Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ICTimes May08
ICTimes May08
Rita 416-743-1826
Wedding Cards/ Accessories/ Richard Aziz
Bangles and Jewellery Vol 2. No 5 May 2008 Tel: 416-289-3898 ictimes@rogers.com 416-832-7293
I f you want to get your hands on a unique, This is definitely one to mark off on your
once in a lifetime commemorative stamp calendar for South Asian Heritage Month.
marking the 100th anniversary of Indo- Several other functions marking the Indo-
Caribbean Arrival in Canada, the place to Caribbean Centenary are also scheduled for
be is the Vedic Cultural Centre on May 31. the next few weeks. On May 25 the Fifty
The VCC will be selling keepsake sheets Plus and Seniors Association will be mark-
of the stamps to those attending their major ing Indian Arrival Day at their meeting at
celebration of the Centenary in Canada and the Birkdale Community Centre, 1299
the 170th anniversary of the arrival of Indi- Ellesmere Road, Scarborough from 1.30 A
ans in the West. The coming of the ships p.m. d
Hesperus and Whitby to Demerara on May On Sunday June 1 the Indo-Caribbean
5, 1838 is the starting point for Indians in Times and indocaribbeanheritage.com web
the West. It is also celebrated as South site are collecting and revealing Indo-
Asian Arrival Day in Canada, as part of Caribbean arrival stories as they mark the
South Asian Heritage Month each May. Centenary at BJ’s Family Restaurant, 1747
This year the VCC will be bringing out Albopn Road, Etobicoke, from 4 pm.
the best of the last ten years in it annual ex- and the Caribbean that was first shown at Canadian researcher who went to India re- Several other Hindu temples, community
hibition and cultural program. Plays, dis- the Museum of Hindu Civilization last year. cently to help set up a system for Indo- groups, churches, and seniors groups in
plays, dances and exhibits that were well The program will also recognize the ear- Caribbeans to trace their long lost relatives Ontario, Manitoba and as far as British Co-
received in the past will be shown again. liest known pioneer settler from the in India. Nalini is doing here research on lumbia are holding events to mark the Indo-
Among the items sure to catch the eye are Caribbean to Canada, Dr Kenneth Mahabir the Resurgence, the last ship that returned Caribbean Centenary. It’s a good time to
a display of several dozen photographs of of Trinidad, who began the settlement in Indian immigrants to India in the year 1955. remind ourselves that our community has a
the Indian indentured immigrants in the Canada when he arrived here in 1908 to Mr. Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of long history in this country, and is growing
Caribbean in the nineteenth century, a dis- study medicine. Immigration and Citizenship, is one of the at a brisk pace as we move towards a sec-
ond century in Canada our new home.
Daughter of
play of Indo-Caribbean achievers in Canada Guest speaker is Nalini Mohabir, the guest speakers at the May 31 function.
Daughter of Professor Kenny the latest victim Burning of Jagdeo effigy, but no
T
F our kidnappings in the last month have
raised fears that the kidnapping epi-
demic is one the rise again. The last two
lion dollar ransom de-
manded. Talma is the
daughter of Professor
protests in Guyana
he opposition PNCR has beguna se-
Guadeloupe
kidnaps of businessman Amar Bachan and Julien Kenny , retired lec- ries of street protests against rising
businesswomen Phillipa Talma were multi- turer from the University prices, the suspension of the license
million dollar high profile cases where the of the West Indies and of C.N. Sharma and other problems in the
kidnappers successfully extracted large well known environmen- society. The actions have raised fears in the
sums of money from relatives and escaped talist. Talma was released Indian population that they could lead to a
capture. Philippa Talma nine days later after a ran- repeat of the street riots, beatings, and
After a quiet start to the year, kidnappers som of f $53,000 was paid burning of commercial buildings that have
went on overdrive in April, starting withto the kidnappers. characterized many similar street protests
the April 14 kidnapping of Dr Murrie On May 14 , a 14 year old schoolgirl Am- in the past.
Mosodeen in front her Cocoyea apartment. rika Ramdial, was snatched by two men For the moment the PNCR has been con-
She was robbed of her Toyota Corolla mo- outside Holy Faith Convent in Couva, and tent to let marchers in its fairly small
torcar, valued at $150,000, and left tied up
a $1m US ransom demanded. Other kid- protests burn effigies of President Jagdeo,
in an abandoned house in Penal Rock road.naps this year include: and call for the removal of the government.
She untied herself and escaped. La Horquetta businessman Dave See- Security forces have been monitoring the
Then on April 22, Central businessman baran, taken from his home in early protestests very carefully, looking for any
Amar Bachan was snatched outside a Ch- April,with $100,000 ransom demanded. He sign of rowdy behaviour that were typical
aguanas restaurant by bandits driving a was released the next day. of the “slow fyah” and “mo fyah” cam-
BMW motor car. A five million dollar ran- Shannon Bedasie, a 13 year old girl paigns of previous PNC protests that were
som was asked for Bachan, who owns a snatched from her Couva home on Febru- openly aimed at bringing down the govern-
transport and equipment rental company. ary 12 and released near the Queen’s Park ment.
He was released after the payment of an un-
Savannah, Port-of-Spain two days later. Overseas Guyanese in particular have This beautiful young girl at prayer reminds
specified ransom. Zalina Mohammed, Central business- been following the events cautiously and us that many jahajis went to Guadeloupe
On May 2 boutique owner Philippa woman, kidnapped in February, and re- quietly urging the Jagdeo government to and have retained much of their Indian cul-
Talma was snatched in Maraval and a mil- leased after part of $1m ransom paid. stand firm and put down any violence. ture and heritage. Picture by J.S. Sahai.
Design Build/
Investment, Retirement, Tax and Estate Planning
Risk Management and Insurance
Reno. Buildings
RRSP, RRIF, LIRA, RESP, ETF
STOCK, BOND, MUTUAL FUND, GIC
Insurance: Life, Disability,
Drawing+Permit. Arch+Eng+GC
Critical Illness, Travellers & Visitors
RRSP Loan as low as Prime Minus 1%
MORTGAGE?
VIC SARJU BERKSHIRE SECURITIES INC.
Com + Ind + Res
Sham 647.885.4501
Investment & BERKSHIRE INSURANCE SERVICES INC.
A member of the Manulife Financial group of companies.
Insurance Advisor
Tel: (416) 686-6127
Lena's Roti & Doubles
416-745-0009
Smoke Herring
Wedding size
paratha $10.99
Dhal & Rice& Fry Fish King Fish, Dhal & Rice
Wed. Special
Fried Rice Chowmein
& Fried Chicken
Canadians giving
sengers were shot dead by British India po-
lice in Calcutta.
Richard &
reduce their previous isolation and connect with family and friends across the world. rey, B.C., Jason Kenney, secretary of state 1,080 recipients, supported 120 masjids,
for multiculturalism and Canadian identity, given medical and dental assistance, helped
said the government would soon tender a
Prabha
flood victims and survivors of the recent
formal apology on the issue in the nation's massacres.
parliament. The CIOG is running five schools, em-
launch
The government has already apologised ploying 21 teachers for Islamic education.
to Chinese Canadians for the so-called head Over 100 underpriveleged children are
tax that was imposed on them (from 1890 to being helped through school by Canadian
Caribbean
1925) to deter their immigration to Canada. sponsors. Other Canadians have been send-
Kenney said the federal government would ing barrels of clothing, utensils, spectacle
also make funds available to the Indian
Showtime
frames and foodstuff that are dearly needed
community for building a Komagata me- in Guyana.
morial. The local arrangements were made by
Television
He also hinted that his government will Fazil Yusuff , Chair of CIOG Canadian
work with provincial (state) governments to Support Group and a number of other Mus-
have a Komagata chapter in school text- lim Leaders. To give support Call Fazil
books. Yusuff at 416-917-4689; email: fazil@sym-
”It is the biggest step for the Indian com-
Popular radio host and cultural entrepre- emanating from the Caribbean, with partic- patico.ca .
munity in Canada. I never expected this to
Jamaica sends seafood
neur Richard Aziz has stepped up into tele- ular attention to artistes of Caribbean origin
happen when I raised this issue first in 1997
vision broadcasting with a half hour working in Canada. It will include talent,
packers to Canada
and later introduced a petition in parliament
program “Caribbean Showtime”, airing on entertainment, news and issues which are
in 2002,” said former MP Gurmant Gre-
cable every Saturday from 9.00 – 9.30 a.m., instrumental in fostering an awareness of
wal.
as well as on Bell Expressview 219 and Star Caribbean people and culture as well as a
Speaking at a local Ghadar Mela in Au-
Choice 346. forum to represent the vibrant Caribbean The seafood industry in Canada is open-
gust 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Richard and his partner Prabha Jerryban- community which is an integral part of ing its doors to female Jamaican workers,
promised to study the Komagata issue.
dan have put together a package of news, Canadian life. and already 19 workers have come to to
”Like any country, our country is not per-
interviews, entertainment and features with Richard, who has roots in Trinidad, began start the process. Another 18 female work-
fect. We haven't always lived up to our own
a strong Caribbean flavour aimed squarely his journey in Canadian media began al- ers are geting ready to head for New
high ideals. I (also) want you to know that
at the huge Caribbean population in most ten years ago on Chin Radio AM Brunswick to package seafood in Canada.
the government of Canada acknowledges
Canada. Indo-Caribbean and Afro- 1540. The radio program Shabnam Radio The women, who range in age from 21
the Komagata Maru incident and we will
Caribbean culture are major parts of the has grown to include his own internet radio to 39. The workers will be employed at
soon undertake consultations with the Indo-
programming. production shabnamradio.com, which Cape Bald Packers Limited in the province
Canadian community on how best to recog-
Caribbean Showtime is designed to broadcasts the radio program world wide of New Brunswick. They will be packaging
nise this sad moment in our history,” the
showcase an array of the diverse culture via the internet. seafood for domestic and export purposes.
prime minister had said.
CALL CLIVE AT 416-499-7357 ECCTC is a registered and approved institution under the Ministry of
Training Colleges and Universities – Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.
COMMENTARY Indo-Caribbean Times APRIL 2008 Page 4
COMMENTARY
dian descent and he is the current elected noAfrican Guyanese Marginalization, You
President of Guyana for all Guyanese. It of the examination papers has put a blemish
now know why the cries of African-
does not matter even if every other African on our character as mature citizens. The
Guyanese will continue. Save your time
Guyanese are employed. It does not matter world is looking at us and we have been
Blog on African marginaliza-
and breath. Most Guyanese are too clever
evenif every other African Guyanese owned placed at a low level because they would
and too smart to figure this out and not let-
tion by T. King their own homes. It does not mattereven if them rape Guyana ever again.
think that our society is corrupt."
He said when he was Minister of Educa-
every other African Guyanese are better off They will cry and protest the suspension
today than they were prior to 1992. tion, "we made sure of the strict confiden-
"A ploy to stir up racial feelings." of Sharma TV station, VAT, foodprices, gas,
As long as an African Guyanese is not the tiality of these papers. Only the Permanent
"Produce evidence, not arbitrary examples housing, water and electricity, pot holes in
ruler of Guyana the drum beat will roll and Secretary and I had copies to the keys
of marginalization. " roads, rainfall in the guise of fighting for
we will never stop hearing the cries of where the papers were kept. We were ex-
"A case can be made for marginalization the people.
African Marginalization. tremely cautious about those papers for fear
without the use of statistics." Guyanese are too smart to see what they
Under Burnham and Hoyte's illegal rule, of leaks."
Those are just some of the headlines writ- are really crying and fighting for.They are
African Guyanese and the majorityof Zena Ramatali, president of the National
ten by some letter writers on the subject of fighting to rule Guyana and Guyanese once
Guyanese were worse off than they are Parent Teachers Association, cried shame
African Guyanese Marginalization. Every- again the way they did from 1964 to 1992.It
today.Yet we never heard their cries of on those who leaked the papers and the par-
one, including African Guyanese and their is that simple.
African Marginalization and or Guyanese- ents who allegedly forked out $5,000 to buy
leaders know there is no such thing in T. King
Marginalization. the papers. She opposed calls by parents to
exam cancelled
Like I said before and will say it again. cially from the PNC side rule Guyana
again. There will be no more cries of "I cannot make such statements until we
We will always hear the cries ofAfrican meet and discuss the issue at a general
Guyanese Marginalization in Guyana. It African Guyanese Marginalization. So to
all those who are crying African Marginal- Disgraceful! That was how former edu- council meeting. But I feel that values and
will never stop as longas the President of cation minister Clive Pantin described the morals must be taught in schools to ensure
Guyana is not an African Guyanese. His ization. To those who are saying bring the
proof and those who are saying there is leak in Caribbean Advanced Proficiency our youths know about honesty.
name is Bharrat Jagdeo and is of East In-
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO NEWS Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2008 Page 5
Caroni workers told: TT group wants a Flour Mills tries Hard times has
Plant land special sale of
monument to chutney them eating “dog
icon Sundar Popo
or lose it!
cheap food rice” in Trinidad
S
With an acute shortage of rice (both par-
boiled and white), several grocers have re-
tung by complaints of rising food ported an increase in the sale of ‘‘dog-rice’’
F
prices, government and the National (coarse rice). It’s believed people are eating
ormer workers of Caroni (1975) Lim- Flour Mills have started special “cheap the pet rice out of necessity.
ited who fail to cultivate the two-acre food” sales at the NFM's warehouse on An ex-Caroni worker who bought sev-
plots distributed by Government as part of Wrightson Road, Port of Spain. eral packet of the rice at a supermarket said
their Voluntary Separation of Employment Consumers purchased specially dis- he he had resorted to pet rice because he
Programme (VSEP), will lose the land. counted six-packs of milk, juice, corn could not afford the regular rice since the
Agriculture Minister Arnold Piggott said The late Sundar Popo in his red convertible flakes and even got sardines for as low as shortage had sent rice prices to as much as
the leases were given with an understand- $3 per tin. $19 for a two kilo pack.
ing that agricultural production would A monument to Trinidad ’s pioneer chut- The Valu Foods brand of assorted juices Pet shops as well as supermarkets own-
begin within a specified time-frame and at ney singer the late Sundar Popo may soon put buyers out of pocket by $20 for each ers revealed yesterday that there had been
all times, 75 per cent of the land must be be going up next to this home, if the Sun- four-pack of the one litre cartoons they pur- a massive increase in the purchase of pet
used for agricultural purposes. dar Popo Monument Committee finds chased, while the Valu Foods Cereals were rice. At Mc Bean Feed Depot, Southern
"Failure to comply with these require- enough support for the project. on sale at a discounted price of $48 for Main Road, Couva, an employee said a cro-
ments can result in the land reverting to the Gowtam Maharaj, chairman of the Sun- every four-pack of the 510g box that was cus bag of pet rice, weighing 100 pounds,
State," he said. Leases for 7,800 two-acre dar Popo Monument Comitteee, is calling bought. This means the buyer paid $12 for sold at $307 and was sold out. A customer
parcels would be distributed within the next for help in construction of a life-sized mon- every box. said if a person carefully picks through the
few weeks. He handed over 88 leases to ument of the late chutney-soca artiste and One customer from Woodbrook said she rice, removing pebbles, grain sheaf and
begin the process of distributing legal pa- national icon at the corner of Lalbeharry was impressed with the prices. She said, other trash, what remains could be consid-
perwork on the promised land. Trace and Papourie Road , Barrackpore (a "You know how long I haven't seen six tins ered edible rice.
Gov't looks to
stone's throw away from Sundar Popo's res- of condensed milk for $30." Pet rice consists of coarse rice grains split in
idence). She said she longed for the times, not two and which are discoloured because they
Bullets
cheaper food supplies. Guyana is being ac- food to citizens, despite the rising cost of
The group is trying to get possession of food internationally. dies at St Augustine are being hit hard by
tively targeted for food crops such as dried
a 50 square feet parcel of land, as well as NFM is planning to set up more ware- rising food prices, with many having to
coconuts, peeled coconuts, eddoes, ginger,
funding of $145,000 TT to complete the house food sales in several areas of the fork out an average of $40 for lunch each
pineapples, green plantain, pumpkin, rice,
project. country including South Trinidad and day on campus.
rice bran, bora bean (bodi), limes and sweet
Committee members include the Hindu Carlsen Field. Some of the 16,000 plus students bring
potato.
Seva Sangh which built the Sewdass Sadhu Last year the company imported and sold their own lunches, but they are in the mi-
Government has also expressed interest
Monument at Waterloo, the Meridesh several types of meat at specially low nority.
in importing goods from El Salvador,
Committee Chaguanas, Achievers' Women prices. Others who spend the entire day on cam-
Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala and Hon-
Group of Barrackpore, Barrackpore Hindu It explains that cheaper prices were pos- pus have no option but to buy food, some-
duras. This would be an extension of the ex-
Sabha, a grouping of ten temples, and the sible since import deals entered into in- times three times a day, said the Students
isting Caricom-Costa Rica free trade
Blue Birds Sports and Cultural Organiza- cluded the importation of bulk quantities of Guild National Affairs committee chairper-
agreement which is geared towards en-
tion. goods with smaller margin payments. son Shinel Granger.
hancing the importation of cheaper and
Organizations and individuals in Trinidad
Ease in passport
and abroad who are interested in support-
ing the monument project and preserving
bypass surgery
100 years of Indo-Caribbean
passport appointment system has been
started.
Arrival in Canada
With the new system applicants can call Oma Panday, wife of former prime min-
in and make an appointment, instead of ister Basdeo Panday, has come through two
lining up before 7 am when the offices
Program includes:
* Musical entertainment with Randy & Racquel Mahadeo
* Indo-Caribbean experiences in Canada many years ago: Stories from Memory
Lane of some of those who have helped preserve our culture in Canada.
* Photographs and stories from the indocaribbeanheritage.com web site
* Free Admission
* Buffet dinner available $10
wealth in Privy
Merchants Association (Doma) Gre- bullets were pumped into his body
down government
gory Aboud says human safety in T&T has on last Thursday at Seventh Avenue,
reached crisis proportion. Barataria.
Council appeals
Aboud said while we might or might not He was one of two men who were killed
have a food shortage in T&T, we however, that night, taking the murder toll to 158.
had a security crisis. Last year's comparable murder toll stood at With the aid of a walking stick, Member
“We have a crisis in effectiveness, im- Trinidad and Tobago sent 98 appeals to 91. of Parliament for Tabaquite Ramesh
plementation, acknowledgement and a very the London based Privy Council in the the Drayton was riding his bicycle along Lawrence Maharaj yesterday completed his
serious crisis reaching panic proportions last five years, more than any other Com- Seventh Avenue when a man ran up to him three day march to bring down the govern-
now in human safety.” monwealth country. The figures prompted and shot him seven times. He was killed in- ment.
Aboud made the comment at a security Vice President of the Law Association, stantly. Maharaj sprained his left ankle during the
and safety consultation at Crowne Plaza, Hendrickson Seunath SC, to note that Police said Drayton was assisting the first day of his walk from Tabaquite to Port
Port-of-Spain. She said people were now Trinidad and Tobago has become a “liti- police with their investigation into the mur- of Spain on last Saturday.
looking up to the heavens as a result of the gious society.” Second in the appeal list was ders of two teenagers, Dexter Williams, 19, But he insisted that the injury would not
challenges T&T has been facing. Jamaica, which had 70, while Mauritius had and Keston Andrews, 16, who were shot affect his mission in any way. "I suffered a
The Doma head said the value of human 44. The latest statistics show that this coun- dead at Third Avenue, Barataria, in late torn ligament but I am determined to com-
life had reached the lowest and that in some try entered 27 appeals to the London-based April 2007. plete my walk. This would not affect me in
societies animals and plants had a higher Judicial Committee in the year 2007, repre- The day before, another State witness any way," he said.
degree of safety than humans did in T&T. senting 28 percent of all appeals entered who refused to be part of a witness protec- He walked from Carry Junction,
“No greater threat exists than the current from all of the countries under the jurisdic- tion programme was killed and dumped at Tabaquite to Poonah Village, Williamsville
monumental task facing us in security. I tion of the court. The amount represents a Carlsen Field, Chaguanas. on the first day, and ended his second day at
have great concerns about economic policy, spike in appeals entered, which numbered Police said that Daniel Roberts was Gasparillo Junction.
planning and the need for agriculture...but 19 for 2006, and just seven for 2005. Of the scheduled to testify in the Arima Magis- Maharaj was flanked by Chaguanas West
we cannot get to one of those single issues 2007 appeals, six were dismissed, five were trates' Court on Thursday against Chad MP, Jack Warner, Caroni East MP, Tim
if we can’t be guaranteed that when we allowed and 19 were left pending for 2008 Eastman, Chidi Simmons and Kirk John- Gopeesingh, and Opposition Senator, Wade
truck) hijacking!
George said the private security industry Arouca, was the State's star witness. and "Give us a play park" led the march.
was a million-dollar business with 50,000 Following closely behind were hundreds of
employees—two thirds of whom worked supporters who held up placards with
Khemraj dies
for unregistered companies. "Food prices too high" and "Get rid of the
With cutlasses at their necks, truck driv- PNM".
wait is agony
tried to save his family from bandits who
and beers
truck and told the driver where to deliver
came to rob but stayed to kill.When masked water". With sharp cutlasses at his neck, he
men broke into his home and began firing had no choice but to comply.
chops wildly, Khemraj Chatoor used his A local county council official said "There
body as a shield to protect his family. are areas that (water) lines have been laid, RIO Claro bar owner Kumar Simboonath They have done something about the tor-
One Saturday night recently Khemraj and but don't have a supply and there was never had planned a massive chutney show last turous process for getting passports in
his wife Seeta closed the burger stall around a supply in these lines." month at his businessplace the Triangle Too Trinidad, but the ordeal to get a birth cer-
11.30 p.m. on Saturday and went to their He added that 60 per cent of residents of Amphitheatre and Sports Club, to celebrate tificate remains unchanged.
home at Pancham Street, Borde Narve Vil- the Rio Claro/Mayaro region did not have a his 51st birthday. Long queues outside of Registration
lage, near Princes Town. pipeborne water supply and the other 40 per Kumar never made it to 51, as he was House on South Quay, Port of Spain, from
"We went to bed and around 3am I heard cent who had "yard taps do not receive a killed by a single bullet to the head at his as early as 6 a.m. have become a regular
my husband saying to run. I grabbed the regular supply". bar. sight, as people wait to be issued numbers
children and started running and screaming. He said: "People do not care about who is His son Shiva, 21, said three men ran out to apply for the computer generated birth
My parents were in another room but they responsible, whether it's WASA, or burst of the bushes surrounding the building and certificates.
could not come out because a man was mains, but they tell me, 'You are the chair- shot his father once in his right temple. The This system has led to the frustration of
holding at gun by them. My husband man, you are the local representative. I bandits escaped with $500 and beers many citizens, who leave their homes in
wanted to save us from being killed and want water. You want me to bring my chil- Shiva said he awoke to a loud explosion south and central Trinidad from as early as
now he get killed. He was a loving man dren by you or what.' But they don't know around 10.30 a.m. and found his father 4 and 5 a.m. to apply for the birth certifi-
who cared for his family," she said. that I myself don't have water." lying at the entrance of the bar, bleeding cate, only to be told when they get to Reg-
Seeta, and three children dashed through from his head. istration House-that they are late, there are
Panday says murder
a window and hid in some bushes. Villagers believed that the three bandits no more numbers and they need to return
Seeta said minutes after they escaped she who had a gun and a cutlass hid in the the following day.
heard her husband scream out for help. "He
just bawl out one time and that was it. The
conviction rate 1 in 1000 nearby bushes to stake out Simboonath's Foreign based Trinidadians who try to get
their certificates during visits home have
movements. After killing the businessman,
men then run up the hill and we came out of the men escaped on foot. been specially angered by the system.
Opposition leader Basdeo Panday says
Cop accused of
the bushes. I saw my husband's feet when I Registrar General Karen Bridgewater ex-
looked through the door and I knew he was the 76 per cent increase in homicides re- plained they have been opening their doors
dead," she said. ported over the last weekend is the result of at 6 a.m. to accommodate 300 applicants
raping woman in
The couple's son, 15-year-old Rene, was government's failure and refusal to address daily, the same number since the advent of
chopped on his foot while running from the the problems plaguing the justice system. computer generated birth certificates.
Arouca station
men. "I was running to go through the win- "Citizens continue to fall victims to crime "Besides the Port of Spain office, there
dow and the men were chopping my father and criminals because of the state of the is the San Fernando office, the mailing-in
and I get hit with the cutlass on my foot," he justice system. Criminals know that the sys- system and we have also started a new ini-
said. tem has collapsed and that is why they con- A veteran police officer with 15 years ex- tiative called TT Connect. This is an initia-
Investigators said they believed the mo- tinue to terrorize the population without perience has been accused of raping an tive between the Ministry of Public
tive for the killing was robbery. But Cha- fear. American citizen in the Arouca police sta- Administration and the Registrar General's
toor said the men did not ask for anything. Criminals know that the police do not tion when the woman went to inquire about office and is a step toward decentralising
"I didn't hear anything. They just started have vehicles and modern resources to her boyfriend. According to reports, the the service."
chopping. And my husband started fighting catch them and that even if they are caught woman was inquiring about her boyfried TT Connect, she said, allows persons to
back. I had money from sales on the table the system is so dysfunctional and ineffi- who had been detained for assault of a rel- apply for the computer-generated certifi-
and we have other things in the house. But cient that they will escape punishment. ative. The officer took the woman up- cates at the Nalis buildings in Princes Town
the men just wanted to kill. They disfigured It is a statistical fact that of every 1,000 stairs the station, where he allegedly had and St James. But soon other areas, includ-
my husband's face and almost severed his murders, 999 killers walk free. The convic- sex with her. He was positively identified ing Chaguanas will have the service, as we
head. I could not recognise him," she said. tion rate is one in every 1,000. at an identification parade by the woman, a as several other places in the country.
nursing assistant, and charged.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2008 Page 7
Manning fires Can’t buy a TT Get ready for Ban alcohol ads,
senior minister house even with eggs at $11.31 says professor
Keith Rowley $120,000 salary a dozen
P olitical reaction is still continuing after
Prime Minister Patrick Manning dis-
A monthly income of $10,000 to
$12,000 ($120,000-$144,000 a year)
is not enough to afford a home along the
Be prepared to pay $11.31 a dozen for
jumbo table eggs and up to $9.81 for
missed Diego Martin West MP Keith Row- East-West Corridor. medium sized eggs in Trinidad.
ley, one of his few senior front-line It was impossible on that income, real es- It’s the second egg price hike in two
Ministers, as Trade and Industry Minister. tate agent Kerwin Ramsumair said in a re- months, with an increase of 96 cents per
Rowley has fol- cent interview. dozen only last November.
lowed in the "When couples come to me seeking Egg producers have blamed the price rise
“footsteps” of his homes along the East-West Corridor with on continuously increasing chicken feed The President of the Global Organisation
Trade predecessor that salary I refer them to the HDC (State- prices in the last few months. of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)
Ken Valley, the run Housing Development Corporation) be- Chicken meat has been stable at between Trinidad & Tobago Deosaran Bisnath,
former Diego cause they can't afford property outside of $5.25 to $5.50 per pound since last Decem- right, presents Ajeet Praimsingh, with the
Martin Central the HDC with that income." ber. GOPIO award for distinguished and meri-
MP, who was
Australia to supply
Ramsumair said the increase in real estate torious service in culture, religion, business
axed for the November election. Valley prices along the Corridor was influenced by and social and community activism in T&T
U
several factors, including the limited avail- at the Indian Arrival seminar.
ial tendencies.” ability of land in that area, but there were
After his dismissal Rowley said he felt he several other less obvious ones. niversity of the West Indies lecturer Dr
could not voice his views on certain under- "The migration of people from the West Jerome Teelucksingh has called for a
takings of the Urban Development Com- Australian company Austral Ships PTY total ban on alcohol advertising saying al-
with higher incomes than those who live in has confirmed it has secured a contract to
pany of T&T (Udecott). He was replaced the East and Central, to these areas allow cohol abuse is destroying T&T.
after objecting to “certain things” Udecott supply six all-aluminium vessels to the Speaking at Indian Arrival Day celebra-
them to be able to pay more for the prop- Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard.
was doing with project construction at the erty there. Although they may not have tions hosted by the Global Organisation for
Princes Building grounds where the Per- The company announced on its website People of Indian Origin, Teelucksingh said
been able to afford the $2 million property yesterday that it had secured a contract
forming Arts Building is being built. in the West they are able to afford $1.2 mil- that much of T&T’s road carnage is linked
Opposition Chief Whip Ramesh from the Government of Trinidad and To- to alcohol consumption.
lion. " bago to build six vessels to bolster the
Lawrence Maharaj says the UNC is stand- He gave the example of Arouca, once He said that the T&T National Council on
ing firm on its position that a Commission Coast Guard's patrol fleet in surveillance of Alcohol found that 68 per cent of car
considered a rural area but now had an ask- local waters and the interception of illegal
of Enquiry is the only acceptable mecha- ing price of $50 a square foot for property. crashes are because of alcohol use. He also
nism for investigating UDeCOTT. drugs. called for more counsellors to be hired to
In upper middle class areas like Maracas The boats, powered by two MTU 16V
Government has proposed a Joint Select Valley, property is being sold at about $60 treat people for alcoholism.
Committee of Parliament, comprising engines, will have a top speed of 40 knots, “In our primary and secondary schools,
to $70 a square foot. will be armed with three general purpose
three government ministers, to investigate. "In places like Valsayn, the land is now some children bring alcohol in soft drink
But the opposition UNC has dismissed this machine guns and a 20mm Cannon. bottles. Often during lunchtime or after
$200 per square foot and residential areas The boats, which measure 30 metres in
as a "a political, partisan enquiry” and de- in the west like Westmoorings and Colum- school some teachers might visit bars and
manded a fair, independent and impartial length, are to be manned by a 12-member rum shops. Every school should have a
bus Circle you can pay up to $500 a square crew.
Commission of Enquiry. Rowley is sup- foot," Ramsumair said. counsellor to help children and teachers
porting the call for a Commission of En- The boats are expected to be delivered by who might be developing problems,” he
quiry. 2010, the company said. urged.
GUYANA NEWS
Oil drilling not likely soon
Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2008 Page 8
Team to probe Can’t pay $50 m garbage bill
Basmattie’s Georgetown is
D Flour prices
death at hospital broke again
espite the euphoria prompted by a
to jump 25%
favourable tribunal ruling last year in
the marine dispute with Suriname, it is un-
likely that drilling for oil in Guyana’s wa- City Hall is in the throes of yet another
ters will begin soon. A committee has been set up to investi- crisis. It has racked up a $50 million solid
And the ever-climbing prices for petro- gate the death of 28-year-old Basmattie waste management bill, which it is unable
leum may not necessarily spell windfall for The price for flour is set to rise by 25% Balkarran, who died at the Georgetown to honour and has asked that citizens store
Guyana should CGX Energy Inc, Repsol in light of the high price of wheat interna- Public Hospital two Saturdays ago after al- garbage in bags sprinkled liberally with
YPF and Exxon among other projects find tionally, the National Milling Company legedly being left there for hours without strong disinfectant.
oil, since the cost of production has also (NAMILCO) says. receiving any medical attention. Expressing no surprise that the financial
risen considerably. In a press release, the flour company said A press release from the Georgetown Pub- crisis has occurred, Georgetown Mayor
The three companies, which have pro- that it has been forced to increase tariffs by lic Hospital Corporation (GPHC) said that Hamilton Green said at a recent press con-
duction sharing agreements that guarantee approximately 25% to cushion the high it views with “deep concern”, the article ference that the fact was that the city had
at least half of oil revenues goes to the prices paid for the last and next shipment of headlined ‘Patient dies at Georgetown Hos- inadequate revenue to provide its compul-
Guyana government coffers, are still work- the wheat. The company asserted that since pital after left unattended for hours’, in the sory services.
ing out fine details in preparation for January last year to date, wheat prices have Sunday Stabroek. The two major private contractors re-
drilling. increased by over 120% but the price for The article had reported on the death of sponsible for garbage disposal in the city –
One oil company representative said that flour charged by Namilco has increased by Balkarran, who had been deemed an emer- Cevons Waste Management Incorporated
regardless what the United States Geologi- only 60%. gency case and rushed to the GPHC from and Puran Brothers Disposal Services –
cal Survey (USGS) says, no one will know “This has caused us to suffer losses as the Leonora Cottage Hospital earlier in the have again refused to continue their duties
for sure whether there is oil until drilling other factors constrained us from further in- day but passed away after she allegedly did until the municipality has paid them monies
starts. The USGS had in 2000 concluded creasing flour prices”, the company de- not receive medical attention from the staff owed.
that the Guyana-Suriname sedimentary clared adding that other Caribbean on duty. According to the Solid Waste Depart-
basin contains 15 billion barrels of undis- countries increased prices at the beginning “The GPHC is fully committed to finding ment, for the first three months of this year,
covered oil. of April. out exactly what happened when the patient the municipality has a bill amounting to $50
Buddy’s hotel
According to the release, the company was brought to the Accident and Emer- million for solid waste management.
has heard that this year’s wheat crop in gency Unit and has set up a committee At its press conference, the council ad-
sold to Turkish
Canada and the US are good and this news comprising the Sister in charge of the Acci- vised citizens to store their garbage in large
would result in reduced wheat prices “but dent and Emergency unit and the Assistant garbage bags and sprinkle them liberally
we would not benefit from this until Sep- Director of Nursing, among others to fully with a strong solution of disinfectant.
group Princess
tember”. investigate the matter”, the release asserted. Those persons so inclined, it said, can
Meanwhile, the Guyana Marketing Cor- Relatives had said that Balkarran had take their garbage to Le Repentir disposal
poration (GMC) has begun selling packet been rushed to Georgetown and arrived at site between 7 am and 4 pm.
The landmark Buddy’s International flour under a government initiative to cush- the GPHC at 10 am, but had not been at- The mayor said sanitation releases would
Hotel has been sold to Turkish hotel group ion the effects of rising food prices. tended to until they started complaining and be issued to the public shortly in order to
‘Princess’, to the surprise of many In a press release GMC said flour will be pleading with the nurses to take her into the avoid a health crisis, which is possible in
Guyanese. made available daily at the Guyana Shop emergency room some time after 4 pm. The situations as these.
It has been developed in time for World located at Robb and Alexander Streets at re- woman died around 6 pm the same day. The mayor said that the council is in con-
Cup Cricket last year at a total cost of duced prices. Also, mobile units will be vis- When contacted for comment on the in- stant dialogue with the contractors and has
US$12M, and was widely viewed as a sign iting a number of locations to sell the cident on Saturday, GPHC CEO Michael found them to be “reasonable and under-
of revived fortunes for the hotel industry. commodity. On Thursday a mobile unit was Khan said he visited the emergency room standing,” and he is sure that a reasonable
CEO of the hotel Omprakash ‘Buddy’ stationed behind the Bourda Mall at Cum- that afternoon and heard the complaints by compromise will be made in the near fu-
Shivraj did not comment when questioned mings Street from 2pm to 3.30pm. It later the woman’s relatives and had instructed a ture.
by a local newspaper. The hotel was built moved to D’Urban Street and Mandela Av- nurse to take the woman into the emergency In the meantime, Green called on busi-
with funding that included five mortgages enue from 4pm-6pm. The one kilogramme room. However, Khan said, by the time the nesses to put a halt to paying “junkies” to
from the Guyana Bank of Trade and Indus- packet of Thunderbolt flour, usually sold at doctor went to look at the patient he found get rid of their garbage.
try (GBTI) and the $165.7M advance on the prices ranging from $195-$220, was sold her gasping and she subsequently died.
sale of rooms to the Government of for $150.
Guyana’s first
staff had undergone tests administered by a
member of a US firm in a bid to ensure their
kidney transplant
integrity, which is critical to the country’s
drug fight.
coming soon
He had said that there would be changes
based on the results of the tests. At an in-
formal briefing with reporters at State
Guyana hopes to do its first kidney trans- House on Saturday, Jagdeo again did not re-
plant by June this year, says Minister of veal the name of the US firm but said that
Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. The country details would be released this week.
recently saw open-heart surgery being done Commonly known as the lie detector test,
at home. The minister said that in the past polygraph testing utilizes an instrument
many persons had to leave the country to which simultaneously records changes in
access health services, often at great cost physiological processes such as heartbeat,
and inconvenience. Government aims to blood pressure, respiration and electrical re-
continue expanding the boundaries of its sistance (galvanic skin response or GSR).
health services, so that Guyanese would There have been protests that lie detectors
have less reason to leave the country to pro- evidence is not admissible in court, and that
tect their health. dismissal based on the detectors was ille-
It pays to
gal. It is likely that the lie detectors will face
court challenge by the trade union repre-
advertise in the
senting CANU.
Lie detectors are widely used in the USA
Indo-Caribbean
for screening purposes but because of the
unreliability of evidence collected, they are
Times
not used in legal proceedings.
Police: We are not afraid of bandits!
GUYANA NEWS Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2008 Page 9
T he Guyana Police Force (GPF) says it year-old Parishwar Seepersaud, and Jeffrey
A new daily Where’s the
newspaper for $100 m given
is not afraid of the bandits and has in- Keith, 37, both of Fyrish Village, were re-
tensified its operations with a number of in- turning from from a Suriname trip, when
Guyana is coming
telligence-based raids. the gunmen robbed them of 220 pounds of
to PNCR?
A release from the force said these were fish glue, a 48hpYamaha outboard engine,
conducted in Georgetown and on the East one drum of gasoline and a mobile phone.
Bandits use
Bank and East Coast Demerara along with
patrols, roadblocks and searches.
Staff are being being interviewed and
smoke to trick
Stating that the force supports the view The PNCR has rejected charges by the
expressed by Minister of Home Affairs, hired for a new daily newspaper that’s com-
ing very soon. It’s part of the US$30 mil- government that it could not account for
Clement Rohee that the lawmen must be
Corentyne family
lion investment being undertaken by $100M intended to pay its scrutineers.
aggressive and carry the fight to those in- In a press release, the Government Infor-
volved in terrorism and banditry, the GPF Queens Atlantic Invest-ment Inc (QAII),
Industrial Site Ruim-veldt, where Sanata mation Agency (GINA) reported that Head
in a statement, asserted that “the police are of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger
not afraid of the bandits and are going after Textiles used to be.
Armed bandits used a fake fire in the liv- Chairman and Managing Director of New Luncheon was concerned that the $100 mil-
them relentlessly, using the intelligence and lion, which it said the PNCR received as a
other resources available. How-ever, at the ing room to get a Number 79 Village, Cor- GPC Inc, Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, of
riverton family to come out of their locked which QAII is the parent company, has dis- result of the Guyana Elections Commis-
same time we must apply common sense.” sion (Gecom) registration exercise to pay
The police have been criticized for erect- bedrooms, only to be terrorised and robbed. closed that while there is no date for the
The three bandits broke into the home but launch, staff are being hired, including scrutineers had not been accounted for.
ing barricades outside several of their in- According to GINA, Luncheon also said
stallations including Police Headquarters, could get no further than the living room, graphic artists, press persons and others
as the bedroom area was sealed off. They needed for the venture. Editorial staff – that there was information available to gov-
Eve Leary. ernment that the opposition scrutineers
The statement said that the measures tried setting a floor mat and curtains alight, both local and overseas — have been inter-
and this brought out owner Vernon Vishnu viewed, and the board is looking at the for- were being used to agitate against the gov-
taken are not intended to be defensive but ernment to protest.
are part of a strategy in support of their law to investigate. mat and content of the new paper. Dr
Vishnu and his wife Shanta were beaten Ramroop said the publication should be Further to this, Luncheon at a post-cabi-
enforcement posture. net media briefing yesterday accused
“Barriers are in place to reduce the possi- and a gun was pointed to the head of their somewhat different from the current news-
15 year old son to force them to give up papers being printed in Guyana and de- Gecom of “apparently” devolving its re-
bility of certain strategic locations being sponsibility for accounting for public funds
targeted and to provide a degree of comfort cash and jewelry. clared that the quality will be very high. He
In the ordeal, which lasted one hour, the would not give the name of the paper. to the PNCR. He noted that it was the Min-
and security for our ranks. istry of Finance that made money available
The measures being used are temporary and bandits also fired a shot in the two chil- QAII has imported a state-of-the-art off-
dren’s bedroom and bound everyone with set press with web attachments and it is ca- to the scrutineers.
have been used as requisite from time to Luncheon told reporters that the admin-
time”, the statement said. " tape before escaping with the valuables and pable of printing all books, brochures,
Kidnapped
istration would investigate the purported
Chaos reported
important documents including passports. magazines, news-letters and newspapers.
The complex will also have a flexographic misuse of funds by the PNCR.
printing press for the printing of any kind Opposition Leader Robert Corbin dis-
found dead
and beverages. issues which relate to the rising cost of
This will bring Guyana up to threer daily living in the country. Corbin said he knew
Conditions of lawlessness and chaos are nothing of the government’s claim, adding
newspapers, including the Stabroek News,
reportedly prevailing at a section of the for- that the matter might be one for Gecom.
and the Guyana Chronicle..
mer Omai Gold Mines Ltd (OMGL) min-
The head of missing businessman ing site in the Essequibo river where
Farouk Kalamadeen has been found in a ‘raiders’ have commandeered an area and
trench just a short distance away from his are pursuing illegal gold mining activities
Jiffy Lubes store in Light Street, George- with the knowledge of the authorities.
town. His headless body had been found in More than a dozen private large scale
Cowan Street, Kingston three days before. mining enterprises currently operating at
Kalamadeen disappeared on April 2, while the site are dumping around fifteen times
he was engaged in his usual morning jog- more than the allowable limit of toxic tail-
ging exercise on the Houston Public Road. ings from their operations into the Esse-
He had obviously been kept alive for sev- quibo. The raiders, having occupied the
eral weeks following his abduction. The mining site illegally are even now seeking
kidnapping of Kalamadeen and the discov- to prevent other gold mining outfits from
ery of his body generated a lot of interest joining them in their illegal and environ-
both locally and in the Guyana diaspora, mentally hostile pursuits.
causing many to wonder if kidnapping was The Executive Secretary of the Guyana
beginning to resume in Guyana. Gold and Diamond Miners Association
Pirates strike
(GGDMA) Edward Shields said that while
mining officers from the Guyana Geology
again in Berbice
and Mines Commission (GGMC) are
“monitoring” the activities of the miners
occupying the area they appear powerless
to do anything to curb their worst excesses.
The much fearer water pirates have struck It is believed that some of the rogue min-
again in Berbice, with three gunmen rav- ers have further expanded their illegal ac-
aging two separate fishing boats. tivity to other Omai property on the
The first attack occurred just about 300 opposite bank of the Essequibo River and 4 cylinder
T
this year and more modest price increases," quota allotted to it. I know of many cases
said Warren, senior economist at Scotia where Guyanese nationals are not given any
he Canadian Government has budgeted
Economics, after the bank forecast overall points for English although their mother
to admit 215,475 new immigrants in
sales 15 per cent below last year's record tongue is English. They are being told by
the Skilled Workers category for the year
levels, with home prices increasing on av- the Immigration office in Trinidad to write
2008. This figure is for the whole world.
erage about five per cent. the IELTS English test.
The budgeted figure for the Port of
"We're finally seeing that slowdown ac- Now this IELTS English Test was in-
Spain’s embassy which controls Guyana,
tually appear in the housing data - housing cluded in the Immigration Regulations for
Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname,
starts, home sales and price increases." persons whose mother tongue was not Eng-
St. Lucia and many of the small islands im-
The Canadian Real Estate Association has
Semi going for $249,000 migration to Canada is 900 to 1,030 skilled lish or English was their second language.
released a survey showing that during April Now the Minister of Immigration, Diane
workers, which in local parlance is “self
new listings rose by more than sales activ- All is not lost in the housing market, says Finley is being given wide powers where
sponsorship”. There is no term as “self
ity, meaning that more houses were put on realtor Mani Singh. There are still some she can say who must enter Canada and
sponsorship” in Canadian Immigration
the market than those being sold. It became reasonable deals, like this semi going for who must not based on their skills and the
How low
Law, as that term is only known to be used
more of a buyer's market than in any other less than $250,000 right now, and lots of demand for those skills. She can direct im-
in the Caribbean.
month in the past nine years condominiums under $150,000. . migration officers to return applications to
The 900 to 1,030 skilled workers to be
Calgary and Edmonton are clearly buy- those who she thinks that their skills are not
admitted as Permanent Residents in 2008
can interest
ers' markets, but other cities throughout needed in Canada. The government of
for the Port of Spain’s embassy includes
Canada are not there yet. Canada is using the large backlogs of ap-
Trinidad, Guyana, Barbados, Suriname and
It's moving away from annual increases plications to discriminate against future
almost all the small islands. That means
of 10 percent in housing to more like five
rates go?
fewer Caribbean nationals will be admitted skilled workers applications.
percent. But for now most of Canada is still
as immigrants under the skilled workers
a seller's market. Too much power in the hands of one
category in 2008.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. person is wrong in a democracy
The wait time for new immigrants has
forecast that new home construction in
also increased by more than 50%.
Canada will slow to 214,650 units this year, Since the government and businesses are
Caribbean nationals will now have to wait
from last year's 228,343, with seven out of saying that there is a labour shortage and
Consumers are starting to see savings on three to four years for their applications to
10 provinces registering declines. As well, small population growth, it is simple, just
loans after bold moves by the Bank of be completed.
the national housing agency says the num- increase the quota of immigrants per
Canada to stimulate a flagging Jim Karygiannis, Liberal MP for Scar-
ber of existing homes sold is expected to annum. At the moment the quota for new
economy.Loan charges that vary with borough-Agincourt , said that the “wait
fall by 8.5 per cent. immigrants is about 250,000 per annum.or
changes in the prime lending rate, such as time” vary depending on where the immi-
The downward trend will continue in her.
mortgages and personal lines of credit with grant is coming from, which is where he
2009, CMHC said, with housing starts dip-
variable rates, have started to fall and are claims the discrimination lies.
ping to 199,900 and existing home sales Balwant Persaud is a Certified Immigration
down about 1.5 percentage points from last “Why are we not looking at people as
crumbling another 2.3 per cent to 465,000 Consultant and a Member of The Canadian
summer. people? The wait times should be the same,
units. Society of Immigration Consultants. For
How low can they go?Economists at TD no matter where you are applying from, “
CMHC chief economist Bob Dugan says answers to your problems on this forum,
Bank Financial Group are predicting the Karygiannis posits.
"cracks are appearing on the new home send all enquiries to:
steepest cuts: half a percentage point in This is bad news for skilled Caribbean
front as well," as demand for new residen- balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca or call at
June and another half in July, with no in- people especially those from Trinidad and
tial building permits has fallen sharply and 416-431-8845 and in Guyana: 225-1540
creases until late next year. Guyana who wish to migrate to Canada
price increases are moderating.
A further reduction to a mere 2 per cent
But nobody is predicting a U.S.-style
would leave the bank's key rate little higher
meltdown. Warren said,"First, home prices
than the recent average annual increases in
in Canada are not substantially overval-
consumer prices. But, in contrast to the
ued," she pointed out. "Second, there is still
United States, our strong dollar has helped
little evidence of widespread speculative
contain the inflation pressures.
home buying that often accompanies the
If TD economists are correct, and if banks
late stages of a housing boom."
continued to match the central bank's re-
The CMHC forecast sees average home
ductions, the prime business lending rate
prices rising 5.1 per cent this year and 3.3
would fall from 4.75 per cent to 3.75 per
per cent in 2009, after average annual in-
cent by summer. That would be the cheap-
creases of about 10 per cent from 2002 to
est prime rate since 2004 and 2002, follow-
2007. CMHC says prices of existing houses
ing the terrorist attacks in New York and
will rise this year by 9.3 per cent in B.C.,
Washington.
3.6 per cent in Alberta, 26.1 per cent in
ING had been charging 4.65 per cent for a
Saskatchewan, 13.5 per cent in Manitoba,
five-year variable rate mortgage, or 0.6 of a
3.5 per cent in Ontario, 4.7 per cent in Que-
percentage point less than other banks'
bec, four per cent in New Brunswick, five
prime lending rates. A half-point reduction
per cent in Nova Scotia, three per cent in This prize winning photo by Hindustan Times journalist Himanchu Vyas is of a
would take ING's variable mortgage rate to
ELECTRICIAN
Prince Edward Island and 10.5 per cent in Jodhpur mother feeding an abandoned fawn along with her baby.
4.15 per cent, the lowest in four years.
Maurizio’s Detailing
Make your car spotless clean for spring
30 years experience
All work according to code Complete Mobile Service for total interior
Shampoo and exterior polishing
Panel changes: fuses to breakers SsS
Renovations and new jobs $75 per car , $100 for SUV
CALL ROY 416-754-2382 Call 647-225-6287
Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2008 Page 11
Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2008 Page 12
Manshad still going strong Martiniquan Indian dancer Consuelo Marlin strikes a
Veteran cultural writer and artiste Manshad Mohammed shows he still has something in classical pose in a recent performance.
the takj as he belts out a song at the birthday celebration for Ram Maiahaj.
Sada roti and baigan chokha on their mind Parashakti Mandir celebrates Gopee’s birthday
There’s not much doubt what these men have on their minds. It’s sada roti and baigan Devotional singer Lelawattie (Moonie) Phakera (centre) and musician Sonny Moonilal
chokha, being offered at the 170 annivesary Indian Arrival celebrations at Guyana Na- perform a bhajan at the birthday celebration of Hindu activist Ramnanan Gopeesingh (at
tional Stadium earlier this month. left) next to his uncle Premchand Mahabirsingh.
*
EAT Natural Ingredients
n
lizing I
Specia e Style HEALTHY No preservatives
es
Guyan Food HOT & FRESH We use
e
Chines Three generations FRESH Meat &
FKS PTICAL
4525 Ebenezer Road Unit #8 (Gore Plaza) Brampton Ontario’s Healthy Restaurant Program www.curryandroti.com
Tel/Fax: 416-242-8595
BOYZAUTOCOLLISION.COM E-mail: boyz1135@hotmail.com
We pay up to 100% deductible We do customizing
Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2008 Page 13
Young Arjun turns one year Ram celebrates his 75th with tassa and dancing
Young Arjun (right) tries his best to blow out his candle, with assistance from mother Ram Maharaj reached the milestone 75 years recently and celebrated it with music,
Della, sister Alyssa and dad Pt. Sham Rampersad, at a Hindu puja held in Brampton to dancing, massive amounts of food and dancing. Wife Ruby is seen (centre in pink),
celebrate his first birthday. dancing the night away with friends to sweet sounds from Sylvan Bharath Tass a Group
“Learn andand
“Learn Earn” Computer
Earn” Computer
IncomePlus Courses At Home
Courses At Home
GIF Select
™
Dewsoft Canada
5% bonus
5% bonusononguaranteed
guaranteed income
income
now
nowfor
forupup
toto
1515
years
years.
All
Allthe
thegrowth
potential of the market.
growth Be certified and become computer literate at your own leisure.
potential of the market. Upgrade yourself for today's job market.
You
Younever
neverlose
losethe Microsoft office applications, word, excel, power point, java,
money you invest. oracle, adobe photo shop, cisco, graphic design, and
the
“Isn’t
“Isn’titittime
timeyou
youturned yourretirement
turnedyour retirementthinking
thinkingon
onits
itshead?”
head?” Maths and English.
ASKASK
ME ABOUT INCOMEPLUS
INCOMEPLUS FROM MANULIFE INVESTMENTS Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
Law, Accounts, Management.
ME ABOUT FROM MANULIFE INVESTMENTS.
Bonuses
Bonusesarearenot cashdeposits,
deposits, they increase the amount
that isthat is guaranteed for withdrawal. Thebonus
annual bonus is only
in available
Check http://biz.bigbt.com/munirag-1/home.htm
of the last surviving annuitant.
and are used by it and its affiliates including Manulife Financial Corporation.
The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company is the sole issuer and guarantor of the Manulife GIF Select Insurance Contract. GIF Select,
Manulife and the block design are registered service marks and trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used
by it and its affiliates including Manulife Financial Corporation.
Ram’s Roti Shop
Tr
Money doesn’t grow on trees,
TEN
I will tell you your past, present & future. I help in all
problems and work with God and the Holy Spirit. If you
answer yes to one or all of the following then come and see
me and all your problems will be solved!
→ Do you think you are followed by bad luck and want it It’s time to experience what so many drivers from
Ontario already have: the personal service and money saving
removed? discounts they get from their State Farm agent.
→ Do you feel rejected by someone and want to make them Talk to me today and see how you can save.
love you?
→ Are you entangled in a court case and need guidance as
to how to solve it?
→ Has someone you loved walked out of your life and you Jai Sukhu, Agent
want them back? 720 Tapscott Road., Suite 102
→ Are you on exams and need guidance to pass it? Scarborough, ON M1X 1CK
Bus: 416-321-3000
→ Do you feel you problems are not stated here and want jai@jaisukhu.com
www.jaisukhu.com
me to tell you about it when I see you?
416-751-1053
416-823-3772 Providing Insurance and Financial Services
SCARBOROUGH AREA State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company • Aurora, Ontario • statefarm.ca
P060047 CN 02/06
COMMUNITY NEWS Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2008 Page 15
VEDIC CULTURAL CENTRE cele-
brates 170 Years of Indo-Caribbean Arrival
Canada celebrates the Centenary of Indo-
Caribbean Arrival in Canadan at theird their
Rukminee makes wedding song CD
in the West and 100 Years of Indo- monthly meeting at Birkdale Community Cultural activist, author and singer Rukmi- complex. However, customs and traditions
Caribbean Arrival in Canada at their 10th Center on Sunday 25 May at 1.30 pm.Guest nee Beepath recently presented her latest are a beautiful aspect of life which has been
annual South Asian Heritage Month pro- speaker is Ram Jagessar, editor of the Indo- work, Vivaaha Geet to the National Library handed down to us from generation to gen-
gram on Saturday May 31 starting at 5 p.m. Caribbean Times. For more information in Chaguanas recently. Due to the numer- eration,” she said.
It features an exhibition focusing on the please call 416-281-5264. ous requests from secondary school stu- “It is essential therefore that Hindus em-
100th anniversary of the arrival of Indo- dents and UWI, Beepath has been brace, accept and understand the relevance
Caribbeans in Canada. and a cultural/stage INDO CARIBBEAN TIMES and distributing her book to schools and li- and significance of these customs, tradi-
program celebrating the Indo-Caribbean W W W. I N D O C A R I B B E A N H E R - braries across the country.The book con- tions, rites, and rituals, that are prevalent in
culture and heriage. Admission is free. ITAGE.COM invite you to celebrate 100 tains 108 traditional Hindu wedding songs the Hindu wedding.”
Venus is the Vedic Cultural Centre at years of Indo-Caribbean Arrival in and the corresponding meanings. Beepath is the eldest of six children of
#4345 * 14th Avenue. Markham, (at Canada on Sunday June 1, from starting at “The Hindu wedding contains the most the popular Holass family of Chatham in
Kennedy Road, Markham). For info contact 4.00 p.m., at BJ's Family Restaurant, 1747 fascinating rituals. It calls on the presence Cedros and has been singing since child-
Dave at 416-663-4037 or 905-475-5778. Albion Road, Toronto (South side of Al-
of the various devis and devtas (gods and hood. To complete the book and CD, she
bion, at Highway 27). Bring along your ar-
goddesses) associated with Hinduism to spent long hours with her parents, Samdaye
THE NORTH AMERICAN MUSLIM rival story to share.
give blessings to the couple who is prepared and Harry Holass, writing songs in Hindi
FOUNDATION holds it annual walkathon Program includes musical entertainment to take this step in life,” Beepath explained. with the appropriate English translation.
raising money for global children May 17, with Randy & Racquel Mahadeo, Indo- She said the belief is that couples were “After providing me with the songs for
at Scarborough Civic Centre from 9.00 am Caribbean experiences in Canada many connected in another life. As a result, when this book, my father had one final request
and ends at 4140 Finch Ave E, Scarbor- years ago ( Stories from Memory Lane of they join union in this life they call on the — that I revive this tradition by teaching it
ough, at 12 noon. Each participant is re- some of those who have helped preserve gods to remove all their bad karmas and to others,” she explained. The publication
quired to raise a minimum of $20.00, and our culture in Canada), phhotographs and bless them with prosperity. of Vivaaha Geet was a step in fulfilling the
proceeds go towards sponsoring orphans in stories from the indocaribbeanheritage.com Beepath’s daughter, Reshma Beepath promise made to her father. She is ex-
many poor countries. For info contact web site. Admission is free and a buffet din- Umrau, who is also active in the cultural tremely happy she was able to record the
Habeeb Alli at416-823-1738 Email: ner is available at $10. For info: Call 416- field, explained that the rituals associated songs.
hab2u@hotmail. Com or see the website 289-3898,416-540-0192, 905-796-1683 or with a Hindu wedding takes three days to “The younger people can now get the
www.namf.ca. E-mail: ictimes@rogers.com, lhar- complete. book and follow along on the CD to learn
radan@hotmail.com. “There is a song for every step taken by these very important songs.”
the bride and by the groom in their respec- Beepath admits that the tradition of
NAPARIMA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION THE TARIC ISLAMIC CENTRE in its tive homes,” she said. singing songs to accompany the various rit-
OF CANADA celebrates its 30th an- continued effort of putting on various On the third day the couple comes to- uals in a Hindu wedding is dying. She said
niversary with a Dinner and Dance at the events for the Muslim community, is seek- gether at the bride’s home to complete the Hindus now prefer to play a song from
Holiday Inn Select, Brampton on May 24. ing volunteers who can assist with various ceremonies, then return to the home of the India instead of singing the appropriate
Tickets at $60 for members and $65 for non projects and events. groom to start their new life. song.
members are available from Merle at 905- If you are interested in volunteering some The book, which is available at local “Now I begin to wonder how many tradi-
844-1254 or Norma at 416-283-0675. A of your time in the path of Islam, please bookstores is also available in the United tions are being lost through neglect?” she
special hotel room rate of $95 is available reply to this email with the following info- States and the United Kingdom. asks. The CD contains such songs as
for persons attending the function. The As- mation: Beepath has also released a compilation ‘Shraddha se Karte Naman’, ‘Kaykaray
sociation holds its Annual General Meeting Name: of the wedding songs in a CD by the same Duwaaray’, ‘Dheeray Dheeray’, ‘Tiki Leho
on Saturday May 31, at 1.30 pm at the City you Live: name. This compilation contains 20 songs Tiki Leho’, ‘ and ‘Maito Dharti puje Aili’
Montessori Teacher Training Centre, 1050 Telephone Number: which are sung as part of the Hindu wed- and is available in music shops
McNicoll Avenue, Scarborough. Cell Number: ding ceremony.
and reply to rahamutree@rogers.com. “Young Hindu boys and girls may be in-
trigued by the amount of rites and rituals as-
Place your orders early for cricket team uniforms now available
Youth T-Shirts and Tank Tops - $2.00 each
Adult Golf Shirts $5.00
Ladies Leggings and Capri Pants $3.00
Children’s Clothing from $2.00 each
Adult Tee-Shirts in a variety of sizes and colours - $2.00
Wide range of Winter Clothing on Sale
Scrap for cleaning - $5.00 a bag
iye
Natyam for three and a half years under her
Khuda Ka L
dox nature. She is tricked into marrying Master Sri Prakash Yadagudde, at the
Sarmad, who locks her up in an unknown renowned Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Lon-
place near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. don, where she performed her Arangetram
The film's climax sees an argument be- in 2002.
tween Maulana Wali (Naseeruddin Shah) Later on, in 2004 Consuelo went to Chen-
Inaccurate interpretation of religious
and Mullah Tahiri. Through Naseer's char- nai, India for six months to get further train-
books like the Quran, the trauma of liberal
acter, the director has tried to show how ing under famous dance guru and
Muslims in Pakistan and Muslim-bashing
fundamentalists misinterpret the Quran and choreographer Smt.Chitra Visweswaran.
post 9/11 forced Pakistani director Shoaib
corrupt the mind of the youngsters, forcing Consuelo, who has been requested to per-
Mansoor to take the bold step to make
them to turn against women and music, art form at many an official event on her island
"Khuda Kay Liye", which in many ways is
and culture. Focusing on the dilemma of and abroad, has now gained full-fledged
an eye opener. Centred around Islam, the
I
young, liberal Muslims, who don't have any recognition on her island as a French West
film from Pakistan has struck an instant
connection to terrorism, the film shows Indian Bharat Natyam specialist.
chord with audiences worldwide because it n March 2008, Consuelo Marlin was
how the lives of these youngsters were She is currently running Apsara, her own
touches upon issues that have given rise to busy supporting L'Union des Femmes
turned upside down when terrorists struck Yoga, Dance and Culture Institute, in Fort-
biases against Muslims, thanks to Islamic Martiniquaises, a feminist association pro-
the twin towers of the World Trade Center de-France.
fundamentalists. "Khuda Kay Liye" also viding support to the distressed on Mar-
in New York on Sep 11, 2001. It highlights Consuelo Marlin is also an active certi-
focuses on what being a modern Muslim re- tinique island, the French West Indies.
how almost all Muslims were treated as ter- fied Hatha Yoga teacher.
ally means in Pakistan. While it is a tad Gracing the Municipal Theatre of Fort-
ror suspects post the attack. Mansoor's Interestingly, she is not of indian descent.
lengthy, it works all the way thanks to Man- de-France with two consecutive evening
narrative is supported by strong perform- After her secondary studies, her now proud
soor's narrative skills. And the movie drives performances on the theme In every woman
ances by the entire cast. Rasheed Naaz's parents had to accept her aspiration to be-
home the point it wants to make without dwells the Goddess, Consuelo offered the
piercing eyes send a chill down your spine, come a professional Indian Dance étoile.
being overtly melodramatic. "Khuda Kay moneys collected to support UFM's social
while Shaan, who represents liberal mod- Consuelo Marlin has been instrumental in
Liye" is the first Pakistani film to have a work.
ern Muslims, wows audiences with his bringing the culture of India to the Martini-
commercial release in India in more than The daughter of Monsieur Luc Marlin, a
emoting and brings tears to the eyes when can people who greatly appreciate her tal-
four decades. It was released in Pakistan, famous Martinican painter, and Madame
he is being tortured in prison. Naseer's ent.
the US, Britain and UAE last year. The Michelle Mondesir, a Culture officer at
Pan blooms in
stupendous performance enhances the film
narrative revolves around a well-educated SERMAC, Fort-de-France, Consuelo
Guyana bans reggae
storyline. Mansoor has an innate under-
and affluent Pakistani family, whose mem-
standing of music, which is reflected well
U.S. colleges
singer Bounty Killa
bers are based in three continents, and
in "Khuda Kay Liye". The film is a must
through them, the director connects inci-
watch.
dents that take place in different places.
Khuda Kay Liye ( translation: In the
Mansoor (Shaan) and Sarmad (Fawad Afzal
name of God, or : For God's Sake) has won The Guyana government has banned Ja-
Khan) are brothers, both in love with music. Columbia University and New York Uni-
many awards, including the Award for Best maican reggae singers, Bounty Killa and
They lead an ideal life with their parents in versity have had significant programs
Picture at 31st Cairo International Film Fes- Movada from entering the country, forcing
Pakistan. But Sarmad is influenced by a and/or courses that have featured the steel
tival, and became the highest grossing film cancellation of planned concerts. Home
fundamentalist group lead by Mullah Tahiri orchestra and steelpan instrument as inte-
of Pakistan of all time. Iman Ali makes her Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said that
(Rasheed Naaz). With his conformist views, gral components within musical develop-
cinematic debut with this film, playing an Bounty Killa, whose real name is Rodney
he brainwashes the young singer and forces ment and the performing arts. The
Anglo Pakistani. Price, is known for his lyrics glorifying
Balwant Persaud
The Untouchables Tassa Group, winners of Children of Mastana 2008 competition.
Certified Immigration Consultant
Four talented friends from Princes Town, Second place honours and $15,000 Authorized by the Canadian Govt. to Represent
calling themselves the Untouchables Tassa went to ten-year-old Ashley Reyan Clients in Accordance with IRPA Rules
Group, lived up to their name when they Subah whose performance of a classical Member of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants
played their way to the $25,000 first prize
in the finals of the Children of Mastana
song from the movie Umraw Jaan im-
pressed both judges and patrons.
Canadian Immigration Services
2008 competition in Trinidad.. The energetic dance moves of Sitara Skilled Workers Business Class
The winning group—comprising Amrit Baal was enough to earn her the third Work Permits Students Visas
Roopnarine, 12, Matthew Ramkissoon, place prize of $12,000. Others in win- Visitor’s Visas Family Sponsorships
eight, and brothers Amar and Akash ner’s row were, 3rd: Sitara Baal, 4th: Refugees USA Visitor’s Visas
Sookdeo, aged eight and seven respectively, Reena Raykumar, 5th: Shabir and Appeals US Green Card Lottery
performed renditions of cikora, chutney Shabira Mohammed, 6th: The Young
Deportation Humanitarian Cases
hand, dingolay, and calypso. Achievers Dance Group, 7th: Vishala
The contest, which offered more than Dowtal, 8th: Sharad Raghunath, 9th: Call: 416-431-8845 or 647-284-0375
$100,000 in prizes, was held before a large Cristal Ruben, 10th: Sudesh Rampersad, Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca
Guyana: 225-1540 or 622-8308
crowd at the Gulf City Shopping Complex 11th: Rohan Ramdeo, 12th: Brandon Ho-
in La Romaine. sein, 13th: Shivani Bachan
RELIGION
I
Q. Why do you think this is a necessary or system whereby the books can be available
useful exercise at this time? in bulk for any person or organization any- f bells could chime 68 times for any oc- ever spent away from Ramlal was when I
where in North America and the Caribbean. casion they would ring to mark the 68th got pregnant. After I delivered our first
RS .The Bhagwad Gita is our inheritance wedding anniversary of Ramdath Ramlal, child Vishnu, he told me to stay at my par-
and our contribution to world philosophy. Q.What suggestions you have for those 82, and his wife Roopdai, 81, of Winston ents for three months until I could cope,”
It is our duty to learn about it and share it who would like to participate in the proj- Campbell Street in Fyzabad. Roopdai said.
with the rest of mankind. We cannot be ect? The couple got married on May 4, 1940, Ramlal worked at Premiere Consolidated
proud that so few have so little knowledge according to Hindu rites, and Roopdai said Oilfield (PCO) as a pump repairer, while
of principles thought to be over 5000 years RS. We ask Hindus in particular to exam- that like many Hindu brides, she never met Roopdai settled herself as a homemaker
old, and which have been the guiding light ine their lifestyles and pledge that their the man she would marry until her wed- who never worked outside her home.
for so many international personalities like homes will have as many gitas as we have ding. The couple eventually had five children,
Mahatma Gandhi, Henry David Thoreau, shoes or clothing. This may be a good start- “In those days it was a night wedding. I four boys and one girl. Three of the Ramlal
Emerson, and Swami Vivekananda. ing point. We must recognize that knowl- was 15 and Ramdath was 17 years old. males, Vishu, Vinod and Vijaye attended
edge is superior to materialism and follow When we married I went to my mother-in- Naparima Boys’ College and one son, Vick-
Q.We learnt from our ancestors who could Arjuna’s choice to have the wisdom of Lord law’ s house and it was there that I met ram, attended Fyzabad Intermediate.
not read nor write and who inhabited places Krishna on the battlefield of daily life. The Ramdath for the first time,” Roopdai said Their daughter, Latchmie, is a mother and
like Guyana and Trinidad since May 5, numerous temples that have been con- as she spoke of life with Ramlal in the mod- wife like Roopdai.
1838 why can’t we continue to teach our structed, and the public celebrations of our est Fyzabad home they shared for 67 years. At present most of the Ramlal children are
children in the same manner? religious festivals have attracted a lot of at- Roopdai said that her husband’s parents, approaching retirement, but they all held
tention and our friends and neighbors Ramlal and Sumaria Mahato, were from positions in the oil industry or the Govern-
RS We now live in very fast technological would like to know more about values. We India. ment service.
societies all over the world and many of our can help them understand our basis of our Roopdai said she never objected to the
professionals, community and political heritage by DONATING THE GITA TO marriage between herself and Ramlal. Roopdai still cooks for her 11 grandchildren
leaders still have little or no knowledge of EVERY GUEST OR NEIGHBOUR. “We both trusted our own parents that and three great grandchildren who grew up
the wisdom of the gita. Even in our native Those who join in celebrating our birth- whomsoever they chose would be a good with her.
countries the villages and plantations are no days, anniversaries, and weddings should person, and here I am, still married to Ram-
longer the moral training grounds they used likewise be rewarded. There is no better gift lal 68 years later,” Roopdai said quietly. Roopdai said seven grandchildren have
to be. In addition we have lost the genera- for your child, grandchild no matter how Ramlal was a bit shy at first and stayed completed tertiary education while three are
tion who taught and lived by example there- young they are. Sign or put your thumbprint downstairs for half an hour before Roopdai still pursuing degrees. One granddaughter,
fore we must make a concerted effort to on a Gita and leave it for them as part of called him to take pictures with her, and Stacy Ramlal, won a President’s Medal for
teach this knowledge about the universal their inheritance. It will serve them better Roopdai explained that her husband had a teacher training in 2005.
text that enabled our fore parents to survive than the material possessions we care for problem with his throat so he could not
and flourish despite deplorable conditions daily. speak clearly. Roopdai also said that religious beliefs have
of living. Wakes and Funerals, which are often at- Nevertheless, Ramlal eventually came changed over the years for her family, al-
tended by people of every race, religion or and sat beside Roopdai in the family living though she and Ramlal still practise Hin-
Q. We know in the past that you were in- nationality, is an ideal time for friends or room filled with pictures and momentos duism.
volved with initiatives in asking Guyanese relatives of the deceased to give something that marked a life of service to each other.
to Adopt their schools and offer assistance to those who come to sympathize and pay Roopdai said the key to having a long “My children and grandchildren are all
to the educational system there, how did their respects. The inside front page of the marriage is to never leave your husband’s Presbyterians and I have no problem with
you get involved in Gita knowledge? Gitas is intentionally left blank so that they house because of a little argument. that,” said Roopdai.
can even be endorsed to commemorate a “If we had a quarrel, I would never run
RS. A few years ago my good friend Swami special event.Some have inserted photos of away and go home to my parents. Even if She reminisces that Trinidad has been good
Aksharananda sought financial assistance loved ones. Ramlal told me something I did not like I to them and none of their children have said
in constructing a Secondary Hindu School Every mandir can have someone pay for would not answer back. The longest time I they wanted to migrate.
in Guyana, (Saraswati Vidya Niketan) and and distribute the book every time there is
this necessitated my travels throughout a religious service. In fact we have to start BHAGVAD GITA FOR EACH HOME
Guyana with him. This experience opened the practice of taking our Gita to the temple RICHMOND HILL
my eyes to the fact that Hindus know very and read it every week. The officiating Bulk distribution centres. Omo Persaud at omo@globalspectru-
little about their own religion and their en- priest should not be the only one with a minc.com 905-886-1724
ergies over the years seemed to have been book. The Gita can be available in bulk at the fol-
WANTED
usurped by other activities inconsistent with lowing contacts: Donations are expected to Winnipeg:
their own interests. There was little or no fund further copies; any individual or or- Ajodhya Mahadeo 204-661-6643
FABRIC
leadership and very little teaching about ganization wishing to assist in this project
one of the greatest and earliest philosophies can contact us. British Columbia
CUTTER
on earth. This must have contributed to the Chameli Seegobin 604-945-9510, e-mail
moral decay, general illiteracy, alcohol and CANADA address maylee34@hotmail.com, and
spousal abuse, and even the spread of aids
For clothing factory
Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton Naraine Mohabir at 604-274-8938
virus prevalent among Hindus. Ramnarine Sahadeo 905 671 9233 e-mail
in Scarborough area
I learnt about the International Gita So- ramjihindu@rogers.com, Omesh Sharma GUYANA: Saraswati Vidya Niketan ph.
Call:
ciety and I communicated with Dr. Prasad Omesh@flexomark.com, Chandan 2760013/14
and he asked me to assist in distribution of Persaud at 416-754-2382, Gulcharan at
the gita he authored. I added a preface of
416-913-2379
416 481-5777 gmohabir@hotmail.com,
two pages asking for community involve- Ram Jagessar at 416 289 9088 or
ment and we are now trying to get distribu- ram@eol.ca
WORLD NEWS Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2008 Page 18
Davan Maharaj
One placed in Hindu temple Crop insurance New solar cell
Bombs kill 60 in named editor of coming for will deliver
L.A. Times Jamaican farmers cheap power
Jaipur, India
A series of bomb blasts have ripped
through crowded market areas in the In-
E xperts from the World Bank and the
Inter-American Development Bank
have started talks with the Caribbean Ca-
dian city of Jaipur Tuesday evening, killing tastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF)
up to 60 people and injuring dozens more. and Government on providing insurance for
Breaking months of calm, the seven the agricultural sector in Jamaica.
bombs went off in close succession on Insurance has become important to the
near a Hindu temple and a crowded bazaar agricultural sector because of the increased
inside the walled enclave of the historic risk for natural disasters as a result of in-
pink city of Jaipur.. Authorities described it creased global temperatures.
as a terror attack. Global climate change will affect rain-
The police said that the bombs all went fall, temperature and water availability for
An American technology company from
off within a radius of 50 feet and that they agriculture in vulnerable areas, scientists
Silicon Valley in California has developed a
may have been planted in the wheels of bi- say, and in areas like Jamaica, both weather
new solar energy cell that can deliver solar
cycles, the mangled remains of which were extremes are already being felt.
power at the same price as conventional
found near many of the blast sites. The Los Angeles Times has promoted The sector took a battering last year from
electricity plants.
One blast was set off near the temple, Trinidadian Davan Maharaj to the post of hurricane Dean as well as in 2005 and 2004
SUNRGI's "concentrated photovoltaic"
dedicated to the Hindu monkey god, Hanu- managing editor of the internationally pres- from hurricanes Dennis, Emily and Ivan,
system relies on lenses to magnify sunlight
man, which is especially crowded on Tues- tigious newspaper. with loss to the industry reaching several
2,000 times, letting it produce as much
day evenings, and six more went off within Maharaj, business editor since February billion dollars. Recently, excessive dry
electricity as standard panels with a far
minutes of each other in the crowded war- 2007, assumes oversight of the Foreign, conditions have become more frequent. The
smaller system.
rens of shops and monuments nearby, in- National, Metro, Sports and Business de- latest day spell started late January and has
Executives of the year-old company say
cluding the popular 18th-century tourist partments. He will be responsible for shap- already caused several million dollars in
they'll start producing solar panels by mid-
site, Hawa Mahal, and the Johri Bazaar, ing coverage, deploying people and damage to crop and livestock in the last
2009 that will generate electricity for about
lined with jewelers. Panic set in immedi- overseeing personnel decisions with guid- three months. St Elizabeth - the country's
7 cents a kilowatt hour, including installa-
ately, officials said. ance from Editor Russ Stanton and Execu- bread basket - and northern parishes - St
tion. That's roughly the price of cheap coal-
Nobody has claimed responsibility for the tive Editor John Arthur. Ann and St Mary - were the worst hit.
fired electricity. "We're bringing the cost of
attack, which is typical of terror attacks in
800 Indian Christians
Maharaj, 45, has worked as a reporter for solar electricity down to be competitive
India carried out by Muslim extremists The Times in Orange County, Los Angeles with" fossil fuels, says Bob Block, a co-
go back to Hinduism
seeking independence for Kashmir. and East Africa. His six-part series "Living founder of SUNRGI.
British PM
50,000 people are missing and the final greater emphasis to consumer issues. It also Christianity five generations back. the need to build new plants.
death toll is expected to be over 100,000. redesigned its Sunday section to focus on
personal finances.
Barbados to celebrate
mauled in local
Aid has been slow to reach most of the af-
fected Burmans because of interference by A native of Trinidad, Maharaj holds a po-
the military government. litical science degree from the University
Indian centenary in 09
elections
In China the confirmed death toll from of Tennessee and a master's degree in law
Milk shortage-
the May 12 quake rose to 34,073 this week. from Yale University.
Another 9,500 remained buried in Sichuan Next year 2009 Barbados will celebrate the
province where the quake was strongest and centenary of the arrival of East Indians to
Jamaica to
this Island. No indentured Indians came British Prime Minister Gordon Brown
more than 29,000 were missing. Officials
here only traders pawn boilers professionals admitted that it had been a "disappointing"
have said they expect final death toll to ex-
night for Labour after the party suffered its
import cows
ceed 50,000, with more than 245,000 re- artisans and domestics. The island boasts of
having three muslim mosques and two worst election results for four decades in
ported as injured, and 4.5 million left
hindu temples what was his first proper electoral test as
homeless. Quake-related losses to compa-
Barrie teen clocks 239
Prime Minister.
nies totaled $9.5 billion US.
In local government elections around
M
of their political differences in India. Pak-
tinued to celebrate Indo-Caribbean Heritage istanis did not respond to Indian Arrival and itage Month and South Asian Heritage
By Roop Misir, PhD Day until 2000, with interest and support Heritage Month or to Indian Arrival events. Month though small are significant steps in
coming mainly from members of the Indo- Sri Lankans considered themselves Indians the ongoing process of humanity to achieve
ay every year is South Asian Her- Caribbean community. and ignored Indian Arrival and Heritage harmony, mutual respect and peaceful co-
itage Month. This name is given Month. Similar problems arose amongst existence.
to the month-long celebrations in Indian Arrival Day Celebrations people from Bangladesh and Nepal. Thus, So come and let’s all celebrate. Whether
Ontario and parts of Canada. Asian Her- Indian Arrival celebration was still to gain we go to see a South Asian movie, shopping
itage Month is also celebrated in the month In April 1997 the Indo Trinidad Canadian popular appeal. at a Bazaar, attending one of the many free
of May. Events acknowledge and celebrate Association (ITCA) was formed, and im- concerts and street parties, or just enjoying
the long and rich history plus the ongoing mediately began observing Indian Arrival MPP Raminder Gill Piloted Bill 98 sumptuous and spicy delicacies at a nearby
contributions to our country of South Asian Day. In that year too community activist restaurant, there’s no shortage of events to
Canadians and other Asian Canadians. Asha Maharaj organized a display of Indian When CIAHM launched the Indian Ar- take in.
artifacts. The Trinidad and Tobago Associ- rival and Heritage Month at the Scarbor-
History of South Asian Heritage Month ation of Ottawa held a celebration. As well, ough Civic Centre in 2001, the keynote Thanks to Mr. Raminder Gill.
the Caribbean East Indian Cultural Organi- speaker was Mr. Raminder Gill, then a
This event became Law by the Ontario zation headed by radio host Richard Aziz South Asian Member of the Ontario Parlia- Thanks to those Indo-Caribbean and
Provincial Parliament on December 14 organized an Indian Arrival event in ment. He said he would introduce a private other South Asian cultural pioneer with the
2001, with the passage of Bill 98. The gov- Toronto. members bill in the legislature to legitimize vision for the future. The cultural and eco-
ernment of Ontario thereby proclaimed the event, and he did so later that same year. nomic contributions of South Asian Cana-
May as South Asian Heritage Month and Indian Arrival and Heritage Day Gill was able to obtain multi-party support dians are slowly being appreciated.
declared May 5 to be South Asian Arrival for Bill 98. However, the legislature would Let’s join in the fun, enjoy and celebrate
Day; this date is the earliest recorded date By 1998, ITCA celebrated the event as not accept Indian Arrival and Heritage Happy Asian Heritage Month to all!
of the arrival of Indians in the western Indian Arrival and Heritage Day, and held a Month because it would cause confusion
hemisphere; in this case, Guyana, South huge show/display/dance at the Etobicoke with the Indian Act and other laws relating [Dr. Roop Misir is an Indo-Guyanese Cana-
America. Olympium. By then it realized that Indo to native Indians. Therefore, the name was dian Teacher with the Toronto District
In May 2002, the Government of Canada Caribbean people were only about 10 per changed to South Asian Heritage Month, School Board. He was a member of the
also officially recognized May as Asian cent of the "Indian" population in metro- and the bill received unanimous support Committee of Indo-Caribbean cultural pio-
Heritage Month. Toronto. Therefore ITCA was determined and was signed into law in December 2001. neers (headed by Ramdath Jagessar) who
that the celebrations not be considered an lobbied for legislation to designate May
Early South Asians in Canada exclusive Indo-Caribbean event, but rather South Asian Month Gains Acceptance every year as South Asian Heritage Month,
one for all people with roots in the Indian and May 5th as South Asian Arrival Day.
Over a century ago, South Asians began subcontinent. Since then, South Asian Heritage Month An important reference: is
arriving and settling in Canada. The first to has grown dramatically. Dozens of celebra- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Asian_
arrive were soldiers from the Indian Army. Other Groups on Board tions take place each year, including events Heritage_Month]
WANTED
In 1897, they passed through this country at the Ontario Parliament, the Gerard Street
on their way back home from London, Eng- The next year, ITCA (and OSSICC) started bazaar, numerous religious and community
land after attending the Diamond Jubilee of celebrating May as Indian Arrival and Her- groups and the media. It has been embraced
FABRIC
the reign of Queen Victoria. Some of these itage Month. In 2000, the Guyana East In- enthusiastically by the Sri Lankans, Pak-
soldiers later returned to live in Canada per- dian Association of Canada (GEIAC) and istanis, and dozens of subgroups within the
CUTTER
manently. the Canadian Indo-Caribbean Association South Asian community. In recent times,
The first known South Asian from the (CICA) of Hamilton formed an expanded celebrations are held throughout Ontario
416-913-2379
M.N. Santoo from the colony of Demerara Americas of the people and heritage of the Canada. (http://chordvine.com/dis-
(now Guyana) arrived in 1908 on the SS Indian subcontinent". patches/south-asian-music-heritage-month-
Dahomey, on his way to Montreal as an Thereafter, people from the various at-the-small-world-festival/. For the first
immigrant. groups became collectively satisfied to be time ever, Toronto’s Canadian South Asian
Records also showed that between 1909 called South Asians. The view was that this Music Festival expands to Montreal and
and 1943 only 878 South Asians were al- connotation would include Indians, Pak- Vancouver and other parts of the country.
It pays to
lowed into Canada. However, it wasn’t istanis, Sri Lankans and others who can And the activities attract prominent corpo-
some years later that amendment to Cana- trace their origins in the Indian subconti- rate sponsors like RBC and TELUS
advertise in the
dian immigration law paved the way for the nent. By then, the Council was marking the (www.desifest.ca). Metro School Boards
influx of non-traditional European immi- arrival of Indians in the West—1838 (Peel, Toronto) have various programs to
Indo-Caribbean
grants. Today, South Asians comprise (Guyana), and 1897 as the year the first In- promote cultural diversity.
Canada's largest visible minority group, dians (from the Punjab) began arriving in
Times
with a population of nearly 1.3 million. Canada. Enriching Canadian Culture
They make up over 7 per cent of Ontario's By then, the number of events for Indian
population. Arrival and Heritage Month had gone up to There is no denying of the importance of
11; however, CIAHM had support from 25 South Asians in the evolution of Canadian
Indo-Caribbean Origins of Celebrations South Asian cultural and social groups. And culture. Like other groups, Asians are de-
for the first time, many actually held events fined by culture, traditions, their dedication
Indo-Caribbean people are descendants to observe South Asian Heritage Month. to hard work and innovation. In Canada,
of the Indian pioneers who first arrived in
Case against the 36,000 Guyanese living
Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2008 Page 20
brought to life at
Odeen Ishmael and a five-member
O
team from the Embassy has been meeting
Arrival celebrations
with hundreds of Guyanese nationals resid-
By Thomas Walkom could happen here, a not illegitimate ques- ing in the Venezuelan industrial city of Ciu-
tion, but one that implicitly assumed the 18 dad Guayana, located at the junction of the On the first weekend in May the the
nce labelled Canada's first home- were guilty. Orinoco and the Caroni Rivers, 600 miles Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS)
grown, Islamist terror plot, the case Coming at a time when Parliament was south-east of Caracas. kicked off its two-day 170th Indian Arrival
of the so-called Toronto 18 is qui- reviewing the 2002 anti-terror law, the ar- Most of the Guyanese who migrated to anniversary celebration with a swirl of cre-
etly melting away. rests bolstered the arguments of those who Venezuela reside in various parts of this ativity, bringing to life an indentureship-pe-
With the recents decision to stay charges wanted the more draconian aspects of that sprawling industrial city. At four different riod village
against four more of those that it had once legislation kept in place. centres in the city's large municipalities of A food booth that was operated by the
labelled dangerous terrorists, the federal The arrests also stoked fears that Islamist San Felix and Puerto Ordaz, the Ambassa- Better Hope Mandir. This particular one
government is now admitting that it never radicals were motivating impressionable dor and his team in the two-day period con- was creatively designed and specialized in
had a serious case against almost half of the Muslim youths. centrated their efforts on assisting more dhal, rice and coconut choka among many
men and youths charged two years ago. In some press accounts, the eldest person than 200 Guyanese in renewing their pass- other Indian dishes.
So far, the Crown has stayed charges arrested, a Mississauga bus driver named ports and another 200 to apply for new and The National Stadium featured a number
against seven of the 18 Toronto-area Mus- Qayyum Abdul Jamal, then 43, was painted first-time passports. of imitation “logies” [small rectangular
lim males. While technically, that means it as the Islamic firebrand behind the youth- Many of the Guyanese in this city are il- houses made of clay and branches] com-
could re-lay charges within a year, legal ex- ful plotters. legal residents and a sizeable proportion of plete with kitchen, prayer room and sleep-
perts call such a move unlikely. This view was reinforced when then Lib- them do not even possess Guyanese pass- ing quarters. The kitchens were equipped
This does not necessarily mean the eral MP Wajid Khan (he's now a Conserva- ports or even copies of their birth certifi- with “firesides” made of clay and an array
Crown's case is entirely bogus. The gov- tive) told reporters that he had once heard cates which form the essential requirement of traditional Indian cookware and eating
ernment argues that some of the remaining Jamal at a mosque badmouthing Canada's for them to apply for passports. utensils.
11 were involved in a scheme to obtain ex- troops in Afghanistan. A great proportion of them are also with- The Dharmic Naujawan displayed beau-
plosive material, while others participated Ironically, Jamal was one of the four who out Guyanese identification documents, tiful painted clay pots against the back-
in a terror training camp. had his charges stayed yesterday. He may even though have been living in Venezuela ground of a colourful painting.
Because of a judicial publication ban, indeed be a critic of Canadian foreign pol- for as long as twenty years. As a result, they “That is what your grandmother used to
whatever evidence – if any – that the gov- icy. But it seems that he is not a terrorist cannot apply for Venezuelan residency cook on,” a number of parents were heard
ernment has produced in court to bolster ideologue. which many of their compatriots with the telling their children. The sights brought
these allegations cannot be reported. Other elements of the government's case relevant documents have already acquired. back many memories for older Indo-
But what is becoming clear from material did not stand up well under scrutiny. The al- According to the city authorities of Ciu- Guyanese and captured the interest of the
that can be revealed is that the alleged plot leged terror training camp turned out to be dad Guayana, more than 36,000 Guyanese younger ones who were eager to see and ab-
was never quite as advertised. a hapless adventure in the rain, one where reside there, with the largest concentration sorb the rich culture surrounding them.
Back in June 2006, the overriding senti- participants spent much of their time in a in the municipality of San Felix. While A meal of pigeon peas and rice being pre-
ment in government and media was that a local doughnut shop and where the ammu- some have found employment in the city's pared as it was done in the early 19th cen-
dangerous attack had been narrowly nition for target practice was apparently iron, steel and aluminium industries, most tury by Indian indentured immigrants.
avoided. The allegations – that Canadian provided by one of two paid RCMP in- of the "illegals" are employed as labourers, Two models of the Whitby – which
Muslim extremists were planning to behead formers. domestics and ice-cream vendors. brought some of the first immigrants - were
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, seize MPs As for the alleged plot to behead Harper, However, some others are self-employed on display and those present were given an
and blow up the CBC – seemed unbeliev- it was apparently derailed because the plot- mainly in the transportation business and in opportunity to showcase their talents on
able. But in a post-9/11 world, the unbe- ters didn't know how to get to Parliament operating small farms, groceries and small stage. A number of booths belonging to var-
lievable had, for many, a ring of truth. Hill. stores. ious businesses were scattered throughout
"We are a target because of who we are Nor, it seems (according to material re- At a lengthy meeting in April with the the compound. Various Indian dishes,
and how we live, our society, our diversity leased by the Crown), were they exactly mayor of the city, Mr. Clemente Scotto, clothes, jewellery and crafts were on sale.
and our values – values such as freedom, sure who the Prime Minister was. Ambassador Ishmael discussed the prob- This collection of classical Indian musical
democracy and the rule of law," Harper Still, we are sure to learn more about the lems of the Guyanese nationals and sought instruments was displayed by the Dharmic
said. case against the rapidly shrinking Toronto the city government's assistance in helping Naujawan. A number of performances were
Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day 18 when the actual trials begin – if, by then, to more rapidly incorporate the Guyanese also staged by various Indian artistes and
hinted darkly of more arrests to come. The the Crown still has anyone left it wants to community into the general Venezuelan so- dance groups, among them were Krishna
media asked how homegrown terrorism try. ciety. Mandata, Mohan Nandu and Suchitra Ram-
persaud.
Q-TREX INTERNATIONAL
5040 Maingate Dr., Mississauga (Tomken & Eglinton)
F
EELINGS of nostalgia swelled at the wanted to rid themselves of white planter Guyanese
National Stadium last week with the class, social, cultural and political domina- national
opening of a two-day event that aptly tion, and to assert their economic inde- holidays,
portrays ‘lang-time’ days of East Indian im- pendence. With great enthusiasm and in the a testi-
migrants and their descendants. Ladies face of tremendous odds, they started the mony to
were dressed in the traditional rumal (head- village movement and peasantry. their sig-
wear); food was cooked from the ‘fireside’ The importation of indentured labourers nificance.
with a ‘pukney’ handy to keep the fire from the Indian sub-continent was part of Hin-
going; the kitchen was of ‘saphie’ hanging the continuing search for a reliable labour dus and
and enamel cups and plates; a panchay at force to meet the needs of the powerful Muslims
(village court) was in session; tassa drums plantocracy. In the case of Guyana, East In- regularly
blared as dian perform
m a n y immi- their reli-
danced the gration gious or
‘nagara’; had its thanks-
and ‘loud’ origin IInside a typical mandir of the time, set up at the National Stadium giving
seven- in the c e r e -
curry was ‘Glad- alects. monies. Evidence of this development
in abun- stone The Ramayan, the Bhagwat Gita and the among Hindus is reflected in the numerous
dance. Exper- Holy Quran are prized holy books in many Jhandi and other flags and Murtis which are
The iment’. households today. proudly displayed in devotees’ yards and
event, or- John A significant contribution is in the area of homes respectively.
ganised by Glad- dress. Traditional Indian wear such as the East Indian immigrants and their descen-
t h e stone, shalwar, sari, kurta and dhoti are popular dants were able to survive largely due to
Guyana father today. Some of these have taken on nation- their resilience, perseverance, custom, tra-
H i n d u o f alistic flavour. The Indian ritual marriage dition and commitment to family which in-
Dharmic British form and the extended family system have variably promotes thrift, industry and
Sabha, states- continued over time with very few changes. self-esteem. They continue to make valu-
continued m a n Indian music, songs, films dance and other able contributions to the overall progress
for two days. William Gladstone, was the owner of the art forms have taken root in Guyanese so- and development of Guyana. Their strong
This day event also celebrates the con- West Demerara plantations, Vreed-en-Hoop ciety. cultural ties are undoubtedly a motivating
tributions of the Indian immigrants and and Vreed-en-Stein, at this juncture of the Indian foods like roti, puri, curry, dhal, factor, as they march forward into this new
their descendants’ efforts which spanned country’s history. pholouri, bara, keer and vegetable dishes millennium of ours with a great sense of
many facets of Guyana’s development, de- are regularly consumed by every ethnic purpose and maturity.
spite their numerous struggles. INDO-GUYANESE CONTRIBUTION group in society. After all, Guyana relentlessly seeks to
For over three quarters of a century Indian festivals are widely celebrated too. have greater economic benefits, socio-po-
(1838-1917), Indian indentured labourers East Indian indentured labourers and These include the colourful Phagwah, litical stability and national cohesiveness at
were imported from the sub-continent of their descendants toiled, and continue to Deepavali (festival of lights), Ramnoumi, this juncture of its history. All its people are
India to the West Indian colonies, ostensibly toil, unceasingly to ensure the survival of Shiv-Ratri, Youman Nabi, Eid-ul-Fitr. Four faced with this ongoing struggle in the face
to fill the void created as a result of the the sugar industry in the 19th , 20th and of these are today celebrated as truly of harsh global realities.
mass exodus of ex-slaves from plantation 21st Centuries. The vast majority of the
labour following the abolition of the despi- workforce in the sugar industry are Indo-
cable system of slavery, and moreso, the Guyanese, and sugar remains one of the
premature termination of the apprenticeship most important foreign exchange earners in
scheme in 1838. the country in the face of grave global chal-
lenges.
THE DESCENDANTS Guyanese of Indian origin are largely re-
sponsible for the prominence of Guyana’s
Their descendants today comprise over rice industry. The Indian indentured labour-
50 per cent of Guyana’s population of over ers in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries
750,000. Overall, where the English speak- began to cultivate rice on a large scale and
ing Caribbean is concerned, substantial this was linked to the almost exclusive In-
numbers of indentured Indians were im- dian village settlements which emerged at
ported. Based on statistical evidence, the time. They are integrally involved in
Guyana was the recipient of 239,909 East cattle rearing, the selling of milk, and cash
Indian immigrants until the termination of crop farming.
the system in 1917; Trinidad 143,939; Ja- Ever since the 1880s, Indian immigrants
maica 36,412; Grenada 3,033; St. Vincent have displayed a high occupational profile
2,472; St. Lucia 4,354; and St. Kitts 337. in a number of off-plantation economic ac-
In addition, the non-English speaking tivities including cab-drivers, barbers, tai-
Caribbean imported Indian indentured lors, carpenters, boat-builders, charcoal
labourers during this period. Of the French makers, sieve-makers, goldsmiths, porters,
colonies (now French Overseas Depart- small scale manufacturers and fishermen.
ments) Martinique received 25,509; Guade- Today, Guyanese of Indian origin are found
lope 45,844 and French Guiana 19,276. in every sphere of activity including busi-
Neighbouring Suriname, while under Dutch ness, the professional class, politics, reli-
rule, imported a total of 35,501 immigrants. gion and trade unions.
Following the abolition of slavery in East Indian immigrants and their descen-
1834 and the termination of the apprentice- dants have ensured there is a rich cultural
ship system in 1838, a state of fear, uncer- heritage in this multi-cultural and pluralis-
tainty and gloom was uppermost in the tic society of ours. Indian customs, values
minds of the then British Guianese planters. and traditions have survived over the years.
They were very conscious that a grave They brought with them their main reli-
labour shortage on the estates would cer- gions, Hinduism and Islam.
tainly mean economic disaster to them-
selves and the sugar industry in general. CUSTOMS
The mass exodus of ex-slaves from the
plantations during this crucial period of Approximately 83 per cent of the immi-
‘crisis and change’ merely served to con- grants were Hindus, while another 14 per
firm planters’ fear and uneasiness. This cent were Muslims. The remaining three
movement was not entirely surprising as per cent were Christians. Mosques and tem-
several decades of slavery had resulted in ples began to dot our coastal landscape
the plantation being seen as the symbol of from the late 19th Century. Related to this
dehumanisation, degradation and demoral- were the introduction of languages -- Hindi
isation, and the victims, quite naturally and Arabic and several other Indian di
SPORTS
Casareno
Indo-Caribbean Times MAY 2008 Page 22
CRICKETCricket: Bridge champ
Sarwan takes the helm vs Australia
Cheerleaders too spicy for wins Ontario
Sharma wants
Indian Premier League
Recreational action in Toronto
Chess again
T he 2008 Ontario Recreational Chess
Championship was held in Brampton
on May 03, 2008. Eighteen top chess play-
R
ers competed in the Chess Master Section
for the prestigious title of 2008 Ontario
Recreational Chess Champion. The win-
ners for all of the previous tournaments Top rated Toronto bridge player Tulsiram
(Harold Chan, Devon Thomas and Erwin Sharma, (second from right in picture
amnaresh Sarwan will step Casareno) participated in this event. above) was was part of the successful
in for the injured Chris Erwin Casareno, winner of the last tour- Guyana Bridge Team that won the Inter
Guianas Bridge Tournament recently.
Gayle and lead West Indies nament, was presented with congratulatory
Tulsie, who lives in North York and con-
letters from the Prime Minister and from a
in the first Test against Australia at ducts sessions for seniors at the Jane and
local MP recognizing his outstanding
Sabina Park on Thursday. achievements in chess. It was excitement Finch corridor, wants to bring more
Gayle has succumbed to the groin all the way to the finish. Caribbean people to the world of high qual-
American style cheerleaders have proved ity bridge. He is ready to open a bridge
injury that kept him out of the Indian to be a little too much for some Indians at
At the end, Erwin Casareno emerged the
clinic for interested parties.
Premier League and the home the Indian Premier League. Young ladies
winner (once again). The tournament was
He was one of the five member team
organized by Horizon Cricket Club and di-
team's leadership will revolve waving pom poms and flashing lots of skin which won the 35th annual Inter-Guiana
rected by Fred Lall. All results are posted
around Sarwan and Dwayne Bravo, are..just not cricket.
at www.horizoncricketclub.com team tournament held from March 22-25 in
the new deputy. Sarwan guided the One Indian cricket team has withdrawn Guyana. It was only the third victory by a
Special thanks go to Erwin Casareno
cheerleaders from matches while others are Guyana Bridge team in the 35-year history
team in two Tests in England last being told to cover up, after protests that
who assisted with the pairing. He intro-
of the competition.
year and will face a tough assign- their dances and skimpy outfits were offen-
duced a unique pairing board system that
The Guyana team got past French Guiana
expedited the process. The tournament
ment against the world champions. sive to conservative Indians. and Suriname 18-12 and 20-10 respectively
(five 30-minute rounds, plus a break, plus
The opener Sewnarine Chatter- Cheerleaders, many imported from
the playoffs) was completed in approxi- in the final matches. The five players of the
goon, who made his debut against abroad, were hired to liven up India's new Guyana team were Beepat, Ashraf Ali,
mately 4 hours.
$900 million domestic cricket league in Ramdat ‘Jackie Rampersaud, Tulsie
Sri Lanka in April, has been ruled which eight teams play a shortened version
The next tournament (The 2008 World
Sharma and Andrew Kartick “I hope that
out with a shoulder problem, leav- of the traditional game.
Recreational Chess Championship) is
this recent victory in this competition be-
scheduled for December 06, 2008. All
ing a spot for Brenton Parchment. But while drum players, blaring music tween the three nations will serve to revi-
chess players are invited to compete for the
Parchment is currently captaining a and the presence of Bollywood stars cheer-
grand title of 2008 World Recreational talize the game locally so that we may be
Jamaica XI in the tour game against ing among spectators may have livened up able to see a formation of a few clubs as
Chess Champion. Registration information
stadiums, cheerleaders may be one specta- well the organizing of local tournaments,”
the Australians and scored 25 on the
up a fight vs Australia
shorts sparked anger from both Hindu na-
also without Marlon Samuels after tionalists, who opposed their open sexual-
ity, and some leftist parties who said it
he was found guilty of dealing with crudely copied Western culture.
a bookmaker. The squad was named "The manner in which semi-clad girls
following a pre-series camp in An- keep shaking their limbs is in bad taste,"
tigua. Uddhav Thackeray, head of the hardline
West Indies squad Brenton Parch- Hindu nationalist Shiv Sena party was
quoted as saying.
ment, Runako Morton, Ryan Hinds, Police near Mumbai, where the Mumbai
Ramnaresh Sarwan (capt), Shivnar- Indians play, were looking out for “ inde-
ine Chanderpaul, Devon Smith, cency both in the cheerleaders' dress and
Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin dance routine” recently. But the cheerlead-
(wk), Jerome Taylor, Daren Powell, ers dropped the exposed cleavages, midriffs
and thighs in favour of skintight lycra. But
Darren Sammy, Sulieman Benn, well-known cheerleaders from the Wash-
Amit Jaggernauth, Fidel Edwards. ington Redskins are still performing for the
Bangalore Royal Challengers, and have
not toned down their performances.
Live Every
satellite Saturday
Night
DJ Terry
Newly
opened No. 1 in
Scarborough
BERBICE PALACE
Kennedy Rd.
Family Restaurant
647-426-7684
Entertainment:
Lunch Special
$4.99
Friday:
Mala &
Live Satellite
Fri. & Sat. Raymond
Night: Live
Karaoke Sat. Night:
Simon &
Group
L.L.B.O. Wed.
Licensed
Pepper Wing Duck Wonton
Shrimp Night Curry Soup