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PRESORTED DECEMBER 2009 STANDARD ® U.S. POSTAGE PAID MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 7315 Tel: (305) 238-2868 1-800-605-7516 [email protected] [email protected] We cover your world Vol. 21 No. 1 : 655-1479 THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING NEWS MAGAZINE A federal filing error on the part of Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke’s office mistaken- ly landed her among the top 25 richest United States congressper- sons, page 2.

~ Caribbean nationals, including those who enter the United States legally, are held unnecessarily and transferred needlessly within an expensive immigration detention America’s federal government system that denies many of them is pulling out all the stops to basic fairness, according to three ensure more citizens and resi- dents participate in the 2010 new U.S. reports, page 4. Census. The big marketing push is to reach immigrant populations and undocumented residents, groups that histori- cally have not responded well to the census, page 11. Veteran DRUMMING Jamaica international player Andy Williams UP SUPPORT ended a roller coaster sea- William “Willie” Stewart, of Third World son on a tri- fame, has taken his distinct style of drum- umphant note ming into South Florida’s schools, sharing last month by helping his team his knowledge and experience with the capture its first students and motivating, uplifting and (MLS) empowering them, page 13. title, the sport’s biggest prize in North America, page 18. INSIDE News ...... 2 Feature ...... 11 Health/Environment ...... 16 Region/Politics ...... 21 Local ...... 7 Arts/Entertainment...... 13 Sport ...... 18 Books/Education ...... 22 Viewpoint ...... 9 Food ...... 15 Tourism/Travel ...... 20 Classified...... 23 CALL CARIBBEAN TODAY DIRECT FROM JAMAICA 655-1479

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2 CARIBBEAN TODAY December 2009

www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS Federal filing error places Caribbean American Guyanese-born N.Y. cop jailed congresswoman among richest U.S. lawmakers for 2007 murder of ex-fiancée WASHINGTON, D.C - A fed- QUEENS, New York - A Hardat`s friends and relatives eral filing error on the part of Guyanese-born, New York had said. Caribbean American City cop, who killed the Rupnarine, in his defense, Congresswoman Yvette woman he was once engaged had claimed he had acciden- Clarke’s office mistakenly land- to marry, will have to spend tally killed Hardat with his 9 ed her among the top 25 rich- the next 25 years to life in mm service Glock while trying est United States congressper- prison. to shoot two knife-wielding sons, a CaribWorldNews exclu- Harry Rupnarine, 39, was thugs. sive investigation revealed. last month given the maximum Rupnarine was a former CaribWorldNews last sentence for the May 10, 2007 Brooklyn Transit Task Force month noted that the Center murder. His sentencing came cop who took the post after for Responsive Politics (CRP) just two months after a Queens graduating from the Police listed Clarke with an average Supreme Court jury found him Academy in July 2005. He had net worth of some $30 million guilty of killing Guiatree met Hardat while patrolling obtained in 2008 alone. Hardat, 22, on Atlantic the Crescent Street subway According to the group’s web- Avenue in Woodhaven, station in Brooklyn, shortly site, which analyses the top Queens. after becoming a cop. wealthiest U.S. lawmakers, The shooting was a deadly Clarke ranked at 24 out of the end to the couple`s tumul- - CaribWorldNews top 25 with assets in two invest- tuous two-year relationship, ment funds totaling $10,000,002 ® to $50,000,000, respectively. But the congresswoman’s office later clarified that it was Bankrollers are Obama’s a huge error, based on her office filling out the federal paperwork erroneously by Caribbean ambassadors ticking the wrong income bracket. WASHINGTON, D.C. - Two the top givers to date who CRP’s Communications confirmed picks by the admin- have been tapped by Obama Director Dave Levinthal Clarke istration of United States to serve as U.S. ambassadors admitted by e-mail that it was President Barack Obama, for overseas. She, along with her an error and the group had ing, which reflected a substan- liabilities. ambassadorial posts in the family, contributed $28,400 to subsequently received the tially lower net worth, closer Caribbean, plus a recent nom- Obama’s campaign, while her congresswoman’s amended fil- to around $100,000, excluding ® inee, raised more than $1.4 husband contributed the legal million for the 2008 presiden- maximum of $4,600 to Obama tial campaign committee, during the 2008 presidential according to a watchdog campaign. Her sons, Bryant, a group here. college student at Notre Research from the Center Dame, and Andrew, a high for Responsive Politics (CPR) school student here, also reveals that Nicole Avant, the gave the maximum amount, new U.S. ambassador to The according to records filed Bahamas, raised $800,000 for with the Federal Election Team Obama in his bid for president. She is at the top of the list of donors-turned- ambassadors. Michael Beckel, writing for CRP`s site OpenSecrets, noted that most of Obama’s top donors are now being rewarded with cushy ambassa- dorial posts. Avant, who took up post as the 13th U.S. ambassador to The Bahamas on Oct. 22, has no foreign pol- icy experience, but worked largely in the entertainment Beatrice Wilkinson Welters, the new U.S. field. ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, and husband Anthony. She is the daughter of entertainment industry legend Clarence Avant and philan- Commission, even though thropist Jacqueline Avant. both were classified as “not Prior to her appointment, she employed/student”. was vice president of Interior Wilkinson Welters, who Music Publishing and Avant now faces a Senate confirma- Garde Music Publishing (1998- tion, also has no foreign serv- 2009) and was the Southern ice experience, but is a former California finance co-chair- IBM engineer turned non- woman of the Barack Obama profit chair. Presidential Campaign. Vinai Thummalapally, the current U.S. ambassador to T&T’S GAIN , raised $100,000 for the Beatrice Wilkinson campaign and ranks in the Welters, Obama’s current pick bottom five of fundraisers- for ambassador to the oil rich turned-ambassadors. nation of Trinidad and Thummalapally, who was con- Tobago, raised $500,000 for firmed as U.S. ambassador to the campaign, according to CRP, and ranks fifth among (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4)

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www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS Haiti’s new P.M.sets job creation, Caribbean nationals held unnecessarily investment among main priorities in U.S. detention ~ reports PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, same manner, in the same WASHINGTON, D.C. – it’s a game CMC - Jean-Max Bellerive, commitment that he has with Caribbean nationals, including with dire con- who was sworn-in as prime the former government and those who enter the United sequences,” minister last month, has listed with President (Réné) Préval. States legally, are held unnec- said Alison job creation and developing a “The only way that we are essarily and transferred need- Parker, deputy better investment climate lessly within an expensive director in the among the priorities for the immigration detention system U.S. for the government of this Caribbean that denies many of them human rights community (CARICOM) basic fairness in the U.S., group, and the nation. according to three new reports author of the “Haiti will continue to issued here. report. work with all the partners and In the first report, the The all the people who believe in inspector general of the inspector gen- stability and who believe the Homeland Security eral’s investi- only way we are going to Department found that gation found change Haiti is through pri- detainee transfers by the that the conse- vate investment and through Immigration and Customs quences of - Photograph by ICE.gov creating jobs in Haiti,” said Enforcement (ICE) were so haphazard Reports raise questions about U.S. detention strategies. Bellerive, 51, the sixth person haphazard that some of them transfers to hold the post since 2004. arrived at a new detention include a loss of access to tended that he should be He also pledged to foster center without having been legal counsel and relevant evi- deported based on two prior better relations with legisla- served a notice of why they dence; additional time in convictions for drug posses- Bellerive tors. were being held. detention; and “errors, delays sion. In New York, his drug Bellerive, who previously The Washington-based and confusion for detainees, misdemeanors were not con- served as planning and exter- going to change Haiti is Constitution Project called for their families, legal represen- sidered an “aggravated nal cooperation minister and through private investment, sweeping changes in agency tatives” and the immigration felony”, and based on his 22 had held several positions through creating jobs in policies and amendments to courts. years of legal residency and under at least six different Haiti,” he said. immigration law, including strong family relationships in prime ministers in the past Earlier this year, the inter- new access to government- FLAWED PLANS the U.S., he would have been two decades, succeeds national community, at a appointed counsel for many of In August, the administra- eligible for “cancellation of Michele Pierre-Louis, who donor’s conference on Haiti in those facing deportation to tion of U.S. President Barack removal”, a form of relief was ousted by the Haitian Washington, pledged $324 the Caribbean and elsewhere. Obama announced ambitious from deportation. Senate on Oct. 30. million to help improve the plans to overhaul immigration However, in Texas, he was “We will take care of put- impoverished country’s econo- ‘CHAOTIC GAME’ detention, a disjointed net- barred from relief based on ting (Members of Parliament) my. Bellerive’s approach has In its report, the human work that relies heavily on Fifth Circuit rulings, and more in accordance with what already been lauded by the rights organization, Human private prisons and county deported to his native we are doing,” the economist newly-formed Haitian Rights Watch, said that gov- jails. But taken together, the Jamaica. said. Economic Development ernment data showed trans- three reports underscore the The bipartisan group said “It’s the same program, Foundation. fers were accelerating, with gap between the plans and the the agency makes it too hard basically. We have the same “Our business community many long time residents of problems on the ground in a for people to avoid detention priorities (as the previous gov- is pleased to see that Mr. cities like New York, system that, according to the while challenging deportation ernment).” Bellerive’s focus will be to Philadelphia and , inspector general, is estimated and recommended a signifi- continue furthering the pro- being sent to remote immigra- to be detaining more than cant easing in the burden of CO-OPERATION business direction encouraged tion jails in Texas and 442,000 people a year. proof, and a waiver from In addition, he said he will by President Réné Préval,” Louisiana, far from legal The reports cited a mandatory detention for law- continue working with the said Youri Mevs, the group’s counsel and the evidence that Jamaican, who was trans- ful permanent residents. United Nations special envoy president. might help them win release. ferred to Texas after three to Haiti, former United States “ICE is increasingly sub- months in detention in New - CMC President Bill Clinton, “in the ® jecting detainees to a chaotic York and New . game of musical chairs, and Immigration authorities con- ® Jamaican killed during Florida shooting rampage ORLANDO, Florida - A charged Jason Rodriguez, 40, cers. Jamaican man has been iden- with first-degree murder in A family member said tified as the lone fatality dur- connection with the shooting Beckford, an architect at the ing a shooting rampage at an spree after an extensive firm, was the father of a office building here last search. seven-month-old and was due month. “Obviously we have a to get married soon. Police said Otis Beckford, tragic incident here in the city “You couldn’t ask for a 26, was one of six people shot, of Orlando,” said Mayor better nephew or a son,” said but the only one killed, by a Buddy Dyer. “…The gunman Evelyn Cole, Beckford’s aunt. disgruntled former employee has been apprehended.” “He was just quiet, and he at an engineering and con- Rodriguez surrendered to never troubled anyone or got struction firm. police at his mother’s home into trouble,” she added. The authorities have after he was spotted by offi- ® Bankrollers are Obama’s Caribbean ambassadors

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) Only 35 of the ambassa- politically appointed have dors nominated globally so far never personally contributed Belize by the U.S. Senate on by Obama are career mem- to federal politicians above July 24, 2009, also has no bers of the U.S. Foreign the FEC`s $200 reporting background in the foreign Service. Forty-six of the presi- threshold. service, but was president of dent’s ambassador picks per- MAM-A Inc., formerly Mitsui sonally donated to Obama, - CaribWorldNews Advanced Media, the nation’s CRP found, giving him a com- leading manufacturer and dis- bined $306,700, while seven of ® tributor of archival recordable the ambassadors who were optical discs.

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December 2009 CARIBBEAN TODAY 5

NEWS www.caribbeantoday.com Haitian gets 13 years in prison Key Congressional leaders in New York for link to terror plot call for U.S. action on immigration reform NEW YORK - Several mem- native-born Americans, docu- reform,” said U.S. MIAMI – The Haitian-born case that began with an FBI bers of the New York mented immigrants and Representative Charles B. ringleader of a group accused raid in June 2006 on the Congressional delegation last undocumented immigrants Rangel. “Too many families of plotting terror attacks on group’s warehouse, known as month continued the call for alike,” said Clarke. “This sys- are being kept apart by the Chicago’s Sears Tower and the “Embassy”, in Miami’s comprehensive immigration tem is ineffective and unsus- hypocrisy of a system that Federal Bureau of impoverished Liberty City reform. tainable. We must never for- encourages people to come Investigations (FBI) offices neighborhood. Top U.S. offi- At a pre-Thanksgiving get that this and work, then tries to crimi- has been sentenced to 13 cials acknowledged at the time event that recognized New debate is criti- nalize them when they want to years in prison. that the 100-storey skyscraper, York’s immigrant history, sev- cal to improv- stay. We have an obligation - a Untied States District Sears Tower, and FBI plots eral congressional lawmakers ing the lives of moral obligation - to see that Judge Joan Lenard imposed never got past the discussion admitted the need for immedi- all American these laws are changed.” the sentence on Narseal stage and that the group never ate progress on immigration citizens, The event was co-hosted Batiste, 35, who prosecutors acquired the means to carry reform legislation. American by the American Jewish said had hoped to spark an out such audacious attacks. Representative Yvette businesses, Committee, the New York anti-government insurrection But prosecutors said the Clarke, the daughter of and the lives Immigration Coalition and the by seeking support from al- case was a prime example of Jamaican immigrant parents, of those who Rangel New York Interfaith Network Queda for his alleged terror- the post Sept. 11, 2001 strate- told the audience that the cur- seek to be for Immigration Reform at the ism plans. gy of stopping terror plots in rent set of immigration laws Americans.” New York Historical Society. “You’ve done great harm the earliest possible stages must change now. “New Yorkers stand to yourself, your family, the before they ignite. “Our immigration laws proudly with the majority of - CaribWorldNews young men who were your fol- There were two previous are inconsistent and inefficient Americans in their support of lowers, and you’ve violated mistrials in the case, and two and place an undue burden on comprehensive immigration ® the trust of your country,” men were acquitted before Judge Lenard said. prosecutors finally won the Batiste, who had faced a case. Batiste testified at all maximum of 70 years in three trials that he never prison, was convicted in May aspired to be a terrorist and of conspiracy to provide mate- only went along in hopes of rial support to al-Queda, plot- scamming the FBI informant ting to blow up buildings and out of $50,000. conspiracy to wage war At the sentencing hearing against the U.S. Four other on Nov. 20, he apologized to Haitian men, described as his family and the young men Batiste’s soldiers in his para- who became his followers, military group, were also con- blaming his “arrogance and victed and sentenced to pride” for leading him down between six and 10 years in the wrong road. jail. “I wanted respect,” he said. “I wanted to be this per- CULMINATION son that I really wasn’t. I’ve The sentencing last month never been a violent person.” marked the culmination of a ® Wyclef Jean receives Kennedy ‘Hope’ award NEW YORK, N.Y. - Grammy Award-winning Haitian singer, songwriter and produc- er Wyclef Jean has earned more recognition for his con- tribution to human rights. Jean, along with Bono of musical group U2, was pre- sented with Ripple of Hope Award at Chelsea Pier in New York City last month by The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. - File photograph The Haitian ambassador U2’s Bono, left, and Wyclef Jean per- at large was honored for his forming together. work to strengthen and Jean also performed at inspire change in his native the ceremony. The award country of Haiti through his came on the heels of several Yéle Haiti organization. other human rights awards “As champions of justice, presented to the singer this Bono and Wyclef have brought year, including by ASCAP the national spotlight to human and BET in June 2009. rights violations, empowered The RFK Center is a non- local activists, and transformed profit organization dedicated the lives of millions of people to advancing the human rights living in poverty from Port-Au- movement through innovative Prince to Darfur,” said Kerry support to human rights Kennedy, founder of the RFK defenders around the world. Center. “Their efforts evoke the spirit of my father and we - CaribWorldNews are honored to recognize them.” ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS Few Caribbean students Wee Tom crowned ‘Miss Florida Caribbean’ esa-gayle Wee Tom, eant also includes choose U.S. schools wearing the sash “Miss divisions for Donna’s Restaurant”, “teen” and “jun- WASHINGTON, D.C. - Few India had 94,563 students L was last month crowned “Miss ior” contestants Caribbean students are study- out of 623,805 globally for the Florida Caribbean” 2009. between ages nine ing in the United States, 2007/2008 period while Wee Tom is no stranger to and 17. according to the latest Open Chinese students accounted pageants. She is a former first The winner of Doors survey, which analyses for 81,127 of that number. runner up “Miss “Miss Florida foreign students in the U.S. Meanwhile, while a Teen”, second runner up Caribbean” is eli- The survey, which is pub- record number of U.S. stu- “Miss Jamaica Florida” and gible to represent lished by the Institute of dents are studying abroad, the second runner up “Miss the “Sunshine International Education with Caribbean region did not Miami Tropic” and a contest- State” at the 2010 support from the U.S. make the cut either for the ant in “Miss Jamaica World” Miss Caribbean Department of State`s Bureau top 25 places where the 2009. She is a student at United States of Educational and Cultural American students are turn- Florida Atlantic University pageant in New Affairs, found that while ing for education. According and hopes to earn a degree in York. The winner Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela to the Open Doors 2009 sur- broadcast journalism. of that competi- made the top 25 list, not a sin- vey, the number of Americans According to organizers, tion will move on gle Caribbean country man- studying abroad increased by the “Miss Florida Caribbean” to the “Miss aged to make the cut. 8.5 percent to 262,416 in the pageant offers personal devel- Caraibes Hibiscus By contrast, students 2007/08 academic year, with opment opportunity for young International” from India, China and South most choosing the U.K., Italy, Caribbean American females pageant in St. Korea continue to dominate Spain and France. ages 18-25, who live in the Maarten. the top three spots in the U.S. state of Florida. The pag- ranking with students from - CaribWorldNews ® Wee Tom those nations accounting for a large percent of the number ® of foreign students in the U.S. Ja’s finance minister woos investors MIAMI – Finance Minister industry, with its array of sub- opment of the industry, value- Audley Shaw is confident sectors, including food pro- added linkages to support the there are many investment cessing, organic farming and sector, such as the construc- opportunities in Jamaica. green house production. tion of houses for hotel work- Addressing the 33rd Regarding tourism, Shaw ers, could be explored for annual Miami Conference on said the island had recorded a investment. the Caribbean and Central five percent increase in visitor Shaw said there are also America, recently, Shaw out- arrivals and a two percent opportunities to develop lined the strategies being increase in spending recorded attractions, to provide exotic undertaken by the Bruce in the industry, despite the cuisine, as well as to get Golding administration to downturn in the regio, caused involved in the fashion and attract investors. He spoke of by the global economic reces- music industries. the development of the agro- sion. He said with the devel- ® Florida prosecution seeks death penalty for Haitian accused of murdering family NAPLES, Florida – The pros- the killings. The notice of Sheriff’s Office reported. ecution is seeking the death intent to seek the death penalty Collier County Deputy penalty for Haitian Mesac was filed in Collier County Public Defender Mike Damas, 33, who is charged court recently. Orlando, who represents with murdering his wife and Damas remains on suicide Damas, filed a not-guilty plea five children in September. watch in the Collier County in September and said at the The State Attorney’s jail and has not been allowed time that he had concerns Office said that prosecutors will any visitors other than his about his client’s mental state. seek the death penalty for attorney since his September Damas, who has confessed to arrest, the Collier County ®

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December 2009 CARIBBEAN TODAY 7

LOCAL www.caribbeantoday.com Don’t pay for the holidays all year long, shoppers warned ~ E-layaway among new budgeting tips SUNRISE, Florida – Sixty per- seling and debt management back, enabling consumers to terms to understand if there them to stock photo agencies. cent of Americans confess to services across the nation. purchase within a budget and are additional fees involved. Anyone can do it, and if your not having a holiday budget so Stark cautions that the not incur interest fees. Online Pad your pockets: photos are accepted you’ll it is no surprise the American cost of the holidays can derail layaway sites are a new way Sometimes, all you need to earn money each time your Bankers Association estimates the steps people have already for people who like to shop bridge a budget gap is a few photo is uploaded. it takes the average consumer taken to reduce debt by dis- from their computers to gain extra dollars a month. For Party like it’s 1929: Even six months to pay off seasonal couraging them with new debt the advantages of layaway, but example, put your photos to during the Great Depression debt. that takes them back to shoppers should read the work for you by submitting “Everyone is caught up square one or sets them back (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) with the usual holiday ques- even further. tions of what presents to buy, “On average consumers who to invite to parties and spend $1,220 on holiday gifts,” where to go, yet the big ques- she explains. “If that went on tion you should ask is ‘where credit cards with an interest is the money going to come rate of 18 percent and only a from to pay for it all?’,” says monthly minimum payment

The effects of holiday shopping can linger.

Barbara J. Stark, director of was made it would take 22 community development and years to pay off, and would education for American Debt cost $2,600.” Counseling, Inc., www.ameri- candebtcounseling.org , a TIPS Sunrise, Florida-based non- Stark offers the following tips profit organization that pro- for avoiding bills that come vides financial education pro- back to haunt you like the grams as well as confidential ghost of Christmas past: and professional credit coun- Pay it forward: Layaway is Givers, beware holiday scam artists With the holiday season Watch out for charities with upon us, many good- similar names to well-known “willed individuals express organizations. Some scam their generosity by giving to artists try to trick people by those less fortunate,” says using names that make them Lawrence Loesch, former appear to be the same as or New York Police Department comparable to valid charities. Deputy Chief and Vice Always investigate the organi- President/General Manager zation prior to making a dona- for AlliedBarton Security tion. Look at their websites. Services. “Unfortunately, that Many non-profit web address- can also create an opportunity es end in .org instead of .com. for scam artists to take advan- Phone scams - Be cau- tage of the kindness of others. tious of charities that contact It is important to make certain you over the phone. In New your generosity is received by York City, for example, there’s those who need it most.” a popular scam from solicitors So when giving this holi- who claim to represent the day season remember to use NYPD and related police your head, as well as your fundraising organizations. heart. The following tips by Only the New York Police Loesch to Caribbean Today’s Foundation can accept such readers can help: donations and they do not Look-alike charities - (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)

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8 CARIBBEAN TODAY December 2009

www.caribbeantoday.com LOCAL Direct deposit improves Social Security service Students get ‘Miss Lou’ urricane season ended Quick - You’ll get your To learn more about recently in the United payment faster when it’s Direct Deposit of your benefit scholarship from Florida HStates. But in some deposited directly and it is payments, and to sign up, visit areas, it’s wildfire season. immediately available to you our website at www.socialse- ver $5,000 was raised students pursuing studies in As you prepare for the once it’s deposited. curity.gov/deposit. You also from the fourth annual song, dance and drama at the threat of a natural disaster in Convenient - No more can call us at 1-800-772-1213 tribute and scholarship institution. your community, put signing standing in line at the bank to (TTY 1-800-325-0778). O Two students – Sodanne cash your check, or leaving To learn more informa- fundraiser held last month at up for direct deposit at the top Brown and Omar Forbes – your house when the weather tion about Direct Express, the Holy Family Episcopal of your “to do” list. Doing so both pursuing studies in per- is bad. visit www.fms.treas.gov/direct- Church in North Miami, can eliminate the delay or forming arts at Edna Manley For those who don’t have expresscard. Florida to honor the life and non-delivery of your monthly were selected as recipients of a bank account, there’s Direct In the unfortunate event legacy of the late Jamaican payment if a disaster forces the 2009-2010 scholarships. Express. With Direct that you are displaced by a cultural icon Louise “Miss you from your home. It is still This year, a decision was Express, we automatically natural disaster, your benefits Lou” Bennett-Coverley. is the best way to get benefit made to award an additional deposit benefit payments to a do not have to be. Your pay- Proceeds from this event payments for people who have scholarship to a student of person’s Direct Express card ments will be safe and secure, will be used to support the a bank account. Here’s why: Jamaican descent pursuing account. The card can be and arrive on time to your Louise Bennett-Coverley Safe - Your money is studies in performing arts at used to make purchases, pay account with Direct Deposit Scholarship Fund that was deposited directly into your the New World School of the bills or get cash at thousands or Direct Express. started following Miss Lou’s account at your bank or other Arts in Miami. Details are of locations, and most services death of in July 2006. The financial institution. Because currently being finalized with are free. To learn more or to - Social Security Administration scholarship is tenable at the it’s transferred electronically, the school’s administration, sign up for Direct Express, Edna Manley College of the there’s no risk of your check according to Norma Darby, visit www.fms.treas.gov/direct- ® Visual and Performing Arts in being lost or stolen. founder of the scholarship expresscard. Kingston, Jamaica. So far, the scholarship has benefited four fund. In an effort to continue Don’t pay for the holidays all year long, shoppers warned Miss Lou’s legacy, the scholar- ship was extended to Jamaican (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) whenever possible. If you use The art of re-gifting: It’s guide to what is appropriate. If diaspora in the United States credit cards, chose a low rate important to remember giving you can’t find the extra money to give those students an people knew how to party on credit card instead of high a gift that you received but in your budget this year, show opportunity to engage their a budget. Consider a pot-luck interest rate department store never used is still a gift, and your appreciation with a home- culture and heritage. party this year where guests cards, and avoid department there is no reason to spoil the made gift or baked good. each bring a dish. Or cut your store credit cards offering a moment by confessing you Don’t take a financial hol- - JIS tab at the grocery store by one-time discount. didn’t buy it. Be sure the gift iday: Open your credit card signing up to receive online Protect your identity: is clean and presentable, bills as soon as they arrive and ® newsletters from brands you Crowded stores increase the change the wrapping paper verify all the transactions are like, buy store brands that are risk of pickpockets and purse and, most importantly, keep correct. You have 60 days to often made by name brand snatchers. Don’t carry your track of who gave the gift to challenge errors, and be sure companies, and combine Social Security card in your you originally. to keep copies of all the corre- coupons with buy-one-get-one wallet or purse but do keep The tipping point: Many spondence. Most importantly, Street Address: and sale offers. copies (both front and back) workers rely on receiving tips if you are faced with over- 9020 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33157 It’s in the cards: People of all of the credit cards and in order to pay for their holi- whelming debt, seek profes- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6010 spend up to 30 percent more ID (including your driver’s day season. As always, tipping sional advice from an accred- Miami, FL 33116-6010. when paying with credit cards license) that you carry with is a personal issue and depen- ited credit counselor who can Telephone: (305) 238-2868 rather than cash. Pay with you to enable swift action in dant on the service received. help get you back on track. (305) 253-6029 • Fax: (305) 252-7843 cash, debit cards or checks the event of loss or theft. Several online resources offer a Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-290-4550 ® 1-800-605-7516 • Jamaica: 654-7282 E-mail: [email protected] Givers, beware holiday scam artists Send ads to: [email protected] Vol. 20, Number 12 • NOV. 2009 (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) charities are required to regis- check out their legitimacy as Fraudulent sweepstake mail- ter and file annual reports well as their efficiency with ers encourage consumers to solicit via the telephone. Ask PETER A WEBLEY showing how donations are your money at the BBB Wise return the apparent ‘winning’ Publisher the solicitor for the charity’s used. You can ask how to find Giving Alliance website, entry along with a donation to mailing address so that you GORDON WILLIAMS this information at your state www.give.org. the charity named in the pro- Managing Editor can send them a check direct- or local consumer protection Email scams - Be skepti- motion. The wording in the ly. When in doubt, call the agency. cal of emails seeking charita- mailer makes it seem like the SABRINA HOPKINS charity yourself and ask them Contribution collectors - ble contributions. Many unso- recipient is already a winner. Graphic Artist if they’re aware of the solicita- Individuals who go door-to- licited messages received Be skeptical if a solicitor tions being done in their door or position themselves in through email are fraudulent. thanks you for a contribution name. DOROTHY CHIN high traffic areas should be Do not respond to these e- you don’t remember giving. Account Executive Know your charity - Many carrying proper credentials mails as many of them ask Other options - Instead of more organizations push for and identification. These indi- you to send money to an off- donating money to a charity, SHARON LEE donations during the holidays. viduals should be knowledge- shore bank account. consider volunteering your Account Executive Research your charity before able about the organization Additionally, a fraudulent time. Contributing your per- making the decision to CARMEN CHANG and be able to provide you charity email may have an sonal time to help others can Account Executive donate. If they offer you very with informative materials attachment, offering you more mean much more than simply little information, they may about the charity. Ask for information. Be aware, as writing a check. You can also JACQUELINE RUBIANO not be legitimate. A legitimate written information and the many times these attachments donate toys, clothing or non- Accounting Manager charity will give you informa- solicitor’s identification to val- contain viruses. It is always perishable food and make it Caribbean Media Source Media Representatives tion describing its mission, idate the organization. For important that any charity- part of your holiday tradition. how donations are distributed security and tax record pur- related email include a link to Adamant demands - Opinions expressed by editors and writers and proof that your contribu- poses, it’s important to pay by an authorized website. You Refuse any high-pressure are not necessarily those of thepublisher. tion is tax deductible. check when giving a contribu- should also be skeptical of any requests for your contribution. Caribbean Today, an independent tion and write the charity’s charity email or website that Legitimate charities usually news magazine, is published every month DONATION USE official name on the check. requires you to enter you don’t require people to give at by Caribbean Publishing & Services, Inc. How is your donation Mail scams - Holiday social security number. a moment’s notice. An estab- Caribbean Today is not responsible used? One of the most greetings may not the only Promised prizes - Be cau- lished charity will still be will- for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. To important things to consider thing crowding your mailbox. tious of guaranteed sweep- ing to accept your donation, guarantee return, please include a self- when making a charitable addressed stamped envelope. This time of year, watch for stakes winnings in exchange even if you take some time to Articles appearing in Caribbean contribution is how much of appeals for donations. If you for your contribution. This research first. your money actually goes to Today may not be reproduced without do not recognize the name of may not be the type of holi- written permission of the editor. the charitable cause. Most a particular charity, you can day gift you are looking for. ®

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VIEWPOINT www.caribbeantoday.com We are the T&T gov’t Those dreaded words: It’s over eople, who for some rea- in Miami ~ CG son have reason to cut the ties that bind, shake Laura Marie West, newly activities and P off the shackles of matrimony, appointed Trinidad and Tobago we have prior- cut loose from the tethers that consul general in Miami, is still ities to accom- settling into South Florida life. plish the tie, and separate from the per- But she has been making the vision. We son whom they once loved. rounds at events hosted by want to be Yes, I’m talking about that nationals of the twin island resilient, pro- final split as you leave your republic, reaching out to the ductive, inno- spouse. diaspora. Caribbean Today’s vative, and I have been privy to the freelance writer Dawn A. prosperous. West insight of the minds of people Davis caught up with her at a We want our and why they call it quits, and recent leadership seminar host- citizens to have a high quality why they decide to take that ed by Trinidad and Tobago of healthcare, safe communi- plunge into the unknown. But Diaspora, Inc. ties, and sound and relevant the option of leaving is often education. We would like our far better than staying. And Question: What is the con- people to progress in ways that yet, some will still stay and sulate’s mission? How do you could take the good out of wallow in the misery, despair see your role? developed countries and leave and loss of self, preferring to the negatives where they are, tell their tales of woe to who- buy a plasma longer desired me enough to Answer: We have defined four and hope that we can con- ever will listen. T.V. and we want to have sex with me.” missions: An economic mis- tribute to a global community It’s suggested that the sion, a security mission, a con- that will be more positive. We don’t own a It wasn’t only the physical number one reason why peo- washing act that he missed, but he was sular mission and a political are a diverse nation; in ple part ways is because of mission. But, I will focus on Trinidad we are a rainbow of machine?” hurt that his woman no longer money. Yes, money, the love the consular mission. The level colors. The diversity and cre- she cries, and wanted him. of it, or the lack of it, is the of service afforded to nationals ativity of all our citizens is key so the quar- traveling and living abroad, in to getting our vision on the root of all problems, and is reling begins SPIN-OFFS addition to seeking to maxi- way. enough to make couples go until it’s Oh yes, women have mize the exported skills and their separate ways. So many splitsville. TONY expressed the same sentiments investment potential of the Q: How do you market the couples, married or not, have For what- ROBINSON too, but for some reason do diaspora, that’s why I am here. twin island republic as a safe suffered and split because of ever reason, not place as big a premium on At the consulate, we have the and attractive destination? financial folly. this one pot it as do men. But you know responsibility for promotion, In some cases they fool- to serve two, is a recipe for that there are spin-offs and pursuit, protection of the A: Because we are a nation, ishly enter into the union and disaster, for invariably one will sub plots to this sex thing that national interest. We promote we are governed by laws. So, have a joint bank account dip more often than the other. all lead to the inevitable trade and investment. We try we want to make sure there is only. Oops, big mistake, as In other cases, it’s the bor- breakup, with the main one to establish two-way business respect for law, for the law money and love don’t mix, rowing syndrome, where being infidelity. relationships with companies guides the principles of and even though they think either the man or the woman A man will endure almost here and in Trinidad and democracy...We are committed that they’re in love and what’s constantly ‘borrows’ from the anything, but if his woman is Tobago. We develop bilateral to good governance; we are a mine is thine, usually it ends other without having any unfaithful to him, then he’s relations with the United principled member of the up being all mine and not intention of paying back. leaving the scene of her crime. States. We provide national global community, we are an thine. So I advise you, keep a Usually it’s a one-way street, Most men just can’t handle it, assistance. We notarize and effective regional leader. We little mine for yourself, with one always borrowing to know that their woman lay authenticate documents like want to nurture a caring socie- stashed away somewhere. restoration of citizenship, cer- ty. You know when we were and never paying back, result- with another man. ing in resentment and seething The info shows that fewer tificates for pensioners. We are children and we did something ‘BIGGER EYE’ also effective for students who wrong, you could get ‘licks’ anger that can fester for years. women will leave a man for In many cases, one party want scholarships. If some- from your aunt, your mother’s It’s usually hardly ever this reason than the other way body dies here, you have to friend, your grandmother. We in the relationship has a big- mentioned, but sex, the love around, but she will leave if he get documents prepared in want to go back to those days ger eye for spending than the of it, or the lack of it, is also takes her for granted or stops order to take that body back where it takes a village. other, resulting in resentment, included in the reasons why showing her attention. to Trinidad, so you have to as the imbalance is too much couples call it quits. Oh sure, So even when women will come to the consulate to get it Q: The perception is that to bear. Sometimes the wife many people will outwardly leave because they’re taken done. In other words, we are Trinidad and Tobago is far likes to keep up with the say that it does not matter and for granted, men will leave the government of Trinidad ahead of the rest of the Joneses and spends far more will stick it out or take a lover because they’re taken for a and Tobago in Miami. Caribbean in relation to manu- than they earn, or perhaps he on the side. But the long-term fool. It’s said that hell hath no facturing and industry. Is this has a deficit problem and effects can be devastating, and fury like a women spurned, Q: The Trinidad and Tobago true? loves to gamble, buy liquor, they leave because of the slid- but there’s also much fury and government has developed a spend on wine women and ing scale of sexual desire. As rage in a man who’s taken for long-range development strat- A: Trinidad and Tobago is a song. one man told me, “It’s not a fool. Just check out those egy dubbed Vision 2020. Can model for other developing Or perhaps it’s just a mat- that she stopped having sex stories of murder/suicides and you expand on it? states. We were one of the first ter of priorities. with me, but that she no countries to move from oil “How can you want to A: Vision 2020 is based on five into natural gas. Right now we (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10) key pillars. It’s really about are the world’s largest produc- how you get to where you er of methanol and ammoni- want to get to. We are on a um. We export 70 percent of journey to make our vision the U.S. requirement for natu- real, and so we are involved in (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10)

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www.caribbeantoday.com VIEWPOINT

We are the T&T gov’t in Miami ~ CG their humanity” - Opposition Leader Lester Bird last month and when it is feasible, they Tobago government and the (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) calling on the Antigua and will in turn implement our rec- diaspora? Barbuda government to do ral gas on the Eastern ommendations. seaboard. We are expanding A: Our nationals know the more to safeguard women exports to Chile and Peru, and Q: Where does the govern- businesses out there; they now from rape. other places. In addition, we ment, and the diaspora, stand know the services that we offer. • “Are we satisfied as a are focusing on non-oil manu- on the Caribbean as one com- So, the diaspora can contribute region, that our obligation • “Ralph would like to facturing systems. We are mon market? to making us more effective by and responsibility to create entrench himself in power” – going into downstream indus- their networking efforts and an environment and to pro- Former St. Vincent and the tries from the oil, such as plas- A: We were out front in push- sharing that benefit with us. Of vide an infrastructure which Grenadines Prime Minister tics and polyethylene. ing for the CARICOM Single course, we do it on our own as cater for the rights of all our Sir James Mitchell last month Market; the economy comes well. We make business con- people have been met? These accusing the country’s current Q: One of the keys to becom- on stream hopefully by 2014. tacts. We put companies in are critical questions in need P.M. Ralph Gonsalves of ing a developed nation and The reason we did that is Trinidad and Tobago in touch of urgent answers” - St. Kitts being power hungry. attracting investment is good because CARICOM is our with companies in Miami and and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. infrastructure. How is the gov- biggest trading partner. So, if vice versa. But, we want our Denzil Douglas, who holds • “Wounded my (behind)! ernment addressing that issue? the CARICOM is prosperous, nationals also (to) be part of responsibility for health within He just applied a plaster to we are prosperous. There are that process so that we might the those wounds, got right back A: If you look at the last budg- plans afoot now to help coun- stay connected with them. (CARICOM) quasi Cabinet, on his horse and carried on et, you will see where the min- tries like Grenada and St. asks an important question in riding all the way to yet ister of finance mentioned that Vincent to train people so they Q: Caribbean culture is well his message to mark World another two world records” – as the developed countries, we can function in critical represented in South Florida. AIDS Day 2009, Dec. 1. British sprinter Dwain are now trying to make sure areas...The Summit of the How do make sure Trinidadian that you can cover the island in Chambers admitting last Americas, attended by culture maintains its presence? • “A dark pall month that any weakness two-and-a-half hours. And so, American President Barack the government proposes to hangs over our Jamaican star Usain Bolt Obama and held in Trinidad A: In addition to attending country; a appeared to have had before build highways around the and Tobago, was very success- many of the events, we make island that will facilitate ease shroud over this summer’s World ful. The highlight really, was contact with schools and univer- our women. Championships in Athletics of movement. The minister the fact that we were the first sities to encourage them to Their freedom, were figments of his competi- pointed out very clearly that it CARICOM country to host teach “pan” (music). We their rights, has taken the concept from the Summit of the Americas. encourage the transfer of tors’ imagination. their very lives developed countries. That is And we did it, not only for us, knowledge to support innova- the kind of thing we do at the but also for the CARICOM. tion and creativity. sees no sun shine in the dark- Compiled from CMC and consulate. We look at scientific ness of organized assault on other sources. and technological advance- Q: How strong is the relation- ® their person, their dignity, ment; we bring them to the ship between the Trinidad and ® attention of the government Those dreaded words: It’s over

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) calls the shots, she makes the plans, she pays the bills. It you’ll see that in most cases also happens if he doesn’t own the man was a simple, quiet, a place and moves into hers, humble man who just lost it marries into her family and because his woman took him has to live in her daddy’s for a fool. house. Then there’s also the I spoke to various men need for space which some about this, and there was one couples never seem to under- common factor - they felt hurt stand. One party always seems by being taken for a fool. to think that being intertwined “How could she really like vines or snakes is healthy, expect me to believe that and living like conjoined twins management meetings would is the way to be. All that does be held every Friday and is smother the relationship. Saturday until 3 a.m.? Better But if one dares to men- she tell me a decent lie, like tion that they want space, it’s her sister sick or something, instant grounds for breakup. but don’t take big man for And don’t believe that it’s idiot,” this guy told me. only women either, for many men want their women to POWER TRIP account for each hour of the The need for power is day. “It’s work then home to also a factor, and in these me, nowhere else, no gym, no modern times, with so many karate class, no bible study, no women having big jobs and girls night out, just me, yu earning far more than their hear?!” partners, it often leads to a The data is there, people shift in the balance of power. break up for different reasons, It often happens when the while some remain and wife lands a great new high endure the misery. paying job, then suddenly But all is not lost, as some she’s aware that her net worth couples are happy together, is great, she has money in the they respect each other, bank, has a platinum credit respect each other’s money, card, can buy stuff and doesn’t don’t take each other for really need her man for any- granted, respect each other’s thing financial. She’s now sexual needs, have no power worth more than him and will struggle and communicate. let him know it. They may be few and far One day he wakes up and between and may also fall in he’s wearing the skirt and the older folks category, but she’s wearing the pants. they do exist. Or it may happen sudden- ly if he loses his job and now [email protected] has to depend on her income to support them both. She ®

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FEATURE www.caribbeantoday.com U.S. Census 2010 holds key to welfare of Caribbean Americans DAWN A. DAVIS not only apply to West Indian tions and undocumented resi- Spending just a few minutes to go count our people. Let’s residents, but foreign immi- dents, groups that historically fill out your census form will commit to each other to begin re Caribbean-born grants in general. The data have not responded well to help ensure your community this journey as a part of the immigrants moving also show some decline in for- the census. gets its fair share of federal Brotherhood of all nations”. Aout of Dade and eign residents across the coun- With hundreds of billions and state funding”. Broward, the two South try. of dollars at stake, and con- A voice for immigrant FEDERAL AID Florida counties with tradi- It appears foreigners are gressional representation for rights, Cao Anh Quan, chair- Florida, with its large eth- tionally the highest concentra- either returning home or mov- states with residents correctly man of the Refugee Advisory nic population, including tion of those from the region? ing to other parts of the U.S. documented through the cen- Council in the State of Caribbean nationals and According to the latest And, while there is specula- sus, local and national officials Florida, in a recent address to Latinos, could pick up much United States Census Bureau tion as to why, there are no are partnering with the U.S. the Census 2010 Refugee & needed federal funding if all estimates, this seems to be the definitive answers. A casual Census Bureau to get their Immigrant Committee put it its residents are included in trend. survey of several residents this way: next year’s census. Aware of A three-year comparison Caribbean-born counted. “Now more than ever, our this, the Census Bureau has of social characteristics of South Florida already started its push. Miami-Dade County shows a residents Bureau personnel met with slight decline in residents with revealed that ethnic media recently in a bid West Indian ancestry. some have relo- to reach those with historically Specifically, out of an estimat- cated to, or are in low response rates. As such, ed total population of 2.4 mil- the process of, readers, bloggers, viewers of lion for 2006, 2007, and 2008, moving to areas media such as El Nuevo West Indians accounted for such as Atlanta, Herald, El Sentinel, 7.3 percent of the total for New York and Caribbean Today, Telemundo, 2006 and 2007. However, by the Carolinas in - File photograph Facebook and Twitter are The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the free- 2008 that number declined to search of cheaper expected to reflect informa- housing, higher dom in the U.S. Caribbean immigrants have tion about the census. 7.1 percent. learned to embrace. More significantly, howev- paying jobs and With only 10 questions, er, the Caribbean population lower cost of living. Others The U.S. Census and thus more “user-friendly”, in Broward County shows the are returning to the Caribbean 2010 website the census appears less intimi- higher downward trend. Over for various reasons, including makes it clear. dating than in the past. And, the three years (2006-2008) economic hardships. “Census data immigrant advocacy groups the numbers have dropped directly affect how are pleased that Question 9 steadily. Of the total 1.8 mil- MARKETING more than $400 allows individuals to specify lion residents in the county, But, no matter where eth- billion per year in nationality. Specifically, race nic populations reside, the federal and state must be selected, but there is the Caribbean population was - File photograph estimated at 12.8 percent for U.S. federal government is funding is allocat- The 2010 census offers Caribbean immigrants a chance to also room to include nationali- 2006, 12.6 percent for 2007 pulling out all the stops to ed to communities stand and be counted in the U.S. ty, for example Jamaican, and 12 percent for 2008. ensure more citizens and resi- for neighborhood Trinidadian or Guyanese. These numbers reflect a dents participate in the 2010 improvements, public health, country needs us. Now more But New York-based notable drop for a population Census. Besides being much education, transportation and than ever, we the people are immigration attorney Joan that had been for shorter than past surveys, much more”, the website its government. Now more Pinnock, in her presentation to the past 10 years. there is a big marketing push explains. “That’s more than $4 than ever, we have traveled delegates at the recent However, this trend does to reach immigrant popula- trillion over a 10-year period. too far not to overcome. Let’s (CONTINUED ON PAGE 12) Ex-commissioner joins Bermuda’s ruling party, hopes to break color barrier IVAN CLIFFORD by making the PLP govern- Party (UBP). Bermudians have chosen to said that he believes future ment more accountable, trans- “Bermuda is a better knock it down. generations of black and white HAMILTON, Bermuda, - parent and responsive, then place when the status quo is “In knocking it down, all Bermudians “deserve so much Saying it is time for Bermuda should be the better challenged,” he said. “Race must play a part in building more than the legacy of what Bermudians to play their for it. has been Bermuda’s Berlin the foundation for the future. we’ve been left. part in breaking down racial “While I might not share Wall. Some choose to sit on We simply cannot keep doing “It’s up to all of us to play barriers, former Police the same political affiliation, I the wall; some cower behind things the way we have always our part, to forge that way for- Commissioner Jonathan it; some hold it up. I’m con- done.” Smith has joined the predomi- vinced that the majority of The former top policeman (CONTINUED ON PAGE 12) nantly black Progressive Labour Party (PLP) that has been in power for 11 years. Smith, who is white and the brother of former Education Minister Tim Smith, said he refuses to be corralled “into a political camp because of the legacy Bermuda has had.” The former education minister in the United Smith Bermuda Party (UBP) gov- ernment, in reacting to his am hopeful he can have a pos- brother’s decision to joining itive impact. It will certainly the ruling party, said “sadly, make for more interesting we have historically defined political debates around the people by which political family dinner table,” he party they join. This is as added. much the fault of individual biases as it is legacy of both BERMUDA’S WALL the UBP and PLP. Smith joined the PLP in “It will be refreshing August after previously turn- when we can define political ing down requests to join both parties around how we expect the ruling party and the main them to govern. If he can help opposition United Bermuda

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www.caribbeantoday.com FEATURE Caribbean joins in observing World AIDS Day U.S. Census 2010 holds key to he Caribbean joined the died of AIDS each day and and women at an equal rate. welfare of Caribbean Americans 20,000 persons became infect- According to the rest of the international residence and not be penal- ed,” Douglas said. UNAIDS-WHO AIDS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11) Tcommunity in observing ized for being out of status. “It shows Epidemic Update for 2009, World AIDS Day 2009 – Dec. Jamaican Diaspora Conference She urged the Jamaican dias- further that released last month, the total 1 - with a recognition that in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pora to lobby representatives stigma and number of people living with much more needs to be done explained at least one draw- and let their voices be heard. discrimina- HIV globally is now 33.4 mil- to provide the framework and back. Jamaica’s Ambassador to tion remain a lion. Of these, adults comprise infrastructure to ensure that “One of the fears of the U.S. Anthony Johnson, barrier to 31.3 million; women 15.7 mil- the interventions by health whether or not you should who also addressed confer- scaling up lion; and children under 15 authorities reach all people complete the census form is ence attendees, urged prevention years, 2.1 million. infected in the region. that people that are undocu- Jamaicans to go even further. and treat- The report noted that St. Kitts and Nevis Prime mented are scared,” she said. “Become American citi- ment pro- Douglas Caribbean men and women Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas, “…Many of us come from zens,” Johnson said. “We grams; and were contracting the deadly who holds responsibility for Jamaica; we come here in visi- would not regard it as disloy- there continues to be consid- HIV virus in equal numbers health within the Caribbean tors visas and we don’t go alty to Jamaica because with erable gaps (in some cases) in and that there has been a nine community (CARICOM) quasi back...So, my advice would be our constitution you cannot policies and legislation with percent increase in the number Cabinet, said that while the if you are undocumented or in lose your Jamaican citizen- respect to the inclusion and of persons living with the virus interventions in the past have a situation where you have ship...If you become an protection of the most at risk in the region. It also stated that contributed to the overall stabi- family members who are American citizen you are enti- populations.” after 28 years, the HIV epidem- lization of the epidemic, there undocumented, do not fill that tled to all the rights and enti- ic is now “evenly distributed were still areas to be covered in information out.” tlements of Americans, which FRAMEWORK between males and females”. order to effectively deal with Pinnock added that there means you can go stand up Douglas said that the “With a total number of the pandemic. is some talk of a new immigra- with your placards...We must region must therefore provide 240,000 people living with He said there have been tion bill coming out of stand together.” important gains and advances the framework and infrastruc- HIV in the Caribbean,” said Washington that she hopes ture that are necessary to Arkadiusz Majszyk, director in the Caribbean’s response, will include amnesty for Dawn A. Davis is a freelance ensure that the interventions of the UNAIDS Caribbean and great strides have been undocumented immigrants in writer for Caribbean Today. made to meet the needs of the reach all populations, and that Regional Support Team. “This the U.S. and allow them to get generalized epidemic. But the the supremacy of the human is an increase of nine percent “green cards” or permanent ® problem is still large. rights cannot be over empha- between 2001 and 2008.” “The evidence also shows, sized. among other things, that in a A new report by UNAIDS - CMC Ex-commissioner joins Bermuda’s ruling comparatively small region, in shows that the HIV virus is ® 2007 an estimated 38 persons now infecting Caribbean men party, hopes to break color barrier (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11) economic opportunities for all Bermudians laid out by the ward. When history looks Progressive Labour Party,” he back we’ll take great comfort said in explaining why he if it describes that we paved joined the ruling party. the way that we put Bermuda “Politics must be about first.” the people. Politics also pres- Traditionally, the over- ents choices for us as voters whelming majority of whites, and as citizens of the country who account for 40 percent of we love. We need to refuse to the island’s 65,000 population, be corralled by the politics of have backed the UBP, which the past, which virtually deter- ran the country for 30 years mined where the ‘X’ in the until it was ousted from power ballot box would go. by the PLP in 1998. The PLP “There is so much more has since won two more gen- which binds us together than eral elections and the UBP is keeps us apart. In making this facing a crisis after five of its choice, I’m very optimistic 14 parliamentarians quit the about the journey we face,” party in the past 12 months. he said, noting that the jour- Three former UBP legis- ney is “more than just race. lators have since launched “We stand at particularly diffi- the Bermuda Democratic cult crossroads in time and to Alliance (BDA). the extent that any Bermudian The ruling party’s only can help - all Bermudians white legislator, Zane DeSilva, should help and choose the was recently sworn in as minis- vehicle they believe best ter without portfolio in Premier enables them or empowers Ewart Brown’s 11-strong them to contribute to Cabinet. Prior to her appoint- Bermuda’s future. ment, the only other white “We have much work to member of the government was do together on the many Tourism Minister David Allen, strategic issues facing the coun- who died of cancer in 1999. try and I’m pleased to lend my support to that effort.” SAME GOAL Smith said he had enjoyed Smith, who served as a good working relationship police commissioner until with the government while he 2005, said all three political served as the island’s top cop, parties aspire towards the even though then, he had no same goal: a successful econo- political ambitions. He insists my, improved public safety that he is merely a member of and jobs for Bermudians. the PLP and has made no for- “Several things are clear mal steps to become anything to me in making this decision: more at this stage. Bermuda must come first. I’m committed to a path of - CMC reform, modernization, social justice and expansion of the ®

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT www.caribbeantoday.com Ex-Fugees Wyclef, Lauryn Hill Jamaican drums up solutions in set for reunion on stage in N.Z. music at South Florida schools NEW YORK - It will be a Though the Fugees only amaican, William “Willie” reunion of sorts in New released two albums, their Stewart has taken his dis- Zealand early in the New Year second, “The Score”, has sold tinct style of drumming for former Fugees members over 20 million copies world- J into South Florida’s schools. Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill. wide, and a follow-up has For the last eight years he Jean and Hill are slated to been highly-anticipated/ has been teaching the into perform on Jan. 23 at the allegedly in the works for Broward County institutions, Ragamuffin Music Festival, in years. sharing his knowledge and Rotorua, according to organ- The Ragamuffin Festival experience with the students. izers. It will be the first time in will also feature some of reg- Working with young persons, years that the two will share a gae’s top performers, includ- motivating, uplifting and stage. ing Julian Marley, Sly and empowering them led to the The Ragamuffin Festival Robbie, Sean Kingston and creation of his company will be Hill’s first performance Shaggy. Solutions in Music. since she canceled her 2009 After 23 years with the tour in June, citing health - CaribWorldNews international reggae band reasons. Third World, Stewart has ® become a drum instructor and drum therapist, while pursuing his passion of teaching. Today, ‘Catch A Fire’ for Grammy Hall of Fame he continues to work with ob Marley & The Jelly Roll Morton and the youth, teaching them the his- Wailers’ “Catch A Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. tory and art of drumming, as BFire” album is among “This year’s Grammy Hall well as the ability to focus and several recordings set to be of Fame inductees highlight a communicate using their cre- inducted in the 2010 Grammy diverse array of masterpiece ative talents. Hall of Fame. recordings that have had a pro- Recently, Stewart took his The album was recorded found impact on our musical technique center stage, work- by Island Records in 1973. It ing with students from two established the band as inter- South Florida schools during a drumming workshop staged - Photographs by dianeschafer photography national superstars, leader Stewart works with participants at a recent interactive workshop. in particular. The at the Broward Center socially aware lyrics and mili- Performing Arts (BCPA) in ditional art forms. For three this session. This program will tant tone surprised many lis- downtown Fort Lauderdale. years, the BCPA and Broward further enhance and continue teners, but others were The students were scheduled County Public schools have to nurture our cultural rela- attracted to songwriters to come from Parkway Middle presented “Arts Inspires…” a tionship with Jamaica,” said Marley and Peter Tosh’s con- School and Winston Park workshop that introduces stu- Jan Goodheart, BCPA’s public frontational subjects and opti- Elementary. dents to South Florida’s multi- affairs director. mistic view of a future free cultural community. It fea- In 2006, the BCPA forged from oppression. FUSION tures well-known teaching and an alliance with the Consulate “Catch a Fire” peaked at Through the educational performing guest artists who General of Jamaica, resulting #171 and #51 on Billboard’s interactive program “Art are passionate about their art in a range of successful per- (North America) Pop Albums history,” Neil Portnow, presi- Inspires”, the BCPA has fused form and willing to share with formances including the and Black Albums charts, dent/chief executive officer of education with the arts, giving the students, particularly National Dance Theatre respectively. It is number #123 The Recording Academy, was students the opportunity to those who are interested in Company of Jamaica (NDTC), on Rolling Stone’s list of the quoted as saying recently. interact and work with world- pursuing the arts. Dem Three Jamaican Tenors, 500 greatest albums of all The Recording renowned practitioners in tra- “We are excited about (CONTINUED ON PAGE 14) time, the second highest Academy`s National Trustees placement of the four Bob established the Grammy Hall Marley albums on the list. Of Fame in 1973 to honor Other selections include recordings of lasting qualita- VISIONS ON ‘CARIBBEAN CANVAS’ songs from Bo Diddley, Judy tive or historical significance Garland, Harry James & His that are at least 25 years old. Orchestra, , Mahalia Jackson, Janis Joplin, - CaribWorldNews Gene Kelly, Johnny Mercer, ® Deported rapper Shyne visits prison BELMOPAN, Belize - Moses dude” who had a hard life in Michael Levivy, better known Curassow Street would reach as the Shyne, is sharing his the highest level in America experience in a New York culture. He said that he made prison with prisoners in Belize. $30 million, and said he did The rapper, Belize’s most records with Usher and Justin famous depor- Timberlake among others tee, visited the while shooting a video while Hattieville in jail. Prison on “Anything is possible,” Nov. 26, Levivy said. Caribbean artists attempt to come exhibition opening this month in will be on display are Edouard Thanksgiving The son of Belize Prime to terms with a variety of issues, South Florida. Dubal Carrie, Maritou, Alejandro Day in the Minister Dean Barrow urged ranging from self, identity and “Caribbean Canvas: Identity in Mendoza, Turgo Bastien, Genevieve U.S., where he the prisoners not to sit in community, migration, national pol- an Era of Globalization” officially Lahens, Philippe Dodard, Franklin spoke to about prison and cry, but plan their Shyne itics, hope and disillusionment opens Dec. 5 and runs through Sinanan, Guy Syllien, Francesca 400 inmates. lives out as he did. about older models of organization January at Multitudes art gallery, Lalanne, Kristo Nicholas and Peter His visit of art and society, and art and the Contemporary Art Center Wayne Lewis. was planned to inspire the - Oscar Ramjeet/Special to making of history, through their @TeleAmerica in Miami. inmates. He told them that he CaribWorldNews. work which will be on display at an Among the artists whose work ® never thought that a “young ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Reggae meets rap for National ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS • Christmas variety show • Documentary spotlight Jamaican singers Carlene Davis A Haitian-born Princeton Geographic discussion and Paul Blake, plus drama group University janitor is among those Sarge and de People dem Pickney, featured in a documentary titled WASHINGTON, D.C. - Jeff Chang and Moussa Lo will provide the entertainment at the “The Philosopher Kings”. Grammy-winning singer and DJ Red Alert. “Gu Wey! It’s Christmas” variety Josue Lajeunesse works as one Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley DJ Kool Herc is often show, 5 p.m. Dec. 20 at The Royal of Princeton University’s 220 building and Nas are set to come seen as the “Godfather” of Palm Beach Community High School, services janitors and is also a taxi together this month for a 10600 Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal driver, father, philanthropist and National Geographic discus- Palm Beach, Florida. community organizer. The documen- sion on the cultural links of For more information, call 800- tary tells the stories of eight janitors hip hop and reggae. 304-2862. at universities across the country The National and the wisdom found among the Geographic`s Grosvenor • ‘Island’ fashion winners custodial staff. Auditorium here will be the Eric Raisina of Madagascar won location for the Dec. 12 dis- top designer honors at last month’s • Caribbean ‘Secret’ cussion that will see Marley “Islands of the World Fashion Week” The Caribbean was again repre- and Nas focusing on the in The Bahamas. Raisina won the sented in the popular Victoria`s Secret Caribbean and African links “Sustainable Eco-Fashion Award”, fashion show when Cayman Islands- of the musical genres. The dis- for effectively using environmentally born model Selita Ebanks took the cussion will travel the journey in Jamaica the same year friendly products while incorporating runway in New York recently. from Africa through the slave Herc moved to the United environmental or social issues into Ebanks was one of two black trade to the American and States. designs, and one of the four “Seals models to grace the catwalk. She Caribbean colonies, spawning It will also be streamed of Excellence Awards”. earned favorable reviews in a both the dancehall parties of Nas live at www.natgeomusic.net. Raisina won for his outfit called sequined and feathered white corset Jamaica and the park jams of For more information, visit “African Lace”. The “Culture and top and matching panties with by a The Bronx, said a statement hip hop who brought about www.nglive.org. Fashion Award”, given for incorpo- purple train. released last month. the music elements of the cul- rating a uniquely cultural element in Titled “Distant ture to The Bronx as early as - CaribWorldNews garment design, was won by Jessie- Compiled from a variety of Relatives”, the event will also 1973. U-Roy is a rarely-credit- Ann Jessamy of Grenada. sources. include DJ Kool Herc, Rakim, ed rap pioneer for his 1969 hit ® Daddy U-Roy, King Jammy, “Wake The Town”, recorded ® Jamaican drums up solutions in music at South Florida schools

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13) genres from slavery through collection of nearly 100 drums modern day popular culture. of all sizes and designs. Each Jamaica Farewell and Reggae Following the practice one, he says, signifies a differ- Symphony. sessions, the students will be ent rhythm and sound, creat- allowed to perform with their ing a distinctive, gyrating LEARNING drumming instructor to sound- sound unique to the ear. The students participating tracks from international reg- Drumming originated in in the workshop with Stewart gae artiste Bob Marley, to an West Africa and was transport- were scheduled to share a invited audience of educators, ed across the world during the two-hour session in drumming art enthusiasts, patrons of the slave trade. This sound was a techniques, coordination and BCPA, media and friends. distinct form of communication creativity, the role of percus- Through his passion, to the slaves during rituals. sive music forms in ritual and Stewart expresses his love for While he continues his culture, and team building. his homeland as a reggae program with schools, Stewart calls this technique “ambassador” and would also Stewart’s goal is to educate “liberating learning through like to introduce his drumming the young ones about the rhythm.” Through his demon- techniques as part of the cur- drumming history, as a com- strations, Stewart intends to riculum in Jamaican schools. munication tool, leadership expose students to the history He boasts of his worldwide qualities, team building, and of Jamaican music, tracing the for those who want to pursue career goals in music specifi- - Photographs by dianeschafer photography cally with an interest in per- Stewart in action around his drum set. cussions. “I want to empower and groups around the globe. World produced 13 record inspire the young people,” he Along with other band albums. The band has shared said.“We all have rhythm and members, Stewart began work- stage performances worldwide this kind of involvement ing with students in Jamaica with stars like Marley, Michael teaches history, culture, and during his time as the drummer Jackson, . helps us to find an inner self.” with Third World. He has also Stewart feels blessed with Through his Solutions in worked in the music industry as the ability to communicate Music teaching company, he a songwriter, music technologist, through drumming and is inter- has also done workshops with programmer, instructor/facilita- ested in sharing this experience. small groups, corporations, tor and director. “I am now focusing on universities and community During that time, Third sharing my talent with others – young persons interested in the developing leadership qualities and self empowerment and per- sonal development,” he said. Stewart also expresses contentment and a deep sense of spirit as he has blended his passion of teaching, service to the community and his talent of communicating through music, specifically drumming.

- Information obtained from the JIS. ®

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FOOD www.caribbeantoday.com ‘Tis the season for a Christmas/wedding cake…Caribbean style hristmas comes this ure the raisins, nuts, currants Now prepare the cake pans ator, then in mid-November, month and Caribbean along with the citron peel. by greasing and lining with wax bake the cake and freeze it. Cpeople are often in the Drain the cherries and reserve double thickness of heavy brown Every couple of weeks, take the baking mood during that season. the juice. paper. Brown shopping bags do fruit out and re-soak the Here’s one version of a Chop cherries. They should well or use aluminum foil with cheesecloth in the liquor and Christmas/wedding cake measure about one and a quar- dull side out. Grease paper or wrap it back up and re-freeze. obtained from the online site ter cups. Then add to the fruit aluminum foil well. Use any size Caribbean Recipes: mixture. Stir in the brandy and pans you wish, but leave an inch OPTIONS soak it overnight space at the top of pan. The total By the time Christmas Ingredients Note: You can also do this a weight is 11. 5 pounds. comes back around youwill • 12 eggs few weeks in advance and let it Preheat the oven to 275 have a moist cake. Note: You • 1 pound of butter sit in the refrigerator and let the degrees Farenheit. can use fruit juice if you do not fruit soak right in the brandy for Sift or stir the flour with the want any alcohol. • 2 cups of currants - File photograph • 1 teaspoon of salt more flavor if you like. spices, salt and soda until its A beautifully decorated Christmas cake You can also decorate the • 2 1/4 cups of sugar If you decide to do it the well mixed. can add cheer to the holidays. cake with almond paste or your • 1 cup of strawberry jam day before baking, cover it with Use a cup of flour mixture favorite icing or just serve it • 2 teaspoons of cinnamon the plastic wrap and then leave and sprinkle over fruits and size. Place in a shallow pan of plain. • 1/2 teaspoon of allspice on top of the counter at room nuts then toss it until they are water on the lower rack for Note: You can substitute • 2 cups of seeded raisins temperature. well coated with the flour. Set added moisture if you’d like. strawberry jam with marmalade • 2 cups of seedless raisins In a large size sauce pan or the remaining three cups of The cake should be fairly or any flavor jam. You can use • 2 1/2 cups of chopped dates a heavy dutch oven, simmer the flour aside. firm in the center and a skewer alcohol to flavor it or not. • 4 cups of all-purpose flour entire contents of can of In a large measuring bowl, inserted right in the center You can also serve it as a • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves pineapple with two cups of cream two and a quarter cups should come out clean. Christmas fruit cake or use it to • 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking sugar and cook it uncovered for of sugar with the butter. Beat in Remove from the oven and make a wedding cake. soda at least 30 minutes until it eggs one at a time. Stir in dry allow to cool in pan for five This recipe makes enough • 1 3/4 cups of slivered almonds thickened. ingredients, alternating with minutes. Remove from pan cake to fill a set of three gradu- • 1/2 cup of brandy or pineap- Frequently stir and make pineapple mixture. then peel off paper and then let ated wedding cake pans (7.5 ple juice sure the heat is not too high. You must make about it cool on a rack. inches, 5.5 inches, and a four- • 1 (10 ounce) can of crushed When cooled off, stir juice from three dry and two liquid addi- When cooled off, wrap it in inch pan). pineapple the jar of marachino cherries. tions, combining lightly after cheesecloth that has been The cakes are about two • 1 (12 ounces) bottle maraschi- Note: It should not be more each addition. soaked in the brandy, rum, black inches high and the total weight no cherries than a half-cup and the straw- Pour over flour-coated wine along with liquor, or either is about 11.5 pounds. • 2 cups of citrus peels or berry jam. fruits and nuts and mix until fruit juice. Then wrap the cake If you were to cut the cake mixed glace fruit This mixture doesn’t have to well combined. Turn into the in tin foil (leaving the cheese- up for a wedding, it would • 2 cups of sugar (additional be done the day before baking, prepared pans, fill them to cloth on the cake). Freeze if not serve at least 100 to 150 people, sugar listed below) but it does have to be cool about an inch from the top. being used right away. depending on how small you Method before you add it to the cake. Bake in a preheated oven Note: you can soak fruits want pieces to be. Day 1 Note: It is recommend that you for about three to three and a around the end of October for a In a large size bowl, meas- do this step on the day of baking. half hours depending on pan couple of weeks in the refriger- ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com HEALTH/ ENVIRONMENT Forecaster closes book on ‘very FIGHTING FOR inactive’ hurricane season CANCER CURE COLORADO, United States been recorded in every month – Colorado State University outside of the standard June- Sandra Griffiths, second left, Jamaica’s consul general in Miami, accepts checks on behalf of the Jamaica hurricane forecaster William through-November period,” Cancer Society from Florida-based Dr. Wentworth Gray has closed the book on Feltgen said. Jarrett, right, who spearheaded a series of yoga salu- the 2009 Atlantic hurricane tations in October which raised over $5,000 to fight season that officially ended on LOW NUMBERS breast cancer. The funds were given to the JCS and Nov. 30. But Jeff Masters, chief the Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund. Marion Robinson, Because El Niño has cre- meteorologist of the Weather left, of Inochi Incorporated, and Sandra Jarrett, the ated strong wind shear over Underground, said that since doctor’s wife, also attended the presentation. the tropics, “the odds of a 1950, in the years that El Niño storm are very, very small has emerged, only three from this point on,” said Gray named storms have developed late last month. in the Atlantic after Nov. 15. U.S gives HIV/AIDS help commitment to But the Florida-based El Niño is created by a warm- United States National ing of the equatorial eastern GEORGETOWN, Guyana, to furthering our achieve- Hurricane Center (NHC) said Pacific Ocean. It generates CMC - The United States says ments and look forward to it’s possible that the wind wind shear – a change in wind it will continue to support the continuing the battle against shear could relax over the speed or direction – and insta- programs that have led to a this global epidemic,” she coming weeks, with the waters bility in the atmosphere, reduction in the spread of the said. in the Caribbean still warm which acts to disrupt storms deadly HIV virus in Guyana, The World Health enough to support storm for- before they can build and even as it warned that there Organization (WHO) esti- mation. strengthen. are likely to be “obstacles that mates that more than four NHC spokesman Dennis Gray said there have only threaten the success of our million individuals in low and Feltgen warned not to “raid the been nine named storms so future HIV prevention, treat- middle income countries cur- hurricane kit yet.” Feltgen said far this year, including three ment and care efforts.” rently have access to anti- that the hurricane season hurricanes. He said the aver- In a statement marking retroviral treatment. looked like it was over in mid- age season has 11 named World AIDS Day 2009, on “Thanks to our many November, but, then, Ida storms, including six hurri- Dec. 1, Karen Williams Williams Washington partners, the American peo- formed in the western canes. Washington, charge d’affaires President Barack Obama, the ple, through the United States Caribbean. He said it wouldn’t “It was a very inactive at the U.S. Embassy here, said support more than half of be unusual for a storm to devel- season,” Gray said. President’s Emergency Plan Guyana cannot succeed in the for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) those men, women and chil- op in the Caribbean this month. fight against HIV/AIDS dren on treatment,” Williams “Tropical cyclones have ® will support Guyana as it alone, and the U.S. is commit- works to further integrate and Washington said. ted to working with its global expand access to other health “In Guyana, PEPFAR has partners to support Guyana’s care services, such as those allocated more than US$100 leadership in this effort. She that address tuberculosis, million to the HIV/AIDS epi- said that over the next five malaria, maternal and child demic over a six-year period. years, the U.S. will place health and family planning At the end of September renewed emphasis on partner- with HIV/AIDS programs. 2009, the national program, ing with Guyana to build the with the support of PEPFAR, country’s national HIV/AIDS UNWAVERING had provided life-saving anti- response. PEPFAR is the largest retroviral therapy to 2,737 “We will continue to work commitment in history by any people and HIV care and sup- together with all sectors of nation to combat a single dis- port services to 5,399 persons Guyana as they craft strate- ease and the U.S. is unwaver- infected with and affected by gies and programs to combat ing in its commitment to its HIV.” HIV/AIDS and support the partner nations. Government of Guyana as it “On World AIDS Day ® engages international part- 2009, we recommit ourselves ners, civil society and non- governmental organizations,” Williams Washington said. She noted that as part CARICOM releases song of the U.S. Global Health Initiative announced by on climate change The Caribbean community Framework Convention on (CARICOM) Secretariat has Climate Change Conference released a song outlining the (UNFCCC) to be held in region’s position on the Denmark this month. The ven- impact climate change is hav- ture has also received support ing on small island develop- from the United Kingdom ment states (SIDS). Department for International The song, “1.5 to Stay Development (DFID) and Alive”, written and performed the Caribbean Community by the Barbadian poet Adisa Climate Change Centre “AJA” Andwele, combines (CCCCC). the “rapso” tradition, which is “The theme of the song poetry performed to calypso refers to the Centigrade and other rhythms from the degree limit to which global Caribbean, and also features surface temperatures can rise the voice of Barbadian singer before…SIDS are severely Indrani. compromised in their ability The song was commis- to adapt to the impacts of cli- sioned by the United Nations mate change”, the CARI- Development Program COM Secretariat noted in a (UNDP) and the CARICOM statement. Secretariat and was released as the region finalizes its position ® ahead of the United Nations

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HEALTH/ ENVIRONMENT www.caribbeantoday.com Funding approved for Caribbean HIV/AIDS fight ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, its hard work which “has arrangements to access the greatest need. It has since $18.4 billion for 144 countries. CMC – The Global Fund to borne wonderful fruit for the funds almost immediately after approved funding totaling fight HIV and AIDS, people of the Caribbean the completion of certain pro- ® Tuberculosis and Malaria whom we serve. cedural requirements and the (GFATM) will provide $34.5 “…I have no doubt that the signing of the grant. million to the Pan Caribbean same spirit of collaboration that PANCAP, established in Partnership Against HIV and brought us this far will see us 2001, is a regional umbrella AIDS (PANCAP) to support through to the end,” he added. organization which brings the HIV response in the together national HIV pro- Caribbean. PRAISE grams partnering with region- The approval was made Browne also praised al and international organiza- during the board meeting of UNAIDS and the United tions involved in the the Global Fund last month. States Agency for International Caribbean’s response to the Carl Browne, director of Development (USAID) for HIV and AIDS epidemic. the PANCAP Coordinating providing much of the funding The Global Fund was cre- Unit (PCU), who attended to allow PANCAP to submit “a ated in 2002 with a mandate to the meeting, said he was top notch” proposal to the dramatically increase resources thankful to the entire PAN- meeting. Officials said the pro- to fight three of the world’s CAP fraternity, including the posal received a Category 2 most devastating diseases - UNAIDS Caribbean rating, which means that PAN- HIV, TB and malaria, and to Regional Support Team, for CAP can begin making direct resources to areas of Caribbean launches public climate change campaign GEORGETOWN, Guyana, The CARICOM the “unmanageable conse- CMC – The 15-member Secretariat said that the plan quences” of climate change Caribbean community includes a dig- was based on studies by the (CARICOM) grouping has ital display on Belize-based Caribbean launched a public campaign the harmful Community Climate Change ahead of the United Nations effects of ris- Centre (CCCCC). He said the Framework Convention on ing green study concluded that global Climate Change (UNFCCC) house gases average temperatures which meeting in Denmark. on the small exceeded 1.5 degrees centi- The initiative is designed to island states grade would have devastating promote the region’s unified (SIDS) and effects on the region including position on climate change several video Carrington significant destruction of coral ahead of the Dec. 7-18 meeting. presentations reefs, coastal barriers, and The campaign under the on the how climate change is marine ecosystems, as well as theme “1.5 °C to Stay Alive”, affecting human, animal and excessive flooding and more is intended to support and plant life in the Caribbean. intense hurricanes. “dramatize a common region- “It will erode much of the al approach for mitigating the COMMON APPROACH foundation of our tourism, effects of climate change on Secretary-General Edwin our agriculture and our fish- the region”, which will be Carrington said the common eries industry; it will wreak articulated at Copenhagen. regional approach to mitigate havoc on our plant-life, our forests and most of all dislo- cate our people. Immediate Ex-U.S. president expands malaria corrective action must there- fore be taken if we are to fight in Haiti, Dominican Republic avoid this widespread destruc- PORT OF PRINCE, Haiti, that have long been distant tion,” Carrington said. CMC — Former United States memories in richer countries. President Jimmy Carter has “It’s a very different kind ® announced plans to expand a of life than any person could $200,000 pilot project in Haiti sort of do while still in the and the Dominican Republic White House,” he said. to curb the spread of malaria. U.S. health officials say “One of the most impor- about 30,000 Haitians and sev- tant developments has been eral thousand people across the the new co- border in the Dominican operation Republic are infected annually between the with the mosquito-borne illness. two coun- They say Hispaniola, the island tries,” said that comprises Haiti and the Carter while Dominican Republic, is malar- touring a ia’s last Caribbean outpost. Haitian hos- Carter said his pilot proj- pital that ect, established by his non- treats malaria profit Carter Center, has victims Carter helped curb the spread of the recently. disease in two towns about 10 “And, for the first time in miles apart on opposite sides history, they are targeting the of the border between Haiti complete elimination of the and the Dominican Republic. disease, instead of just treating The former U.S. president sick people.” said his program has funded Carter said he was deter- nets treated with insecticide mined to travel to “the most for residents to use, micro- distant and small and isolated scopes for lab technicians and and poverty-stricken villages motorbikes for field workers. in the deserts, in the jungles and in the poorest countries ® on earth” to wipe out diseases

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www.caribbeantoday.com SPORT Jamaican leads team Cricket Hall of Fame brings back to first MLS title memories of Caribbean legends minutes of extra time which eteran Jamaica inter- GORDON WILLIAMS Australia’s Greg Chappell, game.” For the local group, national player Andy ended with both teams locked England’s Tony Greig, Sunil the CHF looks “more to what at 1-1. And despite Williams’s VWilliams ended a roller HARTFORD, Connecticut – Gavaskar of India and they’ve done to move the own miss in the penalty coaster season on a high note Some of the greatest names in Pakistan’s Mushtaq game forward.” In the future, shootout, RSL eventually pre- last month by helping his team Caribbean cricket history are Mohammed. Jamaican cricket he said, when there is better vailed 5-4. Real Salt Lake capture the being immortalized in this writer Tony Becca and the late recordkeeping for competi- Fellow Jamaica interna- Major League Soccer (MLS) northeastern United States city. tions in the U.S. and Canada, tional Donovan Ricketts, the title. Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir players from those leagues starting goalkeeper for the RSL defeated the Los Vivian Richards, Michael could also be inducted. Galaxy, was forced to leave Angeles Galaxy on penalty Holding, Clive Lloyd and “As of yet we can’t really the game in the second half kicks to win the MLS Cup, George Headley are among base it on a player’s ability,” symbol of North American more than a dozen legends said the director. champions, to bring a major from the region who have The CHF, located on professional sports title for the earned induction into the Main Street, next door the state of Utah. Cricket Hall of Fame (CHF). SAC, features a variety of Williams, who completed The CHF, which was estab- memorabilia, including signed the 2009 season under the lished nearly three decades ago cloud of his wife Marcia’s ill- by the Sportsmen’s Athletic ness – she suffered from can- Club (SAC) here, is designed cer, but is reportedly recover- to pay tribute to the game’s A photograph of West Indies legends Sir ing and attended the game – best, especially those who have played the full 90 minutes of Garfield Sobers, left, and George represented the region with dis- Headley is part of the CHF. regulation and additional 30 tinction. “It has dawned on us that Australian businessman Kerry everybody has recorded their Packer are also in the interna- Williams - File photograph own history except us West tional wing of the CHF. Indians,” said CHF’s Director The “local” inductees are Michael Chambers. honored for their contribution with an injured right hand suf- “What convinced us that to cricket in the U.S. and fered in a collision. we needed a hall of fame was Canada. While most of the atten- when we met (Alf) Valentine The original idea for the tion in the final appeared to and (Lance) Gibbs at the first CHF came from Jamaican- A sweater with shirt tucked inside, worn focus on the Galaxy, with by Alf Valentine during his playing days, induction ceremony, when born Ken Wallace, who had a MLS regular season Most is on display at the CHF. they expressed their apprecia- plan to set up a cricket muse- Valuable Player Landon tion that nothing like this had um. Trinidad native Errol Donovan and England inter- happened to them; you know Housain then took that con- playing gear, books, printed national David Beckham, it that you had to do it.” cept a step further to include articles, photographs, trophies was RSL which appeared the The two great spinners the hall of fame, which was and statues. Most of the better team on Nov. 22. The were inducted in 1981. Since established in 1980, with the inductees, including some of Galaxy scored first, when then some 28 more “interna- first induction held the follow- the biggest names in cricket, finished off a tional” inductees have been ing year. have journeyed here to attend good build-up involving selected. Among them are Chambers explained that the ceremony. The most Beckham and Donovan. cricketers from non-West most of the international recent was held early October, RSL equalized in the 64th Indian countries, like inductees earn their spots for through Robbie Findley and “accomplishments playing the (CONTINUED ON PAGE 19) eventually took charge of the game. Still, the score remained Bolt, Richards win world athlete-of-the-year awards tied at the end of 120 minutes before the Galaxy missed wo Caribbean-born ath- three penalties to RSL’s two. letes were named world A clearly exhausted Williams Tathletes of the year last broke into tears as his team month. Sprint megastar Usain celebrated the win and Bolt of Jamaica and Jamaican- embraced several RSL and born American quarter-miler Galaxy team members and Sanya Richards both won the coaches. award for a second time. The 23-year-old Bolt collected ® the award for another sensa-

- Photograph by Getty Images tional season of sprinting, maiden, global gold medal in which included world record her pet event in Berlin, and times in the 100 and 200 earned a second gold as part meters at the World of the American team in the Championships in Athletics in women’s 4x400 relay. Berlin last August, as well as a Photograph shows Prince gold medal for Jamaica in the Albert II of Monaco, left, and 4x100 relay. IAAF President Lamine The 24-year-old Richards, Diack, right, with Richards who was born in Trelawny and Bolt at the IAAF World before moving to the U.S. Athletics Gala in Monaco last with her parents while a month. teenager, captured an elusive ®

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SPORT www.caribbeantoday.com Caribbean American boxer loses unanimous decision, world title hopes

GORDON WILLIAMS wider margin, not gonna go in our favor,” he 117 to 111. said. “So, it is what it is.” HARTFORD, Connecticut – CompuBox, Johnson, whose record A Caribbean American’s which tracked dropped to 49 wins, 13 losses dream of returning to the pin- the punches and two draws, said he is still nacle of boxing took a big hit thrown in the willing to continue his ring here last month. fight, also gave career and might move up to Jamaican-born Glen Dawson a signifi- cruiserweight, the 200-pound Johnson, a resident of Miami, cant edge. The division. However, his chances Florida, was defeated by Chad American threw of getting another world title Dawson and in the process more punches shot grew decidedly slimmer lost the chance to claim the (756 to 688) and following last month’s loss. American’s International landed more (246 According to Margules, who Boxing Organization (IBO) to 167), including called Johnson a “courageous title, plus the interim World jabs (104 to 77) warrior,” it will be “a long Boxing Council (WBC) belt in and power shots road back” for the fighter. the light heavyweight division. (142 to 90). “He’d have to do some- It was the second time in Johnson, who thing dramatic to get a big 18 months that Johnson found before the fight fight,” the promoter said. himself on the wrong side believed that he However, based on the of a unanimous decision to needed to knock Jamaican’s trademark deter- Dawson. The two fought for out the undefeat- mination, he also refused to Dawson’s WBC title in April ed Dawson (29- totally rule out Johnson’s 2008 in Tampa, Florida. Last 0) to win in the chances. month’s defeat, however, American’s home “You never know,” said threatened to spell the end of state, conceded Margules. “It’s up to him.” the chase for a world title for - Photograph by Gordon Williams that, unlike the the aging former champion Johnson, left, and Dawson square off at the weigh-in before last month’s fight. controversial first Gordon Williams is Caribbean known as the “Road fight, the judges’ Today’s managing editor. Warrior”. “He was getting away scored it 115 to 113 in decision in the rematch didn’t “You know, he’s 40 years from me,” Johnson said while Dawson’s favor. The third had warrant much complaint. ® old, still beats most guys,” said in his dressing room immedi- the American ahead by a “When it’s that close it’s Leon Margules of Seminole ately after the bout. “He Warriors Boxing, which pro- fought a good fight. He fought motes some of Johnson’s the way how he can be most Windies suffer ‘embarrassing’ loss fights. “On the other hand, I successful.” don’t know if he has the speed That also included clever- to beat a young, quick guy.” ly avoiding a brawl, which got he West Indies slumped scored 408 for eight wickets matches this month, followed It was Dawson’s speed of him hurt in the first fight. to an “embarrassing” declared. The visitors replied by several limited overs games. hands, feet and mind that “I didn’t want to go Tinnings and 65 runs with 228 all out, fuelled by caused Johnson’s downfall in through hell again,” Dawson defeat to Australia in the first half centuries from Guyana’s ® their 12-round contest at the admitted. match in a three Test cricket Travis Dowlin (62) and vice- XL Center on Nov. 7. The “I used my jab, I used my series Down Under last captain Dinesh Ramdin (54). American constantly slipped speed, outclassed him,” he month, despite a brilliant Forced to follow-on, the West out of the Jamaican’s reach, added. “I made him miss. He century from teenaged Indies was bowled out for 187. keeping him at bay with sharp was too slow.” Trinidadian Adrian Barath. The visitors lost 15 wickets for jabs. The judges agreed. Two Barath, 19 and making 280 runs in 76.1 overs on the his Test debut, became the final day of the match. West youngest West Indian to score Indies captain Chris Gayle Cricket Hall of Fame brings back a hundred after he blasted 104 called the loss “downright runs in the second innings at embarrassing. The Gabba. The West Indies will face memories of Caribbean legends Australia batted first and Australia in two more Test (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18) According to the director, when India’s Farokh Engineer the CHF offers a fitting salute was inducted, alongside to their efforts. locals Lesly Lowe, Austin “What we do is give the Hutchinson, Lloyd George players one last hurrah,” said Dixon and Joslyn Chance Sr. Chambers. “They come to the The majority of the inter- end of their playing career and national inductees are from they can now carry their the Caribbean. induction honor into the hall “We justify it by saying of fame to their graves.” that the era those guys played in, they were considered Gordon Williams is Caribbean champions or number one Today’s managing editor. performers at the time,” said Chambers. ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com TOURISM & TRAVEL Time to upgrade product, market St. Lucia ramps up courting of aggressively ~ Jamaica’s minister Asian American market LONDON, England - Jamaica has recorded a Jamaica’s Tourism Minister six percent increase in stay- CASTRIES, St. Lucia – St. Palm’s Conference Centre. ful of nations in the Caribbean Ed Bartlett believes over visitors this year. Lucia’s tourism authorities are St. Lucia has explored the that recognizes the Taiwanese Caribbean countries should do “Those countries that ramping up efforts targeting potential for “ethnic” tourism government. whatever they can to upgrade have remained aggressive dur- the Asian American market, in the “It’s a long way from their product and attract visi- ing this recession, the rewards with special welcome to Caribbean and Taiwan, but we have hundreds tors in order to keep their have been in terms of Taiwanese Americans. the tourism of thousands of Taiwanese in economies afloat despite the increased arrivals in some Louis Lewis, St. Lucia’s authorities are America who remain attached global downturn. cases and in other cases it is director of tourism, said that assessing the to their home country,” said Speaking at the World both an increase in arrivals as on the heels of a recent famil- potential to Ho. “They are now a prosper- Travel Market (WTM) trade well as increased market iarization visit of Taiwanese market the ous community and include show here last month, Bartlett share,” Bartlett said. Americans, spearheaded by island to many professionals and busi- said his coun- Bay Gardens Resorts, the Taiwanese ness people. Like most middle Ho try has been ‘OPTIMAL’ island is anticipating the Americans. class Americans, they like able to main- But Bartlett described the arrival of leading civil society CMEx was vacations and we think they tain its posi- latter as being the “optimal” activist Iris Ho, who is sched- scheduled to meet under a might like to show their appre- tion as a lead- way to go. uled to participate in this theme which examines multi- ciation to St. Lucia.” ing destination “It is, in fact, what you month’s Caribbean Media cultural tourism markets, as through an must do because when you’re Exchange on Sustainable well as climate change. ® aggressive out of the recession that mar- Tourism (CMEx) at Coco St. Lucia is one of a hand- drive to ket share now is going to upgrade its Bartlett reflect itself in volumes - high- product and to er numbers which will give British travel duty to Caribbean market Jamaica as a place you the arrival explosion that tourists want to visit. you will need to drive your “Well, we have had to industry,” he explained. destinations unjust ~ Chastanet be…we went out there and Bartlett said Caribbean refurbished and refreshed our- countries have been using LONDON, England – St. charges for passengers flying already reeling from the selves in terms of our product more aggressive marketing Lucia’s Tourism Minister from the U.K. impact of the global recession. offerings,” he explained. “We approaches to respond to the Allen Chastanet, has blasted The Caribbean has been He further contended that the added 5,000 to 6,000 new challenges posed by the reces- the recently imposed British placed in a higher band than APD is illegal, a point the rooms, we added attractions sion, but that now is not the Air Passenger Duty (APD) as the United States, although region has raised at the level and we improved our infra- time to lax. “catastrophic” and “unjust,” some U.S. destinations are of the International Civil structure. We had big invest- “If we don’t quickly and strongly urged the United further away. As a result, pas- Aviation Organization ments in our airports and our respond, we are going to be Kingdom to scrap it. sengers will pay a higher levy (ICAO). highway systems…we recog- the region that is left out,” the “First of all, it’s a cata- to fly to the Caribbean than Meanwhile, British law- nized that if you have more minister warned. strophic tax and it’s going to places like Los Angeles and maker Sarah Teather has rooms in a recession, you have be immediately catastrophic to Hawaii. vowed to keep pressure on to be aggressive, you have to ® us in the region, particularly to The St. Lucian tourism the Gordon Brown adminis- go out there and market.” the Caribbean where we’re so minister, who was named tration to revoke its “ridicu- dependent on tourism, it’s not “Caribbean Travel Personality lous” APD on passengers fly- like we have something else to of the Year” at the event, said ing to the Caribbean. go to,” Chastanet said of the the tax has come at a bad time Haitian American moves up APD, which was introduced for the Caribbean’s bread and ® at Choice Hotels on Nov. 1 and adds extra butter industry, which is NEW YORK – Haitian Cambria Suites and Sleep Inn AIR JAMAICA TO THE WORLD American travel executive brands, has been appointed Caroline Racine has been director of emerging markets promoted to director of diver- and Caribbean Franchise sity sales within the global Development, and will be aim- sales division at Choice ing to build on the groundwork Hotels International. made by Racine in the region. Racine, who ran the com- Launched about a year pany’s Caribbean Franchise ago, Ascend Collection Development efforts for two includes more than two-dozen and a half years, has been upscale properties. With given the responsibility for the Ascend, Choice Hotels aims to growing multi- lend marketing and opera- cultural mar- tional support to drive busi- kets segment. ness directly to smaller, one-of- Diversity a-kind Caribbean properties. and multicul- Racine has remained con- tural sales is a nected to the Caribbean new division region, assisting Icaza with his within the transition into his new role. company’s She was recently in Haiti with global sales Racine Icaza to help establish rela- department tionships with key tourism and and in the newly established hotel stakeholders. Before role Racine will be responsi- joining Choice 11 years ago, ble for developing strategic Racine was lead account exec- direct sales, marketing and e- utive for America Online’s commerce solutions to help interactive partnership mar- Bruce R. Nobles, right, Air Jamaica’s president and chief executive officer, is joined by Miss Jamaica World 2009 Kerrie Baylis and propel Choice as a leader in keting initiatives. She has also George W. DeMercado, the airline’s senior director for global sales, to celebrate the honor of “The Caribbean’s Leading Airline” received what is becoming a competi- served in various sales and at the 2009 World Travel Awards in London, England last month. This is the 12th consecutive year Air Jamaica has received the award. tive market segment. marketing positions in organi- The World Travel Awards celebrate the achievements in all sectors of the global travel industry. Voting is cast by travel agents in more than 190 countries. Jose Salvador Icaza, who zations such as The Discovery Jamaica earned16 awards at the event. Among them, “Leading Caribbean Destination”, “World’s Leading Cruise Destination” and previously assumed responsi- Channel. “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination”. Jamaica was also honored for its “Once you go, you know” advertising campaign, in a new cate- bility for franchise sales and gory, “Caribbean’s Leading Marketing Campaign”. The Jamaica Tourist Board was recognized as the “Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board”. development positions for the ®

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December 2009 CARIBBEAN TODAY 21

REGION/ POLITICS www.caribbeantoday.com Dominicans vote for a new SERENA STROKE government on Dec. 18

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC - to rally around a common the UWP Leader Ron Green, Dominicans go to the polls on cause to take the beautiful on a privately-owned radio Dec. 18, with Prime Minister country of ours to the next station, appealed to voters to Roosevelt Skerrit confident level,” he said. “build a new way forward” by that his ruling Dominica The DLP won 12 seats in removing the Skerrit adminis- Labour Party (DLP) will be the last general elections, held tration from office. returned to power for a The UWP said it was new five-year term. preparing to contest all 21 “I am tonight ringing seats at stake. the bell...ladies and gentle- Apart from the UWP, the men, the day we shall governing party is expected to choose between going for- face a revitalized DFP, which ward and going back- controlled the government of ward…that day is Friday this mountainous Caribbean the 18th day of December island from 1980 until 1995, 2009,” Skerrit, 37, said but failed to win a single seat while addressing a political in the last elections. The DLP meeting in the western and the DFP formed a coali- community of Mahaut last tion government after the month, urging supporters 2000 general elections. to give his party an over- on May 5, 2005, while the Hotelier Judith Pestina, a whelming mandate. main Opposition United former career local and inter- The prime minister said Workers Party (UWP) won national public servant, is 2010 would usher in a new era eight seats. The other seat was heading the party that was in Dominican politics, and won by an independent candi- once led by the late Dame called on supporters to date. Eugenia Charles. She said the “approach the new year with party would soon announce renewed vigor and enthusi- OPPOSITION candidates for the elections. asm. Meanwhile, in an immedi- “We need to clean the ate response to the announce- ® slate and start a fresh we need ment by the prime minister, American star Serena Williams, the world’s top female tennis player, tries her stroke with a cricket bat during a visit late last month to Barbados to play in an exhibition series with the world’s fourth ranked Caroline Wozniacki. Williams, a right-handed tennis player, shows a left-handed batting stance. She received a commemorative POLITICS BRIEFS bat from ICC World Twenty20 West Indies 2010 Corporate Communications Manager Gayle Alleyne at the Sugar Hill Tennis Resort. It features the tournament logo and an • Vincentians say no to new Party/Civic (PPP/C) has distanced Douglas is predicting a “clean image of a batsman on the blade, plus the tournament tagline “Captivating, constitution itself from a campaign to get sweep” of the seats up for grabs Contagious Cricket” along with her name “Serena” on the back. The ICC WT20 West The government of Prime President Bharrat Jagdeo elected when voters in St. Kitts and Nevis go Indies 2010 championship takes place in four Caribbean countries - Barbados, Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves suf- for a third consecutive term in to the polls to elect a new govern- Guyana, St. Kitts and St. Lucia - from April 30 to May 16. fered a major setback after voters Guyana. ment. in St. Vincent and the Grenadines The campaign is being led by a In the last general elections, overwhelming rejected a new con- group calling itself the “Guyanese held Oct. 24, 2005, the St. Kitts stitution in an historic referendum Coalition for Jagdeo Third Term” Labour Party (SKNLP) won seven of late last month. (GCFJTT) and is urging citizens to the 15 seats in the Parliament. The Preliminary figures released by support a referendum that would main Opposition People’s Action the Elections Office showed the allow the president to stand for a Movement (PAM) won a single seat. “No” vote totaled 29,019, com- third term when Guyanese go to The prime minister, however, gave pared to 22,493 people casting the polls in 2011. Under the no indication as to when he would ballots in support of changing the Guyana Constitution, presidents are call the general elections due in 30-year old constitution. limited to two-five year terms. 2010.

• Ruling party distances itself • P.M. predicts ‘clean sweep’ - Compiled from CMC from ‘Jagdeo Third Term’ in St. Kitts elections The ruling People’s Progressive Prime Minister Dr. Denzil ® ROYAL WELCOME

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, right, stands with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Patrick Manning, center, and India’s P.M. Dr. Manmohan Singh during the opening of the 21st Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Trinidad last month.

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www.caribbeantoday.com BOOKS/ EDUCATION Caribbean students likely to benefit from regional net of universities Fishing to raise ‘The CARACAS, Venezuela, CMC Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and “The idea is that the – Caribbean students are like- Venezuela have endorsed the member countries incorporate ly to benefit from a decision constitution for the proposed to the development of the Village Curtain’ by the Bolivarian Alliance for network. programs permitting the aca- the Peoples of Our America It said that the regional demic mobility and the devel- MARIE GREGORY The hardships bind com- (ALBA) to establish a region- project was ratified at the first opment of common curricula munities together, watched al net of universities for mem- meeting of the ALBA- for the countries, among other hen Kingstonian Tony over by village elder “Mr. ber countries. Education Training Groups actions”, the report stated. Tame began to write James”, a ganja grower, who Antigua and Barbuda, and that the meeting here It quoted Edgardo Ramirez, W“The Village Curtain” dispenses white rum liberally, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, revised the agreements director of International he had specific ideas as to what yet sticks to coconut water Ecuador, Honduras, St. Vincent reached during the sixth Cooperation, as saying that he hoped to achieve. himself. The homespun wis- and the Grenadines, Nicaragua Extraordinary Summit of the meeting considered that The first aim was “to dom of the man allows him to and Venezuela are members of Heads of State in Venezuela UNIALBA should be a net examine a specific segment of deal with people at all levels - ALBA, which Caracas has and of the second ALBA for the participation of stu- West Indian - and in particular politicians, charity workers, been promoting as the alterna- Education Workshop in dents, educational, investiga- Jamaican - society’s use of cul- visitors and police - advising tive to the Free Trade Area of Nicaragua. The projection tors, workers and productive turally unique survival tech- quietly, carrying on his own the Americas (FTAA). includes the creation of a com- sectors in the design of inves- niques and the private atmos- activities, ever hospitable yet A report in the Cuban mon program for the teaching tigation lines. phere which tends to be pro- never lifting the village curtain news agency Prensa Latina of community integral medi- duced within small Caribbean more than a few inches. stated that experts from cine, education and energy. ® fishing communities”. The second intention was COMMENTARY “that readers will enjoy experi- Social commentary is scat- encing the sharp contrast tered throughout. We hear of between appearance and reality the young officer from in what seems so picturesque Kingston explaining basic sea- and idyllic a place as the West manship to the men of the vil- Indies where the outcome of lage who had fished the Pedro the best charitable, official and Banks since they bureaucratic were 10 years old, efforts is and the always uncer- Englishman who tain at best”. comes to the “The Police Force as Village deputy commis- Curtain” is sioner telling the described on press that he has the cover as not come to “A Jamaican solve crime. Collection”. Finally, there is That is, perhaps, the “Charity somewhat mis- Man”, so called leading. I expect- by “Mr. ed a collection of James”. Here short stories. is the disillu- True, the stories sioned do- are there, full of gooder who interesting sees his projects diverted from vignettes and characters who their original intent. appear and reappear. Yet the Tame is a master of under- framework is more that of a statement. novel. The action needs to be We are allowed glimpses of followed chronologically. lives in the community. The cur- There is no obvious human tain is never lifted completely. hero. The story deals with the The final vignette is of the sea, survival and the village cul- dog, “a formal sort of dog”, ture. Tame has spent a lifetime passing to other owners after in the marine industry. He the death of Myra, the love of admits that he has never earned his life. Nameless, loyal, know- a cent that has not come from ing, the dog becomes an alco- his dealings with the sea. The holic after being given rum in first chapter and references the local bar. The chapter, throughout point to fishing - which deals with the death and reading the weather, even dyna- burial of the animal, is touching. miting the coral reefs - testimo- As the story closes and ny to his intimate knowledge. “Sonia”, about to return to her He is fascinated by the various homeland, looks at “Mr. James” methods used in fishing, sympa- and sees the veil of his eyes, the thetic to the plight of those who moment of truth teaches her “it’s eke out survival in that uncer- not a veil, it’s a curtain. Curtain, tain environment. hell. It’s a wall”. Tame says: “I hope that I UNDERSTANDING have been at least partially Characters in the book are successful at bringing the smell treated with understanding. of the salt spray at daybreak The human spirit is strong, as and rage of the hurricane into illustrated over and over the general atmosphere of this whether through Sonia, the vis- book as well as the tranquil iting American who falls in sound of a quiet, rainy night”. love with the Black River area Mission accomplished. and wants to develop tourism; Mikey, who survives a Florida Marie Gregory is a freelance prison and almost loses his life writer for Caribbean Today. at sea; or Leo, who dynamites The book is available through the reef and loses an arm yet is Amazon.com. able to continue with an adapt- ed method. ®

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December 2009 CARIBBEAN TODAY 23

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