (UNU) study has suggested becoming are completely lost for the of high technology, the health America and the Caribbean. that the so-called brain drain rapidly whole country, should be sector will continue to suffer. The UNU study recom- facing Caribbean countries outdated,” reassessed. It said that as doctors, nurses mended that countries that actually has the potential to said UNU “It’s more realistic to and medical specialists contin- are losing talent should set up drive growth in these Director think there’s a movement of ue to leave African, Asian “more liberal and open economies. Andrés people in both directions,” he and Caribbean countries, the regimes that create a positive Regional countries have Solimano added. health services they leave climate for business and the complained about citizens tak- in releas- behind become “depressed well-educated, leading to an ing their skills abroad. ing the study last month. CAUTION and inadequate”. improvement in the economy “The idea that the mobili- “Talent mobility can bring The study, produced by “Here the old worries and society at large”. ty of bright, qualified people benefits both to host and the UNU’s World Institute for about brain drain are in gen- represents a permanent loss of source countries…So this Development Economics eral fully warranted,” said ® scarce human capital for the notion of one-way mobility, Research (UNU-WIDER), Solimano, who is also regional Food for thought: Caribbean seeks to revitalize agriculture (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) vided by the state. finalizing a $2.5-million grant key commodities like wheat, movement of agricultural “This will be a model from the China, while negotia- corn and barley. Food prices products had been largely statement added. farm utilizing the latest tech- tions are taking place with the have also been squeezed by neglected. nology and which will inspire CDB on a $8-million loan to the expanding use of grains NO ACTION the replication of similar oper- finance technology-driven for bio fuels. - CMC But Jagdeo has been ations by farmers throughout programs in the sector. “Commodity prices pro- lamenting the fact that the the country,” said Manning. Last December, the region- vide the basis and impetus for ® interest expressed by the But head of the 34-year al leaders agreed to waive the us to take up that challenge Caribbean had not yet trans- old Food Crop Farmers Common External Tariff (CET) seriously,” Smith told a one- lated into concrete plans. Association Norris Deonarine on a basket of food items. day roundtable discussion on “We have heard Trinidad does not hold out much hope. “Member States will also “Global Imbalances and has expressed interest, but He said farmers have been intensify social interventions Caribbean Development” unfortunately we have been Street Address: treated as “squatters” by suc- targeting the most vulnerable organized by the CDB and unable to move beyond 9020 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33157 cessive governments with groups, including children, as the U.S.-based Institutional expressions of interest. When Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6010 some waiting “as much as 35 a feasible short-term measure Investor Magazine. we try to pin down specific Miami, FL 33116-6010. to 40 years for security of to mitigate the negative According to a recently projects, we have not had Telephone: (305) 238-2868 tenure. impact of high food prices,” released report by the much success,” he said. (305) 253-6029 • Fax: (305) 252-7843 “We can’t go along gam- the leaders added. International Assessment of The Patrick Manning gov- Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-290-4550 bling, taking risks because the In late March, Dr. Warren Agricultural Science and 1-800-605-7516 • Jamaica: 654-7282 ernment has acknowledged people who should be recog- Smith, the director of finance Technology for Development E-mail: [email protected] the Guyana initiative, saying it nizing our farmers are not and planning at the Barbados- (IAASTD), while agricultural Send ads to: [email protected] is one of two main strategies doing so. To them food securi- based Caribbean productivity has grown in the being developed with other Vol. 19, Number 6 • MAY 2008 ty is the importation of food,” Development Bank (CDB), last 50 years in Latin America Caribbean states. Manning he said during a recent radio warned regional leaders that and the Caribbean, it has not said the other strategy calls PETER A WEBLEY program. overhauling local agriculture translated into better lives for for the establishment of a fast Publisher was critical to solve mounting most people at the bottom of ferry service “for the trans- NEW INITIATIVES problems of food security. the economic pyramid. portation to Trinidad and GORDON WILLIAMS In the meantime, other “What is necessary in the “Increased yield from agri- Managing Editor Tobago of mainly farm prod- Caribbean countries, have Caribbean is what amounts to cultural production has not ucts from the countries of the announced new initiatives to the need for a green revolu- led to a significant decrease in SABRINA HOPKINS southern Caribbean.” help their citizens cope with tion in agriculture,” he poverty, which still affects 37 Graphic Artist In addition, Port of Spain the rising cost of food. argued, referring to the new percent of the population. has announced plans to utilize Barbados has said that it technologies to boost crop Importing food has created former sugar estates for large DOROTHY CHIN was planning to open its door yields that were successfully dependence and disrupted Account Executive scale production of food for to foreign competition, while introduced in many develop- local production”, said the both the local and export mar- the Bruce Golding administra- ing countries between the IAASTD’s report, which SUNDAY SELLERS kets and there are also plans Account Executive tion in Jamaica said it was 1940s and 1960s. was based on three years of by an ammonia producing providing $13.8 million in loan In the past year, global research and involved more company to establish a large packages to help farmers. In fuel prices have doubled, in than 400 scien- JULISSA RAMOS greenhouse demonstration addition, the government is turn pushing up the cost of tists around Accounting Manager farm on 75 acres of land pro- the world. Caribbean Media Source Media Representatives At the roundtable TOM JONAS discussion in 353 St. Nicolas Street, Suite 200 Port of Spain, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 2P1 Tel: (514) 931-0422 • Fax: (514) 931-0455 the head of E-mail: [email protected] the CDB, Compton Bourne Jamaica Bureau Bourne, MARIE GREGORY argued for the introduction of (876) 925-5640 P.O. Box 127, Constant Spring new technologies as well as Kingston 8, Jamaica improved transportation to Opinions expressed by editors and bring basic goods all the way writers are not necessarily those of the along the value chain. publisher. “It is not sufficient to invest in agricultural com- modities, you have to have a Caribbean Today, an independent means to move that commodi- news magazine, is published every month ty from the farm to the hotels, by Caribbean Publishing & Services, Inc. Caribbean Today is not responsible etc,” Bourne said. for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. To Other experts noted that guarantee return, please include a self- while regional blocs like addressed stamped envelope. CARICOM have devoted a Articles appearing in Caribbean lot of time and resources to Today may not be reproduced without the question of migration, the written permission of the editor.

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May 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 9

VIEWPOINT www.caribbeantoday.com Boycott politicians, No man… not the Olympics so what? The Olympic Games more deserving target than belong to the athletes and China. The country’s list of aving explored the not to the politicians,” offenses against humanity is problems that women “ have as they age - put Avery Brundage, a past presi- long: political prisoners, jailed H dent of the International journalists, religious persecu- on weight, try their best to Olympic Committee, once tion - you name it, they do it. land a man at all costs - it’s said. On the world scene, they have pretty clear that the one com- We like offered aid, weapons and mon factor that causes grief in to think so, comfort to a variety of human their lives is man. don’t we? rights abusers. As Sudan’s Yes, man. Yet, the rau- leading oil customer, they So it’s fair to say, that it cous rounds have given passive support to may not be such a bad idea not of “snatch that country’s genocidal poli- to have a man at all. And it’s the torch” cies in Darfur. true, as so many women nowa- that have dis- And as their eager trading days choose to spend their rupted this partner and debtor, we, the days, and nights, without the year’s pre- CLARENCE United States, have been company of men. Olympics PAGE among China’s leading enablers. “Man in my life? I think festivities History shows Olympics not. It’s been exactly five years, reveal a to be more than just a “sport- seven months, two weeks, three with that arti- said, “Never, never, never will deeper truth: The Olympics ing event”, as Bush calls it. days and four hours since I have cle, but there I get married, all I want are are often politics by other Japan in 1964, South Korea in had any physical encounter with are also plen- two teddy bears and a parrot means. 1988 and the Soviet Union in a man!” this lady told me. ty out there and I’ll be happy.” That’s why an unusual 1980, among others, have used What astonished me was who strongly What has the world come right-left political coalition has the Olympics to elevate their how she could be so exact in disagree, cit- to, when women as young as called for United States stature on the world stage. her sexual memory, as I was ing that it’s 18 have already made up their President George W. Bush to The most memorably notori- always told that sex has no really a bless- minds to go it alone? When I join some other major world ous example is Nazi Germany memory. I guess that only ing that they asked why, they replied that leaders in skipping the open- in 1936. Those were the games applies to men though, as are single when they looked around and women seem to put some TONY ing ceremonies of the Beijing that created the torch relay as with no ROBINSON saw the abuse that men heaped Olympics. U.S. Democratic an international pageant to special premium on the act, prospect of on women, plus the rising, presidential contenders sena- help polish the image of Adolf equating it with love. landing a shocking, alarming divorce sta- tors Hillary Clinton of New Hitler’s murderous regime. “Oh, I will always remem- man anytime soon. tistics, they’d rather not be a York and Barack Obama of Ominously, Susan ber my first time, it was so “Doomed…to be sin- part of it. So in their minds, Illinois called on Bush to Bachrach, curator of an exhibit special, so magical, I will gle…what rubbish, what makes having no man is indeed no avoid the ceremonies. Arizona on the 1936 Olympics that always love him.” men so important? Man is curse at all, as their lives will Sen. John McCain, the pre- opens at the U.S. Holocaust Ask most men and they nothing but crosses and I am be bereft of misery. It’s little sumed Republican nominee Memorial Museum in can’t even put a name to the better off without them,” chor- wonder that so many women for president, joined in. Washington on April 25, face, much less the amount of tled one, while another chimed prefer to live with pets, rather U.S. Rep. Thaddeus observed, “the Nazi torch ran times or the venue. in, “With no man in my life, I than men, hence the rise in McCotter, a conservative through countries that Germany “Hi, pleased to meet can do what I want, when I demand of those little rat-dogs Michigan Republican, has was about to conquer.” you...and you are…?” want, go wherever I want, with and cats. Puss and dog mightn’t introduced a bill that would Brundage argued vigor- no restrictions and with no man have the same luck, but these prevent the president and ously against calls for the SINGLE FILE running and ruining my life.” women seem to have more other U.S. government offi- U.S. to boycott the Berlin Anyway, to be scientific, I “Peace at last, peace at luck with these animals. cials and employees from Olympics. Hitler successfully made sure to ask other women last, thank God almighty peace attending the Aug. 8 parade. concealed the deadliest side of the same question, and every at last, since I have no man, STRESS FREE But Bush has tended to his regime, including the racist one could tell me when last, my life is peace at last,” added One young lady was shrug off such notions as an and anti-Semitic Nuremburg how many times and with the last lady. adamant that all men did was unnecessary mix of politics laws and the rounding up of whom. I must add that every What I found even more ruin women’s lives, and living with the purity of the Games. Jews and others for the first of single one of them were with- interesting, was the disparity in without one was a stress free “I’m going to the his death camps. out men for a very long time, ages of the ladies who were existence. Another lass chimed Olympics. I view the Olympics but their memory clocks were chorusing these chants. The in adding, “With the shortage as a sporting event,” Bush JESSE’S MESSAGE still ticking, albeit bitterly. youngest was a snippet of a of eligible men, it’s even worse. said in February. “You got the Yet, in the long run, what They were destined, damned, lass, merely 18 years old who I see so many guys working on Dalai Lama crowd, you’ve got is most remembered from that doomed to be single. recently celebrated her birth- these construction sites, built global warming folks, you’ve Olympics are the four gold Now before you berate day. When I told her that she like Sampson, with muscles got Darfur. And I just - I am medals won by Jesse Owens, me, I’m merely responding to was at the age when many girls here, muscles there, bulges not going to go and use the the black American track-and- an article that I recently read started to seriously think about there, but nothing up here,” as Olympics as an opportunity to field star who blew holes in titled “Doomed to be Single”, landing a husband, she square- she pointed to her head, “So express my opinions to the Hitler’s theories of Aryan which was written by a woman ly looked me in the eyes and Chinese people in a public supremacy. too. Many women may agree (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 way.” It is with that positive memory in mind that I sup- PRESSURE port the call for our president He was referring to pres- but not our country’s athletes sure from the same protesters to boycott China’s Olympics. against China’s brutal human We should give our athletes a rights policies in Tibet and chance to compete, as they elsewhere. Their protests have have been training to do, and led to scuffles with police and maybe present the sort of unsmiling Chinese security high-achieving model of agents in several of the 21 achievement to the world that cities through which China’s Jesse Owens did. pre-Olympic torch relay is History shows the greatest running. value of the Olympic Games Whether you support is in their ability to rise above torch-snatching as a pre- ordinary political nationalism Olympic event or not, this to a higher level of human international embarrassment could hardly be aimed at a (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10)

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www.caribbeantoday.com VIEWPOINT

Bruce Golding giving the green I work so hard and won the Roman Catholic priest Father Ewart Brown last light to casino gambling in fight so convincingly. I don’t Garfield Rochard defending his month announcing Jamaica after years of debate know what else to do” – disap- position not to allow a man his country’s team- over the issue. pointed Jamaican Glen Johnson entry into his Trinidad church ing up with United after his controversial loss to for fear that his killers would States baseball • “I can’t world champion Chad Dawson have harmed innocent people. club New York • “The issue of casinos has believe that at of the United States in a World Mets to promote been a lightning rod of contro- this point of my Boxing Council title fight last • “Critics who worry Bermuda tourism. versy for a long time. We have life, this age, month in Tampa. tourism is not fishing where the tiptoed around the issue, not they would still fish are should have their con- Compiled from CMC and wanting to be embroiled in the have the heart • “I don’t want people to come cerns allayed today once and other sources. controversy” – Prime Minister to rob me after here and spray no bullets” - for all” – Bermuda’s Premier ® No man… so what? (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) your baby and we needn’t be This can be achieved money from them without shuddered and thought of the in contact afterwards.” because so many women nowa- repayment. Why do men fate of men. Years ago it could what am I doing with a man So that trend started years days are more educated and always borrow money from be said that women alone were like that…nuh crosses, and is it ago and is gaining in populari- with it, more financially inde- women, and why do women doomed to be single, but now not a blessing living without a ty. So much so, many articles pendent. Gone are the days always keep on lending them? they can just laugh and say, man like that?” are being written about this when women had to suffer at So as I looked around and “Sure I’m single, and have no Plus, they added that the new reality, with the question the hands of men, just to get by saw all these attractive eligible, man, but so what? I’m stress so called bright, educated eligi- even being asked if men will in life. Of course, many are still smart, intelligent women who, free and loving it.” ble men were so in demand become obsolete in the future, trapped in this mode, and need by choice and not design, that they ended up with multi- an endangered species. men to complete their emo- opted to go it alone, with no [email protected] ple women, making those tional and financial existence. man to weigh them down, I women miserable in the long FED UP But so many don’t, as they can run. “Oh, the lies, the lies, the ® Now, these women were buy and sell most men. horrible lies they tell.” The not man haters or lesbians, but “Listen, I feel so good consensus was, that given the Boycott politicians, not the Olympics rather just fed up with the knowing that I can push my choice of men around, it’s bet- problems that emerge when key in my own door, drive my (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) how much we have in com- ter to be without. men enter their lives, so usual- own car, and don’t need any mon with the rest of the world “But what about chil- relations: a humanitarian, ly after the last breakup, they man to take me out or pay my - and how those commonali- dren?” I asked. egalitarian and meritorious opt to go it alone. Imagine, fare,” this lady continued. ties can bridge our differ- Well the reply shot back ideal of fair play that tran- after years of failed relation- What is worse is that this ences. at me with the cacophony of scends boundaries of nations, ships, bullied, battered, beaten absence of men can also be a That’s why we should sup- cackling cockatiels, “Ha, races or tribes. bounced, bruised, bewildered financial windfall, as without port the Olympics and our children…no problem, I’ll In ancient times it is said and broken, it must be a relief men hanging around, the athletes. Let the politicians just have a man impregnate that nations put down their to exist without such stress. women can now have more stay home. me and I’ll go it alone,” they arms and took a break from “It’s like going through a strength of cash. Reason…no echoed with one voice, as in a war in order to compete in hurricane season, then comes men around to mooch off © 2008 Clarence Page. chorus. They were serious too, the Olympics. In more recent the calm. I’m too old to go them, borrow their car and Distributed by Tribune Media eyeing me, “You seem to be of times, the Olympics encour- through all that again,” said a drink out their gas, nyam out Services, Inc. good stock, strong, intelligent, age us to look beyond our lady to me. their groceries and borrow not bad looking, let me have home countries to learn about ®

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May 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 11

HEALTH www.caribbeantoday.com Caribbean’s HIV/AIDS case Heartfelt care for Caribbean children goes before the U.N. in June mission of med- ical profession- BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, said that 24 of the countries Aals and non- CMC - St. Kitts and Nevis within PANCAP have com- medical support mem- Prime Minister Dr. Denzil pleted their national assess- bers, attached to the Douglas will take the ment and progress reports and United States-based Caribbean’s case for more those will be consolidated for Jamaican Children’s support for the HIV/AIDS submission to the assembly. Heart Fund (JCHF) fight to the United Nations “Of course, there are team, recently provided next month. some persons in some quar- cost-free open-heart sur- Douglas, who is also chair- ters who insist that the gery for children with man of the Pan-Caribbean Caribbean may have been congenital heart disease Partnership against HIV and brash in its commitment to in Jamaica. AIDS (PANCAP), said the the 2006 assembly to achieve Twelve children third High-Level United universal access by 2010. were recommended for Nations General Assembly Others are of the view that the JCHF team’s atten- Special the Caribbean needed such an tion, but only eight were Session will impetus to generate the type operated on. The other give him the of intensity that is required to four were deemed inop- opportunity to turn the tide of the epidemic erable. Surgeons perform an operation during their recent trip to Jamaica. articulate the in the region,” said Prime The surgeries were regional posi- Minister Douglas, who added performed at the Jamaica, the JCHF team supported its local tion on critical that he fully embraced the lat- University Hospital of the West Indies charity Sophie’s Place with its annual donation policy and ter view. (UHWI), with the majority of the children of clothing, food and toys. The JCHF also measures that He said given the burden assigned from the Bustamante Hospital for donated a Heart Lung Machine and medical must be Douglas of the epidemic in the region, Children. supplies to the UHWI. adopted by “the time for action is now. Last month’s visit to Jamaica marked the governments and international “The region must not be 12th year of the JCHF’s missions. While in ® partners in battling allowed to forget that its HIV the exploding AIDS epidemic. prevalence rate is one and a “In addition, I will have half times that of the global U.S. firm looks to St. Vincent to fill nursing needs the opportunity to present the average, twice that of North NEW YORK - A leading Operating Officer Clari Gilbert, York, said 60 nurses were Caribbean mid-term score- America and Eastern Europe healthcare organization in recently visited the Caribbean interviewed, but after screen- card on how far we have and more than five-fold that the United States says it will nation where they formalized a ing that number fell to 35. She advanced along the path of Western and Central turn to St. Vincent and the contract with the Ralph said the goal is to eventually towards the target that we Europe,” he reiterated. Grenadines to help address Gonsalves administration to recruit at least 15 nurses after have set ourselves to achieve The Caribbean remains its nursing needs. recruit Vincentian nurses. further screening and the universal access to HIV and the second most heavily HIV- Top officials from the “Prior to going, I knew entire process, which includes AIDS-related prevention, infected region of the world, Bronx-based Beth Abraham that Prime Minister Gonsalves the issuing of visas and the treatment, care and support behind Sub-Saharan Africa. Family of Health Services had the initiative to train nurs- successful sitting of New York services by 2010,” he said at Douglas also explained that in (BAFHS) told the Caribbean es for export because they State Registered Nursing the opening ceremony of the a region as small as the Media Corporation (CMC) really don’t have enough Licensing Examination, would 10th meeting of the Regional Caribbean, there are more that in addition to meeting the resources to hire them after take up to three years. Coordinating Mechanism of than 17,000 new HIV infec- organization’s needs, it will be training,” Gilbert told CMC, BAFHS Vice President for PANCAP last month. tions in 2007 and in excess of addressing the nursing surplus adding that she had also sub- Human Resources, Peter 11,000 deaths from AIDS. in St. Vincent. mitted a proposal to Health Fragale, said the organization ‘TIME IS NOW’ A three-member contin- Minister Dr. Douglas Slater. wanted to “take away the Douglas, who will lead ® gent from BAFHS, headed by “We want to create a part- middlemen and deal directly the Caribbean delegation at Vincentian-born Executive nership with the Ministry of with the government.” Gilbert the June 10 and 11 assembly, Vice President and Chief Health and Audrey Scott (the said that she has also been principal nursing officer).” approached to recruit registered Gilbert, who also heads nurses from other Caribbean Leg cramps, restless legs keeping you up at night? the Brooklyn-based St. countries, including Grenada. Vincent and the Grenadines’ DR. ROBERT H. SHMERLING of exercise; ous potential side effects, ® applying including an unstable heart Nurses Association of New QUESTION: I used to take heat rhythm, low blood counts and quinine sulfate for nighttime (before or allergic reactions. It can also leg cramps. I stopped because just after a cause trouble by interacting I didn’t think it was really cramp); and with other medicines. helping. What other medica- changing Although nocturnal leg tions do you suggest I try? footwear, cramps are not dangerous, they including are quite painful and they dis- ANSWER: Unfortunately, I’m using arch rupt sleep, so see your doctor not convinced that any med- supports for an evaluation. Your doctor ication, including quinine, is and good will look for a specific cause of effective for nighttime (noc- cushioning. your leg cramps and review turnal) leg cramps. Although unproven, a treatment options with you. Although nighttime leg number of medications are cramps are common, the often tried: quinine; muscle Dr. Robert H. Shmerling is cause is unknown. Besides relaxants (such as cyclobenza- associate physician at Beth aging, they are associated with prine); diphenhydramine Israel Deaconess Medical flat feet, a sedentary lifestyle, (Benadryl and many others); Center, Boston, Massachusetts dehydration and diabetes. verapamil and gabapentin. and associate professor at Doctors tend to check elec- The United States Food Harvard Medical School. trolytes and minerals, including and Drug Administration potassium, sodium, magnesium took action in late 2006 to © 2008 President and and calcium. However, a defi- limit the use of prescription Fellows of Harvard College. nite cause is rarely found. quinine so that it is only used All rights reserved. Options for treatment as a treatment for malaria. Distributed by Tribune Media include: stretching; regular That’s because studies suggest Services Inc. exercise; drinking plenty of flu- it does little to improve night ids, especially around the time cramps and it has some seri- ®

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12 CARIBBEAN TODAY May 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com TOURISM/ TRAVEL Jamaica gives green light for casino gambling

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – cated that casino gaming duction of casino gaming and tion of casinos. He said these brought to Parliament for con- The Jamaica government has would be a very viable indus- “in particular, we reviewed the recommendations would help sideration and approval. announced the introduction of try for Jamaica with great recommendations of a study draft legislation that would be casino gambling to the island, employment potential. carried out in 2003.” He said ® saying it was necessary for the “The issue of casinos has the study had been commis- further development of the been a lightning rod of contro- sioned following a private sec- Bermuda makes pitch with U.S. tor summit in Mar. 2003 to “revisit the introduction of casino gaming in Jamaica.” baseball team to boost tourism

CONDITIONS HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC to Bermuda, Brown said. “Based on this review, the - Premier Ewart Brown has government has taken the struck a new deal with PRESENCE decision to permit the licens- American baseball team the In addition, there will be ing of casinos,” Golding said New York Mets to market rotating television spots near noting that the applications Bermuda as a tourist destina- the concession stands, con- for casino licenses would only tion. course signage throughout the be considered if certain condi- More people visit stadium and advertising tions are met. Bermuda from New York City spreads in the Mets Yearbook “These include a mini- than any other destination and and Mets Magazine. mum investment of US$1.5 it is hoped the partnership with “On average SNY, the billion and the construction of the Mets will help increase Mets TV broadcaster, brings not less than 1,000 rooms by numbers by greater exposure in 350,000 to 450,000 viewers the investor; the casino com- of the Bermuda brand. for each of its games,” Brown ponent must be no more than It is expected that during said. “During the upcoming 20 percent of the total invest- the course of the baseball sea- season SportNet New York ment project; that the opera- son attendance will top four will air 30-second commercials tors of the casino to be subject million. during the game, during the New Jamaican government authorizes casino gambling in first budget presentation. to the approval of the govern- The deal includes a “Feel post-game show, and during ment after appropriate due the Love Grand Slam Inning” other SNY programming. tourism industry. versy for a long time. We have diligence including fit and announced to the hometown “Bermuda Tourism will Prime Minister Bruce tiptoed around the issue, not proper tests and evaluation of crowd and “Feel the Love” also have a presence with the Golding, presenting his wanting to be embroiled in the track record.” branding posted on the big Mets online products like administration’s first budget controversy,” Golding said as Golding said that a team scoreboard. If any Mets player MetsBlog.com and SNY.TV. since coming to power in he delivered the budget last had been established to make hits a grand slam - a home run We will also be able to reach September last year, said that month. recommendations to govern- with all the bases loaded - Mets season ticket holders via a report by the accounting He said the government ment on the appropriate regu- during that inning, a fan in the e-mail.” firm Price Waterhouse had undertaken a review of the latory framework and tax stands will win a trip for two Coopers of Canada had indi- issues surrounding the intro- regime to govern the opera- ®

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ARTS/ ENTERTAINMENT www.caribbeantoday.com Jamaican entertainers banned from entering Guyana GEORGETOWN, Guyana, country. Price, is known for his lyrics set out conditions under which CMC- The Guyana govern- Home Affairs Minister glorifying guns and bashing these shows are to be held, ment has banned Jamaican Clement Rohee told a news gays while Mavado is a securi- but these were not followed,” reggae artistes Bounty Killer conference that Bounty Killer, ty risk. Rohee said in reference to and Mavado from entering the whose real name is Rodney Rohee Bounty Killer’s recent show told reporters here where he performed a that the deci- number of his controversial Caribbean movie-makers split up sion to black- songs. list the two “Bounty Killer has been ~ U.S.-based creators of ‘Foreign’ and Jamaicans was blacklisted, he will not be taken last allowed to enter the jurisdic- month by the tion,” Rohee said. ‘Bashment’ embark on separate projects Bharrat Mavado Regarding Mavado, the Jagdeo admin- minister would only say that GORDON WILLIAMS proper credit. istration after the artiste was a security risk “We just decided to go our careful consideration of their and as such he too would not Philosophical differences have separate ways due to a lot of track records. be allowed into the country. led to a split in the partnership events surrounding Mavado, whose real name Bounty Killer’s last per- between two Caribbean-born ‘Bashment’,” he added. “…I is David Brooks, was due to formance in Guyana last independent filmmakers based tried to work with it but it did- perform at a concert to cele- month ended in controversy in the United States. n’t work out.” brate the Linden Town recently. with a faulty music system and However, while both Steve McAlpin also admitted “My ministry has exer- sporadic gunfire. Fax was displeased that he was “Tehut Nine” McAlpin and cised a lot of patience with the Bounty Killer Mykal Fax have moved on to not getting enough acknowl- organizers of shows…We had ® separate projects on their own, edgement for his role in creat- they both claim their friend- ing the films. ship has not been totally dis- “He wasn’t very happy,” solved and have not ruled out he said last month. working together again in the However, McAlpin said he

Jamaican-born Mykal Fax, left, and Steve “Tehut Nine” McAlpin” are no longer collabo- rating on movies.

future. McAlpin and Fax were the had no intention to undersell driving forces behind the criti- Fax’s contribution and cally acclaimed movies explained to his former cre- “Foreign” and “Bashment: A ative partner that any per- Fork In The Road”, which ceived slight was not his doing. both depict life of Caribbean Both worked as producers, people in the U.S. The films, scriptwriters and actors in which meshed general love and “Foreign” and “Bashment”, relationship stories with plots although Fax played starring focusing on crime and vio- roles in both films, while lence, received limited general McAlpin worked as director theater release in the U.S. and and was more hands-on in the Caribbean. Yet they have marketing the movies. earned a fair public following “I believe he has a lot of through DVD distribution. potential,” McAlpin said of Fax. “He just needs to hone FRICTION his craft. It’s a process.” But McAlpin and Fax McAlpin first teamed up split up after the release of with Fax for the movie “Bashment” last year and both “Foreign”, released in 2005. Jamaican-born men acknowl- “Bashment” was released in edged that friction over credit May 2007 and shown in for the movies is at the heart Jamaica in October last year. of the team’s break-up. “The reason for splitting REUNITE up is credit difference,” Fax The two Jamaicans told Caribbean Today last month. “…I wasn’t getting (CONTINUED ON PAGE 14)

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14 CARIBBEAN TODAY May 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com ARTS/ ENTERTAINMENT Trinidadian American rap diva Atlanta Caribbean Foxy Brown freed from prison Carnival May 24

NEW YORK – outside the he carnival spirit of the Temperamental Trinidadian Rikers Island Caribbean climaxes in American rap diva Foxy jail where she Tthe United States city of Brown has been freed after was held for Atlanta, Georgia on May 24. serving an eight-month jail attacking two Several artistes from the sentence for violating her pro- manicurists in Caribbean, including Iwer bation. 2004. George, Peter Ram, Jamesy P, Brown, 29, said she was “I’m home, Burning Flames, Zoela, WCK, heading to church after she I’m home, I’m Rock City and Tizzy are was released from Rikers back,” she scheduled to perform at the Island jail in Queens on April screamed. event, which will include a 18. Brown was road march beginning at noon “The first place I want to sentenced to and a “Festival Village”. go is church,” she said. three years’ The theme of the 2008 “I’ve got to get on my probation in event is “Unity through knees.” Oct. 2006, but a Diversity” and will mark the The Caribbean carnival spirit hits Atlanta this month. Brown, however, first judge sent her 20th year of carnival celebra- went shopping in Harlem, and to jail, ruling tions in the Southern city. including the colorful costume stopped for some soul food, that she was not Several events have pre- parade, which starts at noon then headed for her childhood taking her pro- ceded the main day, including at West Peachtree and ends at home in Brooklyn. bation seriously. the pageant for the carnival the Festival Village. Foxy Brown “Feels good, feels good, She had struck a princess and queen. A “Pan in Caribbean music, food and feels good,” she said on greet- “I did almost a year in woman in the the Park” event, to show off cultural presentations will also ing her Trinidadian mother in prison, a year in prison, just face with a cell phone and steel pan music, was sched- be featured. Brooklyn. because my name is Foxy threw a pot of hair glue at a uled. The “King and Queen of For more information, “I love you, mommy,” she Brown,” Brown continued. worker in a Queens store. the Band” and best male and visit www.atlantacarnival.org told her mother, Judith Brown said she will begin female in the individual com- or call the Atlanta Caribbean Marchand. BACKERS work on her first album since petitions will be decided on Carnival Band Leaders “This is my house, my She said she realized who 2001, “Brooklyn’s Don Diva”, May 22 at the Underground in Association at 404-587-5195. mother and whole family, my her real supporters are while which is expected to be downtown Atlanta. neighborhood, the room I serving time in jail. released on May 13. But the main attraction ® wrote my first rap song in,” “That’s when I really got will be downtown on May 24, Brown said, as a VH1 film to see the people who truly ® crew captured the moment for love me for me,” she said. an upcoming reality show. The rapper, born Inga Bob Marley’s mother dies in Miami “This is real emotional for Marchand, was rapturously me,” she said. received by family and fans edella Booker, mother “My mother of reggae legend Bob is a rare woman, CMarley, died at her loved by everyone Caribbean movie-makers split up Miami home last month. She she met, I know she was 81. is in the hands of (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13) Roaming Lion”, scheduled to A special memorial serv- Jah and will never premier in Brooklyn, New allowed that there is a chance ice was held in her honor on be forgotten here York on May 1. He wrote the that they will work together in April 15 in South Florida. on earth,” her son script, directed and also has a the future, if they can work out Mother Booker, as she Richard Booker leading role in the suspense their differences. was known, was an artiste in commented in a thriller, which again carries a “Yes,” said Fax, “as long her own right, recording solo press release issued predominantly Jamaican as (McAlpin) is willing to com- and collaboration albums. She last month. theme and cast. promise and the two of us performed in Jamaica, United Booker is sur- McAlpin last month meet halfway on whatever States, Europe, Mexico and vived by Richard wrapped up filming on a movie ideas we have.” Africa. She authored a book, Booker, daughter in Florida called “What Goes “Mykal is a friend of “Bob Marley, My Son”. Claudette “Pearl” Around”, which also features mine,” McAlpin said. “I still Mother Booker also Booker Levingston, daugh- Caribbean cast members. hold him dear as a friend.” founded the Movement of Jah ters-in-law Rita However, the split has not People Organization, which St. Ann, Jamaica (where she Marley and Sharien Fogle- Gordon Williams is Caribbean stopped the creativity of the benefits underprivileged per- and Bob Marley were both Booker, nephew Jimmy Today’s managing editor. two Jamaicans. Fax recently sons in the Caribbean and born and laid to rest) now Brown, 14 grandchildren and completed a movie called “The ® South Florida, and adopted called the Cedella Marley 49 great-grandchildren. the Nine Miles Basic School in Booker Academy. ®

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May 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 15

FOOD www.caribbeantoday.com Good things from the Earth for carrot and ginger soup WOLFGANG PUCK shaped ones; long, slender car- • 1 pound white carrots (or broth to achieve the desired rots; and colors as varied as orange carrots) creamy but fluid consistency. (“Earth Day” was celebrated the familiar orange, bright yel- • 1/4 cup peanut oil or Taste and adjust the season- on April 22, 2008.) low, red, purple, and pure vegetable oil ing, if necessary, with more white. Flavors will vary slight- • 1 tablespoon minced garlic salt, white pepper, and honey. arth Day is an annual ly, but as long as they’re fresh- • 1 tablespoon minced fresh Cover the pot and keep international event ly harvested all of them will ginger the soup warm over very low Ethat, since 1970, has taste sweet and, well, carroty. • 1 tablespoon minced green heat. promoted awareness of our I like to use several differ- onion In a heavy pot or skillet, environment and the positive ent kinds of carrots in my • Pinch red pepper flakes pour in enough peanut oil or impact each of us can have on recipe for carrot and ginger • 1 tablespoon salt vegetable oil for a depth of it if we try. soup. If you can only find one • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground about two inches. Over high That’s certainly true for kind of freshly harvested car- white pepper heat, heat the oil to 300 those of us who love to cook rots, however, go ahead and • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric Carrots: The flavor is sweet and earthy. degrees F. on a deep-frying and eat good food. use it for the entire recipe. • 1 tablespoon honey, or to thermometer. A big part of the quality Once the soup is pureed, you taste spoon of honey. Sauté for two Meanwhile, spread the of life that comes from such a won’t be able to tell much of a • 8 cups organic store-bought minutes, stirring constantly. ginger julienne on paper tow- commitment is in the flavor of difference, anyway. vegetable broth, plus extra, Add the broth and bring to a els and pat with more paper our food. Take carrots, for When you prepare the if necessary boil. Reduce the heat to main- towels to remove excess mois- example, at their peak of sea- soup, take care not to add too • 1 cup heavy cream tain a gentle simmer and stir ture. Carefully scatter the gin- son right now. Freshly harvest- much liquid. Fresh carrots will • 4 ounces unsalted butter in the cream. Cook until the ger julienne into the hot oil ed carrots snap with juicy give up a lot of their own and, • Peanut oil or vegetable oil, carrots are tender, about 40 and fry until it is golden crispness when you bend not yet having turned starchy, for deep-frying minutes. brown and crispy, about 30 them. The flavor is incredibly they won’t thicken the soup too • 1/2 cup finely julienned fresh Add the butter and, with seconds. Immediately remove sweet and earthy. No woody, much. I add some cream to my ginger an immersion blender, puree the ginger with a wire skim- dry-looking, flexible carrots soup to make it a little richer the soup in the pot; or, if you mer or slotted spoon and that have been sitting around and more complex; but you can Method don’t have an immersion transfer to a paper towel-lined on the shelf can compare; also leave it out, if you like, and blender, transfer the soup to a plate to drain. their natural sugars will have enjoy the pure, intense taste of Trim and peel the carrots and blender and puree in batches To serve, ladle the soup long ago started converting to freshly harvested springtime slice them thinly. In a stock- with the butter, taking care into heated bowls. Garnish starch, dulling their flavor. carrots on their own. pot, heat the quarter cup of not to overfill the blender and with fried ginger strips and Even at a big, impersonal oil over medium heat. Add carefully following manufac- serve immediately. supermarket, though, there CARROT AND GINGER the garlic, minced ginger, turer’s instructions to avoid are smart ways to look for SOUP green onions, and pepper splattering of the hot liquid. Edited for space. © 2008 good carrots. If they still have Makes about eight cups, six to flakes and sauté, stirring fre- Pour the soup through a Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, bright green, fresh-looking eight servings. quently, just until glossy and fine-meshed strainer into a Inc. Distributed by Tribune stems and leaves, you’’ll know Ingredients fragrant but not yet browned, large, clean bowl. Rinse out Media Services, Inc. they were harvested fairly • 1 pound orange carrots one to two minutes. and dry the pot and return the recently. Look for small, round • 1 pound yellow carrots (or Add the carrots, salt, pep- soup to it. If the soup seems ® carrots; broad, tapered, cone- orange carrots) per, turmeric, and a table- too thick, stir in some more

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16 CARIBBEAN TODAY May 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com FYI HAITIAN HERITAGE music legend Jose Tavernier. Missionaries of the Poor, and a.m. May 10 at the West months and who have never MONTH For more information, call Phillip Gore, chairman of Broward Hall, 927 N.W. 178th been married or given birth to The public is being invited 754-423-6465 or 786-287-6459. Gore Development, will be Ave., Pembroke Pines, a child, are being invited to to celebrate part of “Haitian recognized for their contribu- Florida. enter in the 2008 “Miss Cultural Heritage Month” on JAMAICA GALA tions to the Caribbean island. For more information, Florida Caribbean” pageant. May 10 in the South Florida Two Jamaicans will be For more information, visit www.shaafl.org or call Selected delegates will under- city of Miramar. honored with the “2008 call Keisha A. Phipps at 212- 954-495-1794 or 678-852-1627. go eight weeks training in a The event, announced by International Humanitarian 626-6883. self-development workshop, Le P’Ticlub and the city, will be Award” by the American CARIBBEAN ESSAY which includes grooming, held from 7 p.m. to midnight at Friends of Jamaica at the CONTEST stage presentation, speech and the Miramar Civic Center AFJ’s fourth annual South ST. HUGH’S JAZZ The deadline to submit physical conditioning. “Miss Ballroom, 6920 S.W. 35th St. Florida Gala and Auction on The St. Hugh’s High entries for the fourth annual Florida Caribbean” 2008 will It is expected to offer a pro- May 10 at the Ritz-Carlton in School Alumnae Association, Institute of Caribbean Studies’ make appearances events such gram of visual and performing Coconut Grove, Miami. Florida and Atlanta chapters, National “Caribbean American as fundraisers, carnivals, talk arts entitled the “Night of the Father Richard Ho Lung, will present a “Fidelitas Jazz Heritage Month Youth Essay shows and festivals. Artists”, a tribute to Haitian founder and director of the White Affair” from 7 p.m. to 1 Contest” is May 21. The pageant finals will be The contest, designed to staged on Nov. 9 at the Hilton commemorate the historic Fort Lauderdale Airport passage of a Congressional Hotel. Jamaicans honored in Florida resolution declaring June as For more information, National Caribbean American call 954-882-2729. Heritage Month, is open to 11th and 12th grade students CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL who reside in Florida’s The fifth annual “Jerk & Broward and Miami-Dade Caribbean Culture Festival” counties, who have at least will be held on May 26 at the one parent or guardian born Meyer Amphitheatre, down- in the Caribbean. town West Palm Beach, The theme of this year’s Florida. contest is: “If you were run- For more information, ning for president of the call 561-236-2537. United States, what are the top three issues that you WHEELCHAIRS would put on your agenda?” Wishes on Wheels is making Entries must be submitted as available power wheelchairs an individual effort and must to non-ambulatory senior citi- be original unpublished work. zens, ages 65 and over, and Entries should not have been the permanently disabled of submitted in other competi- any age, if they qualify. tions. Only one essay will be Usually there is no charge accepted from each author. or out-of-pocket expense or Cash prizes will be award- the power wheelchair, includ- hirteen Jamaican nationals were hon- mission manager; and Dr. Karl S. Wright, edu- ed to first, second and third ing shipping and delivery to ored recently by the Jamaica Consulate cator. place winners. the home by a technician. Tin Miami for their pioneering and Seated, from left, are: Christine Thomas, For more information The main goal of Wishes preservation of Jamaican culture, promotion daughter of Dr. Ivy Claudette Armstrong, about the contest, including on Wheels is to develop public of the country’s development and extraordi- poet, who received the award on her mother’s additional entry requirements, awareness of the assistance nary achievement in 2007. The recipients were behalf; Hazelle Rogers, city commissioner, call 954-802-4291 or e-mail: and options that exist to allow presented with plaques of commendation from Lauderdale Lakes; Beverly Ford, former hon- studentaffairs@tati- senior citizens and the perma- Jamaica’s Prime Minister Bruce Golding and orary consul of Houston, Texas; Elloreece B. caribbean.com nently disabled to remain inde- Consul General Ricardo Allicock during the Burrell, community worker; and Joyce Wright, pendent in their homes with- ceremony in Coconut Grove, Florida. founder of the Jamaica Nurses Association of MISS FLORIDA out incurring extra expense. Photograph shows Golding, sixth from Florida. Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Samuel CARIBBEAN For more information, left, posing with the honorees, standing from Brown was also named among the honorees, Females of Caribbean ori- call 1-800-823-5220 or visit left: Reverend Horace Ward, of Holy Family but was unable to attend. Guest speaker gin, ages nine to 25, single, www.threewishes2.com. Episcopal Church in North Miami; Captain Golding praised the honorees for demonstrat- residing in Florida for over six Barrington Irving, pilot; Dr. Winston Whyte, ing creativity, talent, dedication and commit- ® educator; Michael and Jackie Shaw, of ment, traits he described as examples of that Sunshine Theatre Company; Allicock; Don “true Jamaican spirit.” Principal teaches lesson of love Daly, media specialist; Glenn Chin, NASA ®

Dr. Winston Whyte, a Jamaican-born South you have become, Florida school principal, has been named I love you for the way you make me feel. the winner of Caribbean Today’s “Love You are the medicine that keeps me Lines For Your Valentine” competition. alive, the sunlight in my day, Below is the text of Whyte’s entry, The wind that makes me soar, and dedicated to his wife Janet: God’s gift to me. Two glances on the way to school, The beauty of our relationship is Two hearts singing a love song recorded by the Universe. Two souls finding their mates. A love that will outlast the planets. Eight years of friendship, twenty-nine years of marriage, Photograph shows Whyte receiving his Thirty-seven years of happiness, certificate from Caribbean Today’s Our hearts still sing that love song. Ashley Lee-Davis. I love you for who you are, and what ®

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SPORT www.caribbeantoday.com Caribbean track and field stars shine at Penn Relays GORDON WILLIAMS beat a talented duo of third in the 4x400 relay behind Caribbean student ath- events. Jamaican schools, USA “Red” and “Blue” USA Red and Blue teams, letes also carried the region’s Camperdown and St. George’s PHILADELPHIA, teams. Triple 2007 World with The Bahamas in fourth. flags well, with Jamaican high College, finished second and Pennsylvania – Jamaican ath- Championships gold medalist The women’s 4x400 was won schools scoring several third, respectively, in the boy’s letes again led the Caribbean’s Tyson Gay anchored the by the U.S., anchored by Championship of America 4x100. Calabar finished third charge at the prestigious Penn fourth place USA Red team. Jamaican-born Sanya victories. in the 4x800. Relays here late last month. Trinidad and Tobago finished Richards, with Jamaica in Edwin Allen High won Many Caribbean athletes While track and field ath- third in the event, while USA second. the girls 4x100 crown in 44.79 also competed for universities letes from across the region Blue was runner-up to seconds while Holmwood from the region and the journeyed to Franklin Field in Jamaica, which clocked 39.04 MEDLEY WIN Technical’s girls won the 4x800 U.S. Away from the track, this United States city, teams seconds with a team featuring But Jamaica was again on in eight minutes, 41.92 sec- Caribbean athletes also had representing Jamaica recorded Marvin Anderson, Michael the winner’s podium in the onds. success in field and individual the most wins at the three-day Frater, Nesta Carter and women’s sprint medley relay. Jamaica’s high school boys events. St. Elizabeth event. Dwight Thomas. The team of Nadine Palmer, did not disappoint either, Technical’s Peta-Gaye Reid, In possibly the most stun- In the women’s national Aleen Bailey, Sonita sweeping the 4x100 (Calabar, with a height of 1.76 meters, ning result, Jamaica’s senior 4x100, Jamaica finished third Sutherland and Kenia Sinclair 40.74), 4x400 (St. Jago, three won the high jump for high national 4x100 meters team, to the USA Red and Blue clocked three minutes, 37.61 minutes, 15.66 seconds) and school girls, to start Jamaica’s racing without injured world teams, with The Bahamas seconds to beat an All-Stars 4x800 (Manchester High, record holder Asafa Powell, fifth. Jamaica’s men finished team and U.S. Red. seven minutes, 43.22 seconds) (CONTINUED ON PAGE 18) Sport offers talented youths Jamaica dominates Caribbean cricket amaica completed a major win the scheduled five-day both in the first innings. a way into U.S. colleges haul of regional cricket match inside of three days. T&T won the Stanford Jcompetitions this season Scores: T&T 121 and 241; 20/20 tournament earlier in MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica - “The talent among the by trouncing Trinidad and Jamaica 293 and 71 for one. the year, but Jamaica’s win in The sporting genius of youth here is tremendous and Tobago to win the Carib In addition to Miller, the Challenge Trophy added Jamaicans is admirable and we should encourage these Beer Challenge Trophy in Jamaica also received quality to its success in the one-day should be developed into edu- young people to pursue athlet- Kingston. contributions from batsmen KFC Cup in October and the cational opportunities, accord- ic scholarships in the United Led by a 10-wicket match Brendan Nash, who scored a four-day Carib Beer Cup this ing to former professional States and beyond,” said haul by spinner Nikita Miller, century, and a half-century year. basketball Jones, who visited Jamaica the hosts dominated T&T to from captain Tamar Lambert, player Zack with former National Football ® Jones, who League (NFL) player Darren was in the Carrington to conduct sport- Caribbean ing clinics along with former island recently Jamaica national soccer stars conducting Warren Barrett and Paul sporting clinics “Tegat” Davis. in the “While they develop their Montego Bay Jones academic skills in school they area. should also discipline them- The San selves on the courts and the Diego-based Jones, who playing fields,” suggested played in the National Jones, the director of sports Basketball Association activities for the California-

Former Jamaica national player Paul “Tegat” Davis, right, helps display soccer tech- nique.

(NBA) for both the Cleveland based Miles Ahead, a youth- Cavaliers and the New Jersey focused Christian organiza- Nets, said that Jamaica has tion, led by former NFL play- been blessed with tremendous er Pastor Miles McPherson. sporting talent, citing the suc- “Sports is a great way to cessful careers of basketball connect with young people player Patrick Ewing, boxer and challenges them to make Lennox Lewis, and world class positive life decisions. It sprinters Asafa Powell, brings out passion in the Veronica Campbell-Brown youth. It also inspires them to and Merlene Ottey. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 18)

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18 CARIBBEAN TODAY May 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com SPORT Controversial decision hurts Caribbean boxer’s title hopes GORDON WILLIAMS Caribbean nationals, who also broke into chants of “bu.. sh..”. TAMPA, Florida - Jamaican- Henry Foster, the born fighter Glen Johnson will Jamaican’s manager, called the seek a rematch following his decision “a travesty” and prom- controversial loss to American ised to appeal it with the Florida Chad Dawson last month in State Boxing Commission. He their World Boxing Council also demanded that the two (WBC) light heavyweight fighters meet again. championship bout at the St. “What we’ve got to do Pete Times Forum here. now is get the media behind us But it is left to be seen if the and get a rematch with this guy 39-year-old “Road Warrior” will and get our justice,” Foster be granted that opportunity as said. Dawson appears less than enthu- siastic to step into the ring again DISAPPOINTMENT with Johnson anytime soon. The Jamaican, who cele- Johnson, his handlers and brated at the end of the fight by the near-capacity crowd that jumping onto the ring ropes and showed up at the forum on hoisting his arms to acknowl- April 12 for the title bout were edge the receptive crowd, did highly upset at the unanimous not hide his disappointment decision awarded to Dawson. with the result. Johnson The announcement that all believed he controlled the fight three judges scored it 116-112 and did the most damage. for the American drew pro- “I don’t understand how longed boos from fans at the you hurt a man three times sig- Johnson, right, and Dawson exchange punches. venue, including several nificantly in three different rounds – hurt him, have him nine rounds. down in the future.” wobbling, and he never hurts But Johnson rallied Gary Shaw, who promoted you anytime in the fight, plus strongly towards the end, the fight, agreed. you won other rounds. I did clearly dominating rounds 10 “(Johnson is) not going to hurt him so badly and he still and 11 and almost floored get an immediate rematch,” won the fight,” he said in his Dawson with a series of thun- Shaw said. dressing room after the bout. derous shots. When pressed if Johnson, a former But judges N. Hidalgo, J. Johnson would get another International Boxing Federation Woodburn and P. Trematerra shot at his title, the American (IBF) world champion whose saw it differently. Their decision said he preferred to pursue record is now 47 wins, 12 losses may have been swayed by the other immediate career plans. and two draws, is uncertain what early part of the 12-round con- “I mean, yeah,” said the his next move will be. test. While Johnson marched undefeated Dawson while sit- “I really don’t know at this steadily across the ring patient- ting in his dressing room after point,” he said. “Right now it’s ly trying to land big shots to the the fight nursing a puffy face. up to the people of boxing…It’s head and body, the 25-year-old “But we gotta go. We have an everybody else who have the Dawson skipped away, flicking agenda. We’ve got certain power to do things can do it. out a consistent jab mixed with places where we want to be at I’m just a boxer.” occasional combinations. The in my career, you know, and judges, who scored each round taking steps backward is not Gordon Williams is Caribbean identically, said the defending what we wanna do…He’ll get Today’s managing editor. champion won seven of the first his rematch maybe later on ® Jamaican Bell quits, loses against Adamek KATOWICE, Poland, CMC – nating the contest at the Adamek, a former world O’Neil Bell’s comeback bid Spodek Arena and emerged light heavyweight champion, ended in major disappointment with an eighth-round technical improved his ring record to 34 when he quit against Tomasz knockout victory when the wins (23 knockouts) against Adamek and lost the impor- Jamaican opted out of the one loss with the victory. Bell, tant International Boxing bout after round seven. a former undisputed world Federation (IBF) cruiserweight The win guarantees cruiserweight champion, title eliminator on last month. Adamek a shot at IBF cham- dropped to 26 wins (24 knock- Adamek, in front of his pion Steve Cunningham of the outs) against three losses. home crowd, had been domi- United States. ® Caribbean track and field stars shine at Penn Relays

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17) Jonathon Reid and Machel in 52.25 seconds. Baker of St. Jago. All three winning ways at the 114th cleared the same height of Gordon Williams is Caribbean staging of “Penns”. Andrew 2.06 meters. Andre Peart of Today’s managing editor. Riley won the boys event, Kingston College won the ahead of Kingston College’s boys high 400 meters hurdles ® Sport offers talented youths a way into U.S. colleges (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17) Miles Ahead conducted as part of Jamaica Broilers medical and sports clinics, Group’s 50th anniversary cele- be a part of something much deaf education workshops, brations and three major fami- greater than themselves,” school assemblies and restor- ly-oriented festivals, under the added Jones, a former ing local elementary schools in Best Dressed 50 Fest banner. Division I coach for Liberty the Montego Bay area. The University in Virginia. organization visited the island ®

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BUSINESS www.caribbeantoday.com U.S. recession could hurt Caribbean ~ agency IDB predicts good years NEW YORK - The economic that Caribbean countries vious year. slowdown in the United States would issue “marginally less Earlier this year, Standard ahead for the Caribbean is likely to have an impact on new debt” this year than in & Poor’s had said a U.S. slow- the Caribbean economic 2007. down would have the most development, a leading U.S.- It projected that gross direct impact on Barbados’s MIAMI - The Inter-American dependent on foreign capital based credit agency has said. long-term borrowing, includ- key tourism industry. Development Bank (IDB) has inflows and has a more diversi- Standard & Poor’s ing official and commercial But it said the island expressed optimism that Latin fied export base, more solid Ratings Services said that it debt by 25 Latin American could suffer less than other America and the Caribbean institutions and around $450 expected the economic slow- and Caribbean countries, was Caribbean destinations due to countries will be able to billion in international reserves. down to be led by a significant likely to reach about $290 bil- lower reliance on the U.S. weather the turbulence on the “No one knows for sure decline in Gross Domestic lion in 2008, down from an market. international financial mar- what the current spell of tur- Product (GDP) growth and estimated $322 billion the pre- kets, but also called on the bulence will bring, but our ® governments to press ahead region is better equipped now with pending to manage it than at any time reforms. in its history,” he said. Jamaican envoy urges U.S. leader to extend CBI IDB President Luis CAUTION WASHINGTON – Jamaica’s growing trans-shipment port their know-how.” Alberto Moreno however cau- new envoy to the United in the Latin American and Johnson also told the U.S. Moreno, tioned that the exceptionally States Anthony Johnson has Caribbean president that Jamaica is in speaking at favorable external conditions added his voice to regional region, which the process of adjusting its the opening of that helped the economies of calls for the American presi- is a natural economy to better meet the the annual these countries grow an aver- dent to renew the Caribbean hub for the on- heightened competition in the meeting of Moreno age of about 5.6 percent every Basin Initiative (CBI). time distribu- global marketplace. the IDB’s year for the last five years In presenting his creden- tion of Bush said his country has Board of Governors here last may have masked some struc- tials to the White House American intensified its cooperation with month, said the Latin tural weak points. recently, the ambassador iden- goods through- Jamaica and the Caribbean American and Caribbean Citing the latest IDB study tified trade and investment as out the hemi- community (CARICOM) region is “heading into the on the region’s macroeconomic key components of this “part- sphere,” he Johnson through joint policy initiatives current storm greatly strength- performance, he noted that in nership”. told U.S. agreed to during last year’s ened and armed with the most countries fiscal efforts Johnson said enabling President Conference on the Caribbean. experience of having success- have fallen short since rev- mechanisms, such as the George W. Bush. He said that conference pro- fully navigated much choppier enues generated during the CBI, which will expire in “We know that you are vided a framework within waters than these.” good times were largely spent September, would “serve to aware of these competitive which the U.S. and Jamaica He said at times when rather than invested. He said increase Jamaica’s economic advantages, but wish to could deepen efforts to they were far more vulnerable governments should weigh the competitiveness as the country emphasize that there is a great “achieve our shared goal of a to external shocks, these risks of a global slowdown and continues to seize the oppor- need for affordable financing stable, secure and more pros- countries managed to pull be prepared to act swiftly to tunities that globalization and for a sustainable trade perous Caribbean.” through severe crises. stave off problems. presents. regime that can continue to Moreno also explained “We have the fastest attract American firms and ® that today the region is less ® Planning to own U.S. real estate: A relevant discussion SHAWN P. WOLF of the investment property. investment property (including U.S. tax purposes until it In the latter situation, the MICHAEL ROSENBERG Conversely, the NRA/D possibly having to pay rent to becomes “relevant”. default rules would result in owning the investment proper- stay in such property). In overly simplistic terms, FC status and arguably such here are complex rules ty in his or her own individual In addition to the above, a an entity is relevant whenever status would avoid the applica- that can impact the name allows for the application relatively recent change in the some U.S. tax implications tion of the U.S. estate tax. As TUnited States income, of the beneficial 15 percent so-called “Check-The-Box” reg- arise (e.g., a filing requirement, with the partnership planning estate and gift taxation of U.S. long term-capital gains tax rate ulations allows for another possi- such as providing a bank with a discussed above, there are sev- real property held by a U.S. on the gain from a disposition ble planning technique. “Check- statement of foreign status or a eral “open issues” with the income tax nonresident alien of the investment property, but The-Box” regulations allow a U.S. income tax return, or any application of this potential (NRA) and/or a U.S. estate and exposes such NRA/D to U.S. taxpayer, in certain situations need to obtain a U.S. taxpayer planning technique and thus it gift tax non-resident domicil- income tax filings and the pos- relating to “eligible entities”, to identification number). is far from clear how the iary (NRAD) for investment sibility of the U.S. estate tax choose how such entity is to be If an entity is not “rele- Internal Revenue Service (e.g. a non-income producing being applicable (with the pos- treated for U.S. tax purposes. vant” within the meaning of (IRS) would, if given the condominium (the “investment sible use of life insurance, if For this purpose, let’s use a these rules, then such entity chance, interpret this rule in property”). available and practical, to off- British Virgin Islands or a can avoid classification until many situations. An NRA/NRAD is often set the U.S. estate tax cost). Cayman Islands corporation as such time as it becomes rele- As a bottom line, the faced with the planning dilem- an example. In the case of a vant. If the purchase of the recent changes to the “Check- ma of trying to obtain the ben- CONTRAST single member entity (e.g. a investment property is properly The-Box” regulations have eficial 15 percent long term- In contrast, the use of a 100 percent owned British structured (and assuming that added another possible plan- capital gains tax rate on the partnership structure provides Virgin Islands or Cayman the state in which the purchase ning alternative that, in the gain from a disposition of the the NRA/D with the ability to Islands corporation), such an is made does not have any spe- right situation, could provide an U.S. real estate, while protect- utilize the 15 percent long term election would be to make the cial requirements), then an NRA/D with the desired bene- ing against the possible appli- capital gains rate when the entity a disregarded entity (i.e., argument might be made that ficial 15 percent U.S. income cation of the U.S. estate tax partnership sells the invest- to be treated for U.S. tax pur- the first day of relevance for tax rate while providing protec- (with a rate as high as 45 per- ment property and an argu- poses as if the entity did not the entity owning the invest- tion from the U.S. estate tax. cent of the value of the real ment exists that the U.S. estate exist). Otherwise, the general ment property (barring an ear- However, because the IRS has estate) should the NRA/D pass tax can be avoided if properly “default” classification would lier “Check-the-Box” election) not provided further guidance away prior to any such sale. structured (with the certainty generally classify such an entity would be the earliest of: 1) the as to the application of this Probably the “best known of such an argument being far as a corporation. These classi- date of the sale of the invest- rule, the question to be asked planning technique” for hold- from clear). fication rules lead to the appli- ment property; or 2) the date about this planning is whether ing investment property is the Finally, the use of a prop- cation of the discussion above of death of the NRA/D. it is too good to be true. use of a foreign corporation erly drafted trust can allow for for individual ownership or FC In the former a situation, a (FC). Using a properly struc- the beneficial 15 percent long ownership. “Check-The-Box” election could Shawn P. Wolf and Michael tured and maintained FC to term-capital gains tax rate to then be made to clarify that Rosenberg are shareholders hold investment property will apply to the gain from a dispo- RELEVANT “disregarded entity status” is with the Coral Gables, Florida insulate the NRA/D from U.S. sition of the investment prop- The recent change made to desired, arguably allowing for the law firm of Packman, Neuwahl estate tax, but will not allow erty and the avoidance of the the “Check-The-Box” regula- application of the beneficial 15 & Rosenberg and can be for the beneficial 15 percent U.S. estate tax. However, such tions acknowledges that a percent long term-capital gains reached at 305-665-3311. long term-capital gains tax rate planning will generally require NRA/D that owns an interest tax rate assuming the investment on the gain from a disposition the NRA/D to relinquish in a non-U.S. entity may not property has then been held for ® dominion and control over the need to classify such entity for more than 12 months.

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www.caribbeantoday.com REGION Global imbalances impact on Caribbean development PETER RICHARDS get rated “so they could under- does not. If the region simply about harmonized legislation become self-sufficient in food stand the importance of rat- deals with these (issues) in the within the islands. supply. He nonetheless argues PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – ings.” short term, five years from Bourne said the financial for the introduction of appro- As a former finance minister now we will be in the same institution is aware of the priate technology as well as and now head of Caribbean ‘STORM’ boat,” CDB President efforts by regional govern- adequate transportation to operations at a United States- Caribbean and interna- Professor Compton Bourne ments to establish uniform leg- bring the product all the way based financial institution, tional financial experts were told the forum. islation as it relates to financial along the food chain. Trinidadian Wendell Mottley, brought to Trinidad recently at Bourne said the region is transactions. “It is not sufficient to is perhaps well placed to speak the behest of the Barbados- already experiencing a down invest in agricultural commodi- with authority on the economic based Caribbean Development turn in tourism, job losses and WARNING ties, you have to have a means problems of the Caribbean, Bank (CDB) and the U.S.- the experts have acknowledged But even as the experts to have that commodity from particularly in light of a possi- based International Investor that the Caribbean would need were urging the development the farm to the hotels etc,” ble recession in the U.S. Magazine to examine the to turn their of the capital market as one of Bourne said with other experts “We are not looking at a “storm” and how best the attention to the strategies to overcome the noting “we speak a lot about shallow piece pizza, but a deep region’s leading financial insti- other markets global imbalances, CDB’s the movement of people but dish pizza,” Mottley said at a tution could position itself to than the tradi- Director of Finance and not enough to deal with the recent round-table discussion assist its borrowing member tional ones in Planning Dr. Warren Smith movement of agricultural examining the turbulent peri- countries to meet “the chal- order to mini- warned of the risks associated products”. ods in the global financial mar- lenges and exploiting the mize the fall with re-financing these “medi- Smith warns that as food kets in recent months, occa- opportunities generated by the out occasioned um term” measures. prices rise they will affect sioned by the financial crunch dynamic global environment.” by the high “The problem really is one domestic inflation and govern- In a statement issued ahead global oil of spread,” he said, noting that ment policies as well as domes- in Washington and the domino Mottley effect it is having on the of the round-table discussion, prices, the Jamaica for instance faced a tic interest rates. economies of the Caribbean. the CDB acknowledged that decline in the significant spread on a U.S. “If we are going to seri- “We are witnessing a time the past nine months had been value of the U.S. dollar and the dollar bond over the period ously address food security in of deep transition in the U.S. one of the most “turbulent peri- likelihood of a severe contrac- June last year to March this the region we have to look economy,” said Mottley, who is ods in financial markets in tion in the U.S. economy. year. very seriously at the agricultur- now employed with Credit years” and that the credit “The surpluses of the “The spread is a fairly sub- al sector,” which Smith argues Suisse First Boston. crunch, precipitated by the sub- world are coming out of the stantial shift,” said Smith. has remained “backward” and But on the other hand, prime mortgage debacle has Far East, China, Russia and Mottley says that in com- incapable of addressing the Citigroup’s David Evans sees a resulted in widening spreads Japan,” said David Dulal- parison to Latin America, the needs of the local populations glimmer of hope on the hori- and increasing attention to risk Whiteway, managing director Caribbean is further hampered and tourism sector. zon. He argues that the situa- management with implications of Republic Bank, one of by the fact that most of the “What is necessary in the tion in the global market rep- for access to and the cost of Trinidad and Tobago’s leading region’s debt breakdown shows Caribbean is what amounts to resents an opportunity for financial resources for member financial institutions. it has a 55 percent rating in the the need for a green revolution smaller countries “to put their states. Dulal-Whiteway has also “B” category, with only a mod- in agriculture,” he argued, house in order while we go The CDB has also warned noted “we have not build link- est six percent in the “A” cate- using the successful Asian through the storm.” that “Caribbean economies are ages with those places,” even as gory. model. His views have found likely to suffer downturns at a financial adviser, Eric-Vincent The increase in oil prices “Commodity prices pro- support from Wayne Dass, of time when they are trying to Guichard, of the U.S.-based on the global market has also vide the basis and impetus for the regional rating agency adjust to the challenges posed Gravitas Capital Advisors, had an effect on the us to take up that challenge CariCris, who added that the by the dynamic trading envi- observed that the flows from Caribbean’s development, par- seriously,” he said, with global situation also allows ronment” and that prices for these countries could be attract- ticularly in the agricultural sec- Mottley warning that the Caribbean states to secure other commodities such as ed “in order to allow the region tor with the experts agreeing Caribbean can’t afford to be regional rather than global rat- wheat, soybean and corn are to hedge against the vagaries of “there is need to change our “laid back in its adjustments” ings “that bring you against the also rising with implications for the U.S. economy. mode of production”. as it relates to the commodity entire world.” such issues as food security in “The U.S. troubles have Dulual-Whiteway noted, movements. Dass believes such ratings the Caribbean. not been transferable to other for example, that while region- “The underlying reality is would allow for more regional “The financial crisis would regions like India,” he said, al states have acknowledged the structural shift and the companies coming into the only add to the difficulties pointing out that this is due the importance of the agricul- Caribbean has very little time capital market, since as Evans faced by the borrowing mem- mainly to the tremendous tural sector, his financial insti- to respond,” he added. pointed out “what has worked ber countries”, said the bank growth in the middle class. tution can’t recall when last it for us is a deep capital as the experts examined the Evans said the capital received proposals for projects, - CMC market.” Dass wants the situation under the theme market provides a “strong hinting maybe that is because countries of the sub-regional “Global Imbalances and base” to ensure the flow of “our policy in agriculture is ® Organization of Eastern Caribbean Development”. cash into the region and that inimical to production.” Caribbean States (OECS) to “In the economic world, the CDB could help facilitate Bourne said there is no the strong survive the weak its growth by helping to bring indication that the region will Scientist warns region of worse times ahead as fuel costs jump

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks sions for all countries, but things - too much carbon we may have no large, intact & Caicos Islands, CMC - A none more so than those of being generated by air travel forests left. An estimated leading international scientist the Caribbean and especially and the cost of energy going 50,000 species become extinct has predicted even worse the tourism industry,” he cau- up,” he said. every year and the oceans are times ahead for Caribbean tioned at last month’s opening Dr. Suzuki blamed being depleted. Every large economies that are already of the 10th annual Caribbean unchecked growth and unreal- commercial marine species has struggling to cope with esca- conference on sustainable istic economic expectations, in been reduced by 90 percent. If lating oil prices and rising tourism development. part, for the threat which the this continues there will be no costs of living. earth now faces. commercially useful fish Canadian environmental- CHALLENGES He added that humans species by 2048,” the scientist ist Dr. David Suzuki has Dr. Suzuki further cited are the first species capable of acidifying water and threaten- said. warned that fuel prices could the challenges facing the air- such destructive power that ing plankton,” he said. Despite the challenges, reach $200 per barrel and line industry in the coming they are changing the biologi- Dr. Suzuki offered hope for a that situation would have years. cal, physical and chemical fea- CONSEQUENCES brighter future. the potential of wrecking “Air travel leaves the tures of the planet on a geo- Citing additional alarming “Are there solutions? Caribbean economies. heaviest carbon footprint logical scale. statistics, Dr. Suzuki warned Absolutely…We need to focus “The supply of oil will among all modes of trans- “We are altering the of the dire consequences of on our eco-footprint today,” drop and the price of oil will portation and skyrocketing chemistry of the atmosphere continued abuse of the envi- said the scientist. absolutely skyrocket. The twin fuel prices are already having with 30 percent more carbon ronment. crises of ecological degrada- explosive effects on the air dioxide in the air now than “Over half of the planet’s ® tion and falling oil supplies industry so that the airlines 150 years ago. It is dissolving forests are gone and in 30 years will have massive repercus- are being hammered by two in oceans as carbonic acid,

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REGION www.caribbeantoday.com T&T urges change in citizens’ eating habits Anguilla pushing for PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, November and that Cuban Moruga, and putting in place CMC – The Trinidad and assistance for the farm would the necessary infrastructure Tobago government has urged arrive in July. for farmers who have been self-gov’t status citizens to change their eating He said among the short provided lands at the former habits as one of the strategies term initiatives would include sugar company CARONI KEITH GREAVES Hubert Hughes, one of two to deal with rising global food seeking cheaper import 1974 Limited. members of the Opposition, prices. sources from South and He said the long term THE VALLEY, Anguilla - said he wanted to see more Consumer Affairs Central America, allowing plans would include the estab- Legislators in Anguilla are in people involved in the consti- Minister Peter Taylor, in a food crops for importation lishment of 13 commercial agreement with Britain granti- tutional reform exercise. nationwide radio and televi- from Guyana and a continu- farms of between 100 to 300 ng the island full internal self- Hughes said Anguilla could sion broadcast last acres and a farm training facil- government, but have stopped choose to remain “colonially month, said that the ity that begins in August. short of pushing for political dependent or become inde- Patrick Manning gov- But Taylor said despite pendent.” He said that the ernment had embarked these initiatives it was also Independence at this time. That position was out- “present constitution is not a on a number of initia- imperative for consumers to democracy” and expressed the tives that over the next change their eating habits and lined at a public forum held at Ronald Webster Park late last desire to see a clear separa- 18 months would seek urged them to also start plant- tion of powers involving the to cushion the effect of ing home gardens. month, which was called by executive, legislative and judi- the crisis. He said the “It is imperative...that we the government of Chief cial branches of administra- initiatives would result both accept and realize that if Minister Osbourne Fleming to tion in order to give the peo- in a considerable we are not to continuously address a number of constitu- ple proper representation. increase in the supply of remain completely vulnerable tional reforms for the island. Noting that “colonialism local produce “and to the vagaries of the interna- It was also attended by mem- therefore more stable T&T wants locals to use flour from cassava instead tional market, we must quickly bers of the House of is slavery,” the outspoken of the imported brands to make food such as chips. prices.” readjust our focus towards the Assembly, constitutional legal Hughes The measures out- consumption of more locally scholar Dame Bernice Lake, stressed that lined by the minister include ous Caribbean community produced foodstuff, eat what retired Organization of the appoint- approved imports from (CARICOM) review of the we produce, and produce what Eastern Caribbean States ment of the Guyana, cultivation of crops Common External Tariff we eat,” Taylor said. (OECS) Judge Don Mitchell attorney gen- by farmers, expansion of the (CET). “Are we prepared to and former magistrate Lolita eral should be fishing industry and the estab- The minister said that the modify our eating habits and Davis-Richardson. on the advice lishment of more farmers’ medium term initiatives would taste preferences,?” he asked, Dame Bernice said there of the political markets this year. Taylor said include exploring partnerships noting for example that con- was need for a consultative leaders of the that apart from a long-term with farmers to cultivate items sumers could shift from the approach to determine how country. He Flemming strategy of significantly including cassava, sweet pota- use of wheat flour to the use the island was to be governed said all the increasing the amount of land to, pumpkin, sorrel, pepper; of cassava flour that can be in the future. political factions are in agree- for agricultural production, an assessment of a proposal produced locally. “If there was ever a time ment on full internal self-gov- the government’s first mega on breeding stock for the for Anguilla to embark on an ernment rather than asking farm project was expected to sheep/goats sector; construc- ® essential process of clarifica- for Independence at this market its first produce by tion of new fishing facility at tion of her aspiration for con- stage. stitutional “We are determined to self-fulfillment take full internal self-govern- Jamaicans to pay 23 percent more for water that time is ment,” Hughes concluded. KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – continued loss making position owns and the sale of bottled now,” she Finance Minister Victor Consumers in Jamaica will pay for much longer; it means that water. said, adding Banks said Anguillans gener- more for water, but not as in terms of projects we may This is not the first time that the island ally want the country to go much as the National Water not be able to do what we the NWC has been denied its was being that route. He noted that the Commission (NWC) had wanted to do; it means that full tariff increase application. administered government of Anguilla has requested. some of the improvements In 2004, the OUR granted the under a sys- received no financing from the The NWC had asked the that we wanted to carry out in water company an 18 percent tem that does Lake British government for recur- Office of Utilities Regulation the short term will take a increase instead of the 42 per- not afford it rent expenditure since 1983 (OUR) for a 44 percent rate longer time to implement,” cent hike it had sought. full internal self-government. and nothing from London for hike, but it was only granted a said NWC’s Corporate The NWC provides “We are in need of clarifi- capital projects since 2005. 23 percent increase last month. Communications Manager potable water to just under cation because we are at the Davis-Richardson said The NWC lost over J$2 Charles Buchanan. 460,000 domestic and commer- crossroad of our constitutional there should not be simply million ($28,170) at the end of Water Minister Dr. Horace cial customers across the island journey and we need to find a constitutional reform, but the 2007/2008 financial year, Chang said the NWC will have as well as a sewerage service to definition and set our com- modernization of the constitu- and had hoped to reduce that to find creative ways to meet some 140,000 customers in spe- pass.” tion. She described the cur- figure significantly by securing the financing needs of its capi- cific areas of the country. rent constitution as “raw colo- a higher water rate increase. tal projects, including the NO RESOLUTION nization.” “It means we may be in a development of lands which it ® Dame Bernie, who is a In his contribution, member of a constitutional Mitchell called for the aboli- ‘Full review’ of former St. Lucia administration review team working on a tion of the Orders-in-Council position paper to engage in – specific directives from CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC - ing in mind its commitment to announced plans for the discussions with officials London which are implement- Governor General Dame the principles of good gover- establishment of an Education from the Foreign and ed in the Overseas Territories Pearlette Louisy last month nance and to embracing trans- Commission that will initiate Commonwealth Office (FCO) without any input from the declared a new session of parency and accountability, a national dialogue on the in London, said the local local Parliaments. Parliament open, announcing the government would set up way forward for education political directorate had been The special constitutional plans to carry out a “full a commission of inquiry and embrace all elements of involved in talks regarding negotiating team is planning a review” of matters “that sug- would be set up to look into the discourse on education. constitutional reform since series of meetings throughout gest the possibility of financial new evidence of possible On the issue of human 2001 but those have so far the island before coming up maladministration” within the financial maladministration. rights, she added that rules reached no resolution. with a new draft constitution. former St. Lucia Labour Party “Information coming to relating to police practices A British delegation was Fleming told the gather- administration. light has made it impossible will be introduced in scheduled to visit to the island ing there was no guarantee She also promised that for my government to ignore Parliament as they relate to in October last year, but local the exercise could be complet- the budget presentation the need for certain matters, stop and search, arrest, deten- officials requested a postpone- ed before the next general would bring measures to that suggest the possibility of tion, investigation, identifica- ment of the meeting, indicat- elections, constitutionally due address the problem of financial maladministration, to tion, interviewing detainees ing that they wanted to con- in 2010. increasing food prices now be ventilated in a forum that and obtaining evidence. sult further with the people. affecting the population. allows for full public scrutiny Former Chief Minister ® Dame Pearlette said in and transparency,” she said. ® her Throne Speech that bear- Government also

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www.caribbeantoday.com POLITICS Drug lords have him marked T&T’s P.M.fires trade minister PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Movement (PNM) a few years Commitees and with his vast CMC – Prime Minister Patrick ago. experience, continuity is for death ~ St. Vincent’s P.M. Manning has fired Trade and According to the state- assured”, the statement said. Industry Minister Dr. Keith ment, Manning had advised Rowley entered KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent - charged. Rowley and replaced him with President George Maxwell Parliament in Prime Minister Dr. Ralph “Persons may not take seri- the veteran Richards to “revoke the 1989 as an Gonsalves has claimed that ous what I have said now, but if politician Dr. appointment of Dr. Keith Opposition local drug lords have hired an you notice the enhanced securi- Lenny Saith. Rowley as Minister of Trade senator and overseas assassin to kill him as ty around me it is because of A brief and Industry” with immediate served as agri- a direct reprisal for statement effect. The statement said that culture minis- work being done by issued from Saith, who has acted as prime ter from 1991- his government to the Office of minister on numerous occa- 1995. He also combat drugs and the Prime sions, would fit into Rowley’s served as money laundering. Minister last position without much disrup- housing min- Manning Speaking in month gave Rowley tion. ister and min- Parliament late last no reasons for “This new arrangement ister of planning and develop- month, Gonsalves dismissing will ensure that the govern- ment before assuming the post said that work Rowley, a senior Cabinet offi- ment’s programs continue of minister of trade and indus- being done by cial, who had once challenged without interruption since try in the Manning Cabinet. the Financial Manning for the leadership of Dr. Saith has been chairing Intelligence Unit the ruling People’s National a number of Cabinet ® (FIU) and the police has angered those in the illegal Guyana not ready for local government polls drug trade. “There is a set- GEORGETOWN, Guyana, planned. could not be met. tled feeling among Gonsalves CMC - Guyana’s ruling party Speaking to reporters at a “Clearly at this rate the big drug push- said it was dissatisfied with the press conference late last GECOM will not be ready to ers and money launderers; a the intelligence that is in the pace of the house-to-house month General Secretary hold local government elec- settled feeling that the current possession of the security forces registration being conducted Donald Ramotar said that tions this year or even next prime minister is out to clip of this country,” he added. across the country and while the PPP was pleased year. GECOM may be ready in their wings,” he said. The Vincentian leader has, expressed pessimism about that the commission had time for the General Elections Gonsalves said that police however, vowed to continue to the Guyana Elections already registered over half of in 2011,” Ramotar said. intelligence suggested that work assiduously to combat Commission’s (GECOM) the eligible voters, it was dis- He added that the PPP seven hit men had come to St. the scourge of the drug trade readiness to hold local govern- satisfied with several other found the situation “totally Vincent and the Grenadines and accompanying evils such ment elections later this year. aspects of the process. He said unacceptable”, particularly in recent times. as money laundering. The People’s Progressive that based on the time being since a large amount of “One was assigned the Party (PPP) has therefore taken to edit and encode resources was pumped into responsibility to take out the ® urged GECOM to take the information collected from the the commission. prime minister,” Gonsalves necessary steps to ensure the field it was clear that the des- elections can go ahead as ignated six-month time frame ®

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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS www.caribbeantoday.com ~ A Caribbean Today special feature Surviving a storm surge Preparation is key to avoiding disaster “The greatest potential for zone and discuss your plan moving indoors all yard istory teaches that a safety actions associated with loss of life related to a hurri- with them before hurricane objects, and turning off all lack of hurricane each type of hurricane hazard cane is from the storm surge” season. utilities. Hawareness and prepa- and prepare your family dis- – National Hurricane Center • You may also choose a • Before leaving, fill your car ration are common threads aster plan accordingly. But hotel/motel outside of the vul- with gas and withdraw extra among all major hurricane remember this is only a guide. Storm surge is simply water nerable area. money from the ATM. disasters. The first and most important that is pushed toward the • If neither of these options is • Take all prescription medi- By knowing your vulner- thing anyone should do when shore by the force of the available, consider the closest cines and special medical ability and what actions you facing a hurricane threat is to winds swirling around the possible public shelter, prefer- items, such as glasses and dia- should take, you can reduce use common sense. storm. ably within your local area. pers. the effects of a hurricane You should be able to This advancing surge • Use the evacuation routes • If your family evacuation disaster. “Hurricane answer the following ques- combines with the normal designated by authorities and, plan includes an RV, boat or Preparedness Week” during tions before a hurricane tides to create the hurricane if possible, become familiar trailer, leave early. Do not 2008 will be held May 25-31. threatens: storm tide, which can increase wait until the Hurricane hazards come • What are the hurricane the mean water level 15 feet evacuation in many forms: storm surge, hazards? or more. In addition, wind order or exodus high winds, tornadoes and • What does it mean to you? driven waves are superim- is well under- flooding. This means it is • What actions should you posed on the storm tide. This way to start important for your family to take to be prepared? rise in water level can cause your trip. have a plan that includes all severe flooding in coastal • If you live in of these hazards. ® areas, particularly when the an evacuation Look carefully at the storm tide coincides with the zone and are normal high tides. Because ordered to much of the United States’ evacuate by densely populated Atlantic state or local What is a hurricane? and Gulf Coast coastlines lie officials, do so less than 10 feet above mean as quickly as he ingredients for a hurri- clouds and thunderstorms with a sea level, the danger from possible. Do cane include a pre-exist- defined surface circulation and storm tides is tremendous. not wait or Ting weather disturbance, maximum sustained winds* of 38 delay your warm tropical oceans, moisture, mph (33 kt) or less. Plan your evacuation route. SAFETY ACTIONS departure, to do and relatively light winds aloft. • Minimize the distance you so will only If the right conditions per- Tropical storm must travel to reach a safe with your route by driving it increase your chances of being sist long enough, they can com- An organized system of location; the further you drive before an evacuation order is stuck in traffic, or even worse, bine to produce the violent strong thunderstorms with a the higher the likelihood of issued. not being able to get out at all. winds, incredible waves, torren- defined surface circulation and encountering traffic conges- • Contact your local emer- • Expect traffic congestion tial rains, and floods we associ- maximum sustained winds of 39- 73 miles per hour (mph) (34-63 tion and other problems on gency management office to and delays during evacuations. ate with this phenomenon. kt). the roadways. register or get information Expect and plan for signifi- Each year, an average of 11 • Select the nearest possible regarding anyone in your cantly longer travel times than tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Hurricane evacuation destination, prefer- household whom may require normal to reach your family’s An intense tropical weather ably within your local area, special assistance in order to intended destination. and Gulf of Mexico. Many of these remain over the ocean and system of strong thunderstorms and map out your route. Do evacuate. • Stay tuned to a local radio never impact the United States with a well-defined surface cir- not get on the road without a • Prepare a separate pet plan, or television station and listen coastline. About six of these culation and maximum sus- planned route, or a place to most public shelters do not carefully for any advisories or storms become hurricanes each tained winds of 74 mph (64 kt) go. accept pets. specific instructions from local year. or higher • Choose the home of the • Prepare your home prior to officials. Monitor your NOAA In an average three-year Hurricanes are categorized closest friend or relative out- leaving by boarding up doors Weather Radio. period, roughly five hurricanes according to the strength of side a designated evacuation and windows, securing or strike the U.S. coastline, killing their winds using the Saffir- ® approximately 50 to 100 people Simpson Hurricane Scale. A anywhere from Texas to Maine. Steps to prevent loss of life, property Of these, two are typically “major” or “intense” hurricanes (a Category 3 or higher storm on reventing the loss of life possible. It also includes hav- ing the supplies on hand to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane and minimizing the dam- Scale). Page to property from weather the storm. The sug- gestions provided here are hurricanes are responsibilities What is a hurricane? only guides. You should use that should be shared by all. A hurricane is a type of trop- common sense in your disaster The most important thing ical cyclone, which is a generic prevention. that you can do is to be term for a low pressure system • Develop a family plan - informed and prepared. that generally forms in the tropics. Your family’s plan should be Disaster prevention includes The cyclone is accompanied by based on your vulnerability to both being prepared as well as thunderstorms and, in the Hurricane Fran 1996 reducing damages (mitiga- the hurricane hazards. Keep a Northern Hemisphere, a counter- tion). written plan and share your clockwise circulation of winds Category 1 storm has the lowest Disaster prevention plan with other friends or near the earth’s surface. Tropical wind speeds, while a Category 5 should include: Take time out to create a useful family. cyclones are classified as follows: hurricane has the strongest. • Developing a family plan; emergency supply kit. • Create a disaster supply kit - These are relative terms, • Creating a disaster supply There are certain items you because lower category storms area that floods frequently, or • Sustained winds kit; need to have regardless of can sometimes inflict greater in manufactured housing, it is A one-minute average wind • Having a place to go; where you ride out a hurri- measured at about 33 feet (10 damage than higher category • Securing your home; and unlikely that emergency man- cane. The disaster supply kit is storms, depending on where agers will ask you to evacuate. meters) above the surface. • Having a pet plan. a useful tool when you evacu- • 1 knot = One nautical mile per they strike and the particular That means that it is impor- ate as well as making you as hazards they bring. In fact, trop- tant for you and your family hour or 1.15 statute miles per EVACUATION safe as possible in your home. hour. Abbreviated as “kt”. ical storms can also produce sig- One of the most impor- to have a plan that makes you • Secure your home - There nificant damage and loss of life, tant decisions you will have to as safe as possible in your are things that you can do to mainly due to flooding. home. Tropical depression make is “Should I evacuate?” make your home more secure An organized system of If you are asked to evacu- Disaster prevention and able to withstand stronger ® ate, you should do so without includes modifying your home storms. delay. But unless you live in a to strengthen it against storms Information on this page obtained from the coastal or low-lying area, an so that you can be as safe as ® National Hurricane Center.

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