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PRESORTED AUGUST 2008 STANDARD ® U.S. POSTAGE PAID MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 7315 Tel: (305) 238-2868 1-800-605-7516 [email protected] [email protected] W e cover your world Vol. 19 No. 9 Jamaica: 654-7282 THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING NEWS MAGAZINE Caribana and Crop Over are over and thousands of revelers are wish- ing they were back in the fete. The carnival “wining” season is here, but if we do not vote how we party, there will instead be a lot of whining, page 4.

Rising fuel prices, which affect travel to the Caribbean, ~ Vivian Blake, one of the Caribbean’s most plus attracting notorious criminal masterminds, who United more African States law enforcement claimed orchestrated a Americans to vicious gang linked to murders, racketeering, the region as drugs and weapons trafficking, is in line for visitors and investors, were among the early release from a U.S. prison, page 7. issues discussed by Barbados’s Prime Minister David Thompson during a recent visit to the U.S., page 9. RUN FOR GLORY Sports Illustrated, a top magazine in the United States, is predicting that Caribbean athletes including, from left, Veronica Campbell- Actor and classical singer, 23- year-old Jamaican-born Brown, Usain Bolt and Andrew Clark, was pro- Kerron Stewart, will claimed grand champion per- win medals at the former last month at the 12th Olympic Games this staging of the World Champion of Performing Arts (WCOPA) at month in China, the Westin Bonaventure Hotel page 22. in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Campbell-Brown Bolt Stewart page 18.

CALL CARIBBEAN TODAY DIRECT FROM JAMAICA 654-7282 INSIDE Election Feature ...... 2 Tourism/Travel ...... 11 Arts/Entertainment...... 20 News ...... 5 Back To School ...... 13 Sport ...... 22 Viewpoint ...... 9 Local...... 18 Summer Olympica ...... 26

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2 CARIBBEAN TODAY August 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com ELECTION FEATURE Obama: An African American’s historic quest for the White House LLOYD ROHLEHR 2000, he announced Elected to the Illinois cation, mathematics and sci- his campaign for the Senate in 1996, he gained ence education, as well as an nited States Senator U.S. Senate in Jan. bipartisan support for legisla- expanded summer learning Barrack Obama’s epic 2003. After winning tion reforming ethics and opportunities effort. Uprimary campaign a landslide victory in healthcare laws. Increasing tax Where the Iraq war is against Democratic rival Mar. 2004, Obama credits for low-income resi- concerned, Obama was an Hillary Clinton ended in his delivered the dents was one of his other early opponent of the Bush victory in June. keynote address at efforts. He negotiated welfare administration’s policies. As one observer estimat- the Democratic reform and promoted Obama met his wife, ed, as long as George W. Bush National Convention increased subsidies for child- Michelle Robinson in June is in power the Democrats in July that year. He care. Again and again he was 1989 when he was employed have the election locked up. was elected to the re-elected to the Senate. as a summer associate of the Optimism is as high as that. Senate in Nov. 2004 According to the Senate Chicago law firm of Siddey Contender Obama is with 70 percent of historian, Obama is the fifth Austin. They began dating summed up as possibly anoth- the vote. African American Senator in and were married in 1992. er John F. Kennedy, say, the As part of the U.S. history and the third to With his Kenyan father way he looks at the world. Democratic minority have been popularly elected. and American mother, his Obama’s quest for the U.S. in the 109th upbringing in Honolulu and presidency is even history Congress he co- PLAN Jakarta and his Ivy League itself. sponsored legislation Obama plans a spending education, Obama’s early life Obama is an African to control conven- boost and a possible cut in experiences differ markedly American and this may be a tional weapons and business. It is said that he from those African American moment in our time when the to promote greater would rely on a heavy dose of politicians who launched their forces of destiny are saying to accountability in the government spending to spur careers in the 1960s through him, “come up higher.” He use of federal funds. growth. participation in the Civil may well rise up. He also made offi- He would use tax code to Rights movement. Growth This could be history cial trips to the narrow the widening gap will do a lot for black politics, Obama takes the stage in Miami, Florida prior to Middle East, eastern between the winners and the just as Obama’s inter-racial repeating itself. After World announcing his plans to run for U.S. president. War II, public attitudes turned Europe and Africa. losers in the U.S. economy. background will contribute against segregation, not for- House. Obama has Additionally, he would use the refreshingly to the multiracial getting the landmark case of But who is Obama? emphasized ending the war in tax code to narrow the wealth American republic. Brown vs. Board of Education He is a graduate of Columbia Iraq, increasing energy inde- gap, and possibly bring back a of Topeka. The U.S. Supreme University and of Harvard pendence, decreasing the corporate tax. Lloyd Rohlehr is a freelance Court found that legally man- Law School. He worked as a influence of lobbyists, and Campaigning in New writer for Caribbean Today. dated school segregation was community organizer and promoting universal health Hampshire, Obama announced unconstitutional. practiced as a civil rights care as top national priorities. an $18 billion plan for invest- ® It was 1954 and it was a attorney before serving in the At the University of ments in early childhood edu- landmark decision. Illinois Senate for seven years Chicago Law School he was a – from 1997 to 2004. From lecturer for four years (1992 DESTINY 1992 to 2004 he also taught to 1996) and a senior lecturer Destiny is at work. It is constitutional law at the for eight years (1996 to 2004). Getting to know your possible that in the current University of Chicago Law At a 12-attorney law firm spe- U.S. Senate Obama will do School. cializing in civil rights legisla- something no other U.S. sena- Following an unsuccessful tion and economic develop- voting rights tor has done since 1961: move bid for a seat in the U.S. ment, he also deployed his on, straight to the White legal skills. House of Representatives in very United States citi- ness/notary requirements (if zen (including dual citi- required). Ezens) residing overseas 7) Ensure that your ballot (in the Caribbean or else- or FPCA is postmarked. where) temporarily or indefi- 8) Register to vote and nitely has the right to vote in request your ballot in a timely every U.S. federal election. manner - not later than Visit http://www.fvap.gov September. to download your state specif- 9) Vote - mail your ballot ic application and for more specific information to loca- tion to mail application (based on your last known address). Here are the top 10 rules in ensuring that your overseas vote is counted: 1) Start by contacting your unit/embassy/organiza- tion voting assistance officer for help in absentee registra- tion and voting. 2) Visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s website at www.fvap.gov for information on the absentee registration and voting process. not later than Oct.15th of the 3) Ensure that you have election year. applied for your absentee bal- 10) Use the Federal Write lot using the hard copy or In Absentee Ballot if you are online versions of the FPCA. overseas and your state absen- 4) Make sure your local tee ballot does not arrive in election official has your cur- time to be mailed back by the rent mailing address. state’s deadline. 5) Sign and date all elec- tion materials. ® 6) Fulfill your state’s wit-

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August 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 3

ELECTION FEATURE www.caribbeantoday.com Calls for Caribbean plank in U.S. Democratic Party platform

NEW YORK – A Guyanese throughout the U.S. assistance to the Caribbean Act (NAFTA). On social issues, Moore lawyer and prominent com- Moore, who is also editor- community (CARICOM) so it He further urged the U.S. called on the U.S. to provide munity activist in New York in-chief of the Caribbean can establish a regional stock to reconsider what he deemed financial and technical has called on the United American Weekly, a commu- market, a regional central its policy of seeking to termi- resources to the region to States Democratic Party to nity-based newspaper in bank that would “create a sin- nate Caribbean Trade prefer- address narco-trafficking incorporate a Caribbean Brooklyn, said even though gle Caribbean currency” and ence in the European Union crimes, the AIDS pandemic, plank in its 2008 election the Caribbean American com- provide necessary resources to (EU). and the reintegration of crimi- platform. munity shares many of the the Caribbean Development “In the event the U.S. nal deportees. Testifying late last month social, economic and political Bank (CDB). cannot reconsider its trade He also urged the before the Barack Obama cam- problems of the African Moore also wants an policies, it should provide the Democratic Party to grant paign and the U.S. Democratic American community, it con- Obama administration to per- Caribbean governments with legal status to all Caribbean National Committee (DNC) stitutes a “distinct demograph- suade the U.S. Congress to the financial resources to com- students who have physically platform hearing at Medgar ic group, which has distinctive extend the term for the pensate for the devastation of resided in the U.S. for the last Evers College in Brooklyn, problems related to its immi- Caribbean Basin Initiative the banana and sugar industry five years, who are attending Colin Moore outlined two grant status.” (CBI) and the Caribbean in the Caribbean,” he said, high school and who have reasons why the party should Basin Economic Recovery adding that the U.S should been accepted to college. adopt his recommendation. ASSISTANCE Act (CIBERA), adding that provide the region with finan- He said, firstly, the Caribbean He urged Democratic CARICOM should be granted cial resources to “promote the ® American community is a sig- presidential contender Obama, access to membership in the formation of a financial servic- nificant demographic force if elected, to provide technical North American Free Trade es sector”.

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4 CARIBBEAN TODAY August 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com ELECTION FEATURE Caribbean Americans should vote how they party MARLON HILL engagement are key. ticipation, the dominoes until the sun rises Caribbean anyway. We are going to drink Caribana and Crop Over are MATURITY community manish water at the Truck over by now and thousands of At some point in our would raise its Stop venue anyway. We are revelers are wishing they were maturity as a community, we quality of life going to celebrate First back in the fete. The carnival will have to translate our cul- exponentially. Fridays and Saturdays every “wining” (not “whining”) sea- tural currency into the context In fact, the month anyway. We are going son is here. But if we do not of American politics. Our promoters and to chip down the road with vote how we party, there will obvious census numbers will bandleaders the steelband anyway. We instead be a lot of whining. demand attention either would stand to must recognize the economics The population of directly or indirectly. The benefit from of our culture in the realm of Caribbean people in the Caribbean community is one having a American politics. United States has been on the of the few immigrant commu- patron base Though we may have par- upswing for years, but you nities that crosses multiple that is upward- tisan differences, we do have could not tell from our boxes in the census menu of ly mobile on commonalities in social values appearance at the polls or race, ethnicity, and language. many levels. and cultural experiences. civic participation. We have However, we have failed to In other Unless we change our party given up our civic influence to cross pollinate our synergies words, the pro- mentality, we will simply con- the festivities in dance hall, and have fallen victim to rigid- moters and tinue to hold only a drink in mas camp, pan yard, domino ity of race, class, and language bandleaders our hands at the end of the session, or the carnival fete. in America. would be mak- party. This is unacceptable. Caribbean people must Notwithstanding, there is ing an invest- We deserve more and should recognize our weakness for no better prescription for our ment in their give ourselves more respect. the power of our music and static civic participation than future stream The wining season is here, culture. We must also recog- the energy built inside our cul- of increasing but so is the whining season if nize that the power of our tural and social celebrations. income. They we do not vote how we party. music and culture can be used This is a part of our DNA. should move Raise up! as a motivating organizer of There is no rigidity in a carnival beyond just fete or dance hall. The freedom There will be a lot of whining if Caribbean people do not step up being cultural Marlon A. Hill is a founding our civic activism. to the polls. Nothing happens in local of the expression of our emo- capitalists, but partner and corporate attor- communities without the tion and spirit is not bounded in transforming ney with the law firm of input and prodding of neigh- race, class, or our language. themselves into social entre- delancyhill, P.A., past presi- bors working with neighbors. Our turnout at these PLATFORM preneurs. dent of the Caribbean Bar This is similar to what hap- many festivities is frequently If every carnival fete, mas Ultimately, the goal is to Association and Advisory pens in a mas camp or a pan near capacity. We adorn our- camp, pan yard, or weekly vote how we party. It is a sim- Board member for the yard. This is similar to what selves simply and extravagant- theme party were to use their ple concept that reaps benefits Jamaican Diaspora Southern happens in our many church- ly and pour our sweat for platform for not only enter- for our community collective- United States. es and sports or social clubs. hours into musical euphoria. tainment, but also communi- ly. We are going to lime and Collective participation and Hands in the air. Jammin’ and cating a message of communi- party until j’ouvert morning ® wining until morning rises. ty collaboration and civic par- anyway. We are going to play

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August 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 5

NEWS www.caribbeantoday.com New N.Y. driver’s license facilitates 23 years after U.S. double murder, travel to Caribbean, Canada, Mexico fugitive arrested in The Bahamas NEW YORK – An enhanced NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – years, was not hurt. New York State driver’s More than 23 years after a “I think about it every- license will allow travelers to lovers’ quarrel, in which two day,” said Atis, 52, a nursing the Caribbean, Canada and innocent people were slain, assistant who still lives in Fort Mexico to re-enter the United police in The Bahamas have Lauderdale. “It was a horrible States via land or sea without arrested a United States sus- day.” a passport. pect, wanted in South Florida Noel had since eluded law Officials last month said for the 1985 double murder. enforcement authorities. that the license will comply Tidorange Noel, 48, was with U.S. federal rules that go taken into custody in The ALIAS into effect June 1, 2009 requir- Bahamas by Fort Lauderdale Police believe he escaped ing all Americans returning to police detective Chuck Morrow. to The Bahamas, where he the U.S. from these countries Police said Noel, who arrived in was living under the alias to have a passport. The South Florida by plane last Wilfred Tabor and working in license will be offered to resi- month, will face murder charges. the construction industry. In dents of New York effective According to police, on December, Tabor was arrested Sept. 16. Feb. 12, 1985, Noel broke into by the Royal Bahamian Police Officials said the new the Fort Lauderdale apart- Force on battery charges after license, expected to cost $80, ment of his ex-girlfriend, he allegedly beat his girlfriend. or $20 less than a U.S. pass- Agnes Atis. When Atis saw Fort Lauderdale police said port book, will be available to Noel with a gun, she ran and they received a tip that he was motorists who can provide hid inside her bedroom, police in custody of Bahamian police. proof of identity, U.S. citizen- said. He began shooting wild- Using fingerprints from ship and state residency. It is ly, striking three people who U.S. Immigration and Customs not valid for entry to the Paterson lived in the apartment. Enforcement, police said they country by airplane. Police said Immacula were able to confirm that differs from traditional licens- to offer regular driver’s licens- Herme, 22, and Clemente Tabor was Noel. es because “enhanced” and es to illegal immigrants in an REPLACEMENT Fatal, 22, died instantly. “I am relieved,” Atis said. the American flag are embla- attempt to reduce traffic acci- State officials said about Frangilus Munice, 32, suffered “He needs to pay for what he zoned on the front. There also dents and better track resi- one million applications are minor injuries but survived. did.” is a radio-frequency identifica- dents. The illegal-immigrant expected in the license’s first Atis, who dated Noel for four tion chip embedded with num- component sparked a year, stating that it will replace ® bers so border guards can ver- firestorm, forcing Spitzer to the existing license of success- ify the holder’s identity. drop it in November. ful applicants. U.S. immigration agent jailed Applicants must visit a The new license “achieves “This new travel docu- New York Department of the appropriate balance ment will improve our security Motor Vehicles office with the between security and the and provide a real boost for for raping Jamaican detainee required proof of identity, economy while implementing the economy, especially for such as a birth certificate, real steps to mitigate a vulner- MIAMI - A former United He also pleaded guilty to those upstate communities Social Security Card, passport ability cited by the 9/11 States immigration agent has “placing the woman in fear” that border Canada,” said and school tax bill, among Commission report,” said been sentenced to seven years during the sexual encounter. Governor David A. Paterson, others. New York State Public Safety in prison for raping a in making the announcement. The enhanced license was Secretary Michael Balboni. Jamaican immigrant while she DEAL New York is only the sec- first raised in New York last was in detention. Vazquez had reached a ond state in the country, after fall by then-Governor Eliot ® In addition to the prison deal on the eve of trial, avoid- Washington, to roll out an Spitzer as part of a larger plan term imposed on Wilfredo ing prosecution on the more Enhanced Driver License. It Vazquez, 35, a U.S. federal serious charge of aggravated judge in Florida sentenced him sexual assault. to five years of supervised Vazquez, a decorated Iraq release. War veteran, who had served Jamaicans extradited to U.S., face drugs charges Prosecutors said that in the Air Force for 16 years, KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – statement read last month. there,” she added. Vazquez, who pleaded guilty was fired by the U.S. Five Jamaican men, including However, their attorneys Attorney, Norma Linton, to sexual battery, had taken Immigration and Customs Norris “Deedo” Nembhard, have accused the Jamaica gov- who represents Williams and the woman to his home while Enforcement (ICE) after the who has been labeled a “drug ernment of proceeding with Glenroy Williams, said the she was being transferred woman alleged she was raped kingpin” by United States the extradition even though prison officials were also from the Krome Detention at his home in September. He President George W. Bush, a constitutional motion had unable to tell her whether her Centre in West Miami-Dade had worked as an ICE agent have been extradited to the been filed in the courts clients had been moved. to the Broward Transitional for less than a year. U.S. despite last minute here. Nembhard’s attorney Lawyers representing Centre in Pompano Beach on efforts by their attorneys to Jacqueline Samuels-Brown Nembhard said they were also Sept. 21, 2007. ® block the move. said she was not informed by prepared to go to the London- Police said that the five the authorities about the based Privy Council, the coun- men, including Robroy “Spy” extradition of her client. She try’s highest court, to block Uproar as Bermuda axes Williams, were taken by heli- also accused the prison offi- the extradition. copter from the Horizon cials of refusing to accept The U.S. government has New York tourism staff Remand Center in the capital court documents blocking the described Nembhard as a drug Kingston and whisked away extradition. kingpin and his lawyers say HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC “Compassionately disrupting to the Norman Manley “We also tried to reach that would prevent him from - Premier Ewart Brown has the lives of a few, in a plan to International airport where the commissioner of prisons to getting a fair trial in the U.S. defended a move to remove better serve the masses, is they were handed over to find out what is the status of The lawyers had urged Justice a group of devastated what good political leadership U.S. Marshals. our client, where he is, but we Minister Dorothy Bermudians from the island’s is all about.” “All five alleged drug have not been able to make Lightbourne to refuse the New York tourism office, Up to 20 Bermudians — kingpins left the island... they contact,” Samuels-Brown said. U.S. government’s extradition insisting it was in the best some of whom have given were handed over to U.S. She said an attempt had request, but the Minister interests of the country. 30 years service to the Marshals by their Jamaican been made to serve a hard signed the warrants. Responding to uproar Department of Tourism — counterparts, and they left in a copy of all documents at the Nembhard faces life from long-serving Bermudians are being made redundant chartered Learjet for Miami Office of the Commissioner of imprisonment if he is convict- set to be replaced by with five weeks notice after where they will be housed in Prisons. ed of the charges. Americans, the premier, who Cabinet agreed to outsource the Hillsborough County jail “Everybody there refused is also tourism and transport sales to United States firm to await their hearing on drug to accept the documents say- ® minister, told the House of Sales Focus. trafficking charges”, a police ing no senior personnel was Assembly last month: ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS New passport cards popular for travel to Caribbean ~ U.S. WASHINGTON – The for air travel, but can be used cruise regularly to the license, and has a pho- United States Department of for land and sea crossings. Caribbean, but who do not tograph and identifica- State says a new passport “Beginning in June 2009, expect to fly abroad, the pass- tion information on it. card, designed to expedite travelers will be required to port card is a cheaper, smaller, It also contains a chip travel to the Caribbean, present documents proving more portable alternative to a that allows border offi- Canada and Mexico is proving both citizenship and identity conventional passport book”, cials to instantly to be very popular. when entering the U.S. it added. retrieve travelers’ data. The department said over through a land or sea border”, The passport cards are 350,000 Americans have pre- it said. VERIFICATION valid for 10 years. ordered the wallet-size identifi- “For Americans, who The new passport card is The U.S. State cation cards, which is not valid drive to Canada or Mexico or the size of a U.S. driver’s Department said cus- tomers who submitted an document that denotes identity application for the passport and citizenship when entering card prior to production will the U.S. receive it between now and “The goal of the initiative early September. is to strengthen U.S. border It said the new passport security while facilitating card is in keeping with the entry for U.S. citizens and Western Hemisphere travel legitimate foreign visitors by Initiative, resulting from providing standardized docu- enactment of the Intelligence mentation that enables the Reform and Terrorism Department of Homeland Prevention Act of 2004 security to quickly and reli- (IRTPA). The Act requires ably identify a traveler”, the all American travelers to U.S. State Department said. present a passport or other ® U.S. troops land in Suriname for humanitarian mission PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC - Troops from the South Dakota Army National Guard have arrived here for a three- month humanitarian exercise that will involve repairing schools and offering medical care. Ninety-three members of the 155th Engineer Company, the 153rd Engineer Battalion and the 730th Medical Company arrived here last month. They will be conduct- Schreiber-Hughes ing renovations projects and providing medical care in Suriname’s internal armed rural areas in Suriname in an struggle from 1986 to 1992 are exercise which is aiming at suffering from PTSS, but have fostering goodwill and never received proper care strengthening cooperation and treatment. between Suriname and South During a meeting with the Dakota in various fields. press here Suriname’s Defense According to Major- Minister Ivan Fernald noted General Steven Doohen, that “cooperation between South Dakota’s top general, medical hospitals in Suriname the state partnership agree- and South Dakota will be fur- ment signed with Suriname in ther explored as both parts Aug. 2006 will provide mutual expressed interest in sharing benefits for both parties. He information.” added that the state partner- ship’s goal is to establish wide ‘OBJECTIVE’ ranging cooperation between U.S. ambassador to Suriname and South Dakota Suriname Lisa Bobbie at all levels of society. Schreiber-Hughes, indicated that although Suriname and COOPERATION the U.S. are strengthening During meetings Doohen military ties, the “underlying had with Cabinet ministers objective is humanitarian”. and other government offi- She stressed that the cials, several fields of coopera- cooperation with the South tion were identified, including Dakota National Guard also medical care, tourism, agricul- offers several benefits since ture and trade. the members are “civilian sol- Both sides will explore diers,” who in their everyday avenues to provide proper life are ordinary workers. treatment for Surinamese ex- During the three-month soldiers who are suffering exercise the South Dakota sol- from post-traumatic stress diers will renovate three schools syndrome (PTSS). A large and three medical centers. number of former servicemen who were in battle during ®

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August 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 7

NEWS www.caribbeantoday.com Alleged ‘Shower Posse’ leader set for early U.S. prison release GORDON WILLIAMS sentence. tioned in Washington D.C., whereas published reports its name for “showering” a U.S. law enforcement offi- and the Florida-based agent stated that Blake was sen- hail of bullets from automatic ne of the Caribbean’s cers and the Federal Bureau did not expect Blake, also tenced to 28 years in prison, weapons at large gatherings. most notorious crimi- of Prisons website have con- called “Jamaica Dave”, would “because of Rule 20, Federal The gang, reportedly founded Onal masterminds, who firmed that the 53-year-old be set free so early. O’Keefe Rules of Criminal Procedure by Coke, established opera- United States law enforce- Blake will be set free early said that, as far as he knew, and other considerations in tions in Jamaica, but was ment claimed orchestrated a next year. The website specifi- Blake had to spend a specific the plea agreement which notably linked to widespread vicious gang linked to over cally states the “release date minimum amount of time in were sealed” during the sen- organized crime in the U.S., 1,000 murders, plus racketeer- projected” as Jan. 4, 2009. prison tencing hearing in 2000, Blake including the illegal drugs and ing, drugs and weapons traf- “There is a possibility that before he was required to serve a signifi- guns trade and racketeering. ficking, is in line for early he will be released early,” became eligi- cantly less amount of time. Coke and Blake allegedly release from a U.S. prison. Kevin O’Keefe, a special ble for “Essentially the sentenc- shared leadership of the gang, Vivian Blake, alleged agent with the U.S. Bureau of parole. ing hearing ended up with him which U.S. law enforcement leader of the “Shower Posse”, Alcohol, Tobacco and having 11 years actual time,” linked to more than 1,400 who was on America’s “Most Firearms (ATF) who investi- “That’s my Rowe said, “about 132 months murders. Wanted” list for more than a gated the Blake case after the understand- actual time imprisonment.” In a book written by Blake’s decade before being arrested fugitive was extradited from ing,” he said. The attorney declined to son Duane in 2003, some in Jamaica, extradited to the Jamaica to Florida, told “I would say discuss details of the “other “Shower Posse” members U.S. in 1999 and convicted the Caribbean Today last month. Rowe I’m surprised considerations.” were credited with committing following year, could be free “…Someone because he “I’m not at liberty,” Rowe more than 100 murders each. and on the streets in less than notified me was looking at eligibility for said. However, in the same book, six months. he was up for parole after 12 years. Now Rowe also refused to dis- Blake denied helping to estab- Caribbean Today could early he’s looking to be out in eight. cuss whether or not Blake is lish the “Shower Posse” or not confirm if Blake will be release.” So I am surprised.” ill. Blake, inmate #25576-053, being involved with its activi- deported to Jamaica after his who was tried and sentenced ties. The formation and run- release. Another fed- ‘RULE 20’ in Florida, is being kept at the ning of the gang was blamed U.S. law enforcement said eral special However, Blake’s U.S. Medical Center for on his relatives. And, although the “Shower Posse” ran ram- agent famil- Jamaican-born, Florida-based Federal Prisoners (MCFP), an the book detailed some grue- pant in several states across Blake iar with the attorney David P. Rowe told institution in the state of some murders committed by that country during the ‘70s, Blake case, Caribbean Today on July 15 Missouri. alleged members of the gang, ‘80s and ‘90s. Blake, along who is cur- that his client “could be “Who knows?” said the Blake was not listed among with late Tivoli Gardens don rently based in Florida but did released anytime within the Florida agent when asked for the killers. He was not tried Lester Lloyd “Jim Brown” not want his name used in this next 180 days from March 1.” the reason for Blake’s release. for murder. Coke, reportedly headed the story, confirmed Blake could If so, Blake could be out in “It was a surprise to me.” In the book, Blake admit- gang. be out in a few months. He less than two months. Blake allegedly led the Coke is now dead, but also offered a release date in Rowe explained that “Shower Posse”, which earned (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) Blake could leave federal Jan. 2009. lock-up after serving far less than half of what was original- SURPRISE ly believed to be a 28-year Both O’Keefe, now sta- Caribbean nationals among thousands deported from U.S.

MIAMI, Florida – The United ICE said about 20 percent States says it has deported – 1,251 – of those deported in nearly 6,000 illegal immigrants 2008 had criminal records in during the first half of the the U.S. Their offenses includ- year. ed aggravated assault with a The Immigration and deadly weapon, fraud, kidnap- Customs Enforcement (ICE) ping and money laundering. agency said that 5,889 illegal Michael Rozos, ICE field immigrants, including officer director, said federal Jamaicans and Haitians, were immigration agents were col- deported from Florida in the laborating with state and local first six months of 2008. law enforcement agencies in It did not specify the order to apprehend more number of persons deported immigrants with criminal from the two Caribbean coun- records. tries nor did it reveal the total “Criminal aliens have a number of Caribbean depor- very high rate of recidivism tees from throughout the and often victimize the com- United States. But ICE said munity in which they live,” the number of immigrants Rozos said in statement. deported from Florida has “We will continue to jumped nearly 50 percent remove from our country indi- so far this year, signaling viduals that have tarnished the Washington’s continuing integrity of our immigration enforcement of the controver- system including illegal aliens sial policy after public opinion who have committed egre- derailed an immigration over- gious offenses against our citi- haul in Congress last year. zens,” he said. Caribbean community INTENSIFY (CARICOM) leaders have Immigration officials said frequently attributed the esca- there’s a high possibility that lating crime wave in the deportations would intensify region to deportees mainly in the coming months and that from the U.S. more ICE teams would be deployed in Florida. ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS Another deadline for settling Premier’s son faces charges

HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC respond to requests for com- U.S./Antigua Internet dispute - The son of Bermuda’s ment last month, but after his Premier Dr. Ewart Brown has son’s first arrest had indicated ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC - would provide sufficient time another,” he added. been arrested for a second through his press secretary, There is yet another deadline to address any outstanding The finance minister has time and held on $4 million Glenn Jones, that he had been for settling the Internet issues. He said the matter may declined to disclose the stick- bail after six more patients in touch with his son “and he Gaming dispute between have to be referred to the ing points in the ongoing talks accused him of sexual denies the charges and we Antigua and Barbuda and the World Trade Organization for fear that it may prejudice molestation, according to trust that he will be exonerat- United States. (WTO) if the parties fail to the negotiations. media reports. ed.” The fourth deadline on agree on a settlement by Oct. 1. Last December, a WTO Dr. Kevin Antario Brown, Brown, who has been Aug. 1 passed without a reso- “I wouldn’t want to say it’s panel of arbitrators ruled in 37, was arrested twice last practicing medicine at the lution of the matter and now the final deadline, but clearly I favor of Antigua and month on at his Los Angeles Crenshaw Expo Medical Finance Minister Dr. Errol think both parties should Barbuda’s bid to impose sanc- home on a felony warrant. Centre, was scheduled to be Cort said that the two parties agree that certainly we would tions on Washington after Brown, a general practi- arraigned late last month on have agreed on an Oct. 1 peri- be able to resolve the various imposed cross-border pay- tioner, was initially arrested the newest charges at the od. outstanding issues between ment restrictions on Internet on July 8 and freed on $50,000 Foltz Criminal Justice Centre Both countries have been now and October,” Cort said. gaming. Antigua and Barbuda bail in connection with in downtown Los Angeles. locked in a dispute since the “Maybe on the 30th of had requested $3.4 billion in charges that he sexually bat- Authorities said the two U.S. imposed a cross–border September, there might just be sanctions, but the WTO panel tered a young woman, 18, in cases would be consolidated. betting ban that made it illegal some issue that requires gave the twin-island state the June 2007 as well as an under- If convicted, Brown faces up for financial institutions to another few days or some- right to ignore copyrights and cover officer posing as a to 25 years in state prison. process online payments to thing, but certainly I would mass produce software, music patient in June. He was arrest- betting companies outside have thought between now and movies in the amount of ed again on July 21. ® American borders. then, whatever the issues are only $21 million annually. Premier Brown did not Cort said the new deadline will be resolved one way or ® Drug trafficking couple ordered extradited from Jamaica to U.S. KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC - International Airport while million dollar cocaine network distribution in the U.S., while Street Address: The alleged main players trying to board a flight to the in Boston and for several his wife is accused of helping 9020 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33157 behind a multi-million-dollar United Kingdom. U.S. agents years, used couriers to smug- him run the operation. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6010 Miami, FL 33116-6010. drug trafficking operation had reportedly tipped off local gle liquid cocaine into The Harriotts have Telephone: (305) 238-2868 between Jamaica and Boston, police about the movement of America. waived their rights to chal- (305) 253-6029 • Fax: (305) 252-7843 Massachusetts in the United the Harriotts. In 1996, the lenge their extradition. Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-290-4550 States were ordered extradit- couple was indicted by the BREAKTHROUGH In court on July 30, Mrs. 1-800-605-7516 • Jamaica: 654-7282 ed when they appeared in a U.S. government, but eluded Law enforcement agents Harriott had asked to be hand- E-mail: [email protected] court here on July 30. law enforcement officials for made a breakthrough and ed over to U.K. officials, but Send ads to: [email protected] Jamaican Vascoe Harriott close to 10 years. took Harriott into custody was told that she was wanted and his British wife Patricia U.S. prosecutors alleged after arresting one of his by the U.S. government. Vol. 19, Number 9 • AUG. 2008 were arrested on July 29 that Vascoe Harriott was the couriers. He faces several at the Norman Manley mastermind behind the multi- counts of conspiracy and drug ® PETER A WEBLEY Alleged ‘Shower Posse’ leader set for early U.S. prison release Publisher SABRINA HOPKINS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) involved with murder, racket- to death in a General Jamaican governments Graphic Artist eering, gun smuggling and Penitentiary cell in Jamaica have also lobbied the U.S. to ted to being a drug dealer who drug trafficking. Other alleged before he could be extradited stem the flow of deportees to had a huge appetite for the DOROTHY CHIN leaders of the New York arm to the U.S. the island, claiming that many Account Executive ladies and was intimately of the gang were also indicted. Unless a third country is of them left Jamaica at an early involved with at least one But Blake fled the U.S., willing to accept Blake on his age and acquired their criminal SHARON LEE famous Jamaican dancehall reportedly from Florida on a release, he could end up in tendencies while in America. Account Executive celebrity. cruise ship, and remained a Jamaica after his release, Meanwhile, U.S. Blake, who as a boy fugitive until he was arrested O’Keefe said. Immigration and Customs attended schools in England JACQUELINE RUBIANO in Jamaica. He fought extradi- Rowe declined to say Enforcement (ICE) recently Accounting Manager and Jamaica, was portrayed as tion for years before being whether or not his client is a announced that it is making a a shrewd businessman who Caribbean Media Source removed from the island by naturalized U.S. citizen, which major push to rid the country Media Representatives owned nightclubs in Jamaica. U.S. agents in 1999. would possibly reduce the of immigrants with criminal Blake’s chance of deportation, or a records and has deported TOM JONAS BRAIN 353 St. Nicolas Street, Suite 200 supporters permanent resident. The nearly 6,000 from the U.S. in Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 2P1 But U.S. law enforcement publicly attorney also refused to com- the first six months of 2008. presented another version of Tel: (514) 931-0422 • Fax: (514) 931-0455 protested the ment on whether or not Blake “Criminal aliens have a E-mail: [email protected] the man. It is believed Blake extradition. would be deported, claiming very high rate of recidivism was the “brain” behind Other he would have to get written and often victimize the com- Jamaica Bureau Shower Posse’s U.S. opera- posse mem- permission from Blake or his munity in which they live,” tions, which moved from state MARIE GREGORY bers included son to do so. Michael Rozos, a director of (876) 925-5640 to state, establishing drug dis- Richard “I’m not able to discuss ICE field operations, was tribution centers or safe hous- P.O. Box 127, Constant Spring “Storyteller” that with you sir,” Rowe said. quoted as saying recently. Kingston 8, Jamaica es and spreading violence and Morrison, Morrison Telephone calls made to “We will continue to mayhem in the process. Posse Opinions expressed by editors and writers who was the prison in Missouri last remove from our country indi- are not necessarily those of thepublisher. members lived lavishly, sport- extradited and received 30 month, in an attempt to con- viduals that have tarnished ing expensive jewelry and years to life in a U.S. prison. tact Blake, were unsuccessful. the integrity of our immigra- driving the latest model pres- Cecil Conner, another former Successive Jamaican gov- tion system including illegal Caribbean Today, an independent tige vehicles. They often dealt lieutenant, reportedly provid- ernments have blamed depor- aliens who have committed news magazine, is published every month with huge sums of cash to ed U.S. authorities with evi- tees for the island’s rising vio- egregious offenses against our by Caribbean Publishing & Services, Inc. Caribbean Today is not responsible avoid “paper trail” detection dence to convict Blake. lent crime rate. However, citizens.” by law enforcement and for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. To Blake also reportedly some deportees have publicly guarantee return, please include a self- employed hundreds of street gave evidence against former expressed disappointment Gordon Williams is Caribbean level dealers. addressed stamped envelope. gang members, including with being tagged as criminals Today’s managing editor. Articles appearing in Caribbean In Oct.1988 Blake, along Conner, as part of a plea after they have served their Today may not be reproduced without with Coke, was indicted by a agreement. time in prison and were trying ® written permission of the editor. U.S. federal grand jury on Coke mysteriously burnt to lead productive lives. charges that they were

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VIEWPOINT www.caribbeantoday.com ‘All markets are game’, Scratching that seven-year itch “I’ll love you forever.” says Barbados P.M. t is indeed wonderful and sweet to hear words that Barbados Prime Minister the CTO (Caribbean Tourism David Thompson was in Organization) and also at the Ireassure, words that every Atlanta, Georgia last month to CARICOM heads of govern- wife loves to hear from her address the 12th Annual ment meeting, which one day husband, words that inspire International African American which was devoted exclusively love, confidence, making her Hotel Ownership/Tourism to tourism, the question of feel secure, safe and happy Summit and Trade Show. He being more diverse, in the that her man loves her. was interviewed by Caribbean markets from which we attract And true, many husbands Today’s Managing Editor tourists, was looked at. And I will say dulcet words to their Gordon Williams. The follow- think that, certainly against the wives, and mean them too, but ing is an edited version of that usually only when they are discussion: just married or, conversely, married after a very long time GORDON WILLIAMS: Is and they both are doting on this conference the specific each other in their old age, reason why you are here in the secure in the knowledge that United States and this city in neither of them is going any- fully paid for. was a couple that I really liked particular? where. A friend of and admired. “At seventy he’s going mine got “But it’s just been a year,” DAVID THOMPSON: That’s nowhere, Viagra or no Viagra, married the I said. To which she corrected correct. I’ve been invited since, I know that I have him until other day me by saying that it was really I think, February, by Andy it’s time for the grave.” and has split two years, but time flew so Ingraham, (president and chief That’s the thought of even before fast that I misjudged. I told executive officer of the many a wife. But it’s when the the mortgage her not to worry, as perhaps National Association of Black Thompson marriage is in the flower of its on the mari- they were both experiencing Hotel Owners, Operators and youth that there usually is tal home was the itch, and after that, every- cause for concern. For in TONY Developers) to address the con- background of the difficulties approved. It’s ROBINSON thing will be all right. ference and I thought it would that are being faced in the those early years, both part- so sad. be a very useful and helpful travel industry, and are likely ners are still marketable, still In MAN SIGNS activity to be involved in. to be faced, then all markets have the will and the where- Hollywood, United States, a But what are the symp- are game. withal, the wanderlust, the 10-year marriage is a miracle. toms of the seven-year itch? G.W.: There is a large show of There are differences roving eye, the desire for oth- Therefore it follows that the Sadly, usually it afflicts the black hotel interest here at this though. Barbados tends to ers, that tugging of the chains uncertainty, trials and tribula- men, who for some reason conference. In terms of the focus more on the high end of that bind, that uncertainty. It’s tions of those early years have after they tie the knot, get Caribbean tourism product, the market and most of our called the seven-year itch. The all been put on rapid. It’s that very nervous, claustrophobic what impact does the African guests come from Europe. In term is popular enough to be time when the man has that and squirmy and wriggle des- American hotel industry have terms of investment, therefore, the subject of movies, books itch which now needs scratch- perately to escape and tend to on the region? it would have to be an African and discussions. ing, and if he can get over it, look outside, elsewhere, for American hotel investor who is Well, the seven-year itch or get it out of his system, some other scratching post to D.T.: Well it certainly can have interested in targeting a much is that period in a marriage then the marriage will last and dig their claws into. a greater impact. I think that more diverse market outside of that if you survived it, then last and last. That’s the theory. Suddenly he’ll start dress- there are some areas where it the United States of America. the marriage would last. At Have you ever had an itch ing up to go everywhere. No is impacting. I say for And I think each Caribbean least, that’s the theory. It’s that needs scratching? It can longer content to drag on Barbados that we have very lit- country has its own unique fea- akin to having a bad fever that drive you crazy if not attended jeans, tee shirt and slippers, he tle investment from that partic- tures, some of which would be if you got through the initial to. Hey, some women get it now has to be a picture of sar- ular sector of the American attractive to African American stages, then you would sur- too, but usually it’s men who torial elegance, even if he’s society and we’d like to tourists, some of which would vive, but that first phase can are accused of having the just going to throw out the encourage more. We think the be attractive to African be a real killer. seven-year itch. garbage. It’s similar to midlife resources are there and the American investors. But not A few days ago, I met one crisis and, truth be told, it is a interest is there and there’s a all of them would. LONGEVITY of my female friends who got crisis too, but just at an earlier community of interest between Years gone by, if a mar- married recently. I had attend- age. That’s because he has to us and them that I think would G.W.: What about the riage lasted 30 years, people ed her wedding so, naturally, I now put himself back on the be extremely useful. Caribbean diaspora, is there would consider it long, but asked her: “So, enjoying mar- market, make himself fair We would certainly like to any specific move, from CARI- nowadays if it lasts five years, ried life?” Her reply made my game for any female who see some flagship operations, COM as a whole, to get those many people will say, “Five heart sink, for she blurted out: wants to play his game. particularly at the high end. people coming back to the years, but that not too bad, “Enjoying what, this marriage You can smell his cologne And, as we see more African region? mine only lasted months.” thing is hard work, really hard from a mile away as he steps American ownership of hotel Remember silver, gold work, and I would have to sit out to go on the prowl. These properties, we’d obviously D.T.: I can’t speak for CARI- and diamond anniversaries? you down to tell you about are the years when he laments would like them to show an COM. I can speak for Gone forever. Some people it.” the loss of his freedom, the interest in using Barbados as Barbados and I certainly marry and divorce before the Folks, I was really disap- the location for those estab- devoted a lot of my budget wedding presents are even pointed to hear that, for this (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10) lishments. (last month) to the diaspora. We certainly have a brand G.W.: What about the new unit, wherein we’re going Caribbean tourism product in to be changing up the conces- particular, do you think it has sions offered. gone far enough in attracting We’re going to be working the African American commu- on something called “Barbados nity to visit the Caribbean and Network”, which is Barbadians also regarding African living overseas networking with Americans, and the diaspora those at home, and we’re going from the Caribbean, what kind to establish a unit for overseas of interest they are showing in Barbadians and hold a biennial coming to the Caribbean? conference in Barbados of persons of the diaspora. And D.T.: Well not enough has also find ways to tap into the been done to target that mar- resources and also to spread ket. I’ll admit that up front. I the resources which are avail- think, however, that the recent able in the diaspora. major meetings that were held both in Washington (D.C.) by (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10)

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www.caribbeantoday.com VIEWPOINT Mugabe’s tyranny betrays dreams of Africa and its diaspora f you’ve been following the There’s a The country’s economy is a land from white farmers by At a recent A.U. meeting sad news in Zimbabwe, you man who was wreck. It takes millions of self-proclaimed “war veter- in the Egyptian resort of Iwill hear the irony in the attacked and Zimbabwean dollars to buy a ans”. The country deteriorated Sharm El-Sheik, the presidents name of its capital city, Harare. beaten after loaf of bread, and the prices go rapidly from food exporter to of Kenya and Senegal were In the language of the Shona sitting down up every half hour or so. As food beggar. most prominent among the people it means “One who to eat dinner. many as 80 percent of the Ian Smith, white few who sharply rebuked does not sleep.” There’s workers are unemployed. Rhodesia’s last prime minister, Mugabe for embarrassing the When I slipped into another killed Peaceful sleep is a luxury. observed poignantly before his continent. Most of the African Zimbabwe a few years ago as a while tending Morgan Tsvangirai, the death last October, “I was Union urged a power-sharing board member of the New his garden. CLARENCE Opposition leader, was poised wrong about Mandela, but deal between Mugabe and York-based Committee to There’s a PAGE to win the runoff, despite right about Mugabe.” Indeed, Tsvangirai. But, like resolu- Protect Journalists, I slept rest- woman Mugabe’s best vote-stealing Mugabe’s always been on his tions the U.N. and others have lessly out of fear of being whose target- efforts, but withdrew to stop best behavior only as long as passed, it had no enforcement arrested. President Robert ed husband was not home, so the brutal state-sponsored his own power is not threat- teeth. Mugabe had shut the door on she was killed as a warning to attacks against thousands of ened. Subject him to some- Zimbabweans still wait in visas to outside journalists. him. his supporters. thing so humbling as an honest vain for what they really need Since then attacks have There’s another woman At 84, Mugabe clings to election and, as far as he’s con- to hear, a strong rebuke of increased against the press and who was locked in a room at power against all pretense of cerned, everybody gets hurt. Mugabe’s arrogance from their anyone else who does not toe the shopping centre and carrying about the lives or lib- neighbor, South Africa’s Mugabe’s political party line. burned with plastic all over her erty of his country’s people. He MOCKERY President Thabo Mbeki. As And Zimbabweans sleep body and in the mouth. cares only for power. He paints himself as the region’s designated nego- more fitfully. Some of the rea- A man was given rat poi- Africa’s champion. That’s a tiator in the Zimbabwe crisis - sons are spelled out in a list of son and, when that wasn’t FALLEN STAR mockery of the Pan-African and president of the region’s the Zimbabwe dead, compiled enough to kill him, he was It wasn’t always like this. I dream for which he once biggest economic and political and distributed by Mugabe’s slaughtered with an axe. remember when Mugabe was stood. Instead he’s a retro- powerhouse - Mbeki could political opposition to interna- More than 80 known vic- viewed as one of Africa’s throwback to the old Big Man almost single-handedly per- tional media and reported by tims were killed in the run-up brightest postcolonial hopes. system of kleptocracy and suade Mugabe to retire to a Paul Salopek, the Chicago to Mugabe’s June 27 sham of a Like South Africa’s Nelson pseudo-democracy: “One per- comfortable villa somewhere. Tribune’s prize-winning Africa reelection. The carnage and Mandela, Mugabe was impris- son, one vote, one time.” Through carrot-and-stick correspondent. intimidation have not stopped. oned for opposing white- So Nelson Mandela, the threats of international sanc- minority rule. Freed in 1975 Reverend Jesse Jackson and tions against the landlocked after 11 years in prison under Senator Barack Obama have Zimbabwe and Mugabe’s ‘All markets are game’, says Barbados P.M. the breakaway British colony condemned his violence? So, cronies, Mbeki could save his of Rhodesia, he led a resist- the United Nations Security legacy and Africa’s future. (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) G.W.: The situation with the ance movement that ended Council have joined the con- Instead, Mbeki behaves, in the with his election in 1980 as demnations? So, the Queen of words of an old African fable, G.W.: In your presentation rising fuel prices, and the effect prime minister of the newly England has revoked his like a mouse in the pocket of here, you outlined a number of it is having on the travel indus- named Zimbabwe. knighthood? So, you think Mugabe’s elephant while the incentives, which you hope to try, how do you see that But power corrupted him. Mugabe cares? grass suffers - and does not attract investors to Barbados. impacting the tourism industry In the early 1980s, his special Mugabe cares only for sleep. (Last month) there was an for the Caribbean, especially forces, assisted by the North power and, perhaps, keeping announcement about the the winter season coming up? Korean army, massacred an himself and his cronies for hav- © 2008 Clarence Page. restrictions, or the putting to a D.T.: It impacts on travel estimated 20,000 members of ing to answer for war crimes at Distributed by Tribune Media halt, issuing of work permits the Ndebele tribe who sup- The Hague. Instead, he’s cod- Services, Inc. for non-nationals of Barbados. throughout the world. I mean, there’s no two ways about it. I ported a rival leader. In 2000 dled by bodies like the African What brought on that move he defended the seizure of Union. ® and how do you think that will think Barbados’s advantage is impact the general feeling of most of our tourists come from opening up the Caribbean and the United Kingdom and the free movement of people Europe and, therefore, Scratching that seven-year itch within the Caribbean? because their currencies are (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) course there’s always the need accuse him of going out and stronger than the U.S. curren- happy years when he could to go out alone, just to assert leaving his wife at home. D.T.: …That is not to restrict cy we, perhaps, will avoid the himself and prove his self After all, he’s always there, that. I think that what we have worst of it. And I have my fin- come and go as he pleased, with not a care in the world, worth, plus show her that he’s entertaining, but still not required in relation to work gers crossed on that. still the master of his domain, exchanging two words with his permits, which are not neces- It certainly is going to as he lived the cowboy life. He says he feels like a trapped lord of all he surveys, king of wife all night, instead prefer- sary for Caribbean nationals affect tourists coming out of the castle, answering to ring to be the perfect host, the United States of America, animal, a once free stallion who have tertiary education by nobody. To compound this, he chatting with everyone and both inland American tourism that is now tethered in the accredited institutions, is for constantly talks about how being the life of the party. that requires distances to trav- barn and yearns to be free. If non-Caribbean citizens who things used to be in his good It’s the itch. The kissing stops, el, as well as travel outside of she can hold him there for are given work permits to be old single days, how he used the cuddling stops, the sex the United States. So, I hope those years, he’ll get used to required to train Barbadians, to be free and run with the continues, but it is routine, that that does not then affect it, perhaps even like it, and and or West Indians, in those pack. It’s just the itch he’s merely to fulfill his marital jobs. That’s what we are insist- the European market. stay put. But that’s the big if. “But is where Mr.Buchanan scratching. obligation and satisfy his ing on. That’s part of the con- need. But his mind is else- G.W.: This year in particular, going all the time so, all ditions. IRONY where, for there is an itch that with the crisis really coming to dressed up and leaving his What we are saying is that At times he won’t go out needs to be scratched. conditions must be met. We a head now, do you think this wife at home?” year, 2008, is going to be a piv- “Is the itch him have, it soon alone, but that too presents a The old wives’ tale was cor- cannot afford to be granting bitter irony, for even though rect, the seven-year itch is work permits simply for the otal year for the industry itself, pass.” for the Caribbean region? Another symptom is, when he he’ll stay home a lot, he’ll real, and all a wife has to do is sake of granting them. There always be entertaining, con- wait it out until it’s purged must be an attempt to provide starts talking about other D.T.: Oh definitely. Definitely. women and even comparing stantly having people over to from his system and he settles training and transfer of tech- chill, have drinks, chit chat, down and conforms to being a nology opportunities to The challenges are significant, other women to his wife. but I believe that once we can “I saw your schoolmate today shoot the breeze, play games. domesticated animal, a loving Barbadians. That’s the whole His house is a perpetual enter- dutiful responsible husband. basis on which you grant work weather this storm…What is in the supermarket, and she important about the Caribbean really looked young, fresh and tainment center, with more But the question is, can wives permits. people passing though than at nowadays wait for this itch to So it doesn’t affect the is it’s an area of relatively safe- green, really criss. Are you ty and security and therefore sure you were both in the a bus station. go away? I think not, for these CSME (CARICOM Single He’ll do anything not to be days, they too have an itch Market and Economy) American tourists that come to same class?” the Caribbean and have a Ouch, but he isn’t even aware alone with his wife, and hav- that needs scratching. because within the CSME the ing the multitude over for citizens who have tertiary qual- vacation and return home of the grave injustice that he’s knowing that they’re in a safe meting out to his wife, as he’s food and drinks all the time is [email protected] ifications are already entitled but a symptom of the itch that to work permits. environment. merely suffering from the mal- ady of the marriage itch. Of needs scratching. No one can ®

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TOURISM/ TRAVEL www.caribbeantoday.com Caribbean remains top cruise destination ~ survey opportunity for families to said the Caribbean is tradi- round destination. share quality time,” he added. tionally cheaper than other The random survey of cruises, because it is a year- ® 2,426 persons had an average age of 25 years and a mini- mum household income of $40,000. Cruise industry officials said the Caribbean as a desti- nation is growing at the expense of the Mediterranean mainly due to rising fuel costs, among other factors. “With the Caribbean, one of the biggest advantages is there’s simply more choice,” said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of FORT LAUDERDALE – A since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror- the Fort Lauderdale-based new survey by the United ist attacks in the United CruiseCritic.com. States’ Cruise Lines States. “And it’s a much more International Association “We don’t know if this is flexible option. During times of (CLICA) shows the Caribbean due to 9/11, but the growth is the year, when there’s more as being among the top desti- not surprising,” he said variety, pricing will be more nation of cruise visitors. recently. competitive as well,” she added. CLIA’s Bob Sharak, exec- “Cruising is a perfect Brown, whose customers utive vice president for mar- vacation for families because include Disney Cruise Line, keting and distribution, said it offers activities for every Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. there has been a rise in family age traveler, supervised chil- and Carnival Cruise Line, vacations to the Caribbean dren’s programs and the Cuba brings ‘seismic shift’ to region’s tourism ~ IMF WASHINGTON – The “After controlling for nat- of non-U.S tourists currently International Monetary Fund ural disasters, trade agree- in Cuba”, it added. (IMF) says the liberalization ments, and other factors, the of the Cuba-United States results show that a hypotheti- VULNERABLE tourism sectors will represent cal liberalization of Cuba-U.S. The study stated a “seismic shift” in the tourism would increase long- Caribbean countries have, in Caribbean’s tourism industry. term regional arrivals”, the general, not lowered their In a study released last study stated. dependency on U.S. tourists, month, the IMF said it “mod- “Neighboring destinations “leaving them vulnerable to els the impact of such a poten- would lose the implicit protec- this potential change”. tial opening by estimating a tion the current restriction It said, as the likelihood counterfactual that captures affords them, and Cuba would of Cuba opening to U.S. the current bilateral restric- gain market share, but this tourism were to rise, tion on tourism between the would be partially offset in the two countries. short-run by the redistribution (CONTINUED ON PAGE 12) Americans will continue Caribbean visits ~ U.S. economist increasing fuel costs as among tend to stay away from places the three major shocks, the which they deem unsafe. others being high food prices and volatility in the world ® economy. But he also predict- ed that American tourists will continue to make their way to the Caribbean. St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Stephenson King said the news was encouraging. “When you compare what Greenspan the figures (on U.S. arrivals) are - the latest figures for WASHINGTON – Top Unites March as compared to last States economist Dr. Allan year - there is not much of a Greenspan has told Caribbean difference and that, in itself, is leaders that things will an indication that though fuel improve for their bread and prices are rising still the trav- butter industry, tourism, elers, the vacationers, the although rising oil prices and tourists are continuing to trav- reduced airlift now create big el,” King said. challenges for the sector. But Greenspan urged the The former chairman of Caribbean not to be satisfied the Board of Governors of the with tourist arrivals. He said U.S. Federal Reserve System, regional governments should speaking at the first annual also go after more foreign Caribbean Tourism Summit direct investment, even as he here recently, identified acknowledged that investors

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www.caribbeantoday.com TOURISM/ TRAVEL Anguilla launches new tourism project BA to increase flights THE VALLEY, Anguilla, exercise to take place within The second phase would CMC – Anguilla has launched the ministry.” involve the preparation of a to St. Lucia by October a Tourism Sector Development It will be spearheaded by Tourism Master Plan to guide Project (TSDP) that includes Dominican Jasmin Garraway, the development of the indus- CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC - 50 pounds, an important factor an economic and social impact a tourism planning and devel- try over the 2010-2020 period. British Airways, which has for Caribbean travelers,” assessment of selected tourism opment specialist. Permanent Secretary in been operating a weekly serv- Blackett said. developments and a survey to A statement from the the Ministry of Tourism Dr. ice into St. Lucia every gauge the attitudes of citizens Ministry of Tourism said that Aidan Harrigan said the third Wednesday, has announced PLEASED towards tourists and the over- the first phase of the three- phase would be the creation plans to introduce two addi- He said that British all industry. part project would include an of an institutional develop- tional services from Oct. 26. Airways was pleased to be in Tourism Minister Victor economic and social impact ment plan. Nigel Blackett, the a position to provide the addi- Banks said that the project, assessment of selected tourism Banks said that the popu- Barbados-based regional man- tional services given the disap- which was first approved by developments and a survey to lation would be consulted dur- ager for the airline, said that pointment felt by St. Lucians the Executive Council last gauge the attitudes of ing all phases of the project. once the service begins in some years ago when the serv- November, “is the most com- Anguillians and residents October, the flight schedule ices into Hewanorra prehensive tourism planning towards tourists and tourism. ® will change to Tuesday, International were reduced. Thursday and Sunday. This “But we have now will be non-stop direct service returned with a better prod- to and from Gatwick airport uct, which will allow passen- Canadian airline to service Barbados in London. gers to go direct to London He said that while the instead of having to transit TORONTO, Canada – A this year. The Travel Health services will arrive in St. Lucia from another point,” he said. Canadian-based airline has The announcement came Insurance Association of directly from Gatwick, they Diane Corrie, commercial announced plans for a non- in June, one week after Air Canada (THIAC) predicted will all terminate in Trinidad manager for the Caribbean, stop service to Barbados amid Canada announced winter that Canadians would not be and Tobago, providing St. said that the company had predictions that Canadians capacity reductions and 2,000 discouraged from traveling by Lucians and Trinidadians with returned to St. Lucia with would flock to warmer cli- job cuts. high gas prices and soaring air- another option for intra- additional flights at this time mates despite the increasing WestJet said its “enhanced line fares. The travel insurance regional travel. as there has been a growing cost of fuel and airfares. winter schedule” would also group cited a recent report “St. Lucians and demand for St. Lucia out of WestJet said that it include new services to Cancun that Canadians would make Trinidadians who have the U.K. market. would introduce the non-stop and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico more than 750,000 out-of- encountered difficulty getting “After an evaluation was service to Grantley Adams from various cities across country trips during the 2008 by in recent times will now carried out we were convinced International Airport in Canada, along with increased to 2009 winter tourism season. have another option for leisure that we could successfully Barbados and La Romana in frequency between Toronto or business travel via a wide operate three flights a week to the Dominican Republic as and Jamaica, St. Lucia and the ® bodied aircraft, in addition to St. Lucia,” Corrie said. part of its winter schedule Dominican Republic. being able to take with them two pieces of luggage each at ® Cuba brings ‘seismic shift’ to region’s tourism ~ IMF

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11) transitory cost asymmetry rel- ative to Mexico”. Caribbean competitors would need to hedge potential EQUILIBRIUM tourist losses to Cuba by The study said under a diversifying away from U.S. scenario in which U.S. tourists tourists and towards “cultural- flows to Cuba were to be ly different” countries. unrestricted, the market “This effect would be would need to find a new strongest and most observable equilibrium, “as the largest for Caribbean destinations consumer of tourism services that are most dependent on in the region meets for the U.S. tourists”, the study first time in nearly fifty years added. the region’s largest potential “This effect would also be producer”, it stated. most observable whenever it “As this dead weight loss were to appear that the Cuba- would be lifted from US con- U.S. tourism restrictions might sumers, Caribbean vacations be lifted”. would be re-priced, based on The study revealed that fundamental costs, and new the kaleidoscope of nationali- tourism consumption patterns ties, languages, races, political would emerge across all desti- and colonial histories, coupled nations and visitor countries. with what at first appears to “As U.S. visitors over- be comparable endowments, whelm capacity, OECD made the Caribbean a unique (Organization for Economic natural experiment for trade. Cooperation and Moreover, it stated that the Development) visitors, cur- importance of tourism for the rently vacationing in Cuba, region’s economies fuels inter- would have to be redirected est from policymakers and toward neighboring countries. academics. “Hence, while short-run For example, it pointed to constraints would be binding a recent passport mandate for in Cuba, the region would U.S. travelers to the enjoy a period of sustained Caribbean, stating that it set demand”, the study noted. off intense lobbying by the affected economies to “stop a ®

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BACK TO SCHOOL www.caribbeantoday.com ~ A Caribbean Today special feature Parents’ guide: Getting kids acquainted with new school MAYA COHEN with you without interruption schedule and block off time to and talked with her teachers interests. Obtain a list of or excuse. You may feel guilty explore the entire campus. beforehand. Contact the school clubs and teams, and tarting at a new school about moving your child to a Take a few “dry runs” with school and see if a brief con- go over it with your child to can be intimidating for new school district, or you your child, and walk through ference is feasible – ideally on see if he is interested in any of Schildren and may cause his school-day sched- the day when you will be visit- them. Also, remind your child intense anxiety and nervous- ule. Do this as many ing the school. that extracurricular activities ness at summer’s end. times as it takes for often begin before the aca- Ease the transition with your child to feel Encourage your child to get demic year, so getting these back-to-school tech- comfortable. involved in extracurricular involved may mean that your niques. They will help you and Also, if he activities - Extracurricular child will meet some of his your child start off the new has a locker, be sure activities are a great way for new classmates before that school year smoothly. to check it out and children to make new friends first day of school. practice using the with people who share similar Practice the route - Make sure combination to open ® the route to and from school it. Visit the cafeteria, is familiar to your child. If he bathrooms, library, is expected to walk or bike, and nurse’s office. How parents can help then take a few practice runs Make a point with him and point out land- of stopping by the • Get comfortable with make your school mornings marks along the way. Make principal’s office – expectations - Make sure your easier, but your child will be sure he is comfortable with receptionists are child knows what is expected composed and clearheaded, going it alone by the time the often there in the last from her academically. which can help to minimize Make sure the skill-level of the class is comparable to weeks of August. first day of school arrives. your child’s abilities. Although the school is new, those first-day butterflies. If he is carpooling with Introduce yourself she will be expected to have other students, then get in and your child, and read all of the summer read- • Medications - If your child touch with the participating may think that indulging your use this opportunity to ask ing materials and to have needs to take medication dur- parents to hash out the sched- child’s fears will only elevate any questions or express con- completed all of the summer ing the school day, make sure uling details before school them, but it is important to cerns. assignments. You should also that all arrangements are starts. Over the summer, make allow your son or daughter to If your child is in high touch base with the teacher to finalized well before school sure your child meets all of express concerns. school, he may be embar- ensure that the skill-level of begins. the students in the carpool. Discussing her thoughts rassed to walk around his new the class is comparable to Fill out the appropriate Even if your child does not may allow her to pinpoint school with a parent, so your child’s abilities. Your forms, speak to the nurse, and become close with any of exactly what is causing her encourage him to check it out child will feel much more make sure that your child is them, he will feel more com- anxiety – and you’ll be better by himself or with a friend. comfortable if she can per- aware of when and where her fortable starting out the able to help. Sometimes sim- Assure him you will drop him form confidently in the class- medication will be dispensed. school year surrounded by ply venting alleviates nervous- off and pick him up. This is an room. Put a reminder note in her familiar faces. ness. important step, so make it as lunch box or backpack if nec- If your child is taking the However, even if this con- convenient as possible. • Early to bed, early to rise - essary, and don’t be afraid to school bus, then find out the versation makes no difference Summer schedules are flexi- call the nurse during the day exact time and location of in your child’s level of appre- Meet the teachers - Inquire as ble and routines are often to ensure that your child has pickup and drop-off. If you hension and distress, you are to whether you can be intro- broken. However, it will ease taken her pills. have any concerns about safe- still instilling within her the duced to your child’s teachers the transition back to school ty, contact the school’s admin- knowledge that she can come before the school year begins. if you enforce a reasonable Source: Back to School with istration office. to you with any concerns. On the first day, your child bedtime in the weeks FamilyEducation. will be faced with so much approaching the start of Don’t diminish fears - Allow Explore the new school - that’s new. She may feel more school. Not only will this ® your child to discuss her fears Obtain a copy of your child’s comfortable if she has met Douglas wants CARICOM, New York education pact NELSON A. KING “push the frontiers of knowl- Charles Rangel Professorship, conducted by the Caribbean edge by placing emphasis on named after the Harlem con- Regional Negotiating NEW YORK - St. Kitts and areas of research and devel- gressman who pushed for the Machinery, for instance, that Nevis’s Prime Minister Dr. opment,” primarily in areas of conference to be held in New shows that the tertiary educa- Denzil Douglas has called for tourism, transportation and York, be named “to commem- tion sector in CARICOM greater education collabora- climate change. orate this momentous occa- countries is characterized by a tion between the Caribbean In addition, he advocated sion in the annals of range of public, private and community (CARICOM) and the formation of common Caribbean-USA relations.” foreign-owned providers. New York. areas of research and out- Douglas told delegates that Douglas said there are over Addressing an education reach that are particularly CARICOM as well as educa- 150 institutions of which 60 symposium, at the recent aimed at improving the quali- tors and researchers are percent are public, 30 percent “Conference on the Caribbean: ty of life of citizens in the “quizzical” about the growing private, and the remaining 10 A 20-20 Vision Continued” in Caribbean and New York. trend of male underperfor- percent exist with some gov- Brooklyn, Douglas said there is These include “such areas Douglas mance or under-achievement, ernment support. that connect education to stating that the region, in par- He said there have been need to arrive at “some con- private sectors must be health, trade, culture and pro- ticular, is “sensitive to the calls for universities to protect crete elements of a plan for involved in sponsoring “good- mote greater public aware- need for corrective action that the “essential” role of tertiary collaboration.” will tours” that would ness, especially to reduce the may have significant social level education as a public He said there is dire need enhance the understanding of spreads of HIV/AIDS, pre- consequences.” good and not to support its for greater collaboration in groups and stakeholders “that vention of NCDs advancing “subordination” to market research and training through share common cultural and cultural industries and, there- CHALLENGE forces “that will undermine the establishment of CARI- educational objectives.” by, capitalizing on some of the He said the “brain drain” accessibility and exacerbate COM-New York fellowships, He said greater emphasis assets of the Caribbean dias- is also a challenge for the social inequalities.” But he calling for the establishment must also be placed on pro- pora,” Douglas said. region, urging participants to said it is a debate that will no of a special fund dedicated for moting courses on Caribbean come up with proposals in doubt continue. exchange at the staff and stu- studies and the American ‘GOODWILL TOURS’ addressing it for the “mutual dent levels. connections in tertiary level The St. Kitts leader said benefit of both our societies.” ® Douglas said a “concerted institutions. He added that a effort” must be made to CARICOM and New York He pointed to a recent survey

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www.caribbeantoday.com BACK TO SCHOOL ~ A Caribbean Today special feature Cutting costs: Web site links student borrowers, lenders STEVE ROSEN training in web development I would pay off my loans on lender, she is halfway there. After graduation, students and computer information sys- time after I graduate”. “Because of my parents, I can defer repayment of the is name is Bill, and he tems. Her name is Larisa, a have the drive and work ethic loan for five years, and have needs $7,800 in stu- “I am a hard-working, biology major attending to fulfill my goal to become a up to 10 years to pay off the Hdent loans. Interested smart person”, wrote Bill. “I Auburn University. She wants dentist”, wrote Larisa. debt. Lenders also can choose in helping? work part time, play sports, to become a dentist but must I was introduced to Bill to forgive repayment. The DeVry University stu- participate in charities with come up with $17,000 to con- and Larisa by reading their dent from Chicago hopes to my fraternity. I am also known tinue her education. Thanks profiles at GreenNote.com, a FUNDING GAP graduate in Dec. 2009 with to fulfill all of my promises, so to a $7,800 pledge from one web site launched last week to Agarwal envisions a typi- help students generate low- cal GreenNote borrower cost financial aid for college. needing about $5,000, with the The Silicon Valley startup is funds coming from five to relying on a social networking eight lenders. program - rather than tradi- GreenNote is for students tional lending outlets - to who may have exhausted tra- attract college funds. ditional financial aid channels As such, GreenNote seeks and still have a funding gap, to create what chief executive Agarwal said. As for lenders, and co-founder Akash he added, the program aims to Agarwal calls a “pledge drive attract “people who want to for education”. help people who want to help Agarwal, 39, is a Harvard themselves.” MBA graduate with 16 years of Any college student can management experience in the register with GreenNote. high-tech industry. For at least Interestingly - and this is what the past year, Agarwal has been initially made me skeptical - developing this web venture, the company does not per- whose investors include the form credit checks on stu- influential Menlo Ventures. dents, require a co-signer on GreenNote is among a growing loan agreements or show number of online companies proof of U.S. citizenship. focusing on microlending, the But that’s not to say there extension of small loans to those are no checks and balances. in need. It may be the first to use GreenNote certifies that a stu- the Internet to link college bor- dent attends a particular Top Student: rowers with prospective lenders. school and verifies other per- “I’ve seen microloans’ sonal information. Loan Brandon Janvion application in developing money is sent directly from countries,” said Agarwal, “and GreenNote to the school High School: I wanted to see how we can financial aid office, and loans Dade Christian develop this in our country.” in default will be turned over to collection agencies. NEST EGG GreenNote has gotten the GPA: 3.90 The inspiration for attention of the National GreenNote also came partly Association of Student Major: from Agarwal’s difficulties in Financial Aid Administrators. Mass Communication obtaining aid for college. But The financing approach is the program represents some- “interesting and unique,” said thing bigger, he said: “The Philip Day, president of the { current credit crunch and ris- organization. ing tuition costs have created an environment where stu- PRIVACY CONCERNS Top students dents need to raise money However, Day expressed choose a top college. that won’t leave them overly concerns about privacy issues burdened after graduation.” and how GreenNote loans are GreenNote relies on pool- factored into a student’s over- ing pledges of $100 and up from all need-based financial aid. investors who tap into its Web He said all such “private site, www.greennote.com. loans” should be submitted Investors can register and click and certified by college finan- on profiles created by students cial aid officers to ensure that who describe their educational the student isn’t receiving backgrounds and goals. more aid than is needed. Potential lenders could be fami- In response, GreenNote ly, friends, alumni from the stu- Spokesperson Evie Smith dent’s college - anyone interest- said her company has taken 305-237-8888 ed in providing college funding. these concerns into account A minimum of $1,000 in and expects to work closely www.mdc.edu pledges is required for students with financial aid offices. to maintain their profile on Despite the risks and cau- GreenNote. Money that’s tions associated with this pledged on a loan earns a ambitious program, I support fixed-rate return - pegged to any endeavor that might the federal Stafford Loan rate increase the odds of students that’s currently 6.8 percent. being able to afford a college RegisterRegister for for spring fall now! now! GreenNote takes one percent education. In these times, cre- as a management fee for han- ative financial thinking can be dling loan documentation a good thing. through the repayment, mak- ing the payoff to the investor © 2008 Tribune Media Classes start August 27. 5.8 percent under current con- Services, Inc. ditions. ®

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BACK TO SCHOOL www.caribbeantoday.com ~ A Caribbean Today special feature Safety tips: Helping to prevent harm to kids checking the Soccer anchors that are driven into Loops on window blind cords safety of public Many people don’t associ- the ground; or Look at the blinds in your playgrounds. ate soccer with injury. One • sandbags or counterweights house, or at your child’s day- source of trouble is the soccer if the goals are indoors. care or school. You or the Bike helmets goal. To prevent soccer goals teacher should cut the loop on Since a grow- from tipping over, make sure Jacket and sweatshirt draw- two-corded horizontal blinds ing number of they’re anchored into the strings and attach separate tassels to kids are riding ground. You can use the fol- Drawstrings may look trendy, keep kids from getting entan- their bikes to lowing: but they can get caught on lots gled in the cords. Vertical school, make • auger-style anchors that of stuff, including elevators, blinds, continuous loop sys- sure your kids screw into the ground; playground equipment, and tems, and drapery cords use always wear their • semi-permanent anchors, cribs. Remove drawstrings on looped cords to function. Do helmets. All bike which require a permanently hoods or around the neck of not cut these loops. Instead, helmets manufac- secured base that is buried clothing. If drawstrings at the install a permanent tie-down tured or sold in underground combined with waist or bottom of an article device. the U.S. are the use of tethers or bolts to of clothing are looking a tad required to meet secure the goal; long, trim them down to no ® federal safety • peg, stake, or j-hook style longer than three inches. stan- Prevention is better than cure for kids on the playground.

Back to school? Time for a dards. Helmet use safety check. Use this list to can reduce the prevent your kids from harm risk of head injury at school, at home and at play. by up to 85 per- cent. There is one Playgrounds exception: Kids Send them to school with a smile. Each year, more than shouldn’t wear 200,000 kids are treated in bike helmets when United States hospital emer- playing - especial- Of course, Publix has the freshest selection of snacks, lunches, gency rooms for playground- ly on playground associated injuries. Most of equipment. and drinks kids love. But did you know you can pick up these injuries occur when a child falls from the equip- Backpacks ment. Textbooks, great deals on school supplies like backpacks, Take a look at the sur- notebooks, lunch, faces of your local play- toys... how much notebooks, and more? Just think, now you can ground. There should be a 12- weight is your inch depth of wood chips, child toting back mulch, sand, or pea gravel, or and forth each get it all— including quality and service— mats made of safety-tested day? Take the rubber or fiber material. (This load off your child in one easy stop. surface will prevent possible by following these head injuries in case a child backpack safety falls.) Here are more tips for tips.

New education system SALE blamed for poor grades CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – St. Lucia’s Education Minister Arsene James says the introduction of the universal education system (UES) in 2006 has con- tributed to literacy problems among secondary school students. Education officials say as much as 40 percent of students entering secondary schools do not have the necessary skills needed to perform at that level. James said that the UES has contributed to that situation since, under the system, all primary school students who sit the national entrance exams are assured of secondary school placement. “That is the major problem because every child has the opportunity to go to a secondary school whether he performs creditably or not,” James said. “Whether he can read or write he has an opportuni- ty and no one can deny him that opportunity. Therefore, neither parents nor students and in some cases not even teachers are very much concerned about the situation.” The minister said he plans to meet with princi- pals and teachers from schools where students are underperforming to formulate a plan of action to address the problem. The National Principals Association (NPA) said it was also concerned about the situation. ®

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FYI www.caribbeantoday.com T&T CELEBRATION South Florida. Maryland and Virginia will On Aug. 17 the Jamaica of the annual Jam Reggae Fest Sports and cultural activi- For more information, call celebrate Jamaica’s 46th year Association of Maryland hosted by the Jamaica ties will mark a free Trinidad 954-972-9628 or 954-587-7700. of Independence with several will host an Independence Association of Maryland at and Tobago Independence events to be hosted this month Thanksgiving Service at 4:30 noon Aug. 23 at Lake Cliffton Day celebration from 2 p.m. JAMAICAN CELEBRATION by Jamaican Ambassador to p.m. at the Baltimore Central Park in Baltimore. to 10 p.m. Aug. 31 at the New Jamaicans and friends of the United States Anthony Church of God. Central Broward Regional the Caribbean country resid- Johnson and the Jamaican The Independence celebra- PASSPORT APPLICATION Park, Sunrise Boulevard in ing in Washington, D.C., embassy in Washington, D.C. tion will climax with the staging New United States citi- zens can apply for passports on-site in Florida. This month in Miami, Team Metro will be at the Dade County Auditorium, 2901 W. Flagler St., to facili- tate acceptance of U.S. pass- port applications for newly sworn citizens. For more information about upcoming dates and requirements, call 305-375- 2836.

CANCER SUPPORT Breast cancer survivors and community supporters will rally together to kick off the American Cancer Society’s 7th Annual South Palm Beach Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) walk this month in Florida, United States. The kick-off event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Boca Center Marriott to gear up for the MSABC 5k walk on Oct.18 at Mizner Park. For more information, visit http://makingstrides.acsev- ents.org/southpalmbeach. ®

a culture so rich you can taste it

Carnival in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a dazzling display of both native and multicultural influences. Known worldwide for its distinctive take on an international festival, some consider this island nation the unofficial “birthplace” of the Caribbean’s most spectacular celebration of art and history. Happy Independence Day, Trinidad and Tobago. 8 • 31 • 08

Our lovely Carnival ladies are made from Aloe Vera, Pineapple, Pineapple Leaves, Raspberries, Strawberries, Kiwi, White Cherries, Grapes, publix.com ©2008 Publix Asset Management Company Cilantro, Jalepeno Peppers, Vanilla Beans, Brown Rice, Kidney Beans, Coffee Beans, Wild Rice, Lemons, Oranges, Limes and Bok Choy.

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www.caribbeantoday.com LOCAL Jamaican singer, actor wins world performing arts championship Allicock leaving Jamaican

ctor and classical classical singing and to be an singer, 23-year-old ambassador for my country.” consul general post Jamaican-born Jamaica’s Ambassador to A .P. Ricardo Allicock, and Consular Affairs (formerly Andrew Clark, was pro- the United Sates Anthony Johnson offered congratula- Jamaica’s consul general the Overseas Division) of that claimed grand champion ministry. He joined the performer last month at the tions to the new champion. Cto the southern United “All Jamaicans at home States, will complete his tour Foreign Service in 2001. 12th staging of the World During his tenure, the Champion of Performing and abroad are proud of your of duty on Aug. 31 after serv- achievements. As a country ing as head of mission since consul general was responsible Arts (WCOPA) at the Westin for the 13 southern U.S. states, Bonaventure Hotel in we are known worldwide for Sept. 2002. our music culture and arts and Allicock including South Florida, the Hollywood, Los Angeles. second largest Jamaican popu- Clark, who sang in six cat- your exemplary performance is expected at the World Champion of to return to lated U.S. region, with a popu- egories, won a gold medal for lation of nearly 400,000. each category. In acting, he Performing Arts, proves that Clarke Jamaica to the size of our country is not a begin his new Under Allicock’s director- was crowned the overall Jamaica has won the overall deterrent of strength, but is role as direc- ship, two honorary consuls champion. championship at the WCOPA. indeed the function of the tor of proto- have been assigned in Houston, “I feel overwhelmed and Clark joins the Strachan human desire to strive for col in the Texas and Atlanta, Georgia. He blessed to have won this com- Sisters who won the overall excellence,” the ambassador Ministry of started the annual Community petition and to represent my title in 2003. In 2005 the Allicock said. Foreign Service Awards ceremony to country Jamaica,” Clark said Bennett Sisters earned a silver Clark was one of 5,000 Affairs and “acknowledge tremendous con- in an interview with JIS News medal. tributions of Jamaicans in from Los Angeles. “Winning contestants from 30 countries Foreign Trade (MFAFT), who participated in this year’s beginning Sept. 1. South Florida and beyond”. this competition will give me - Washington, D.C.,/JIS competition. Prior to his current assign- Allicock was also instrumental an opportunity to further pre- in the formation of the CARI- pare myself in acting as well as This is the second time ment, Allicock served in the ® ministry as special advisor to COM Consular Corp. the then Minister Paul Robertson, as well as working - JIS in the Department of Diaspora ® Family reunion: Seeking asylum for a relative Question: I am a refugee and notify you when they make a want to know how do I help decision regarding your case. my relative get asylee status in If your petition is approved, the United States as well? and your relative is inside the U.S., USCIS officials will send Answer: You can start the you an approval notice, noti- process by filing a Form I-730, fying you that your relative is Refugee/Asylee Relative a refugee or asylee and what Petition, says the U.S. steps to take next. Citizenship & Immigration If your petition is approved Services. The I-730 is avail- and your relative is outside the able at the agency’s website at U.S., you will be sent an uscis.gov. If you entered the approval notice and forward U.S. as a refugee or were your petition to the U.S. granted asylum less than two Embassy/Consulate nearest years ago, you may file an I- your relative. The U.S. 730 for your husband or wife Embassy/Consulate will notify or unmarried children under your relative when and where age 21. The law limits eligibili- to appear, inviting him or her to ty to these relatives. apply for a visa to enter the An I-730 petition must be U.S. filed within two years of Note, also, that you can- entering as a refugee or being not file an I-730 for your hus- granted asylum. If it has been band or wife if you marry longer than two years since after you become a refugee or you entered as a refugee or asylee. And remember that were granted asylum, you may the law requires nearly all want to get legal advice to non-U.S. citizens to report a determine if there are any change of address within 10 other immigration benefits days of moving by completing available to your relative. a Form AR-11, Change of After you file the I-730 Address Form. petition, the USCIS says it Also, note that if you wish will mail you a receipt so you to travel outside the U.S., you know they have received it for are required to get a processing. If your petition is Refugee Travel Document in incomplete, USCIS may reject order to return to the U.S. it, or ask you for more evi- and maintain your status. In dence or information, which most cases, an asylee may use will delay processing. the Refugee Travel Document If your relative is in the for travel purposes in place of U.S., the U.S. may require a passport. The Refugee him or her to appear for an Travel Document is similar in interview with an immigration appearance to a U.S. passport. officer. Compiled by Felicia Persaud. DECISION The USCIS says it will ®

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NEWS Advocates welcome Suriname’s membership in International Court

NEW YORK – Suriname’s accession “will continue to tilt accession to the Rome Statue, the regional balance in sup- enabling it to become a mem- port of the Court.” ber of the International ENCOURAGING Criminal Former Trinidad and Court (ICC), Tobago President Arthur NR has been wel- Robinson has been credited comed by with playing a pioneering role the Coalition in the establishment of the ICC. for the Eric Rudge, professor of public International international law at Suriname’s Criminal Robinson Anton de Kom University, Court (CICC). described his country’s “acces- But the CICC is also urg- sion” as encouraging. ing The Bahamas, Grenada, “It further consolidates Haiti, Jamaica and St. Lucia, the region’s commitment to the five Caribbean community fighting impunity for the most (CARICOM) countries that heinous crimes,” he said. have not yet signed on to the Suriname’s Parliament ICC, to do so “immediately”. passed the ICC Bill of “We welcome Suriname’s Accession two days before the accession,” Francesca Varda, historic 10th anniversary of the CICC’s regional coordina- the adoption of the Rome tor for Latin America and the Statute, the founding treaty of Caribbean, said last month. the International Criminal CICC is a global network Court (ICC) last month. The of over 2,500 non-governmen- CICC said it was now urging tal organizations that advo- Suriname to proceed with the cates for a “fair, effective and ratification of the Agreement independent International on the Privileges and Criminal Court”. Immunities of the ICC, as well Varda said Suriname has as implement the Rome become the 24th member of Statute into domestic law. the Organization of American States (OAS) to join the ICC, ® adding that she hopes the

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www.caribbeantoday.com ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Florida extravaganza celebrates N.Y. reggae festival to Marcus Garvey’s birthday Aug. 17 honor Caribbean athletes NEW YORK – Organizers of honor the Caribbean athletes rt and photo exhibi- a major reggae festival in New at Irie Jamboree 2k8, came on tions, music, dancing York will honor Caribbean the heels of Jamaican Usain and drama are among A athletes during the Labor Day Bolt’s 100 meters world record the attractions scheduled for weekend in the United States. run of 9.72 seconds at a Grand the “2008 Marcus Garvey U.S. Labor Day is cele- Prix meet here on May 31. Rootz Extravaganza and Pan- brated on the first Monday Grant said an arts and African Bookfest” this month in September. craft section at the festival will in Florida, United States. Louie Grant, the The event, to mark the Jamaican-born vice president birthday of Jamaica’s late of New York-based Irie Jam National Hero Marcus Media, co-producers of the Garvey, will be held from “Irie Jamboree Concert”, con- noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 17 at the sidered the leading reggae fes- Joseph C. Carter Park, 1450 tival in North America, said W. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort the theme for the 2008 event Lauderdale. is “Celebrating Caribbean The cultural celebration is Athletes Representing the staged annually by the Rootz Region at Beijing ‘08”. Foundation Inc., in association “Great Caribbean with the Broward County Olympians – such as Arthur Library. Wint, Herb McKenley, Donald Garvey became an inter- Quarrie, Hasley Crawford, national hero in the Dennis Johnson, Lenox Miller, Caribbean, the Americas and Beenie Man Merlene Ottey, Bertland Africa, after he organized and Garvey Cameron, Ana Quirot, Javier led the Universal Negro Sotomayor, Anier Garcia, be named the “Caribbean Improvement Association Florida; Heru, a Pan-African Vocalists, including Debbie Ferguson, Ato Olympic Village” in honor of (UNIA), an international mass spoken word exponent; and Shanty Plus and Highah Boldon, Alberto Juantorena, all Caribbean athletes who movement of black people. Queen Mother Moses of the Seekah are on the schedule, as Deon Hemmings and so many took part at this year’s sum- The climax of the day’s Empress of Zion organization are dance presentations by the others – have advanced our mer Olympics. activities will be a community from Atlanta. Tribeholistic Dance Company formidable athletics tradition He said top Jamaican reg- town hall meeting led by The bookfest is expected and the Roots & Culture on the international stage,” he gae stars – such as Tarrus keynote guest speaker Senghor to feature over 20 authors; dancers. Music by the said. Riley, Coco Tea, Sizzla, Beenie Baye, from Washington, D.C. presentations by the authors Revelation Sound System. “Their legacy ought to be Man, Elephant Man, Serani, Baye is the first assistant presi- of their newest books; story- Admission is free. This recognized by us, reggae kin- Bugle, DeMarco and Hero, dent-general of the UNIA and telling for the younger chil- year, the Rootz Foundation dred here in the United States, among others, will headline managing editor of the Garvey dren; the Kinad Mobile Inc. and the Broward County particularly during the Labor the reggae acts slated to per- Voice newspaper. He will lead Museum of African-American Library have partnered with Day weekend celebrations.” form at Irie Jamboree 2k8. a panel of other speakers that History (mounted on a bus); the City of Fort Lauderdale include community activist and a Holistic Health Fair fea- Parks and Recreation RECORD RUN ® Kwame Afoh, who is founder turing hands-on treatment and Department, which is hosting Grant said the decision to and coordinator of the Pan- free screenings and health the event at the park. information. Afrikan Nationalists of South ® ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS • Bounty Killer charged with the coveted “Pic-O-De-Crop” title using expletives for 2008. Popular dancehall artiste Bounty Killer was charged by police last • Grenada’s reigning month following a performance at monarch retires Reggae Sumfest Grenada reigning calypso monarch – the popular Findley “Scholar” Jeffries, has annual reggae announced his retirement from festival here. competition. The interna- The news came less than two tionally acclaimed weeks before he was due to artiste, whose defend his title in the national real name is competition. Scholar has won the Rodney Price, calypso monarch five times. was on stage in Bounty Killer the western city • DJ Mavado arrested again of Montego Bay when he was Popular Jamaican dance hall booed by patrons for attacking the artiste Mavado is in trouble again character of two fellow artistes. In with the law. the midst of the attack he used Mavado, whose real name is expletives. David Constantine Brooks, was served with a summons earlier this • Barbados crowns new month for assault following a fight calypso monarch at a night club in the Jamaican Adrian “AC” Clarke sang his way to parish of Westmoreland resulting in the calypso monarch crown in a patron being seriously injured. Barbados on Aug. 1, beating Police also charged the singer with defending monarch Stedson “Red using abusive language when they Plastic Bag” Wiltshire into second tried to arrest him. place at the Crop Over festival. Clarke, who went up against Compiled from CMC and other nine other calypso competitors, sources. amassed 421.5 points to capture ®

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August 2008 CARIBBEAN TODAY 21

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT www.caribbeantoday.com ‘Caribana’ attracts two million fans to Toronto ore than two million cities in North America, the spirit of masqueraders, ers with miniature and huge ubiquitous along the parade people converged on where a large number of revelers and onlookers who costumes, swaying to the beat route, as vendors sought to MToronto’s Lakeshore Caribbean nationals reside, refused to miss the 41st annu- of soca and reggae music “cash in” on the event, consid- Boulevard for the annual including New York, Miami, al event. along the parade route. ered second to New York’s Caribbean carnival recently in Atlanta, Boston, Washington The sights, sounds and Caribbean food and West Indian American Canada. and Montreal. smell of the Caribbean drinks – including roti, jerk Day Carnival Parade on The extravaganza, known Though a short morning enveloped the atmosphere, as chicken and pork, rice and Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway. as “Caribana”, attracted a sea shower delayed the com- masqueraders dazzled onlook- peas, mauby and sorrel – were of revelers and spectators mencement of the spectacle ® from the Caribbean and major on Aug. 2, it did not dampen SWEET HAITIAN FUN

Haitian singer Sweet Micky revs up the crowd at Oak Grove Park in North Miami, Florida during the recent “Haitian Fest”. Sweet Micky was among the performers at a concert, which was part of the day’s events organized by Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle. Other activities included a soccer match, tennis matches and domino compe- titions. Crime mars St. Lucia’s carnival olice in St. Lucia were Soca Monarch competition. last month investigating Lawmen arrested two Pthe second homicide for men in connection with that the 2008 Carnival season as incident, even as they contin- celebrations went into the last ued their probe into the death lap. of Marlon Boxill, 17, who was Mac Curtly Monrose, 24, stabbed in the chest during of Marchand located east of Mass on the Square. the capital, was fatally stabbed at the end of the Caribbean ® BEAUTY BASH

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Anthony Johnson poses with Getonia Vincent of Grenada, right, newly crowned “Miss Caribbean Metro Beauty Queen” and at Kemoy Barnett, second runner-up representing Jamaica, during the pageant late last month at the Clarice Smith Performing Center, University of Maryland.

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22 CARIBBEAN TODAY August 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com SPORT $20M winner-takes-all payout Jamaica, El Salvador draw 0-0 in soccer GORDON WILLIAMS Honduras and Canada. El decline the offer due to club for cricket match in Caribbean Salvador joins Costa Rica, commitments. FRISCO, Texas – Omar Haiti and Suriname in Group “The timing of every- C. T&T, U.S., Guatemala and thing, it never really worked KEVIN PILE associated costs. Cummings, a striker with WICB President Julian United States Major League Cuba are in Group A. out,” he told Caribbean Hunte said he was thrilled by Soccer (MLS) club Colorado The two top teams from Today. LONDON, England – Texan each group will advance to Against El Salvador, billionaire Sir Allen Stanford the venture and said he Rapids, made his debut for viewed the investment from a Jamaica’s senior national team CONCACAF’s final round, to Cummings made a decent case has unveiled a multi-million be staged between Feb. 11 for inclusion with the Reggae dollar joint venture with the developmental perspective. against El Salvador at Pizza “It is (important money Hut Park here last month and and Oct. 14 next year. The top Boyz. His speed and tricky England and Wales Cricket three from that round auto- ball skills troubled the Central Board (ECB), which will see a for West Indies cricket) and in narrowly missed snatching vic- fact, it is a tory for the Reggae Boyz in matically advance to the Americans. one-off, winner-takes-all $20 World Cup finals in South “He is a very interesting million match being staged in very serious the friendly soccer interna- investment, tional. Africa in 2010. player,” Simoes said after the Antigua this November. Haiti (1974), Jamaica game. “…He did well.” The match, scheduled for the largest Cummings, who part- investment nered another MLS player (1998) and Trinidad and Nov. 1 on Antigua and Tobago (2006) are the only HOT DAY Barbuda’s Independence Day, that we have Andy Williams up front, had by any muffed Jamaica’s best chance Caribbean countries to qualify The rest of a largely inex- will be held annually for the for the World Cup, soccer’s perienced Reggae Boyz squad next five years at the Stanford one individual to score in the 64th minute, in cricket shooting too close to El biggest tournament. did not fare badly either Cricket Board, and will result Stanford period,” Salvador’s goalkeeper Miguel against an El Salvador team in $100 million being poured IMPRESSIVE brimming with maturity. Both out during that period. Hunte said. Montes when sent clear by a He added: “Out of this pass from midfield. Cummings, following an teams had to endure scorching A Stanford Twenty20 All impressive showing for his heat which sent temperatures Stars team will clash with tournament will come some- That missed opportunity thing like ($33.5 million) helped preserve a 0-0 draw in club so far this season, his sec- up around the 100 degree England for the largest ever ond in the MLS after being mark. payout for a single cricket which will go towards our own a match both countries used development so it is good for as warm-up for semi-final drafted out of a U.S. college, In the end, the Central match. is hoping to become a mem- Americans found new respect “Right now we’re not run- us as we look at the resur- CONCACAF World Cup gence of cricket. We need this qualifiers this month. ber of Jamaica’s squad for the for Jamaica’s talent, especially ning our sport in the upcoming qualifiers. The after El Salvador controlled Caribbean at a professional investment in the total struc- Jamaica plays Canada on ture of our cricket to underpin Aug. 20 in Toronto, while El game against El Salvador was the early portion of the match. level so hopefully this will, as possibly his only international “They played a good sec- long as we continue to focus our own strategic plan.” Salvador tackles Costa Rica ECB Chairman Giles on the same day. Trinidad and audition for Jamaica’s techni- ond half and caused us prob- on the future, be a great thing cal director René Simoes lems,” said head coach Carlos that moves us very quickly in Clarke lauded Sir Allen for Tobago, Haiti and Cuba are the lucrative venture and other Caribbean teams before the Canada match. At De Los Cobos. that direction,” Sir Allen told press time Jamaica had yet to reporters recently. noted that it was important to through to that qualifying England that West Indies round. schedule another match Gordon Williams is Caribbean before Aug. 20. Cummings Today’s managing editor. CASH FALL cricket returned to the top. The Jamaicans are in “He is a great, legendary Group B with Mexico, was earlier selected to play Every member of the win- against Grenada, but had to ® ning 12-man squad will take entrepreneur. He has the home a million dollars with entrepreneur skill of stopping another million being shared an opportunity and seizing it among the coaching and man- and taking it forward,” Clarke agement staff. The West said. Indies Cricket Board (WICB) “He cares intensely about and the ECB will split the the Caribbean and about the remaining cash. development of cricket in the Though the prize money Caribbean and West Indies will be worth $100 million, the cricket. That’s really impor- overall value of the match far tant to English cricket.” is expected to be as much $150 million because of other ® Caribbean bags 20 medals at world junior championships GORDON WILLIAMS finish with two medals. Despite several injuries and he Caribbean’s young less than ideal conditions, over- track and field athletes all six Caribbean nations earned Twon a total of 20 medals medals at the meet. competing at last month’s “The conditions did not 12th IAAF World Junior favor Jamaica nor the Caribbean Championships in Poland. athletes,” Jerry Holness, techni- Jamaica finished ninth cal leader of Jamaica’s team, was overall in the medal standings to quoted by The Gleaner newspa- lead all the region’s nations. The per as saying. island tallied six medals, includ- The United States topped ing one of three gold earned by the standings with 17 medals, the Caribbean at the six-day including 11 gold, four silver meet, plus four silver and a and two bronze. The Rain and bronze. cooler termperatures Neighbors Cuba secured In the men’s 100 meters, eight medals, including a gold, Jamaica’s Dexter Lee won two silver and five bronze to fin- gold in 10.40 seconds, beating ish in 10th spot in the standings. Wilhelm van der Vyver of South The Bahamas, the only other Africa, who ran 11.42 for the sil- country from the region to win ver. American Terrell Wilks was gold, was the third highest third in 10.45. Caribbean nation on the medals In the women’s race, table at 15th, adding a bronze to (CONTINUED ON PAGE 26)

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BUSINESS www.caribbeantoday.com Toronto’s ‘Caribbean Week’ to reveal region’s ‘secrets’

anadians will have the Other highlights of uct updates and vacation Caribbean hospitality, musical Caribbean closer to ‘SECRETS’ Caribbean Week Toronto offerings. performances and a silent auc- Chome this fall when This year’s Caribbean 2008 include: tion including “one of a kind” “Caribbean Week Toronto Week Toronto, themed • Rum & Rhythm Festival: In vacations to the Caribbean. 2008” descends upon that city “Secrets of the Caribbean”, • Town hall meeting Sept. 24 celebration of the Caribbean Persons must be over age 19 for its second year from Sept. will honor Caribbean- at Sutton Place Hotel. region’s award-winning rums, to attend. 24-26. Canadian achievement, recog- Caribbean government offi- Caribbean Week will feature Organized by the nize bi-lateral business success cials and their nationals will Rum & Rhythm on Sept. 26 in For more information on Caribbean Tourism and reveal investment oppor- be available to discuss a vari- the private Caribbean Tent at Caribbean Week Toronto Development Company tunities in the travel and ety of topics in an open Yonge-Dundas Square. The 2008, to register for all events (CTDC), Caribbean Week tourism industry alongside forum. The meetings are espe- ticketed event will include a and to purchase tickets, visit: Toronto brings together policy cultural celebrations of the cially designed to reach out to sampling of premium www.caribbeanweek.ca or makers, financial leaders, mar- multi-lingual Caribbean desti- Canada’s Caribbean diaspora, Caribbean rums and rum call 416-935-0707. keting professionals and nations. as well as those with interest cocktails, celebrity chefs and tourism industry officials to The three-day affair will or curiosity in the region. It’s mixologists, traditional ® interact and discuss both feature a variety of distinctive free and open to the tourism and investment events highlighting the public. opportunities in the region. It Caribbean experience. It kicks also serves to provide a taste off in the heart of downtown • Media Marketplace of the region to inspire travel Toronto with a Caribbean and Caribbean and showcase its diversity. Travel Conference at the Awards Luncheon on “The first Caribbean Sutton Place Hotel on Sept. Sept. 25. The media Week in Toronto last year 24. Registered participants are invited to interact exceeded our expectations by will have the opportunity to with tourism officials, attracting more than 5,000 gain insight into the future of hotels, tour operators attendees,” Hugh Riley, co- the Caribbean market and and airline represen- chief operating officer for learn how to increase their tatives. Awards recog- CTDC said in a recent press business potential by unlock- nizing media and a release. “This year we will ing the secrets to selling the member of the travel provide another exciting pro- destination. Breakout sessions agent community who gram and interactive events in the afternoon will be target- have made outstand- where attendees can immerse ed to travel agents and those ing contributions to themselves in Caribbean hos- interested in investment the region will be the pitality and understand why opportunities in the region. highlight of the lunch- their life needs the eon. This ticketed and Caribbean.” HIGHLIGHTS by invitation only event will be hosted at the Westin Harbor Miami hosts purchasing Castle Hotel. • Caribbean Fair at power sessions Yonge-Dundas Square: Welcoming he City of Miami to submit an electronic Canadians to the Purchasing Department response to a solicitation noti- Caribbean is the focus will host in its “Third fication, how to access issued of this vibrant cele- T bration in downtown Purchasing Information purchase orders, delivery Exchange Session” Aug. 13-14 information and payment sta- Toronto on Friday, on the 13th floor of the Bank tus. Sept. 26. It will fea- of America Tower, 100 S.E. Free breakfast will be ture Caribbean per- Second Ave., downtown served for those in attendance formers, celebrity Miami. during the morning sessions chef demonstrations Both days will include a and free lunch during the with tasting opportu- morning session, from 8:30 afternoon sessions. nities, plus chances to a.m. to noon, and an after- For registration and more win Caribbean vaca- noon session, from 12:30 p.m. information, call 305-416-1902 or tions. Representatives to 4 p.m. visit www.miamigov.com/ pro- from the tourist Each session will cover curement. In the web page click offices, hotels, tour information such as how to on the “Of Interest” and then operators, travel register and receive electronic “UpComing Events” section. agents, cruise lines, solicitation notifications, how airlines and other ® suppliers featuring the Caribbean will Florida expo focuses on small business offer the latest prod- survival, networking Small Business Survival The expo will feature a Guide for Tough mix of small businesses and “Economic Times” will be government and non-profit the theme for the 13th annual organizations, which are gear- business expo hosted by the ing up to participate, network Caribbean-American For and share with the communi- Community Involvement ty. (CAFCI) this month. For more information, The event, sponsored by contact J. Amanayea Jamaica Tourist Board and Abraham at 561-791-1618 or Services U Need, will be held [email protected]; or Tinu from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 16 Pena 1-800-609-8791 or at the Royal Palm Beach [email protected] Recreation Center, 100 Sweet Bay Lane in Royal Palm ® Beach, Florida.

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24 CARIBBEAN TODAY August 2008

www.caribbeantoday.com REGION Haitian Senate ratifies woman for P.M. Our PORT-AU-PRINCE, CMC – over escalating food prices. Our The Haitian Senate has rati- Haiti’s legislators then rejected fied economist Michele Pierre- Préval’s two other nominees Louis as prime minister, bring- for prime minister – Inter- ing to an end the three-month American Development Bank political gridlock in the French-speaking Caribbean country. lowestlowest Pierre-Louis, 61, President Rene Préval’s third choice for the prime ministership, is the director of a foundation that furnishes libraries and youth programs, among others, for Haitians. Twelve senators voted in faresfares favor of ratifying her on July 31, none opposed, and five abstained. Senate legislators on July Pierre-Louis 30 had postponed the vote areare at at after three senators were “no (IDB) economist Ericq Pierre shows”. and security expert and presi- The lower Chamber of dential adviser Robert Deputies last month had Manuel. approved Pierre-Louis’s nomi- According to Haiti’s con- nation, voting 61 to one, with stitution, the prime minister 12 abstentions. must be ratified by both hous- Haiti has been without es of Parliament and then a prime minister since the return for a second round of Senate ousted Jacques- voting by the Cabinet. Edouard Alexis amid riots Check out AirJamaica.com for Air Jamaica’s lowest available ® fares, as well as exciting new deals every week. Bank takes OLINT battle Sign up for our weekly email alerts and be among WKHÀUVWWRJHW$LU-DPDLFD·VVSHFLDOIDUHVVHQW directly to your email. to U.K. Privy Council KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC - ly from the Privy Council to The legal battle between one appeal the decision,” the NCB of Jamaica’s largest commer- official added. cial banks - the National Commercial Bank (NCB) - CLOSEOUT and embattled foreign curren- The NCB has been seek- cy trader OLINT Limited is ing to close the multi-billion- headed for the London-based dollar accounts of OLINT Privy Council. since late last year, maintain- The Appeal Court in ing that it was following the Jamaica refused NCB’s appli- cue of the Financial Services cation for leave to appeal an Commission (FSC) which injunction that has blocked it ordered a cease and desist from closing the accounts of order on the foreign exchange the investment scheme. It said trader some months ago. The lawyers should go back to the bank said OLINT is unregu- 7301LowFares Ad 6hx9.indd 1 5/19/08 12:43:11 PM Supreme Court for an early lated and this could affect date for the hearing. But operations and its relationship NCB’s General Legal Services with the Bank of Jamaica and Manager Dave Garcia said the financial institutions in the bank will make its case before United States. the Privy Council. Meanwhile, reports out of “The Court of Appeal Turks and Caicos are that the gave a very clear indication legal battle for the release of that the matter needs to be OLINT’s assets has started, tried as early as possible and, with a court in the British ter- in fact, encouraged the parties ritory hearing an application to consult with the registrar of from OLINT’s lawyers on July the Supreme Court, and if 28. Further submissions were necessary the chief justice, in expected. order to obtain an early trial OLINT had its assets date,” Garcia said. frozen last month pending an “We do think that the investigation into its opera- issues that were involved in tions by the Turks and Caicos the Court of Appeal hearing authorities. David Smith, the require urgent consideration head of the investment club, by the Privy Council and we has assembled a high-powered have instructed our attorneys legal team to mount a chal- to file a petition to the Privy lenge. Council to obtain leave direct- ®

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HEALTH www.caribbeantoday.com Coffee and your bones Study links heart disease, sleep

DR. ROBERT H. lar group of people when it SHMERLING was really the smoking. Also, disorder to Caribbean nationals big coffee drinkers may drink NELSON KING Caribbean-born blacks are also they added. QUESTION: For years I have less milk than people who higher than that generally The authors said one read that drinking coffee may don’t like coffee. In fact, sev- NEW YORK – As sleep disor- observed in blacks (19 per- implication of these findings is lead to calcium loss in the eral studies found that the der becomes more prevalent in cent), who typically experience that Caribbean-born patients bones and worsen osteoporo- possible negative effects of an increasingly stressful envi- more severe daytime sleepi- with a history of heart disease sis. Is this true? I hate to give coffee consumption on bone ronment, a new study has ness than do age-matched should be a “prime target for up my coffee. What can I do to strength were mostly limited linked a history of heart dis- whites”, the study noted. interventions that promote help keep my bones strong? to people with low calcium ease to symptoms of obstruc- “These findings support adequate screening and timely intake and that the problem tive sleep apnea (OSA), or dif- the notion that Blacks in diagnosis of sleep apnea.” ANSWER: Osteoporosis is a could be overcome by ficulty breathing at nights, America do not constitute a They pointed to a recent condition marked by reduced increased calcium intake. among Caribbean nationals. homogenous group regarding chart audit survey, conducted bone strength and an The bottom line is that The study – the first to snoring and daytime sleepi- in a sleep clinic serving prima- increased risk of fracture. there are much more impor- examine symptoms of OSA ness”, it added. rily minority patients in Aging and, in women, the loss tant risk factors for osteoporo- among Caribbean men and In their analysis, the Brooklyn, as revealing that of estrogen during menopause sis than coffee intake. So, women residing in Brooklyn – authors said a history of heart Black patients do not routinely are major risk factors. Other enjoy your coffee and here’s was recently conducted by the adhere to the physician’s rec- risk factors include: what you can do to help keep Brooklyn Center for Health ommendation to see a sleep • female gender (although your bones strong: Disparities (BCHD) at State specialist. osteoporosis is also common • Exercise regularly, especially University of New York They, therefore, urged among men over the age of with weight-bearing activi- (SUNY) Downstate Medical Caribbean nationals, with a 70); ties. Center and University history of heart disease, to • sedentary lifestyle; • Be sure to get enough calci- Hospital of Brooklyn. receive a brief screening for • low intake of calcium and um and Vitamin D in your Two Haitian health sleep apnea while attending Vitamin D; diet or by taking supple- experts attached to the center regular visits in primary care • smoking; ments; are the principal authors of the facilities, stating that appropri- • excessive alcohol intake; • If your periods are not regu- study: doctors Girardin Jean- ate referrals for comprehensive • taking a glucocorticoid lar or stop (as occurs during Louis, associate professor in sleep assessment must be (steroid) medication; menopause), talk to your the Department of Medicine encouraged. • family history of osteoporo- doctor about whether you and research core director at The authors, however, sis; should take medications to BCHD, and Ferdinand Zizi, disease is the “strongest inde- noted that while Caribbean- • prior low-impact fracture; strengthen your bones; BCHD associate. pendent predictor” of OSA born blacks have a higher rate • low body weight (especially • If you take thyroid hormone African American Dr. risk among Caribbean men of sleep-related complaints, if it leads to loss of Clinton Brown, BCHD direc- and women. than previously determined, menstrual periods); tor and clinical associate pro- They said the odds of respondents in the current and fessor of Medicine, Division of reporting OSA symptoms – study were recruited in a clini- • an overactive thyroid Renal Diseases at SUNY snoring, daytime sleepiness cal setting. They, therefore, (or taking too much Downstate, is the other author and sleep fragmentation – are warned that estimates in the thyroid medication). of the study. 11 times greater for respon- sample should not be used in a The study found that a sig- dents with a history of heart “head-to-head” match with RISK FACTOR nificant number of Caribbean disease. population-based ones. Coffee intake is not nationals report OSA symp- At the same time, they The authors acknowledged considered a significant toms – snoring and excessive said, to a lesser extent, the some limitations about the risk factor for osteoporo- daytime sleepiness – and that a likelihood of reporting OSA study, regarding generalization sis. But there has been history of heart disease is a symptoms is also associated of the entire population of concern about coffee’s “strong predictor of the likeli- with a history of hypertension, Caribbean-born individuals. impact on bone strength hood of reporting these symp- reduced satisfaction with sleep, “Judging from the geo- because coffee can toms. reduced ability to concentrate graphic location of the partici- impair absorption of cal- “The estimate of habitual and inability to stay awake pating clinics, most of the snoring, the typical symptom while watching television. patients were from Jamaica, cium from the digestive Coffee intake is not considered a significant risk tract. This probably mat- of OSA, in our sample (45 per- The authors said that the Haiti and Trinidad and factor for osteoporosis. association of heart disease Tobago, which, by no means, ters most when coffee cent) was greater than esti- with OSA “was expected since constituted an accurate sam- intake is high (e.g., four mates derived from the general numerous studies have estab- pling of Caribbean people liv- or more cups of coffee daily) or corticosteroids, be sure to United States population or lished that OSA is more preva- ing in Brooklyn,” they said. and calcium intake is low. have regular monitoring by from other ethnic groups, lent among individuals with Additionally, the authors While many high quality your doctor. Your goal including African-Americans”, cardiovascular disease, conges- said the sample comprised of research studies have not should be to take the lowest said the study, dubbed tive heart failure, and arrhyth- patients attending regular visits found that coffee consumption effective dose. “Symptoms of Obstructive mias”. with their physicians, “who, evi- increases the risk of osteo- • Don’t smoke. Sleep Apnea in a Caribbean dently, had medical problems porosis, a few have suggested • Moderate your alcohol Sample”. RISK likely affecting their sleep.” otherwise. When a potential intake. A reasonable limit is It found that excessive no more than two drinks daytime sleepiness tended to In addition, they said data Notwithstanding their lim- risk factor has a modest from the Sleep Heart Health itation, they said their data impact in some studies and no each day for men and no be more common in a sample more than a drink each day of Caribbean-born black men Study show that sleep apnea suggest the possibility that effect in others, it’s probably increases the risk of heart fail- Caribbean-born blacks may be because the studies used dif- for women. and women, stating that 33 percent of participants report- ure by 140 per cent, stroke by at a greater risk of developing ferent methods. At any rate, 60 percent and coronary heart OSA than African Americans it’s likely that the impact (if Dr. Robert H. Shmerling is ed this symptom. associate physician at Beth disease by 30 percent. and whites, and that those with any) of coffee on bone “However, we were sur- a history of heart disease might strength is small. Israel Deaconess Medical COMPARISONS Center, Boston, Massachusetts, In contrast, the authors prised by such a high frequen- be particularly vulnerable. It’s tough to study the cy of OSA symptoms among They recommend that fur- effect of coffee consumption and associate professor at said 27 percent was the esti- Harvard Medical School. mated rate of daytime sleepi- participants with a history of ther studies assess sleep pat- on the risk of osteoporosis heart disease,” the authors terns among Caribbean nation- because one must rely on self- ness in the 2005 Sleep in © 2008 President and Fellows America poll. said. als, using epidemiologic reported consumption and “This is particularly alarm- methodologies. because coffee intake alters of Harvard College. All rights Comparatively, they said estimates of daytime sleepiness ing, given the fact that only 10 A total of 554 patients, other risk factors. For exam- reserved. in Sweden, France and the percent of patients with OSA with an average age of 48, par- ple, people who smoke ciga- United Kingdom were 16 per- have received a diagnosis, ticipated in the study; 55 per- rettes also tend to drink lots of Distributed by Tribune Media cent, 20 percent and 15 per- which is often attributed to a cent were women. coffee; one might conclude Services, Inc. cent, respectively. lack of training among primary that coffee intake increased “Of particular interest is the care physicians and lack of - CMC osteoporosis risk in a particu- ® observation that rates of day- referrals for sleep assessment time sleepiness among when symptoms are detected,” ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com SUMMER OLYMPICS ~ A Caribbean Today special feature Top sports. mag picks Caribbean to bag rich Olympic medal haul he Caribbean has been women’s cycling (one), women’s er Asafa Powell, a Jamaican track and field, including a picked by SI, including female predicted to win at least judo (three) women’s discus who has been in great form bronze in the men’s 400 meters quarter-miler Sanya Richards T40 medals at the 2008 (one), women’s javelin (one) leading up to the Olympics (Chris Brown) and silver in the and 400 meters hurdler Kerron Olympic Games this month in men’s weightlifting (one) and after recovering from injury, 4x400 meters relay for men. Clement, were born in the China by Sports Illustrated, a men’s wrestling (three), accord- was not seen by SI as being a Puerto Rico has been favored Caribbean but now compete for respected national magazine in ing to SI. medal winner. to win two bronze medals in the United States. Both the United States. Bolt has been tipped to win boxing (McWilliams Arroyo Richards and Clement are In its “Olympic Preview” JAMAICA’S HOPES the 200 meters, while Stewart is and Carlos Negron), while the tipped to win gold in their indi- issue, which rolled off the Jamaica, with a team domi- expected to earn bronze in that Dominican Republic (boxing, vidual event. Richards is also presses late last month, SI nated by track athletes and led event behind American Allyson Juan Carlos Payano), and likely to be a member of the picked Cuba to lead the by some of the world’s fastest Felix (gold) and Campbell- Trinidad and Tobago (4x100 U.S. team favored to win the region’s medal haul with 25, men and women, is expected to Brown, the defending champi- meters men) will each earn a 4x400 meters for women. including eight gold, five silver follow Cuba among Caribbean on from four years ago in bronze medal, according to SI. and a dozen bronze medals. medal winners with 11 overall, Athens, Greece. At least two athletes ® Cuba, according to SI, can including four gold, in some of expect gold medals in baseball; the most anticipated events of MORE MEDALS boxing (Yordenis Ugas, the Games. Other gold medal winners Ally leads team B’dos Osmay Acosta and Roberto SI predicted that sprinter from Jamaica, according to SI, Kerron Stewart will win the 100 will be Melaine Walker in the BRIDGETOWN- Barbados, breaststroke), Martyn Forde Alfonso); men’s judo (Yordanis CMC – Pan American Games (50 meters freestyle) and Arencibia); and wrestling meters for women. Compatriot women’s 400 meters hurdles Veronica Campbell-Brown, the and the women’s 4x100 meters swimming bronze medalist Terrence Haynes (100 meters (freestyle, Yandro Quintana Bradley Ally heads an eight- freestyle). Ribalta and Greco-Roman, world champion in the event, sprint relay team. did not make Jamaica’s team Jamaica, SI believes, member Barbados team for the The 20-year-old Mijain Lopez). In track, world Beijing Olympics this month. Brathwaite was a 2007 World for the 100 meters after finish- will win silver in the men’s record holder Dayron Robles is Ally is one of four swim- Championships semi-finalist ing fourth at the national trials 4x100 meters relay, decathlon favored to win the men’s 110 mers in the China-bound con- and heads the track and field in Kingston. (Maurice Smith) and 400 meters hurdles. tingent, which also includes the unit that also includes improv- Her compatriot Usain Bolt, meters women (Novlene The Cubans have also been promising sprint hurdler Ryan ing sprinter Andrew Hinds although the world record hold- Williams-Mills), while bronze selected to win two silver Brathwaite for track and field (100 meters) and Jade Bailey er, has been picked to finish will be earned in the women’s medals in boxing, and silver in competition. (100 and 200 meters). second behind world champion 400 meters by Rosemarie men’s triple jump, canoe pairs The team represents a The track and field offi- Tyson Gay of the U.S. in the Whyte. and women’s hammer throw. spread over three disciplines. cials are team manager Esther Their bronze medal tally should men’s event. The Bahamas has been Three persons will take part in Maynard, head coach Andrea come from boxing (two), Former world record hold- picked to win two medals in track and field. There is also Blackett and Bailey’s personal one sailing pick. coach Keith Thornhill. Caribbean bags 20 medals at world junior championships Ally is down to contest the Teenager Gregory Douglas 200 meters and 400 meters is a wildcard entry into the (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22) of Germany was third in 20.96. Beard of the U.S. (52.09). individual medley events. His Games for sailing. Grenada’s Kirani James, In the men 400 meters Sheniqua Ferguson of The swimming partners will be 45.70 seconds, finished second to hurdles, Cuba’s Amaurys R. Andrei Cross (100-meters ® Bahamas won the bronze medal American Marcus Boyd, 45.53, Valley finished third behind in 11.52 seconds. The winner to earn a silver in the 400 meters two Americans to win a bronze was Jeneba Tarmoh, of the U.S., for men, one of his country’s two medal in a time of 49.56 seconds. Bovell III set to lead in 11.37 seconds. Second was medals. O’Neal Wilder of the Jeshua Anderson (48.68) won Ashlee Nelson, of Great Britain, U.S. was third in 45.76. gold for the U.S., followed by In the women’s 100 meters T&T’s Olympic charge hurdles, Caribbean athletes fin- PORT OF SPAIN , Trinidad, Stephens, Stan Waithe, Zwede ished second and third in the CMC – The 2004 Athens swim- Hewitt, Cowin Mills and Jovon race won by Teona Rodgers of ming bronze medalist George Toppin are on an expectant the U.S. in 13.40 seconds. Bovell III, heads a 30-member 4x400 meters relay roster. Jamaica’s Shermaine Williams Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Hammer star Candice (13.48) earned silver and Cuba’s squad to Beijing this month. Scott, Kelly-Ann Baptiste and Belkis Milanés (13.49) bronze. The sole T&T medalist at Cleopatra Borel-Brown, are Five of the eight finalist in the the 2004 Games, Bovell III is among those bidding for T&T’s race were from the Caribbean. taking aim at a podium finish first ever Olympic medal from Jamaica won two more silver again and he will be joined by a woman. Scott will be compet- medals in the sprint relays, finish- his younger brother Nicholas ing in her second Olympics. ing behind the U.S. both times. In and Sharntelle McLean on the Baptiste, who is T&T’s the men’s 4x100 meters, Oshane country’s swimming roster. fastest ever female and double Ferguson Bailey, Lee, Ashmeade and Lee Roger Daniel, a wild card record holder in 100 and 200 Yohan Blake clocked 39.25 sec- entry, will compete in his sec- meters, will be on her Olympic onds to come in second behind countryman Johnny Dutch ond Olympics. debut. She will be joined in the in 11.49. the gold medal run of 38.98 by (49.25). The team, however, is made 100 by Semoy Hackett and However, Ferguson would the U.S. In the women’s race, Cuba’s Dailenys followed up mainly of track and field rep- Sasha Springer-Jones. return to win gold and lead a Shawna Anderson, Kaycea Jones, up her gold in the triple jump resentatives (25) with the rest Borel-Brown, reigning Caribbean domination in the Gayon Evans and Jura Levy of with a third place bronze in the representing the disciplines of national champion in the shot 200 meters. She won in 23.24 Jamaica clocked 43.98 seconds, long jump with a leap of 6.41 table tennis (one) and shooting put, placed 10th at the last seconds, ahead of Meritzer but were beaten for the gold by a meters. The event was won by (one). Olympics, and is anticipating a Williams of St. Kitts and Nevis, U.S. team that timed 43.66. Four Serbia’s Ivana Spanovic (6.61) Current 100 meters world higher finish after winning a 23.40, and Grenada’s Janelle of the eight teams in the final with Nastassia Mironchyk of junior record holder Darrel bronze medal at the 2007 Pan Redhead, 23.52. were from the Caribbean. Bulgaria (6.46) second. Brown, Marc Burns and American Games. The region’s third gold In the high jump for In the men’s 110 meters Richard Thompson will try to Josanne Lucas, another was won by Cuba’s Dailenys women, Kimberly Jess of hurdles, Jamaica’s Keiron live up to the sprint legacy of gold medalist at CAC, will also Alcantara in the women’s triple Germany won with a leap of Stewart finished third behind former T&T sprinters Hasely be going to Beijing. She won jump. Her leap of 14.25 meters 1.86 meters. Mirela Demireva of winner Konstantin Shabanov Crawford and Ato Boldon. the 400 hurdles in Colombia. beat countrywoman Josleidy Bulgaria was second and and American Booker Nunley Crawford was the 100 In table tennis, the left- Ribalta, 13.85. Paraskevi Lesyani Mayor of Cuba third. to earn the bronze medal. meters Olympic champion in handed Dexter St Louis has Papahristou of Greece was third All three cleared 1.86 meters. Shabanov clocked 13.27 seconds, Montreal 1976, and Boldon booked his spot through with 13.74. Cuba’s Susana A. Clement Nunley 13.45 and Stewart 13.51. landed four medals – in the 100 Olympic qualifier in the A silver medal was also earned a bronze in the women’s and 200 combined – between Dominican Republic earlier earned by Jamaica’s Nickel 400 meters with a time of 52.36 Gordon Williams is Caribbean Atlanta (1996) and the Sydney this year. Ashmeade, 20.84 seconds, in the seconds. She finished behind Today’s managing editor. Games (2000). men’s 200 meters. The event was winner Folashade Abugan of Former world junior cham- ® won by Christophe Lemaitre of Nigeria (51.84) and Jessica ® pion Renny Quow, Ato France in 20.83. Robert Hering

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SUMMER OLYMPICS www.caribbeantoday.com ~ A Caribbean Today special feature 2008 Olympic Games: My time to shine ~ Jamaica’s Bolt MIAMI, CMC – For some- fastest 200 meters in 2008 with Late last month Bolt land- was accomplished with san- Only four other men have time now, Usain Bolt has been a career best and national ed yet another world-class guine ease. ever gone faster than Bolt’s fighting to step out of the Jamaican record of 19.67 sec- performance running into a “I went out with a plan 19.67, but only one, American shadows of fellow countryman onds. slight head wind to win the and that’s what I did …I just Wallace Spearmon will line up Asafa Powell, and now that he 200 meters at the London went out there to do some in the event in Beijing this is the world’s fastest man, the NO PRESSURE Grand Prix. The 19.76 seconds work on my 200 meters month. 21-year old Jamaican says it’s He is expected to leave winning performance was his because I haven’t done a lot finally his time to shine. Beijing with at least one indi- third fastest ever half-lap, but on this race,” Bolt said. ® Bolt, who two months ago vidual gold medal and possible supplanted Powell as the three after competing in the world record holder in the 100 sprint double and 4x100 meters meters at the Reebok Grand relay. But despite the huge Prix in New York, says he is expectations, the lanky sprinter not surprised at his recent suc- says he feels no pressure. cess. “The only way you are “Well things have been under pressure is you put coming together for long yourself under pressure,” said while now so I’m not really the runner nicknamed “The surprised,” said Bolt, who Lightning Bolt”. dominated as a junior athlete. “I never put my self under “I’ve been doing well over any form of pressure because the years,” he added. “I guess I know every time I go out it’s just my time now I would there I do my best at all times. say.” “I’m not going out there Bolt leads the world this to lie down and I know they year in both sprints. In addi- (my challengers) are not doing tion to the 100 meters, with his that either. I am just really world record run of 9.72 sec- going out there to do my onds, he has also run the thing.”

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