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PRESORTED JANUARY 2010 STANDARD ® U.S. POSTAGE PAID MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 7315 Tel: (305) 238-2868 1-800-605-7516 [email protected] [email protected] We cover your world Vol. 21 No. 2 Jamaica: 655-1479 THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING NEWS MAGAZINE ~ Two Caribbean Americans are tack- ling serious health issues head-on in the United States. One, Barbara Gordon, is rallying An American Airlines flight with more than 150 passengers support for cancer and crew aboard overshot the patients while her- runway in Jamaica while land- self battling the ing during a heavy rainstorm disease. The other, last month. No one died in the Dr. Wentworth near-disastrous Christmas sea- Jarrett, son tragedy, page 4. runs a practice promoting wellness by blending modern medi- cine with traditional Caribbean remedies, pages 7 & 8.

He has a new lawyer confident in his innocence, but Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton is still in a Florida jail following his arrest last month in the United States on a drug charge, page 11.

The works of ~ Led by ~ There were mixed prominent lit- outstanding reviews on the erary voices performances region’s handling with at the IAAF World Caribbean of major issues roots, such as Championships by such as crime and Edwidge the Jamaicans, the politics, but no Danticat, have region again forced doubt about the grabbed the the world to sit up ‘annus horribilis’ attention of one scholar who and take notice, brought on by the looks at the interrelationships page 18. between spirituality and eroti- world economic cism, and the empowerment of crisis, page 17. women, page 14. INSIDE News ...... 2 Arts/Entertainment...... 11 Business ...... 15 Health...... 7 Tourism/Travel ...... 13 Sport ...... 16 Viewpoint ...... 9 Culture ...... 14 Classifieds...... 19 CALL CARIBBEAN TODAY DIRECT FROM JAMAICA 655-1479

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2 CARIBBEAN TODAY January 2010

www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS Bolt loses TIME race to U.S. Fed Reserve boss U.S. lawmakers warn Antigua he world`s award he has been nominated fastest man for in 2009. He finished fifth to cooperate in Stanford probe finally lost a among the nominees, which T ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – hard earned cash that had race in 2009. included U.S. President Barack Jamaica’s multiple Obama. The Antigua and Barbuda gov- been invested with Stanford. Olympic and World Bolt was recently honored ernment has been warned not “We have a situation here champion Usain Bolt by the IAAF as the male to disregard recent attempts by where if it is that a few persons was last month among Athlete of the Year. Bolt set United States legislators to conspired with or stood by and the nominees for TIME three world records at the 2008 punish the island until it coop- allowed particular actions by erates with U.S. authorities Mr. Stanford which have magazine’s “Person Of Beijing Olympics and then investigating an alleged multi- caused this The Year”, but the went on to break his records in billion dollar Ponzi scheme by debacle, we honor eventually went the 100 and 200 meters at the disgraced financier Allen should not put to Ben Bernanke, World Championships in Bolt Stanford. the nation at chairman of the United Athletics in Berlin in 2009. Prior to TIME’s announce- Last month, U.S. Senator ransom for States Federal Reserve. ment, Bolt had won every ® Richard Shelby and seven other those few lawmakers introduced a resolu- greedy per- tion urging Treasury Secretary sons,” Derrick U.S. congrats Haiti on 206th Independence Tim Geithner to direct the U.S. said. executive directors to the “We Shelby WASHINGTON – The Alexandre she described as “the many International Monetary Fund should do United States has paid tribute Petion, plus contributions” made by (IMF) to oppose any new loans what we can to a number of persons who “the countless Haitian Americans to the to Antigua and Barbuda, which to assist the United States “stood up for their rights to men and “culture and prosperity of the is alleged to have accepted an government in dealing with live as free people” as Haiti women who United States.” She said the $85 million loan from Stanford. those individuals.” celebrated its 206th year of stood up for two countries were united “by “It is absurd that the gov- Derrick, a government leg- Independence on Jan. 1. their right to strong bonds of friendship and ernment of Antigua and islator, said that the Spencer “This is an occasion to live as free peo- family” as well as “our shared Barbuda is standing in the administration had a responsi- honor the history and heritage ple and gave a history and our common way of helping victims, while bility to expose anyone who of Haiti and to remember the legacy of free- Clinton hopes for the future.” also holding out its hand for may have been involved in heroes who founded the first dom for future The secretary of state funding,” said Shelby. “This Stanford’s alleged Ponzi independent black republic,” generations. noted that the U.S. stood with resolution makes clear that scheme. said U.S. Secretary of State “Their accomplishment Haiti after the “tragic hurri- the United States will not Stanford, who is now in a Hillary Clinton in a statement. changed the face of our world, canes of 2008,” adding that it accept such behavior.” U.S. jail awaiting trial, has She identified those “icons” and their story continues to be remains “committed to being consistently denied the allega- as Toussaint Louverture, Jean- an inspiration today,” she said. a partner and a friend.” CO-OPERATION tions made against him and Jacques Dessalines and Clinton also saluted what Sen. Colin Derrick said his group of companies that ® the Baldwin Spencer govern- also included a bank which ment should cooperate with operated in Antigua. the U.S. authorities and also help persons recover their ® Guyanese woman indicted for smuggling foreigners into U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. - A 52- nationals to cross the border year-old Guyanese woman was from Belize into Mexico last month indicted by a Texas where he met with Gerald`s grand jury for her role in co-conspirator, who escorted smuggling four Indian nation- him through Mexico. In als into the United States. Monterrey, Mexico, Gerald`s Annita Devi Gerald, also co-conspirator paid a Mexico- known as Annita Rampersad, based smuggler to illegally was charged in a nine-count transport the individual across indictment by a federal grand the Mexico-U.S. border to jury in the Southern District Houston, Texas. of Texas. Gerald was arrested by ICE special agents in PAYMENT Houston on Nov. 17, 2009, and After making these has been held without bond arrangements, Gerald’s co- since that time. conspirator allegedly flew to According to the indict- Houston where the co-conspir- ment, from approximately ator received the Indian April 2009 to Nov. 17, 2009, national at a motel approxi- Gerald and others conspired to mately 10 days later. The smuggle four Indian nationals smugglers who delivered the into the U.S. Allegedly, Gerald Indian national to Gerald’s co- and her co-conspirators fraud- conspirator in Houston ulently obtained Belizean visas allegedly demanded and for the Indian nationals and received a smuggling payment escorted them from India to prior to releasing him. Belize, moving through various If convicted, Gerald faces countries in Central and South a maximum sentence of five America. Gerald allegedly pro- years in prison for conspiracy vided lodging for all four and 10 years for each of the Indian nationals in Belize four counts of encouraging while further smuggling and inducing aliens to come to arrangements were made. the U.S. for profit. In Aug. 2009, Gerald allegedly arranged transporta- - CaribWorldNews tion for one of the Indian ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS AA flight from Miami crashes in Jamaica Investigators question KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – An American flight passengers Airlines flight with more KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – tigators were not ruling out than 150 passengers and Passengers on the American the possibility that the mal- crew aboard overshot the Airlines flight that crashed on functioning approach lights at runway at the Norman landing at the Norman Manley the airport may have been a Manley International International Airport here last factor. Airport while landing month are recounting their sto- “We are not saying that it during a heavy rainstorm ries to local and international could or could not have been last month. investigators probing the cir- the cause of the crash, we are Officials said there cumstances that caused the were no deaths, but 40 plane to overshoot the runway people were injured. injuring nearly 100 people. “There are no Colonel Oscar Darby, reports of fatalities,” director general of the Jamaica’s Information Jamaica Civil Aviation Minister Daryl Vaz said. Authority (JCCA), said the Eyewitnesses said that investigators are hoping that flight 331 skidded across a the interviews with the pas- road at the airport on a sengers would shed more light rainy night and stopped at on what caused the incident the edge of the Caribbean involving Flight 331 from Sea. The plane’s fuselage Miami with more than 150 was cracked, its right A Jamaican soldier stands guard at the site of the wreckage. passengers and crew on board. engine broke off from the Rear of the plane, showing a detached JCAA Director of Flight engine. impact and the left main land- Mike Henry and National Then all of a sudden we didn’t Safety Nari Williams-Singh, is ing gear collapsed. Security Minister Dwight see the lights anymore. leading the investigations, and saying that it could be a possi- In a statement, American Nelson were at the airport “I looked through the American Airlines said it is ble contributory factor and we Airlines said it was in direct shortly after the incident, told window and I saw white lines, working with United States are not ruling it out as such,” contact with officials from the reporters that most of the pas- so I felt I was on the tarmac, authorities, including the he said. “The extent to which National Transportation sengers were nationals return- but it was actually a rough National Transportation Safety it contributed we will be able Safety Board and the Federal ing home for the Christmas touchdown. The plane broke Board (NTSB), to determine to make that determination Aviation Administration and season. and we began to smell fuel,” the cause of the accident. once we get into the analysis.” was co-operating fully with she said. “Well mainly what will be He said the JCAA had the appropriate authorities. PASSENGERS SHAKEN Many people who were at done…is a lot of interviews of informed international airlines The Boeing 737-800, which “The plane crashed and the airport to meet their loved passengers and eye witnesses about the malfunctioning originated at Reagan National broke almost in front of me,” ones coming in on the flight in order to gather that data,” approach lights, a problem Airport in Washington, D.C., said a shaken Naomi Palmer said they saw passengers Williams-Singh said. noted since November. had taken off from Miami who was in seat number D8. emerging from the Customs Darby said that the inves- International Airport at 8:52 “The pilot couldn’t stop hall bloodied and shaken. Some ® p.m. on Dec. 22 and arrived in the plane,” another passenger of the injured passengers were Kingston at 10:22 p.m. It was told reporters. placed under a permanent tent carrying 148 passengers and a A third, Verona Hall, outside the arrival hall and crew of six, the airline said. said: “The plane landed and were seen nursing their wounds Vaz, who along with people started clapping. We with towels and shirts. Crash could intensify Transport and Works Minister saw the lights of Kingston. ® debate about pilot fatigue DALLAS, Texas – A leading Airlines doesn’t pay pilots aviation expert has said that whose trips get interrupted the overshooting of runway at and who can’t complete the Jamaica’s Norman Manley flying they signed up for. International Airport by COST American Airlines flight 331 He explained that the could intensify calls for new pilots of Flight 331 were on policies on pilot fatigue. their first day of a multi-day “You really have to look sequence of trips that, had at how long these guys are they diverted the plane to on duty,” Sam Mayer, a another city, would probably spokesman for the Allied have jeopardized their ability Pilots Association, which rep- to fly out the rest of the resents 9,000 American pilots, sequence. Not completing told the Dallas Morning News trips can cost pilots thousands late last month. of dollars in lost income, Mayer said Flight 331’s Mayer said. pilot and co-pilot had been on The United States Federal duty nearly 12 hours, Aviation Administration is approaching the maximum expected shortly to issue for- allowed. He speculated that mal guidelines that change fatigue may have played a role pilot rest rules, probably cut- in a botched landing of an ting the maximum time they American Airlines jet on Dec. can be on duty in a day or 13, in Charlotte, North over several days. Carolina, where pilots clipped The U.S. National one of the MD-80’s wing tips Transportation Safety Board on the ground and the wheels (NTSB) dispatched a team of briefly left the runway. No one investigators to assist the gov- was injured in the incident, ernment of Jamaica in its which is under investigation. investigation of the accident. Mayer said American ®

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January 2010 CARIBBEAN TODAY 5

www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS More Caribbean nationals become Home intruders kill Jamaican man in Georgia ATLANTA, Georgia - A tigate noises in his house fering from severe head U.S. permanent residents in 2009 Jamaican-born businessman around 2:30 a.m. while his injuries. was killed by an intruder or wife Pamela called 911. He Up to press time the WASHINGTON, D.C - More the Dominican Republic, who intruders at his home late last was attacked and later died. police had made no arrests or Caribbean nationals became collected more than of the month. Balin, 53, who owned a had determined a motive for United States “green card” total at 24,496. On Dec. 29 Derrick landscaping business, was the killing. holders or permanent residents Haiti was second with “Ricky” Balin, 53, a longtime found in a downstairs bed- in 2009 compared to the previ- 7,199 while Jamaicans secured resident of the Lithonia area room by the police. He was ® ous year, a CaribWorldNews 5,493 visas. Guyana ranked here, reportedly went to inves- taken to Grady Hospital suf- analysis has revealed. fourth, with over 3,000 nation- Latest U.S. State als adjusting their status or Department data analyzed becoming permanent resi- show more Caribbean nation- dents this year. Of that num- als were able to adjust their ber, the majority of Caribbean status to legal residents last nationals who became green year, compared to 2008. They card holders did so through include all immigrants spon- family sponsorship – spouse or sored by family and employers. parent – while a smaller per- For 2009, the total was centage did so through 44,417, according to State employer sponsorship. Department statistics, com- pared to over just 32,000 in - CaribWorldNews 2008. The most permanent visas went to immigrants from ® U.S. indicts ex-Haiti gov’t officials on bribery, money laundering charges

WASHINGTON – The from Nov. 2001 through Mar. United States Department of 2005. Justice says two former “During which time the Haitian government officials telecommunications company have been charged for their paid more than US$800,000 to alleged roles in a foreign shell companies to be used for bribery, wire fraud and money bribes to foreign officials of the laundering scheme. Republic of Haiti’s state-owned The department also said national telecommunications two Florida executives of a company, Telecommunications Miami-Dade County-based D’Haiti (Haiti Teleco),” the telecommunications company Justice Department claimed in and the president of Florida- a statement. based Telecom Consulting Services Corporation have CHARGES been charged in the alleged It noted that Haitian scheme. Robert Antoine, 61, a Miami The authorities said that resident and former director the defendants participated in of international relations for the scheme to commit foreign bribery and money laundering (CONTINUED ON PAGE 6)

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www.caribbeantoday.com NEWS N.Y. gala to honor Bolt, Legislators pay tribute to Percy Sutton, four Caribbean leaders Caribbean media pioneer NEW YORK – The American fields of industry and enter- NEW YORK – Caribbean American leaders – a man Sutton, one of the founders of Foundation for the University prise”, AFUWI stated in a American legislators last month whom I am proud to have the New York-based Inner of the West Indies (AFUWI) recent press paid tribute to Percy Sutton, called a friend and mentor City Broadcasting will honor four Caribbean release. the pioneer of Caribbean radio throughout my entire career,” Corporation (ICBC), which prime ministers and Jamaica’s “This programming here, describing said Paterson. owns WLIB and WBLS radio track star Usain Bolt at its year, the four him as a trailblazer and busi- “Percy Sutton was a trail- stations, who talked him into annual fundraising gala here Caribbean ness titan. running for office and “who this month. prime minis- Sutton, whose popular had continued to serve as one AFUWI said Barbados’s ters will be radio station WLIB, 1190 AM of my most valued advisors Prime Minister David presented with focused primarily on ever since.” Thompson, Belize’s Prime the Legacy Caribbean music and news Clarke told the Caribbean Minister Dean Barrow, Awards”, it from the late 1970s to 1990s, Media Corporation (CMC) Grenada’s Prime Minister added. died on Dec. 26. He was 89. that Sutton’s passing marks Tillman Thomas and Trinidad AFUWI The cause of death was not “an end to an era of political and Tobago’s Prime Minister said Bolt, the Jamaican-born released to the public. influence,” and that his contri- Patrick Manning will be hon- triple champion at the 2008 New York State Governor butions to America were “end- ored at the event on Jan. 28. Olympics and 2009 World David Paterson, the grandson of less.” She noted that Sutton “The annual gala is the Championships in Athletics, Caribbean immigrants, and served as an officer with the AFUWI’s premier fundraising will be presented with a spe- Brooklyn Congresswoman Tuskegee Airman during Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter World War II and that he was event in the United States at cial award “in honor of his Sutton which the prestigious Legacy record-breaking performance of Jamaicans, said the death has also a civil rights activist, New Awards are conferred on in the 2008 Olympics and 2009 left a void in the Caribbean and blazer,” added the governor, York State assemblyman, notable individuals who repre- World Championships.” African American communities. recalling that he had started Manhattan borough president sent high levels of achieve- “We say farewell to one of his career as a lawyer for the and entrepreneur. ment within their respective ® New York’s and this nation’s late black activist Malcolm X. most influential African Paterson said it was ® U.S. indicts ex-Haiti gov’t officials on bribery, money laundering charges (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5) Miramar, the former president telecommunications rates, of Telecom Consulting Services reducing the number of min- telecommunications at Haiti Corp., and Duperval’s sister. utes for which payment was Teleco, had been charged with “The telecommunications owed, and giving a variety of one count of conspiracy to company executed a series of credits toward sums owed, as commit money laundering. contracts with Haiti Teleco that well as to defraud the Jean Rene Duperval, for- allowed the company’s cus- Republic of Haiti of revenue”, mer director of international tomers to place telephone calls the indictment added. relations for telecommunications to Haiti”, the indictment noted, “To conceal the bribe pay- at Haiti Teleco, 43, has been stating that the alleged “corrupt ments, the defendants allegedly slapped with one count of con- payments were authorized by used various shell companies to spiracy to commit money laun- the telecommunications compa- receive and forward on the dering and 12 counts of money ny’s president and vice presi- payments”, the Justice laundering. Duperval currently dent and were allegedly paid to Department noted. lives in southern Florida. successive Haitian government In addition, it charged Others charged in the officials at Haiti Teleco”. that the defendants “created alleged scheme are: Joel false records claiming that the Esquenazi, 50, of Miami, the ‘BUSINESS ADVANTAGES’ payments were for consulting former president of the “The purpose of these services, which were never telecommunications company; bribes was to obtain various intended or performed”. Carlos Rodriguez, 53, of Davie, business advantages from the Florida, the former executive Haitian officials for the - CMC vice president of the telecom- telecommunications company, munications company; and including issuing preferred ® Marguerite Grandison, 40, of

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January 2010 CARIBBEAN TODAY 7

www.caribbeantoday.com HEALTH Brave heart: Jamaican American carries fight to leukemia in U.S. DAWN A. DAVIS she took up the gauntlet and felt like someone used a hot if no bone marrow match is more easily treated. ran.” poker and went through the found. “I know it was hopeless, magine being diagnosed That conversation was bone of my right thigh. I also Her five siblings were because if your siblings don’t with leukemia - cancer of the catalyst that started the had shortness of breath. I ran tested for matching bone mar- match, it’s difficult for us Ithe bone marrow blood Leukemia Bone Marrow to my friends who were in the row, but none matched her black folks to get,” she characterized by an out-of- Awareness, Inc. in 2006, a non- other bedroom and said I own. She has since been on explained, “because we don’t control accumulation of blood profit organization to educate think I am gonna die tonight. medication to control her give, so we can’t get.” cells. Like most cancers, these and nudge the healthy to donate I lived on aspirin until I white cell count, although it is Gordon, through the leukemic cells are so strong bone marrow for those in need. returned to the U.S., but by not a cure. Leukemia Bone Marrow they quickly and easily out- then the pain has subsided. Successful bone marrow Awareness, Inc., is active in strip normal cells, severely “I went back to work at transplant cures the disease, the South Florida community compromising one’s health. Lennox Hill Hospital in New which is either acute, a more including churches, social Can’t imagine? Well, York, where I worked as a serious form, or chronic. clubs such as Kiwanis, Barbara Gordon knows this nurse. About two weeks after Gordon has the chronic form, malignant disease inside out, I got back, this particular which is slow growing and (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) she has been living with it for Sunday I went to church. I did nearly 20 years. Diagnosed in feel a little feverish, but went 1990, Jamaican-born Gordon, anyway. When I got home, I now 70, is a retired nurse, a went to sleep and elevated the LEARNING ABOUT LEUKEMIA survivor, an advocate for leg. I woke up with the same ncorporated in 2006, the However, Gordon can con- awareness and change. stabbing pain.” Miami-based Leukemia tacted via email at “I am an Anglican and Gordon went into Lennox Bone Marrow Awareness, [email protected]. Hill Hospital that evening. I several years ago attended a Gordon Inc. is a non-profit organiza- Information about treat- Episcopal Church Women’s After a series of tests and tion created to educate and ment, clinical trials, research, convention. At the end of it, I The organization started with blood work, it was ascertained offer heightened awareness and statistics are also available said to my dear friend Carmen walks to raise funds and aware- that her white blood cell count about the critical need for through the National Cancer Chang, I have lived seventeen ness, the most recent on Dec. 5, was 105,000. The normal count bone marrow donations. Institute at http://www.can- years with leukemia, and I am 2009. The seed that Gordon ranges between 4,500 and Board members include cer.gov/cancertopics/types/leu now in my twentieth year. I planted in her friend’s heart has 11,000. The diagnosis was offi- Barbara Gordon (founder), kemia, the Leukemia & think I would like to do some- grown into a serious movement. cially confirmed - leukemia. Carmen Chang, Lorna Lymphoma Society at thing that will heighten the So, how exactly did Her doctor, head of Feanny, Michael Herrod, http://www.leukemia.org/hm_ awareness of the importance Gordon discover she had oncology/haematology Dr. Ruby Henry and Yvonne lls, and the Mayo Clinic at of bone marrow for people leukemia? Shirley Brown, conducted a Parchment. http://www.mayoclinic.com/h who have leukemia,” Gordon “I was in Jamaica on bone marrow test and discov- The organization’s web- ealth/leukemia/DS00351. told Caribbean Today. vacation,” she recalled. “One ered that Gordon has the type site will be available soon. “I had the thought and Sunday night about midnight I of leukemia that can be treated ® January is Cervical Health Awareness Month BELLEVILLE, Illinois - ber that cervical cancer is a January is “Cervical Health preventable disease - as long Awareness Month” and a prime as it’s caught early enough,” time to highlight the impor- said NCCC Executive tance of routine Pap tests. Director Sarina Araujo. Raising awareness among When cervical cancer is women with disabilities is found early, it is highly treat- especially important because, able and associated with long as a group, they are less likely survival and good quality of to get the life-saving test, life. Unfortunately, six out of according to Allsup, a United 10 cervical cancers occur in States provider of Social women who have never Security disability representa- received a Pap test or have tion and Medicare services. not been tested in the past In the U.S., 11,000 new five years. This problem is cases of cervical cancer will be especially pronounced among diagnosed in 2010 from women with disabilities. human papillomavirus (HPV)- Research shows that women caused tumors. HPVs are sex- with disabilities are less likely ually transmitted via skin-to- to get Pap tests than women skin contact. Recent research without disabilities. indicates the virus also causes “There is a wide range of some cases of cancers of the reasons for this disparity,” said mouth, anus, head and neck in Allsup Manager Tai Venuti, men and women, according to MPH. “The disability may the National Cervical Cancer make the exam itself more diffi- Coalition (NCCC). cult, as in the case of spinal cord injuries or disorders, or special PREVENTION equipment may be needed. Cervical cancer is the easi- Another barrier could be as est female cancer to prevent simple as not having adequate with regular screening tests and transportation to the doctor.” follow-up. The Pap test (or Pap In addition, healthcare smear) looks for cell changes facilities may be inaccessible on the cervix that might and ill-equipped to serve peo- become cervical cancer if not ple with disabilities, so pre- treated appropriately. The HPV ventive services like Pap test looks for the virus that can smears are overlooked. cause these cell changes. “It’s important to remem- ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com HEALTH Hopes of health spring from Caribbean roots at Florida wellness center DAWN A. DAVIS ing, engaging artwork, and a practice, I don’t treat your is just the beginning of what His wellness center has been in colorful fish tank in the waiting heart and ignore your toes. I we are trying to do.” operation for more than a year MIAMI - Combining alternative area add to the center’s tran- don’t treat your psychological and the number of patients and traditional therapies is not a quility. issues or your marital issues COMPLEMENTARY seeking traditional and alterna- novel idea. However, embracing and ignore the fact that your Practicing medicine in tive approaches is rapidly such a practice is not the norm HOLISTIC belly pain might be related.” South Florida for more than 20 growing. Dr. Jarrett believes by most western/traditional- This inviting space and Dr. For Dr. that’s a healthy trend. trained physicians. Jarrett’s holistic philosophy Jarrett, taking “I would certainly not sug- Jamaican-born, Florida- attract a variety of patients. The care of the mind gest to anyone that they aban- based Dr. Wentworth Jarrett is doctor sees patients/clients from and body also don traditional medical treat- not the norm. all over the world, including involves the ment,” he explains. “However, The University of the Vietnam, India, Pakistan, practice of yoga I view western-style medicine West Indies and University of and pilates. The and alternative therapy as Miami-trained family physician spa’s certified complementary. has developed a practice based yoga and pilates “For example, a patient of on his Caribbean background, instructors guide mine with lung cancer has incor- experiences and traditional clients through porated acupuncture in addition medical training. Dr. Jarrett’s the art and to traditional medicine for pain, Wellness Center, located here, “heart” of medi- and is doing very well. For nau- is a welcoming destination for tation, flexibility sea I recommended the use a mind, body and soul. and strength crystalline ginger herb and it “Growing up as a through classes worked very beautifully. The Caribbean person, and more held several patient is doing quite well. That’s importantly, seeing all the nat- times per week. an example of how non-tradi- ural remedies at work and A massage ther- tional perspectives can help.” interacting with diverse people apist, acupunc- Chinese Jamaicans, Indian turist and aes- ‘NO MYSTERY’ Jamaicans, Jamaicans of thetician are Part of the wellness center African descent, that’s where it also integral to offering is nutritional counseling. all starts,” says Dr. Jarrett, who the practice. “A vegan diet is absolutely is from Kingston. Jarrett “We offer wonderful, if you can do it,” “We decided to focus on nutraceuticals, says Dr. Jarrett. evidence-based recommenda- Britain, South America, Jamaica vitamins that “We know that the average tions and try to incorporate it and Cuba. And, according to are evidence- Seventh-Day Adventist, who is a into a wellness perspective, Dr. Jarrett, many are already based, meaning vegan, lives an average of seven where our office becomes not using alternative therapies such there is some Pilates room years longer than the regular just a sickness destination, but a as acupuncture, herbal medi- evidence that population. The best nutritional wellness destination. So the con- cines like sour sop leaf, noni. taking these things make a dif- years, Dr. Jarrett treats issues diet in terms of longevity and cept of wellness is the core.” “Holistic doesn’t just mean ference,” Dr. Jarrett says. “In such as diabetes, hypertension cardiovascular health known in The experience begins as drinking bush tea and taking fact, Vitamin C in appropriate and heart disease. He also per- the world is the Mediterranean soon as clients enter the space. noni,” he says. “Holistic means doses, various lipid-lowering forms pap smears, digital rectal diet, which is high in vegetables Doors are oversized, as are the addressing the total mind and agents and niacin products are exams and colorectal screen- and low in animal fats and chem- rooms, with high ceilings. body, and realizing that they being recommended now in ings, and also orders mammog- ical preservatives. Calming colors, non-glare light- are not separate entities. In my mainstream medicine. So, this raphy and gives vaccinations. “There is no real mystery as to why we have so many health issues among our Caribbean people and those in LEUKEMIA: STATISTICS, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT the Western world; it’s because ccording to the nodes, loss of appetite, fre- biological therapy to boost nationals living in the U.S., we eat so much synthetic foods United States quent infections, weakness or the immune system. the Leukemia & Lymphoma and animal fats. Overall, it is ANational Institutes of fatigue. Bone marrow transplant, Society reports that a certain about reduced stress, activity Health’s National Cancer A routine blood test can if a match is found, is a good kind of blood cancer that and nutrition.” Institute, the estimated num- detect chronic leukemia. option because the procedure originates in the lymphatic The family physician ber of new cases of leukemia Further testing, which may replaces the cancer-produc- system, T-cell lymphoma, is explains that people in the each year is more than 40,800 include bone marrow sam- ing marrow. The goal is to associated with Caribbean, United States with cardiovas- adults and 3,500 children. pling, is more definitive. reach complete remission. South American, African and cular or heart disease frequent- The institute also estimates Depending on the type Many with leukemia today southern Japanese popula- ly get catheterizations, stents that the number of deaths in of leukemia, treatment are living relatively healthy tions. The society reports and so on. However, what they 2009 was 21,870. involves therapies such as lives with aggressive and that about 74,490 people in really need, he stresses, is prop- Some symptoms of chemotherapy or radiation to novel drug therapies. the U.S. were stricken with er diet and lifestyle, and med- leukemia could include bone stop the growth or kill Although there is no spe- lymphoma in 2009. ical management focusing on pain or tenderness, shortness leukemia cells. Anti-cancer cific data on the incidence of weight reduction, decreasing of breath, swollen lymph drugs are also an option, as is leukemia in Caribbean ® animal fats, exercise, possibly daily aspirin and/or nitrates. “They do not need to have the chest split to have angio- Brave heart: Jamaican American carries fight to leukemia in U.S. plasty,” says Dr. Jarrett. “In (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) you go through a deeper tis- With plans to award embryonic stage in compari- reality they have been inflect- sue test and blood work. You grants to leukemia patients son to others,” she said. “But ed $100 to $200,000 worth of Caribbean events and univer- can then qualify to be added who lack insurance and other we see the importance and we expenses, pain and misery.” sities, advocating for survivors to the registry. So, when there financial support, Gordon is see the responses... Tomorrow Treating the whole, there- and underscoring the impor- is a patient that requires bone optimistic about the continued is not promised to anyone, so fore, is key to health and balance. tance of bone marrow dona- marrow, if you are a match growth and future of the you get up in the mornings “People realize we are tions. She and her colleagues your marrow is used.” Leukemia Bone Marrow and you say ‘thank God, I can paying attention to more than educate the fearful on the Gordon said the response Awareness, Inc. And, although put one foot in front of the just what insurance they have ease and painless procedure has been positive. She noted diagnosed with breast cancer other’. Don’t give up, although or the disease process,” says of bone marrow testing and that the partnership with about a year ago, which has when He is ready you have to Dr. Jarrett. “Rather, we look at donation. Miami-Dade College of West been brought under control go, but, don’t give up.” the entire person and body. I “Testing for a match is Kendall has resulted in many with lumpectomy and radia- think people appreciate that.” just a cheek swab where a students signing up to volun- tion, Gordon remains strong, Dawn A. Davis is a freelance tongue depressor is used to teer for donor testing. The positive, and optimistic about writer for Caribbean Today. Dawn A. Davis is a freelance slightly scrape for a sample,” non-profit’s annual walks are life and the organization. writer for Caribbean Today. she said. held on the college grounds. “The organization is in the ® “So, it’s painless. Then ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com VIEWPOINT Is Caribbean media being Growing pains of boys to men linger a long time uman beings have a shut out of expensive difficult task as they Htraverse the social landscape. We have to learn as census push in U.S.? we go along, follow examples set by others, or if we’re lucky, he United States agree that the Caribbean get taught by a parent or older Census Bureau is kick- American demographic is defi- sibling. Ting off a $340 million nitely a hard to count segment But even as we learn, they media campaign to persuade of the American population. keep changing the rules. Girls people to fill out their census “Caribbean nationals are supposed to live a certain forms, but how much of that across the country should be way, and should be treated in money will the Caribbean outraged and insulted by the the right manner. They say it’s American media see? continued dismissal by the a man’s world, but women That’s the question U.S. government,” said seem to have so much going CaribID, the movement formed Persaud, who advocated for for them. When they marry in 2008 to get Caribbean nation- the introduction of the and divorce, they get the lion’s als accurately counted by the Caribbean Count bill by share of the assets, plus the U.S. Census through their own Congresswoman Clarke and man has to keep on paying origin category, want answered. senators Chuck Schumer and and paying and paying. CaribID founder Felicia Kristin Gillibrand in the U.S. Alimony or Allthemoney? Persaud said while Steve Jost, Congress and Senate in April The children are usually associate director of the U.S. and May of 2009. left in their care. Men take Census Bureau, is claiming “The fact that every other them out, wine and dine them that “little more than half the group, especially Asians and and always pay the bill. A money will go towards local Latinos, are being addressed woman can leave her house advertising in order to reach while the Caribbean segment with no money and still have a he connects ous about failing, so he fails. harder-to-count communi- remains ignored shows the wonderful evening on the with his Women have no such prob- ties,” several Caribbean media exact level of respect that is town. For the man though, it’s mother. lem, as they just lay back and houses are yet to be being given to this community. a different story, and he better Boys expect a good showing from approached on advertising. We too have our own identity follow the rules or he’ll be a who have no the man. He better come good “It is an outrage and a and not all Caribbean nation- very lonely hombre. fathers also too, or his reputation will be shame,” said Persaud. “How als are black. Its not about This can pose severe have certain at stake. are Caribbean media houses division but facts.” problems for young men, for problems supposed to push the message Persaud is urging the people just expect them to that manifest UNDER PRESSURE without a dime in advertising Caribbean media to use their know what to do all the time. themselves TONY From a boy enters this or support?” voice to speak out on this dis- Sadly, they don’t, and make later in their ROBINSON world he is put under pres- In New York City alone, regard and to send a clear silly mistakes. It can be trau- lives. It’s usu- sure. The first thing that his where as Mayor Mike message to the White House, matic, as boys make this tran- ally handed mother does is count his fin- Bloomberg pointed out at the the census and congressional sition from boys to men. The down through generations, as gers and toes, while the first Jan. 4 Time Square mega officials through letters, e- world can be unforgiving, and a boy who grew up with his thing that his father does is launch of Census 2010, there mails and op eds, that the con- so can some women. father beating his mother, usu- check out the size of the are more people of Caribbean tinued dismissal will not be But luckily many young ally ends up being an abuser infant’s penis. Yes folks, the ancestry outside the region tolerated. boys get a little help along the himself. Alcoholic fathers size of that prized organ will than anywhere else on earth, “That’s the power that’s way. Others who don’t can be spawn alcoholic sons, and shape and determine the emo- no Caribbean American media really in our hands,” added scarred emotionally for life, fathers who abandon their tional state of that boy/man houses have received a single Persaud, while reiterating the and sadly take it out on socie- sons usually have the sons until the day he dies. insertion order. Worst, of the importance of the movement ty or on some hapless women. doing the same thing to their Most men are obsessed by hundreds of millions being to the future empowerment of When they examine the histo- family. the size of their organ, with spent, not a single Caribbean Caribbean nationals across the ry of many sex offenders, they It’s a cruel cycle that fol- the majority thinking that American company has U.S. will have found some emo- lows boys as they turn to men, theirs is too small. Every man received a slice of the sub-con- tional scarring as the young and so many people are not wants to know if his woman’s tracting dollars. The above article was submit- lads entered into the realm of aware of the serious problems previous lover was bigger or ted by CaribPR Wire on Jan. puberty, when they turned and pitfalls that young men smaller than him. But the ‘BLACK’ BUY 5. CaribPR Wire is part of from boys to men. encounter as they make this ladies are smart, and no previ- Instead, the Caribbean ad Hard Beat Communications, important transition. ous lover in the history of buy may be a mere sliver of the Inc., a Caribbean-focused BLAME So it’s not really a man’s mankind has ever been bigger overall “black” buy that has advertising, public relations Boys do eventually turn world after all, at least not than the current one. And been handed off to an African and news agency based in the into men, but the process can entirely. Even during the sex that’s a statistic that will last American agency completely U.S. Felicia Persaud is also be a painful and emotionally act a young man is nervous, forever. unfamiliar with the Caribbean founder/executive editor of troublesome journey. Many resulting often in performance This penile obsession American media landscape and CaribWorldNews, a service eminent psychologists have anxiety, which turns into a self leads to a feeling of inadequa- had the theory that a young fulfilling prophecy, leaving the one that has been marred in offered by Hard Beat (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10) controversy. This despite the Comunications. man’s future is molded by how woman unfulfilled. He’s nerv- fact that officials like Mayor Bloomberg and ® Congresswoman Yvette Clarke

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www.caribbeantoday.com VIEWPOINT U.S. racial hope fades with painful realities, despite Obama’s appeal n my favorite “Star Trek” a Cheronian who is white on high hopes time high of 67 percent the kept alive. episode, Captain James T. his left side, “All of his people for a post- day after Obama’s election, It is a sign of our progress IKirk and the crew of the are white on the RIGHT side.” racial future, but a year later only 56 per- that racism has been driven starship Enterprise encoun- The episode, like all good Gallup says, cent express that belief. That’s underground, if not eliminated. tered humanoids from a plan- fiction, helps us come to grips “there is statistically the same as the 55 But racial suspicions rise to fill et embroiled in war over an with painful realities. It first scarcely more percent who felt that way back the gap. For example, it is hard issue as clear as black and aired in 1969, a time when our hope” for a in Dec. 1963, when Gallup first for me to read about church white. Literally. The planet country’s racial differences solution on asked the question. pastors like the Reverend Cheron is locked in a race were erupting in riots and race than “In short, despite all that Wiley Drake of Buena Park, war. This astonishes earth- assassinations. The black-white there was CLARENCE has happened in the interven- California, or Pastor Steven lings. To us, all Cheronians planet was doomed by its before. PAGE ing decades”, says Gallup, Anderson of Tempe, Arizona - look alike. Their skin is evenly inhabitants’ inability to deal If so, I “there is scarcely more hope who have proudly prayed for divided, half-black and half- even with the slightest diversity. am not sur- now than there was those Obama to die soon - and not white, down the middle of Could we earthlings do better? prised. In many years ago that the wonder how much race might their faces and bodies. fact, I am somewhat relieved nation’s race-relations situa- be a motivating factor in their A perplexed Captain Kirk SCARCE HOPE that we Americans are show- tion will be solved”. prayers. asks, what is the difference Flash forward 40 years. A ing ourselves to be optimistic But race is such a touchy that Cheronians are fighting year after two-thirds of but also realistic. We know REALISTIC topic these days that you can about? “Isn’t it obvious?” says Americans polled expressed one election is not going to But Gallup should not be accused of being a racist solve our racial challenges. We sound so gloomy. The just for bringing it up. still have hope. We have only Americans in their survey are Obama’s thoughts on racial raised our standards for how being realistic. Americans profiling led Fox News star we define our long-sought might want to be post-racial, Glenn Beck to call the presi- “solution”. but I think we also know in dent “a racist” who “hates Since 1963, Gallup has our heart of hearts that we’re white culture.” When Katie been asking Americans not ready yet. Couric later asked him, “What whether we think relations After all, it was not that is ‘white culture’?” Beck between blacks and whites long ago that Gallup found looked surprised. He accused “will always be a problem for our racial optimism at an all- Couric of trying to “trap” him the United States, or that a time low of 29 percent. That and refused to answer. That’s solution will eventually be was in Oct. 1995, shortly after too bad. I, too, would like to worked out”. The optimistic O.J. Simpson’s acquittal of know what he means by view that a solution will be double murder dramatically “white culture.” By under- worked out surged to an all- revealed the nation’s racial standing my differences with divide on national television. people who come from other Seldom has our state of race cultures, I hope to gain a bet- looked so bleak. Yet, Tiger ter understanding of what I Woods was becoming a new have in common with them - cultural hero across racial even with Glenn Beck. lines, Oprah Winfrey already was, and Colin Powell was © 2009 Clarence Page. seriously being urged by high- Distributed by Tribune Media powered fans in both parties Services, Inc. to run for president. Change was in the air. Hope was being ® Growing pains of boys to men linger a long time (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9) can’t be sure if the ladies want him for himself, or for his posi- cy and low self esteem, as their tion in life. After all, women net worth is determined by the are drawn to wealth, so take gross weight, length and girth that away and where does that of their organ. They sing the leave him? More anxiety, as blues. This perceived problem he’s now in a dilemma, a haunts young boys and grown quandary, a pool of despair as men for as long as they live. he sings the blues. As the boy grows older, Then he grows older, he’s now faced with the daunt- takes himself a bride and pro- ing prospect of approaching ceeds to live happily ever females he may fancy. Sounds after. No one told him that simple, right? But if you’re a happily ever after only occurs gangly, pimply, gawky teenag- in the fairy tales. He laments er it can be as difficult as fac- the loss of his freedom, and ing a hungry lion. even though he loves his wife Rejection can be like a and children, he feels like a dagger through the heart of a caged animal, pacing in his male teenager and can shatter enclosure, longing to have a his self esteem for years. whiff of the freedom that he once had. But it’s gone forever UNCERTAINTY and the laments are recited. Then he approaches man- So as you can see, the path hood, the period when he’s no of boy to manhood is accom- longer a boy, but not yet quite panied by a symphony of a man. Now confidence is blues, and the blues are usually paramount, so he has to have songs of melancholy. So ladies, the latest “bling” stuff, the don’t believe that you have a phone, car, good job, the carte blanche on problems, for works. If he’s fortunate boys to men do have their enough to be educated and share of problems too. has all the trappings of the young up-and-coming-man, [email protected] then it’s not so bad, not so much anxiety, although he ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Beyoncé’s T&T concert sparks uproar among promoters, entertainers PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, submit the letter to the compa- group of promoters and enter- General Secretary Fabien CMC – A group of promoters ny’s Chief Executive Officer tainers “want to discuss with Alphonso in a press statement. and entertainers say they plan Roberto Peon early this month. TSTT the position they have “Not using this occasion to to write the state-owned Fernandes, speaking on taken to present Beyoncé in initiate discussions on collabora- Telecommunications Services of local radio here recently, said concert so soon after carnival tions between Beyoncé and any Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) that TSTT has already indicated and their decision to cut back of our local flagship artistes asking it to withdraw its spon- that it would be reducing its and even pull sponsorship of would be considered a wasted sorship of the Feb. 18 concert funding to activities for the car- carnival events.” opportunity as the Trinidad and featuring the American singer nival celebrations this year. Tobago Entertainment Company Beyoncé. “Bringing Beyoncé at this COST Ltd (TTENT) was established Gregory Fernandes, former time puts more pressure on the Fernandes also said accord- for this exact purpose. chief executive officer of the industry,” he said, adding “car- ing to media reports, the pro- “Furthermore, it’s unfortu- Caribbean Prestige Foundation, nival activity is a very high risk duction cost for the Beyoncé nate that TTENT is not engaged who is among those involved in and a lot of bands suffer high concert is in the vicinity of in the planning process of an the effort to get TSTT to losses.” TT$10 million ($1.4 million). event of this magnitude. This rescind its decision, planned to Fernandes said that the The Recording Industry would have ensured an opportu- Association of Trinidad and nity to position local music inter- Tobago (RIATT) said it was nationally via the current largest also raising objection to the female performer in the world”, Buju Banton denied bail in U.S.; concert. he added. Beyoncé “The state making a $10 But Lisa Agard, executive reggae star to fight drug charge million investment to stage an and Tobago is a very large artiste like Beyoncé in Trinidad investment”, noted RIATT (CONTINUED ON PAGE 12) FLORIDA - A United States magistrate has ordered Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton be held without bail on drug charges. Magistrate Anthony Porcelli made the ruling earli- er this month after the dance- hall artiste’s new defense attorney David Oscar Markus said he would not oppose the government’s request that the singer be detained. Banton, whose real name Buju Banton is Mark Myrie, pleaded not sense in seeking bail when guilty to U.S. federal charges immigration authorities have that he conspired to buy placed a detainer on Banton, cocaine from an undercover 36, who is in the U.S. on an law enforcement officer in entertainer visa. Markus said Sarasota, Florida, last month. his client will fight the charges The U.S. Drug and will not enter into any Enforcement Administration plea deal with prosecutors. (DEA) charged that Banton “We will be going to trial. had contacted a “confidential He did not commit the crimes informant” about a possible he’s charged with. He was not cocaine purchase. The DEA in any conspiracy,” Markus said in an affidavit that Banton told reporters, adding that and “other men met with the with regards to the immigra- informant at Sarasota’s La tion detainer, there should be Tropicana de Havana restau- a “presumption of innocence. rant, where the DEA and local “Instead there is a pre- police had set up surveillance.” sumption of guilt in immigra- “Eventually, the group tion,” he said, disclosing that the went to a warehouse to make criminal case against Banton is the cocaine deal”, the affidavit scheduled for a status confer- stated. ence in next month and tenta- tively set for trial in March. NO DEAL Markus said there was no ® Calypsonian among five Grenadians honored by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Other Grenadians being CMC – Calypsonian Elywn honored by the queen are “Wizzard” McQuilkin is Carriacou businessman among five Grenadians Franklyn Theodore St. Bernard named on Queen Elizabeth Bullen, for service to the busi- II’s 2010 honors list. ness community; Faith Jessamy, He has been awarded the for public service training and Order of the British Empire farming; Susanna Antoine for (OBE) in recognition of his her contribution to education; contribution to culture. and footballer Jason Roberts McQuilkin, who marked for his service to the sports 40 years of calypso singing in industry. 2009, is well known for his hit song “IMF”. ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Powerful voices, online band quest among Jamaica’s jazz fest attractions he powerful voices of Marion Hall and the Third Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny. favorite act via text message. some of America’s top World band. The newest addition to the The winners of the 2010 Tsoul singers, among them The 2010 festival will also program is “JJ&B Band Quest” Jamaica Jazz and Blues Band Erykah Badu, Babyface and feature small concerts, with – an online audition of undis- Quest will be awared prizes and legend Gladys Knight, are select artistes performing at var- covered talent vying for a among the main attractions at ious hotels in Jamaica, including chance to perform at the festi- this month’s Jamaica Jazz and Sunset Jamaica Grande, val. Contestants must join the Blues Festival. Iberostar, RIU, Sunset Resort JJ&B Fan Zone and the JJ&B The event, set for Jan. 24- Montego Bay, and the Jamaica Band Quest Group at 30, will also feature American Pegasus in Kingston from Jan. http://jamaicajazz.com to cre- act Hall and Oates and British 24 to 27. ate a profile and upload a pic- vocalist Joss Stone, fused with a The main stage event will ture and video of their band or local blend such as jazz Monty be hosted on the final three days group. The number of votes and Alexander and reggae artistes from Jan. 28 to 30 at the points from the online audience Knight will determine who is chosen to U.S. cities such as New York, audition live in Jamaica and Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta. A team of judges will select the final three. The winners will ENTERTAINMENT be added to the line-up of the Stone festival and their auditions, as secure a booking to perform on BRIEFS well as interviews, will be the festival’s main stage in 2011. uploaded to the Jamaica Jazz • Calypso king spends For more information on the and Blues Festival website, Christmas in jail festival, including ticket informa- along with interviews from the Antigua and Barbuda’s reign- tion, visit www.jamaicajazzand- judges. ing king of calypso Leston “Young blues.com. Destroyer” Jacobs, who is facing Patrons at the festival will gun-related charges, reportedly be asked to choose their ® spent Christmas behind bars after a high court judge denied his application for bail. CARNIVAL GROOVE Jacobs, 27, was arrested in November after two firearms and more than 100 rounds of ammuni- tion were allegedly found at his home. He was jointly charged with Ceylon Howe, 19, whose bail application was also denied. • Jamaica addressing violent songs The Jamaica government is taking a multi- pronged approach to solving the problem of explicitly sexual and violent songs and their wide accessibility in the public space. Information Minister Daryl Vaz recently said this approach would continue until successful out- - Photograph by Roland Hyde comes were achieved and sus- Jamaican American Tyson Beckford, right, host of Bravo television’s “Make Me a Super tained. Model”, recently joined Trinidadian ambassadors at Antilia Carnival to rev up New Yorkers’ interest in Trinidad and Tobago’s 2010 carnival. Former Miss Universe, Trinidad and Compiled from CMC and other Tobago’s Wendy Fitzwilliam, left, assisted Beckford in educating enthusiastic attendees sources. about carnival culture. Soca artiste Machel Montano performed for New Yorkers who had gathered in Tribeca. The event was produced by Caribbean-owned entertainment brand Antilia Inc. and featured stilt walkers, live steel pan music and premium Caribbean hors ® d’oeuvres. T&T’s carnival is set to culminate in the streets of Port of Spain Feb. 15 and 16. Beyoncé’s T&T concert sparks uproar among promoters, entertainers (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11) look at all of the things we are by TSTT to help in the coordi- involved in whether in culture, nation and logistics associated head of Mobile and Legal sports or in the community gen- with the event, and Agard said Services at TSTT, said the com- erally in Trinidad and Tobago the company would assume pany would be in breach of its our expenditure on those far responsibility for the venue contract with Beyoncé if it dis- exceeds the expenditure we are minus stage, sound and lights closes the cost for the concert. going to incur as a result of this when the country’s largest “I can’t give you exact num- concert. telecommunications provider bers, particularly with regard to “We have spent, we will signs the contract. what she is costing,” Agard spend and will continue to Public Utilities Minister reportedly told a local newspa- spend millions of dollars spon- Mustapha Abdul-Hamid was per. “Not because we have any soring many carnival events. quoted in a publication of the reluctance to disclose it, but That commitment remains,” she NEWSDAY newspaper as there are confidentiality provi- said. ordering TSTT to produce a sions in her contract with us.” Meanwhile, TSTT has con- report over its expenditure for firmed that a company owned concert. SPENDING by West Indies cricket icon “On the matter of the But she insisted that her Brian Lara and star footballer expenditure, I have asked for the company’s involvement in other Dwight Yorke was one of the facts and for a report on what activities for the carnival would main contractors for the con- the facts are,” Abdul-Hamid not suffer as a result of the cert. TSTT spokesman Grame reportedly told the newspaper. show. Suite said that LAY “I can tell you that when you Management has been retained ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com TOURISM / TRAVEL Caribbean tourist arrivals from U.K. Delta resumes service between Atlanta and Tobago elta airlines last month and will operate once a week, allows travelers from the U.S. up in 2010, airline official predicts resumed service from departing Atlanta on to by-pass the previously DAtlanta, United States Saturdays at 4:05 p.m. and required stop-over and possi- LONDON, England, CMC - resented B.A.’s chief executive to the Caribbean island of returning from Tobago on ble overnight in Trinidad. Caribbean countries are likely officer, Willie Walsh, at the pre- Tobago. Sunday mornings at 9:05 a.m. “Our guests will be able to record an increase in visitor World Travel Market (WTM) The Tobago House of until April 24, 2010. to plan their vacation to the arrivals from the United event. Assembly (THA) announces The flight will be operated island with greater ease,” Kingdom this year, a senior But in a recorded presen- the reactivation of nonstop on a Boeing 737-800, with 144 said Assemblyman Oswald British Airways official has tation, Walsh expressed a service between Atlanta’s seats in economy class and 16 Williams, Secretary for Tourism said. desire to strengthen the carri- Hartsfield-Jackson International in first class. The service, that and Transportation at the “Compared to the same er’s relationship with the Airport and Tobago’s Crown will complement Delta’s exist- Tobago House of Assembly, period of last year, we are Caribbean, adding that the Point International Airport. ing service between Port of in a recent press release. really pleased with the early holiday travel from the U.K. The Atlanta-Tobago non- Spain and Atlanta, and Port of bookings that are taking to the region remained strong. stop service will be seasonal Spain and New York-JFK, ® place,” said the airline’s cor- “The leisure market, par- porate sales manager, Simon ticularly the market between Brooks. the Caribbean and the U.K. is a “We are talking double very strong market,” Walsh told FIRST IN LINE digit growth as far as early delegates, including tourism bookings. We are reasonably ministers, directors of tourism optimistic in a very tough and other stakeholders. environment about the situa- “Leisure business from tion in the Caribbean (in the U.K. has grown relatively 2010).” strong and it’s one of the rea- Brooks, speaking after sons we’ve seen British the Caribbean Tourism Airways grow its presence in Organization (CTO)’s this market and we see further European Marketing Forum opportunities for expansion in here recently, declined to give the years ahead.” details, but said there was rea- son to be positive. Brooks rep- ® Exploring Jamaica made easier via GPS xploring Jamaica just Jamaica’s Director of Tourism got easier with the cre- John Lynch in a recent press Eation of the Caribbean’s release. first GPS navigation map data According to the release, known as JAMNAV. JAMNAV is based on the Garmin The Mona platform, a worldwide leader for GeoInformatics Institute of personal navigation devices. The the University of the West Mona GeoInformatics Institute Indies in Jamaica has devel- worked as the local developer Jamaica officially kicked off its Winter 2009/2010 Travel Season on Dec. 15 by welcoming a couple visitors to the island from the oped and released JAMNAV, ensuring local complexities were Washington, D.C. area of the United States who that traveled to Montego Bay onboard an Air Jamaica flight. Edward Neufville and Bahia taken into consideration, such as Akerele were greeted by several representatives of the island’s tourism industry at Sangster International Airport. Photograph shows, front which it claims offers turn by row from left, Godfrey Dyer, chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF); Carrole Guntley, director general in the Ministry of Tourism; turn, voice assisted navigation one-way streets and parochial Akerele; Neufville, Owen Campbell, regional airport manager, Air Jamaica; and back row, from left, John Lynch, Jamaica’s director of across Jamaica. roads. tourism; Danville Walker, commissioner of customs; Rosie Johnson, regional manager, Jamaica Tourist Board; and Ian Neita, executive The technology includes JAMNAV is currently director of the TEF. over 9,300 miles of roads and available from Avis Car 15,000 points of interest, Rental at both of Jamaica’s including petrol stations, international airports in hotels, restaurants, shopping Kingston and Montego Bay, places and attractions. and is available with or with- Canadian airline pulls out of four “JAMNAV has been cre- out a rental car. The technolo- ated by Jamaicans that have gy has been available since an intimate knowledge of its summer 2009. Caribbean destinations terrain, and is the first of its RAWLE TITUS had violated the Travel cient funds,” said Pepper, who kind in the Caribbean,” said ® Industry Act 2002 resulting in is also the registrar for the ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, the voluntarily termination of Travel Industry Act. CMC – Less than a month its registration. TICO employees were at after its inaugural flight to “They didn’t have suffi- the Toronto airport late last Cuba attracts record two million tourists Grenada, the Canadian based cient financing to continue month informing Sunwing’s operating the charters they Caribbean bound passengers HAVANA, Cuba, CMC – He explained that the airline Sunwing is ending its were committed for. They are about the problem and giving Tourism Minister Manuel increase in tourist arrivals has relationship with the island committed to a risk program them the option of withdraw- Marrero believes visitor been bolstered by the comple- and three other Caribbean and they did not have suffi- ing from the flight. arrivals to Cuba should reach tion and use of new accommo- destinations, industry officials cient funds,” said TICO’s Sunrise’s decision to vol- 2,425,000 for 2009, a new dations that include another confirmed last month. Chief Executive Officer untarily terminate its registra- record for the country. 2,000 rooms at the main They said that from Jan. 6 Michael Pepper. tion follows a meeting last In a report presented to tourist resorts. the airline would no longer “They have commitments month between its Chief Parliament late last month, Before outlining his operate flights to Grenada, to pay Sunwing on a rotation Executive Officer Ramnarine Marrero said that if the island development strategy for the Trinidad, Jamaica and basis to Kingston, Port of Tiwari and TICO officials. achieves this figure it would 2010-2015 period, which Guyana. Spain and Grenada and also The departure of Sunwing represent a 3.3 percent includes investments with The Travel Industry they have another program will be seen as a major blow to increase in arrivals compared Cuban capital, Marrero said Council of Ontario (TICO), in with sky services to Guyana. Grenada following an increase to the previous year. that 60 percent of what the an exclusive interview with So they were committed to in visitor arrivals from Canada Cuba’s tourism minister island markets comes from the Caribbean Media paying those carriers in in recent months. said Canada was Cuba’s local production. Corporation (CMC), said that advance for each of the flights largest market followed by Sunrise, the travel agency and they did not have suffi- ® Great Britain and Spain. ® which contracted the airline,

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www.caribbeantoday.com CULTURE Black womanhood’s link to spirituality, sexuality and the past • TITLE: Eroticism, • AUTHOR: Donna Aza any literary scholars ventional academic writing. to this understanding. Spirituality, and Weir-Soley have analyzed the the But, be warned, her introduc- The author also nudges Resistance in Black • REVIEWED BY: Dawn Mworks of black tion could be intimidating for the reader, perhaps uncon- Women’s Writings A. Davis women writers. However, the casual or non-academic sciously, to look at his/her own oftentimes the “voices” are reader. position in society. the same, offering no novel Not to worry, the meat of Weir-Soley’s view of interpretation or new way to the book is an easy read. It is Jamaican writer Palmer look at these works. Dr. not necessary to read from Adisa’s “It Begins with Tears” Donna Aza Weir-Soley, on the cover to cover. is highly erotic, yet laced with other hand, has stepped out- African and Caribbean tradi- side the box, offering fresh WEAVE tional spiritual thought. perspectives on four literary Weir-Soley deftly reveals voices of the 20th and 21st how the four writers weave COMMON THREAD centuries. traditional West African spiri- The writer-poet identifies The author, through her tuality into their stories of the common thread connect- book “Eroticism, Spirituality, modern-day women. For ing these four important liter- and Resistance in Black example, Hurston, through ary works: Personal struggles, Women’s Writings”, looks at her female characters, forces African spiritual practices, the interrelationships between the reader to look at christian- sexual energies that spark vio- spirituality and eroticism, and ity and the powerful role it lence and healing, denial, the empowerment of women plays in black consciousness, identity and community trans- through these portals in works the remnants of slavery and formation. by Zora Neale Hurston, Toni racial stereotypes thrust upon African/Caribbean-cen- Morrison, Opal Palmer Adisa black women of the era. tered practices are at the heart and Edwidge Danticat. Morrison’s “Beloved” has of the stories. The characters searching both puzzled and intrigued Resolution is not always for identity and dealing with readers. But Weir-Soley brings the conclusion, nor should it the suppression or awakening the story into perspective with be. But certainly readers are of their sexual spirit in her explanation of the role of forced to think about black Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were female goddesses, the signifi- womanhood and the intense Watching God”, Morrison’s cance of African deities, spir- link between spirituality, sexu- “Beloved”, Palmer Adisa’s “It its, loas and Haitian Voudoun ality and the power of the past. Begins with Tears” and goddesses. The sexual, spiritu- Danticat’s “The Farming of al, and emotional violence Publisher: University Press Bones”, leap off the page in experienced by the characters of Florida. Weir-Soley’s study. Her analy- in “Beloved” culminates in Dawn A. Davis is a freelance ses is warm and sensitive, yet healing spiritual energy; the writer for Caribbean Today. pushes the boundaries of con- author helps lead the reader ® Jamaica to host Jewish Diaspora of the Caribbean confab KINGSTON, Jamaica –– ment of the country,” said and history of our people.” Jamaica will be the host desti- John Lynch, Jamaica’s tourism Following the event, from nation for the inaugural director. Jan. 15-16, participants can Jewish Diaspora of the Ainsley Henriques, engage in a post-conference Caribbean International director of the United program including tours of Conference this month. Congregation of Israelites, prominent sites in Kingston The event, which will be Kingston and co-chair of the that are of significant and his- held from Jan. 12-14 at the conference, said: “This confer- toric value to the Kingston Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, will ence is long overdue. We are Jewish community. Those feature experts from the pleased with the tremendous include a trip to the University United States, Jamaica, France support that we have received of the West Indies, Mona cam- and Israel addressing a range from our partners, and those pus where Jewish refugees of topics, from cultural history participating in the confer- from the Holocaust were including architecture, music ence. This conference will be housed during World War II to and religion, to Caribbean an avenue to educate, enlight- kiddush and dinner with Jewish identity and heritage. en and enrich the lives of the Kingston’s Jewish community. “Jamaica has a respected Caribbean and International and vibrant Jewish movement Jewry and introduce other ® that has aided in the develop- individuals to the rich culture

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www.caribbeantoday.com BUSINESS Caribbean group seeks to revitalize Bob Marley Boulevard in Brooklyn NEW YORK - A Caribbean Council (WIAPAC) plans to City Council members repre- businesses are suffering due to events planner and public rela- American group in New York unveil several Caribbean flags senting the districts, which the economic downturn and tions/marketing consultant said is hoping to inject economic along the strip from East 98th include the new City high unemployment, but we she will be working with the Street to Flatbush Avenue Councilman Jumani Williams, must be creative and innova- various business owners and while hosting a series of com- to move on the project and tive to find avenues that will the community to plan events munity events and projects in complete his portion of the grow businesses and retain that will aid in the revitaliza- collaboration with the mer- renaming of Bob Marley and create employment for tion of the shopping strip. chants and residents to include Boulevard, which was not sup- our community,” said Esther the “Caribbean Week” cele- ported by the former City Haynes-Tross, public relations - CaribWorldNews bration in June 2010. Councilman Kendall Stewart. director of WIAPAC. “We must bring back the “We know that many Tross, a professional ® economic vitalization of Church Avenue - Bob Marley Boulevard - to help our mer- chants. We cannot afford to see businesses closed as these businesses create jobs and fuel the stability of our communi- ty,” said Michael Russell, pres- Marley ident and founder of WIA- PAC. vitality into the Bob Marley Russell, who was one of Boulevard corridor in the creators of the proposal to Brooklyn, N.Y. rename Church Avenue Bob The West Indian Marley Boulevard, said he will American Progressive Action also be meeting with various IDB offers $10M loan to support B’dos business, climate reforms WASHINGTON – The Inter- to a more expeditious and American Development Bank equitable processing of invest- (IDB) is providing a $10 mil- ment applications; and a sub- lion loan to Barbados to sup- stantial reduction in the time port productive development businesses spend on complying policies and business climate with import/export regula- reforms aimed at improving tions”, the IDB noted, adding the competitiveness of the pri- that the loan would also sup- vate sector. port the restructuring of insti- The IDB said the loan tutions that provide financial would support the expansion of and non-financial business private sector participation in development services. the economy and increase gov- The project will finance ernment effectiveness by new tools for tax policy analysis, reducing transaction costs, enabling the government to modernizing trade logistics and improve the efficiency and trade facilitation services and transparency of its business providing a sound environment taxes, an essential pre-requisite for private sector development. to an improved business climate. “It will lead, for example, ® BUSINESS OF EDUCATION

Suzette Rochester, standing far left, manager of Victoria Mutual Building Society’s (VMBS) Florida representative office, reads to students during a recent visit to the Parkway Baptist Church Wee Care. The VMBS office made a donation of books and school supplies as part of its community outreach project in Florida. VMBS has opened an office in Miami Gardens and operates with a mandate to promote its varied products and services to Jamaicans and friends of Jamaicans in the United States diaspora. VMBS offers financial services geared to towards savings and investments for retirement, vacation, education and mortgage loans for residential and commercial purposes.

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www.caribbeantoday.com SPORT Canada appoints T&T-born Hart Caribbean cricketers in U.S. squad for World 20/20 MIAMI, Florida - Several team has been Akhtar Masood Syed (physio- senior national men’s soccer coach Caribbean American crick- selected to therapist). TORONTO, Canada, CMC – expectation and look forward eters have been called up for compete in the The team will travel from The Canadian Soccer to the challenge of building a the United States of America ICC World New York to Dubai on Feb. 1 Association has appointed team for the 2014 FIFA World Cricket Association`s senior Twenty20 and return from Nepal on Trinidad and Tobago-born Cup qualifiers and beyond,” men`s team, selected to com- Qualifier and Mar. 1. In Dubai, the round- Stephen Hart as head coach of pete in the ICC World World Cricket robin of matches in the World the country’s senior national Twenty20 Qualifier beginning League Twenty20 Qualifier runs from men’s team, lifting the interim next month. Division 5 Lambert Feb. 9-11, with the semi finals tag he previously held. The team will be cap- tournaments and finals set for Feb. 12 and Hart will be in charge of tained by Steve Massiah and in Dubai, UAE and Nepal, 13. Canada’s qualification efforts will include fellow Caribbean respectively. The U.S. squad will leave as the country works toward Americans Timroy Allen, The full squad is Allen, Dubai for Nepal on Feb. 14 to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Orlando Baker, Lennox Cush, Baker, Cush, Darlington, participate in round-robin Finals in Brazil. Kevin Darlington, Sudesh Dhaniram, Hall, Marshall, matches between Feb. 20 and “He delivers an exciting Dhaniram, Glen Hall, Massiah, Williams, Wright, 27. The squad returns to New brand of football that has Rashard Marshall, Clain Sushil Nadkarni, Imran Awan, York on Mar. 1. proven to be successful against Williams and Carl Wright. It Usman Shuja, Aditya our CONCACAF opponents,” will be coached by ex-Guyana Thyagarajan and Saurabh - CaribWorldNews Canada’s Soccer Association and West Indies batsman Verma. President Dr. Dominic Clayton Lambert. Officials are Lambert, ® Maestracci announced. Hart The senior men`s U.S. Imran Khan (manager) and Hart, 49, embraced his appointment and pledged to added Hart, who made the build a successful national T&T national squad as a play- outfit. er in 1980 before migrating to SPORT BRIEFS “I am honored to be cho- Canada. • Caribbean sprinters get Olympic Johnson is scheduled to fight a title best returns being three for 63 off 26.5 sen for this prestigious and Hart most recently served medal upgrade eliminator bout against American Yusaf overs against New Zealand at Sabina very important position,” said as Canada’s interim head coach Bahamian Pauline Davis-Thompson and Mack late this month. Park in Kingston in Feb. 1972. Hart, who will be charge of for the 2009 season, including a other Caribbean sprinters are the bene- In November Johnson suffered a the team when Canada plays quarter-final finish at the ficiaries after the International Olympic damaging defeat against American Chad • Ex-Jamaican soccer star Syd Jamaica in a friendly interna- CONCACAF Gold Cup. He Committee (IOC) formally re-allocated Dawson in a world title fight. But the Bartlett dies tional in Kingston on Jan. 31. had also been interim head Sydney 2000 medals from drug dis- Jamaican-born fighter’s career appears Jamaican soccer legend Syd Bartlett coach between 2006 and 2007 graced Marion Jones last month. to have been given a lifeline as the died in the United States last month. He EXPECTATION after Frank Yallop resigned. Davis-Thompson is the new holder International Boxing Federation (IBF) was 70. “I am fully aware of the of the women’s 200 meters gold medal. booked him for the eliminator on Jan. 30 Bartlett, known for his outstanding ® Sri Lanka’s Susanthika Jayasinghe in Las Vegas. dribbling skills, was a member of moves up from bronze to silver and Jamaica’s first World Cup qualifying squad. Jamaica’s Beverly McDonald from fourth • Former Windies pacer Grayson to the bronze medal third spot. Shillingford dies • Windies lose cricket to Aussies, but Jamaican Tanya Lawrence, Dominica’s former West Indies fast earns respect Sydney’s 100 meters third place finisher bowler Grayson Shillingford died late The West Indies cricket team showed in the, moves up to second and last month at age 65. marked improvement in the final two becomes the duplicate silver medalist Shillingford had been ailing for Test matches against host Australia last with Greece’s Ekaterina Thanou, who some time with cancer and succumbed month, but still lost the series 2-0. was denied the gold by the IOC for to the disease in Salisbury, located on After a devastating innings defeat “moral” reasons. Jamaican Merlene the island’s west coast. inside three days in the first Test in late Ottey is promoted from fourth to third, He had recently returned to November, the Caribbean cricketers securing a sixth career Olympic bronze Dominica from his adopted homeland of turned in two creditable performances in medal to go with two silver. Canada where he had been receiving the remaining games. treatment. The fast bowler played seven • Jamaican gets lifeline to world box- Test matches for the West Indies Compiled from CMC and other sources. ing crown between 1969 and 1972. He took 15 Veteran light heavyweight boxer Glen wickets at an average of 35.80, with his ® International cricket bowls off in Lauderhill Jan. 23 at meets ball again in The schedule excludes holiday the exciting 20/20 for- weekends. Bmat when the Ninth Team Jamaica has been Annual Lauderhill MAQ T20 dominant in the tournament, International Night Cricket winning in 2009, as well as seven Tournament bowls off this of the previous eight years. month at the Lauderhill Sports “The tournament, growing Park in Lauderhill, Florida. in popularity, has been expand- The opening ceremony ed to twelve teams, with the for the tournament is sched- inclusion of Team USA and uled for 4 p.m. Jan. 23, fol- World XI,” Lauderhill Mayor lowed by a double header - Richard J. Kaplan said recently Barbados versus Windwards in a press release. an hour later and Pakistan The City of Lauderhill against Leewards at 8 p.m. and the Cricket Council USA The tournament has Inc. have reportedly signed a become part of Lauderhill’s five-year agreement to contin- Family Sports Night at the ue the promotion, growth and Lauderhill Sports Park – development of the game of which includes netball and cricket soccer tournaments. The For information, visit cricket tournament will run www.cricketcouncilusa.com. through June, with games played on Saturday evenings. ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com CARIBBEAN 2009 IN REVIEW -- NEWS Economic crisis, crime force Caribbean to endure ‘annus horribilis’ n 1992, Britain’s Queen PROMISE condemn the prime minister in and Barbuda and his with the Organization of Elizabeth used the term As the year drew to a close, his capacity as minister of Dominican counterpart Eastern Caribbean States I“annus horribilis” to the region’s chief public servant finance, charging that he had Roosevelt Skerrit. (OECS) by 2013. describe the year in which the Edwin Carrington, secretary misled the public and had failed Skerrit was returned to In December, the nine- marriages of her two sons - general of the Guyana-based to take “urgent and immediate office in convincing style on member OECS grouping signed Charles and Andrew - broke Caribbean community (CARI- action” to protect the almost Dec. 18, but Spencer was just on to a new treaty establishing down and Windsor Castle COM), said regional countries 40,000 local policyholders in able to hang on to the govern- an economic union among caught fire. were yet to benefit from a CLICO. ment in the themselves. Seventeen years later, promise made by the world’s Ironically, towards the end Mar. 12 gener- Caribbean countries experienc- industrialized countries to of the year, Mottley was herself al elections. PROBLEMS ing their own “annus horribilis”, restore credit, jobs and growth fending off attempts to under- St. A novel influenza named joined the rest of the world in in the world economy. mine her position as leader of Vincent and after an animal quickly reached seeking to come to terms with a The G-20 countries had the Barbados Labour Party the a pandemic, resulting in the global economic crisis that has pledged $1.1 trillion, including (BLP). But while Mottley was Grenadines death of many citizens across the led to signifi- an allocation of $750 billion for able to survive, others were not Prime region. Swine flu, which is also cant job losses, an emergency resources so lucky in 2009. Minister Dr. known as H1N1, first emerged visits to the account at the IMF, which is Ralph in Mexico and spread quickly. International used to help nations in financial FALLEN Gonsalves suf- Murders continued unabat- Monetary Fund crisis, and $250 billion for new In a year when the mighty Golding fered a major ed in several Caribbean coun- (IMF) and the Special Drawing Rights. By Texan billionaire Allen setback in tries such as Jamaica, Belize, The use of the year-end, the Caribbean was Stanford fell from grace, November after voters over- Bahamas and T&T, whose situa- dreaded “R” among developing countries Grenada’s Attorney General whelming rejected a new consti- tions proved most worrisome. In word - “reces- calling for the establishment of Jimmy Bristol was also forced tution in an historic referendum. Jamaica, the Bruce Golding gov- sion” - to a fund to assist small-island to resign after admitting that he ernment parted ways with describe the Carrington developing states (SIDS) com- made an error in judgment MIGRATION FEVER Commissioner of Police Rear negative per- bat the effects of climate when he wrote United States Migration also emerged as Admiral Hardley Lewin. formance of their economies. change. In their Port of Spain prosecutors on government sta- a major talking point in the In T&T, while law enforce- Jamaica led the way to the consensus, the 53 tionery seeking clemency for his Caribbean during 2009, with the ment officials were pleased with Washington-based financial Commonwealth leaders wel- relative. In Stanford’s case it Barbados government reiterat- a reduction in the record 545 institution and by year-end was comed Britain’s offer of a pro- was an alleged multi billion dol- ing its commitment to the murders recorded last year, the still negotiating a $1.3 billion posed Copenhagen Launch lar Ponzi scheme that secured regional integration process number of people killed still Standby Agreement, which the Fund starting this year “to a his demise and at year-end he while announcing a six-month surpassed 500 in 2009. Bruce Golding administration level of resources of US$10 bil- remained cooped up in a U.S. amnesty for CARICOM nation- The region bade farewell to said was necessary to offset the lion annually by 2012”. federal prison. als who have been living in the a number of its nationals in shortfall in foreign exchange Haiti’s Prime Minister country illegally. The move was 2009, including Janet Jagan, the earnings being experienced by SHAKE-UP Michele Pierre-Louise was oust- bitterly opposed by some former Guyanese president, the the country. Dominica, St. Kitts The demise of the ed and replaced by economist regional governments. In the prominent Barbados business- and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Trinidad-based regional con- Jean Max Bellervie. In the Turks end, regional leaders reaffirmed man and Independent Senator Vincent and the Grenadines glomerate CL Financial shook and Caicos Islands, businessman their commitment to the free Sir John Stanley Goddard, also entered into agreements the entire region and, despite a Galmore Williams, who was movement of nationals across Bermuda’s Health Minister with the IMF by utilizing either multi-billion dollar rescue pack- sworn in as the second premier the region, consistent with the Nelson Bascome, the distin- the Rapid Response Facility age announced by the Patrick of the British Overseas Territory, provisions contained in the guished Caribbean linguist Dr. (RRF) or the Exogenous Manning government, the com- also found himself out of a job Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas Richard Allsopp, the women’s Shocks Facility (ESF). pany, along with its flagship after London announced a par- that governs the 15-member world boxing champion Jizelle But on the surface these enterprise - Colonial Life tial suspension of the constitu- grouping. However, they also Salandy, the veteran Trinidadian appeared less onerous than the Insurance Company (CLICO) - tion of the island. In the Cayman recognized the right of member calypsonian Mighty Duke IMF agreement reached with rode into a strong wave of dis- Islands, general elections were governments to pursue domes- (Kelvin Pope), the Antiguan Antigua and Barbuda, which content from policyholders and won by the United Democratic tic immigration policies. cultural icon Reginald Knight, called for significant cutbacks to Caribbean stakeholders, includ- Party (UDP). In Montserrat, The migration issue high- and the prominent Jamaican government spending - includ- ing governments. Reuben Meade led his lighted the arguments in 2009 playwright Trevor Rhone. ing the public sector wage bill, a In Barbados, the David Movement for Change and over the need for closer politi- more efficient tax collection Thompson administration easily Prosperity (MCAP) into office. cal and economic integration in - Edited from CMC story writ- regime and outsourcing of some defeated a motion of no confi- Politically, it was a good the region, particularly after ten by Peter Richards. government services. dence after the Opposition year for Prime Minister T&T warmed to the idea of a Leader Mia Mottley sought to Baldwin Spencer of Antigua political and economic union ® St. Kitts and Nevis elections on Jan. 25 BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, general elections in the feder- CMC - Voters on this small ation of St. Kitts and Nevis on Caribbean twin-island federa- Monday, January 25th, 2010.” tion of just over 40,000 people During his speech, will go to the polls on Jan. 25 Douglas, who is going for a to elect a new government. fourth straight term in office, After keeping the nation also announced that regional guessing for many weeks, and international observers Prime Minister Dr. Denzil from the Commonwealth, the Douglas, leader of the ruling Organization of American St. Kitts and Nevis Labour States (OAS) and the Party (SKNLP), finally rang Caribbean community (CARI- the election bell earlier this COM) will be monitoring the month. polls. “Fellow citizens, the In the 2004 elections, the Labour train is now moving ruling SKNLP claimed seven forward and it will not be of the eight seats on St. Kitts, stopped by anything,” said with PAM picking up the Douglas. other one, while on Nevis, the “In accordance with the Concerned Citizens writ issued by His Excellency Movement claimed two seats the governor general, and the Nevis Reformation Nomination Day shall be on Party one. Friday,15th January 2010...and ®

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www.caribbeantoday.com CARIBBEAN 2009 IN REVIEW -- SPORT Track and field glory, cricket chaos dominate mixed year stonishing achieve- officially upgraded to gold prominent profile in North pointing year. written by Kevin Pile. ments in athletics arising out of the disqualifica- American, mainly through ® Aonce again shot the tion of drug-disgraced Barbadian Patrick Husbands - Edited from CMC story Caribbean to international American Marion Jones. and Jamaican Rajiv Maragh, prominence, but a bitter, divi- Among the juniors, the both finishing among the top sive cricket dispute between IAAF labeled Grenadian 12 jockeys – in all of the U.S. the region’s major stakehold- Kirani James “the next Usain and Canada – in mounts’ ers marred the year and pro- Bolt” after the 16-year-old earnings. pelled the sport to the brink delivered majestic sprint dou- Jamaica men’s basketball of collapse. ble success at the IAAF side thrust itself into the spot- Not even the intervention World Youth Championship light in July when they beat of respected former diplomat in Italy in July. James ran a the British Virgin Islands in Sir Shridath Ramphal could brilliant championship record the final of the Caribbean broker a solution to the bruis- 45.24 seconds to win the 400 Basketball Championships. In ing impasse which saw the meters. August, their netball counter- region’s leading stars refusing parts, the Sunshine Girls, cap- to play and forcing the West TOPSY TURVY tured bronze at the World Indies Cricket Board (WICB) There was no such cause Youth Netball Championship to pick a second string team for for jubilation in West Indies in the Cook Islands. two international assignments. cricket, in a topsy-turvy year Motorsport, too, brought It took phenomenal which saw the full-strength Jamaica headlines in November as Jamaican sprinter David Summerbell Usain Bolt to lighten clinched the regional the depressing mood title for the fourth time. in the region and Barbados drove away restore some pride to with team honors. the sporting fraterni- Trinidad and ty. For the second Tobago, meanwhile, successive year Bolt reigned at the stunned the world, Caribbean recording mind-bog- Table Tennis gling times at the Championship in IAAF World French Guiana, and Championships in also covered them- Athletics in Berlin selves in squash glory last August. Bolt as they dominated ignited the champi- the Caribbean Area onships with perform- Brathwaite Squash Association ances that bettered (CASA) Senior his already stunning times at regional team recapture the Championship staged in the Olympics in 2008. He low- Wisden Trophy in March after Cayman Islands in August. ered the 100 meters world a nine-year drought only to Trinidadian golfer record to 9.58 seconds, and surrender it two months later Stephen Ames also experi- the 200 meters mark by clock- following a whitewash in a enced success internationally ing 19.19 seconds. He also return series in England. when he captured the $4.7 helped Jamaica win the men’s The contracts dispute million Children’s Miracle sprint relay title, repeating the erupted virtually without warn- Network Classic in November, triple gold he had secured a ing in July as West Indies pre- to claim his second Disney year earlier in Beijing while pared to take on Bangladesh in title in three years and the inspiring a 13 medal haul - two Tests and three one-day fourth PGA Tour win of his seven gold - for the internationals in the Caribbean, career. The victory catapulted Jamaicans. following a 2-1 loss to India in him 22 places up the rankings Only the U.S. won more a four-match one-day home to 49th and pushed him to medals than Jamaica in Berlin. series. Players affiliated with 37th on the official money list Shelly-Ann Fraser and the West Indies Players but most importantly, it pro- Melaine Walker also repro- Association (WIPA), believing vided a fairy-tale finish to an duced the fine victories they their contractual demands were otherwise extremely disap- had in Beijing in the 100 being overlooked by the meters and 400 meters hurdles, WICB, took the unequivocal respectively, and Jamaica’s decision to withdraw their serv- other gold medals in Berlin ices, sparking a rancorous came from Brigitte Foster- three-month period where Hylton (100 meters hurdles) West Indies cricket experienced and the women’s sprint relay. perhaps its most shameful hour. An eighth gold medal for However, the West Indians’ the region in Berlin was cele- female counterparts continued brated by Ryan Brathwaite, to make huge strides. who clocked a new CARI- COM record 13.14 seconds in FOOTBALL FOLLIES the 110 meters hurdles to win There were hardly any historic gold for Barbados, the bright spots for regional foot- first for the country at a glob- ball as Trinidad and Tobago al senior track meet. failed in its bid to reach their In June the 23-year-old second successive FIFA World from Trelawny in northern Cup, scheduled for South Jamaica was named as the Africa this year. The CON- Laureus World Sportsman CACAF Gold Cup also of the Year. Bolt was also proved barren for the English- accorded Jamaica’s fourth speaking Caribbean as both highest national honor, the Jamaica and Grenada failed Order of Jamaica, and retired to advance beyond the first Bahamian Pauline Davis- round in the United States. Thompson had her Sydney However, in horse racing, Olympics 200 meters medal Caribbean jockeys sustained a

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