VOL. 6, NO.

4 February 22, 2012

Narrow Escape For Chutney King KI

house. Officers said about five minutes later Persad arrived at his home and saw the bleeding man on the ground and called police. A team of officers from the Barataria Criminal Investigations Department (CID) arrived on the scene minutes later and rushed the injured man to the Port of Spain General Hospital, where he remained warded in a stable condition. Police said they also recovered the shotgun at the scene of the incident. Speaking to members of the media Persad confirmed he was not at home at the time, but stated that he believed he could have fallen victim. He said after the Chutney Soca Monarch he and several family members stopped for a brief moment along Ariapita Avenue before heading home. The Toronto-based KI Persad won the Trinidad Carnival 2012 Chutney Soca Monarch with his hit Single Forever. KI Persad, who dethroned veteran Rikki Jai enroute to capturing the Chutney Soca Monarch crown, also created history by being the youngest champ, at age 26. For his effort, Persad took home the $1 million first prize money.

618 Strouds Lane, Pickering, ON L1V 4S9 Tel: 905.831-4402 Fax: 416.292.2943 Email: caribbeangraphic@rogers.com

Newly crowned Trinidad and Tobago Chutney Soca Monarch Kris KI Persad narrowly escaped falling victim to a bandit outside his home after winning the title on February 11. Persad arrived at his Barataria home just after 4 a.m.mere minutes after winning the crown and million-dollar prizeonly to realise that a friend of his, who had come to his home to celebrate the victory, was approached by a bandit who tried to rob him. However, the bandit was shot once in the chest by his intended victim. Police said a group of friends and relatives of the artiste arrived at his Third Street home from the Queens Park Oval to celebrate his success in the competition, when the bandit approached and announced a hold-up. The man, who police said lived at Thomasine Street, Laventille, was armed with a shotgun. He reportedly approached a member of the group, who is a security officer, and snatched his gold chain. He also demanded the security officer hand over the keys to his Nissan Wingroad motorcar, to which he complied. Investigators said the security officer pulled out his licensed firearm and fired one shot at the bandit, hitting him in the chest. The incident took place on the roadway outside the artistes

Miles Robertson, The Bajan Behind Adele

They say that no matter where you travel, youll find a Bajan and last year that would have included on stage at the Royal Albert Hall when Miles Robertson played keyboards for British sensation and this years big-time Six Grammys winner Adele. Barbadian-born Miles Robertson, who is now 2012 Multi-Grammy winner Adeles music director and keyboardist, was born into a family of musicians. His maternal grandparents as well as his mother, Janice Millington, were established Barbadian artists, and his father, Raf Robertson a noted Caribbean jazz pianist. It was only natural for Miles to follow in his familys footsteps and spread his musical wings. Miles bases his success on hard work, discipline and dedication, for which he gives credit to his mother, a graduate of The Royal Academy of Music, United Kingdom. His mother began to train him in classical piano and violin at age four. However it wasnt until Miles was 14 that he decided he wanted to pursue a career

Kris KI Persad

in music. While attending the Lodge School, he began drumming for the school ensemble. His professional breakthrough came in 2005, when he toured as a backup musician for Atlantic recording Soca artiste Rupee. As either a keyboardist or musical director, Miles has worked with a diverse group of artists, including rocker Drew Seeley, the gospel group Take 6, rapper Fabolous, One Republic, Ashley Tisdale, Sean Kingston, jazz musician Najee and old school band Lisa Lisa & CultJam. In 2008, Miles began touring with international music sensation Adele. As her keyboardist, he has appeared on numerous television shows including Saturday Night Live, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Show with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel Live! He continues to play at clubs in New York City such as The Village Underground and Club Groove during the few breaks he gets from his hectic touring schedule. Miles Robertson

Creating Opportunity From Crisis

A desire for financial freedom led DJuvayne Christian to examine real estate investments as a career path. Although he started investing close to home in Toronto, that path led him to Florida, where he believes Canadians currently have the best opportunities to greatly profit in real estate.Today, he helps people look at real estate investing from a fresh perspective. He describes his business model as transparent, and says his company Elite Lifestyle Investments educates people on its unique process, which helps them gain valuable knowledge and liberal profits. He says, Instead of throwing money somewhere and hoping for returns, they personally become better investors. Mr. DJuvayne is the son of Jamaican parents. He left his familys Toronto home at age 17 to obtain a Bachelor of Business Administration at Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL. On completion, he headed to Riverside, CA, where he doubled his course load and completed a Masters of Business Administration in 12 straight months. Prior to graduation, he secured his first job at Solarmer Energy in Los Angeles, CA, in the heart of the recession. He likely could never have guessed exactly where he would end up. But soon after returning home to Ontario, in September 2010, he read Real Estate Investing in Canada by Don R. Campbell. It was a lifechanging experience for him, since, as he puts it, he totally fell in love, near obsessed, with real estate investing. That obsession drove him to read and study the subject in any form that he could get his hands on, which further fuelled his desire for financial freedom. At the start of 2011, he began to build the foundation for a company. Within four months, he took a leap of faith, and in April 2011, Elite Lifestyle Investments was launched. This young entrepreneur will tell you that in his early years he had some good examples of people in real estate. One such person was his mother, Pauline Christian, and the other, his cousin Ted Wellington in New York. My mother was very successful as a real estate investor so it gave me a close mentor, Beverly he says. And my cousin, who was a successful lawyer, did so well at investing that he let his law degree take a back seat to assist him in opening a company and focusing on a career in real estate investment. The tireless studying and mentorship pushed me to take the next step which was to enroll with the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) to gain my real estate accreditation and capitalize on the wealth of real estate knowledge that the training would afford me. Mr. Christian says that through Elite Lifestyle, he strives to help people advance their financial picture, and ultimately improve their knowledge and circumstances. With improved finances, people are relieved of stress, they can save for important things in life, and can freely help others who are less fortunate. Growing up in a family dedicated to community service, helping others was a natural outcome for Mr. Christian. He started working with both Americans and Canadians, educating them to replicate what he was doing. In the process, he discovered his passion. My goal is to help others achieve their goals, which is why Im so passionate about Elites services. Doing what I do also allows me to give back more in helping students acquire a better education through my familys charitable organizations.

Community

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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

February 22, 2012

Browne

Mr. Christian has a list of reasons why Elite Lifestyle has its focus on the state of Florida for real estate investments. He shares four main ones: appreciation, cash flow, population growth, and risk. On the subject of appreciation, he says, Whether we think the housing market is at or near the bottom doesnt trump the fact that Americas post-recession housing prices have

reached and surpassed their pre-recession prices in every previous recession. This is based on empirical data. Im currently assisting a client to buy a property for $70,000 that was sold in July 2006 for $250,000. You do the math. Regarding cash flow, Mr. Christian notes, While the uninformed flock to markets to acquire $300,000 properties, make $100 cash flow per month and pray the housing market defies history and increases forever, we show people how to buy a property for less than the price of their car, generate up to $1,000 cash flow per month - and sometimes higher - while holding on to a property they know will appreciate. He notes that Florida is an ideal location for retirees. He doesnt see that changing, and hes confident that the market will correct itself. When it comes to population growth, the businessman points out that while the USA grew by 9.7% between 2000 and 2010, Florida grew by 17.6%. We expect this number to increase even further as the Baby Boomers are entering retirement and Florida is the ideal place for retirees. At the end of the day, people need a place to live. As for the risk factor, Mr. Christian says that most of the properties Elites clients acquire are bought at no less than $100,000 below prerecession levels. He maintains, This shows that even if a person wanted to get a property just for a vacation home, he would still make a minimum of $10,000 a year if the market took an improbable 10 years to correct. If youre wondering how the entrepreneur has himself invested, hes transparent about that. He began by acquiring close to $1 million worth of real estate in Ontario, including one which he bought with his sister. After that, he was introduced to his mothers financial advisor, who encouraged him to invest in American real estate. With limited knowledge at the time, I had to think twice because I was only hearing doom and gloom about Americas housing market. Initially, I wasnt thinking about the opportunity it created. I followed the principles of Warren Buffet,

DJuvayne Christian
the worlds greatest investor. The summary of his principles are: Be greedy when others are fearful, and be fearful when others are greedy. So I did relentless research on investing in the United States. After working with advanced real estate professionals, keeping abreast of the global economy and frequenting the U.S. with some of Americas most successful hands-on investors, I realized how Americas fall translated into literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I took advantage and then realized how I could help others do the same. Through in-depth study and doing his due diligence, the entrepreneurs increased knowledge helped him realize the incredible advantage his U.S. investments provided over his investments in Ontario. Nevertheless, he concedes that his Ontario investments gave him the eye opener to seek greater knowledge in real estate investments. As a result, he was able to capitalize on one of the greatest real estate opportunities. That opportunity is especially good for Canadians at a time when the Canadian dollar is high and U.S. housing prices are at their lowest. Mr. Christian remarks, They say the two most important days in a persons life are the day hes born, and the day he figures out why.. I can say Ive realized my second most important day. Now we just want to help people learn about profitable real estate investing. Anyone wanting to learn more about Mr. Christians service can visit the Elite website at www. elitelifestyleinvestments.com.

Honored For Outstanding Service

When Madeline Edwards moved to Canada in 1965, she came here with a mission; to help other people and to give back to her community. Through her professional work as a nurse and through her volunteer work for various organizations in the Greater Toronto Area, the Jamaican born and raised Edwards has built an impressive legacy of philanthropy. Edwards was recently nominated in the fall of 2011 as one of 50 people of Jamaican heritage who has contributed to Canadian society. One of Edwards peers had put forth her name for the award through the Jamaican Consulate. Edwards also recently received the prestigious Harry Jerome Award for community development. Edwards has felt a strong sense of commitment to helping others since she was a little girl growing up in Jamaica, watching her mother give back to the community, even though she was a widow with eight children since the time Edwards was two years old. My mother was always, you know, I ALWAYS admired her tremendously. When I got the Harry Jerome award, a reporter asked me Why did you? And I said, because my mother ALWAYS did, Edwards said. Edwards mother was a huge inspiration to her. My mother, she still had stuff after my father passed away, but she was always giving. And thats where I got it from. When she cooked for the family, she never cooked for the family; she cooked for the village. I remember these two ladies when I used to come home from school, I used to wish they would leave. I would say Why dont they go? And, they would never

Akua

Hinds

plained. Edwards father, who passed away when she was two years old, was a land owner and he had worked on the Panama Canal. When Edwards father had passed away, he left a lot of land to Edwards mother, who eventually sold the many acres of land that grew staples from the Caribbean like sugar cane and bananas. However, there is still enough land left over today that Edwards and her siblings possess. The philanthropist in Edwards is still making the needs of other people a top priority, because rather than keep the land she inherited, Edwards is planning to give it to another family member who is living in Jamaica so that he will be able to have a home to call his own. Based on Edwards attitude towards helping others, it is not surprising that she has pursued a long standing successful career in the health care field as a nurse. This time, it was the circumstances of her fathers death at the age of 39 from hypertension and stroke, that inspired her to pursue nursing. I felt that if my father had been living in a different country where there were available services, he would have lived. And, that was what motivated me to go into nursing. That, I feel, was one way I could contribute to better health of people in general, Edwards explained. And nursed she did. Edwards continues to

leave until that soup was finished. They would have their bowl of soup and they would eat, then they would go home. So, thats how I grew up. My mother was always reaching out to people less fortunate than herself. And, thats where I got it from, Edwards ex-

provide advice and support to patients and to her friends. Her friends will often call her to ask health questions before they go to their doctors. In addition to giving health tips, Edwards donates possessions that she no longer needs and helps people with social service needs, whether it is finding new Canadians a place to live when they immigrate here or whether it is helping someone apply for disability pension. Edwards gave birth to her two children in Canada and raised them here with her now-deceased Trinidadian husband, and feels glad to call Canada home, especially when she considers the state of health care in Jamaica. Its terrible. They do have good medical folk in the Caribbean. You know what they dont have? Equipment. Most of their equipment are hand-me-downs from rich countries. If you talk to people who have been to places like Princess Margaret Hospital recently and the type of sophisticated equipment that they have and they are using in diagnostic testing, they dont have those in Jamaica. You should see the wages and how they live. Theres no way I could ever live like that, Edwards explained. Although Edwards still visits her native land, she wants to do whatever she can to improve the lives of people there. If I had the wherewithal, what I would really like to do is to collect bags and send down barrels. Id go to the dollar store and buy pencils and crayons and papers and everything and just send it down to a school in Jamaica. Its still pretty rough there, Edwards said. Jamaica wasnt as rough a place to live when Edwards grew up there, but she is saddened by the criminality and bleak employment prospects for people who do not work in the tourism or government industries. Edwards takes a keen

Madeline Edwards
interest in the Jamaicans who are still living there and who share some of their struggles with her when she visits. They tell you about how they have difficulties. They are not begging, and they do anything that they can get to earn a living, but there are no jobs except mostly in the tourism industry or in the government. Im hoping that this new prime minister who is a woman will try to see whether they could at least raise the standard of living for the people in general, Edwards said. While Edwards has strong hopes for Jamaica, the mother of two and a grandmother shows no signs of lessening her commitment to helping West Indians and people of other backgrounds who have, like her, created lives for themselves in the Greater Toronto Area. Whoever comes my way, if I can assist them at all, I will do that, Edwards said.

February 22, 2012

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Laparkan Launches Easter Box Special

Laparkan Shipping Canada has announced the launch of a special Easter promotion which offers customers a flat rate of $14.99 on shipments of its double-walled box which has a capacity of up to 70 pounds. This special promotion is effective immediately and will run until March 31, says Jean DeCastro, Manager, Laparkan Shipping Canada. She says this special rate of $14.99 for shipment of this durable 10x22~2b2o x to Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados is in keeping with Laparkans tradition of bringing some measure of relief to customers who want to send items back home for their relatives during these challenging economic times. This box is very durable and easy to pack and is an affordable way of sending home some goodies for relatives for the Easter holiday. Laparkan offers reliability and security that are unmatched and our offices in the Caribbean provide a superior level of customer service, says DeCastro. Customers are welcome to come in and pack their

Caribbean Jewel

boxes at the Laparkan warehouse located at 5250 Finch Avenue East, Units 13 & 14, Scarborough, Ontario. The company can also be contacted by phone at 416-292-4370.

Dancer Jasmyn Fyffe Honors Bajan Parents

Jasmyn Fyffe is honoring her Bajan parents in her second season of dance. She thrilled audiences at Dance Weekend last month with Pulse, getting so much acclaim that shes now decided to include it in the companys second season, Interlock which opens March 14-17 at the Winchester Street Theatre. Fyffe says Pulse in particular is dedicated to her parents who are natives of Barbados. It includes the music she grew up listening to and honors two people who have been supporting her dance career from the beginning. Members of the dance community are saying Jasmyn Fyffe is one of the most promising choreographers of our time I have never gotten such a positive response to a piece, so I just had to put it in!

Laleeta
Random people have been coming up to me and emailing me, its just been amazing. Im excited for our audience to see it, says Fyffe. Lovely Laleeta is a multi-tasker par excellence. In addition to working full-time and being a wonderful Mom to her two sons, aged ten and twelve, shes also making waves as a budding Mompreneur. Her Fifth Avenue Jewelry business is achieving impressive growth as a result of her conscientious networking activities and fabulous eye for style and design when it comes to jewelry.

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February 22, 2012

JaNae Armogan: Courting Stardom!

By Tony McWatt JaNae Armogan is going to achieve stardom as an actress. She believes it with every breath and fiber of her gorgeous self; her immediate family: both her relatively successful model sister Shanna and her ultra supportive mother Jan believe it; we now have absolutely no reason to doubt it. Anyone who has the privilege of ally wanted to be a track athlete and was quite good. An injury on the track during an event however, put paid to her dreams of athletic stardom. She was told by her Doctor, in no uncertain terms, that further aggravation to what was already a very serious injury might leave her unable to walk. That she says was a wakeup call that forced her to look in other directions. A firm believer in the fact that everything happens for a reason and in its own time, she says that her life then went almost miraculously in a totally different direction. She always had a thing for the Arts, but it did not really take effect until she watched the film A Low Down Dirty Shame. It was the boldness and attitude of Jada Pinketts portrayal of the lead female character that grabbed her interest in both her acting abilities and real life. She told her Mom, that she wanted to be an actress, to which her mothers supporting, loving response was you can be whatever you want to be. Armed with such loving support, JaNae decided to work on her acting. She joined the Improv and Drama teams in school, activities which quickly caught the attention of her Improv coach and first agent Marguerite JackVermay. Also known as Ms. Jack, Marguerite saw something natural in JaNae that the world needed to see. She took JaNae under her wing and

plays such as The Kink in my Hair and The Lion King winning call backs for both plays. She was discovered during a workshop by an agent while doing a monologue piece from the hit T.V. show The Kink in my hair. It was that workshop discovery which is now leading JaNae to becoming the strong bold female character that seems set to launch her to impending stardom. Her career highlights to date, as listed on her official Bio, are indeed impressive. She has had the opportunity to be on the cover of an online

JaNae Armogan meeting her in person and chatting with her will automatically become a believer too. Such is the strength of JaNaes passion and dedication to her chosen acting career. Her unwavering conviction in her impending stardom. Besides, as she mentioned to us, her beloved Guyanese-born father John Armogan who sadly passed two years ago, is now up in heaven seated close to God urging him at every opportunity to give both of his lovely twin daughters, JaNae and Shanna, the success they so richly deserve. With such divine power on her side, who can doubt that JaNaes acting star is indeed destined to shine. JaNaes persona seems tailor made for acting. She is very pretty with beguiling eyes and a sapodilla-brown complexion. The first thing you notice about JaNae though is her voice. In a word it is melodious. Very warm, most welcoming and ultimately totally engaging. So much so that a telephone conversation intended to hastily make arrangements for an in-person meeting, turns very quickly into a most enjoyable extended conversation that one feels reluctant to end. Such is the enrapturing warmth of JaNaes voice. It draws you in and holds you captive. In person with a smile thats dazzling in its brightness yet which has a hint of mischief, JaNaes warm, trusting nature shines through. In that shes very different from her twin sister Shanna. The combination of Shannas own natural beauty and her chosen profession as a model, makes her, understandably, initially very cautious in her interactions. With Shanna the distinct impression one receives is that her trust is not easily given, but rather it has to be well earned. You also get the feeling that even when given it might be just as quickly withdrawn. Should you provide even the slightest hint of being an unworthy recipient, in any way, shape or form. JaNae is quite the opposite. She trusts easily, seemingly always starting from the innocent belief that theres good in everyone. That anyone should be given the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. She would be the type of juror that Defense Attorneys of hardened criminals would love to have. Apart from their inescapable prettiness, what both sisters share is an obvious intelligence and captivating eloquence. To listen to JaNae describe the acting roles she has held so far is akin to being in the theatre yourself, watching the part unfold. Listening her speak one has absolutely no doubts about her talents as an actress. Although her God given talents are so obvious for all to see, acting wasnt JaNaes initial choice as a career. During high school she actu-

helped her land the lead role in the school production of CABARET. JaNaes performances left her audiences tremendously impressed. From that start JaNae then entered the International Modeling and Talent associations (IMTA) competition in Los Angeles in 2004. She took home four awards including Actress the year. Realizing that she had indeed discovered her true calling in life, she embarked on building her career with dedicated focus, auditioning for

fashion magazine called Fashions Studio 7, has done print-ad modeling for Canon photos, Canadian Tire, Jerrys Skating world magazine, music videos for Jared Letos Thirty seconds to mars, and new & upcoming artist Ashraf, as well as television shows such as Queer as Folk, Tilt, Warehouse 13. Just to name a few. She auditioned for and won the role of Vivian in writer MASON HAIGH/ Executive producer Cleon Morgans short film Sleeping

Dogs Lie, which has been accepted literally all around North America. Further success has been captured by a principle role in Mindscape film/Revolution Productions Left for Dead written and directed by Chris Harrison, a comedy T.V. movie. Shes also had roles in Curse of the Iron Mask directed by Bill Marks, two drama features called The Asylum and The Guardian, two pilots Against the Wall and The L.A. Complex, as well as the big hit series Rookie Blue. This coming March 14 she will be appearing in an episode of King, which will air on Showcase and Global. As the twin daughter of her American mother Jan and Guyanese/Canadian father John, JaNae enjoys the luxury of dual citizenship. Shes actually currently in LA, busily exploring opportunities in her chosen field. We caught up with her in person just before she left, engaging in a conversation that was so enjoyable it could have continued for hours. JaNae spoke freely, eloquently and passionately about her career as an actress and her experiences to date. She describes herself as a working actress, who considers herself as being very blessed and fortunate enough to be able to live off of her craft. The success she has enjoyed to date has not come easily. Like most shes had her ups and downs. In an industry that is so highly competitive and which can be downright cutthroat at the best of times, shes had to develop a very thick skin as a fundamental requirement for perseverance. Im a firm believer in never giving up because there really is no time limit in your passion, when things are slow you can find ways to keep yourself occupied. To keep herself occupied in-between acting roles, JaNae works part-time at the Rogers Center . She is a huge baseball fan, with the Blue Jays naturally being one of her favorite teams. She also tries to stay true to her father provided Caribbean roots, often indulging in island food and engaging in cultural activities such as the Toronto Carnival, formerly Caribana, whenever she can. Fortunate to have rubbed shoulders with some of actings brightest stars, she says her career has been influenced by the likes of Colin Farrell, Sean Penn, Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, Don Cheadle, Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie and Jada Pinkett-Smith. All of whom have impressed her as being very talented individuals but who also like her love what they do. Its not about the fame and I feel I can learn a lot from them she says. The biggest influence on JaNaes life and career though is unquestionably her father John Armogan, whom she describes, emotionally, as the most wonderful man she has ever met. Still saddened by his untimely passing roughly two years ago, she says he was the perfect father, totally loving, easy to talk to, tremendously supportive and immensely proud of all of her accomplishments. She takes strength from the knowledge that he is now in a much better place. Enjoying her progress from his heavenly view and as previously mentioned constantly urging God at every available opportunity to help her be successful. As naturally beautiful, talented and focused as she is, and blessed as she may be with such divine assistance, theres no doubt that JaNaes star will very soon shine bright for all the world to see.

February 22, 2012

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 5

Caribbean Perspective
Improved Canadian Market Access Sought For Rum And Beer
Caribbean rum and beer producers are hopeful that they will gain improved access into the Canadian market as a result of the current negotiations on a new Trade and Development accord between the Canadian and CARICOM governments. Problems of access for Caribbean alcoholic beverages into the Canadian market, especially the Ontario market, were raised at a recent Canada-CARICOM Trade Development Forum when the Regions private sector got an opportunity to provide an input into the negotiating positions of the CARICOM Office for Trade Negotiations (OTN). While some of the barriers Caribbean rum producers face, especially blending requirements, are well known, the hurdles which the three beer producers - Carib, Red Stripe and Banks - face in Ontarios Beer Stores were ventilated at the recent forum. Beer producers are required to pay a one-time listing fee of $2,725 and an additional $218 for each additional store in which they would like to sell their product up to 233 stores and then $51 per stores beyond the first 233. The Beer Store (TBS) insists that the number of stores in which a brewers product can be sold is fully in control of the brewer. It costs approximately $50,000 if beer producers want to have their products available in at least 50 percent of TBS stores. A TBS official advised me that no brand is discriminated against. While the system may be owned by Labatt, Molson and Sleeman, it is completely open to any brewer in the world. Any brewer can list whatever brands they want in whatever stores they want. In practice, Caribbean beer does not always get much visibility as it is not easily seen on entering the store and, in many cases, these products are at the back of the store. If the Caribbean product doesnt sell, due to lack of visibility and availability, the product can be delisted. Recently, a Brampton restaurant was unable to get a particular brand of Caribbean beer from a TBS outlet. The Beer Company claims that supply issues are due to supply chain problems at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO). If the product is out of stock in the LCBO warehouse or the LCBO fails to deliver the products ordered then a stock-outs can occur. The LCBO, on the other hand, says sometimes it is a supplier issue out of its control. Some Caribbean breweries believe availability is sometimes linked to a trend by TBS to make supplies more available in areas where there is an ethnic population while the beer producers want to sell to the much wider and more profitable mainstream Canadian market. The LCBO says its store managers are free to choose products that they feel with have appeal in their local market. A LCBO official told me that it is also important for suppliers to have their sales reps visit stores to help increase distribution. However, undertaking costly promotions only make financial sense if the LCBO then agrees to increase stocks of the Caribbean beer. A study commissioned by the CARICOM Secretariat on the Canadian market for wines and spirits noted that Ontario and every other Province and Territory have monopolies on the introduction of all alcoholic beverages into their territories both from abroad and from other provinces. The report also observed that distribution and warehousing services for importers are generally reserved for the provincial liquor boards. ``This has been criticized as being a legally sanctioned price fixing mechanism to guarantee profits and discourage price competition, thus protecting established major producers.`` The study also pointed out that in a number of provinces, additional outlets - such as grocery stores or licensed retail stores - are available for sales of the domestically produced products or domestically bottled products but these facilities do not cater for imported product. The Canadian liquor market appears to be lucrative from the countrys pricing perspective; products can enter tariff free under CARIBCAN, however entry is subjected to quantitative restrictions and government controls,`` the study concluded. The Caribbean Brewers Association (CBA) is fully behind proposals for new market access measures that would better accommodate/facilitate trade, route to market and price competitiveness of brands from comparatively small Caribbean breweries in the Canadian market. As regards the Caribbean rum industry, one of the key CARICOM proposals calls for the elimination of blending requirements, which the Sandra Ann West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA) has been pressing for. Caribbean rum producers take issue with Canadian regulations that require rum bottled in Canada to be blended with Canadian alcohol by 1 to 1.5 percent by volume. Caribbean rum exporters mostly export bottled rum. Production costs could be cut considerably if regional rum could be bottled in Canada without the blending requirements. CARICOM wants to have National Treatment (same as applies to Canadian producers) to be accorded to alcoholic beverage on issues such as listing, pricing, access to points of sale, distribution, merchandising, cost of service and fees. Caribbean trade negotiators are also recommending that the listing of alcoholic beverages be transparent. They want to have reasons provided, within a specified period, if a listing is revoked. As well, they are calling for an appeals process. For the purposes of labelling, Caribbean rum producers feel that Canada should not permit any spirit drink to be offered for sale as Caribbean Rum, unless certain requirements are met, especially that such products are made from sugar cane products fermented and distilled in a CARICOM or Commonwealth Caribbean country. The CARICOM negotiators are seeking concessions similar to those granted to Costa Rica and that form part of the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Canadian international trade officials have indicated that Canada is prepared to consider revisiting Canadian requirements for Caribbean rum exports. This is a good sign. CARICOM trade negotiators are expecting that commitments given by the Canadians at the Federal level and measures agreed to in a new accord will be enforceable at the provincial level. (Sandra Ann Baptiste is a Business Consultant and Specialist in Caribbean Affairs)

Baptiste

The Greatest Ever?

Soul diva Whitney Houstons sad and untimely passing has sparked a lively debate on her place in history as a female vocalist. During the memorable February 18 star studded celebration of her life, one of the Eulogists referred to her voice as the Greatest Ever. That same sentiment was expressed on Torontos airwaves earlier in the week by one of FM98.7s weekday DJs. My beloved and departed father, for whom listening to music was his greatest hobby, often said that the measure of a great vocalist is their ability to sing anything, even crap, and make it sound so good that it would be worth listening to. With all due respect to Whitney, as lovely as her voice is undoubtedly, she was not in that League. Certainly not to the extent of other predeceased divas such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Dinah Washington, just to name a few. Anything anyone of those ladies sang sounded good, even today, now decades after their respective passings. In contrast, except for her memorable number one hits such as Saving All My Love For You, I Will Always Love You, The Greatest Love Of All, and Im Every Woman, a lot of Whitneys other music was in a word forgettable. I suspect that years from now, after all the sadness surrounding her untimely passing has subsided, Whitney will indeed assume her rightful place in music history as one of its greatest female vocalists, but certainly not the greatest ever. Such a conclusion is equally likely to draw the ire of many who may have allowed their evaluation of her musical talents to be clouded by the tragedy of her life and untimely passing. In any case Greatest Ever debates are more often than not subject to the participants respective points of reference. Although he didnt have even the slightest hint of a religious bone in his entire body and only ever went to church for weddings or funerals, my fathers eternal point of reference and ranking for all humanity was God, Frank Sinatra and Sir Garfield Sobers. To him the rest of us mere mortals were so far behind as to make the ranking and order irrelevant, regardless of the nature of the debate. While the majority of us would not be as clear cut in our opinions on any Greatest Ever debates, there are those whose achievements in their respective fields have deservedly earned such a label. Few would dispute Michael Jordans claim as the greatest basketball player ever to have graced the floorboards of the NBA. Likewise Wayne Gretzys place in hockey history. Pele as the greatest ever for soccer and Muhammad Ali for boxing are others from the field of sports. The Argentineans may want to suggest Maradona as an alternative to Pele, but that nationalistic spurred sentiment is arguably not shared by the rest of the world. Although many of us might not place him as close to God as my father did, Sir Garfield Sobers hold on the title of the greatest cricketer ever is hardly ever questioned in that sport. Not so for other many other more popular sports such as tennis, golf or motor racing. Was Roger Federer at his best better than Rod Laver in Mens tennis? Is Margaret Court the all-time great female tennis player or does that title belong to Martina Navratilova? Who is the golfs greatest? Is it Jack Nicklaus with his umpteen Masters Titles, Arnold Palmer or Gary Player? Will Tiger Woods yet upstage them all? For motor racing the legendary Scots Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart will certainly feature in any such debate. So too would the Brazilian Ayrton Senna, whose tragic death while racing catapulted him to iconic status amongst motor racing fans. Lets forget about sports to get back to the world of entertainment, specifically to acting and much closer to our culture. The baby boomers amongst us who were privileged to see his Oscar winning performance in Lilies Of The Field and numerous other memorable roles such as To Sir With Love, In the Heat Of The Night and Guess Whos Coming to Dinner, would label Bahamian-born Sidney Poitier as the greatest black actor ever. Certainly as the first black actor to win an Oscar and the only one to ever be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States of Americas highest civilian honor, Poitiers place in entertainment history is secure. So too is that of Halle Berry, as the first black female Oscar winner. To many males, this writer included, Ms Berry also holds title as the most beautiful woman to ever grace the planet. As previously mentioned given their subjectivity the majority of greatest ever debates are more often than not likely to be as inconclusive as they are spirited. Engaging in such frivolous pursuits is therefore but an exercise in futility, making little sense and serving no real purpose. For our own community a far more engaging and enjoyable debate would be an evaluation as to which of the gazillion establishments that now exist for that said purpose offer the best roti in town. Ten, twenty years ago one would have struggled to find a Roti Shop in Toronto, now there seems to be one on almost every major intersection. So which is the best? Now theres a debate to sink your teeth into. Between this and our next Issue we will do some sampling and present a report. In the interim feel free to send us your views.

Commentary

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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

February 22, 2012

Tony Mc

Guyanas Canadian Driven Economic Resurgence

Twenty-seven Canadian companies are lined up to secure licenses in Guyana for mining operations in gold, diamonds and manganese. Already two of them have licences for large scale open-face mining for gold and diamonds. The income that the Guyana government derived from small scale gold mining in 2010 was well over US$360 million. When the figure for 2011 is finalised, it will top that mark. Future income will quickly escalate if gold prices remain at US$1,000 an ounce or higher. The two Canadian-based companies are Guyana Goldfields and ETK Inc/Sandspring Resources Ltd. In the case of Sandspring, whose mine is located between the Cuyuni and Mazaruni rivers, its investment is said to be approximately US$700 million. The company will employ more than 1,000 Guyanese, and expects an annual production of between 250,000 and 300,000 ounces of gold, and 20 million pounds of copper over a period of 15 years. At the current price for gold, the company could contribute approximately US$550 million annually to Guyanas GDP. The other Canadian-based company, already in possession of a mining licence and an agreement with the government, is Guyana Goldfields Inc which has been operating in Guyana since 1996, and is now ready to expand and intensify its operations at Aurora. Guyana Goldfields Inc is also expected to invest millions of dollars, creating hundreds of new jobs and contributing in excess of US$500 million to the Guyana Treasury. While these earnings will spur significant growth in the Guyana economy and spawn many new service industries and a surge in employment, it is the oil and gas industries that offer the greatest prospects for dramatically enriching the country as a whole. Oil wells off Guyanas coast are now being drilled in earnest. Already the countrys economy is benefitting from millions of dollars being pumped by two companies into their operations. Should the drilling release the expected millions of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas, the countrys economy will boom. The companies that have started drilling are Canadian-based CGX, and Spanishbased Repsol. Shares in both companies are publicly traded, and Guyanese persons invested in them. Sir Ronald and companies havewith CGX, TullowRepsol, in partnership and YPF is drilling a 6,500-meter (21,000 feet) well in the Guyana Basin that experts claim could hold up to 15 billion barrels of oil and 42 trillion cubic feet (1.2 trillion cubic meters) of natural gas. Separately, CGX is drilling in the same basin to a depth of 4,250 meters (13,730 feet). The cost of the drilling operations is in excess of US$200 million over the next six months. The problem that confronts Guyana is that, having had no prior experience of the oil and gas industries, there is a chronic lack of skills in the Guyanese population to fill top managerial and technical positions. The same observation is true of the largescale open pit mining for gold and diamonds that will now begin. The University of Guyana and other technical schools are not training students to the required levels in drilling, design, mining, electrical, chemical, mechanical and petroleum engineering. Yet, all these skills and more will be required soon and over the coming decades. There will also be a need for geophysicists, geologists, and geochemists. A booming economy must ultimately produce top jobs for locals from what will become its highest-paying industry. If it fails to spread the benefits of high earnings across the entire community, the industries will become as much a cross as a crutch. In Guyanas pre-independence period as in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago the mining sectors, bauxite, petroleum and asphalt were dominated by expatriates who filled the top management, finance, marketing and technical positions. Because of the absence of local skills this was almost inevitable. This is not a situation that Guyana should sleep-walk into again. The government of Guyana should invest urgently in modernising and upgrading the countrys institutions of learning to cover not only these subject areas, but also to provide training

Sanders

in management, marketing and accounting for the oil and gas industry. Forty years ago, when oil and gas became key industries in Norway, there were few Norwegians with any skills or training to fill managerial and technical positions. Expatriates were brought in to carry-out the required tasks, earning a disproportionate income to Norwegians. Wisely, the Norwegian government invested heavily in training its nationals and, today, the vast majority of qualified workers at every level of the industries are Norwegian. Guyana will not be able to train sufficient people in the shortterm to fill high-level managerial and technical positions in the industries, but it should start to do so as quickly as possible. Some portion of the monies being paid to the government now by the companies that have already started exploring, and those that will do so shortly, should be specifically allocated to provide such skill training by qualified lecturers and trainers many of whom would have to be recruited from abroad in the beginningCanada is a good place from which to recruit them. Whats also needed is a Guyana National Wealth Fund in which governments annual earnings from oil, gas, gold and diamonds could be placed for medium and long-term investment. Only a Parliamentary-approved portion of the capital and the annual interest should be used to help finance the countrys national annual budget. The Norwegian model recommends itself. Throughout the current global financial crisis, and previous ones, Norway has maintained a sound economy and a strong fiscal position because it has been fortified by interest payments from its National Wealth Fund in which a significant portion of its oil and gas revenues are saved. Today, the Fund is worth US$450 billion, owns more 1% of the Worlds assets, and gives Norway a healthy annual income that helps to provide a high standard of living for its people. In the coming decades, that could be the Guyana story too. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com (The writer is a Consultant and former Caribbean diplomat)

BVI: So Many Islands; So Little Time!

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British dependency located in the Caribbean to the east of Puerto Rico. The islands make up part of the Virgin Islands archipelago, the rest of which constitute the U.S. Virgin Islands. The BVI consists of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with over thirty other smaller constitution was adopted in 2007 (the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007) and came into force when the Legislative Council was dissolved for the 2007 general election. The Head of Government under the new constitution is who is elected in a general election along with the other members of the ruling government as well as the members of the opposition. A Cabinet is nominated by the Premier and appointed by the Governor. The Legislature consists of the Queen (represented by the Governor) and a unicameral House of Assembly made up of 13 elected members plus the Speaker and the Attorney-General. The majority of the population (83%) are Afro-Caribbean, descended from the slaves brought to the islands by the British. Other large ethnic groups include those of British and other European origin. The islands are overwhelmingly Christian (96%) with the largest individual Christian denominations being Methodist (33%), Anglican (17%), and Catholic (10%). Muslims constitute approximately 1.2% of the population according to a 2009 Pew Research Center Report Because of its location and climate, the British Virgin Islands has long been a haven for sailing enthusiasts. Sailing is regarded as one of the foremost sports in all of the BVI. Calm waters and steady breezes provide some of the best sailing conditions in the Caribbean. Many sailing events are held in the waters of this country, the largest of which is a week-long series of races called the Spring Regatta. This is the premier sailing event of the Caribbean, with several races hosted each day. Boats include everything from full-size mono-hull yachts to dinghies. Captains and their crews come from all around the globe to attend these races. The Spring Regatta is part race, part party, part festival. There are races, games, and music during the day, and some crazy party-

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type ranges from resorts, hotels, apartments, cottages, villas or for those wishing to get away from it all there are also private island stays! From languid resorts, cottages and villas, to spectacular campgrounds and dock slips, to your own private island, the Virgin Islands are renowned for hospitable and authentic accommodations that make any Caribbean vacation dreams come true.

islands and cays. About 15 of the islands are inhabited. The capital, Road Town, is situated on Tortola, the largest island, which is approximately 20 km (12 mi) long and 5 km (3 mi) wide. The islands have a population of about 22,000, of whom approximately 18,000 live on Tortola. The Virgin Islands were first settled by the Arawaks from South America around 100 BC. The Arawaks inhabited the islands until the 15th century when they were displaced by the more aggressive Caribs, after whom the Caribbean Sea is named. The first European sighting of the Virgin Islands was by Christopher Columbus in 1493 on his second voyage to the Americas. Columbus gave them the fanciful name Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Vrgenes (Saint Ursula and her 11,000 Virgins), shortened to Las Vrgenes (The Virgins), after the legend of Saint Ursula. The Spanish Empire claimed the islands by discovery in the early 16th century, but never settled them, and subsequent years saw the English, Dutch, French, Spanish and Danish all jostling for control of the region, which became a notorious haunt for pirates. In 1672, the English captured Tortola from the Dutch, and the English annexation of Anegada and Virgin Gorda followed in 1680. The British Virgin Islands were considered principally a strategic possession, but were planted when economic conditions were particularly favorable. The Islands were administered variously as part of the British Leeward Islands or with St. Kitts and Nevis, with an Administrator representing the British Government on the Islands. The islands gained separate colony status in 1960 and became autonomous in 1967. Since the 1960s, the islands have diversified away from their traditionally agriculture-based economy towards tourism and financial services, becoming one of the wealthiest areas in the Caribbean. Most of the islands are volcanic in origin and have a hilly, rugged terrain. Anegada is geologically distinct from the rest of the group and is a flat island composed of limestone and coral. The British Virgin Islands enjoy a tropical climate, moderated by trade winds. Temperatures vary little throughout the year. In the capital, Tortolas Road Town, typical daily maximum temperatures are around 32 C (89.6 F) in the summer and 29 C (84.2 F) in the winter. Typical daily minimum temperatures are around 24 C (75.2 F) in the summer and 21 C (69.8 F) in the winter. Rainfall averages about 1,150 mm (45.3 in) per year, higher in the hills and lower on the coast. Rainfall can be quite variable, but the wettest months on average are September to November and the driest months on average are February and March. Hurricanes occasionally hit the islands, with the hurricane season running from June to November. There are 113 kilometres (70 mi) of roads. The main airport, Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport also known as Beef Island Airport, is located on Beef Island, which lies off the eastern tip of Tortola and is accessible by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. Virgin Gorda and Anegada have their own smaller airports. The main harbour is in the Capital Road Town. There are also ferries that operate within the British Virgin Islands and to the neighboring United States Virgin Islands. As in the UK, cars in the British Virgin Islands drive on the left side of the road, however they differ in that they are left-hand drive, as well. The roads are often quite steep and winding, and ruts can be a problem when it rains. Executive authority in British Virgin Islands is vested in The Queen and is exercised on her behalf by the Governor of the British Virgin Islands. The Governor is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the British Government. Defence and Foreign Affairs remain the responsibility of the United Kingdom. A new

ing at night. The Spring Regatta is normally held during the first week of April. The traditional music of the British Virgin Islands is called fungi after the local cornmeal dish with the same name, often made with okra. The special sound of fungi is due to a unique local fusion between African and European music. It functions as a medium of local history and folklore and is therefore a cherished cultural form of expression that is part of the curriculum in BVI schools. The fungi bands, also called scratch bands, use instruments ranging from calabash, washboard, bongos and ukulele,

to more traditional western instruments like keyboard, banjo, guitar, bass, triangle and saxophone. Apart from being a form of festive dance music, fungi often contains humorous social commentaries, as well as BVI oral history. As a vacation destination the British Virgin Islands has much to offer including many beaches that are carved in all shapes and sizes. From the surf-worthy waves of Apple Bay, to the pristine white sands that blanket Elizabeth Beach, to the boaters paradise, Deadmans Bay, every beach has its special own magic to offer. With endless skies and inviting water, BVIs beaches offer a different adventure every day of your vacation. For those who prefer to be active, theres an array of things to do within the islands of BVI, with many annual events that attract visitors of all interests. For accommodation theres a wide range of places to stay across all of the islands. Accommodation

Rich in natural and cultural history, the British Virgin Islands also boast some of the worlds most fascinating sights. There are 21 National Parks, which encompass a stunning array of land and marine areas including historic sites, tropical forests, bird sanctuaries and one of the worlds most famous shipwrecks, each a jewel in its own right. Whether accessed by boat, car or taxi, the Virgin Island National Park sites can be the highlight of any trip. Established in 1961, the BVI National Parks Trust is responsible for safeguarding the territorys natural assets, as well as the territorys first national park at Sage Mountain on Tortola. Those into culinary delights can experience the diversity of the BVIs cuisine. From the vibrant, delicious local foods passed on from a colorful history to the melting pot of succulent cuisines indicative of its diverse population. Whether ones preference is to enjoy a fun casual atmosphere at one of the beach bars or an exquisite fine dining experience, they are all there to partake as part of an enchanting epicurean adventure! Tortola, the capital island of the BVI with its natural beauty is the best known of the Islands. As the largest island of the BVI chain, Tortola offers a variety of Caribbean vacation activities to indulge in. Powdery white-sand beaches, lush green mountains, and a sheltered yacht-filled harbor characterize the island of Tortola, where the past of the West Indies meets the present of the BVI. Visitors can swim or stroll its white-sand beaches, explore ancient ruins, try its delectable local cuisine, or drop anchor and rock with the rhythm of the azure ocean. Often described as a mini paradise, Virgin Gorda entices travelers with its yacht clubs, quiet coves, safe anchorages and luxury resorts and villas. On the North Sound and accessible only by water, the exclusive Bitter End Yacht Club offers a premier resort and barefoot elegance. As a day trip, ferries run regularly between neighboring Tortolas Road Town and Spanish Town, which also has its own airport. Another ferry from Beef Islands Trellis Bay takes passengers to Leverick Bay, the Bitter End Yacht Club and Biras Creek. Named for an early Dutch settler and former pirate, rugged scenery and colorful folklore make up Jost Van Dyke. With fewer than 300 inhabitants, it measures just four miles by three, with the highest point at 1,054 feet. Jost Van Dykes favored cuisine includes barbecues, West Indian rotis, flying fish sandwiches, grilled fresh fish and lobster. Club Paradise is famous for its conch stew and barbecued ribs, while the Caribbeans most famous cocktail, The Painkiller, was invented at The Soggy Dollar Bar. Great Harbour is world-famous for its yacht-filled parties on Halloween and New Years Eve. In this part of the Virgin Islands, visitors can explore vegetation-covered sugar mill ruins, old trails that crisscross the island and the East Ends natural sea-formed Jacuzzi, or observe whales and dolphins. Anegada, or the Drowned Land as it was called by the Spanish, is the only coral island in the Virgin Islands volcanic chain. Measuring 11 miles by three, its highest point is just 20 feet above sea level. Striking coral reefs surround the island, including the Eastern Caribbeans third largest continuous reef, Horseshoe Reef. Secluded sandy beaches protected by the sheltering reef. Flanking the aquamarine waters of the broad Sir Francis Drake Channel, the remainder of the British Virgin Islands constitutes more than 60 islands. BVI visitors relish in the discovery of their pristine palm-fringed beaches, rugged peaks and rich vegetation, while some islands are uninhabited and designated as national parks. With so much to see and do, the British Virgin Islands can indeed present the delightful challenge of so many Islands, so little time!

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February 22, 2012

Barbados Beat Poverty Rising

BRIDGETOWN, - There are more poor people in Barbados today than 12 years ago, according to Government, and Opposition Leader Owen Arthur agrees. Citing his concern over a report from Minister of Social Care Steve Blackett that 8.7 per cent of respondents in a sample survey conducted in 1998 lived below the poverty line and that the number had risen to 19.3 per cent in 2010, Arthur said poverty here had skyrocketed. And he called on Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler to loose the noose and reverse the taxation policies strangling Barbadians. Speaking at Grantley Adams Memorial School on February 19 at the St Joseph

Brown And Rihanna Back Together

NEW YORK, N.Y - Chris Brown and Rihanna are back together, musically speaking. Two songs featuring the singers hit the Internet on Februaty 20. Brown sings on the remix of Rihannas sexually charged song Birthday Cake, and shes on the remix of his upbeat tune Turn Up the Music. Brown tweeted a link to the new version of Turn Up the Music on Monday, and Rihanna later retweeted it. She also tweeted about the remix for Birthday Cake. Brown attacked his then-girlfriend Rihanna at a pre-Grammy Awards party in 2009. He pleaded guilty to a felony charge and is serving five years of probation. Last year, a judge eased a restraining order after an attorney for Rihanna said she didnt object to removing the stay-away provisions. The order had required Brown to stay 50 yards (45 metres) away from Rihanna, but the restriction was reduced to 10 yards (9 metres) if they were at a music industry event. After a three-year absence from the Grammys, Brown made his return this year, performing twice at the show and winning best R&B album. Rihanna also

Owen Arthur nomination of incumbent Dale Marshall, Arthur said the statistics revealed Governments inaction on this matter.

Rihanna performed and picked up a trophy. Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, told Esquire magazine in its October 2010 issue that she no longer resented Brown and that she enjoys his music. The two singers first collaborated musically in 2007 on the remix to her monster hit Umbrella. Brown also tweeted HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBYN to Rihanna, who turned 24 on February 20. A representative for Rihanna said she had no comment.

Regional Security Cash Injection

BRIDGETOWN, An additional $200,000 is being pumped into the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). This will be added to the $2 million in equipment donation, and the US$10 million for the Regional Security Systems Airwing which were all announced last November. This was disclosed by director of Narcotic Affairs at the US Embassy in Bridgetown, Kurt van der Walde. This would be used specifically for border and port security for Eastern Caribbean countries and aimed primarily at providing operational mentoring for our partner nations, he said. However, Caribbean countries must step up to the plate and show results that the funds received are helping in order to continue benefitting from the massive injection of money in the future. Walde also warned that the CBSI funding will not go on forever as the training and equipment donations will end in a few years. The director said US experts will continue to visit each benefitting island to collaborate and share global best practices in detecting and combating illicit activity that causes breaches in border security. This, he told participants of a Regional Security System Border Security and Anti-Terrorism course at Paragon, needed to be achieved through a unified regional response.

Flying Fish & Cou Cou Is Number Three

BRIDGETOWN, - The legendary Barbadian national dish cou-cou and flying fish received the honour of being number three of NationalGeographic.coms top 10 national dishes. It was described as: a polenta-like cornmeal and okra porridge, coo-coo pairs perfectly with flying fishonce abundant but now overfished and scarcewhich is either steamed with lime juice, spices, and vegetables or fried and served with a spicy sauce. Hamburgers from the US was ranked the number one national dish.

US Noose
BRIDGETOWN, - It will now be more difficult for American citizens, companies and even Barbadians living in the United States to maintain bank accounts and do other financial transactions here. In an effort to rein in billions of tax dollars the United States government claims it is losing, from January 1, 2013 all financial institutions will have to register and report directly to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on the financial accounts of all US taxpayers. The annual reporting is required not only for funds held in banks and insurance companies but also any major investments Americans make in companies. The laws are part of the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), enacted by the American Congress in 2010.

Half Million Dollars Royal Visit

BRIDGETOWN, - Barbados is spending more than half a million dollars to fix up Government House and meet expenses for an official state visit of the Earl and Countess of Wessex later this month. The February 23 to 24 visit is part of the celebration of the Queens 60th year on the throne her Diamond Jubilee and to play its part, Barbados is spending a total of $530,643, Parliament has been told. Prime Minister Freundel Stuart told the House of Assembly that $254,445 was needed to pay for the activities being coordinated

by the Cabinet Office, including two state functions, while Minister of Transport and Works John Boyce explained that the remaining $276,198 was being spent on renovating and upgrading Government House to prepare for the Royal visit. Barbados is still a member of her realm and all of the members of Her Majestys realm have been called upon to appropriately commemorate Her Majestys Diamond Jubilee . . . so Barbados is playing its part in that regard, he said. (DP)

February 22, 2012

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EC News Cabinet Reshuffle

KINGSTON - Four changes in the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will take place on February 20, according to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. The former Minister of Agriculture, Montgomery Daniel, is now in charge of the Ministry of Housing, Informal Human Settlements, Lands and Surveys and Physical Planning. Clayton Burgin was appointed Minister of Health, Welfare and Environment and, Cecil McKie will be Minister of Tourism, Sport and Culture. Senator Charles Elvis will serve as Parliamentary Secretary of this ministry, who will be responsible for both sectors. Saboto Caesar will be the new Minister of Agriculture, Industry, Forestry, Fishery and Rural Transformation. Gonsalves said the ministers have been moved to different cabinet posts so that they can have different experiences.

Regional Ferry Welcomed

Antigua to Push Gambling Ruling Enforce
ST JOHNS - Antigua and Barbudan authorities have announced that they will again launch WTO proceedings against the United States and its treatment of offshore gambling operators. Having won a landmark decision from the WTO in 2004 that United States laws criminalising remote gaming services offered to American consumers from Antigua were in violation of US international treaty obligations, Antigua and Barbuda has been unable despite sustained efforts to either get the United States to comply with the WTO ruling or to negotiate any nature of reasonable compromise to settle the dispute, the government said. Last Decembers surprise announcement by the United States Department of Justice that United States law did not prohibit many forms of internet gambling has been a game changer. Although the United States had lost the case at the WTO, its defence was predicated on its stated position that American laws prohibited all remote gaming, because the activity was so pernicious that it was incapable of being regulated to protect the public interest. Publicly, the United States had continued to use its supposed prohibition of all remote gaming as a basis for continued non-compliance with its international trade obligations. The territorys Minister of Finance and the Economy, Harold Lovell said: Now that the entire basis for the United States objection to allowing our trade in remote gaming services has gone away, it is increasingly impossible to understand why the United States has not complied with this decision. In the absence of successful negotiations, the government said the territory has a number of options at the WTO with which to force American compliance with the ruling. In the coming days, Lovell announced, the government will be consulting with appropriate officials and legal counsel to determine the best way forward for our people and industry. We played by the rules and earned a hard-fought and fair victory. It is high-time that the United States do what it routinely expects from its own trading partners - comply with WTO law and rulings.

Open Airport
ST GEORGES, The Grenadian government is prepared to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the islands Maurice Bishop International Airport remains open. This was the assurance given by Information Minister, Senator Glen Noel, and other officials this week as government sought to ment against the Government of Grenada for outstanding loans in a Suit filed in the United States. The Taiwanese have made a claim for all monies owing to the Government of Grenada and its agencies to be paid against the loan. Consequently, a request was made to airlines operating on the

Airport Privatization Decision Forthcoming

KINGSTON, - The decision as to whether the first international airport in St. Vincent & the Grenadines will be state-run or privatised is expected to be made within the next two months, it has been revealed. Speaking to Airport World during the Routes Americas conference in The Bahamas, Glen Beache, CEO of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Tourism Authority, said the government was mulling whether to put operation of the new airport out to tender or to run it directly. The government is going to decide in the next two months whether it is going to be privatised, Beache said, adding I think it should be privatised and that is the message I am putting forward to them. On track to be completed by November 2013, the new Argyle airport will have one terminal and is expected to handle its first international flights in 2014. Funding has come from countries including Qatar, Venezuela, Cuba and Iran and Beache believes that private, foreign ownership would be the best way to develop the new gateways future route network. If you have someone who is experienced in this sort of management it helps you to attract the airlines, they have the network to attract international carriers, we have to take this into consideration, he said. The operators of Barbados Grantley Adams International Airport are doing a good job, the Portuguese also have a lot of good examples [of private ownership] out there, it is a matter of choosing the right one. Once completed, Argyle International Airport will be capable of handling aircraft up to the size of a B747.

allay fears by giving strong assurances that the Tillman Thomas administration would make the necessary financial arrangements for the Airports Authority to ensure the facility remained open to daily traffic. The operations of the airport are under threat as thousands of dollars daily in international airline fees are being diverted away from the Grenada Airports Authority thanks to a judgment against the country in its legal battle with Taiwan. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation also issued a recent statement saying that it was working with other government departments, particularly the Attorney Generals Chambers and the Ministry of Finance, to arrive at a solution to the current financial difficulties being experienced by the Grenada Airports Authority. This situation arose as a result of the EXIM Bank of Taiwan obtaining judg-

Grenada route to pay monies owed to the Grenada Airports Authority to the Taiwanese. An escrow account was established and carriers such as Virgin Airlines, British Airways and Delta Airlines have begun to deposit monies owed to the Airports Authority into the said account. This has placed the Airports Authority in a very precarious financial position. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation statement added that all government parties were working toward a speedy resolution given the negative impact that severe disruptions to the airports operations could have on the countrys economy at a time when it could least afford it. The Government has promised to give a complete update on the status of efforts aimed at bringing a resolution to the debt with EXIM Bank of Taiwan, during the presentation of the 2012 budget.

Arrest Made
BASSETERRE, - A man suspected of mugging U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer in the Caribbean country of Saint Kitts and Nevis earlier this month has been arrested. Vedel Browne, 28, turned himself in over the February 18 weekend. He is believed to have been masked and wielding a machete when he stole $1,200 from Breyer, his wife and guests at their home. Browne, a painter and gardener, was charged with the robbery, which took place on the island of Nevis, where Breyer and his wife have a home. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

February 22, 2012

Guyana Digest
Fun Park Opened
GEORGETOWN, - A Fun and Recreational Park, located opposite Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, was officially opened by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on February 19. The Double Day Fun Park is another venture by Mr. and Mrs. Bhola, proprietors of Double Day Hotel. The proprietors have made other significant efforts to benefit the community such as providing a taxi service and a library, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA). We have to balance the work and playWe must find time for leisure. We must have provisions for leisure, Prime Minister Hinds asserted as he commended Mr. Bhola. The colourful park is comprised of trampolines, a merry-go-round, slides, swings and many other amusing games for children. Chairman of Region 3, Mr. Julius Faerber, in his remarks, noted that Mr. Bhola has been doing a tremendous amount of work in and around the Tuschen community. We applaud his effort for working closely in ensuring that the community is better, Faerber lauded. The recreational park will be available to youths free of cost. However, there would be a zero tolerance to the consumption of alcohol and smoking. This park is opened for the public; care for it and we will enjoy it, Mr. Bhola said to his fellow community members.

Avoid Fast Money Lure

GEORGETOWN - Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, while addressing the Commissioning Parade of the Standard Officers Course #44 at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Drill Square, Base Camp Ayanganna, told the gathering that, in securing our nation, he urges members of the disciplined services to avoid the temptation of being compromised by the lure of fast money and quick riches. The president said, Yielding to such temptations corrupts good morals and is an affront to our proud heritage. I urge instead [that you] pursue diligently and steadfastly on the honourable road to success, hard and honest [work]; and there is no substitute for such an approach. President Ramotar said the attitude of the newly-commissioned second lieutenants must be that of integrity and professionalism, which are key elements to serve in the disciplined services. He stated that the government would continue to professionalise and modernise the military, to better serve our people; and he assured the soldiers that the government would support committed professionals that serve in the disciplined services. President Ramotar urged the newly decorated officers to remain loyal to the Constitution of Guyana, and to continue to bring values, as well as take care of retired members of the disciplined services, in ensuring they have an active and fulfilling future ahead of retirement. He disclosed that government has pledged its continued support in providing training to members of the disciplined services; nevertheless, he encouraged others to join and assume leadership roles, where men and women can have a bright, rewarding future of serving this country and its people.

Sex Laws Liberalization

GEORGETOWN The abolition of buggery and prostitution laws by 2015 is being considered by some Caribbean countries striving to achieve their Millenpremise that regional laws are more easily acceptable. But with politicians fearful of taking a stand which may be unpopular among voters, or upset the religious organ-

Reckless Behavior
GEORGETOWN - The Government is of the view that the tripartite discussions with the Opposition are being threatened by the recent reckless behaviour displayed in the National Assembly, Presidential Advisor on Governance and Member of Parliament (MP), Ms. Gail Teixeira has said. She told reporters, at a press conference after the sitting, that the government will review the developments which took place in the House and make further decisions. However, Teixeira gave the assurance that government remains committed to the talks with the other side but, like President Donald Ramotar said at the official opening of the Tenth Parliament, cooperation and partnership should be exercised. We want partnership, we want cooperation, we want to build our country but we will not be held hostage, she reiterated. Asked how long the government is prepared to continue the tripartite relationship given the developments, Teixeira replied:Until it doesnt work anymore.She noted that the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has a long history of talking in the worst of times under the most severe pressure and also in the best of times. Teixeira added that the party has always kept doors open to dialogue, keeping what is best for Guyana and to put the development of the country on the front burner. With regard to the Oppositions utterances of putting the interest of Guyanese first, she said that strongly contradicts the actions at the February 16 sitting of the National Assembly to disapprove the $6.5M used to pay wages to staff of the General Registrars Office for overtime work during the registration period of elections, ensuring that eligible persons received their birth certificates and were qualified to vote. Teixeira said the Oppositions move to vote against something that would benefit workers comes as a surprise to her, as was never experienced during her 19 years in Parliament.

nium Development Goals. This according to a senior United Nations (UN) official who said the countries, mostly former British colonies that are Caricom member nations, are faced with potential political and religious fall-out as a result. UN Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS to the Caribbean, Dr. Edward Greene, said at least 20 per cent of some Caribbean countries were gay, and stressed that a culture shift must be considered. He joins others in the view that prohibitive laws forces commercial sex workers and Men who have Sex with Men to go underground, making it difficult for them to access HIV education, diagnosis and treatment. According to him, the Caribbean plans to take a two-pronged approach to the situation, and will include rallying support from Champions for Change, faith-based organisations and womens groups on the

isations, Dr. Greene said experts proposed to produce a research paper on the impact of decriminalizing such activities in other countries. In that way politicians in each jurisdiction would be better insulated from criticisms, he said. He is calling on Caricom member countries to take a regional position as it relates to the revamping on such laws, and which will also be in keeping with international trends. That way we save national politicians from having to put forward these views as if they were theirs, said Dr. Greene, a former Caricom Assistant Secretary General for Human and Social Development. He added that the Pan-Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS was drafting a model legislation for the past five years.

$30 Million For Mash

GEORGETOWN Mashramani 2012 promises to be of historic proportions as Government has invested a total of $30M for the hosting of activities related to the national occasion. This announcement was made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, at his February 17 post-Cabinet media briefing in the Presidential Complex, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown. He said Cabinet noted that the enthusiasm of the Private Sector entities grows as the days pass. With regards to the likely intrigue of opposition political interest, he believes that popular imagination is right. Luncheon said Guyanese in the Diaspora would relish the news of increasing flights from North America, a recent decision that was approved by Cabinet, endorsing the licensing of direct flights between January to May 2012. He said it was Cabinets conviction that Mashramani 2012 holds great promises. It is expected to be bigger and better, as a number of new features have been introduced to the calendar of activities, including competitions. Among the competitions and activities scheduled for Mash are: Chutney and Soca competitions, Childrens Poetry, Dance and Costume competitions, Childrens Parade, Masquerade band, Inaugural Republic of Guyana lecture, decorated building and calypso competitions. The most anticipated event is the February 23 float parade. Guyana gained Republic status on February 23, 1970. Mashramani is the highlight of Guyanas Republic Anniversary celebrations and will be observed this year under the theme Mashing with pride; keeping the tradition alive.

Common Interests
PARAMARIBO The fight against piracy, intelligence sharing, strengthening of bilateral cooperation and cross-border security were among the issues discussed by President Donald Ramotar and his Surinamese counterpart, Desire Bouterse, as an eight-member Guyana delegation engaged in a one-day working visit to the Republic of Suriname. Mining, agriculture, and fisheries, as well as climate change were discussed, while the issue of military cooperation was placed on the front-burner. President Bouterse told journalists after signing the communiqu that it is in the interest of both states that the two countries armies collaborate. He said, however, that recurring comments about a border dispute between Guyana and Suriname must be placed on the back burner. President Bouterse said it is in the interest of the two states to focus on what binds them rather than what causes divisions.

Jamaica Yard Freezer Cash

Deadline For Energy
However, director of Communication of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Mr. Karl Angell said the case relating to the seizure of the money started after the criminal case was thrown out, and described it as a major success for the police. He explained that the results came from co-operation between the JCF, the Financial Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The POCA passed in 2007 allows police through the court to freeze, seize and forfeit the assets of people involved in criminal activity. KINGSTON, The Jamaican government is now US$1.35 million richer. Thats because the money, equivalent to JA$117 million, seized by police in 2007 under the Proceeds Of Crime Act (POCA) is to be turned over to the government. The cash, which represents the largest seizure in that countrys history, was found inside a freezer during a search of a West Cumberland premises in St. Catherine by members of the Organised Crime Investigation Division. Charges were laid in the matter, but the case was later dismissed.

Earnings Increase Being Sought

KINGSTON, The Jamaican government is looking to implement a number of projects that have the potential to sustain economic growth and development. To accomplish this, the government is intensifying its efforts to secure billions of US dollars in Foreign Direct Investment. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Anthony Hylton said the efforts would also include partnerships involving local and foreign private sector investment communities and the public sector. These, he noted, will be based on a structure with well-defined roles and responsibilities for each partner. Hylton stated: ...we must undertake in order to achieve any significant measure of economic transformation, FDI is expected to play an even greater role in the economic development of the country. In 2008, Jamaica attracted US$1.4 billion in FDI flows, which Hylton attributed to inflows in the agricultural, manufacturing distribution; and the information communications technology sectors, which increased by 61 per cent and 56.2 per cent, respectively, relative to 2007. The minister said he was remaining optimistic that Jamaica will be able to attract the level of foreign direct investment needed as the global recession recedes.

KINGSTON - The Jamaica Public Service Companys (JPS) plan to invest US$616 million (J$53 billion) to construct a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Old Harbour, St Catherine, could be abandoned if the Government fails to guarantee a steady supply of the gas. Quite frankly, this project will not go forward unless we are certain that natural gas is coming to Jamaica, and I mean certain, Dan Theoc, chief financial officer of the JPS, told journalists recently. We are saying over the next six months the process will be finalised so that we can have certainty on the matter before we move forward in complete earnest with the project, added Theoc even as he expressed confidence that the Government would come through with the LNG supply. The JPS has already received approval from the Office of Utilities Regulation to construct the plant which would represent one of the largest single investments in Jamaica in decades. The new LNG plant would allow the JPS to retire some of the old inefficient gas plants, including

the B6 generator at its Hunts Bay station. With construction scheduled to last for 27 months, the JPS says the LNG plant would lead to substantially cheaper electricity rates for Jamaicans by late 2014 or early 2015. The new LNG plant would also lead to an estimated annual savings in fuel cost for Jamaicans of about US$300 million (J$26 billion) and create employment for more than 1,200 Jamaicans during construction. But all that would be shelved if the Government fails to have everything in place for the planned introduction of LNG by October, which is when the JPS expects to begin construction. The planned introduction of LNG is already two years behind the initial schedule, but Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell has announced that the Chris Zacca-led LNG steering committee has approved a request from two of the infrastructure providers for a two-month extension of the bid deadline. However, Paulwell claimed that entities, including the JPS which are setting up LNG, would not be short-changed.

Rising Vehicle Costs Driving Up Fraud

KINGSTON Drivers are fleeing accident scenes leaving those injured as a result to fend for themselves. The situation, resulting from fake licences and fraudulent insurance cover notes, is being described as chronic, and one which involves mainly taxi and bus operators, but extends also to private drivers as well. Police state that a number of the documents were being sold at a cheaper rate than original documents. One taxi driver from Spanish Town explained that two types of illegally obtained certificate of fitness existed. He explained that JA$3,000 could purchase one certificate of fitness. But he said that document, which would be produced outside the examination depot by someone without authority, would be fraudulent and authorities would have no record of its existence. Legally he said a certificate of fitness could cost JA$2,500. Meanwhile, the taxi driver admitted to paying JA$4,000 each month to obtain a fraudulent insurance cover note because to do so legally would be too high. It is a situation head of the Police Traffic Division, Superintendent Radcliffe Lewis is not taking lightly. He added that police were also aware that people acting as brokers for legitimate insurance companies were also spearheading the racket.I am not saying that the Island Traffic Authority is free from blame, but what I can tell you is that most of these drivers licences are not issued by them. These bogus licences are computer-generated, the examination depots have nothing do with them. Any licence issued by the Island Traffic Authority would appear to be genuine and would also be found in our database, he said. The senior cop said that the police were on the trail of at least one of the persons involved in the production of the fake licences, some of which have legitimate information but for minor adjustments such as the removal of the clause which bars the individual from operating a public passenger vehicle.

First Hearing
KINGSTON - The case brought by Jamaican Shanique Myrie against the Barbadian government had its first hearing yesterday in the Caribbean Court of Justice. The hearing, which was in the form of a case-management conference, was done by way of video link from the Supreme Court. Myrie is accusing Barbadian officials of a cruel and vulgar cavity search at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados on March 14 last year. The casemanagement conference was held to ensure that all the relevant documents were filed and to determine the way the hearing should proceed. A date was not set for the next hearing but it was reported that it is likely to to take place in April. Justice Adrian Saunders, Justice Jacob Wit and Justice Winston Anderson from the Caribbean Court of Justice presided from Trinidad at the February 17 hearing. Myrie is being represented by Jamaican attorneys Michelle Brown and Marc Ramsay. Jamaica is the contracting party and was represented by attorneys-at-law Kathy-Ann Brown and Alicia Reid from the Attorney Generals Department. The case is said to be the first of its kind before the CCJ which is being asked to determine a critical issue which will be used as a precedent. Myrie, 22, wants the CCJ to determine what is the minimum standard of treatment to be given to CARICOM nationals moving within the region under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and its goal of hassle-free travel. Myrie is alleging that degrading treatment was meted out to her at the hands of Barbadian border officials at the airport. Myries lawyers had allowed time for both the Jamaican and the Barbadian governments to attempt to settle the issue. However, when a settlement was not reached, Myries lawyers obtained leave from the Jamaican Government to file the action.

Trinbago News
All Stars Again
PORT-OF-SPAIN - Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars retained its title as National Panorama Champions in the Large Conventional Band Category for 2012 at the Queens Park Savannah during the early morning hours of the February 18 Carnival Sunday. All Stars scored 279 points to beat 10 other steel bands and take the title for the second successive year. Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove was second with 274 points while PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars secured third, scoring 271. In the Medium Band Category, Katzenjammers was also successful in defending its crown after scoring 288 points. The Tobago bands nearest rival was NLCB Buccooneers, also out of Tobago, which scored 284 points. Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille rounded off the top three with 279 points.

Machel Retains Soca Monarch Crown

Hundreds Enjoy Kiddie Mas

PORT-OF-SPAIN - The younger generation once again brought out the colour and creativity often feared lost from the art of mas when they took to downtown Port of Spain on February 17 for the Kiddies Carnival parade. Hundreds of children of all ages took to the streets to demonstrate their skills at showcasing the costumes that the Greatest Show on Earth is famous for, chipping and dancing to the soca of today and yesteryear. As they eventually made their way to the Queens Park Savannah, hundreds of spectators, young and old, clapped along the route, the more dedicated ones following the bands all the way. Older kids and toddlers showed their awareness of local culture as they sang along to the various artistes songs blaring out of the trucks. There was no vulgarity here as the children pranced, skipped and jumped to the beats. One official along the route said while figures were not yet available, it appeared that more children played mas this year than in 2011. The costumes ran the gamut from representations of animals, local folklore and various mythology to more abstract subjects, such as music, in the case of large band Carnival Babies Enchanting Music section. That band also dedicated the section Jammin to the Beat to late mas veteran Wayne Berkeley. Patrick Manning PORT-OF-SPAIN - Machel Montano has venue to see the best artistes perform, but won the Digicel International Power Soca in the end, Machel, known as Mr. Fete Monarch and the Play Whe Groovy Soca this year, was chosen by the judges and Monarch for 2012. The competition, which the people for the Power Soca and Groovy was held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium Soca titles. He secured the $2 million first in Port of Spain on Fantastic Friday (Feb- prize after beating 11 other competitors in ruary 17), started just after 9pm and ended the Power Soca competition with Pump just after 4am the next morning. Thou- Your Flag and $500,000 in the Groovy sands of avid Soca lovers turned out at the Soca category.

Worlds Hottest Pepper

PORT-OF-SPAIN - According the research conducted by experts at New Mexico State Universitys Chile Pepper Institute, the hottest pepper in the world happens to be from Moruga. Online news reports have celebrated the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, as the planets hottest pepper. The articles described the pepper as sweat inducing, tear-generating, mouth-on-fire. The peppers were named scorpions because the pointed end of the pepper was said to resemble a scorpions stinger. The pepper was described as a golf ball-sized pepper (which) scored the highest among a handful of chile breeds reputed to be among the hottest in the world. Its mean heat topped more than 1.2 million units on the Scoville heat scale, while fruits from some individual plants reached two million heat units. Told of the unusual recognition for farmers of the area, Member of Parliament for Moruga Clifton De Coteau said, We feel very proud that the hottest pepper in the world comes from Moruga. We will definitely need to market this pepper locally and internally. Trinidad also has the best cocoa in the world and that is a nice combination. We have the sweetest cocoa and the hottest pepper.

Petrotrin Strike Off

PORT-OF-SPAIN - The strike is off. The Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU) and Petrotrin have settled a bitter wage dispute, a day before workers planned to walk off the job. It was agreed that the workers of the State-owned oil company would accept a nine percent wage increase over three years for the bargaining period 20082010. The deal came after a marathon 16hour meeting at the Ministry of Labour, St James Street, San Fernando. The union signed the terms of settlement on behalf of the five bargaining units it represents. Under the terms of settlement, the workers will receive their nine percent increase over three years after the consolidation of Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). The eleventh hour negotiation meeting was chaired by Labour Minister Errol Mc Leod who intervened to help broker a deal before a scheduled workers job abandonment at multiple onshore and offshore installations. The strike threat was already causing transportation chaos ahead of the Carnival, and would have cost the country untold millions. For several days before there had been panic buying of fuel across the country, leading to a shortage concentrated in south and central Trinidad, which strained the ability of National Petroleum and Petrotrin to deliver fuel to service stations. Talks had initially broken down after company and union could not find common ground on wages. The union had initially asked for a 75 percent increase over the three-year period, but stated it was willing to settle for less. However, Petrotrins Vice President Khalid Hassanali said the companys five percent offer, which came with other allowances, was extremely competitive given that Petrotrin workers were already among the highest paid in the energy sector. Hassanali said offering a double digit increase would imperil the companys financial viability. Petrotrin also appealed to workers not to join the strike since the country would lose significant revenue, and the shutdown would come at a time when the Gas Optimisation Programme, its Ultra Low Sulphur Deisel project, and key oil winning initiatives at Trinmar were at a crucial stage. The company also disclosed the existing salaries of some categories of workers to prove the superior compensation packages. With the new agreement, a general labourer will now earn a monthly salary in excess of $12,000, a mechanic in excess of $15,000 and an engineer in excess of $25,000. The more than 5,000 staff employees of Petrotrin will be entitled to retroactive payments. Company and union will shortly begin salary negotiations for the current bargaining period.

Blackberry Ring Busted

PORT-OF-SPAIN - A major robbery ring is believed to have been busted as police moved in on a kiosk at Town Centre Mall on Frederick Street in Port-of-Spain arresting the proprietor and seizing dozens of cell phones believed to be stolen. The operation, which occurred between 5pm and 7 pm on February 15, came in the wake of intelligence received by the police. Officers seized 67 phones, most of which carried the Blackberry brand, and a Dell computer also believed to be stolen. A 30 year old man of Barataria is expected to be charged with 50 counts of receiving stolen goods. Police said people were duped into purchasing the phones after they were palmed off as being brand new. The suspect, police added, was being monitored for a while. Officers are asking members of the public who might have had their cell phones stolen to visit the Woodbrook Police Station to have their phones identified. In a separate incident, four suspects were nabbed on outstanding warrants related to larceny matters. The exercise was headed by Supt Wayne Boyd and ASP Ajith Persad.

Raid Condemned
PORT-OF-SPAIN - A group of international media advocacy organizations are expressing outrage over recent tactics of intimidation against journalists in Trinidad and Tobago and are calling on the oil-rich Caribbean nations top cop to work with media houses to obtain information. The International Press Institute, National Association of Black Journalists and Unity Journalists of Color have jointly written and published an open letter to Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs condemning the recent newsroom raid at Newsday, a Trinidad daily, and a search of the home of one of its reporters, Andre Bagoo. After raiding the newsroom, nine police officers from the Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau entered Bagoos home and confiscated his cell phone, computers and flash drive to obtain the name of a confidential source. Bagoo, one of the countrys political reporters, had written an article about a dispute between the chairman of the Integrity Commission, which oversees ethical practices of public officials, and his deputy. He was later ordered by police in a letter to reveal his source. He refused. Both the invasion and confiscation of Bagoos property was not only a violation of press freedom, but horrific, shocking and wholly unacceptable. And, last weekends act of police force unfortunately shows a pattern in recent months, the groups said in the letter to Gibbs.

February 22, 2012

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Bannas Belly Busta Classics

Mark

Bannister

Mums The Word

A married couple was in a terrible accident where the womans face was severely burned. The doctor told the husband that they couldnt graft any skin from her body because she was too skinny. So the husband offered to donate some of his own skin. However, the only skin on his body that the doctor felt was suitable would have to come from his buttocks. The husband and wife agreed that they would tell no one about where the skin came from, and requested that the doctor also honor their secret. After all, this was a very delicate matter. After the surgery was completed, everyone was astounded at the womans new beauty. She looked more beautiful than she ever had before! All her friends and relatives just went on and on about her youthful beauty! One day, she was alone with her husband, and she was overcome with emotion at his sacrifice. She said, Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me. There is no way I could ever repay you. My darling, he replied, think nothing of it. I get all the thanks I need every time I see your mother kiss you on the cheek.

No Peer Pressure
A reporter was interviewing a 104 year-old woman: And what do you think is the best thing about being 104? the reporter asked. She simply replied, No peer pressure.

Everything Has Been Stolen

A drunk phoned police to report that thieves had been in his car. Theyve stolen the dashboard, the steering wheel, the brake pedal, the radio, and even the accelerator, he cried out. However, before the police investigation could start, the phone rang a second time and the same voice came over the line. Never mind, he said with a hiccup, I got in the back seat by mistake.

Delayed Arrival
An 85 year old couple, having been married almost 60 years, had died in a car crash. They had been in good health the last ten years mainly due to her interest in health food, and exercise. When they reached the pearly gates, St. Peter took them to their mansion which was decked out with a beautiful kitchen and master bath suite and Jacuzzi. As they oohed and aahed the old man asked Peter how much all this was going to cost. Its free, Peter replied, this is Heaven. Next they went out back to survey the championship golf course that the home backed up to. They would have golfing privileges everyday and each week the course changed to a new one representing the great golf courses on earth. The old man asked, what are the green fees?. Peters reply, This is heaven, you play for free. Next they went to the club house and saw the lavish buffet lunch with the cuisines of the world laid out. How much to eat? asked the old man. Dont you understand yet? This is heaven, it is free! Peter replied with some exasperation. Well, where are the low fat and low cholesterol tables? the old man asked timidly. Peter lectured, Thats the best part...you can eat as much as you like of whatever you like and you never get fat and you never get sick. This is Heaven. With that the old man went into a fit of anger, throwing down his hat and stomping on it, and shrieking wildly. Peter and his wife both tried to calm him down, asking him what was wrong. The old man looked at his wife and said, This is all your fault. If it werent for your blasted bran muffins, I could have been here ten years ago!

Government Cost Cuts

One morning a married couple were having a conversation about government cost cuts that they recently heard about in the paper. Honey, the wife said, while reading the newspaper, it looks like our government is going to cut overhead and trim down the military forces. They are going to eliminate six over aged destroyers. To which the husband replies, Sorry to hear that, dear. Im sure youll miss your mother being gone.

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February 22, 2012

Womens World - Beauty The New Look in Nails Tips for the Spring 2012
Know your style. Choose your nail colors wisely. This season, the colours span every shade of the rainbow. Although its always good to have options, keep in mind what works best for you, your style and your personality. Here are some tips to help you make a good decision. Make sure the colours compliment your complexion. You might find that one shade of blue looks great on you, yet another is terrible. Or youll notice that a vibrant pink looks great on someone who appears to have the same complexion as you, but on you the same color looks drab. The type of pink you can wear depends on your skin tone. It can also be determined by whether the polish itself has a yellow or blue base. Skin of colour is typically lumped into warm or neutral-based categories, but depending upon racial background, some shades have cool undertones as well. So how do you know what undertones your skin has? Stand in natural light, either outside or by a window and look at your arm. Skin with pink, blue or red undertones is considered cool. Skin with golden, beige, or olive is considered warm. If you still cant tell, look at your wrist. If your veins look blue, you have a cool undertone. If your veins look green, you have a warm undertone. If you still cant determine your undertone, you might be neutral and youre lucky because you can wear most colors. Pale Complexions Pale skin tones are considered a cool skin type. Lighter shades with pink or blue undertones are best. Pastel colors look great. Choose pinks or reds to brighten the complexion. Choose blue-based reds. If youre pale with a warm tone, you can even try coral reds. If youre very light, you want to avoid extremely dark or overpowering shades because these will make you look too pale. If you do wear a dark color like black, youll probably want to trim your nails to a shorter length. Polish tip: Choose a polish with a blue base. Shades that flatter: Pale: pastel pinks, blues and greens, pale peach, beige. Shades to avoid: Dark polishes like dark blue or black (unless you happen to like the Goth or vamp look), yellow, green, gold and orange. Fair Complexions Fair, with a warm tone, you tend to have more of a variety of shades to choose from. Cool and warm tones can wear red, but cool undertones look better in blue-based reds. Warm (golden or peachy) tones look better in red polish with yellow/orange undertones. Shades that flatter: Beige, white and silver. (French manicures look great), light and medium toned purples, soft oranges, darker pinks, reds and berry shades. Shades to avoid: Very dark blue, black, green, dark orange, gold. Tan Complexions Tanned skin looks better in warmer colors. Lighter shades can accentuate tanned skin, like warm pale shades of brown, light blues, pinks and purples. Avoid gold, which will just blend with your skin color. Polish tip: Blue and (possibly) yellow base. Shades that flatter: Light blues, pinks and purples, tangerine, light brown, copper brown and chocolate. Shades to avoid: Gold and shades of gold (because it will blend in with the tanned skin and lose vibrancy). Medium/Olive Complexions Medium skin tones enjoy a wide range of colors. You look good in dark burgundy and wines, vibrant colors like pink, blue, yellow and orange. Silver and metallics (like metallic blue). Medium-dark can wear black, navy blue, dark pinks, burgundy. Olive skin has a combination of yellow undertone and greenish hue. It looks slightly beige with yellow undertones. Peach or gold colors enhance olive complexions. Blue-based reds and orange-reds should be avoided. Olive-dark tones look great in earthy tones and chocolate browns with red undertones. Some reds, russet for example, work well, and gold. Shades that flatter: Olive: peach or gold colors. Olivemedium: brown, reddish-browns, gold. Polish tip: Blue or yellow base. Medium-dark: Shades that flatter: Vibrant orange, pink and blue, light blue, lilac, silver, metallic and glittery colors. Shades to avoid: Dark purple, red or navy blue. Bronze colors wont show well against your skin tone. Mediumdark: avoid paler, pastel shades, which could appear washed out. Dark Complexions Dark complexions can wear rich, deep shades, except dark brown, which will disappear. What looks great are burgundy, vibrant purples, plums, Bright orange and pinks zap the color out of rich dark tones. Neon yellow, orange and green can be shockingin a negative sense. Though darker shades are better, very dark tones need to be careful with deep purples, grays and black, because these shades could make the skin appear muddy and dull. Polish tip: Yellow or brown-based undertones. Shades that flatter: Deep purples, dark, yellow-based reds, dark greens, dark blues, black, chocolate-brown and gold. Shades to avoid: Orange, yellow, neon colors, pastels, white and silver. If youre not sure about how a nail color will look on you, the best way to decide whether you like it is to test it out on a fingernail. You cant judge from the color in a bottle because achieving the color can be based on how many coats of the lacquer are applied. You could also love a color on your toenails, but be totally unimpressed when its applied to your fingernails. OPI.com has a great Try It On feature that lets you see how nail shades look on different skin tones. So this is a general guideline. Its not set in stone. Trust your gut and your eyes. Youll know which shades look best on you.

Polish tip: Choose a polish with a blue base or yellow base, based on undertones.

February 22, 2012

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Womens World - Fashion Robert Youngs Line Celebrates Its 25th Year
The Cloth this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. The label was born during an economic recession in Trinidad and Tobago and has grown into one of the strongest in the region. What started as a collaborative has been steered by Robert Young into a clear and unmistakable voice. With an integrity that is as palpable as the politics the line has come to be known with. In its years of existence the line has been sold in Germany, Washington D.C., Palo Alto, Vancouver, Guadeloupe, Bahamas, Antigua, St. Vincent, Barbados, U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Jamaica. Robert has also become the designer of choice among many steelbands including CLICO Sforzata, RBTT Redemption Sound Setters and TCL Skiffle Bunch, Invaders,Tropical Angel Harps, Phase II, Pamberi, Fonclare, taking him to more Panorama finals than any other designer. The Cloth, ably steered by Robert, is produced through a number of individual artisans strewn across the island each contributing in unique ways to the creation of a garment that has adorned some of the biggest names in local entertainment including David Rudder, 3Canal and the Cut and Clear Crew, Gillian Moor and Ataklan Roberta Flack, David Hinds and Roy Hargrove as well style conscious men and women who simply appreciate the statement that a Cloth piece makes. Committed to a color sensibility, an insistence on innovation, fabrics informed by practicality and an awareness of the global picture he has etched a space in the region that has earned him the respect of his peers and a fiercely loyal clientele. The Cloth collections have become highly anticipated at the Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week and at Caribbean Fashion Week since its inception in 2001. The longevity of the brand and its distinct aesthetic place it in the league of fashion successes. Robert has risen above the challenges of his geography through the development of his now unmistakable appliqus fused with his intelligent interpretation of shape and unabashed use of color and contrast. Robert in May marked a milestone having taken his signature style to the world with home decor accessories at the International Contemporary Fair at the Jacob Javits Center in New York. In June he showed the new collection a snap shot at 25 at the FWTT 3 and CFW 2010. (Compiled by Donna Holgate)

Robert Young

Home Affairs The Divorce Series: Part III Spousal Support

Most people are aware that if there is a breakdown of a marriage, and there are underage children, and the parties do not equally share the children or one party has the children less than 40% of the time, there is a common understanding that the party who has the children less than 40% of the time will have to pay child support. This is governed by legislation. What I think spouses fail to consider prior to the breakdown of marriage, is if there can be spousal support implications. Spousal support is not as clear as child support and this often leads to difficulty in predicting exactly how much a spouses liability would be. Before going further, one should understand the primary objective of spousal support, because at the end of the day, this is what the court comes back to in awarding or changing spousal support. The primary objectives of spousal support is to (1) balance the economic advantages and disadvantages of the marriage and its breakdown; (2) to adjust for the financial impact on the custodial spouse of raising the parties children; (3) to compensate for hardship resulting from marriage breakdown and (4) to promote self-sufficiency within reasonable length of time. From here, it is important to be aware that not every spouse is entitled to spousal support. The courts largely embrace the independent, clean-break model of marriage wherein both spouses go their separate ways and continue to live their lives independently free of the other. However in some circumstances this is not possible, so to find out if you are entitled to spousal support or if you are liable to pay spousal support, it must first be determined if a spouse is entitled to spousal support. There are three bases for spousal support in law. The first basis of spousal support is the idea that one spouse needs to be compensated for the role that they assumed in the marriage. The best way to understand this is to think of a traditional marriage, wherein one parent stays at home and cares for the needs of the children, home and family while the other leaves the home to earn an income. In this model, the person who gives up the opportunity to get ahead in the workplace is entitled to compensatory support. The second basis is a contractual basis created by a prenuptial, cohabitation agreement or separation agreement. The third basis for spousal support is on a non-compensatory basis. This is where one party cannot achieve economic self-sufficiency on their own. That is the claim is largely based on need. They are not being compensated for their role in the marriage; it really is to acknowledge that there may be economic hardship as a result of the breakdown of marriage. This may encompass health or career disadvantages. Whatever the basis, the court do a balancing act in balancing the conditions, means, needs and other circumstances of each spouse. In doing the balancing act, the court often looks at the standard of living of the spouse making the claim before and after the breakdown of marriage. In other words, to be entitled to spousal support, there has to be a significant decline in the standard of living from the marital standard and not merely that there was an economic interdependency caused by marriage. WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN? It means that even with significant income disparity a spouse may not be entitled to spousal support. Income Disparity is only one factor the court will look at. It means in short marriages where there is significant financial dependency, one spouse may be entitled to spousal support on a temporary basis. It means that if one party can foresee a breakdown of marriage coming and they make choices to lower their income, they may not be entitled to spousal support, even though there is a big disparity in income at the time of separation. It means that if one spouse is getting a big equalization (the half-half split) payment, that they may still be entitled to spousal support. IMPORTANT LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN THINKING ABOUT SPOUSAL SUPPORT 1. Is spousal support permanent? The answer to that depends on the circumstances, however the safest answer is No. Spousal support could be indefinite and based on review. It should be understood that the goal of spousal support is to get a spouse back to a point of self-sufficiency

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February 22, 2012

and is not meant to be forever. Therefore spousal support is to provide for a period of transition. 2. What income does the court look at? If you are a T4d employee, the court will look at your gross income. However if you happen to earn a bonus in one year which skews your income, when coming to spousal support the court is more likely to take the lower of the two incomes as this is not a usual pattern; whereas in child support, the court believes that the child should benefit in the rise of income in that year and will vary the child support. Similarly, with a self-employed people who are often have many write-offs, for child support, some writeoffs are not taken as expenses and is added back as income; however with spousal support, the court is more likely to give you the allotted tax write-offs- eg. With child support it is not reasonable to deduct corporate payments to family members, however with spousal support, these expenses are considered reasonable. 3. Another major consideration is the interrelationship between property division and the need of the spouse claiming spousal support. 4. The court often looks at spousal support when there are children and when there are no children; whether custody is shared, sole or joint; as well as the ages and needs of the children; to determine the need and the amount of spousal support, bearing in mind that child support takes precedence over spousal support. In this particular case the court often looks at the parties net disposable income to determine spousal support (and the needs and means of the parties). As you can glean from this article, spousal support is not an exact science and the considerations are endless. There are also infinite possibilities. Therefore the next time your neighbor tells you that she feels she is going to get $1000.00 in spousal support because her friend is just like her and their husbands work at the same place, direct her to see a lawyer because there is more here than what meets the eye. This article is only meant to give you general information. It does not take the place of legal advice. Aneesa Oumarally is family law lawyer who has been practicing law in the Greater Toronto Region for the last 11 years.

Restaurant Reviews Good Food In An Attractive Ambiance

Leelas 1154 Morningside Avenue, Scarborough (Morningside/Sheppard) 416-281-8222
As a family-run business, Leelas the recent addition of to Scarboroughs ranks of Caribbean restaurants has but one simple objective. To provide its targeted mature clientele with a Caribbean dining experience that will give them cause to return time and time again. and Simon who cooks the Chinese food intended for me to sample every available dish on their extensive menu. Theres a lot of menu items to choose from at Leelas. To get things rolling, they started me on a dual sampling of potato balls and pholourie, as appetizers, with Sour and Pepper Sauce for dipping. The Sour was hardly needed; much less the Pepper Sauce, both were so good. With no prior warning of all that was to follow, two of the sizeable potato balls and at least four of the pholourie were consumed in short order. The potato balls were particularly impressive. The crust was just the ideal thinness, enough to act as a cover for the balled potato mix, the surprisingly welcome dominant taste which came from the underlying spices. Buffalo styled Chicken Wings, piping hot straight from the frying pan was the next item. Half a dozen of those were rapidly consumed with very little thought given to their dubious stature as a healthy food choice. They were that good. Not as good though as the eye watering Spicy Shrimp that followed. Garnished with minutely diced bird peppers, those required a second full glass of Diet Coke to soothe the palate from ensuing heat. Not overly hot, but sufficiently so to moisten the eyes. Much as their title suggested, the appetizers were intended merely to open ones palate for the gastronomical delights that were to follow. Heaping portions of Leelas signature dishesthe Special Chicken Fried Rice and Special Mixed Chow Mein. Portions may not be the correct word to describe the respective amount of food that was presented as samplings of those two dishes. The Special Mixed Chow Mein in particular was a virtual obstacle course, vegetables, shrimp, beef and chicken layered on a bed of noodles and topped with several pieces of Chinese style barbecued chicken. As good as they may be, theres only so much that any Chef can do with Fried Rice and Chow Mein. Chef Simons many previous years of experience working in several of Torontos other Caribbean Chinese establishments, however, shone through. In validation of owner Steves boast, it was indeed as good as any. Next it was time to try Jennys twin offerings of Curried Duck and Chicken with a choice of Dhal Puri or Piratha Roti as a side. Needless to say, I opted for the Dhal Puri which turned out to be a very good choice. Even though its primary purpose is to serve as a wrap for curried dishes, the measure of a good roti is actually whether it can be eaten by itself. Leelas Dhal Puri easily qualifies in that regard. Soft all the way round, not hard at the edges as some too often have a tendency to be, it was a

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very nice ending to what had been a delightful assault on the taste buds. According to Steve Dindyal, his hopes for Leelas are for it to become a type of comfortable, safe, and favored restaurant. A place where, on weekends, mature members of the Caribbean community can take their significant other for a nice, tasty, affordable meal and some good live music. A throwback to the dining and entertainment scene of the late eighties and early nineties, when Clubs like Cuttys and Carib were the favorite haunts of West Indian males. During the week he hopes to eventually attract the same

Towards the achievement of that noble objective, Steve and Chandra Dindyal, along with their uncle Danny Singh, acquired the former Dahlings at Morningside and Sheppard last summer. They completely refurbished the interior, transforming that former dive into what is today arguably one of Toronto nicer Caribbean restaurants. The dining atmosphere at Leelas is such that as a West Indian, you would feel entirely comfortable taking any of your mainstream friends or those from other cultures there for a Caribbean style meal. Leelas is spacious and comfortable, with a dining capacity of 120. It also has a spacious dance floor and has quickly become popular as the place to be on weekends, for those who like dancing to live music. Leelas often hosts live bands. The ever popular Fuh Fun has already made several appearances there, drawing enthusiastic crowds with their energetic performances. They will actually be back there this coming February 28 and again towards the end of March. Says owner Steve Dindyal, We love having Fuh Fun, they attract a very nice mature crowd and everyone always seems to have a wonderful time! Dindyal goes as far as to say that he would love to make Fuh Fun his house band, but their other engagements have prevented them for accepting his overtures in that regard. To fill the gap Leelas has also hosted Triple Play and Impak as live bands on Saturday nights. Friday nights are reserved for their in-house DJs Crystal Vibez and Royal Sound Crew. Leelas is far more about its food though than its entertainment. To justify his claim that their Caribbean fare is as good as any elsewhere in Toronto, Steve invited Caribbean Graphic to try tastings from their menu for ourselves. This writer can safely say that since I began writing Caribbean Restaurant Reviews, initially for Caribe In-Pulse magazine four years ago, never has there been as much food offered as samples. The flow of dishes from the kitchen seemed to be never-ending. It was as though Steve and his twin Chefs, Jenny who does the West Indian dishes

sort of mature clientele, as a sort of after-work regulars. Guys and ladies who will drop in for a drink or even a quick meal on their way home. In that regard he sees Leelas as becoming the Cheers of the Caribbean community, a place where everybody knows your name. It may yet take some time for Steves idealistic vision to be realized. Based on the efforts he and his co-owner family members have done so far to create the right ambiance and with Chefs Jenny and Simon offering such delicious cuisine, Leelas is definitely on the right track to achieving that goal. If he continues booking Fuh Fun on weekends, it may happen even sooner than he could ever imagine. With days still left before their February 28 Leelas appearance, the 120 available seats have already been reserved. Mine not even amongst them. Sounds as though we may have to go make friends with Jenny and Simon in the kitchen.

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February 22, 2012

Philosophically Speaking

Self-esteem: Colour, Race, And Culture

Errol A.

Gibbs
Color, race, and culture may not appear to be obvious factors affecting selfesteem, yet these human characteristics, including language and nationality can add measurably to low selfesteem in children and in adults. Unlike education that we can gain with appropriate training, these inherent human characteristics are either unalter-

able (as in, color and race) or unavoidable (as in, culture and nationality) and are part of our permanent makeup. Unlike adults, children have little control over their nurturing. Yet their formative nurturing has a direct influence on their selfimage, self worth, and selfesteem. One can surmise that at every level of society, all human beings have, at some time, exhibited feelings of low selfimage, low selfworth, and low selfesteem, simply because we are social beings. This recognition comes later in life. From the poor, dispossessed, and disenfranchised to the wealthiest of individuals, even brief periods of low selfesteem can cause individuals to lose selfcontrol and

to adopt selfdestructive behaviors. Low selfimage, low selfworth, and low self esteem afflict us and can take us to the edge of human powerlessness and hopelessness. For instance, it was not until the late nineteenth century that Blacks in America began to resist the negative image of Black inferiority and to adopt a persona of being Black and proud. For centuries they were a people bowed under low selfworth, low selfimage, and low selfesteem, because of slavery and its aftermath. Over the centuries, American and Canadian native Indian populations and other indigenous peoples of the world faced a similar assault on their worth as human beings. Likewise, in the twentyfirst century, in cultures that have entrenched tribal bias, caste, and social and economic class structures, there are those who still struggle daily. God did not give us dominion over each other. His instructions are the opposite. Fiftyfive times in the Bible, God admonishes us to love one another. Beginning in the book of Leviticus with the laws of social order, God instructs: You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord (Leviticus 19:18 NKJV). Expressions of love, care, and concern have the greatest healing powers for low selfesteem. Gary R. Collins (2007): The Causes of Inferiority and Low SelfEsteem: There can be numerous causes for low selfesteem and feelings of inferiority. For example, selfesteem often is low in people with physical deficits such as handicaps, unattractive features, or obesity. Poor children show more evidences of inferiority than those who grow up in better home situations. Members of minority groups often are made to feel inferior due to racism that degrades people because of their skin color or ethnicity and systematically denies access or privilege to one racial group while perpetrating access or privilege to members of another racial group. Even the country or culture where one lives can have an impact on selfesteem.

Unlike many Eastern or Middle Eastern countries, western societies focus on individual achievement, independence, autonomy, selfsufficiency, and competition. In these countries, people find their identity less in their families or groups and more in their personal accomplishments and successes. When success does not come, feelings of inadequacy and inferiority often appear instead. To a large extent, therefore, inferiority and low selfesteem are stimulated more by some cultures

than by others. In some countries the whole population seems to view themselves as being inferior to the people of other, often moredeveloped countries. This can lead both to feelings of inferiority in the citizens and often to anger at the perceived inequities. Gary R. Collins, Christian CounselingA Comprehensive Guide, Third Edition (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2007), p. 429. Used with permission by Gary R. Collins, PhD., We need to understand that love for others can achieve with ease what no amount of study in human behavior or scientific research can accomplish. Our demonstration of Gods love is the greatest antidote to behaviors that are against the interests of the human family. It is also the greatest defense against our compulsion of color, race, culture, language, and any other form of discrimination that dictates human behavior, neighbor against neighbor. All neighbors need to feel love and acceptance in the global village. Often outward behavior is a loud cry from deep within the human spirit for acceptance and inclusion. Consciously or subconsciously, an individual may be comparing his or her state to that which is perceived to be better. We compare our way of life to others as we search for fulfillment. This search is generally in the material and physical realms, as opposed to the spiritual realm, because this is where our natural compulsions lie. The ideal images compel them to compare and evaluate themselves with others, in terms of color, looks, height, hair, weight, size, clothes, and even education and intelligence. We admire, and in some cases we idolize, some individuals for their looks, their shape, or their athletic prowess, as we diminish our godly image. Perhaps comparison is a natural human tendency, but human beings have the mental capacity, though it might be underdeveloped, to rise above the need for comparison. These influences entice us to seek to fulfill wants instead of needs. Often individuals will proudly say, I am my own person, but what does it mean when the commercial environment tells us what we should be like, what fashion we should adopt, what we should eat, or how we should behave? Where do we find an appropriate role model?
(Errol Gibbs is a former project management and business consultant; engineering technologist; process designer; project management analyst; and planning and scheduling engineer/officer. He relinquished his technical career to research and write about human development.)

February 22, 2012

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Money Management

The Cost Of Retirement

You have probably heard the rule of thumb that youll need 70 per cent to 80 per cent of your current household income to maintain your lifestyle in retirement. Forget the rule of thumb and take a good look at your personal retirement goals and current financial situation. What will it cost to retire? What income will you need? Will retirement be less expensive: one car instead of two, no commuting costs, no business wardrobe to maintain, and perhaps most importantly, no need to save for retirement? Retirement may be more costly if you plan to travel extensively, retire out-of-country or purchase recreational property, says Dave Ablett, Manager, Advanced Financial Planning Support at Investors Group. Additional uninsured health care expenses or the need to care for an elder or other dependant can all mean youll need extra income. Inflation impact A key factor to remember is the impact of inflation. Even a two per cent inflation rate will reduce the purchasing power of your money over time. If you are concerned with maintaining the same anticipated lifestyle throughout your retirement, youll need to build in inflation protection. That may mean saving more for investment purposes or adjusting your current investment strategy to generate a higher return over the long-term to offset the effects of inflation, advises Ablett. Defining retirement income Once youve determined your needs, you can assess sources of retirement income, including registered and non-registered personal savings, company pensions and government benefits. Talk to your Financial Consultant about how a suite of Dividend Funds could help provide a steady income stream with considerable capital growth to help you attain your desired retirement lifestyle. If your assessment does not meet or exceed your income needs, you may have to adjust your saving or investment decisions, says Ablett. The sooner you act, the more time will allow for your investment returns to compound and grow. Software help Your Financial Consultant should be equipped with Personal Financial software that can help you calculate your current expenses and project them into retirement. Software is available that will allow you to customize assumptions about inflation and project investment returns. Top 10 RSP Strategies It seems that every year thousands of Canadians rush to make a last minute Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contribution before the inevitable deadline. If this sounds like you, how do you know the decisions you are making are right for your financial future? Its important to remember that an RRSP should be individualized and must fit well with your own personal financial goals, according to Jane Olshewski, Manager, Financial Planning Programs at Investors Group. But there are some simple strategies anyone can put into place that will help them get the most out of their RRSP. Investors Group suggests these essential RRSP strategies: 1. Contribute early Make your contribution as early in the year as possible. Tax-deferred compounding makes those early dollars grow dramatically. 2. Contribute the maximum Take advantage of compounding and get the maximum tax break by contributing your limit. In respect of 2012 you can invest up to 18% of your 20111 earned income, to a maximum of $21,000, less your pension adjustment or past service pension adjustment) for 2011. Remember, while you can carry forward any unused contribution room to subsequent years (until after age 71), you can never replace the lost growth opportunity. 3. Invest monthly Many investors find it easier to reach their annual RRSP maximum by making contributions every month. You may find it easier to have the RRSP contribution automatically deducted from your bank account each month, or you may choose to belong to a Group RRSP and make your RRSP contribution by payroll deduction through your employer. Remember, its a good idea to increase your monthly contribution if your income rises. 4. Consider borrowing Dont let tight cash flow deter you from considering an RRSP loan to top up your contribution. Although youll pay interest on the amount borrowed, the compound growth of your money over the long term can far outweigh the interest cost. Plus, you can use your tax refund to pay off a portion of the amount borrowed. 5. Contribute to a spousal RRSP A spousal RRSP allows the spouse with the higher income to contribute to an RRSP owned by the lower-income spouse. The spouse with the higher income takes the immediate tax deduction, but the money in the RRSP will be taxed in the other spouses hands, usually at a lower rate, when it is withdrawn. This is an excellent way to income split in retirement and reduce your combined tax rate. 6. Diversify Different types of investments react differently to economic events. By diversifying your portfolio and holding various types of investments, you protect yourself against the day-to-day fluctuations in any one category. To achieve long-term growth you should diversify. Some investors limit themselves to fixed-income investments. The biggest danger with conservative type investments is inflation which can erode your purchasing power. Consider diversifying into growth oriented securities - such as equities and equity mutual funds - to earn returns that can protect you against inflation and provide long-term growth potential. 7. Resist the dip into your RRSP Usually there is nothing to prevent you from accessing the money in your RRSP - but consider the consequences before you do so. First of all, withdrawals attract tax at your marginal tax rate. Tax withholding at the time of the RRSP withdrawal may be as low as 10%, but you should determine how much more tax youll have to pay when you file your tax return. Secondly, you cannot restore the lost contribution room. The amount you can contribute to an RRSP in your lifetime is limited and a withdrawal erodes some of this potential. Special circumstances can help you access money in your RRSP without these consequences. The Home Buyers Plan and Life Long Learning Plan allow tax-free withdrawals with the ability to re-contribute. However, even in these plans there is no ability to replace the taxdeferred growth that was lost when you made the RRSP withdrawal. 8. Consolidate your investments If you are the type of investor who doesnt want to spend a great deal of time managing several plans, you may want to consolidate your investments into one portfolio. Yes, you should have a diversified portfolio of investments working for you, but you can usually combine them under one RRSP umbrella. This strategy also means you will get one consolidated statement, which may make it easier to track your plan. 9. Designate a beneficiary Consider who should be designated to receive the plan assets in the event of your death. Without a designated beneficiary, the account will go through your estate and be subject to probate and other fees. You should talk to your Financial Consultant about the tax and other consequences of designating a beneficiary to your RRSP. 10. Get expert help The services of your Financial Consultant are essential to help you make the right long-term investment decisions. Together, you should review your plan at least once a year to make sure that it is still on track with your long-term goals.

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Calypso Cricket

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

February 22, 2012

No Rethink
KINGSTON Former West Indies opener Chris Gayle says he does not intend to apologise to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for comments he made in a radio interview last May regarding the team and the state of West Indies cricket. The 32-year-old, who has not represented the West Indies since making the accusations, made the disclosure shortly after belting 165 for Jamaica during last weeks WICB Regional Four-Day Tournament clash with the Windward Islands. There is no rethinking of my decision as it relates to apologizing. That is out of the window. The ball is in their (WICB) court, said Gayle. In fact, I am not really focusing on that right now. What I am focusing on is what is in front of me. That is whenever I get the opportunity to represent Jamaica I will, and whatever contracts I sign overseas, he declared. Gayle, who last represented the West Indies during last Aprils ICC World Cup, has been at loggerheads with the WICB since the controversial radio interview. During the interview, Gayle openly criticised some of the polices and procedures of the WICB and a number of its officials, including coach Ottis Gibson. The WICB then issued a statement last October stating that for Gayle to be considered for future West Indies selection he would need to retract his statements. Gayle, however, has refused to apologise. Since then, the big left-hander has gone on to represent several international clubs in Twenty20 competitions, including Indias Royal Challengers Bagalore, Zimbabwes Matabeleland Tuskers, Australias Sydney Thunder, Bangladeshs Barisal Burners, and South Africas Sunfoil Dolphins.

Make Up Your Mind Chris

ST JOHNS, - The WICB has asked Chris Gayle to make up his mind about his future with the West Indies team. In an email to the batsman, the WICB chief executive Ernest Hilaire wrote that Gayle could not ask for unconditional no-objection certificates (NOCs) to play domestic Twenty20 tournaments around the world and simultaneously make himself available for West Indies selection. The email was dated January 30 but made public in the past 24 hours. Hilaire said the WICB rules conformed to the ICCs operating manual and that a player would be granted an NOC to play a domestic tournament in another country on the condition that he be available for selection if an international series clashed with the tournament. So, Chris, it is your choice, whether you receive a conditional or unconditional NOC. But you cannot have an unconditional NOC and be considered for selection to play for the West Indies, Hilaire wrote in the email . Either you wish to make yourself available to play for the West Indies, in which case you must accept that NOCs will be granted to you on the same conditional terms as other international players, or you do not, in which case you can have your unconditional NOC. All that is required from you is a clear statement, one way or the other. If a player has no contractual obligation to WICB, and does not wish to make himself available to play in international matches for which he may be selected, then he has the option of ceasing to be a FTS (first team squad) Player, by retiring from international cricket, or otherwise declaring himself ineligible and/or unavailable

Chris Gayle

Portia Chimes In
Chris Gayle for selection for the foreseeable future. In that event, WICB would not consider it necessary or appropriate to issue a player with anything but an unconditional NOC. Gayle has not played for West Indies since the 2011 World Cup because of comments he made against the board and the coach Ottis Gibson during a radio interview. The WICB asked Gayle to retract his comments and the batsman has refused to do so. Gayle has just arrived in South Africa to be part of Dolphins domestic Twenty20 campaign after playing for Barisal Burners in the Bangladesh Premier League. In his email, Hilaire told Gayle he was ineligible for selection pending resolution of certain matters. The Board requires you to provide a general public retraction of the comments made in the interview in question and the effect it has had on the team, Coach, Captain and Management and to express a commitment to team and management. If the terms of that retraction can be agreed, WICB will be happy to consider you eligible once again for selection. KINGSTON, - Jamaicas prime minister Portia Simpson Miller has demanded that a resolution in the impasse between Chris Gayle and the West Indies Cricket Board be found quickly. Speaking at the Jamaica Cricket Association awards, Simpson Miller said that Gayle was being treated unjustly and deserved a place in the West Indies team. She also expressed concern that Sabina Park was not allocated a match for West Indies upcoming home one-day and Test series against Australia. Justice delayed is justice denied and we demand that a resolution be found as quickly as possible, Simpson Miller said on the Gayle issue. Cricket is too important to the people of Jamaica and the West Indies for this to be left down the wicket. Gayle last played for West Indies in the 2011 World Cup, after which a conflict with the WICB has kept him out of the setup. In October 2011, the WICB released a statement saying it would consider Gayle for selection if he retracted statements he had made criticising the board and its officers. The release said the board would appoint a facilitator to assist Gayle in complying with their requirements. Gayle, though, said the WICB needed to be specific about what he was supposed to apologise for. He said the board was playing mind games with him, and that he would consider their request at the end of the Regional Super50 competition. Jamaica won the Regional Super50 with Gayle finishing second on the run-charts. He has continued to collect big runs in Twenty20 competitions and scored his first first-class hundred in over a year, a remarkable innings of 165 off 155 balls out of a total of 298, against Windward Islands earlier this month. However, there have been no significant developments in his relations with the WICB. Simpson Miller spoke about the progress of Jamaican cricket, and the success of its various teams, and emphasised that Sabina Park was a venue that should be hosting matches whenever teams toured the West Indies. Sabina Park is one the finest stadiums anywhere and I am concerned that Jamaica is not a venue for a Test against Australia. I understand that the JCA is trying to get one of the games against New Zealand [who are scheduled to tour in July 2012] and you have my support in this, she said.

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WICBs Response To Jamaicas PM

St Johns, Antigua The West Indies Cricket Board regrets the comments made by Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller at the Jamaica Cricket Association awards dinner. The WICB believes that the Prime Minister did not have the benefit of the full information pertaining to the matters on which she spoke. The WICB is further disappointed that the relevant officials in Jamaica did not, or did not properly, brief the newlyelected Prime Minister. Had this been done the Honourable Prime Minister would have been informed that the West Indies v Australia tour was, for reasons pertaining to scheduling and weather, always slated to be played in the Southern Caribbean. The West Indies v New Zealand tour is slated to be played in the months of, July and August in the northern Caribbean at a time, during the hurricane season, when that part of the region is less prone to adverse weather conditions. Therefore, Jamaica was never a consideration for the Australia tour but would feature as a host venue for the New Zealand tour. Had the Honourable Prime Minister been briefed she would have been informed that Mr. Chris Gayle has been written to by the WICB, clearly outlining the full details of what is required of him. The WICB is awaiting a response from Mr. Gayle. The WICB implores the Prime Minister to use her good office to urge Mr. Gayle to respond favorably in an effort to put this issue in the past. The WICB does not believe that the Prime Minister is suggesting that Mr. Gayle be returned to the West Indies team without withdrawing his comments. This would be tantamount to a member of the Jamaican cabinet lambasting and deriding the leader of the cabinet and fellow cabinet colleagues and being returned to that august body without any accountability for his or her actions. The WICB believes the Prime Minister would appreciate the seriousness and repercussions of the case had she been provided with all the relevant information. The WICB is available to provide a complete dossier of all relevant documents.

No Aussie Matches For Jamaica

Tony

McWatt
Jamaica has been noticeably omitted as a host venue for matches during Australias forthcoming tour of the Caribbean. The Aussies will play five One Day Internationals, two T20 Matches and three Tests during their six week Tour. The First Three (March 16, 18, 20) One Day Internationals will be held in St Vincent. The final two (March 23, 25) and the first (March 27) of two T20s in St Lucia. Barbados hosts the second T20 (March 30), as well as the first of the three scheduled Tests (April 7-11). The remaining two Tests will be now played in Trinidad (April 15-19) and Dominica (April 23-27) respectively. The third Test was initially scheduled to be staged in Guyana, but was withdrawn as a result of that countrys internal cricketing conflicts. The West Indies Cricket Boards (WICB) choice of Dominica over Jamaica, as a replacement host venue for the Guyana Test, came as somewhat of a surprise to many cricket fans within the Region and across the Diaspora. Many now see it as conclusive evidence that the WICBs exclusion of Jamaica from hosting any of the Aussie matches is nothing short of an act of retribution. Punishment it would seem for the Jamaica Cricket Boards expressed support of former West Indies captain Chris Gayles ongoing dispute with the WICB. The WICB has demanded an apology from Gayle for being publicly critical of West Indies Team Coach Otis Gibson and the Board itself after the 2011 World Cup. Gayles comments were made during a Radio Station interview in his native Jamaica. His response to the Board, which he reiterated just this past week, has been that he has nothing to apologize for and has no intentions of ever doing so. Gayles justifiable position is that his comments were an honest and accurate expression of his feelings at the time, based on the events as they had occurred. The majority of cricket fans have sided with Gayle, as a result of their wholehearted agreement with his comments. Many of the decisions made by the coach headed West Indies team management during the 2011 World Cup were mindboggling. As a result the West Indies crashed out at the quarter-final stages of the Competition. The ongoing impasse between Gayle and the WICB will most likely result in his continued exclusion from the West Indies team. As such the West Indies team that takes the field against the Aussies will be without its top batsman, arguably now the best of all in the world. This at a time when the team if at full strength, at least on paper, has the best chance it has had in years to defeat the Aussies and retain the Frank World Trophy. As the symbol of cricketing supremacy between Australia and the West Indies, the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy has been in the Aussies grasp since 1994. They regained it that year by defeating the Ritchie Richardson led West Indies 2-1 in the Caribbean. Prior to the 1994 Series, the West Indies had held the Trophy for almost fifteen years, having won it for the first time ever in 1979-80 in Australia, under Clive Lloyds leadership. In Fidel Edwards, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Naraine and Davendra Bishoo, the West Indies now posses the bowling reserves fully capable of capturing the twenty Aussie wickets necessary for victory against the visitors on any given day. As an armchair Selector, my choice for the Barbados First Test would be the four seamers, plus one of either Bishoo or Narine as the spinner. As a mystery spinner largely unknown to the Aussies, Narine would probably get the nod. Add to those five, Dinesh Ramdin as the wicket-keeper and new captain, Gayle, and Kirk Edwards as the openers, with Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and one of either Marlon Samuels or Ramnaresh Sarwan as the batsmen and you have an XI, totally capable of defeating the Aussies. Opportunity beckons, but the Neanderthals that now manage West Indies cricket will likely be too busily engaged in their petty retribution activities to even know that it exists. Instead of seeing Chris Gayle thump the Aussies all over the Caribbean in helping us retain the Frank Worrell Trophy, we will be forced instead to watch him thrill more appreciative audiences in the Indian Professional League!

Retraction Requested
The Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) wishes to state its complete rejection and condemnation of the unjustified and disrespectful criticisms leveled by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) against Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller for remarks made by her at the recently held annual awards function of the JCA. As a shareholder, the JCA finds it inexcusable that the WICB in their press release of February 20, 2011, could have made such a statement without consulting any of the WICB members in Jamaica, including the Vice President of the WICB Mr. Dave Cameron, along with Mr Lyndel Wright and Mr. Milton Henry who are Jamaicas two representatives on the WICB. The JCA calls upon the President of the WICB Dr. Julian Hunte to publicly state which of the Board members were consulted before the release was sent out. The JCA further calls upon the President to state whether or not he sanctioned or sanctions the statement. In her address at the function, Prime Minister Simpson Miller expressed her displeasure at Jamaica not being awarded a match in the upcoming Australia tour. The Prime Ministers position on this issue is no different from that of the JCA. The Prime Minister also expressed her concern that no official decision had been taken for Jamaica to be used as a venue during the upcoming tour by New Zealand. We maintain that the the Prime Minister was correct. The WICBs revelation in its news release that Jamaica would feature as a host venue for the New Zealand tour while being most welcomed, came as news to the JCA. As far as the JCA is aware the WICB has not yet signed off on the venues for the upcoming New Zealand Tour of the West Indies and despite numerous enquiries, the JCA was at no time informed that Jamaica would be a host venue. We are now forced to ask; when and by whom, was this decision taken, as to our certain knowledge, no such decision was taken by the WICB. The JCA is also fully supportive of the stance taken by Prime Minister Simpson Miller in relation to Mr. Chris Gayle. During her presentation at our Annual Awards Dinner, the Honourable Prime Minister expressed her disquiet that the matter had dragged on for so long, and that she wish to see a resolution as quickly as possible. In this regard the JCA is also calling for a quick resolution of the Chris Gayle issue and is of the view, that having been debarred from playing for the West Indies for over a year, he has been more than sufficiently punished for any infractions committed. For the WICB to engage in the diatribe about how the Prime Minister should deal with her cabinet colleagues is out of order and disrespectful. The JCA is calling upon the President of the WICB to retract the unfounded and unwarranted attack against the Honourable Prime Minister of Jamaica and to move immediately to resolve the Chris Gayle impasse, as we believe he has been more than reasonably punished. Regards, JAMAICA CRICKET ASSOCIATION George Headley Stand, Sabina Park Kingston 4, Jamaica, West Indies

Big Cat Resigns

GEORGETOWN, - Former West Indies captain, Clive Big Car Lloyd has resigned from the West Indies Cricket Board. The following is the text of his resignation letter to West Indies Cricket Board President, Julian Hunte. Dear Julian, It is with deep regret that I tender my resignation to you and the West Indian Cricket Board (WICB). I have served West Indies Cricket faithfully for over 46+ years both as player and captain (1966 1985) and as administrator from 1990 to the present time. I carried out my functions with integrity and passion for a sport that gave me my upward mobility. As you are probably aware, I was recently appointed as Special Adviser on Sports to the President of Guyana. At the end of last year I was asked by the Government of Guyana to come home and head up an Interim Management Committee on Cricket, as a result of deep seated problems plaguing the GCB and a ruling from the Chief Justice. The issues facing the GCB I will not go into, however my love for the game and love for my country meant that I did not hesitate to answer the call. As one of the most successful West Indian Captains in the history of our game, I have to say that I am very concerned not just about the state of cricket in my country but the state of West Indian cricket as a whole the lack of accountability and consultation and limited discussion about the stagnant state of our Cricket. Given my standing in the International cricketing world I would have hoped that my decision to answer my countrys call would have signaled a message to you that all was not well with Guyanas cricket and therefore had your support and cooperation. However instead I have found myself caught between my loyalty to my country and loyalty to the WICB. After much deliberation, with a sad heart I had no other option but to tender my resignation as Director of the Board. I hope that my resignation would act as a catalyst for the members of the Board to ask soul searching questions and take a hard look at what could be done differently to get our cricket back to the glory days. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Board Members for their support over the years. If at any time I could be of help, please do not hesitate to contact me. Kindest Regards,

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February 22, 2012