00012-2009 ( .pdf )

00012-2009_Page_01.txt

00012-2009_Page_15.txt

00012-2009_Page_09.txt

00012-2009_Page_19.txt

00012-2009_Page_13.txt

00012-2009_Page_23.txt

00012-2009_Page_18.txt

00012-2009_Page_07.txt

00012-2009_Page_24.txt

00012-2009_Page_17.txt

00012-2009_Page_11.txt

00012-2009_Page_06.txt

00012-2009_Page_05.txt

00012-2009_Page_20.txt

00012-2009_Page_12.txt

00012-2009_pdf.txt

00012-2009_Page_04.txt

00012-2009_Page_10.txt

00012-2009_Page_16.txt

00012-2009_Page_02.txt

00012-2009_Page_22.txt

00012-2009_Page_03.txt

00012-2009_Page_14.txt

00012-2009_Page_08.txt

00012-2009_Page_21.txt

O DECEMBER 2009






We cover our o rd
We c o v e r y o u r o r I d


IV


Vol. 21 No. 1


PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MIAMI, FL
PERMIT NO. 7315
Tel: (305) 238-2868
1-800-605-7516
editor@caribbeantoday.com
ct ads@bellsouth.net
Jamaica: 655-1479


TH MUT1WR -WNIGN WSMGZN




















I I. I.11[* 44
A federal fiin
errr n te ar
of Caribbean. IA
*American
S.Congresswoman





UntdS. atscS grs sper-


INSIDE
News ...............................2 Feature ...........................11 Health/Environment ........16 Region/Politics ................21
Local ................. 7 Arts/Entertainment ..........13 Sport ..................................18 Books/Education ............22
Viewpoint .......................9 Food .........................1........5 Tourism/Travel ............20 Classified ..........................23

CALL CARIBBEAN TODAY DIRECT FROM JAMAICA 655-1479


,J


I A








-usw^caribbeantodj..c..


CARIBBEAN TODAY

n e WS


December 2009


Federal filing error places Caribbean American Guyanese-born N.Y. cop jailed

congresswoman among richest U.S. lawmakers for 2007 murder of ex-fianc6e


WASHINGTON, D.C A fed-
eral filing error on the part of
Caribbean American
Congresswoman Yvette
Clarke's office mistakenly land-
ed her among the top 25 rich-
est United States congressper-
sons, a CaribWorldNews exclu-
sive investigation revealed.
CaribWorldNews last
month noted that the Center
for Responsive Politics (CRP)
listed Clarke with an average
net worth of some $30 million
obtained in 2008 alone.
According to the group's web-
site, which analyses the top
wealthiest U.S. lawmakers,
Clarke ranked at 24 out of the
top 25 with assets in two invest-
ment funds totaling $10,000,002
to $50,000,000, respectively.
But the congresswoman's
office later clarified that it was
a huge error, based on her
office filling out the federal
paperwork erroneously by
ticking the wrong income
bracket.
CRP's Communications
Director Dave Levinthal
admitted by e-mail that it was
an error and the group had
subsequently received the
congresswoman's amended fil-


Clarke


ing, which reflected a substan-
tially lower net worth, closer
to around $100,000, excluding


NEED


A


NEW HIP?


liabilities.


QUEENS, New York A
Guyanese-born, New York
City cop, who killed the
woman he was once engaged
to marry, will have to spend
the next 25 years to life in
prison.
Harry Rupnarine, 39, was
last month given the maximum
sentence for the May 10, 2007
murder. His sentencing came
just two months after a Queens
Supreme Court jury found him
guilty of killing Guiatree
Hardat, 22, on Atlantic
Avenue in Woodhaven,
Queens.
The shooting was a deadly
end to the couple's tumul-
tuous two-year relationship,


WASHINGTON, D.C. Two
confirmed picks by the admin-
istration of United States
President Barack Obama, for
ambassadorial posts in the
Caribbean, plus a recent nom-
inee, raised more than $1.4
million for the 2008 presiden-
tial campaign committee,
according to a watchdog
group here.
Research from the Center
for Responsive Politics (CPR)
reveals that Nicole Avant, the
new U.S. ambassador to The
Bahamas, raised $800,000 for
Team Obama in his bid for
president. She is at the top of
the list of donors-turned-
ambassadors.
Michael Beckel, writing
for CRP's site OpenSecrets,
noted that most of Obama's
top donors are now being
rewarded with cushy ambassa-
dorial posts. Avant, who took
up post as the 13th U.S.
ambassador to The Bahamas
on Oct. 22, has no foreign pol-
icy experience, but worked
largely in the entertainment
field.
She is the daughter of
entertainment industry legend
Clarence Avant and philan-
thropist Jacqueline Avant.
Prior to her appointment, she
was vice president of Interior
Music Publishing and Avant
Garde Music Publishing (1998-
2009) and was the Southern
California finance co-chair-
woman of the Barack Obama
Presidential Campaign.
T&T'S GAIN
Beatrice Wilkinson
Welters, Obama's current pick
for ambassador to the oil rich
nation of Trinidad and
Tobago, raised $500,000 for
the campaign, according to
CRP, and ranks fifth among


Hardat's friends and relatives
had said.
Rupnarine, in his defense,
had claimed he had acciden-
tally killed Hardat with his 9
mm service Glock while trying
to shoot two knife-wielding
thugs.
Rupnarine was a former
Brooklyn Transit Task Force
cop who took the post after
graduating from the Police
Academy in July 2005. He had
met Hardat while patrolling
the Crescent Street subway
station in Brooklyn, shortly
after becoming a cop.
- CaribWorldNews
0


the top givers to date who
have been tapped by Obama
to serve as U.S. ambassadors
overseas. She, along with her
family, contributed $28,400 to
Obama's campaign, while her
husband contributed the legal
maximum of $4,600 to Obama
during the 2008 presidential
campaign. Her sons, Bryant, a
college student at Notre
Dame, and Andrew, a high
school student here, also
gave the maximum amount,
according to records filed
with the Federal Election


Beatrice WilKinson Welters, the new U.b.
ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, and
husband Anthony.

Commission, even though
both were classified as "not
employed/student".
Wilkinson Welters, who
now faces a Senate confirma-
tion, also has no foreign serv-
ice experience, but is a former
IBM engineer turned non-
profit chair.
Vinai Thummalapally, the
current U.S. ambassador to
Belize, raised $100,000 for the
campaign and ranks in the
bottom five of fundraisers-
turned-ambassadors.
Thummalapally, who was con-
firmed as U.S. ambassador to
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 4)


Bankrollers are Obama's

Caribbean ambassadors


You Have

a Choice-


Anterior Hip

Replacement
Using the state-of-the-art Hana table
No muscles cut
Less pain
Faster recovery
No Standard precautions
Why wait to get back to
being you again!


The surgeons at Broward Health
North Broward Medical Center
have performed more anterior
...... hip replacements using the
Hana table than any other
.. l. area surgeons.

JBROWARD HEALTH
North Broward Medical Center
POWERFUL ORTHOPEDICS
For more information about Anterior Hip Replacement visit BrowardHealth.org or
for a physician referral call the Broward Health Line at 954-759-7400.


4F ..4,





Deceber 009 ARIBEAN ODA


~i(Vackson
Hir health Plans


) for H4155 CMS Approval 11/25/2009


December 2009


CARIBBEAN TODAY





CARIBBEAN TODAY


Haiti's new P.M. sets job creation,

investment among main priorities


PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti,
CMC Jean-Max Bellerive,
who was sworn-in as prime
minister last month, has listed
job creation and developing a
better investment climate
among the priorities for the
government of this Caribbean
community (CARICOM)
nation.
"Haiti will continue to
work with all the partners and
all the people who believe in
stability and who believe the
only way we are going to
change Haiti is through pri-
vate investment and through
creating jobs in Haiti," said
Bellerive, 51, the sixth person
to hold the post since 2004.
He also pledged to foster
better relations with legisla-
tors.
Bellerive, who previously
served as planning and exter-
nal cooperation minister and
had held several positions
under at least six different
prime ministers in the past
two decades, succeeds
Michele Pierre-Louis, who
was ousted by the Haitian
Senate on Oct. 30.
"We will take care of put-
ting (Members of Parliament)
more in accordance with what
we are doing," the economist
said.
"It's the same program,
basically. We have the same
priorities (as the previous gov-
ernment)."

CO-OPERATION
In addition, he said he will
continue working with the
United Nations special envoy
to Haiti, former United States
President Bill Clinton, "in the


same manner, in the same
commitment that he has with
the former government and
with President (R6n6) Pr6val.
"The only way that we are


Bellerive


going to change Haiti is
through private investment,
through creating jobs in
Haiti," he said.
Earlier this year, the inter-
national community, at a
donor's conference on Haiti in
Washington, pledged $324
million to help improve the
impoverished country's econo-
my. Bellerive's approach has
already been lauded by the
newly-formed Haitian
Economic Development
Foundation.
"Our business community
is pleased to see that Mr.
Bellerive's focus will be to
continue furthering the pro-
business direction encouraged
by President R6n6 Preval,"
said Youri Mevs, the group's
president.
0


Caribbean nationals held unnecessarily


Caribbean nationals held unnecessarily


in U.S. detention


it's a game
with dire con-
sequences,"
said Alison
Parker, deputy
director in the
U.S. for the
human rights
group, and the
author of the
report.
The
inspector gen-
eral's investi-
gation found
that the conse-
quences of
haphazard


WASHINGTON, D.C. -
Caribbean nationals, including
those who enter the United
States legally, are held unnec-
essarily and transferred need-
lessly within an expensive
immigration detention system
that denies many of them
basic fairness in the U.S.,
according to three new reports
issued here.
In the first report, the
inspector general of the
Homeland Security
Department found that
detainee transfers by the
Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) were so
haphazard that some of them
arrived at a new detention
center without having been
served a notice of why they
were being held.
The Washington-based
Constitution Project called for
sweeping changes in agency
policies and amendments to
immigration law, including
new access to government-
appointed counsel for many of
those facing deportation to
the Caribbean and elsewhere.

'CHAOTIC GAME'
In its report, the human
rights organization, Human
Rights Watch, said that gov-
ernment data showed trans-
fers were JA.LlL rilinii with
many long time residents of
cities like New York,
Philadelphia and Los Angeles,
being sent to remote immigra-
tion jails in Texas and
Louisiana, far from legal
counsel and the evidence that
might help them win release.
"ICE is increasingly sub-
jecting detainees to a chaotic
game of musical chairs, and


~ reports


Photograph by ICE.gov
Reports raise questions about U.S. detention strategies.


transfers
include a loss of access to
legal counsel and relevant evi-
dence; additional time in
detention; and "errors, delays
and confusion for detainees,
their families, legal represen-
tLi\ and the immigration
courts.

FLAWED PLANS
In August, the administra-
tion of U.S. President Barack
Obama announced ambitious
plans to overhaul immigration
detention, a disjointed net-
work that relies heavily on
private prisons and county
jails. But taken together, the
three reports underscore the
gap between the plans and the
problems on the ground in a
system that, according to the
inspector general, is estimated
to be detaining more than
442,000 people a year.
The reports cited a
Jamaican, who was trans-
ferred to Texas after three
months in detention in New
York and New Jersey.
Immigration authorities con-


tended that he should be
deported based on two prior
convictions for drug posses-
sion. In New York, his drug
misdemeanors were not con-
sidered an - r,, \ iL d
felony", and based on his 22
years of legal residency and
strong family relationships in
the U.S., he would have been
eligible for "cancellation of
removal", a form of relief
from deportation.
However, in Texas, he was
barred from relief based on
Fifth Circuit rulings, and
deported to his native
Jamaica.
The bipartisan group said
the agency makes it too hard
for people to avoid detention
while challenging deportation
and recommended a signifi-
cant easing in the burden of
proof, and a waiver from
mandatory detention for law-
ful permanent residents.

- CMC
0


Fast cwk programs!!!
F Ifi RM -M


-- -~--- -~

NursIg Assistant?

Electrocardiograph Technician?
Patient Core Assistant?
Stop thinking about it and get on the right track to
a career in Allied Healthh
Affordable tuition Get your diploma 6 weeks or less!
0 (all Now for more information!
H"T (305 249 -2275
18441 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite 300,
c Miami, FL 33169 (Lincoln Square Building)


Jamaican killed during Florida shooting rampage


ORLANDO, Florida A
Jamaican man has been iden-
tified as the lone fatality dur-
ing a shooting rampage at an
office building here last
month.
Police said Otis Beckford,
26, was one of six people shot,
but the only one killed, by a
disgruntled former employee
at an engineering and con-
struction firm.
The authorities have


charged Jason Rodriguez, 40,
with first-degree murder in
connection with the shooting
spree after an extensive
search.
"Obviously we have a
tragic incident here in the city
of Orlando," said Mayor
Buddy Dyer. "...The gunman
has been apprehended."
Rodriguez surrendered to
police at his mother's home
after he was spotted by offi-


cers.
A family member said
Beckford, an architect at the
firm, was the father of a
seven-month-old and was due
to get married soon.
"You couldn't ask for a
better nephew or a son," said
Evelyn Cole, Beckford's aunt.
"He was just quiet, and he
never troubled anyone or got
into trouble," she added.
0


Bankrollers are Obama's Caribbean ambassadors


(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2)
Belize by the U.S. Senate on
July 24, 2009, also has no
background in the foreign
service, but was president of
MAM-A Inc., formerly Mitsui
Advanced Media, the nation's
leading manufacturer and dis-
tributor of archival recordable
optical discs.


Only 35 of the ambassa-
dors nominated globally so far
by Obama are career mem-
bers of the U.S. Foreign
Service. Forty-six of the presi-
dent's ambassador picks per-
sonally donated to Obama,
CRP found, giving him a com-
bined $306,700, while seven of
the ambassadors who were


politically appointed have
never personally contributed
to federal politicians above
the FEC's $200 reporting
threshold.

- CaribWorldNews
0


December 2009





CARIBBEAN TODAY

n e WS


Haitian gets 13 years in prison

for link to Chicago terror plot


MIAMI The Haitian-born
ringleader of a group accused
of plotting terror attacks on
Chicago's Sears Tower and
Federal Bureau of
Investigations (FBI) offices
has been sentenced to 13
years in prison.
Untied States District
Judge Joan Lenard imposed
the sentence on Narseal
Batiste, 35, who prosecutors
said had hoped to spark an
anti-government insurrection
by seeking support from al-
Queda for his alleged terror-
ism plans.
"You've done great harm
to yourself, your family, the
young men who were your fol-
lowers, and you've violated
the trust of your country,"
Judge Lenard said.
Batiste, who had faced a
maximum of 70 years in
prison, was convicted in May
of conspiracy to provide mate-
rial support to al-Queda, plot-
ting to blow up buildings and
conspiracy to wage war
against the U.S. Four other
Haitian men, described as
Batiste's soldiers in his para-
military group, were also con-
victed and sentenced to
between six and 10 years in
jail.

CULMINATION
The sentencing last month
marked the culmination of a


case that began with an FBI
raid in June 2006 on the
group's warehouse, known as
the "Embassy", in Miami's
impoverished Liberty City
neighborhood. Top U.S. offi-
cials acknowledged at the time
that the 100-storey skyscraper,
Sears Tower, and FBI plots
never got past the discussion
stage and that the group never
acquired the means to carry
out such audacious attacks.
But prosecutors said the
case was a prime example of
the post Sept. 11, 2001 strate-
gy of stopping terror plots in
the earliest possible stages
before they ignite.
There were two previous
mistrials in the case, and two
men were acquitted before
prosecutors finally won the
case. Batiste testified at all
three trials that he never
aspired to be a terrorist and
only went along in hopes of
scamming the FBI informant
out of $50,000.
At the sentencing hearing
on Nov. 20, he apologized to
his family and the young men
who became his followers,
blaming his .rrogIJk1L and
pride" for leading him down
the wrong road.
"I wanted respect," he
said. "I wanted to be this per-
son that I really wasn't. I've
never been a violent person."
0


NEW YORK Several mem-
bers of the New York
Congressional delegation last
month continued the call for
comprehensive immigration
reform.
At a pre-Thanksgiving
event that recognized New
York's immigrant history, sev-
eral congressional lawmakers
admitted the need for immedi-
ate progress on immigration
reform legislation.
Representative Yvette
Clarke, the daughter of
Jamaican immigrant parents,
told the audience that the cur-
rent set of immigration laws
must change now.
"Our immigration laws
are inconsistent and inefficient
and place an undue burden on


native-born Americans, docu-
mented immigrants and
undocumented immigrants
alike," said Clarke. "This sys-
tem is ineffective and unsus-
tainable. We must never for-
get that this
debate is criti-
cal to improv-
ing the lives of
all American
citizens,
American
businesses,
and the lives
of those who Rangel
seek to be
Americans."
N, w Yorkers stand
proudly with the majority of
Americans in their support of
comprehensive immigration


r6ww -arbbentda.com


I


reform," said U.S.
Representative Charles B.
Rangel. "Too many families
are being kept apart by the
hypocrisy of a system that
encourages people to come
and work, then tries to crimi-
nalize them when they want to
stay. We have an obligation a
moral obligation to see that
these laws are changed."
The event was co-hosted
by the American Jewish
Committee, the New York
Immigration Coalition and the
New York Interfaith Network
for Immigration Reform at the
New York Historical Society.


- CaribWorldNews
0


Wyclef Jean receives

Kennedy 'Hope' award


NEW YORK, N.Y. Grammy
Award-winning Haitian
singer, songwriter and produc-
er Wyclef Jean has earned
more recognition for his con-
tribution to human rights.
Jean, along with Bono of
musical group U2, was pre-
sented with Ripple of Hope
Award at Cli 1,,., Pier in New
York City last month by The
Robert E Kennedy Center for
Justice and Human Rights.
The Haitian ambassador
at large was honored for his
work to strengthen and
inspire change in his native
country of Haiti through his
Y1le Haiti organization.
"As champions of justice,
Bono and Wyclef have brought
the national spotlight to human
rights violations, empowered
local activists, and transformed
the lives of millions of people
living in poverty from Port-Au-
Prince to Darfur," said Kerry
Kennedy, founder of the RFK
Center. "Their efforts evoke
the spirit of my father and we
are honored to recognize
them."


File photograph
U2's Bono, left, and Wyclef Jean per-
forming together.
Jean also performed at
the ceremony. The award
came on the heels of several
other human rights awards
presented to the singer this
year, including by ASCAP
and BET in June 2009.
The RFK Center is a non-
profit organization dedicated
to advancing the human rights
movement through innovative
support to human rights
defenders around the world.

- CaribWorldNews
0


Holi days


www.AirJamaica.com


December 2009


Key Congressional leaders in New York

call for U.S. action on immigration reform





CARIBBEAN TODAY


Few Caribbean students

choose U.S. schools


WASHINGTON, D.C. Few
Caribbean students are study-
ing in the United States,
according to the latest Open
Doors survey, which analyses
foreign students in the U.S.
The survey, which is pub-
lished by the Institute of
International Education with
support from the U.S.
Department of State's Bureau
of Educational and Cultural
Affairs, found that while
Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela
made the top 25 list, not a sin-
gle Caribbean country man-
aged to make the cut.
By contrast, students
from India, China and South
Korea continue to dominate
the top three spots in the
ranking with students from
those nations accounting for a
large percent of the number
of foreign students in the U.S.


Wee Tom crowned 'Miss Florida Caribbean'


L esa-gayle Wee Tom,
wearing the sash "Miss
- onna's Restaurant",
was last month crowned "Miss
Florida Caribbean" 2009.
Wee Tom is no stranger to
pageants. She is a former first
runner up "Miss Hollywood
Teen", second runner up
"Miss Jamaica Florida" and
second runner up "Miss
Miami Tropic" and a contest-
ant in "Miss Jamaica World"
2009. She is a student at
Florida Atlantic University
and hopes to earn a degree in
broadcast journalism.
According to organizers,
the "Miss Florida Caribbean"
pageant offers personal devel-
opment opportunity for young
Caribbean American females
ages 18-25, who live in the
U.S. state of Florida. The pag-


India had 94,563 students
out of 623,805 globally for the
:21 2 11 is period while
Chinese students accounted
for 81,127 of that number.
Meanwhile, while a
record number of U.S. stu-
dents are studying abroad, the
Caribbean region did not
make the cut either for the
top 25 places where the
American students are turn-
ing for education. According
to the Open Doors 2009 sur-
vey, the number of Americans
studying abroad increased by
8.5 percent to 262,416 in the
2007/08 academic year, with
most choosing the U.K., Italy,
Spain and France.

- CaribWorldNews
0


MIAMI Finance Minister
Audley Shaw is confident
there are many investment
opportunities in Jamaica.
Addressing the 33rd
annual Miami Conference on
the Caribbean and Central
America, recently, Shaw out-
lined the strategies being
undertaken by the Bruce
Golding administration to
attract investors. He spoke of
the development of the agro-


eant also includes
divisions for
"teen" and "jun-
ior" contestants
between ages nine
and 17.
The winner of
"Miss Florida
Caribbean" is eli-
gible to represent
the "Sunshine
M"it at the 2010
Miss Caribbean
United States
pageant in New
York. The winner
of that competi-
tion will move on
to the "Miss
Caraibes Hibiscus
International"
pageant in St.
Maarten.
0


industry, with its array of sub-
sectors, including food pro-
cessing, organic farming and
green house production.
Regarding tourism, Shaw
said the island had recorded a
five percent increase in visitor
arrivals and a two percent
increase in spending recorded
in the industry, despite the
downturn in the regio, caused
by the global economic reces-
sion. He said with the devel-


opment of the industry, value-
added linkages to support the
sector, such as the construc-
tion of houses for hotel work-
ers, could be explored for
investment.
Shaw said there are also
opportunities to develop
attractions, to provide exotic
cuisine, as well as to get
involved in the fashion and
music industries.
0


Florida prosecution seeks death penalty

for Haitian accused of murdering family


NAPLES, Florida The pros-
ecution is seeking the death
penalty for Haitian Mesac
Damas, 33, who is charged
with murdering his wife and
five children in September.
The State Attorney's
Office said that prosecutors will
seek the death penalty for
Damas, who has confessed to


the killings. The notice of
intent to seek the death penalty
was filed in Collier County
court recently.
Damas remains on suicide
watch in the Collier County
jail and has not been allowed
any visitors other than his
attorney since his September
arrest, the Collier County


Sheriff's Office reported.
Collier County Deputy
Public Defender Mike
Orlando, who represents
Damas, filed a not-guilty plea
in September and said at the
time that he had concerns
about his client's mental state.
0


WWW.MORSECYBERKNIFE.COM
1-800-204-0455


CYJER



CENTER OF MIAMI

CyberiKnife Center of Miami
7867 North Kendall Drive, Suite 105

Phone: (305) 279-2900
^^^^Bhj~^cTT^^^^^^13^^^^^^^


Li Have you been in an accident?

SHave you suffered a slip and fall?

A Do you have neck and back pain?

If you answered yes

these, call


Freddie McGregor did ... and now
he is asking you to do the same! 7


VVnane minister woos investorsIII

Ja's finance minister woos investors


December 2009





December 2009


CARIBBEAN TODAY

S0O c n A


LWW-crbbatoa.co


Don't pay for the holidays all year long, shoppers warned

~ E-layaway among new budgeting tips


SUNRISE, Florida Sixty per-
cent of Americans confess to
not having a holiday budget so
it is no surprise the American
Bankers Association estimates
it takes the average consumer
six months to pay off seasonal
debt.
"Everyone is caught up
with the usual holiday ques-
tions of what presents to buy,
who to invite to parties and
where to go, yet the big ques-
tion you should ask is 'where
is the money going to come
from to pay for it all?'," says


The effects of holiday shopping can linger.

Barbara J. Stark, director of
community development and
education for American Debt
Counseling, Inc., www.ameri-
candebtcounseling.org a
Sunrise, Florida-based non-
profit organization that pro-
vides financial education pro-
grams as well as confidential
and professional credit coun-


( With the holiday season
upon us, many good-
willed individuals express
their generosity by giving to
those less fortunate," says
Lawrence Loesch, former
New York Police Department
Deputy Chief and Vice
President/General Manager
for AlliedBarton Security
Services. "Unfortunately, that
can also create an opportunity
for scam artists to take advan-
tage of the kindness of others.
It is important to make certain
your generosity is received by
those who need it most."
So when giving this holi-
day season remember to use
your head, as well as your
heart. The following tips by
Loesch to Caribbean Today's
readers can help:
Look-alike charities -


selling and debt management
services across the nation.
Stark cautions that the
cost of the holidays can derail
the steps people have already
taken to reduce debt by dis-
couraging them with new debt
that takes them back to
square one or sets them back
even further.
"On average consumers
spend $1,220 on holiday gifts,"
she explains. "If that went on
credit cards with an interest
rate of 18 percent and only a
monthly minimum payment


was made it would take 22
years to pay off, and would
cost $2,600."

TIPS
Stark offers the following tips
for avoiding bills that come
back to haunt you like the
ghost of Christmas past:
Pay it forward: Layaway is


Watch out for charities with
similar names to well-known
organizations. Some scam
artists try to trick people by
using names that make them
appear to be the same as or
comparable to valid charities.
Always investigate the organi-
zation prior to making a dona-
tion. Look at their websites.
Many non-profit web address-
es end in .org instead of .com.
Phone scams Be cau-
tious of charities that contact
you over the phone. In New
York City, for example, there's
a popular scam from solicitors
who claim to represent the
NYPD and related police
fundraising organizations.
Only the New York Police
Foundation can accept such
donations and they do not
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)


back, enabling consumers to
purchase within a budget and
not incur interest fees. Online
layaway sites are a new way
for people who like to shop
from their computers to gain
the advantages of layaway, but
shoppers should read the


terms to understand if there
are additional fees involved.
Pad your pockets:
Sometimes, all you need to
bridge a budget gap is a few
extra dollars a month. For
example, put your photos to
work for you by submitting


them to stock photo agencies.
Anyone can do it, and if your
photos are accepted you'll
earn money each time your
photo is uploaded.
Party like it's 1929: Even
during the Great Depression
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)


-- ---------- ------- -------------------------- ------- -----

-,-

B .




Make This

Holiday Season

The Best One Ever!


The holidays are around the corner
and Miami-Dade County is here
to help you make the most
of them with these
Holiday Survival Tips:
....................---


-sea-- etwOcto shop o~lue
-- us a .. se e......
....... ...


Don' let your holiday feast become
:" a health hazard; never leave your cooking i
food unattended, it can cause a fire .--
.-... .... ........ ......................................... .............................................
.....................


f:. the ho :-, fts--"............









holiday topics, including
finding the perfect gift, ways to
make the season safer, and fun
.-.. activities for the whole family!



M-AM--
Sew
-......


Givers, beware holiday

scam artists






CARIBBEAN TODAY


SLO c n i


December 2009


-usw^caribbeantodj..c..


Direct deposit improves Social Security service


Hurricane season ended
recently in the United
States. But in some
areas, it's wildfire season.
As you prepare for the
threat of a natural disaster in
your community, put signing
up for direct deposit at the top
of your "to do" list. Doing so
can eliminate the delay or
non-delivery of your monthly
payment if a disaster forces
you from your home. It is still
is the best way to get benefit
payments for people who have
a bank account. Here's why:
Safe Your money is
deposited directly into your
account at your bank or other
financial institution. Because
it's transferred electronically,
there's no risk of your check
being lost or stolen.


Quick You'll get your
payment faster when it's
deposited directly and it is
immediately available to you
once it's deposited.
Convenient No more
standing in line at the bank to
cash your check, or leaving
your house when the weather
is bad.
For those who don't have
a bank account, there's Direct
Express. With Direct
Express, we automatically
deposit benefit payments to a
person's Direct Express card
account. The card can be
used to make purchases, pay
bills or get cash at thousands
of locations, and most services
are free. To learn more or to
sign up for Direct Express,
visit www.fms.treas.gov/direct-
expresscard.


To learn more about
Direct Deposit of your benefit
payments, and to sign up, visit
our website at www.socialse-
curity.gov/deposit. You also
can call us at 1-800-772-1213
(TTY 1-800-325-0778).
To learn more informa-
tion about Direct Express,
visit www.fms.treas.gov/direct-
expresscard.
In the unfortunate event
that you are displaced by a
natural disaster, your benefits
do not have to be. Your pay-
ments will be safe and secure,
and arrive on time to your
account with Direct Deposit
or Direct Express.

- Social Security Administration
0


Students get 'Miss Lou'


scholarship from Florida


Over $5,000 was raised
from the fourth annual
tribute and scholarship
fundraiser held last month at
the Holy Family Episcopal
Church in North Miami,
Florida to honor the life and
legacy of the late Jamaican
cultural icon Louise "Miss
Lou" Bennett-Coverley.
Proceeds from this event
will be used to support the
Louise Bennett-Coverley
Scholarship Fund that was
started following Miss Lou's
death of in July 2006. The
scholarship is tenable at the
Edna Manley College of the
Visual and Performing Arts in
Kingston, Jamaica. So far, the
scholarship has benefited four


Don't pay for the holidays all year long, shoppers warned


(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7)
people knew how to party on
a budget. Consider a pot-luck
party this year where guests
each bring a dish. Or cut your
tab at the grocery store by
signing up to receive online
newsletters from brands you
like, buy store brands that are
often made by name brand
companies, and combine
coupons with buy-one-get-one
and sale offers.
It's in the cards: People
spend up to 30 percent more
when paying with credit cards
rather than cash. Pay with
cash, debit cards or checks


whenever possible. If you use
credit cards, chose a low rate
credit card instead of high
interest rate department store
cards, and avoid department
store credit cards offering a
one-time discount.
Protect your identity:
Crowded stores increase the
risk of pickpockets and purse
snatchers. Don't carry your
Social Security card in your
wallet or purse but do keep
copies (both front and back)
of all of the credit cards and
ID (including your driver's
license) that you carry with
you to enable swift action in
the event of loss or theft.


The art of re-gifting: It's
important to remember giving
a gift that you received but
never used is still a gift, and
there is no reason to spoil the
moment by confessing you
didn't buy it. Be sure the gift
is clean and presentable,
change the wrapping paper
and, most importantly, keep
track of who gave the gift to
you originally.
The tipping point: Many
workers rely on receiving tips
in order to pay for their holi-
day season. As always, tipping
is a personal issue and depen-
dant on the service received.
Several online resources offer a


guide to what is appropriate. If
you can't find the extra money
in your budget this year, show
your appreciation with a home-
made gift or baked good.
Don't take a financial hol-
iday: Open your credit card
bills as soon as they arrive and
verify all the transactions are
correct. You have 60 days to
challenge errors, and be sure
to keep copies of all the corre-
spondence. Most importantly,
if you are faced with over-
whelming debt, seek profes-
sional advice from an accred-
ited credit counselor who can
help get you back on track.
0


Givers, beware holiday scam artists


(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7)
solicit via the telephone. Ask
the solicitor for the charity's
mailing address so that you
can send them a check direct-
ly. When in doubt, call the
charity yourself and ask them
if they're aware of the solicita-
tions being done in their
name.
Know your charity Many
more organizations push for
donations during the holidays.
Research your charity before
making the decision to
donate. If they offer you very
little information, they may
not be legitimate. A legitimate
charity will give you informa-
tion describing its mission,
how donations are distributed
and proof that your contribu-
tion is tax deductible.

DONATION USE
How is your donation
used? One of the most
important things to consider
when making a charitable
contribution is how much of
your money actually goes to
the charitable cause. Most


charities are required to regis-
ter and file annual reports
showing how donations are
used. You can ask how to find
this information at your state
or local consumer protection
agency.
Contribution collectors -
Individuals who go door-to-
door or position lth im,1S in
high traffic areas should be
carrying proper credentials
and identification. These indi-
viduals should be knowledge-
able about the organization
and be able to provide you
with informative materials
about the charity. Ask for
written information and the
solicitor's identification to val-
idate the organization. For
security and tax record pur-
poses, it's important to pay by
check when giving a contribu-
tion and write the charity's
official name on the check.
Mail scams Holiday
greetings may not the only
thing crowding your mailbox.
This time of year, watch for
appeals for donations. If you
do not recognize the name of
a particular charity, you can


check out their legitimacy as
well as their efficiency with
your money at the BBB Wise
Giving Alliance website,
www.give.org.
Email scams Be skepti-
cal of emails seeking charita-
ble contributions. Many unso-
licited messages received
through email are fraudulent.
Do not respond to these e-
mails as many of them ask
you to send money to an off-
shore bank account.
Additionally, a fraudulent
charity email may have an
attachment, offering you more
information. Be aware, as
many times these attachments
contain viruses. It is always
important that any charity-
related email include a link to
an authorized website. You
should also be skeptical of any
charity email or website that
requires you to enter you
social security number.
Promised prizes Be cau-
tious of guaranteed sweep-
stakes winnings in exchange
for your contribution. This
may not be the type of holi-
day gift you are looking for.


Fraudulent sweepstake mail-
ers encourage consumers to
return the apparent 'winning'
entry along with a donation to
the charity named in the pro-
motion. The wording in the
mailer makes it seem like the
recipient is already a winner.
Be skeptical if a solicitor
thanks you for a contribution
you don't remember giving.
Other options Instead of
donating money to a charity,
consider volunteering your
time. Contributing your per-
sonal time to help others can
mean much more than simply
writing a check. You can also
donate toys, clothing or non-
perishable food and make it
part of your holiday tradition.
Adamant demands -
Refuse any high-pressure
requests for your contribution.
Legitimate charities usually
don't require people to give at
a moment's notice. An estab-
lished charity will still be will-
ing to accept your donation,
even if you take some time to
research first.
0


students pursuing studies in
song, dance and drama at the
institution.
Two students Sodanne
Brown and Omar Forbes -
both pursuing studies in per-
forming arts at Edna Manley
were selected as recipients of
the 2009-2010 scholarships.
This year, a decision was
made to award an additional
scholarship to a student of
Jamaican descent pursuing
studies in performing arts at
the New World School of the
Arts in Miami. Details are
currently being finalized with
the school's administration,
according to Norma Darby,
founder of the scholarship
fund.
In an effort to continue
Miss Lou's legacy, the scholar-
ship was extended to Jamaican
diaspora in the United States
to give those students an
opportunity to engage their
culture and heritage.

- JIS






Street Address:
9020 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33157
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6010
Miami, FL 33116-6010.
Telephone: (305) 238-2868
(305) 253-6029 Fax: (305) 252-7843
Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-290-4550
1-800-605-7516 Jamaica: 654-7282
E-mail: editor@caribbeantoday.com
Send ads to: ct ads@bellsouth.net
Vol. 20, Number 12* NOV. 2009

PETER A WEBLEY
Publisher
GORDON WILLIAMS
Managing Editor
SABRINA HOPKINS
Graphic Artist

DOROTHY CHIN
Account Executive
SHARON LEE
Account Executive
CARMEN CHANG
Account Executive
JACQUELINE RUBIANO
Accounting Manager
Caribbean Media Source
Media Representatives
Opinions expressed by editors and writers
are not necessarily those of thepublisher.
Caribbean Today, an independent
news magazine, is published every month
by Caribbean Publishing & Services, Inc.
Caribbean Today is not responsible
for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. To
guarantee return, please include a self-
addressed stamped envelope.
Articles appearing in Caribbean
Today may not be reproduced without
written permission of the editor.





CARIBBEAN TODAY


V I P 0


We are the T&T gov't

in Miami CG


Laura Marie West, newly
appointed Trinidad and Tobago
consul general in Miami, is still
settling into South Florida life.
But she has been making the
rounds at events hosted by
nationals of the twin island
republic, reaching out to the
diaspora. Caribbean Today's
freelance writer Dawn A.
Davis caught up with her at a
recent leadership seminar host-
ed by Trinidad and Tobago
Diaspora, Inc.

Question: What is the con-
sulate's mission? How do you
see your role?

Answer: We have defined four
missions: An economic mis-
sion, a security mission, a con-
sular mission and a political
mission. But, I will focus on
the consular mission. The level
of service afforded to nationals
traveling and living abroad, in
addition to seeking to maxi-
mize the exported skills and
investment potential of the
diaspora, that's why I am here.
At the consulate, we have the
responsibility for promotion,
pursuit, protection of the
national interest. We promote
trade and investment. We try
to establish two-way business
relationships with companies
here and in Trinidad and
Tobago. We develop bilateral
relations with the United
States. We provide national
assistance. We notarize and
authenticate documents like
restoration of citizenship, cer-
tificates for pensioners. We are
also effective for students who
want scholarships. If some-
body dies here, you have to
get documents prepared in
order to take that body back
to Trinidad, so you have to
come to the consulate to get it
done. In other words, we are
the government of Trinidad
and Tobago in Miami.

Q: The Trinidad and Tobago
government has developed a
long-range development strat-
egy dubbed Vision 2020. Can
you expand on it?

A: Vision 2020 is based on five
key pillars. It's really about
how you get to where you
want to get to. We are on a
journey to make our vision
real, and so we are involved in


activities and
we have prior-
ities to accom-
plish the
vision. We
want to be
resilient, pro-
ductive, inno-
vative, and
prosperous. West
We want our
citizens to have a high quality
of healthcare, safe communi-
ties, and sound and relevant
education. We would like our
people to progress in ways that
could take the good out of
developed countries and leave
the negatives where they are,
and hope that we can con-
tribute to a global community
that will be more positive. We
are a diverse nation; in
Trinidad we are a rainbow of
colors. The diversity and cre-
ativity of all our citizens is key
to getting our vision on the
way.

Q: How do you market the
twin island republic as a safe
and attractive destination?

A: Because we are a nation,
we are governed by laws. So,
we want to make sure there is
respect for law, for the law
guides the principles of
democracy...We are committed
to good governance; we are a
principled member of the
global community, we are an
effective regional leader. We
want to nurture a caring socie-
ty. You know when we were
children and we did something
wrong, you could get 'licks'
from your aunt, your mother's
friend, your grandmother. We
want to go back to those days
where it takes a village.

Q: The perception is that
Trinidad and Tobago is far
ahead of the rest of the
Caribbean in relation to manu-
facturing and industry. Is this
true?

A: Trinidad and Tobago is a
model for other developing
states. We were one of the first
countries to move from oil
into natural gas. Right now we
are the world's largest produc-
er of methanol and ammoni-
um. We export 70 percent of
the U.S. requirement for natu-
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 10)


People, who for some rea-
son have reason to cut
the ties that bind, shake
off the shackles of matrimony,
cut loose from the tethers that
tie, and separate from the per-
son whom they once loved.
Yes, I'm talking about that
final split as you leave your
spouse.
I have been privy to the
insight of the minds of people
and why they call it quits, and
why they decide to take that
plunge into the unknown. But
the option of leaving is often
far better than staying. And
yet, some will still stay and
wallow in the misery, despair
and loss of self, preferring to
tell their tales of woe to who-
ever will listen.
It's \uIeLeId that the
number one reason why peo-
ple part ways is because of
money. Yes, money, the love
of it, or the lack of it, is the
root of all problems, and is
enough to make couples go
their separate ways. So many
couples, married or not, have
suffered and split because of
financial folly.
In some cases they fool-
ishly enter into the union and
have a joint bank account
only. Oops, big mistake, as
money and love don't mix,
and even though they think
that they're in love and what's
mine is thine, usually it ends
up being all mine and not
thine. So I advise you, keep a
little mine for yourself,
stashed away somewhere.

'BIGGER EYE'
In many cases, one party
in the relationship has a big-
ger eye for spending than the
other, resulting in resentment,
as the imbalance is too much
to bear. Sometimes the wife
likes to keep up with the
Joneses and spends far more
than they earn, or perhaps he
has a deficit problem and
loves to gamble, buy liquor,
spend on wine women and
song.
Or perhaps it's just a mat-
ter of priorities.
"How can you want to


I n T


LW-S^^ caribbeantoday


buy a plasma
T.V. and we
don't own a
washing
machine?"
she cries, and
so the quar-
reling begins
until it's
splitsville. TONY
For what- ROBINSON
ever reason,
this one pot
to serve two, is a recipe for
disaster, for invariably one will
dip more often than the other.
In other cases, it's the bor-
rowing syndrome, where
either the man or the woman
constantly 'borrows' from the
other without having any
intention of paying back.
Usually it's a one-way street,
with one always borrowing
and never paying back, result-
ing in resentment and seething
anger that can fester for years.
It's usually hardly ever
mentioned, but sex, the love
of it, or the lack of it, is also
included in the reasons why
couples call it quits. Oh sure,
many people will outwardly
say that it does not matter and
will stick it out or take a lover
on the side. But the long-term
effects can be devastating, and
they leave because of the slid-
ing scale of sexual desire. As
one man told me, "It's not
that she stopped having sex
with me, but that she no


Cosmetic
Restorative
Preventive


Member American Dental Association
Most Insurance Accepted

6701 Sunset Drive, Suite 114
LSouth Miami, FL 33143


longer desired me enough to
want to have sex with me."
It wasn't only the physical
act that he missed, but he was
hurt that his woman no longer
wanted him.

SPIN-OFFS
Oh yes, women have
expressed the same sentiments
too, but for some reason do
not place as big a premium on
it as do men. But you know
that there are spin-offs and
sub plots to this sex thing that
all lead to the inevitable
breakup, with the main one
being infidelity.
A man will endure almost
anything, but if his woman is
unfaithful to him, then he's
leaving the scene of her crime.
Most men just can't handle it,
to know that their woman lay
with another man.
The info shows that fewer
women will leave a man for
this reason than the other way
around, but she will leave if he
takes her for granted or stops
showing her attention.
So even when women will
leave because they're taken
for granted, men will leave
because they're taken for a
fool. It's said that hell hath no
fury like a women spurned,
but there's also much fury and
rage in a man who's taken for
a fool. Just check out those
stories of murder/suicides and

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 10)


Oral Surgery
Oral Cancer Screening
Root Canal Treatment
Orthodontics


(305) 666-4334


Those dreaded words: It's over


HPractice of Optometry
l* Comprehensive Eye Exams Contact Lens fits
Diabetic Retinopathy Evaluations
Glaucoma Treatment and Management
Children's Examinations Cataract Evaluations
Post Lasik Care.
11417 S. Dixie Highway Miami, FL 33156
E (305) 378-1915 |


PAUL W. MOO YOUNG, D.D.S.

FAMILY DENTISTRY
EMERGENCY WALK-IN SERVICE


Nt


December 2009





CARIBBEAN TODAY


- u scrbes..


v 1 6w 0


(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9)
ral gas on the Eastern
seaboard. We are expanding
exports to Chile and Peru, and
other places. In addition, we
are focusing on non-oil manu-
facturing systems. We are
going into downstream indus-
tries from the oil, such as plas-
tics and polyethylene.

Q: One of the keys to becom-
ing a developed nation and
attracting investment is good
infrastructure. How is the gov-
ernment addressing that issue?

A: If you look at the last budg-
et, you will see where the min-
ister of finance mentioned that
as the developed countries, we
are now trying to make sure
that you can cover the island in
two-and-a-half hours. And so,
the government proposes to
build highways around the
island that will facilitate ease
of movement. The minister
pointed out very clearly that it
has taken the concept from
developed countries. That is
the kind of thing we do at the
consulate. We look at scientific
and technological advance-
ment; we bring them to the
attention of the government


and when it is fLihl,, they
will in turn implement our rec-
ommendations.

Q: Where does the govern-
ment, and the diaspora, stand
on the Caribbean as one com-
mon market?

A: We were out front in push-
ing for the CARICOM Single
Market; the economy comes
on stream hopefully by 2014.
The reason we did that is
because CARICOM is our
biLl trading partner. So, if
the CARICOM is prosperous,
we are prosperous. There are
plans afoot now to help coun-
tries like Grenada and St.
Vincent to train people so they
can function in critical
areas...The Summit of the
Americas, attended by
American President Barack
Obama and held in Trinidad
and Tobago, was very success-
ful. The highlight really, was
the fact that we were the first
CARICOM country to host
the Summit of the Americas.
And we did it, not only for us,
but also for the CARICOM.

Q: How strong is the relation-
ship between the Trinidad and


Tobago government and the
diaspora?

A: Our nationals know the
businesses out there; they now
know the services that we offer.
So, the diaspora can contribute
to making us more effective by
their networking efforts and
sharing that benefit with us. Of
course, we do it on our own as
well. We make business con-
tacts. We put companies in
Trinidad and Tobago in touch
with companies in Miami and
vice versa. But, we want our
nationals also (to) be part of
that process so that we might
stay connected with them.

Q: Caribbean culture is well
represented in South Florida.
How do make sure Trinidadian
culture maintains its presence?

A: In addition to attending
many of the events, we make
contact with schools and univer-
sities to encourage them to
teach "pan" (music). We
encourage the transfer of
knowledge to support innova-
tion and creativity.
0


We are the T&T gov't in Miami ~ CG


I-

* "Are we satisfied as a
region, that our obligation
and responsibility to create
an environment and to pro-
vide an infrastructure which
cater for the rights of all our
people have been met? These
are critical questions in need
of urgent answers" St. Kitts
and Nevis Prime Minister Dr.
Denzil Douglas, who holds
responsibility for health within
the Caribbean community
(CARICOM) quasi Cabinet,
asks an important question in
his message to mark World
AIDS Day 2009, Dec. 1.

* "A dark pall
hangs over our
country; a
shroud over
our women.
Their freedom,
their rights,
their very lives
sees no sun shine in the dark-
ness of organized assault on
their person, their dignity,


Those dreaded words: It's over


Entries must include the writer's full name, address and telephone number. Each writer is
allowed one entry. Look out for the name of the winner and the winning composition,
which will be published in the March 2010 issue of Caribbean Today.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS FEB. 15, 2010

Send entries via e-mail to:
ct_ads@bellsouth.net or address them to



9020 S.W. 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33157, USA


(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9)
you'll see that in most cases
the man was a simple, quiet,
humble man who just lost it
because his woman took him
for a fool.
I spoke to various men
about this, and there was one
common factor they felt hurt
by being taken for a fool.
"How could she really
expect me to believe that
management meetings would
be held every Friday and
Saturday until 3 a.m.? Better
she tell me a decent lie, like
her sister sick or something,
but don't take big man for
idiot," this guy told me.

POWER TRIP
The need for power is
also a factor, and in these
modern times, with so many
women having big jobs and
earning far more than their
partners, it often leads to a
shift in the balance of power.
It often happens when the
wife lands a great new high
paying job, then suddenly
she's aware that her net worth
is great, she has money in the
bank, has a platinum credit
card, can buy stuff and doesn't
really need her man for any-
thing financial. She's now
worth more than him and will
let him know it.
One day he wakes up and
he's wearing the skirt and
she's wearing the pants.
Or it may happen sudden-
ly if he loses his job and now
has to depend on her income
to support them both. She


calls the shots, she makes the
plans, she pays the bills. It
also happens if he doesn't own
a place and moves into hers,
marries into her family and
has to live in her daddy's
house. Then there's also the
need for space which some
couples never seem to under-
stand. One party always seems
to think that being intertwined
like vines or snakes is healthy,
and living like conjoined twins
is the way to be. All that does
is smother the relationship.
But if one dares to men-
tion that they want space, it's
instant grounds for breakup.
And don't believe that it's
only women either, for many
men want their women to
account for each hour of the
day. "It's work then home to
me, nowhere else, no gym, no
karate class, no bible study, no
girls night out, just me, yu
hear?!"
The data is there, people
break up for different reasons,
while some remain and
endure the misery.
But all is not lost, as some
couples are happy t< gL Ih1 r
they respect each other,
respect each other's money,
don't take each other for
granted, respect each other's
sexual needs, have no power
struggle and communicate.
They may be few and far
between and may also fall in
the older folks category, but
they do exist.

seidol@hotmail.com
0


their humanity" Opposition
Leader Lester Bird last month
calling on the Antigua and
Barbuda government to do
more to safeguard women
from rape.

* "Ralph would like to
entrench himself in power" -
Former St. Vincent and the
Grenadines Prime Minister
Sir James Mitchell last month
accusing the country's current
PM. Ralph Gonsalves of
being power hungry.

* "Wounded my (behind)!
He just applied a plaster to
those wounds, got right back
on his horse and carried on
riding all the way to yet
another two world records" -
British sprinter Dwain
( iinili o% admitting last
month that any weakness
Jamaican star Usain Bolt
appeared to have had before
this summer's World
( liiiiimpt, .iiqi in Athletics
were figments of his competi-
tors' imagination.

Compiled from CMC and
other sources.


I n T


December 2009






CARIBBEAN TODAY


F nT U R 6


LWW-crbbatoa.co


U.S. Census 2010 holds key to welfare of Caribbean Americans


DAWN A. DAVIS
Are Caribbean-born
immigrants moving
out of Dade and
Broward, the two South
Florida counties with tradi-
tionally the highest concentra-
tion of those from the region?
According to the latest
United States Census Bureau
estimates, this seems to be the
trend.
A three-year comparison
of social characteristics of
Miami-Dade County shows a
slight decline in residents with
West Indian ancestry.
Specifically, out of an estimat-
ed total population of 2.4 mil-
lion for 2006, 2007, and 2008,
West Indians accounted for
7.3 percent of the total for
2006 and 2007. However, by
2008 that number declined to
7.1 percent.
More significantly, howev-
er, the Caribbean population
in Broward County shows the
higher downward trend. Over
the three years (2006-2008)
the numbers have dropped
steadily. Of the total 1.8 mil-
lion residents in the county,
the Caribbean population was
estimated at 12.8 percent for
2006, 12.6 percent for 2007
and 12 percent for 2008.
These numbers reflect a
notable drop for a population
that had been on the rise for
the past 10 years.
However, this trend does


not only apply to West Indian
residents, but foreign immi-
grants in general. The data
also show some decline in for-
eign residents across the coun-
try.
It appears foreigners are
either returning home or mov-
ing to other parts of the U.S.
And, while there is specula-
tion as to why, there are no
definitive answers. A casual
survey of several
Caribbean-born
South Florida
residents
revealed that
some have relo-
cated to, or are in
the process of,
moving to areas
such as Atlanta,
New York and
the Carolinas in
search of cheaper The Statue of L
housing, higher dom in the U.S.
paying jobs and learedtoembi
lower cost of living. Others
are returning to the Caribbean
for various reasons, including
economic hardships.

MARKETING
But, no matter where eth-
nic populations reside, the
U.S. federal government is
pulling out all the stops to
ensure more citizens and resi-
dents participate in the 2010
Census. Besides being much
shorter than past surveys,
there is a big marketing push
to reach immigrant popula-


tions and undocumented resi-
dents, groups that historically
have not responded well to
the census.
With hundreds of billions
of dollars at stake, and con-
gressional representation for
states with residents correctly
documented through the cen-
sus, local and national officials
are partnering with the U.S.
Census Bureau to get their
residents
counted.


File photograph
liberty is a symbol of the free-
Caribbean immigrants have
race.
The U.S. Census
2010 website
makes it clear.
"Census data _
directly affect how
more than $400
billion per year in -
federal and state
funding is allocat- The 2010 cen
ed to communities stand and be
for neighborhood
improvements, public health,
education, transportation and
much more", the website
explains. "That's more than $4
trillion over a 10-year period.


Spending just a few minutes to
fill out your census form will
help ensure your community
gets its fair share of federal
and state funding".
A voice for immigrant
rights, Cao Anh Quan, chair-
man of the Refugee Advisory
Council in the State of
Florida, in a recent address to
the Census 2010 Refugee &
Immigrant Committee put it
this way:
"Now more than ever, our


File photograph
nsus offers Caribbean immigrants a chance to
counted in the U.S.

country needs us. Now more
than ever, we the people are
its government. Now more
than ever, we have traveled
too far not to overcome. Let's


go count our people. Let's
commit to each other to begin
this journey as a part of the
Brotherhood of all nations".

FEDERAL AID
Florida, with its large eth-
nic population, including
Caribbean nationals and
Latinos, could pick up much
needed federal funding if all
its residents are included in
next year's census. Aware of
this, the Census Bureau has
already started its push.
Bureau personnel met with
ethnic media recently in a bid
to reach those with historically
low response rates. As such,
readers, bloggers, viewers of
media such as El Nuevo
Herald, El Sentinel,
Caribbean Today, Telemundo,
Facebook and Twitter are
expected to reflect informa-
tion about the census.
With only 10 questions,
and thus more ut, r-friendly",
the census appears less intimi-
dating than in the past. And,
immigrant advocacy groups
are pleased that Question 9
allows individuals to specify
nationality. Specifically, race
must be selected, but there is
also room to include nationali-
ty, for example Jamaican,
Trinidadian or Guyanese.
But New York-based
immigration attorney Joan
Pinnock, in her presentation to
delegates at the recent
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 12)


Ex-commissioner joins Bermuda's ruling party, hopes to break color barrier


IVAN CLIFFORD

HAMILTON, Bermuda, -
Saying it is time for
Bermudians to play their
part in breaking down racial
barriers, former Police
Commissioner Jonathan
Smith has joined the predomi-
nantly black Progressive
Labour Party (PLP) that has
been in power for 11 years.
Smith, who is white and
the brother of former
Education Minister Tim
Smith, said he refuses to be
corralled "into a political
camp because of the legacy
Bermuda has had."
The former education
minister in the United
Bermuda Party (UBP) gov-
ernment, in reacting to his
brother's decision to joining
the ruling party, said "sadly,
we have historically defined
people by which political
party they join. This is as
much the fault of individual
biases as it is legacy of both
the UBP and PLP.
"It will be refreshing
when we can define political
parties around how we expect
them to govern. If he can help


by making the PLP govern-
ment more accountable, trans-
parent and responsive, then
Bermuda should be the better
for it.
"While I might not share
the same political affiliation, I


Smith


am hopeful he can have a pos-
itive impact. It will certainly
make for more interesting
political debates around the
family dinner table," he
added.

BERMUDA'S WALL
Smith joined the PLP in
August after previously turn-
ing down requests to join both
the ruling party and the main
opposition United Bermuda


Party (UBP).
"Bermuda is a better
place when the status quo is
challenged," he said. "Race
has been Bermuda's Berlin
Wall. Some choose to sit on
the wall; some cower behind
it; some hold it up. I'm con-
vinced that the majority of


Bermudians have chosen to
knock it down.
"In knocking it down, all
must play a part in building
the foundation for the future.
We simply cannot keep doing
things the way we have always
done."


said that he believes future
generations of black and white
Bermudians dL, r\ L so much
more than the legacy of what
we've been left.
"It's up to all of us to play
our part, to forge that way for-


The former top policeman (CONTINUED ON PAGE 12)



IjS ,, ,_ \ Souti Florinda's Public Radio Stion


WYou can take a vacation in the islands overnight
courtesy of Sounds of the Caribbean. You'll hear
* every variety of Caribbean music from Reggae and
Calypso to Soca, Dance Hall, Steel Pan and more,
from its earliest roots to the most contemporary hits.
So, tune in with your favorite hosts "Rass" David
Reuter, Jeanette "the Dutchess" Drew and Richard
"Richie Rich" Davis.
Tuesday through Fridays, lam 5am :- ..
Saturday, 1 am 7am .. :
Sunday, midnight 6am ---:
:::


December 2009





CARIBBEAN TODAY


- u scrbes..


*


F nT U R 6


Caribbean joins in observing World AIDS Day


The Caribbean joined the
rest of the international
community in observing
World AIDS Day 2009 Dec.
1 with a recognition that
much more needs to be done
to provide the framework and
infrastructure to ensure that
the interventions by health
authorities reach all people
infected in the region.
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime
Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas,
who holds responsibility for
health within the Caribbean
community (CARICOM) quasi
Cabinet, said that while the
interventions in the past have
contributed to the overall stabi-
lization of the epidemic, there
were still areas to be covered in
order to effectively deal with
the pandemic.
He said there have been
important gains and advances
in the Caribbean's response,
and great strides have been
made to meet the needs of the
generalized epidemic. But the
problem is still large.
"The evidence also shows,
among other things, that in a
comparatively small region, in
2007 an estimated 38 persons


died of AIDS each day and
20,000 persons became infect-
ed," Douglas said.
"It shows
further that
stigma and
discrimina-
tion remain a
barrier to
scaling up
prevention
and treat-
ment pro- Douglas
grams; and
there continues to be consid-
erable gaps (in some cases) in
policies and legislation with
respect to the inclusion and
protection of the most at risk
populations."

FRAMEWORK
Douglas said that the
region must therefore provide
the framework and infrastruc-
ture that are necessary to
ensure that the interventions
reach all populations, and that
the supremacy of the human
rights cannot be over empha-
sized.


and women at an equal rate.
According to the
UNAIDS-WHO AIDS
Epidemic Update for 2009,
released last month, the total
number of people living with
HIV globally is now 33.4 mil-
lion. Of these, adults comprise
31.3 million; women 15.7 mil-
lion; and children under 15
years, 2.1 million.
The report noted that
Caribbean men and women
were contracting the deadly
HIV virus in equal numbers
and that there has been a nine
percent increase in the number
of persons living with the virus
in the region. It also stated that
after 28 years, the HIV epidem-
ic is now "evenly distributed
between males andL Lm1LI .IL
"With a total number of
240,000 people living with
HIV in the Caribbean," said
Arkadiusz Majszyk, director
of the UNAIDS Caribbean
Regional Support Team. "This
is an increase of nine percent
between 2001 and 2008."


A new report by UNAIDS CMC
shows that the HIV virus is t
now infecting Caribbean men


(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11)
Jamaican Diaspora Conference
in Fort Lauderdale, Florida,
explained at least one draw-
back.
"One of the fears of
whether or not you should
complete the census form is
that people that are undocu-
mented are scared," she said.
"...Many of us come from
Jamaica; we come here in visi-
tors visas and we don't go
back...So, my advice would be
if you are undocumented or in
a situation where you have
family members who are
undocumented, do not fill that
information out."
Pinnock added that there
is some talk of a new immigra-
tion bill coming out of
Washington that she hopes
will include amnesty for
undocumented immigrants in
the U.S. and allow them to get
"green cards" or permanent


residence and not be penal-
ized for being out of status.
She urged the Jamaican dias-
pora to lobby representatives
and let their voices be heard.
Jamaica's Ambassador to
the U.S. Anthony Johnson,
who also addressed confer-
ence attendees, urged
Jamaicans to go even further.
"Become American citi-
zens," Johnson said. "We
would not regard it as disloy-
alty to Jamaica because with
our constitution you cannot
lose your Jamaican citizen-
ship...If you become an
American citizen you are enti-
tled to all the rights and enti-
tlements of Americans, which
means you can go stand up
with your placards...We must
stand together."

Dawn A. Davis is a freelance
writer for Caribbean Today.
0


Ex-commissioner joins Bermuda's ruling

party, hopes to break color barrier


(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11)
ward. When history looks
back we'll take great comfort
if it describes that we paved
the way that we put Bermuda
first."
Traditionally, the over-
whelming majority of whites,
who account for 40 percent of
the island's 65,000 population,
have backed the UBP, which
ran the country for 30 years
until it was ousted from power
by the PLP in 1998. The PLP
has since won two more gen-
eral elections and the UBP is
facing a crisis after five of its
14 parliamentarians quit the
party in the past 12 months.
Three former UBP legis-
lators have since launched
the Bermuda Democratic
Alliance (BDA).
The ruling party's only
white legislator, Zane DeSilva,
was recently sworn in as minis-
ter without portfolio in Premier
Ewart Brown's 11-strong
Cabinet. Prior to her appoint-
ment, the only other white
member of the government was
Tourism Minister David Allen,
who died of cancer in 1999.

SAME GOAL
Smith, who served as
police commissioner until
2005, said all three political
parties aspire towards the
same goal: a successful econo-
my, improved public safety
and jobs for Bermudians.
"Several things are clear
to me in making this decision:
Bermuda must come first. I'm
committed to a path of
reform, modernization, social
justice and expansion of the


economic opportunities for all
Bermudians laid out by the
Progressive Labour Party," he
said in explaining why he
joined the ruling party.
"Politics must be about
the people. Politics also pres-
ents choices for us as voters
and as citizens of the country
we love. We need to refuse to
be corralled by the politics of
the past, which virtually deter-
mined where the 'X' in the
ballot box would go.
"There is so much more
which binds us together than
keeps us apart. In making this
choice, I'm very optimistic
about the journey we face,"
he said, noting that the jour-
ney is "more than just race.
"We stand at particularly diffi-
cult crossroads in time and to
the extent that any Bermudian
can help all Bermudians
should help and choose the
vehicle they believe best
enables them or empowers
them to contribute to
Bermuda's future.
"We have much work to
do together on the many
strategic issues facing the coun-
try and I'm pleased to lend my
support to that effort."
Smith said he had enjoyed
a good working relationship
with the government while he
served as the island's top cop,
even though then, he had no
political ambitions. He insists
that he is merely a member of
the PLP and has made no for-
mal steps to become anything
more at this stage.

- CMC
0


U.S. Census 2010 holds key to

welfare of Caribbean Americans


December 2009





CARIBBEAN TODAY


Ex-Fugees Wyclef,

set for reunion on s
NEW YORK It will be a T
reunion of sorts in New release
Zealand early in the New Year second
for former Fugees members over 2
Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill. wide,
Jean and Hill are slated to been
perform on Jan. 23 at the allege
Ragamuffin Music Festival, in years.
Rotorua, according to organ- T
izers. It will be the first time in will al
years that the two will share a gae's
stage. ing Ju
The Ragamuffin Festival Robb
will be Hill's first performance Shagg
since she canceled her 2009
tour in June, citing health Car


reasons.


Lauryn Hill

stage in N.Z.
hough the Fugees only
sed two albums, their
d, "The Score", has sold
20 million copies world-
and a follow-up has
highly-anticipated/
;dly in the works for

he Ragamuffin Festival
lso feature some of reg-
top performers, includ-
hlian Marley, Sly and
ie, Sean Kingston and
gy.
ibWorldNews


'Catch A Fire' for Grammy Hall of Famn


ob Marley & The
Wailers' "Catch A
Fire" album is among
several recordings set to be
inducted in the 2010 Grammy
Hall of Fame.
The album was recorded
by Island Records in 1973. It
established the band as inter-
national superstars, leader
Bob Marley in particular. The
socially aware lyrics and mili-
tant tone surprised many lis-
teners, but others were
attracted to songwriters
Marley and Peter Tosh's con-
frontational subjects and opti-
mistic view of a future free
from oppression.
"Catch a Fire" peaked at
#171 and #51 on Billboard's
(North America) Pop Albums
and Black Albums charts,
respectively. It is number #123
on Rolling Stone's list of the
500 greatest albums of all
time, the second highest
placement of the four Bob
Marley albums on the list.
Other selections include
songs from Bo Diddley, Judy
Garland, Harry James & His
Orchestra, the Isley Brothers,
Mahalia Jackson, Janis Joplin,
Gene Kelly, Johnny Mercer,


Jelly Roll Morton and the
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
"This year's Grammy Hal
of Fame inductees highlight a
diverse array of masterpiece
recordings that have had a pr
found impact on our musical


history," Neil Portnow, presi-
dent/chief executive officer of
The Recording Academy, was
quoted as saying recently.
The Recording
Academy's National Trustees
established the Grammy Hal
Of Fame in 1973 to honor
recordings of lasting qualita-
tive or historical significance
that are at least 25 years old.

- CaribWorldNews
0


Deported rapper Shyne visits prison


BELMOPAN, Belize Moses
Michael Levivy, better known
as the Shyne, is sharing his
experience in a New York
prison with prisoners in Belize.
The rapper, Belize's most
famous depor-
tee, visited the
Hattieville
Prison on
Nov. 26,
Thanksgiving
Day in the
U.S., where he
spoke to about
400 inmates. Shyne
His visit
was planned to inspire the
inmates. He told them that he
never thought that a "young


dude" who had a hard life in
Curassow Street would reach
the highest level in America
culture. He said that he made
$30 million, and said he did
records with Usher and Justin
Timberlake among others
while shooting a video while
in jail.
"Anything is possible,"
Levivy said.
The son of Belize Prime
Minister Dean Barrow urged
the prisoners not to sit in
prison and cry, but plan their
lives out as he did.

- Oscar Ramjeet/Special to
CaribWorldNews.
0


& EnT E RT nI n m e nT


Jamaican drums i

music at South Fl
J amaican, William "Willie"
Stewart has taken his dis-
tinct style of drumming
into South Florida's schools.
For the last eight years he
has been teaching the into
Broward County institutions,
sharing his knowledge and
experience with the students.
Working with young persons,
motivating, uplifting and
empowering them led to the
creation of his company
Solutions in Music.
After 23 years with the
international reggae band
Third World, Stewart has
become a drum instructor and
drum therapist, while pursuing
S his passion of teaching. Today,
he continues to work with
youth, teaching them the his-
tory and art of drumming, as
[1 well as the ability to focus and
communicate using their cre-
ative talents.
o- Recently, Stewart took his
technique center stage, work-
ing with students from two
South Florida schools during
a drumming workshop staged Stewart works with participate
at the Broward Center
Performing Arts (BCPA) in ditional art forms. Fc
downtown Fort Lauderdale. years, the BCPA and
The students were scheduled County Public school
to come from Parkway Middle presented "Arts Insp
School and Winston Park workshop that introd
Elementary. dents to South Floric
cultural community.
FUSION tures well-known tea
Through the educational performing guest arti
interactive program "Art are passionate about
Inspires", the BCPA has fused form and willing to s
education with the arts, giving the students, particul
students the opportunity to those who are intere;
interact and work with world- pursuing the arts.
renowned practitioners in tra- "We are excited


Caribbean artists attempt to come
to terms with a variety of issues,
ranging from self, identity and
community, migration, national pol-
itics, hope and disillusionment
about older models of organization
of art and society, and art and the
making of history, through their
work which will be on display at an


jp solutions in

orida schools


Photographs by dianeschafer photography
ints at a recent interactive workshop.


or three
Broward
Is have
pires..." a
[uces stu-
La's multi-
It fea-
ching and
ists who
their art
hare with
arly
sted in

about


this session. This program will
further enhance and continue
to nurture our cultural rela-
tionship with Jamaica," said
Jan Goodheart, BCPA's public
affairs director.
In 2006, the BCPA forged
an alliance with the Consulate
General of Jamaica, resulting
in a range of successful per-
formances including the
National Dance Theatre
Company of Jamaica (NDTC),
Dem Three Jamaican Tenors,
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 14)


exhibition opening this month in
South Florida.
"Caribbean Canvas: Identity in
an Era of Globalization" officially
opens Dec. 5 and runs through
January at Multitudes art gallery,
Contemporary Art Center
@TeleAmerica in Miami.
Among the artists whose work


will be on display are Edouard
Dubal Carrie, Maritou, Alejandro
Mendoza, Turgo Bastien, Genevieve
Lahens, Philippe Dodard, Franklin
Sinanan, Guy Syllien, Francesca
Lalanne, Kristo Nicholas and Peter
Wayne Lewis.
0


VISIONS ON 'CARIBBEAN CANVAS'


December 2009





s
l





CARIBBEAN TODAY


-usw^caribbeantodj..c..


WASHINGTON, D.C. -
Grammy-winning singer
Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley
and Nas are set to come
together this month for a
National Geographic discus-
sion on the cultural links of
hip hop and reggae.
The National
Geographic's Grosvenor
Auditorium here will be the
location for the Dec. 12 dis-
cussion that will see Marley
and Nas focusing on the
Caribbean and African links
of the musical genres. The dis-
cussion will travel the journey
from Africa through the slave
trade to the American and
Caribbean colonies, spawning
both the dancehall parties of
Jamaica and the park jams of
The Bronx, said a statement
released last month.
Titled "Distant
Relatives", the event will also
include DJ Kool Herc, Rakim,
Daddy U-Roy, King Jammy,


Jeff Chang and Moussa Lo
and DJ Red Alert.
DJ Kool Herc is often
seen as the "Godfather" of


hip hop who brought about
the music elements of the cul-
ture to The Bronx as early as
1973. U-Roy is a rarely-credit-
ed rap pioneer for his 1969 hit
"Wake The Town", recorded


Damian Marley
in Jamaica the same year
Here moved to the United
States.
It will also be streamed
live at www.natgeomusic.net.
For more information, visit
www.nglive.org.

- CaribWorldNews
0


ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS


Reggae meets rap for National


Geographic discussion


* Christmas variety show
Jamaican singers Carlene Davis
and Paul Blake, plus drama group
Sarge and de People dem Pickney,
will provide the entertainment at the
"Gu Wey! It's Christmas" variety
show, 5 p.m. Dec. 20 at The Royal
Palm Beach Community High School,
10600 Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal
Palm Beach, Florida.
For more information, call 800-
304-2862.

* 'Island' fashion winners
Eric Raisina of Madagascar won
top designer honors at last month's
"Islands of the World Fashion Week"
in The Bahamas. Raisina won the
"Sustainable Eco-Fashion Award",
for effectively using environmentally
friendly products while incorporating
environmental or social issues into
designs, and one of the four "Seals
of Excellence Awards".
Raisina won for his outfit called
"African Lace". The "Culture and
Fashion Award", given for incorpo-
rating a uniquely cultural element in
garment design, was won by Jessie-
Ann Jessamy of Grenada.


Jamaican drums up solutions in music at South Florida schools


(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13)
Jamaica Farewell and Reggae
Symphony.

LEARNING
The students participating
in the workshop with Stewart
were scheduled to share a
two-hour session in drumming
techniques, coordination and
creativity, the role of percus-
sive music forms in ritual and
culture, and team building.
Stewart calls this technique
"liberating learning through
rhythm." Through his demon-
strations, Stewart intends to
expose students to the history
of Jamaican music, tracing the


'. Whoever


genres from slavery through
modern day popular culture.
Following the practice
sessions, the students will be
allowed to perform with their
drumming instructor to sound-
tracks from international reg-
gae artiste Bob Marley, to an
invited audience of educators,
art enthusiasts, patrons of the
BCPA, media and friends.
Through his passion,
Stewart expresses his love for
his homeland as a reggae
"ambassador" and would also
like to introduce his drumming
techniques as part of the cur-
riculum in Jamaican schools.
He boasts of his worldwide


7g you must be your servant


enrffic atritNotDircf o
a easti6eac ai ^Peae^o yf
11 d ae0 t i t2 1446Ae

MimFna 32 ard lrS 119 Fo id CiyRo o304

Phoe: 305 37-482 hon: (05)234493 Pone (35) 45-42


collection of nearly 100 drums
of all sizes and designs. Each
one, he says, signifies a differ-
ent rhythm and sound, creat-
ing a distinctive, gyrating
sound unique to the ear.
Drumming originated in
West Africa and was transport-
ed across the world during the
slave trade. This sound was a
distinct form of communication
to the slaves during rituals.
While he continues his
program with schools,
Stewart's goal is to educate
the young ones about the
drumming history, as a com-
munication tool, leadership
qualities, team building, and
for those who want to pursue
career goals in music specifi-
cally with an interest in per-
cussions.
"I want to empower and
inspire the young people," he
said."We all have rhythm and
this kind of involvement
teaches history, culture, and
helps us to find an inner self."
Through his Solutions in
Music teaching company, he
has also done workshops with
small groups, corporations,
universities and community


Stewart in action around his drum set.
groups around the globe.
Along with other band
members, Stewart began work-
ing with students in Jamaica
during his time as the drummer
with Third World. He has also
worked in the music industry as
a songwriter, music technologist,
programmer, instructor/facilita-
tor and director.
During that time, Third


* m5 --~~j t4 ,5

O*16h


Photographs by dianeschafer photography


World produced 13 record
albums. The band has shared
stage performances worldwide
with stars like Marley, Michael
Jackson, Stevie Wonder.
Stewart feels blessed with
the ability to communicate
through drumming and is inter-
ested in sharing this experience.
"I am now focusing on
sharing my talent with others -
young persons interested in the
developing leadership qualities
and self empowerment and per-
sonal development," he said.
Stewart also expresses
contentment and a deep sense
of spirit as he has blended his
passion of teaching, service to
the community and his talent
of communicating through
music, specifically drumming.

- Information obtained from
the JIS.
0


* Documentary spotlight
A Haitian-born Princeton
University janitor is among those
featured in a documentary titled
"The Philosopher Kings".
Josue Lajeunesse works as one
of Princeton University's 220 building
services janitors and is also a taxi
driver, father, philanthropist and
community organizer. The documen-
tary tells the stories of eight janitors
at universities across the country
and the wisdom found among the
custodial staff.

* Caribbean 'Secret'
The Caribbean was again repre-
sented in the popular Victoria's Secret
fashion show when Cayman Islands-
born model Selita Ebanks took the
runway in New York recently.
Ebanks was one of two black
models to grace the catwalk. She
earned favorable reviews in a
sequined and feathered white corset
top and matching panties with by a
purple train.

Compiled from a variety of
sources.
0


Board of County Commissioners-District 9


December 2009


momm- I ............... ........ ........ "Il""Ill""Ill!"",""",
I n It T S oEnTIE RTni n m oEnT






December 2009


-~

- 000 -


CARIBBEAN TODAY


frOOD


~ LO~/
-o ~ CDL -


Eww .caibeatoa.s om I


'Tis the season for a Christmas/wedding cake.. .Caribbean style


hristmas comes this
month and Caribbean
people are often in the
baking mood during that season.
Here's one version of a
Christmas/wedding cake
obtained from the online site
Caribbean Recipes:

Ingredients
* 12 eggs
* 1 pound of butter
* 2 cups of currants
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 2 1/4 cups of sugar
* 1 cup of strawberry jam
* 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon of allspice
* 2 cups of seeded raisins
* 2 cups of seedless raisins
* 2 1/2 cups of chopped dates
* 4 cups of all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
* 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking
soda
* 1 3/4 cups of slivered almonds
* 1/2 cup of brandy or pineap-
ple juice
* 1 (10 ounce) can of crushed
pineapple
* 1 (12 ounces) bottle maraschi-
no cherries
* 2 cups of citrus peels or
mixed glace fruit
* 2 cups of sugar (additional
sugar listed below)
Method
Day 1
In a large size bowl, meas-


ure the raisins, nuts, currants
along with the citron peel.
Drain the cherries and reserve
the juice.
Chop cherries. They should
measure about one and a quar-
ter cups. Then add to the fruit
mixture. Stir in the brandy and
soak it overnight
Note: You can also do this a
few weeks in advance and let it
sit in the refrigerator and let the
fruit soak right in the brandy for
more flavor if you like.
If you decide to do it the
day before baking, cover it with
the plastic wrap and then leave
on top of the counter at room
temperature.
In a large size sauce pan or
a heavy dutch oven, simmer the
entire contents of can of
pineapple with two cups of
sugar and cook it uncovered for
at least 30 minutes until it
thickened.
Frequently stir and make
sure the heat is not too high.
When cooled off, stir juice from
the jar of marachino cherries.
Note: It should not be more
than a half-cup and the straw-
berry jam.
This mixture doesn't have to
be done the day before baking,
but it does have to be cool
before you add it to the cake.
Note: It is recommend that you
do this step on the day of baking.


Now prepare the cake pans
by greasing and lining with wax
double thickness of heavy brown
paper. Brown shopping bags do
well or use aluminum foil with
dull side out. Grease paper or
aluminum foil well. Use any size
pans you wish, but leave an inch
space at the top of pan. The total
weight is 11. 5 pounds.
Preheat the oven to 275
degrees Farenheit.
Sift or stir the flour with the
spices, salt and soda until its
well mixed.
Use a cup of flour mixture
and sprinkle over fruits and
nuts then toss it until they are
well coated with the flour. Set
the remaining three cups of
flour aside.
In a large measuring bowl,
cream two and a quarter cups
of sugar with the butter. Beat in
eggs one at a time. Stir in dry
ingredients, alternating with
pineapple mixture.
You must make about
three dry and two liquid addi-
tions, combining lightly after
each addition.
Pour over flour-coated
fruits and nuts and mix until
well combined. Turn into the
prepared pans, fill them to
about an inch from the top.
Bake in a preheated oven
for about three to three and a
half hours depending on pan


File photograph
A beautifully decorated Christmas cake
can add cheer to the holidays.

size. Place in a shallow pan of
water on the lower rack for
added moisture if you'd like.
The cake should be fairly
firm in the center and a skewer
inserted right in the center
should come out clean.
Remove from the oven and
allow to cool in pan for five
minutes. Remove from pan
then peel off paper and then let
it cool on a rack.
When cooled off, wrap it in
tllcccL< .]tll that has been
soaked in the brandy, rum, black
wine along with liquor, or either
fruit juice. Then wrap the cake
in tin foil (leaving the cheese-
cloth on the cake). Freeze if not
being used right away.
Note: you can soak fruits
around the end of October for a
couple of weeks in the refriger-


ator, then in mid-November,
bake the cake and freeze it.
Every couple of weeks, take the
fruit out and re-soak the
liccctl til in the liquor and
wrap it back up and re-freeze.

OPTIONS
By the time Christmas
comes back around youwill
have a moist cake. Note: You
can use fruit juice if you do not
want any alcohol.
You can also decorate the
cake with almond paste or your
favorite icing or just serve it
plain.
Note: You can substitute
strawberry jam with marmalade
or any flavor jam. You can use
alcohol to flavor it or not.
You can also serve it as a
Christmas fruit cake or use it to
make a wedding cake.
This recipe makes enough
cake to fill a set of three gradu-
ated wedding cake pans (7.5
inches, 5.5 inches, and a four-
inch pan).
The cakes are about two
inches high and the total weight
is about 11.5 pounds.
If you were to cut the cake
up for a wedding, it would
serve at least 100 to 150 people,
depending on how small you
want pieces to be.
0


From our Aisle to your Isle, Merry Christmas





CARIBBEAN TODAY


-usw^caribbeantodj..c..


Forecaster closes book on 'very

inactive' hurricane season


COLORADO, United States
- Colorado State University
hurricane forecaster William
Gray has closed the book on
the 2009 Atlantic hurricane
season that officially ended on
Nov. 30.
Because El Nifio has cre-
ated strong wind shear over
the tropics, "the odds of a
storm are very, very small
from this point on," said Gray
late last month.
But the Florida-based
United States National
Hurricane Center (NHC) said
it's possible that the wind
shear could relax over the
coming weeks, with the waters
in the Caribbean still warm
enough to support storm for-
mation.
NHC spokesman Dennis
Feltgen warned not to "raid the
hurricane kit yet." Feltgen said
that the hurricane season
looked like it was over in mid-
November, but, then, Ida
formed in the western
Caribbean. He said it wouldn't
be unusual for a storm to devel-
op in the Caribbean this month.
"Tropical cyclones have


been recorded in every month
outside of the standard June-
through-November period,"
Feltgen said.

LOW NUMBERS
But Jeff Masters, chief
meteorologist of the Weather
Underground, said that since
1950, in the years that El Nifio
has emerged, only three
named storms have developed
in the Atlantic after Nov. 15.
El Nifio is created by a warm-
ing of the equatorial eastern
Pacific Ocean. It generates
wind shear a change in wind
speed or direction and insta-
bility in the atmosphere,
which acts to disrupt storms
before they can build and
strengthen.
Gray said there have only
been nine named storms so
far this year, including three
hurricanes. He said the aver-
age season has 11 named
storms, including six hurri-
canes.
"It was a very inactive
season," Gray said.
0


FIGHTING FOR

CANCER CURE

Sandra Griffiths, second left, Jamaica's consul general '
in Miami, accepts checks on behalf of the Jamaica .
Cancer Society from Florida-based Dr. Wentworth
Jarrett, right, who spearheaded a series of yoga salu-
tations in October which raised over $5,000 to fight
breast cancer The funds were given to the JCS and
the Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund. Marion Robinson,
left, of Inochi Incorporated, and Sandra Jarrett, the
doctor's wife, also attended the presentation.



U.S gives HIEV/AIDS help commitment to Guyana


GEORGETOWN, Guyana,
CMC The United States says
it will continue to support the
programs that have led to a
reduction in the spread of the
deadly HIV virus in Guyana,
even as it warned that there
are likely to be threaten the success of our
future HIV prevention, treat-
ment and care efforts."
In a statement marking
World AIDS Day 2009, on
Dec. 1, Karen Williams
Washington, charge d'affaires
at the U.S. Embassy here, said
Guyana cannot succeed in the
fight against HIV/AIDS
alone, and the U.S. is commit-
ted to working with its global
partners to support Guyana's
leadership in this effort. She
said that over the next five
years, the U.S. will place
renewed emphasis on partner-
ing with Guyana to build the
country's national HIV/AIDS
response.
"We will continue to work
together with all sectors of
Guyana as they craft strate-
gies and programs to combat
HIV/AIDS and support the
Government of Guyana as it
engages international part-
ners, civil society and non-
governmental organizations,"
Williams Washington said.
She noted that as part
of the U.S. Global Health
Initiative announced by


President Barack Obama, the
PrLidL Iu"\ Emergency Plan
for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
will support Guyana as it
works to further integrate and
expand access to other health
care services, such as those
that address tuberculosis,
malaria, maternal and child
health and family planning
with HIV/AIDS programs.

UNWAVERING
PEPFAR is the largest
commitment in history by any
nation to combat a single dis-
ease and the U.S. is unwaver-
ing in its commitment to its
partner nations.
"On World AIDS Day
2009, we recommit ourselves


to furthering our achieve-
ments and look forward to
continuing the battle against
this global epidemic," she
said.
The World Health
Organization (WHO) esti-
mates that more than four
million individuals in low and
middle income countries cur-
rently have access to anti-
retroviral treatment.
"Thanks to our many
partners, the American peo-
ple, through the United States
support more than half of
those men, women and chil-
dren on treatment," Williams
Washington said.
"In Guyana, PEPFAR has
allocated more than US$100
million to the HIV/AIDS epi-
demic over a six-year period.
At the end of September
2009, the national program,
with the support of PEPFAR,
had provided life-saving anti-
retroviral therapy to 2,737
people and HIV care and sup-
port services to 5,399 persons
infected with and affected by
HIV."
0


CARICOM releases song

on climate change


The Caribbean community
(CARICOM) Secretariat has
released a song outlining the
region's position on the
impact climate change is hav-
ing on small island develop-
ment states (SIDS).
The song, "1.5 to Stay
Alive", written and performed
by the Barbadian poet Adisa
"AJA" Andwele, combines
the rp1,, tradition, which is
poetry performed to calypso
and other rhythms from the
Caribbean, and also features
the voice of Barbadian singer
Indrani.
The song was commis-
sioned by the United Nations
Development Program
(UNDP) and the CARICOM
Secretariat and was released as
the region finalizes its position
ahead of the United Nations


Framework Convention on
Climate Change Conference
(UNFCCC) to be held in
Denmark this month. The ven-
ture has also received support
from the United Kingdom
Department for International
Development (DFID) and
the Caribbean Community
Climate Change Centre
(CCCCC).
"The theme of the song
refers to the Centigrade
degree limit to which global
surface temperatures can rise
before...SIDS are severely
compromised in their ability
to adapt to the impacts of cli-
mate change", the CARI-
COM Secretariat noted in a
statement.
0


7m* Sa
Family Dentist
Tooth Whitening & Other Aesthetic Services
Crown & Bridges
Implant Services
Braces for Adults & Children
Root Canal Treatment
Dentures-Full & Partial-Repairs
Extractions
Gum Treatmnent
(954)735-3846. (954)735-3326
Fax 954.735.1528
World Executive Building 3500 N. State Rd. 7 Ste. 150
Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319


December 2009


momm- I ............... ........ ........ "Il""Ill""Ill!"",""","
1 11 IE n t T 91 / oE n v i R o n m oE nT





CARIBBEAN TODAY


Funding approved for Caribbean HIV/AIDS fight


ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia,
CMC The Global Fund to
fight HIV and AIDS,
Tuberculosis and Malaria
(GFATM) will provide $34.5
million to the Pan Caribbean
Partnership Against HIV and
AIDS (PANCAP) to support
the HIV response in the
Caribbean.
The approval was made
during the board meeting of
the Global Fund last month.
Carl Browne, director of
the PANCAP Coordinating
Unit (PCU), who attended
the nm lini --said he was
thankful to the entire PAN-
CAP fraternity, including the
UNAIDS Caribbean
Regional Support Team, for


its hard work which "has
borne wonderful fruit for the
people of the Caribbean
whom we serve.
"...I have no doubt that the
same spirit of collaboration that
brought us this far will see us
through to the end," he added.

PRAISE
Browne also praised
UNAIDS and the United
States Agency for International
Development (USAID) for
providing much of the funding
to allow PANCAP to submit "a
top notch" proposal to the
meeting. Officials said the pro-
posal received a Category 2
rating, which means that PAN-
CAP can begin making


arrangements to access the
funds almost immediately after
the completion of certain pro-
cedural requirements and the
signing of the grant.
PANCAP, established in
2001, is a regional umbrella
organization which brings
together national HIV pro-
grams partnering with region-
al and international organiza-
tions involved in the
Caribbean's response to the
HIV and AIDS epidemic.
The Global Fund was cre-
ated in 2002 with a mandate to
dramatically increase resources
to fight three of the world's
most devastating diseases -
HIV, TB and malaria, and to
direct resources to areas of


Caribbean launches public climate change campaign


GEORGETOWN, Guyana,
CMC The 15-member
Caribbean community
(CARICOM) grouping has
launched a public campaign
ahead of the United Nations
Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC)
meeting in Denmark.
The initiative is designed to
promote the region's unified
position on climate change
ahead of the Dec. 7-18 meeting.
The campaign under the
theme "1.5 C to Stay Alive",
is intended to support and
"dramatize a common region-
al approach for mitigating the
effects of climate change on
the region", which will be
articulated at Copenhagen.


The CARICOM
Secretariat said that the plan
includes a dig-
ital display on
the harmful
effects of ris-
ing green
house gases
on the small
island states
(SIDS) and
several video Carrington
presentations
on the how climate change is
affecting human, animal and
plant life in the Caribbean.

COMMON APPROACH
Secretary-General Edwin
Carrington said the common
regional approach to mitigate


Ex-U.S. president expands malaria

fight in Haiti, Dominican Republic


PORT OF PRINCE, Haiti,
CMC Former United States
President Jimmy Carter has
announced plans to expand a
$200,000 pilot project in Haiti
and the Dominican Republic
to curb the spread of malaria.
"One of the most impor-
tant developments has been
the new co-
operation
between the
two coun-
tries," said
Carter while
touring a
Haitian hos-
pital that
treats malaria
victims Carter
recently.
"And, for the first time in
history, they are targeting the
complete elimination of the
disease, instead of just treating
sick people."
Carter said he was deter-
mined to travel to "the most
distant and small and isolated
and poverty-stricken villages
in the deserts, in the jungles
and in the poorest countries
on earth" to wipe out diseases


that have long been distant
memories in richer countries.
"It's a very different kind
of life than any person could
sort of do while still in the
White House," he said.
U.S. health officials say
about 30,000 Haitians and sev-
eral thousand people across the
border in the Dominican
Republic are infected annually
with the mosquito-borne illness.
They say Hispaniola, the island
that comprises Haiti and the
Dominican Republic, is malar-
ia's last Caribbean outpost.
Carter said his pilot proj-
ect, established by his non-
profit Carter Center, has
helped curb the spread of the
disease in two towns about 10
miles apart on opposite sides
of the border between Haiti
and the Dominican Republic.
The former U.S. president
said his program has funded
nets treated with insecticide
for residents to use, micro-
scopes for lab technicians and
motorbikes for field workers.
0


the "unmanageable conse-
qtiL ni i of climate change
was based on studies by the
Belize-based Caribbean
Community Climate Change
Centre (CCCCC). He said the
study concluded that global
average temperatures which
exceeded 1.5 degrees centi-
grade would have devastating
effects on the region including
significant destruction of coral
reefs, coastal barriers, and
marine ecosystems, as well as
excessive flooding and more
intense hurricanes.
"It will erode much of the
foundation of our tourism,
our agriculture and our fish-
eries industry; it will wreak
havoc on our plant-life, our
forests and most of all dislo-
cate our people. Immediate
corrective action must there-
fore be taken if we are to
avoid this widespread destruc-
tion," Carrington said.
0


greatest need. It has since
approved funding totaling


$18.4 billion for 144 countries.
4


Olive Chung-James, M.D.

Board Certified Family
Physician
children adults gynecology
a...aes,M.o. weight management
A Dr. Chung-James, practicing in Miami since 1983,
well-known in the Caribbean community.
Conveniently Located Across From Jackson South E.R. at:
9275 SW 152 Street, Suite 204. Miami, Florida 33157
Phone: 305-251-3975 Fax: 305-251-9839



it] 11"1 6011I'm


fit


IAN C. JONES, D.D.S.
* Preventive Dentistry
* Restorative & Cosmetic
Dentistry
* Crowns, Bridges, Dentures
* Oral Surgery & Root Canals
* Bleaching of Teeth


6300 W. Atlantic Blvd. Margate, FL 33063

_(954) 956-9500



Donovan D. Taylor, M.D.

IF Board Certified Family
Physician
children adults gynecology
weight management
Donovan Taylor, M.D.
Please call for an appointment
(305) 655-0702
Graduate of UWI. Previously practiced in Mandeville,
Residency at JMH.
NEW LOCATION
250 NW 183rd Street. Miami. Florida 33169
DIPLOMATE OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS


December 2009





CARIBBEAN TODAY


V veteran Jamaica inter-
national player Andy
Williams ended a roller
coaster season on a high note
last month by helping his team
Real Salt Lake capture the
Major League Soccer (MLS)
title.
RSL defeated the Los
Angeles Galaxy on penalty
kicks to win the MLS Cup,
symbol of North American
champions, to bring a major
professional sports title for the
state of Utah.
Williams, who completed
the 2009 season under the
cloud of his wife Marcia's ill-
ness she suffered from can-
cer, but is reportedly recover-
ing and attended the game -
played the full 90 minutes of
regulation and additional 30


minutes of extra time which
ended with both teams locked
at 1-1. And despite Williams's
own miss in the penalty
shootout, RSL eventually pre-
vailed 5-4.
Fellow Jamaica interna-
tional Donovan Ricketts, the
starting goalkeeper for the
Galaxy, was forced to leave
the game in the second half


Williams


- File photograph


with an injured right hand suf-
fered in a collision.
While most of the atten-
tion in the final appeared to
focus on the Galaxy, with
MLS regular season Most
Valuable Player Landon
Donovan and England inter-
national David Beckham, it
was RSL which appeared the
better team on Nov. 22. The
Galaxy scored first, when
Mike Magee finished off a
good build-up involving
Beckham and Donovan.
RSL equalized in the 64th
through Robbie Findley and
eventually took charge of the
game.
Still, the score remained
tied at the end of 120 minutes
before the Galaxy missed
three penalties to RSL's two.
A clearly exhausted Williams
broke into tears as his team
celebrated the win and
embraced several RSL and
Galaxy team members and
coaches.
0


Jamaican leads team

to first MLS title


GORDON WILLIAMS

HARTFORD, Connecticut -
Some of the greatest names in
Caribbean cricket history are
being immortalized in this
northeastern United States city.
Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir
Vivian Richards, Michael
Holding, Clive Lloyd and
George Headley are among
more than a dozen legends
from the region who have
earned induction into the
Cricket Hall of Fame (CHF).
The CHF, which was estab-
lished nearly three decades ago
by the Sportsmen's Athletic
Club (SAC) here, is designed
to pay tribute to the game's
best, especially those who have
represented the region with dis-
tinction.
"It has dawned on us that
everybody has recorded their
own history except us West
Indians," said CHF's Director
Michael Chambers.
"What convinced us that
we needed a hall of fame was
when we met (Alf) Valentine
and (Lance) Gibbs at the first
induction ceremony, when
they expressed their apprecia-
tion that nothing like this had
happened to them; you know
that you had to do it."
The two great spinners
were inducted in 1981. Since
then some 28 more "interna-
tional" inductees have been
selected. Among them are
cricketers from non-West
Indian countries, like


Australia's Greg Chappell,
England's Tony Greig, Sunil
Gavaskar of India and
Pakistan's Mushtaq
Mohammed. Jamaican cricket
writer Tony Becca and the late


A photograph of West Indies legends Sir
Garfield Sobers, left, and George
Headley is part of the CHF.
Australian businessman Kerry
Packer are also in the interna-
tional wing of the CHE
The "local" inductees are
honored for their contribution
to cricket in the U.S. and
Canada.
The original idea for the
CHF came from Jamaican-
born Ken Wallace, who had a
plan to set up a cricket muse-
um. Trinidad native Errol
Housain then took that con-
cept a step further to include
the hall of fame, which was
established in 1980, with the
first induction held the follow-
ing year.
Chambers explained that
most of the international
inductees earn their spots for
"accomplishments playing the


game." For the local group,
the CHF looks "more to what
they've done to move the
game forward." In the future,
he said, when there is better
recordkeeping for competi-
tions in the U.S. and Canada,
players from those leagues
could also be inducted.
"As of yet we can't really
base it on a player's ability,"
said the director.
The CHF, located on
Main Street, next door the
SAC, features a variety of
memorabilia, including signed


A sweater with shirt tucked inside, worn
by Alf Valentine during his playing days,
is on display at the CHF.

playing gear, books, printed
articles, photographs, trophies
and statues. Most of the
inductees, including some of
the bi---l names in cricket,
have journeyed here to attend
the ceremony. The most
recent was held early October,
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 19)


Bolt, Richards win world athlete-of-the-year awards

Swo Caribbean-born ath-
letes were named world
athletes of the year last
month. Sprint megastar Usain
Bolt of Jamaica and Jamaican-
born American quarter-miler ~ ,
Sanya Richards both won the
award for a second time.
The 23-year-old Bolt collected
the award for another sensa-


MIAMI FREIGHT & SHIPPING CO. LTD.
(305) 885-0558
Fax: (305) 887-6684
7790 NW 46th Street Unit 18 Miami, Florida 33166 email: xjohnston@miamifreight.net


- Photograph by Getty Images


tional season of sprinting,
which included world record
times in the 100 and 200
meters at the World
Championships in Athletics in
Berlin last August, as well as a
gold medal for Jamaica in the
4x100 relay.
The 24-year-old Richards,
who was born in Trelawny
before moving to the U.S.
with her parents while a
teenager, captured an elusive


maiden, global gold medal in
her pet event in Berlin, and
earned a second gold as part
of the American team in the
women's 4x400 relay.
Photograph shows Prince
Albert II of Monaco, left, and
IAAF President Lamine
Diack, right, with Richards
and Bolt at the IAAF World
Athletics Gala in Monaco last
month.
0


S P 0 R T


Cricket Hall of Fame brings back


memories of Caribbean legends


December 2009





CARIBBEAN TODAY


LW-S^^ caribbeantoday


Caribbean American boxer loses unanimous decision, world title hopes


GORDON WILLIAMS

HARTFORD, Connecticut -
A Caribbean American's
dream of returning to the pin-
nacle of boxing took a big hit
here last month.
Jamaican-born Glen
Johnson, a resident of Miami,
Florida, was defeated by Chad
Dawson and in the process
lost the chance to claim the
American's International
Boxing Organization (IBO)
title, plus the interim World
Boxing Council (WBC) belt in
the light heavyweight division.
It was the second time in
18 months that Johnson found
himself on the wrong side
of a unanimous decision to
Dawson. The two fought for
Dawson's WBC title in April
2008 in Tampa, Florida. Last
month's defeat, however,
threatened to spell the end of
the chase for a world title for
the aging former champion
known as the "Road
Warrior".
"You know, he's 40 years
old, still beats most guys," said
Leon Margules of Seminole
Warriors Boxing, which pro-
motes some of Johnson's
fights. "On the other hand, I
don't know if he has the speed
to beat a young, quick guy."
It was Dawson's speed of
hands, feet and mind that
caused Johnson's downfall in
their 12-round contest at the
XL Center on Nov. 7. The
American constantly slipped
out of the Jamaican's reach,
keeping him at bay with sharp
jabs.


(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18)
when India's Farokh Engineer
was inducted, alongside
locals Lesly Lowe, Austin
Hutchinson, Lloyd George
Dixon and Joslyn Chance Sr.
The majority of the inter-
national inductees are from
the Caribbean.
"We justify it by saying
that the era those guys played
in, they were considered
champions or number one
performers at the time," said
Chambers.


Johnson, left, and Dawson square off at the weigh-in before last month's fight.


"He was getting away
from me," Johnson said while
in his dressing room immedi-
ately after the bout. "He
fought a good fight. He fought
the way how he can be most
successful."
That also included clever-
ly avoiding a brawl, which got
him hurt in the first fight.
"I didn't want to go
through hell again," Dawson
admitted.
"I used my jab, I used my
speed, outclassed him," he
added. "I made him miss. He
was too slow."
The judges agreed. Two


According to the director,
the CHF offers a fitting salute
to their efforts.
"What we do is give the
players one last hurrah," said
Chambers. "They come to the
end of their playing career and
they can now carry their
induction honor into the hall
of fame to their graves."

Gordon Williams is Caribbean
Today's managing editor.
0


The West Indies slumped
to an "embarrassing"
innings and 65 runs
defeat to Australia in the first
match in a three Test cricket
series Down Under last
month, despite a brilliant
century from teenaged
Trinidadian Adrian Barath.
Barath, 19 and making
his Test debut, became the
youngest West Indian to score
a hundred after he blasted 104
runs in the second innings at
The Gabba.
Australia batted first and


- Photo


scored it 115 to 113 in
Dawson's favor. The third had
the American ahead by a


wider margin,
117 to 111.
CompuBox,
which tracked
the punches
thrown in the
fight, also gave
Dawson a signifi-
cant edge. The
American threw
more punches
(756 to 688) and
landed more (246
to 167), including
jabs (104 to 77)
and power shots
(142 to 90).
Johnson, who
before the fight
believed that he
needed to knock
out the undefeat-
ed Dawson (29-
0) to win in the
American's home
state, conceded
graph by Gordon Williams that, unlike the
controversial first
fight, the judges'
decision in the rematch didn't
warrant much complaint.
"When it's that close it's


scored 408 for eight wickets
declared. The visitors replied
with 228 all out, fuelled by
half centuries from Guyana's
Travis Dowlin (62) and vice-
captain Dinesh Ramdin (54).
Forced to follow-on, the West
Indies was bowled out for 187.
The visitors lost 15 wickets for
280 runs in 76.1 overs on the
final day of the match. West
Indies captain Chris Gayle
called the loss "downright
embarrassing.
The West Indies will face
Australia in two more Test


not gonna go in our favor," he
said. "So, it is what it is."
Johnson, whose record
dropped to 49 wins, 13 losses
and two draws, said he is still
willing to continue his ring
career and might move up to
cruiserweight, the 200-pound
division. However, his chances
of getting another world title
shot grew decidedly slimmer
following last month's loss.
According to Margules, who
called Johnson a sIILIrjg.iuiiL
warrior," it will be "a long
road back" for the fighter.
"He'd have to do some-
thing dramatic to get a big
fight," the promoter said.
However, based on the
Jamaican's trademark deter-
mination, he also refused to
totally rule out Johnson's
chances.
"You never know," said
Margules. "It's up to him."

Gordon Williams is Caribbean
Today's managing editor.
0


matches this month, followed
by several limited overs games.










James Palmer
/" , ';,.i lf,.t, n1,,, 1/ (. ,,inner

Lunch Buffet from 11:30am 2:00pm
Honday-Friday
Closed on Sunday
See us for all your catering needs.

19501 NE 10th Avenue
Miami, FL 33179
305.655.1822
www.palmeriteakhouse.com

E ...


ake your final





EinS ai
mcovann


ancial vision a reality
a^


CLORVSTA :*RNHTD


Minimum deposit J$25,000 ad tt"
Deposit a lump sum of up lto 11
Earn atractve TAX FREE Intret on fund held
for 5 years
Interest calculated daily to maximize your returns
Access up to 75% of the Interest earned each year VICTORIA T
* Conditions apply Flrfndl Ripresenalvue Office


County Square Shoppg Center
21461 NW 2nd Avenue
Miani Gardens. FL 33169
Tel: 305-770-2622 /2643/ 2654
Toll-Free (l. I-877-MO-VMBS (8627)
TleCn (JA). 1-866-967-VMBS(8627)
Fax: 305.770-2656
Emil marmgenmOwnbcom
WfOI www.vnmbLcom


SPORT


Windies suffer 'embarrassing' loss


Cricket Hall of Fame brings back

memories of Caribbean legends


INTERNATIONAL SHIPPERS &
MOVERS INC.
Forwarders Consolidators
Import & Export Services

JOHN A. CLEMETSON 6921 N.W. 87TH Avenue
DIRECTOR. NOTARY PUBLIC Miami, Florida 33178
Tel: (786)336-0644 Fax: (786)336-0664
supremintern342(Wbellsouth.net


December 2009





CARIBBEAN TODAY


-us..aribbeantodayxom


NEW YORK Haitian
American travel executive
Caroline Racine has been
promoted to director of diver-
sity sales within the global
sales division at Choice
Hotels International.
Racine, who ran the com-
pany's Caribbean Franchise
Development efforts for two
and a half years, has been
given the responsibility for the
growing multi-
cultural mar-
kets segment.
Diversity
and multicul-
tural sales is a
new division
within the
company's
global sales Racine
department
and in the newly established
role Racine will be responsi-
ble for developing strategic
direct sales, marketing and e-
commerce solutions to help
propel Choice as a leader in
what is becoming a competi-
tive market segment.
Jose Salvador Icaza, who
previously assumed responsi-
bility for franchise sales and
development positions for the


-I.......m


Time to upgrade product, market

aggressively ~ Jamaica's minister


LONDON, England -
Jamaica's Tourism Minister
Ed Bartlett believes
Caribbean countries should do
whatever they can to upgrade
their product and attract visi-
tors in order to keep their
economies afloat despite the
global downturn.
Speaking at the World
Travel Market (WTM) trade
show here last month, Bartlett
said his coun-
try has been
able to main-
tain its posi-
tion as a lead-
ing destination
through an
aggressive
drive to
upgrade its Bartlett
product and to
market Jamaica as a place
tourists want to visit.
"Well, we have had to
be.. .we went out there and
refurbished and refreshed our-
selves in terms of our product
offerings," he explained. "We
added 5,000 to 6,000 new
rooms, we added attractions
and we improved our infra-
structure. We had big invest-
ments in our airports and our
highway systems.. .we recog-
nized that if you have more
rooms in a recession, you have
to be aggressive, you have to
go out there and market."


Jamaica has recorded a
six percent increase in stay-
over visitors this year.
"Those countries that
have remained aggressive dur-
ing this recession, the rewards
have been in terms of
increased arrivals in some
cases and in other cases it is
both an increase in arrivals as
well as increased market
share," Bartlett said.

'OPTIMAL'
But Bartlett described the
latter as being the "optimal"
way to go.
"It is, in fact, what you
must do because when you're
out of the recession that mar-
ket share now is going to
reflect itself in volumes high-
er numbers which will give
you the arrival explosion that
you will need to drive your
industry," he explained.
Bartlett said Caribbean
countries have been using
more aggressive marketing
approaches to respond to the
challenges posed by the reces-
sion, but that now is not the
time to lax.
"If we don't quickly
respond, we are going to be
the region that is left out," the
minister warned.
0


St. Lucia ramps up courting of


Asian American market


CASTRIES, St. Lucia St.
Lucia's tourism authorities are
ramping up efforts targeting
the Asian American market,
with special welcome to
Taiwanese Americans.
Louis Lewis, St. Lucia's
director of tourism, said that
on the heels of a recent famil-
iarization visit of Taiwanese
Americans, spearheaded by
Bay Gardens Resorts, the
island is anticipating the
arrival of leading civil society
activist Iris Ho, who is sched-
uled to participate in this
month's Caribbean Media
Exchange on Sustainable
Tourism (CMEx) at Coco


Palm's Conference Centre.
St. Lucia has explored the
potential for "ethnic" tourism
in the
Caribbean and
the tourism
authorities are
assessing the -- -
potential to
market the -
island to
Taiwanese
Americans. Ho
CMEx was
scheduled to meet under a
theme which examines multi-
cultural tourism markets, as
well as climate change.
St. Lucia is one of a hand-


ful of nations in the Caribbean
that recognizes the Taiwanese
government.
"It's a long way from
Taiwan, but we have hundreds
of thousands of Taiwanese in
America who remain attached
to their home country," said
Ho. "They are now a prosper-
ous community and include
many professionals and busi-
ness people. Like most middle
class Americans, they like
vacations and we think they
might like to show their appre-
ciation to St. Lucia."
0


British travel duty to Caribbean

destinations unjust Chastanet


LONDON, England St.
Lucia's Tourism Minister
Allen Chastanet, has blasted
the recently imposed British
Air Passenger Duty (APD) as
"catastrophic" and "unjust,"
and strongly urged the United
Kingdom to scrap it.
"First of all, it's a cata-
strophic tax and it's going to
be immediately catastrophic to
us in the region, particularly to
the Caribbean where we're so
dependent on tourism, it's not
like we have something else to
go to," Chastanet said of the
APD, which was introduced
on Nov. 1 and adds extra


charges for passengers flying
from the U.K.
The Caribbean has been
placed in a higher band than
the United States, although
some U.S. destinations are
further away. As a result, pas-
sengers will pay a higher levy
to fly to the Caribbean than
places like Los Angeles and
Hawaii.
The St. Lucian tourism
minister, who was named
"Caribbean Travel Personality
of the Year" at the event, said
the tax has come at a bad time
for the Caribbean's bread and
butter industry, which is


already reeling from the
impact of the global recession.
He further contended that the
APD is illegal, a point the
region has raised at the level
of the International Civil
Aviation Organization
(ICAO).
Meanwhile, British law-
maker Sarah Teather has
vowed to keep pressure on
the Gordon Brown adminis-
tration to revoke its "ridicu-
lous" APD on passengers fly-
ing to the Caribbean.
0


Cambria Suites and Sleep Inn
brands, has been appointed
director of emerging markets
and Caribbean Franchise
Development, and will be aim-
ing to build on the groundwork
made by Racine in the region.
Launched about a year
ago, Ascend Collection
includes more than two-dozen
upscale properties. With
Ascend, Choice Hotels aims to
lend marketing and opera-
tional support to drive busi-
ness directly to smaller, one-of-
a-kind Caribbean properties.
Racine has remained con-
nected to the Caribbean
region, assisting Icaza with his
transition into his new role.
She was recently in Haiti with
Icaza to help establish rela-
tionships with key tourism and
hotel stakeholders. Before
joining Choice 11 years ago,
Racine was lead account exec-
utive for America Online's
interactive partnership mar-
keting initiatives. She has also
served in various sales and
marketing positions in organi-
zations such as The Discovery
Channel.
0


Haitian American moves up

at Choice Hotels


AIR JAMAICA TO THE WORLD


Bruce R. Nobles, right, Air Jamaica's president and chief executive officer, is joined by Miss Jamaica World 2009 Kerrie Baylis and
George W. DeMercado, the airline's senior director for global sales, to celebrate the honor of "The Caribbean's Leading Airline" received
at the 2009 World Travel Awards in London, England last month. This is the 12th consecutive yearAir Jamaica has received the award.
The World Travel Awards celebrate the achievements in all sectors of the global travel industry. Voting is cast by travel agents in more
than 190 countries.
Jamaica earnedl6 awards at the event. Among them, "Leading Caribbean Destination", "World's Leading Cruise Destination" and
"Caribbean's Leading Cruise Destination". Jamaica was also honored for its "Once you go, you know" advertising campaign, in a new cate-
gory, "Caribbean's Leading Marketing Campaign". The Jamaica Tourist Board was recognized as the "Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board".


December 2009


.............. ........ "Il""Ill""Ill!"",""",M
T R n V 6 t





CARIBBEAN TODAY


ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC -
Dominicans go to the polls on
Dec. 18, with Prime Minister
Roosevelt Skerrit confident
that his ruling Dominica
Labour Party (DLP) will be
returned to power for a
new five-year term.
"I am tonight ringing
the bell...ladies and gentle-
men, the day we shall
choose between going for-
ward and going back-
ward...that day is Friday
the 18th day of December 4
2009," Skerrit, 37, said 5
while addressing a political
meeting in the western
community of Mahaut last _
month, urging supporters
to give his party an over-
whelming mandate.
The prime minister said
2010 would usher in a new era
in Dominican politics, and
called on supporters to
"approach the new year with
renewed vigor and enthusi-
asm.
"We need to clean the
slate and start a fresh we need


to rally around a common
cause to take the beautiful
country of ours to the next
level," he said.
The DLP won 12 seats in
the last general elections, held




INa


IPrime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit

on May 5, 2005, while the
main Opposition United
Workers Party (UWP) won
eight seats. The other seat was
won by an independent candi-
date.

OPPOSITION
Meanwhile, in an immedi-
ate response to the announce-
ment by the prime minister,


the UWP Leader Ron Green,
on a privately-owned radio
station, appealed to voters to
"build a new way forward" by
removing the Skerrit adminis-
tration from office.
The UWP said it was
preparing to contest all 21
seats at stake.
Apart from the UWP, the
governing party is expected to
face a revitalized DFP, which
controlled the government of
this mountainous Caribbean
island from 1980 until 1995,
but failed to win a single seat
in the last elections. The DLP
and the DFP formed a coali-
tion government after the
2000 general elections.
Hotelier Judith Pestina, a
former career local and inter-
national public servant, is
heading the party that was
once led by the late Dame
Eugenia Charles. She said the
party would soon announce
candidates for the elections.
0


POLITICS BRIEFS


* Vincentians say no to new
constitution
The government of Prime
Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves suf-
fered a major setback after voters
in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
overwhelming rejected a new con-
stitution in an historic referendum
late last month.
Preliminary figures released by
the Elections Office showed the
"No" vote totaled 29,019, com-
pared to 22,493 people casting
ballots in support of changing the
30-year old constitution.

* Ruling party distances itself
from 'Jagdeo Third Term'
The ruling People's Progressive


Party/Civic (PPP/C) has distanced
itself from a campaign to get
President Bharrat Jagdeo elected
for a third consecutive term in
Guyana.
The campaign is being led by a
group calling itself the "Guyanese
Coalition for Jagdeo Third Term"
(GCFJTT) and is urging citizens to
support a referendum that would
allow the president to stand for a
third term when Guyanese go to
the polls in 2011. Under the
Guyana Constitution, presidents are
limited to two-five year terms.

* P.M. predicts 'clean sweep'
in St. Kitts elections
Prime Minister Dr. Denzil


Douglas is predicting a "clean
sweep" of the seats up for grabs
when voters in St. Kitts and Nevis go
to the polls to elect a new govern-
ment.
In the last general elections,
held Oct. 24, 2005, the St. Kitts
Labour Party (SKNLP) won seven of
the 15 seats in the Parliament. The
main Opposition People's Action
Movement (PAM) won a single seat.
The prime minister, however, gave
no indication as to when he would
call the general elections due in
2010.


- Compiled from CMC
*


Dominicans vote for a new


government on Dec. 18


Geraldine Lauraine Haber
DOB- 11/24/1980
5'8" 130 Ibs.
LSW- white tank top wl pink poka
dots & blue jeans


On Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at approximately 5:45 a.m. West Palm
Beach Police received a report of a deceased white female In the
westbound lanes of traffic of 45th St. at the Intersection of Corporate
Way. The female was later Identified as Geraldine Lauraine Haber. Haber
appears to have been struck by a vehicle.
At this time, the Traffic Homicide Unit is requesting any person with information
concerning the accident or may have see Haber prior to the accident is asked to
contact the investigators below. Those wishing remain anonymous may call Palm
Beach Co. Crimestoppers @ 1-866-458-TIPS.


Officer Karl Seifel
(561) 822-1630


Detective Dennis Hardiman
(561) 822-1666


OFM LN PCO7M MC


SERENA STROKE


























-




American star Serena Williams, the world's top female tennis player, tries her stroke
with a cricket bat during a visit late last month to Barbados to play in an exhibition
series with the world's fourth ranked Caroline Wozniacki. Williams, a right-handed
tennis player, shows a left-handed batting stance. She received a commemorative
bat from ICC World Twenty20 West Indies 2010 Corporate Communications Manager
Gayle Alleyne at the Sugar Hill Tennis Resort. It features the tournament logo and an
image of a batsman on the blade, plus the tournament tagline "Captivating,
Contagious Cricket" along with her name "Serena" on the back. The ICC WT20 West
Indies 2010 championship takes place in four Caribbean countries Barbados,
Guyana, St. Kitts and St. Lucia from April 30 to May 16.






600 BANYAN BLVD. WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33401
'5s0i)2ntS October 9, 2009 TiPS LINE -86 33271,3


ROYAL WELCOME


Britain's uueen Elizabetl II, right, stands witn Irinidad and lobago's Prime Minister
Patrick Manning, center, and India's P.M. Dr. Manmohan Singh during the opening of
the 21st Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Trinidad last
month.


OWEN TAYLOR
Principal Agent

18001 Old Cutler Road, Suite 648
Palmetto Bay, Florida 33157
305.232.8222
Fax 305.232.9334
Cell: 786.512.0174
otaylor@bellsouth.net


December 2009


1-1 -





CARIBBEAN TODAY


-usw^caribbeantodj..c..


Caribbean students likely to benefit from regional net of universities


CARACAS, Venezuela, CMC
- Caribbean students are like-
ly to benefit from a decision
by the Bolivarian Alliance for
the Peoples of Our America
(ALBA) to establish a region-
al net of universities for mem-
ber countries.
Antigua and Barbuda,
Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica,
Ecuador, Honduras, St. Vincent
and the Grenadines, Nicaragua
and Venezuela are members of
ALBA, which Caracas has
been promoting as the alterna-
tive to the Free Trade Area of
the Americas (FTAA).
A report in the Cuban
news agency Prensa Latina
stated that experts from


Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and
Venezuela have endorsed the
constitution for the proposed
network.
It said that the regional
project was ratified at the first
meeting of the ALBA-
Education Training Groups
and that the meeting here
revised the agreements
reached during the sixth
Extraordinary Summit of
Heads of State in Venezuela
and of the second ALBA
Education Workshop in
Nicaragua. The projection
includes the creation of a com-
mon program for the teaching
of community integral medi-
cine, education and energy.


"The idea is that the
member countries incorporate
to the development of the
programs permitting the aca-
demic mobility and the devel-
opment of common curricula
for the countries, among other
actions", the report stated.
It quoted Edgardo Ramirez,
director of International
Cooperation, as saying that
the meeting considered that
UNIALBA should be a net
for the participation of stu-
dents, educational, investiga-
tors, workers and productive
sectors in the design of inves-
tigation lines.
0


MARIE GREGORY

Ten Kingstonian Tony
Tame began to write
"The Village Curtain"
he had specific ideas as to what
he hoped to achieve.
The first aim was "to
examine a specific segment of
West Indian and in particular
Jamaican society's use of cul-
turally unique survival tech-
niques and the private atmos-
phere which tends to be pro-
duced within small Caribbean
fishing communities".
The second intention was
"that readers will enjoy experi-
encing the sharp contrast
between appearance and reality
in what seems so picturesque
and idyllic a place as the West
Indies where the outcome of
the best charitable, official and
bureaucratic
efforts is
always uncer- -iT i I
tain at best". VI I
"The AJAMACA
Village
Curtain" is
described on
the cover as
"A Jamaican
Collection". ,,-
That is, perhaps, .....
somewhat mis-
leading. I expect-
ed a collection of
short stories.
True, the stories
are there, full of
interesting
vignettes and characters who
appear and reappear. Yet the
framework is more that of a
novel. The action needs to be
followed chronologically.
There is no obvious human
hero. The story deals with the
sea, survival and the village cul-
ture. Tame has spent a lifetime
in the marine industry. He
admits that he has never earned
a cent that has not come from
his dealings with the sea. The
first chapter and references
throughout point to fishing -
reading the weather, even dyna-
miting the coral reefs testimo-
ny to his intimate knowledge.
He is fascinated by the various
methods used in fishing, sympa-
thetic to the plight of those who
eke out survival in that uncer-
tain environment.

UNDERSTANDING
Characters in the book are
treated with understanding.
The human spirit is strong, as
illustrated over and over
whether through Sonia, the vis-
iting American who falls in
love with the Black River area
and wants to develop tourism;
Mikey, who survives a Florida
prison and almost loses his life
at sea; or Leo, who dynamites
the reef and loses an arm yet is
able to continue with an adapt-
ed method.


The hardships bind com-
munities I ,I L llk r watched
over by village elder "Mr.
JJiIms a ganja grower, who
dispenses white rum liberally,
yet sticks to coconut water
himself. The homespun wis-
dom of the man allows him to
deal with people at all levels -
politicians, charity workers,
visitors and police advising
quietly, carrying on his own
activities, ever hospitable yet
never lifting the village curtain
more than a few inches.

COMMENTARY
Social commentary is scat-
tered throughout. We hear of
the young officer from
Kingston explaining basic sea-
manship to the men of the vil-
lage who had fished the Pedro
Banks since they
were 10 years old,
and the
CURTMN Englishman who
comes to the
I ECI lE*uN Police Force as
deputy commis-
sioner telling the
press that he has
not come to
"solve crime.
Finally, there is
-the "Charity
Man", so called
by "Mr.
jlaIlm ". Here
*is the disillu-
sioned do-
gooder who
sees his projects diverted from
their original intent.
Tame is a master of under-
statement.
We are allowed glimpses of
lives in the community. The cur-
tain is never lifted completely.
The final vignette is of the
dog, "a formal sort of dog",
passing to other owners after
the death of Myra, the love of
his life. Nameless, loyal, know-
ing, the dog becomes an alco-
holic after being given rum in
the local bar. The chapter,
which deals with the death and
burial of the animal, is touching.
As the story closes and
"Sonia", about to return to her
homeland, looks at "Mr. JJIIKm
and sees the veil of his eyes, the
moment of truth teaches her "it's
not a veil, it's a curtain. Curtain,
hell. It's a wall".
Tame says: "I hope that I
have been at least partially
successful at bringing the smell
of the salt spray at daybreak
and rage of the hurricane into
the general atmosphere of this
book as well as the tranquil
sound of a quiet, rainy night".
Mission accomplished.

Marie Gregory is a freelance
writer for Caribbean Today.
The book is available through
Amazon.com.
0


Fishing to raise 'The


Village Curtain'


December 2009


momm- I ............... ........ ........ -
1 0 It S / IE I> U C ON T I o n









Deebr20IAIBA OA


MISCELLANEOUS

DECLINED FOR HEALTH INSURANCE?
We'll get you covered! Real Major Medical PPO
Plan. Choose Your Own Doctor! Dental, Vision
Included. Guaranteed Approval.
Call 1-866-760-2564
www.newhealthppo.com

DISH Network. $19.99/mo, Why Pay More For
TV? 100+ Channels. FREE 4-Room Install. FREE
HD-DVR. Plus $650 Sign-up BONUS. Call Now!
1-866-573-3640

Fly at jet speeds, altitudes and comfort for pis-
ton twin cost in this pristine 2007 Eclipse 500,
SN 60. This Eclipse Jet is in perfect condition.
Always professionally flown and maintained
by a corporate flight department.
Always hangared. It has never been used for
charter or flight instruction. Options include LX
interior/exterior package, sixth forward facing
seat and plated metals. RVSM certified.
Absolutely no damage
history. Logbooks are complete and all ADs are
complied with." View details at:
http://sites.google.com/site/precisiondynamic-
saviation/for-sale/2007-Eclipse-500

FREE GPS! FREE Printer! FREE MP3! With
Purchase of New computer. Payments Starting
at Only $29.99/week. No Credit Check!
Call GCF Today. 1-877-212-9978

PROFLOWERS Christmas Decor and Holiday
Flowers & Other Gifts starting at $19.99. Go To
www.proflowers.com/Elf to get an EXTRA 15%
OFF Or Call 1-877-697-7697!

Smoke HEALTH-E Cigarettes. Kick The Habit But
Still "Smoke." Nicotine Free, Looks & Feels Like
A Real Cigarette. Complete Kit, Only $49.99 Go
To WWW.PTVDEALS.COM/167

SWIM SPA Loaded, new. List $18,000, sacrifice
$8,995. HOTTUB, deluxe, lounger, seats 5.
Retail $4,995,Buy Now $2,195.
Call 727-851-3217

You're Family's Best Benefit...Safety! Let ADT
help protect your family and get $100 Visa Gift
Card! Hurry, offer ends soon.
Call Now! 1-866-265-4139

SERVICES/
MISCELLANEOUS

Abortion Not an Option? Consider Adoption. It's a
Wonderful Choice for an Unplanned Pregnancy.
Living/Medical Expenses Paid. Loving,
Financially Secure Families Await.
1-877-341-1309 Atty Ellen Kaplan (#0875228)

ADOPTION Financially secure couple looking to
adopt newborn. Loving home, doting big sister,
great education, family vacations, beaches, ski-
ing, parks. Expenses paid.
Call Karen or Stan 800-362-9660
FLBAR#260101

ADOPTION Give Your Baby The Best In Life!
Living Expenses Paid. Many Loving, Financially
Secure Couples Waiting. Call Jodi Rutstein, an
Attorney/Social Worker who truly cares about
you. 1-800-852-0041 #133050

ADOPTION 866-633-0397 Unplanned
Pregnancy? Provide your baby with a
loving, financially secure family.
Living/Medical/Counseling expenses paid.
Social worker on staff. Call compassionate
attorney Lauren Feingold (FL Bar#0958107)
24/7

ADOPTION 866-633-0397 Unplanned
Pregnancy? Provide your baby with a
loving, financially secure family.
Living/Medical/Counseling
expenses paid.
Social worker on staff. Call compassionate


attorney Lauren Feingold
(FL Bar#0958107) 24/7

ADOPTION 888-812-3678 Living Expenses
Paid. Choose a Loving, Financially Secure
family for your child. Caring & confidential.
(24 hours / 7 days), Attorney Amy Hickman.
(Lic. #832340) (Place Under Attorneys -

ARRESTED? NEED A CRIMINAL LAWYER?
Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI, traffic. Don't be
fooled. Use a reliable source. AAA Attorney
Referral Service, 1-800-733-5342 Florida Bar
compliant since 1996.
aaaattorneyreferralservice.com

*DIVORCE* BANKRUPTCY Starting at $65 *1
Signature Divorce *Missing Spouse Divorce "We
Cometo you!" 1-888-705-7221 Since1992

MOBILE HOME ROOF EXPERTS 100%
Financing, Free Estimates We Finance
Almost Everyone
Reroof, Repairs, 40yrs Experience Home
Improvement Services
Toll-FREE 1-877-845-6660 State
Certified (Lic.#CCC058227)

Pregnant? Considering Adoption? A childless,
successful woman seeks to adopt & needs your
help! Financially secure. Expenses Paid. Call
Margie (ask for Michelle/Adam). 1-800-790-
5260 FL Bar #0150789

SURROGATE MOMS NEEDED! $18,000
Compensation. Healthy, non-smoking females,
21-37, height/ weight proportionate, gave birth
w/no complications, no criminal background,
w/private health insurance.
Confidential. 941-741-4994; www.openarm-
sconsultants.com (PLACE IN BOLD)

$99.95 FLORIDA CORP. $154.95 FLORIDA LLC
Complete & Includes State Fees, Company
Book& Seal. Free information packet:
www.amerilawyer.com or call Miami-Dade..
.(305) 854-6000 Broward... (954) 630-9800
Tampa... (813) 871-5400 St. Pete ... (727)
442-5300 Orlando ... (407) 898-5500
Toll Free ... (800) 603-3900. Spiegel &
Utrera. PA. L. Spiegel, Esq., Miami.

Force Protection Security Details.
$73K- $220K Paid Training!
Military/Police Exp. Not Required. Kidnapping
Prevention $250-$1,000/day.
Paid Expenses.
Call 1-615-891-1163 Ext. 963
www.rlcenterprises.net

LUMBER LIQUIDATORS Hardwood Flooring,
from $ .99/Sq.Ft. Exotics, Oak,
Bamboo, Prefinished & Unfinished. Bellawood
w/50 year prefinish, plus A Lot
More! We Deliver Anywhere, 5 Florida
Locations, 1-800-FLOORING
(1-800-356-6746) (PLACE IN BOLD)

WANTED 20 Homes To showcase our
Solar Products and Lifetime Exterior
Paint.. Call to see if your home qualifies.
CCC058227 1-877-834-SUN8
(7868)

BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES

ALL CASH VENDING!! Do You Earn $800 in a
Day? 25 Local Machines and Candy All For
$9,995.Call 1-888-753-3430 AIN#BO2000033
Call Us: We Will Not Be Undersold!

ATTENTION READERS: Earn money from home
processing mortgage assistance postcards. No
advertising. Direct deposit available. References
available. No gimmicks. 800-650-2090.

EDUCATION/
INSTRUCTION

Attend College Online from Home. *Medical,


*Business, *Paralegal, *Accounting, *Criminal
Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer
available. Financial Aid if qualified.
Call 800-443-5186
www.CenturaOnline.com

AVIATION MAINTENANCE / AVIONICS Graduate in
14 Months. FAA Approved; financial aid if quali-
fied. Job placement assistance. Call National
Aviation Academy Today!
1-800-659-2080 or NAA.edu

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Fast Affordable &
Accredited Free Brochure. Call Now! 1-800-
532-6546 ext.
16 www.continentalacademy.com

NEED YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA? Finish
from home Fast for $399!
Nationally accredited. EZ pay. Free brochure.
www.diplomaathome.com
Call 800-470-4723

FINANCIAL

BURIED IN CREDIT CARD DEBT Over $10,000.
We can save you thousands of dollars.
Call Credit Card Relief for your Free
Consultation: 1-866-640-3315

LAWSUIT LOANS? Cash before your case set-
tles. Auto, workers comp. All cases accepted.
Fast approval.$500 to $50,000. 866-709-1100.
www.glofin.com

Personal Loans up to $2,500! 98% Approval
Rate! Must have checking or savings account to
qualify.Approval within 24 hours. Call 1-800-
607-2890

FOR SALE

Boats; 1000's of boats for sale www.flori-
damariner.com reaching 6 million homes week-
ly throughout Florida. 800-388-9307, tide
charts, broker profiles, fishing captains, dock-
side dining and more.

METAL ROOFING TAX CREDIT! 40 yr Warranty.
Direct from manufacturer. 30 colors in stock
Quick turnaround. Delivery available. Gulf Coast
Supply & Manufacturing, 1-888-393-0335
www.gulfcoastsupply.com

HELP WANTED

BECOME a successful Commercial Model/Actor.
All ages, sizes and races. Earn $500-
$1,000/mo. Let us
show you how. 1-800-483-0996

Drivers Immediate Need! Regional & OTR posi-
tions available Now! CDL-A w/Tanker Req'd.
Outstanding
pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter Today! 877-484-
3042 www.oakleytransport.com

FEDERAL POSTAL JOBS! Earn $12 $48 per
hour / No Experience Full Benefits / Paid
Training 1-800-
370-0146 ext. 23 Now Hiring!!

LOSE WEIGHT & MAKE MONEY Clip on how to
make $10K in 30Days:
www.123MySystemPays.com
Minimal investment, includes training & keys to
success! Serious Inquiries Only.
Dona 206-984-4639

Mystery Shoppers Earn up to $150 per day.
Under cover Shoppers needed to judge retail
and dining establishments
EXP. Not RE. Call 1-888-601-4861

REAL ESTATE

A Bank Repo for Sale! 4Br 3Ba $21,900! Only
$215/Mo! 3Br $12,500! Only $199/Mo! 5%
down 15 years @ 8% apr. For listings


1-800-366-9783 Ext 5597

A Bank Repo for Sale! 4Br $12,600! Only
$217/Mo! 3Br $10,500! Only $199/Mo! 5%
down 15 years @ 8% apr. For listings
1-800-366-9783 Ext 5460

A Bank Repo for Sale! 5Br $13,400! Only
$225/Mo! 3Br $10,000! Only $199/Mo! 5%
down 15 years @
8% apr. For listings 1-800-366-9783 Ext 5197

A Bank Repo! 6Br $26,900! Only $238/Mo! 3Br
$10,500! Only $199/Mo! 5% down 15 years @
8% apr. For listings 1-800-366-9783 Ext 5493

Bank Foreclosure for Sale! 7 Br 3 Ba $19,900
$238/Mo! 5% down 15 years 8%. 4 Br
$10,000! $199/Mo!
For listings 800-366-9783 ext 5461.

Bank Owned! Foreclosures! 4bed 3ba $225/mo!
3bed 2ba only $199/mo! 5% dw, 15yrs @ 8%
For Listings 800-366-9783 ext 5558

Bank Owned! 4bed 3ba $199/mo! Only
$14,900! 5% dw, 15yrs @ 8% apr 5 Br $38,900
or $320/mo! For Listings 800-366-9783 ext
5466


Foreclosures From $10,000!! 1-4 Bedrooms
Available From $199/mo!!
For Listings 800-350-4142

Good Investment! Holly Hill, Near River!
House/double detached garage plus garage
Apartment Each; 2-Bedrooms 1-Bath
Living/Dining Rooms, Large Sun Porches.
$220,000 386-615-0901 386-212-2562.

HUD HOMES! 3bd 2ba only $199/mo! 4bdr 3ba
$215/mo! Stop Renting! 5% dw, 15 yrs @ 8%
apr For Listings 800-366-9783 ext 5638 (Place
Under Apartments For Rent)

LAND SALE NOTICE: VIRGINIA MTNS Closeout
Sale! 2.5 acres with pond near stocked trout
stream, near state park, $29,500, must sell.
Bank financing. 1-866-789-8535

NORTH CAROLINA Holiday in the mountains.
Make your family memories today; even the
family pet is welcome! Call Foscoe Rentals 1 -
800-723-7341 book online www.fosco-


erentals.com

Stuart, Florida Waterfront Condo 2/2 ground
floor end unit. Deep water dock, North Fork, St.
Lucie River, heated pool, covered parking, quiet
neighborhood, close to downtown. Estate sale,
price just reduced
$224,000 772-692-9017

NORTH CAROLINA SKI BEECH Discount Ski
packages, Discounts on Lodging,
Lift Tickets & Ski Rentals 1-6 Bedrooms, fully
equipped chalets & townhomes.
Chalet Rentals 1-800-368-7404
www.skibeechmountainnc.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

WEIGHTLOSS? PAIN? CAN'T SLEEP? Men's
Health Flexeril, Tramadol, Soma, Viagra, Cialis,
Levitra and Many More!!! Low Prices!!! Free
Shipping Pharmacy Connection USA 1 -800-453-
1448

AUTOMOBILES

Acura Integra 00 $500! Nissan Altima 01 $350!
Honda Civic 00 $800! Police Impounds!
For listings Call 800-366-9813 ext N580

Donate Vehicle Receive $1000 Grocery Coupon
Noah's Arc Support No Kill Shelters, Research to
Advance Veterinary Treatments Free Towing, Tax
Deductible, Non-Runners Accepted
1-866-912-GIVE

Donate your Car Truck or Boat to HERITAGE FOR
THE BLIND Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible,
Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of.
1-866-905-3801

Honda Civic 00 $800! Police Impounds for Sale!
Many Makes and Models Priced to Sell!
For listings call 800-366-9813 ext 9480.

Police Impounds for Sale! Honda Accord LX 98
$800! Nissan Altima 01 $350! Hondas Chevys
Jeeps and More from $500! For listings Call
800-366-9813 ext N581

$500! Police Impounds for Sale!
Cars/Trucks/SUVs from $500! Many Makes and
Models, Must See! For
listings call 800-366-9813 ext 9482


JYes, send me 1 year (12 issues) of Caribbean Today
for D $35(US) First Class D $20(US) Bulk Rate
J Payment Enclosed
Name:
I Address: I
City: State Zip:
Country: Telephone:

Please make check or Money Order payable to
Caribbean Today, and mail to:
9020 S.W. 152nd Street Miami, Florida 33157
or call: (305) 238-2868

Caribbean ay
-_--_- -_------------------


December 2009


CARIBBEAN TODAY




CARIBBEAN TODAY


I tiLlS

HIRD POUNDER

p j -.....


December 2009

PAGE 1

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POST AGE P AID MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 7315 Vol.21 No.1 DECEMBER 2009 Tel: (305 1-800-605-7516 editor@caribbeantoday.comct_ads@bellsouth.net Jamaica: 655-1479 We cover your world INSIDEA federal filing er ror on the part of Caribbean AmericanCongr esswoman Yvette Clarke’s of fice mistakenly landed her among the top 25 richest United States congr esspersons, page 2 . America’s federal government is pulling out all the stops to ensure more citizens and residents participate in the 2010Census. The big marketing push is to reach immigrantpopulations and undocumented residents, groups that historically have not responded well to the census, page 11 .News..................................2 Local .................................... 7 Viewpoint..........................9 Feature..............................11 Ar ts/Enter tainment .......... 13 Food..................................15 Health/Environment........16 Spor t .................................. 18 Tourism/Travel................20 Region/Politics................21 Books/Education ............ 22 Classified..........................23 THE MUL TI AWARD-WINNING NEWS MAGAZINE CALL CARIBBEAN TODAY DIRECT FROM JAMAICA 655-1479 Veteran Jamaica internationalplayer Andy Williams ended a roller coaster season on a tri-umphant note last month by helping his team Real Salt Lake capture its firstMajor League Soccer (MLS title, the sport’s biggest prize in North America, page 18. ~ Caribbean nationals, including those who enter the United States legally, are held unnecessarily and transferred needlessly within an expensive immigration detentionsystem that denies many of them basic fairness, according to three new U.S. reports, page 4. DRUMMING UP SUPPORTWilliam “Willie” Stewart, of Third World fame, has taken his distinct style of drum-ming into South Florida’ s schools, sharing his knowledge and experience with the students and motivating, uplifting andempowering them, page 13. December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 1

PAGE 2

QUEENS, New York A Guyanese-born, New YorkCity cop, who killed thewoman he was once engagedto mar ry, will have to spend the next 25 years to life inprison. Harry Rupnarine, 39, was last month given the maximumsentence for the May 10, 2007 murder. His sentencing camejust two months after a Queens Supreme Court jury found him guilty of killing Guiatree Hardat, 22, on Atlantic Avenue in Woodhaven,Queens. The shooting was a deadly end to the couple`s tumul tuous two-year r elationship, Hardat`s friends and relatives had said. Rupnarine, in his defense, had claimed he had acciden tally killed Har dat with his 9 mm ser vice Glock while trying to shoot two knife-wieldingthugs. Rupnarine was a former Brooklyn Transit Task Forcecop who took the post aftergraduating fr om the Police Academy in July 2005. He had met Hardat while patrolling the Crescent Street subway station in Brooklyn, shortlyafter becoming a cop. CaribW orldNews WASHINGTON, D.C. Two confir med picks by the admin istration of United States President Barack Obama, forambassadorial posts in the Caribbean, plus a recent nom-inee, raised mor e than $1.4 million for the 2008 presidential campaign committee, according to a watchdoggr oup her e. Resear ch from the Center for Responsive Politics (CPR reveals that Nicole Avant, thenew U.S. ambassador to TheBahamas, raised $800,000 for Team Obama in his bid for president. She is at the top of the list of donors-turned-ambassadors. Michael Beckel, writing for CRP`s site OpenSecrets, noted that most of Obama’stop donors ar e now being rewarded with cushy ambassadorial posts. Avant, who tookup post as the 13th U.S.ambassador to The Bahamason Oct. 22, has no for eign pol icy experience, but worked largely in the entertainmentfield. She is the daughter of entertainment industry legendClar ence A vant and philan thr opist Jacqueline Avant. Prior to her appointment, she was vice pr esident of Interior Music Publishing and A vant Garde Music Publishing (19982009) and was the SouthernCalifor nia finance co-chair woman of the Barack Obama Presidential Campaign. T&T’S GAIN Beatrice W ilkinson Welters, Obama’s current pick for ambassador to the oil richnation of T rinidad and T obago, raised $500,000 for the campaign, according to CRP, and ranks fifth among the top givers to date who have been tapped by Obama to serve as U.S. ambassadorsoverseas. She, along with herfamily , contributed $28,400 to Obama’s campaign, while her husband contributed the legalmaximum of $4,600 to Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign. Her sons, Bryant, acollege student at Notr e Dame, and Andr ew, a high school student here, also gave the maximum amount, according to records filed with the Federal Election Commission, even though both wer e classified as “not employed/student”. W ilkinson W elters, who now faces a Senate confir ma tion, also has no foreign service experience, but is a formerIBM engineer tur ned nonprofit chair. Vinai Thummalapally, the cur rent U.S. ambassador to Belize, raised $100,000 for thecampaign and ranks in thebottom five of fundraiserstur ned-ambassadors. Thummalapally , who was con fir med as U.S. ambassador to WASHINGTON, D.C A federal filing error on the part ofCaribbean American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke’s office mistakenly land-ed her among the top 25 rich est United States congr esspersons, a CaribW orldNews exclu sive investigation r evealed. CaribWorldNews last month noted that the Centerfor Responsive Politics (CRPlisted Clarke with an averagenet wor th of some $30 million obtained in 2008 alone.Accor ding to the group’s website, which analyses the topwealthiest U.S. lawmakers,Clarke ranked at 24 out of the top 25 with assets in two invest-ment funds totaling $10,000,002 to $50,000,000, respectively. But the congr esswoman’s of fice later clarified that it was a huge error, based on her of fice filling out the federal paperwork erroneously by ticking the wrong incomebracket. CRP’s Communications Director Dave Levinthal admitted by e-mail that it was an error and the group hadsubsequently r eceived the congresswoman’s amended filing, which reflected a substantially lower net worth, closerto ar ound $100,000, excluding liabilities. Guyanese-born N.Y.cop jailed for 2007 murder of ex-fianceBankrollers are Obama’s Caribbean ambassadorsFederal filing error places Caribbean American congresswoman among richest U.S.lawmakers 2 CARIBBEAN TODAYDecember 2009 NEWS NEWS www.caribbeantoday.com Clarke Bea trice Wilkinson Welters,the new U.S. ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago,and husband Anthony. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 2

PAGE 3

December 2009CARIBBEAN TODAY 3 December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 3

PAGE 4

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, CMC Jean-Max Bellerive, who was sworn-in as primeminister last month, has listedjob cr eation and developing a better investment climateamong the priorities for the government of this Caribbeancommunity (CARICOMnation. “Haiti will continue to work with all the partners andall the people who believe instability and who believe theonly way we ar e going to change Haiti is through private investment and through creating jobs in Haiti,” saidBellerive, 51, the sixth person to hold the post since 2004. He also pledged to foster better r elations with legislators. Bellerive, who previously served as planning and external cooperation minister and had held several positions under at least six differentprime ministers in the pasttwo decades, succeedsMichele Pier r e-Louis, who was ousted by the Haitian Senate on Oct. 30. e will take care of putting (Members of Parliamentmor e in accordance with what we are doing,” the economist said. s the same program, basically . W e have the same priorities (as the previous government).” CO-OPERATION In addition, he said he will continue working with theUnited Nations special envoy to Haiti, former United StatesPr esident Bill Clinton, “in the same manner, in the same commitment that he has with the former government andwith Pr esident (Rn “The only way that we ar e going to change Haiti is through private investment, through creating jobs inHaiti,” he said. Earlier this year, the international community , at a donor s confer ence on Haiti in W ashington, pledged $324 million to help improve the impoverished country’s economy. Bellerive’s approach hasalr eady been lauded by the newly-formed Haitian Economic Development Foundation. “Our business community is pleased to see that Mr. Bellerive’s focus will be to continue furthering the probusiness direction encouraged by President Rn Prval,”said Y ouri Mevs, the gr oup’ s president. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Caribbean nationals, includingthose who enter the United States legally, are held unnecessarily and transferred need-lessly within an expensiveimmigration detention systemthat denies many of thembasic fair ness in the U.S., according to three new reports issued her e. In the first report, the inspector general of the Homeland Security Department found thatdetainee transfers by the Immigration and Customs Enfor cement (ICE haphazard that some of them ar rived at a new detention center without having been served a notice of why they were being held. The Washington-based Constitution Pr oject called for sweeping changes in agencypolicies and amendments toimmigration law , including new access to governmentappointed counsel for many of those facing deportation to the Caribbean and elsewhere. ‘CHAOTIC GAME’ In its report, the human rights organization, Human Rights Watch, said that gov-er nment data showed transfers wer e accelerating, with many long time residents of cities like New York,Philadelphia and Los Angeles, being sent to remote immigration jails in Texas and Louisiana, far from legalcounsel and the evidence that might help them win release. “ICE is incr easingly sub jecting detainees to a chaotic game of musical chairs, and it’s a game with dir e consequences,” said Alison Parker, deputy director in theU.S. for thehuman rightsgr oup, and the author of the r eport. The inspector general’s investigation foundthat the conse quences ofhaphazar d transfers include a loss of access to legal counsel and relevant evi-dence; additional time in detention; and “errors, delays and confusion for detainees,their families, legal r epresentatives” and the immigrationcour ts. FLAWED PLANS In August, the administration of U.S. President BarackObama announced ambitiousplans to over haul immigration detention, a disjointed network that relies heavily onprivate prisons and county jails. But taken together, thethr ee reports underscore the gap between the plans and the problems on the ground in a system that, according to theinspector general, is estimated to be detaining more than 442,000 people a year. The reports cited a Jamaican, who was transferred to Texas after threemonths in detention in New York and New Jersey. Immigration authorities contended that he should be deported based on two prior convictions for drug posses-sion. In New Y ork, his drug misdemeanors were not considered an “aggravatedfelony”, and based on his 22 years of legal residency and strong family relationships inthe U.S., he would have beeneligible for “cancellation of removal”, a form of relief fr om depor tation. However, in Texas, he was bar r ed fr om r elief based on Fifth Circuit rulings, and deported to his nativeJamaica. The bipar tisan gr oup said the agency makes it too hard for people to avoid detentionwhile challenging depor tation and recommended a significant easing in the bur den of proof, and a waiver from mandatory detention for lawful permanent residents. CMC ORLANDO, Florida A Jamaican man has been identified as the lone fatality dur-ing a shooting rampage at an office building here lastmonth. Police said Otis Beckfor d, 26, was one of six people shot, but the only one killed, by adisgr untled for mer employee at an engineering and constr uction fir m. The authorities have char ged Jason Rodriguez, 40, with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting spree after an extensive search. “Obviously we have a tragic incident her e in the city of Orlando,” said Mayor Buddy Dyer. “The gunmanhas been appr ehended.” Rodriguez surrendered to police at his mother s home after he was spotted by officers. A family member said Beckford, an architect at the firm, was the father of a seven-month-old and was due to get mar ried soon. ou couldn’ t ask for a better nephew or a son,” said Evelyn Cole, Beckford’s aunt.“He was just quiet, and he never troubled anyone or gotinto tr ouble,” she added. Belize by the U.S. Senate on July 24, 2009, also has no background in the foreign service, but was president of MAM-A Inc., formerly Mitsui Advanced Media, the nation’s leading manufacturer and distributor of ar chival r ecor dable optical discs. Only 35 of the ambassa dors nominated globally so far by Obama are career mem-bers of the U.S. For eign Ser vice. For ty-six of the pr esi dent’s ambassador picks personally donated to Obama, CRP found, giving him a com-bined $306,700, while seven of the ambassadors who wer e politically appointed have never personally contributedto federal politicians abovethe FEC`s $200 r epor ting thr eshold. CaribWorldNews Jamaican killed during Florida shooting rampageBankrollers are Obama’ s Caribbean ambassadors 4 CARIBBEAN TODAYDecember 2009 NEWS NEWS www.caribbeantoday.com Haiti’s new P.M.sets job creation, investment among main priorities (CONTINUED FROM P AGE 2) Bellerive Photogra ph by ICE.govReports raise questions about U.S. detention stra tegies. Caribbean nationals held unnecessarily in U.S.detention ~ reports December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 4

PAGE 5

MIAMI – The Haitian-born ringleader of a gr oup accused of plotting ter ror attacks on Chicago’ s Sears Tower and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI has been sentenced to 13years in prison. Untied States District Judge Joan Lenard imposedthe sentence on Narseal Batiste, 35, who pr osecutors said had hoped to spark an anti-government insurrection by seeking support from alQueda for his alleged terror-ism plans. ou’ve done great harm to yourself, your family , the young men who were your followers, and you’ve violated the trust of your country Judge Lenard said. Batiste, who had faced a maximum of 70 years inprison, was convicted in May of conspiracy to provide material support to al-Queda, plot-ting to blow up buildings andconspiracy to wage waragainst the U.S. Four otherHaitian men, described as Batiste’s soldiers in his paramilitary group, were also con-victed and sentenced tobetween six and 10 years injail. CULMIN A TION The sentencing last month marked the culmination of a case that began with an FBI raid in June 2006 on thegr oup’s warehouse, known as the “Embassy”, in Miami’ s impoverished Liberty City neighborhood. Top U.S. officials acknowledged at the time that the 100-storey skyscraper, Sears Tower, and FBI plots never got past the discussionstage and that the gr oup never acquir ed the means to carry out such audacious attacks. But prosecutors said the case was a prime example of the post Sept. 11, 2001 strategy of stopping terror plots in the earliest possible stages befor e they ignite. There were two previous mistrials in the case, and two men were acquitted before prosecutors finally won the case. Batiste testified at all three trials that he neveraspir ed to be a terrorist and only went along in hopes of scamming the FBI informantout of $50,000. At the sentencing hearing on Nov. 20, he apologized tohis family and the young menwho became his followers, blaming his “arrogance andpride” for leading him downthe wr ong r oad. “I wanted respect,” he said. “I wanted to be this per-son that I r eally wasn’ t. I’ve never been a violent person.” NEW YORK, N.Y. Grammy Award-winning Haitiansinger , songwriter and producer Wyclef Jean has earned mor e r ecognition for his contribution to human rights. Jean, along with Bono of musical group U2, was pre-sented with Ripple of Hope Award at Chelsea Pier in New York City last month by The Robert F. Kennedy Center forJustice and Human Rights. The Haitian ambassador at lar ge was honor ed for his work to strengthen and inspire change in his nativecountr y of Haiti thr ough his Yle Haiti organization. “As champions of justice, Bono and W yclef have brought the national spotlight to human rights violations, empowered local activists, and transformedthe lives of millions of peopleliving in pover ty fr om Por t-AuPrince to Dar fur ,” said Kerry Kennedy, founder of the RFK Center. “Their efforts evokethe spirit of my father and we are honored to recognize them.” Jean also per for med at the ceremony. The award came on the heels of several other human rights awards presented to the singer thisyear , including by ASCAP and BET in June 2009. The RFK Center is a nonpr ofit organization dedicated to advancing the human rights movement through innovative support to human rights defenders around the world. CaribWorldNews NEW YORK Several members of the New York Congressional delegation last month continued the call forcompr ehensive immigration reform. At a pre-Thanksgiving event that recognized NewY ork’s immigrant history, several congr essional lawmakers admitted the need for immedi ate pr ogress on immigration reform legislation. Representative Yvette Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrant par ents, told the audience that the current set of immigration laws must change now. “Our immigration laws ar e inconsistent and inefficient and place an undue bur den on native-born Americans, documented immigrants and undocumented immigrants alike,” said Clarke. “This sys-tem is inef fective and unsustainable. We must never forget that this debate is criti-cal to impr oving the lives of all American citizens,Americanbusinesses, and the lives of those who seek to beAmericans.” “New Yorkers stand proudly with the majority of Americans in their suppor t of compr ehensive immigration reform,” said U.S. Representative Charles B. Rangel. “Too many families are being kept apart by thehypocrisy of a system thatencourages people to come and work, then tries to crimi-nalize them when they want tostay . We have an obligation a moral obligation to see that these laws ar e changed.” The event was co-hosted by the American Jewish Committee, the New York Immigration Coalition and the New Y ork Interfaith Network for Immigration Reform at the New York Historical Society. CaribWorldNews Haitian gets 13 years in prison for link to Chicago terror plotWyc lef Jean receives Kennedy ‘Hope’ a wardKey Congressional leaders in New York call for U.S.action on immigration reform December 2009CARIBBEAN TODAY 5 NEWS NEWS www .caribbeantoday.com Rangel F ile photogra phU2’s Bono,left,and Wyclef Jean performing together . December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 5

PAGE 6

WASHINGTON, D.C. Few Caribbean students ar e studying in the United States, according to the latest Open Doors survey, which analyses foreign students in the U.S. The sur vey, which is published by the Institute ofInter national Education with suppor t from the U.S. Depar tment of State`s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, found that while Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela made the top 25 list, not a sin-gle Caribbean countr y managed to make the cut. By contrast, students fr om India, China and South Kor ea continue to dominate the top three spots in the ranking with students fromthose nations accounting for a large percent of the number of foreign students in the U.S. India had 94,563 students out of 623,805 globally for the2007/2008 period whileChinese students accounted for 81,127 of that number. Meanwhile, while a r ecord number of U.S. students are studying abroad, theCaribbean r egion did not make the cut either for thetop 25 places wher e the American students are turning for education. According to the Open Doors 2009 survey, the number of Americansstudying abr oad increased by 8.5 percent to 262,416 in the2007/08 academic year , with most choosing the U.K., Italy , Spain and France. CaribWorldNews Lesa-gayle Wee Tom, wearing the sash “Miss Donna’s Restaurant”, was last month crowned “MissFlorida Caribbean” 2009. Wee Tom is no stranger to pageants. She is a for mer first r unner up “Miss Hollywood T een”, second runner up “Miss Jamaica Florida” and second runner up “Miss Miami Tropic” and a contestant in “Miss Jamaica World”2009. She is a student atFlorida Atlantic University and hopes to earn a degree in broadcast journalism. According to organizers, the “Miss Florida Caribbean”pageant of fers personal development opportunity for youngCaribbean American femalesages 18-25, who live in theU.S. state of Florida. The pag eant also includes divisions for “teen” and “jun-ior” contestantsbetween ages nineand 17. The winner of “Miss Florida Caribbean” is eligible to representthe “SunshineState” at the 2010Miss CaribbeanUnited Statespageant in New York. The winner of that competi-tion will move onto the “MissCaraibes Hibiscus International”pageant in St. Maarten. Few Caribbean students choose U.S.schoolsWee Tom crowned ‘Miss Florida Caribbean’ MIAMI – Finance Minister Audley Shaw is confidentther e are many investment opportunities in Jamaica. Addressing the 33rd annual Miami Conference onthe Caribbean and Central America, recently, Shaw out-lined the strategies beingunder taken by the Bruce Golding administration to attract investors. He spoke of the development of the agroindustry, with its array of subsectors, including food pro-cessing, or ganic farming and green house production. Regarding tourism, Shaw said the island had recorded afive per cent incr ease in visitor arrivals and a two percent increase in spending recordedin the industr y, despite the downturn in the regio, caused by the global economic r eces sion. He said with the development of the industry, valueadded linkages to support thesector , such as the construction of houses for hotel workers, could be explored forinvestment. Shaw said ther e ar e also opportunities to develop attractions, to provide exoticcuisine, as well as to getinvolved in the fashion andmusic industries. NAPLES, Florida – The pr osecution is seeking the deathpenalty for Haitian Mesac Damas, 33, who is chargedwith mur dering his wife and five children in September. The State Attorney’s Office said that prosecutors willseek the death penalty forDamas, who has confessed to the killings. The notice of intent to seek the death penaltywas filed in Collier County court recently. Damas r emains on suicide watch in the Collier County jail and has not been allowedany visitors other than his attorney since his September arrest, the Collier County Sherif fs Office reported. Collier County Deputy Public Defender Mike Orlando, who representsDamas, filed a not-guilty pleain September and said at the time that he had concerns about his client’s mental state. 6 CARIBBEAN TODAYDecember 2009 NEWS NEWS www.caribbeantoday.com Ja’s finance minister woos investorsFlorida prosecution seeks death penalty for Haitian accused of murdering family Wee Tom December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 6

PAGE 7

W ith the holiday season upon us, many goodwilled individuals expr ess their gener osity by giving to those less fortunate,” says Lawrence Loesch, formerNew Y ork Police Depar tment Deputy Chief and V ice President/General Managerfor AlliedBar ton Security Services. “Unfortunately, that can also cr eate an oppor tunity for scam ar tists to take advan tage of the kindness of others. It is impor tant to make certain your gener osity is received by those who need it most.” So when giving this holiday season remember to use your head, as well as your hear t. The following tips by Loesch to Caribbean Today’s r eaders can help: Look-alik e charities Watch out for charities with similar names to well-knownor ganizations. Some scam artists try to trick people byusing names that make themappear to be the same as orcomparable to valid charities. Always investigate the organization prior to making a dona-tion. Look at their websites.Many non-pr ofit web addr ess es end in .org instead of .com. Phone scams Be cautious of charities that contactyou over the phone. In NewY ork City, for example, there’s a popular scam from solicitorswho claim to r epr esent the NYPD and r elated police fundraising organizations. Only the New York Police Foundation can accept suchdonations and they do not SUNRISE, Florida – Sixty percent of Americans confess tonot having a holiday budget soit is no surprise the AmericanBankers Association estimatesit takes the average consumersix months to pay of f seasonal debt. “Everyone is caught up with the usual holiday questions of what presents to buy, who to invite to parties and where to go, yet the big question you should ask is ‘whereis the money going to comefr om to pay for it all?’,” says Barbara J. Stark, dir ector of community development and education for American Debt Counseling, Inc., www.americandebtcounseling.org , aSunrise, Florida-based nonprofit organization that provides financial education pro-grams as well as confidentialand pr ofessional cr edit coun seling and debt management services across the nation. Stark cautions that the cost of the holidays can derail the steps people have alreadytaken to r educe debt by discouraging them with new debtthat takes them back to square one or sets them back even further. “On average consumers spend $1,220 on holiday gifts,”she explains. “If that went on credit cards with an interestrate of 18 per cent and only a monthly minimum payment was made it would take 22 years to pay off, and wouldcost $2,600.” TIPS Stark of fers the following tips for avoiding bills that comeback to haunt you like theghost of Christmas past: P a y it forward: Layaway is back, enabling consumers to purchase within a budget and not incur interest fees. Online layaway sites are a new wayfor people who like to shopfr om their computers to gain the advantages of layaway , but shoppers should r ead the terms to understand if there are additional fees involved. Pad your pockets: Sometimes, all you need to bridge a budget gap is a fewextra dollars a month. Forexample, put your photos towork for you by submitting them to stock photo agencies. Anyone can do it, and if your photos are accepted you’ll earn money each time yourphoto is uploaded. P arty like it’s 1929: Even during the Gr eat Depression Givers,beware holiday scam artists Don’t pay for the holidays all year long,shoppers warned ~ E-layaway among new budgeting tips December 2009CARIBBEAN TODAY 7 LOCAL LOCAL www .caribbeantoday.com The effects of holiday shopping can linger. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 7

PAGE 8

Over $5,000 was raised from the fourth annualtribute and scholarship fundraiser held last month atthe Holy Family EpiscopalChur ch in North Miami, Florida to honor the life andlegacy of the late Jamaicancultural icon Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett-Coverley. Proceeds from this event will be used to support theLouise Bennett-CoverleyScholarship Fund that was started following Miss Lou’sdeath of in July 2006. Thescholarship is tenable at theEdna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica. So far, thescholarship has benefited four students pursuing studies in song, dance and drama at theinstitution. T wo students – Sodanne Br own and Omar Forbes – both pursuing studies in performing arts at Edna Manley were selected as recipients ofthe 2009-2010 scholarships. This year, a decision was made to awar d an additional scholarship to a student ofJamaican descent pursuing studies in performing arts at the New World School of the Arts in Miami. Details are currently being finalized with the school’s administration,accor ding to Norma Darby, founder of the scholarshipfund. In an effort to continue Miss Lou’ s legacy, the scholarship was extended to Jamaican diaspora in the United States to give those students an opportunity to engage their culture and heritage. JIS Students get ‘Miss Lou’ scholarship from Florida Hurricane season ended recently in the UnitedStates. But in some ar eas, it’s wildfire season. As you pr epare for the threat of a natural disaster in your community, put signing up for direct deposit at the topof your “to do” list. Doing socan eliminate the delay or non-delivery of your monthlypayment if a disaster for ces you fr om your home. It is still is the best way to get benefit payments for people who have a bank account. Here’s why: Safe Your money is deposited directly into your account at your bank or other financial institution. Because it’s transferred electronically, ther s no risk of your check being lost or stolen. Quick You’ll get your payment faster when it’s deposited directly and it isimmediately available to youonce it’ s deposited. Con venient No mor e standing in line at the bank to cash your check, or leavingyour house when the weatheris bad. For those who don’t have a bank account, there’s DirectExpr ess. With Direct Expr ess, we automatically deposit benefit payments to a person’s Direct Express cardaccount. The car d can be used to make purchases, paybills or get cash at thousands of locations, and most services are free. To learn more or tosign up for Dir ect Express, visit www.fms.treas.gov/directexpresscard. To learn more about Direct Deposit of your benefitpayments, and to sign up, visitour website at www .socialsecurity .gov/deposit. You also can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 To learn more information about Direct Express, visit www.fms.treas.gov/directexpresscard. In the unfortunate event that you ar e displaced by a natural disaster , your benefits do not have to be. Y our payments will be safe and secure, and ar rive on time to your account with Direct Deposit or Direct Express. Social Security Administration Direct deposit improves Social Security service solicit via the telephone. Ask the solicitor for the charity’s mailing address so that youcan send them a check dir ect ly. When in doubt, call the charity yourself and ask them if they’re aware of the solicita-tions being done in theirname. Kno w y our charity Many mor e organizations push for donations during the holidays. Resear ch your charity befor e making the decision to donate. If they of fer you ver y little information, they may not be legitimate. A legitimate charity will give you informa-tion describing its mission, how donations are distributedand pr oof that your contribution is tax deductible. DONATION USE How is your donation used? One of the most important things to consider when making a charitable contribution is how much of your money actually goes to the charitable cause. Most charities are required to register and file annual r epor ts showing how donations are used. Y ou can ask how to find this information at your state or local consumer protection agency. Contribution collectors Individuals who go door-todoor or position themselves inhigh traf fic areas should be carrying proper credentials and identification. These indi viduals should be knowledgeable about the organization and be able to provide youwith infor mative materials about the charity. Ask for written information and the solicitor’s identification to validate the organization. For security and tax r ecord purposes, it’ s important to pay by check when giving a contribu tion and write the charity’s official name on the check. Mail scams Holiday gr eetings may not the only thing crowding your mailbox. This time of year, watch for appeals for donations. If you do not recognize the name of a particular charity, you can check out their legitimacy as well as their ef ficiency with your money at the BBB Wise Giving Alliance website, www.give.org. Email scams Be skeptical of emails seeking charita-ble contributions. Many unso licited messages received through email are fraudulent.Do not r espond to these emails as many of them ask you to send money to an of fshore bank account. Additionally, a fraudulent charity email may have anattachment, of fering you mor e information. Be aware, as many times these attachments contain viruses. It is always important that any charityr elated email include a link to an authorized website. Y ou should also be skeptical of anycharity email or website that requires you to enter you social security number. Promised prizes Be cau tious of guaranteed sweepstakes winnings in exchange for your contribution. This may not be the type of holiday gift you are looking for. Fraudulent sweepstake mailers encourage consumers to return the apparent ‘winning’entr y along with a donation to the charity named in the promotion. The wording in themailer makes it seem like ther ecipient is alr eady a winner . Be skeptical if a solicitor thanks you for a contributionyou don’ t remember giving. Other options Instead of donating money to a charity , consider volunteering your time. Contributing your per-sonal time to help others canmean much mor e than simply writing a check. You can also donate toys, clothing or non-perishable food and make it part of your holiday tradition. Adamant demands Refuse any high-pr essure r equests for your contribution. Legitimate charities usually don’t require people to give at a moment’s notice. An established charity will still be will ing to accept your donation, even if you take some time to research first. Givers,beware holiday scam artists people knew how to party on a budget. Consider a pot-luck party this year where guestseach bring a dish. Or cut your tab at the grocery store by signing up to receive online newsletters from brands youlike, buy stor e brands that ar e often made by name brand companies, and combinecoupons with buy-one-get-oneand sale of fers. It’s in the cards: People spend up to 30 per cent mor e when paying with credit cards rather than cash. Pay withcash, debit car ds or checks whenever possible. If you use credit cards, chose a low ratecr edit card instead of high interest rate department store cards, and avoid department store credit cards offering aone-time discount. Protect y our identity: Crowded stores increase the risk of pickpockets and pursesnatchers. Don’ t car r y your Social Security card in your wallet or purse but do keep copies (both front and back of all of the credit cards and ID (including your driver’slicense) that you car r y with you to enable swift action in the event of loss or theft. The art of r e-gifting: It’ s important to remember giving a gift that you r eceived but never used is still a gift, and there is no reason to spoil themoment by confessing youdidn’ t buy it. Be sure the gift is clean and pr esentable, change the wrapping paper and, most importantly, keeptrack of who gave the gift to you originally. The tipping point: Many workers rely on receiving tips in order to pay for their holi-day season. As always, tippingis a personal issue and depen dant on the service received. Several online resources offer a guide to what is appr opriate. If you can’t find the extra money in your budget this year , show your appreciation with a home-made gift or baked good. Don’t take a financial holida y: Open your cr edit card bills as soon as they ar rive and verify all the transactions are correct. You have 60 days tochallenge er r ors, and be sur e to keep copies of all the correspondence. Most importantly, if you are faced with overwhelming debt, seek professional advice from an accred-ited cr edit counselor who can help get you back on track. 8 CARIBBEAN TODAYDecember 2009 www.caribbeantoday.com LOCAL LOCAL Street Address: 9020 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL33157 Mailing Address: P .O. Box 6010 Miami,FL33116-6010. T elephone: (305 (305305 Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-290-4550 1-800-605-7516 Jamaica: 654-7282 E-mail: editor@caribbeantoday .com Send ads to: ct_ads@bellsouth.net V ol. 20, Number 12 NOV .2009 PETER AWEBLEY Publisher GORDON WILLIAMS Managing Editor SABRINA HOPKINS Graphic Artist DOROTHY CHIN Account Executive SHARON LEE Account Executive CARMEN CHANG Account Executive JACQUELINE RUBIANO Accounting ManagerCaribbean Media Source Media RepresentativesOpinions expressed by editors and writers are not necessarily those of thepublisher. Caribbean Today , an independent news magazine, is published every month by Caribbean Publishing & Services, Inc. Caribbean T oday is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. T o guarantee return, please include a selfaddressed stamped envelope. Articles appearing in Caribbean T oday may not be reproduced without written permission of the editor. Don’t pay for the holidays all year long,shoppers warned (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 8

PAGE 9

December 2009CARIBBEAN TODAY 9 VIEWPOINT VIEWPOINT www .caribbeantoday.com Laura Marie West ,newly appointed Trinidad and Tobago consul general in Miami,is still settling into South Florida life.But she has been making the rounds at events hosted by nationals of the twin island republic,reaching out to thediaspora. Caribbean Today’s freelance writer Dawn A. Davis caught up with her at a recent leadership seminar host ed by Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora,Inc. Question:What is the consulate’ s mission? How do you see your role? Answer: We have defined four missions: An economic mission, a security mission, a con-sular mission and a political mission. But, I will focus on the consular mission. The level of service afforded to nationals traveling and living abroad, in addition to seeking to maximize the expor ted skills and investment potential of the diaspora, that’s why I am here.At the consulate, we have the responsibility for promotion, pursuit, protection of the national interest. We promote trade and investment. We try to establish two-way business relationships with companies here and in Trinidad and Tobago. We develop bilateral relations with the United States. We provide national assistance. We notarize andauthenticate documents like restoration of citizenship, cer-tificates for pensioners. W e ar e also ef fective for students who want scholarships. If some body dies here, you have toget documents pr epar ed in or der to take that body back to T rinidad, so you have to come to the consulate to get it done. In other wor ds, we ar e the gover nment of T rinidad and T obago in Miami. Q:The Trinidad and Tobago go v ernment has de v eloped a long-range de v elopment strat egy dubbed Vision 2020.Can you expand on it? A: V ision 2020 is based on five key pillars. It’s really about how you get to where youwant to get to. W e ar e on a journey to make our vision real, and so we are involved in activities and we have prior ities to accomplish thevision. W e want to be resilient, productive, inno-vative, and prosperous. We want our citizens to have a high quality of healthcare, safe communities, and sound and relevanteducation. W e would like our people to progress in ways that could take the good out of developed countries and leave the negatives where they are, and hope that we can con-tribute to a global community that will be more positive. Wear e a diverse nation; in Trinidad we are a rainbow of colors. The diversity and cre-ativity of all our citizens is keyto getting our vision on the way. Q:How do you market the twin island republic as a safe and attractive destination? A: Because we are a nation, we are governed by laws. So, we want to make sure there is respect for law, for the law guides the principles of democracy...We are committed to good governance; we are a principled member of the global community, we are an effective regional leader. Wewant to nur ture a caring society. You know when we were childr en and we did something wr ong, you could get ‘licks’ fr om your aunt, your mother friend, your grandmother. We want to go back to those dayswher e it takes a village. Q:The perception is that T rinidad and T obago is far ahead of the r est of the Caribbean in r elation to manu facturing and industry.Is this true? A: T rinidad and T obago is a model for other developing states. We were one of the firstcountries to move fr om oil into natural gas. Right now we are the world’s largest producer of methanol and ammoni-um. W e expor t 70 per cent of the U.S. requirement for natu-People, who for some reason have reason to cutthe ties that bind, shake off the shackles of matrimony, cut loose from the tethers that tie, and separate from the per-son whom they once loved. Yes, I’m talking about thatfinal split as you leave yourspouse. I have been privy to the insight of the minds of people and why they call it quits, and why they decide to take that plunge into the unknown. But the option of leaving is oftenfar better than staying. And yet, some will still stay and wallow in the miser y, despair and loss of self, pr efer ring to tell their tales of woe to whoever will listen. It’s suggested that the number one reason why people part ways is because of money. Yes, money, the loveof it, or the lack of it, is the root of all problems, and isenough to make couples gotheir separate ways. So many couples, married or not, have suffered and split because of financial folly . In some cases they foolishly enter into the union and have a joint bank account only. Oops, big mistake, as money and love don’t mix,and even though they think that they’re in love and what’s mine is thine, usually it endsup being all mine and notthine. So I advise you, keep a little mine for yourself, stashed away somewhere. ‘BIGGER EYE’ In many cases, one party in the r elationship has a big ger eye for spending than the other , r esulting in r esentment, as the imbalance is too much to bear. Sometimes the wifelikes to keep up with the Joneses and spends far more than they earn, or perhaps he has a deficit problem andloves to gamble, buy liquor , spend on wine women and song. Or per haps it’ s just a mat ter of priorities. “How can you want to buy a plasma T.V. and we don’t own awashing machine?” she cries, and so the quarreling begins until it’s splitsville. For what ever reason, this one pot to serve two, is a recipe for disaster, for invariably one will dip more often than the other. In other cases, it’ s the bor rowing syndrome, whereeither the man or the woman constantly ‘bor r ows’ from the other without having any intention of paying back. Usually it’s a one-way street,with one always bor r owing and never paying back, resulting in resentment and seethinganger that can fester for years. It’s usually hardly ever mentioned, but sex, the loveof it, or the lack of it, is also included in the reasons whycouples call it quits. Oh sur e, many people will outwardly say that it does not matter and will stick it out or take a lover on the side. But the long-term effects can be devastating, and they leave because of the sliding scale of sexual desir e. As one man told me, “It’s not that she stopped having sexwith me, but that she no longer desir ed me enough to want to have sex with me.” It wasn’t only the physical act that he missed, but he was hurt that his woman no longer wanted him. SPIN-OFFS Oh yes, women have expressed the same sentiments too, but for some r eason do not place as big a premium on it as do men. But you know that there are spin-offs andsub plots to this sex thing thatall lead to the inevitablebr eakup, with the main one being infidelity. A man will endure almost anything, but if his woman is unfaithful to him, then he’s leaving the scene of her crime. Most men just can’t handle it,to know that their woman laywith another man. The info shows that fewer women will leave a man for this reason than the other wayar ound, but she will leave if he takes her for granted or stops showing her attention. So even when women will leave because they’re takenfor granted, men will leave because they’re taken for a fool. It’s said that hell hath no fury like a women spurned, but there’s also much fury and rage in a man who’ s taken for a fool. Just check out those stories of mur der/suicides and We are the T&T gov’t in Miami ~ CG Those dreaded words: It’s over TONY ROBINSON West (CONTINUED ON P AGE 10) (CONTINUED ON P AGE 10) December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 9

PAGE 10

you’ll see that in most cases the man was a simple, quiet, humble man who just lost it because his woman took him for a fool. I spoke to various men about this, and there was one common factor they felt hurt by being taken for a fool. “How could she really expect me to believe that management meetings would be held every Friday and Satur day until 3 a.m.? Better she tell me a decent lie, like her sister sick or something, but don’t take big man for idiot,” this guy told me. POWER TRIP The need for power is also a factor, and in these moder n times, with so many women having big jobs and earning far more than theirpar tners, it often leads to a shift in the balance of power . It often happens when the wife lands a great new high paying job, then suddenly she’s aware that her net worth is great, she has money in thebank, has a platinum cr edit card, can buy stuff and doesn’t r eally need her man for any thing financial. She’s now wor th more than him and will let him know it. One day he wakes up and he’s wearing the skirt and she’ s wearing the pants. Or it may happen sudden ly if he loses his job and now has to depend on her income to support them both. She calls the shots, she makes the plans, she pays the bills. It also happens if he doesn’t owna place and moves into hers, marries into her family andhas to live in her daddy’ s house. Then there’s also theneed for space which some couples never seem to under stand. One party always seems to think that being intertwined like vines or snakes is healthy,and living like conjoined twinsis the way to be. All that does is smother the relationship. But if one dares to mention that they want space, it’sinstant gr ounds for br eakup. And don’t believe that it’s only women either, for many men want their women to account for each hour of the day. “It’s work then home to me, nowhere else, no gym, nokarate class, no bible study , no girls night out, just me, yu hear?!” The data is ther e, people break up for different reasons, while some r emain and endur e the miser y. But all is not lost, as some couples are happy together, they respect each other, respect each other’s money, don’t take each other for granted, respect each other’s sexual needs, have no power str uggle and communicate. They may be few and far between and may also fall in the older folks categor y, but they do exist. seido1@hotmail.com ral gas on the Eastern seaboard. We are expanding exports to Chile and Peru, andother places. In addition, we are focusing on non-oil manufacturing systems. We are going into downstream industries from the oil, such as plas-tics and polyethylene. Q:One of the keys to becoming a developed nation andattracting in vestment is good infrastructure.How is the government addressing that issue? A: If you look at the last budg et, you will see where the minister of finance mentioned thatas the developed countries, we are now trying to make surethat you can cover the island in two-and-a-half hours. And so, the government proposes to build highways around the island that will facilitate ease of movement. The minister pointed out very clearly that ithas taken the concept fr om developed countries. That is the kind of thing we do at the consulate. We look at scientificand technological advance ment; we bring them to the attention of the government and when it is feasible, they will in turn implement our rec-ommendations. Q:Where does the government, and the diaspora,stand on the Caribbean as one common market? A: We were out front in pushing for the CARICOM SingleMarket; the economy comes on stream hopefully by 2014. The reason we did that isbecause CARICOM is our biggest trading partner. So, if the CARICOM is prosperous, we are prosperous. There areplans afoot now to help coun tries like Grenada and St. Vincent to train people so they can function in critical areas...The Summit of theAmericas, attended by American President Barack Obama and held in Trinidad and Tobago, was very successful. The highlight really, wasthe fact that we wer e the first CARICOM country to host the Summit of the Americas.And we did it, not only for us,but also for the CARICOM. Q:How strong is the relationship betw een the Trinidad and Tobago government and the diaspora? A: Our nationals know the businesses out there; they nowknow the ser vices that we offer. So, the diaspora can contribute to making us more effective bytheir networking ef forts and sharing that benefit with us. Ofcourse, we do it on our own as well. We make business contacts. We put companies in Trinidad and Tobago in touchwith companies in Miami andvice versa. But, we want our nationals also (to that process so that we mightstay connected with them. Q:Caribbean culture is well represented in South Florida. How do make sure Trinidadian culture maintains its presence? A: In addition to attending many of the events, we make contact with schools and univer-sities to encourage them to teach “pan” (musiceencourage the transfer of knowledge to support innovation and creativity. Those dreaded words: It’s over We are the T&T gov’t in Miami ~ CG 10 CARIBBEAN TODAYDecember 2009 VIEWPOINT VIEWPOINT www.caribbeantoday.com Are we satisfied as a r egion,that our obligation and r esponsibility to create an en vironment and to provide an infrastructure which cater for the rights of all our people have been met? These are critical questions in need of urgent answers” St.Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr.Denzil Douglas ,who holds responsibility for health within the Caribbean community (CARICOM) quasi Cabinet, asks an important question in his message to mark World AIDS Day 2009,Dec.1. A dark pall hangs o ver our country; a shroud over our w omen. Their freedom, their rights,their v ery lives sees no sun shine in the dark-ness of organized assault on their person,their dignity, their humanity” Opposition Leader Lester Bird last month calling on the Antigua and Barbuda government to do more to safeguard women from rape. “Ralph would like to entr ench himself in power” F ormer St.Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell last month accusing the country’s current P.M.Ralph Gonsalves of being power hungry. ounded my (behind He just a pplied a plaster to those wounds,got right back on his horse and carried on riding all the way to yet another two world records” British sprinter Dwain Chambers admitting last month that any weakness Jamaican star Usain Bolt appeared to have had before this summers WorldChampionships in Athletics were figments of his competi-tors’ imagination. Compiled from CMC and other sources. (CONTINUED FROM P AGE 9) (CONTINUED FROM P AGE 9) December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 10

PAGE 11

DAWN A. DAVIS Are Caribbean-born immigrants movingout of Dade and Br oward, the two South Florida counties with tradi tionally the highest concentration of those fr om the region? According to the latest United States Census Bureauestimates, this seems to be the trend. A thr ee-year comparison of social characteristics ofMiami-Dade County shows a slight decline in residents with West Indian ancestry. Specifically, out of an estimated total population of 2.4 mil-lion for 2006, 2007, and 2008,W est Indians accounted for 7.3 percent of the total for 2006 and 2007. However, by2008 that number declined to 7.1 percent. More significantly, however, the Caribbean populationin Br oward County shows the higher downwar d trend. Over the three years (2006-2008 the numbers have dropped steadily. Of the total 1.8 million residents in the county,the Caribbean population was estimated at 12.8 percent for 2006, 12.6 percent for 2007 and 12 percent for 2008.These numbers r eflect a notable drop for a population that had been on the rise forthe past 10 years. However, this trend does not only apply to West Indian residents, but foreign immi-grants in general. The dataalso show some decline in for eign residents across the country. It appears foreigners are either returning home or moving to other parts of the U.S.And, while ther e is speculation as to why , there are no definitive answers. A casual survey of several Caribbean-bornSouth Florida residents revealed thatsome have r elocated to, or are inthe pr ocess of, moving to areas such as Atlanta, New York and the Carolinas in search of cheaper housing, higherpaying jobs and lower cost of living. Others are returning to the Caribbean for various reasons, including economic hardships. MARKETING But, no matter where ethnic populations reside, theU.S. federal gover nment is pulling out all the stops to ensure more citizens and resi-dents par ticipate in the 2010 Census. Besides being much shorter than past surveys, there is a big marketing push to reach immigrant populations and undocumented residents, groups that historicallyhave not r esponded well to the census. With hundreds of billions of dollars at stake, and congressional representation for states with residents correctly documented through the cen-sus, local and national of ficials ar e partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to get their residentscounted. The U.S. Census 2010 website makes it clear. “Census data directly affect how more than $400billion per year infederal and statefunding is allocat ed to communities for neighborhoodimpr ovements, public health, education, transportation and much more”, the website explains. “That’s more than $4trillion over a 10-year period. Spending just a few minutes to fill out your census form willhelp ensur e your community gets its fair shar e of federal and state funding”. A voice for immigrant rights, Cao Anh Quan, chairman of the Refugee AdvisoryCouncil in the State ofFlorida, in a r ecent address to the Census 2010 Refugee &Immigrant Committee put itthis way: “Now more than ever, our countr y needs us. Now more than ever, we the people are its government. Now more than ever, we have traveled too far not to overcome. Let’s go count our people. Let’s commit to each other to beginthis jour ney as a part of the Br otherhood of all nations”. FEDERAL AID Florida, with its large ethnic population, includingCaribbean nationals andLatinos, could pick up muchneeded federal funding if all its residents are included in next year’s census. Aware of this, the Census Bureau has already started its push. Bureau personnel met with ethnic media recently in a bidto r each those with historically low response rates. As such,r eaders, bloggers, viewers of media such as El Nuevo Herald, El Sentinel, Caribbean Today, Telemundo, Facebook and Twitter are expected to reflect information about the census. W ith only 10 questions, and thus more “user-friendly”, the census appears less intimi-dating than in the past. And, immigrant advocacy groups are pleased that Question 9 allows individuals to specify nationality. Specifically, race must be selected, but there isalso r oom to include nationali ty, for example Jamaican, Trinidadian or Guyanese. But New Y ork-based immigration attorney Joan Pinnock, in her presentation to delegates at the recent U.S.Census 2010 holds key to welfare of Caribbean Americans IVAN CLIFFORD HAMILTON, Bermuda, Saying it is time forBer mudians to play their part in breaking down racialbar riers, for mer Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith has joined the pr edomi nantly black Pr ogr essive Labour Party (PLP been in power for 11 years. Smith, who is white and the brother of former Education Minister TimSmith, said he r efuses to be corralled “into a political camp because of the legacyBer muda has had.” The former education minister in the UnitedBer muda Par ty (UBP ernment, in reacting to his br other s decision to joining the r uling party, said “sadly, we have historically defined people by which political party they join. This is asmuch the fault of individual biases as it is legacy of both the UBP and PLP. “It will be refreshing when we can define political par ties ar ound how we expect them to govern. If he can help by making the PLP gover n ment more accountable, transparent and responsive, thenBer muda should be the better for it. “While I might not share the same political affiliation, I am hopeful he can have a positive impact. It will cer tainly make for more interesting political debates around thefamily dinner table,” headded. BERMUDA’S WALL Smith joined the PLP in August after previously turn-ing down r equests to join both the r uling party and the main opposition United Bermuda Par ty (UBP “Bermuda is a better place when the status quo ischallenged,” he said. “Race has been Bermuda’s Berlin Wall. Some choose to sit onthe wall; some cower behind it; some hold it up. I’m con-vinced that the majority of Ber mudians have chosen to knock it down. “In knocking it down, all must play a par t in building the foundation for the future. We simply cannot keep doingthings the way we have alwaysdone.” The for mer top policeman said that he believes futur e generations of black and white Bermudians “deserve so muchmor e than the legacy of what we’ve been left. s up to all of us to play our part, to forge that way forEx-commissioner joins Bermuda’s ruling party,hopes to break color barrier December 2009CARIBBEAN TODAY 11 FEATURE FEATURE www .caribbeantoday.com File photographThe 2010 census offers Caribbean immigrants a chance to stand and be counted in the U.S. File photographThe Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the freedom in the U.S. Caribbean immigrants have learned to embrace. Smith (CONTINUED ON P AGE 12) (CONTINUED ON PAGE 12) December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 11

PAGE 12

Jamaican Diaspora Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, explained at least one draw-back. “One of the fears of whether or not you should complete the census form is that people that are undocumented are scared,” she said. “Many of us come fromJamaica; we come her e in visitors visas and we don’ t go back...So, my advice would be if you are undocumented or in a situation where you have family members who areundocumented, do not fill that information out.” Pinnock added that there is some talk of a new immigra tion bill coming out of Washington that she hopeswill include amnesty for undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and allow them to get “green cards” or permanent residence and not be penalized for being out of status. She urged the Jamaican diaspora to lobby representatives and let their voices be heard. Jamaica’s Ambassador to the U.S. Anthony Johnson, who also addressed conference attendees, urged Jamaicans to go even further. “Become American citizens,” Johnson said. “We would not regard it as disloy-alty to Jamaica because withour constitution you cannotlose your Jamaican citizen ship...If you become an American citizen you are entitled to all the rights and enti-tlements of Americans, whichmeans you can go stand up with your placards...We muststand together Dawn A.Davis is a freelance writer for Caribbean Today. ward. When history looks back we’ll take great comfortif it describes that we paved the way that we put Bermudafirst.” Traditionally, the overwhelming majority of whites, who account for 40 percent ofthe island’ s 65,000 population, have backed the UBP , which ran the country for 30 years until it was ousted from powerby the PLP in 1998. The PLPhas since won two mor e gen eral elections and the UBP is facing a crisis after five of its14 parliamentarians quit thepar ty in the past 12 months. Three former UBP legislators have since launched the Bermuda DemocraticAlliance (BDA The r uling party’s only white legislator, Zane DeSilva,was r ecently swor n in as minister without portfolio in Premier Ewar t Br own’ s 11-strong Cabinet. Prior to her appoint ment, the only other white member of the government wasT ourism Minister David Allen, who died of cancer in 1999. SAME GO AL Smith, who served as police commissioner until2005, said all thr ee political par ties aspire towards the same goal: a successful economy, improved public safety and jobs for Bermudians. “Several things ar e clear to me in making this decision: Ber muda must come first. I’m committed to a path of reform, modernization, social justice and expansion of the economic opportunities for all Bermudians laid out by thePr ogr essive Labour Party,” he said in explaining why he joined the ruling party. “Politics must be about the people. Politics also pres-ents choices for us as votersand as citizens of the countr y we love. We need to refuse to be corralled by the politics ofthe past, which vir tually determined where the ‘X’ in the ballot box would go. “There is so much more which binds us together than keeps us apart. In making thischoice, I’m ver y optimistic about the jour ney we face,” he said, noting that the journey is “more than just race. e stand at par ticularly dif fi cult cr ossroads in time and to the extent that any Bermudiancan help all Ber mudians should help and choose the vehicle they believe bestenables them or empowersthem to contribute to Bermuda’s future. e have much work to do together on the many strategic issues facing the coun-tr y and I’m pleased to lend my support to that effort.” Smith said he had enjoyed a good working r elationship with the gover nment while he served as the island’s top cop,even though then, he had nopolitical ambitions. He insists that he is merely a member of the PLP and has made no for-mal steps to become anything more at this stage. CMC The Caribbean joined the rest of the international community in observing World AIDS Day 2009 – Dec.1 with a r ecognition that much mor e needs to be done to pr ovide the framework and infrastructure to ensure that the interventions by health authorities reach all people infected in the region. St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr . Denzil Douglas, who holds responsibility forhealth within the Caribbeancommunity (CARICOMCabinet, said that while the interventions in the past have contributed to the overall stabi-lization of the epidemic, ther e wer e still areas to be covered in order to effectively deal with the pandemic. He said there have been important gains and advances in the Caribbean’s response, and great strides have beenmade to meet the needs of thegeneralized epidemic. But thepr oblem is still large. “The evidence also shows, among other things, that in a comparatively small region, in2007 an estimated 38 persons died of AIDS each day and 20,000 persons became infect-ed,” Douglas said. “It shows fur ther that stigma and discrimination remain a barrier toscaling uppr evention and tr eatment pro-grams; and there continues to be consid-erable gaps (in some casespolicies and legislation with respect to the inclusion andpr otection of the most at risk populations.” FRAMEWORK Douglas said that the region must therefore provide the framework and infrastruc-tur e that are necessary to ensure that the interventionsr each all populations, and that the supremacy of the human rights cannot be over empha sized. A new r eport by UNAIDS shows that the HIV vir us is now infecting Caribbean men and women at an equal rate. According to the UNAIDS-WHO AIDSEpidemic Update for 2009,r eleased last month, the total number of people living with HIV globally is now 33.4 mil-lion. Of these, adults comprise 31.3 million; women 15.7 million; and children under 15years, 2.1 million. The r eport noted that Caribbean men and women were contracting the deadly HIV virus in equal numbers and that there has been a nine percent increase in the number of persons living with the virusin the r egion. It also stated that after 28 years, the HIV epidemic is now “evenly distributedbetween males and females”. ith a total number of 240,000 people living with HIV in the Caribbean,” saidArkadiusz Majszyk, dir ector of the UNAIDS CaribbeanRegional Suppor t Team. “This is an increase of nine percent between 2001 and 2008.” CMC U.S.Census 2010 holds key to welfare of Caribbean AmericansEx-commissioner joins Bermuda’s ruling party,hopes to break color barrierCaribbean joins in observing World AIDS Day 12 CARIBBEAN TODAYDecember 2009 FEATURE FEATURE www.caribbeantoday.com (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11) (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11) Douglas December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 12

PAGE 13

NEW YORK It will be a reunion of sorts in New Zealand early in the New Year for former Fugees members Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill. Jean and Hill ar e slated to per form on Jan. 23 at the Ragamuffin Music Festival, in Rotorua, according to organ-izers. It will be the first time in years that the two will share a stage. The Ragamuf fin Festival will be Hill’s first performance since she canceled her 2009 tour in June, citing health reasons. Though the Fugees only released two albums, their second, “The Score”, has sold over 20 million copies world-wide, and a follow-up hasbeen highly-anticipated/allegedly in the works foryears. The Ragamuffin Festival will also feature some of reggae’s top performers, including Julian Marley, Sly and Robbie, Sean Kingston and Shaggy. CaribWorldNews Jamaican, William “Willie” Stewart has taken his distinct style of drumming into South Florida’ s schools. For the last eight years he has been teaching the into Broward County institutions,sharing his knowledge and experience with the students. Working with young persons,motivating, uplifting and empowering them led to the creation of his companySolutions in Music. After 23 years with the international reggae bandThir d World, Stewart has become a drum instructor anddr um therapist, while pursuing his passion of teaching. T oday, he continues to work with youth, teaching them the his-tor y and ar t of drumming, as well as the ability to focus and communicate using their cre-ative talents. Recently, Stewart took his technique center stage, work ing with students fr om two South Florida schools during a drumming workshop staged at the Broward Center Performing Arts (BCPA) in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The students were scheduled to come from Parkway MiddleSchool and W inston Park Elementary. FUSION Through the educational interactive program “ArtInspir es”, the BCP A has fused education with the arts, giving students the opportunity tointeract and work with worldrenowned practitioners in traditional ar t for ms. For thr ee years, the BCPA and Broward County Public schools havepr esented “Ar ts Inspires” a workshop that introduces students to South Florida’s multicultural community. It features well-known teaching and performing guest artists whoar e passionate about their ar t form and willing to share with the students, particularlythose who ar e interested in pursuing the arts. e ar e excited about this session. This pr ogram will further enhance and continue to nurture our cultural rela-tionship with Jamaica,” said Jan Goodheart, BCPAs public affairs director. In 2006, the BCPA forged an alliance with the Consulate General of Jamaica, resultingin a range of successful per formances including the National Dance TheatreCompany of Jamaica (NDTC Dem Three Jamaican Tenors, Ex-Fugees Wyclef,Lauryn Hill set for reunion on stage in N.Z. Bob Marley & The W ailers’ “Catch A Fire” album is among several r ecordings set to be inducted in the 2010 GrammyHall of Fame. The album was recorded by Island Records in 1973. It established the band as inter-national superstars, leader Bob Marley in particular. The socially aware lyrics and militant tone surprised many listeners, but others were attracted to songwriters Marley and Peter Tosh’s con-fr ontational subjects and opti mistic view of a futur e fr ee from oppression. “Catch a Fire” peaked at #171 and #51 on Billboar s (North America and Black Albums charts, respectively. It is number #123 on Rolling Stone’s list of the500 gr eatest albums of all time, the second highestplacement of the four BobMarley albums on the list. Other selections include songs from Bo Diddley, JudyGarland, Har r y James & His Orchestra, the Isley Brothers, Mahalia Jackson, Janis Joplin, Gene Kelly, Johnny Mercer, Jelly Roll Morton and the Nitty Gritty Dir t Band. “This year s Grammy Hall of Fame inductees highlight a diverse array of masterpiecer ecordings that have had a profound impact on our musical histor y ,” Neil Por tnow , pr esi dent/chief executive officer of The Recording Academy, wasquoted as saying r ecently . The Recording Academy`s National Trusteesestablished the Grammy HallOf Fame in 1973 to honorr ecordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance that are at least 25 years old. CaribW orldNews ‘Catch A Fire’ for Grammy Hall of Fame BELMOPAN, Belize Moses Michael Levivy , better known as the Shyne, is sharing his experience in a New Yorkprison with prisoners in Belize. The rapper , Belize’ s most famous deportee, visited theHattievillePrison on Nov . 26, ThanksgivingDay in the U.S., where hespoke to about 400 inmates. His visit was planned to inspire the inmates. He told them that he never thought that a “young dude” who had a hard life in Curassow Str eet would r each the highest level in America culture. He said that he made$30 million, and said he didr ecor ds with Usher and Justin Timberlake among others while shooting a video whilein jail. “Anything is possible,” Levivy said. The son of Belize Prime Minister Dean Bar r ow ur ged the prisoners not to sit in prison and cry, but plan their lives out as he did. Oscar Ramjeet/Special to CaribWorldNews. Deported rapper Shyne visits prisonJamaican drums up solutions in music at South Florida schools December 2009CARIBBEAN TODAY 13 ARTS ARTS & & ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT www .caribbeantoday.com VISIONS ON CARIBBEAN CANVAS’ Caribbean artists a ttempt to come to terms with a variety of issues, ranging from self,identity and community,migration,national politics,hope and disillusionment about older models of organization of art and society,and art and the making of histor y , through their work which will be on display a t an exhibition opening this month in South Florida. “Caribbean Canvas:Identity in an Era of Globalization”officially opens Dec.5 and runs through January at Multitudes art gallery, Contemporary Art Center @T eleAmerica in Miami. Among the artists whose work will be on display are Edouard Dubal Carrie,Maritou,Alejandro Mendoza,Turgo Bastien,Genevieve Lahens,Philippe Dodard,Franklin Sinanan,Guy Syllien,Francesca Lalanne,Kristo Nicholas and Peter Wayne Lewis. Shyne Photogra phs by dianeschafer photographyStewart works with participants at a recent interactive workshop. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 14) December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 13

PAGE 14

WASHINGTON, D.C. Grammy-winning singer Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Nas are set to cometogether this month for aNational Geographic discus sion on the cultural links of hip hop and reggae. The National Geographic`s Grosvenor Auditorium here will be the location for the Dec. 12 dis-cussion that will see Marley and Nas focusing on the Caribbean and African links of the musical genres. The discussion will travel the journey from Africa through the slavetrade to the American and Caribbean colonies, spawning both the dancehall par ties of Jamaica and the park jams ofThe Br onx, said a statement released last month. T itled “Distant Relatives”, the event will also include DJ Kool Herc, Rakim,Daddy U-Roy , King Jammy, Jeff Chang and Moussa Lo and DJ Red Alert. DJ Kool Herc is often seen as the “Godfather” of hip hop who br ought about the music elements of the cultur e to The Br onx as early as 1973. U-Roy is a rarely-credited rap pioneer for his 1969 hit ake The Town”, recorded in Jamaica the same year Herc moved to the UnitedStates. It will also be streamed live at www .natgeomusic.net. For more information, visit www.nglive.org. CaribWorldNews Jamaica Far ewell and Reggae Symphony. LEARNING The students par ticipating in the workshop with Stewar t were scheduled to share a two-hour session in drummingtechniques, coor dination and creativity, the role of percussive music forms in ritual andcultur e, and team building. Stewart calls this technique “liberating lear ning thr ough r hythm.” Thr ough his demon strations, Stewart intends to expose students to the historyof Jamaican music, tracing the genres from slavery through modern day popular culture. Following the practice sessions, the students will be allowed to perform with theirdr umming instr uctor to sound tracks from international reggae artiste Bob Marley, to aninvited audience of educators, art enthusiasts, patrons of theBCP A, media and friends. Through his passion, Stewart expresses his love for his homeland as a reggae“ambassador” and would alsolike to intr oduce his drumming techniques as part of the cur-riculum in Jamaican schools.He boasts of his worldwide collection of nearly 100 drums of all sizes and designs. Each one, he says, signifies a different rhythm and sound, creating a distinctive, gyratingsound unique to the ear . Drumming originated in West Africa and was transport-ed acr oss the world during the slave trade. This sound was a distinct for m of communication to the slaves during rituals. While he continues his program with schools,Stewar s goal is to educate the young ones about the drumming history, as a com-munication tool, leadershipqualities, team building, andfor those who want to pursue career goals in music specifi-cally with an inter est in per cussions. “I want to empower and inspir e the young people,” he said.“We all have rhythm and this kind of involvementteaches histor y , cultur e, and helps us to find an inner self.” Through his Solutions in Music teaching company , he has also done workshops with small gr oups, corporations, universities and community groups around the globe. Along with other band members, Stewar t began work ing with students in Jamaica during his time as the drummer with Third World. He has alsoworked in the music industr y as a songwriter, music technologist, pr ogrammer , instr uctor/facilita tor and director. During that time, Third World produced 13 record albums. The band has sharedstage per for mances worldwide with stars like Marley , Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder. Stewart feels blessed with the ability to communicate through drumming and is inter-ested in sharing this experience. “I am now focusing on sharing my talent with others –young persons inter ested in the developing leadership qualities and self empowerment and per-sonal development,” he said. Stewar t also expr esses contentment and a deep sense of spirit as he has blended his passion of teaching, service tothe community and his talent of communicating thr ough music, specifically drumming. Information obtained from the JIS. Reggae meets rap for National Geographic discussion 14 CARIBBEAN TODAYDecember 2009 ARTS ARTS & & ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT www.caribbeantoday.com Photographs by dianeschafer photographyStewart in action around his drum set. (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13) ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS Christmas variety show Jamaican singers Carlene Da vis and Paul Blake,plus drama group Sarge and de People dem Pickney, will provide the entertainment at the “Gu Wey! It’s Christmas”variety show, 5 p.m.Dec.20 at The Royal P alm Beach Community High School, 10600 Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal P alm Beach,Florida. For more information,call 800304-2862 . ‘Island’ fashion winners Eric Raisina of Mada gascar won top designer honors at last month’s“Islands of the World Fashion Week” in The Bahamas.Raisina won the “Sustainable Eco-F ashion Award”, for effectively using environmentally friendly products while incorporatingenvironmental or social issues into designs,and one of the four “Sealsof Excellence Awards”. Raisina won for his outfit called “African Lace”. The “Culture and F ashion Award”,given for incorporating a uniquely cultural element in garment design,was won by Jessie-Ann Jessamy of Grenada. Documentary spotlight A Haitian-born Princeton University janitor is among those featured in a documentary titled“The Philosopher Kings”. Josue Lajeunesse works as one of Princeton University’s 220 buildingser vices janitors and is also a taxi driver ,father,philanthropist and community organizer .The documentary tells the stories of eight janitors a t universities across the countr y and the wisdom found among the custodial staff. Caribbean ‘Secret’ The Caribbean was a gain represented in the popular Victoria`s Secret fashion sho w when Cayman Islandsborn model Selita Ebanks took the runway in New York recently. Ebanks was one of two black models to grace the catwalk.Sheearned fa vorable reviews in a sequined and feathered white corsettop and ma tching panties with by a purple train. Compiled from a variety of sources. Damian Marley Nas Jamaican drums up solutions in music at South Florida schools December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 14

PAGE 15

December 2009CARIBBEAN TODAY 15 Christmas comes this month and Caribbeanpeople ar e often in the baking mood during that season. Her s one version of a Christmas/wedding cake obtained from the online siteCaribbean Recipes: Ingr edients 12 eggs 1 pound of butter 2 cups of currants 1 teaspoon of salt 2 1/4 cups of sugar 1 cup of strawber ry jam 2 teaspoons of cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon of allspice 2 cups of seeded raisins 2 cups of seedless raisins 2 1/2 cups of chopped dates 4 cups of all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda 1 3/4 cups of slivered almonds 1/2 cup of brandy or pineapple juice 1 (10 ounce pineapple 1 (12 ounces no cherries 2 cups of citrus peels or mixed glace fr uit 2 cups of sugar (additional sugar listed below) Method Day 1 In a large size bowl, measure the raisins, nuts, currants along with the citron peel. Drain the cherries and reservethe juice. Chop cherries. They should measur e about one and a quarter cups. Then add to the fruit mixture. Stir in the brandy and soak it overnight Note: Y ou can also do this a few weeks in advance and let it sit in the refrigerator and let the fruit soak right in the brandy formor e flavor if you like. If you decide to do it the day before baking, cover it withthe plastic wrap and then leave on top of the counter at roomtemperatur e. In a large size sauce pan or a heavy dutch oven, simmer the entire contents of can ofpineapple with two cups of sugar and cook it uncovered forat least 30 minutes until itthickened. Frequently stir and make sure the heat is not too high. When cooled off, stir juice from the jar of marachino cherries. Note: It should not be more than a half-cup and the strawberry jam. This mixture doesn’t have to be done the day before baking, but it does have to be cool befor e you add it to the cake. Note: It is recommend that you do this step on the day of baking. Now prepare the cake pans by greasing and lining with wax double thickness of heavy brown paper. Brown shopping bags dowell or use aluminum foil withdull side out. Gr ease paper or aluminum foil well. Use any size pans you wish, but leave an inchspace at the top of pan. The total weight is 11. 5 pounds. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Farenheit.Sift or stir the flour with thespices, salt and soda until itswell mixed. Use a cup of flour mixture and sprinkle over fruits and nuts then toss it until they arewell coated with the flour . Set the remaining three cups of flour aside. In a large measuring bowl, cream two and a quarter cups of sugar with the butter. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in dry ingredients, alternating with pineapple mixture. You must make about three dry and two liquid addi-tions, combining lightly aftereach addition. Pour over flour-coated fruits and nuts and mix until well combined. Turn into the prepared pans, fill them to about an inch from the top. Bake in a pr eheated oven for about three to three and a half hours depending on pan size. Place in a shallow pan of water on the lower rack for added moisture if you’d like. The cake should be fairly firm in the center and a skewerinser ted right in the center should come out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in pan for five minutes. Remove from pan then peel off paper and then letit cool on a rack. When cooled off, wrap it in cheesecloth that has beensoaked in the brandy , rum, black wine along with liquor, or either fruit juice. Then wrap the cake in tin foil (leaving the cheesecloth on the cake). Freeze if not being used right away. Note: you can soak fruits around the end of October for a couple of weeks in the refrigerator, then in mid-November, bake the cake and freeze it. Every couple of weeks, take the fruit out and re-soak thecheesecloth in the liquor andwrap it back up and r e-freeze. OPTIONS By the time Christmas comes back ar ound youwill have a moist cake. Note: You can use fruit juice if you do notwant any alcohol. Y ou can also decorate the cake with almond paste or your favorite icing or just serve itplain. Note: You can substitute strawber ry jam with marmalade or any flavor jam. You can use alcohol to flavor it or not. You can also serve it as a Christmas fruit cake or use it tomake a wedding cake. This recipe makes enough cake to fill a set of three gradu-ated wedding cake pans (7.5 inches, 5.5 inches, and a fourinch pan). The cakes are about two inches high and the total weight is about 11.5 pounds. If you were to cut the cake up for a wedding, it would serve at least 100 to 150 people, depending on how small you want pieces to be. is the season for a Christmas/wedding cakeCaribbean style F ile photographA beautifully decora ted Christmas cake can add cheer to the holidays. FOOD FOOD www.caribbeantoday.com December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 15

PAGE 16

The Caribbean community (CARICOM released a song outlining ther egion’s position on the impact climate change is having on small island develop ment states (SIDS The song, .5 to Stay Alive”, written and performedby the Barbadian poet Adisa“AJA” Andwele, combinesthe “rapso” tradition, which is poetry performed to calypso and other rhythms from the Caribbean, and also featuresthe voice of Barbadian singerIndrani. The song was commissioned by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP Secretariat and was released as the r egion finalizes its position ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference(UNFCCCDenmark this month. The ven ture has also received support fr om the United Kingdom Department for InternationalDevelopment (DFIDthe Caribbean CommunityClimate Change Centr e (CCCCC “The theme of the song refers to the Centigrade degree limit to which global surface temperatures can risebefor eSIDS are severely compromised in their ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change”, the CARICOM Secretariat noted in a statement. COLORADO, United States – Colorado State University hurricane forecaster WilliamGray has closed the book onthe 2009 Atlantic hur ricane season that of ficially ended on Nov . 30. Because El Ni–o has created str ong wind shear over the tropics, “the odds of a storm are very, very small from this point on,” said Graylate last month. But the Florida-based United States National Hurricane Center (NHC it’s possible that the windshear could r elax over the coming weeks, with the waters in the Caribbean still warm enough to support storm for-mation. NHC spokesman Dennis Feltgen warned not to “raid the hurricane kit yet.” Feltgen said that the hurricane seasonlooked like it was over in midNovember, but, then, Idafor med in the wester n Caribbean. He said it wouldn’t be unusual for a storm to devel-op in the Caribbean this month. r opical cyclones have been recorded in every month outside of the standard Junethrough-November period,”Feltgen said. LO W NUMBERS But Jef f Masters, chief meteorologist of the Weather Under ground, said that since 1950, in the years that El Ni–o has emerged, only three named storms have developed in the Atlantic after Nov. 15.El Ni–o is cr eated by a warming of the equatorial easter n Pacific Ocean. It generateswind shear – a change in windspeed or dir ection – and instability in the atmosphere, which acts to disrupt storms before they can build andstr engthen. Gray said there have only been nine named storms so far this year, including three hurricanes. He said the aver-age season has 11 named storms, including six hurri-canes. “It was a very inactive season,” Gray said. Forecaster closes book on ‘very inactive’ hurricane season GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC The United States says it will continue to support thepr ograms that have led to a reduction in the spread of thedeadly HIV vir us in Guyana, even as it warned that there are likely to be “obstacles that threaten the success of our future HIV prevention, treatment and care efforts.” In a statement marking World AIDS Day 2009, onDec. 1, Kar en Williams W ashington, charge d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy here, saidGuyana cannot succeed in thefight against HIV/AIDSalone, and the U.S. is commit ted to working with its global partners to support Guyana’sleadership in this ef fort. She said that over the next five years, the U.S. will place renewed emphasis on partner-ing with Guyana to build the country’s national HIV/AIDSr esponse. e will continue to work together with all sectors of Guyana as they craft strategies and programs to combatHIV/AIDS and suppor t the Government of Guyana as it engages international partners, civil society and non-gover nmental or ganizations,” Williams Washington said. She noted that as part of the U.S. Global HealthInitiative announced by Pr esident Barack Obama, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) will support Guyana as itworks to fur ther integrate and expand access to other health care services, such as those that address tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health and family planning with HIV/AIDS programs. UNWAVERING PEPF AR is the lar gest commitment in histor y by any nation to combat a single disease and the U.S. is unwaver-ing in its commitment to its partner nations. “On World AIDS Day 2009, we r ecommit ourselves to furthering our achievements and look forward tocontinuing the battle againstthis global epidemic,” shesaid. The W orld Health Organization (WHOmates that more than fourmillion individuals in low and middle income countries currently have access to antiretroviral treatment. “Thanks to our many par tners, the American people, thr ough the United States support more than half of those men, women and children on treatment,” WilliamsW ashington said. “In Guyana, PEPFAR has allocated more than US$100million to the HIV/AIDS epi demic over a six-year period. At the end of September 2009, the national program, with the support of PEPFAR, had provided life-saving anti-r etr oviral therapy to 2,737 people and HIV care and support services to 5,399 persons infected with and affected by HIV U.S gives HIV/AIDS help commitment to Guyana 16 CARIBBEAN TODAYDecember 2009 HEALTH HEALTH / / ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT www.caribbeantoday.com FIGHTING FOR CANCER CURE Sandra Griffiths, second left,Jamaica’s consul general in Miami, accepts checks on behalf of the Jamaica Cancer Society from Florida-based Dr .Wentworth Jarrett,right,who spearheaded a series of yoga salutations in October which raised over $5,000 to fight breast cancer.The funds were given to the JCS and the Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund.Marion Robinson, left,of Inochi Incorporated,and Sandra Jarrett,the doctor’s wife,also attended the presentation. C ARICOM releases song on climate change Williams Washington December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 16

PAGE 17

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The 15-member Caribbean community (CARICOMlaunched a public campaign ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention onClimate Change (UNFCCCmeeting in Denmark. The initiative is designed to promote the region’s unifiedposition on climate changeahead of the Dec. 7-18 meeting. The campaign under the theme .5 C to Stay Alive”, is intended to suppor t and “dramatize a common regional approach for mitigating theef fects of climate change on the region”, which will be ar ticulated at Copenhagen. The CARICOM Secretariat said that the plan includes a digital display onthe har mful effects of rising greenhouse gaseson the small island states (SIDSseveral video presentationson the how climate change isaf fecting human, animal and plant life in the Caribbean. COMMON APPROACH Secr etar y-General Edwin Carrington said the common r egional appr oach to mitigate the “unmanageable consequences” of climate change was based on studies by the Belize-based CaribbeanCommunity Climate Change Centre (CCCCC study concluded that global average temperatures which exceeded 1.5 degrees centigrade would have devastating effects on the region including significant destruction of coral reefs, coastal barriers, andmarine ecosystems, as well asexcessive flooding and mor e intense hur ricanes. “It will erode much of the foundation of our tourism,our agricultur e and our fish eries industry; it will wreak havoc on our plant-life, our forests and most of all dislocate our people. Immediate corrective action must there-for e be taken if we ar e to avoid this widespread destruction,” Carrington said. ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, CMC – The Global Fund tofight HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) will provide $34.5million to the Pan CaribbeanPar tnership Against HIV and AIDS (P ANCAP) to support the HIV r esponse in the Caribbean. The approval was made during the board meeting ofthe Global Fund last month. Carl Br owne, director of the PANCAP CoordinatingUnit (PCUthe meeting, said he wasthankful to the entir e PANCAP fraternity, including the UNAIDS Caribbean Regional Support Team, for its har d work which “has borne wonderful fruit for thepeople of the Caribbean whom we serve. “I have no doubt that the same spirit of collaboration thatbr ought us this far will see us thr ough to the end,” he added. PRAISE Browne also praised UNAIDS and the United States Agency for InternationalDevelopment (USAID providing much of the fundingto allow P ANCAP to submit “a top notch” pr oposal to the meeting. Of ficials said the proposal received a Category 2 rating, which means that PAN-CAP can begin making ar rangements to access the funds almost immediately after the completion of certain procedural requirements and thesigning of the grant. PANCAP, established in 2001, is a r egional umbrella or ganization which brings together national HIV pr ograms partnering with regional and international organiza-tions involved in the Caribbean’s response to theHIV and AIDS epidemic. The Global Fund was created in 2002 with a mandate todramatically incr ease resources to fight thr ee of the world’s most devastating diseases HIV, TB and malaria, and to direct resources to areas of gr eatest need. It has since approved funding totaling $18.4 billion for 144 countries. Ex-U.S.president expands malaria fight in Haiti, Dominican Republic Caribbean launches public climate change campaignFunding approved for Caribbean HIV/AIDS fight December 2009CARIBBEAN TODAY 17 HEALTH HEALTH / / ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT www .caribbeantoday.com Carrington PORT OF PRINCE, Haiti, CMC For mer United States President Jimmy Carter has announced plans to expand a$200,000 pilot pr oject in Haiti and the Dominican Republic to curb the spread of malaria. “One of the most impor tant developments has been the new co-operationbetween thetwo coun tries,” said Carter whiletouring aHaitian hos pital that treats malariavictims recently. “And, for the first time in history, they are targeting thecomplete elimination of thedisease, instead of just tr eating sick people.” Carter said he was determined to travel to “the most distant and small and isolated and poverty-stricken villages in the deserts, in the jungles and in the poorest countries on earth” to wipe out diseases that have long been distant memories in richer countries. s a very different kind of life than any person couldsor t of do while still in the White House,” he said. U.S. health officials say about 30,000 Haitians and sev eral thousand people across the border in the DominicanRepublic ar e infected annually with the mosquito-borne illness. They say Hispaniola, the islandthat comprises Haiti and the Dominican Republic, is malaria’s last Caribbean outpost. Car ter said his pilot pr oj ect, established by his nonprofit Carter Center, has helped curb the spread of thedisease in two towns about 10miles apar t on opposite sides of the border between Haitiand the Dominican Republic.The for mer U.S. president said his program has funded nets treated with insecticide for r esidents to use, micr oscopes for lab technicians and motorbikes for field workers. Carter December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 17

PAGE 18

Veteran Jamaica inter national player AndyW illiams ended a roller coaster season on a high note last month by helping his team Real Salt Lake capture theMajor League Soccer (MLStitle. RSL defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy on penaltykicks to win the MLS Cup, symbol of North Americanchampions, to bring a major professional sports title for thestate of Utah. Williams, who completed the 2009 season under thecloud of his wife Mar cia’s illness – she suffered from cancer, but is reportedly recover-ing and attended the game –played the full 90 minutes of regulation and additional 30 minutes of extra time which ended with both teams lockedat 1-1. And despite W illiams’s own miss in the penalty shootout, RSL eventually pre-vailed 5-4. Fellow Jamaica international Donovan Ricketts, thestar ting goalkeeper for the Galaxy, was forced to leavethe game in the second half with an injur ed right hand suf fered in a collision. While most of the attention in the final appeared to focus on the Galaxy, withMLS r egular season Most Valuable Player Landon Donovan and England inter-national David Beckham, itwas RSL which appear ed the better team on Nov . 22. The Galaxy scored first, when Mike Magee finished off agood build-up involvingBeckham and Donovan. RSL equalized in the 64th thr ough Robbie Findley and eventually took charge of the game. Still, the scor e r emained tied at the end of 120 minutes before the Galaxy missedthr ee penalties to RSL s two. A clearly exhausted Williams br oke into tears as his team celebrated the win andembraced several RSL andGalaxy team members andcoaches. GORDON WILLIAMS HARTFORD, Connecticut – Some of the greatest names inCaribbean cricket histor y are being immor talized in this northeastern United States city. Sir Gar field Sobers, Sir Vivian Richards, MichaelHolding, Clive Lloyd andGeor ge Headley are among more than a dozen legendsfr om the region who have ear ned induction into the Cricket Hall of Fame (CHF The CHF, which was established nearly thr ee decades ago by the Sportsmen’s Athletic Club (SACto pay tribute to the game’ s best, especially those who haver epresented the region with distinction. “It has dawned on us that everybody has recorded their own history except us West Indians,” said CHF’s DirectorMichael Chambers. “What convinced us that we needed a hall of fame was when we met (Alfalentineand (Lance induction ceremony, when they expressed their appreciation that nothing like this hadhappened to them; you knowthat you had to do it.” The two great spinners wer e inducted in 1981. Since then some 28 more “international” inductees have been selected. Among them are cricketers from non-West Indian countries, like Australia’s Greg Chappell, England’s Tony Greig, SunilGavaskar of India and Pakistan’s MushtaqMohammed. Jamaican cricketwriter T ony Becca and the late Australian businessman Kerry Packer ar e also in the inter national wing of the CHF. The “local” inductees are honored for their contributionto cricket in the U.S. andCanada. The original idea for the CHF came from Jamaicanborn Ken Wallace, who had a plan to set up a cricket museum. Trinidad native ErrolHousain then took that con cept a step further to include the hall of fame, which wasestablished in 1980, with the first induction held the follow-ing year . Chambers explained that most of the international inductees earn their spots for“accomplishments playing the game.” For the local group, the CHF looks “more to whatthey’ve done to move the game forward.” In the future, he said, when there is betterr ecordkeeping for competitions in the U.S. and Canada, players from those leaguescould also be inducted. “As of yet we can’t really base it on a player’s ability said the director. The CHF , located on Main Str eet, next door the SAC, features a variety of memorabilia, including signed playing gear , books, printed articles, photographs, trophies and statues. Most of theinductees, including some ofthe biggest names in cricket,have jour neyed her e to attend the ceremony. The most recent was held early October, Jamaican leads team to first MLS titleCricket Hall of Fame brings back memories of Caribbean legends Two Caribbean-born athletes were named worldathletes of the year last month. Sprint megastar UsainBolt of Jamaica and Jamaican-bor n American quarter-miler Sanya Richards both won the awar d for a second time. The 23-year -old Bolt collected the award for another sensational season of sprinting, which included world recordtimes in the 100 and 200 meters at the WorldChampionships in Athletics inBerlin last August, as well as agold medal for Jamaica in the 4x100 r elay . The 24-year-old Richards, who was born in Trelawny before moving to the U.S. with her parents while a teenager , captur ed an elusive maiden, global gold medal in her pet event in Berlin, andear ned a second gold as par t of the American team in the women’s 4x400 relay.Photograph shows PrinceAlber t II of Monaco, left, and IAAF Pr esident Lamine Diack, right, with Richards and Bolt at the IAAF WorldAthletics Gala in Monaco lastmonth. Bolt,Richards win world athlete-of-the-year awards 18 CARIBBEAN TODAYDecember 2009 SPORT SPORT www.caribbeantoday.com Williams F ile photograph Photograph by Getty Images A photograph of West Indies legends Sir Garfield Sobers,left,and George Headley is part of the CHF. A sweater with shirt tucked inside,worn by Alf V alentine during his playing days, is on display a t the CHF . (CONTINUED ON P AGE 19) December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 18

PAGE 19

GORDON WILLIAMS HARTFORD, Connecticut – A Caribbean American’sdr eam of returning to the pinnacle of boxing took a big hither e last month. Jamaican-born Glen Johnson, a resident of Miami, Florida, was defeated by Chad Dawson and in the process lost the chance to claim the American’s InternationalBoxing Or ganization (IBO title, plus the interim W orld Boxing Council (WBC the light heavyweight division. It was the second time in 18 months that Johnson found himself on the wrong side of a unanimous decision to Dawson. The two fought for Dawson’s WBC title in April 2008 in T ampa, Florida. Last month’s defeat, however, threatened to spell the end of the chase for a world title for the aging former championknown as the “Road Warrior”. ou know, he’s 40 years old, still beats most guys,” said Leon Margules of Seminole Warriors Boxing, which promotes some of Johnson’sfights. “On the other hand, I don’t know if he has the speedto beat a young, quick guy It was Dawson’ s speed of hands, feet and mind that caused Johnson’s downfall intheir 12-r ound contest at the XL Center on Nov. 7. The American constantly slipped out of the Jamaican’s reach,keeping him at bay with sharpjabs. “He was getting away from me,” Johnson said while in his dressing room immedi-ately after the bout. “Hefought a good fight. He foughtthe way how he can be mostsuccessful.” That also included cleverly avoiding a brawl, which gothim hur t in the first fight. “I didn’t want to go through hell again,” Dawsonadmitted. “I used my jab, I used my speed, outclassed him,” headded. “I made him miss. He was too slow The judges agreed. Two scored it 115 to 113 in Dawson’s favor. The third hadthe American ahead by a wider margin, 117 to 111. CompuBox, which trackedthe punchesthr own in the fight, also gaveDawson a signifi cant edge. The American threw more punches(756 to 688 landed more (246to 167), includingjabs (104 to 77and power shots(142 to 90 Johnson, who before the fightbelieved that heneeded to knockout the undefeat ed Dawson (29-0) to win in the American’s homestate, concededthat, unlike the controversial firstfight, the judges’ decision in the r ematch didn’t war rant much complaint. “When it’s that close it’s not gonna go in our favor,” he said. “So, it is what it is.” Johnson, whose record dropped to 49 wins, 13 lossesand two draws, said he is stillwilling to continue his ringcar eer and might move up to cr uiserweight, the 200-pound division. However, his chances of getting another world title shot grew decidedly slimmer following last month’s loss. According to Margules, whocalled Johnson a “courageous warrior,” it will be “a long road back” for the fighter. “He’d have to do something dramatic to get a big fight,” the promoter said. However, based on the Jamaican’s trademark deter-mination, he also r efused to totally r ule out Johnson’s chances. ou never know,” said Margules. “It’s up to him.” Gordon Williams is Caribbean Today’s managing editor. Windies suffer ‘embarrassing’ loss when India’s Farokh Engineer was inducted, alongside locals Lesly Lowe, Austin Hutchinson, Lloyd GeorgeDixon and Joslyn Chance Sr . The majority of the inter national inductees are from the Caribbean. e justify it by saying that the era those guys played in, they wer e consider ed champions or number one performers at the time,” saidChambers. Accor ding to the dir ector , the CHF of fers a fitting salute to their efforts. “What we do is give the players one last hurrah,” saidChambers. “They come to the end of their playing career and they can now carry theirinduction honor into the hallof fame to their graves.” Gordon Williams is Caribbean T oday’s managing editor. Cricket Hall of F ame brings back memories of Caribbean legendsCaribbean American boxer loses unanimous decision,world title hopes December 2009CARIBBEAN TODAY 19 SPORT SPORT www .caribbeantoday.com Photogra ph by Gordon WilliamsJohnson,left,and Dawson square off at the weigh-in before last month’s fight. (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18) The West Indies slumped to an “embar rassing” innings and 65 runs defeat to Australia in the firstmatch in a thr ee T est cricket series Down Under last month, despite a brilliant centur y fr om teenaged Trinidadian Adrian Barath. Barath, 19 and making his Test debut, became the youngest West Indian to scorea hundr ed after he blasted 104 r uns in the second innings at The Gabba. Australia batted first and scored 408 for eight wickets declared. The visitors repliedwith 228 all out, fuelled by half centuries from Guyana’s Travis Dowlin (62captain Dinesh Ramdin (54 Forced to follow-on, the WestIndies was bowled out for 187.The visitors lost 15 wickets for 280 runs in 76.1 overs on the final day of the match. WestIndies captain Chris Gaylecalled the loss “downright embarrassing. The West Indies will face Australia in two more Test matches this month, followed by several limited overs games. December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 19

PAGE 20

LONDON, England Jamaica’s Tourism MinisterEd Bar tlett believes Caribbean countries should dowhatever they can to upgrade their product and attract visitors in order to keep theireconomies afloat despite the global downturn. Speaking at the W orld Travel Market (WTMshow her e last month, Bartlett said his coun tr y has been able to maintain its position as a lead-ing destinationthr ough an aggressivedrive toupgrade its product and tomarket Jamaica as a placetourists want to visit. ell, we have had to bewe went out there andr efurbished and r efreshed ourselves in terms of our product offerings,” he explained. “Weadded 5,000 to 6,000 newr ooms, we added attractions and we impr oved our infrastructure. We had big investments in our airports and our highway systemswe recog-nized that if you have mor e rooms in a recession, you haveto be aggr essive, you have to go out there and market.” Jamaica has recorded a six percent increase in stay-over visitors this year . “Those countries that have remained aggressive during this recession, the rewards have been in terms of increased arrivals in somecases and in other cases it isboth an incr ease in arrivals as well as increased marketshar e,” Bartlett said. ‘OPTIMAL But Bartlett described the latter as being the “optimal”way to go. “It is, in fact, what you must do because when you’r e out of the recession that mar-ket shar e now is going to reflect itself in volumes high-er numbers which will give you the arrival explosion thatyou will need to drive your industry,” he explained. Bartlett said Caribbean countries have been using more aggressive marketing approaches to respond to thechallenges posed by the r ecession, but that now is not thetime to lax. “If we don’t quickly respond, we are going to be the region that is left out,” theminister war ned. NEW YORK – Haitian American travel executive Caroline Racine has been promoted to director of diver-sity sales within the globalsales division at ChoiceHotels Inter national. Racine, who ran the com pany’s Caribbean Franchise Development ef for ts for two and a half years, has been given the responsibility for the growing multi-cultural mar kets segment. Diversity and multicul-tural sales is anew divisionwithin the company’sglobal salesdepar tment and in the newly established r ole Racine will be responsible for developing strategic direct sales, marketing and e-commer ce solutions to help propel Choice as a leader in what is becoming a competitive market segment. Jose Salvador Icaza, who pr eviously assumed r esponsibility for franchise sales and development positions for the Cambria Suites and Sleep Inn brands, has been appointed director of emerging marketsand Caribbean Franchise Development, and will be aiming to build on the groundworkmade by Racine in the r egion. Launched about a year ago, Ascend Collectionincludes mor e than two-dozen upscale pr oper ties. W ith Ascend, Choice Hotels aims to lend marketing and opera-tional suppor t to drive busi ness directly to smaller, one-ofa-kind Caribbean pr oper ties. Racine has remained connected to the Caribbeanr egion, assisting Icaza with his transition into his new r ole. She was recently in Haiti with Icaza to help establish rela-tionships with key tourism andhotel stakeholders. Befor e joining Choice 11 years ago, Racine was lead account executive for America Online’s interactive par tnership mar keting initiatives. She has also served in various sales and marketing positions in organizations such as The Discovery Channel. CASTRIES, St. Lucia – St. Lucia’ s tourism authorities are ramping up ef forts targeting the Asian American market, with special welcome to Taiwanese Americans. Louis Lewis, St. Lucia’s director of tourism, said that on the heels of a recent famil-iarization visit of T aiwanese Americans, spearheaded byBay Gar dens Resorts, the island is anticipating the arrival of leading civil society activist Iris Ho, who is scheduled to participate in this month’s Caribbean Media Exchange on SustainableT ourism (CMEx Palm’ s Conference Centre. St. Lucia has explor ed the potential for “ethnic” tourismin theCaribbean andthe tourism authorities are assessing the potential tomarket the island to T aiwanese Americans. CMEx was scheduled to meet under a theme which examines multicultural tourism markets, as well as climate change. St. Lucia is one of a hand ful of nations in the Caribbean that r ecognizes the Taiwanese gover nment. s a long way from Taiwan, but we have hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese in America who remain attached to their home country,” said Ho. “They are now a prosper-ous community and include many professionals and business people. Like most middleclass Americans, they like vacations and we think they might like to show their appre-ciation to St. Lucia.” Time to upgrade product,market aggressively ~ Jamaica’s minister Haitian American mo ves up at Choice HotelsSt.Lucia ramps up courting of Asian American market LONDON, England – St. Lucia’s Tourism MinisterAllen Chastanet, has blasted the recently imposed BritishAir Passenger Duty (APD “catastrophic” and “unjust,” and strongly urged the UnitedKingdom to scrap it. “First of all, it’s a catastrophic tax and it’s going to be immediately catastrophic to us in the region, particularly tothe Caribbean wher e we’r e so dependent on tourism, it’ s not like we have something else to go to,” Chastanet said of theAPD, which was intr oduced on Nov. 1 and adds extra charges for passengers flying from the U.K. The Caribbean has been placed in a higher band thanthe United States, although some U.S. destinations are further away. As a result, pas-sengers will pay a higher levyto fly to the Caribbean thanplaces like Los Angeles andHawaii. The St. Lucian tourism minister , who was named “Caribbean T ravel Personality of the Year” at the event, said the tax has come at a bad timefor the Caribbean’ s br ead and butter industry, which is already reeling from the impact of the global recession. He further contended that theAPD is illegal, a point the region has raised at the level of the International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO Meanwhile, British lawmaker Sarah Teather has vowed to keep pressure on the Gordon Brown adminis-tration to r evoke its “ridicu lous” APD on passengers fly ing to the Caribbean. British travel duty to Caribbean destinations unjust ~ Chastanet 20 CARIBBEAN TODAYDecember 2009 TOURISM TOURISM & & TRAVEL TRAVEL www.caribbeantoday.com AIR JAMAIC A TO THE WORLD Bruce R.Nobles,right,Air Jamaica’s president and chief executive officer,is joined by Miss Jamaica World 2009 Kerrie Baylis and George W . DeMercado, the airline’s senior director for global sales,to celebrate the honor of “The Caribbean’s Leading Airline”received at the 2009 World Travel Awards in London,England last month.This is the 12th consecutive year Air Jamaica has received the award. The World Travel Awards celebrate the achievements in all sectors of the global travel industry.Voting is cast by travel agents in more than 190 countries. Jamaica earned16 awards at the event.Among them,“Leading Caribbean Destination”,orld’s Leading Cruise Destination”and “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination”.Jamaica was also honored for its “Once you go,you knoadvertising campaign,in a new category,“Caribbean’s Leading Marketing Campaign”.The Jamaica Tourist Board was recognized as the “Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board”. Bartlett Ho Racine December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:01 AM Page 20

PAGE 21

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC Dominicans go to the polls onDec. 18, with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confident that his ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP returned to power for anew five-year ter m. “I am tonight ringing the bell...ladies and gentle-men, the day we shallchoose between going for ward and going backwardthat day is Fridaythe 18th day of December2009,” Sker rit, 37, said while addressing a political meeting in the westerncommunity of Mahaut last month, urging supporters to give his party an over-whelming mandate. The prime minister said 2010 would usher in a new erain Dominican politics, and called on supporters to “approach the new year with renewed vigor and enthusi-asm. e need to clean the slate and start a fresh we need to rally ar ound a common cause to take the beautiful country of ours to the nextlevel,” he said. The DLP won 12 seats in the last general elections, held on May 5, 2005, while the main Opposition UnitedW orkers Party (UWP eight seats. The other seat waswon by an independent candi date. OPPOSITION Meanwhile, in an immediate r esponse to the announce ment by the prime minister, the UWP Leader Ron Gr een, on a privately-owned radio station, appealed to voters to “build a new way forward” by removing the Skerrit administration from office. The UWP said it was pr eparing to contest all 21 seats at stake. Apart from the UWP, the governing party is expected toface a r evitalized DFP, which controlled the government ofthis mountainous Caribbeanisland fr om 1980 until 1995, but failed to win a single seatin the last elections. The DLP and the DFP formed a coalition government after the2000 general elections. Hotelier Judith Pestina, a former career local and inter-national public ser vant, is heading the par ty that was once led by the late DameEugenia Charles. She said the party would soon announcecandidates for the elections. Dominicans vote for a new government on Dec.18 December 2009CARIBBEAN TODAY 21 REGION REGION / / POLITICS POLITICS www .caribbeantoday.com SERENA STROKE American star Serena Williams,the world’s top female tennis player,tries her stroke with a cricket bat during a visit late last month to Barbados to play in an exhibition series with the world’s fourth ranked Caroline Wozniacki.Williams,a right-handed tennis player,shows a left-handed batting stance.She received a commemorativeba t from ICC World Twenty20 West Indies 2010 Corporate Communications Manager Gayle Alleyne at the Sugar Hill Tennis Resort.It features the tournament logo and an image of a batsman on the blade,plus the tournament tagline “Captivating, Conta gious Cricket” along with her name “Serena” on the back. The ICC WT20 West Indies 2010 championship takes place in four Caribbean countries Barbados, Guy ana,St.Kitts and St.Lucia from April 30 to May 16. POLITICS BRIEFS Vincentians say no to new constitution The government of Prime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalves suf-fered a major setback after votersin St. Vincent and the Grenadines overwhelming rejected a new con stitution in an historic referendum late last month. Preliminar y figures released by the Elections Office showed the vote totaled 29,019,com-pared to 22,493 people castingballots in support of changing the30-year old constitution. Ruling party distances itself from ‘Jagdeo Third Term’ The ruling P eople’ s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C itself from a campaign to get President Bharrat Jagdeo electedfor a third consecutive term inGuy ana. The campaign is being led by a group calling itself the “GuyaneseCoalition for Ja gdeo Third T erm” (GCFJTT support a referendum tha t would allow the president to stand for a third term when Guyanese go to the polls in 2011. Under the Guy ana Constitution, presidents are limited to two-five year terms. P .M. predicts lean sweep’ in St.Kitts elections Prime Minister Dr . Denzil Douglas is predicting a lean sweep”of the seats up for grabs when voters in St.Kitts and Nevis goto the polls to elect a new govern ment. In the last general elections, held Oct.24,2005,the St.KittsLabour P arty (SKNLP the 15 seats in the Parliament.The main Opposition P eople’ s Action Movement (PAM) won a single seat. The prime minister,however,gave no indica tion as to when he would call the general elections due in2010. Compiled from CMC RO Y AL WELCOME Britain’ s Queen Elizabeth II, right, stands with T rinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Patrick Manning,center,and India’s P.M.Dr.Manmohan Singh during the opening of the 21st Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGMTrinidad lastmonth. December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:02 AM Page 21

PAGE 22

MARIE GREGORY When Kingstonian Tony Tame began to write “The Village Curtain” he had specific ideas as to what he hoped to achieve. The first aim was “to examine a specific segment of West Indian and in particular Jamaican society’s use of cul-turally unique sur vival techniques and the private atmos phere which tends to be produced within small Caribbean fishing communities”. The second intention was “that readers will enjoy experi-encing the sharp contrast between appearance and reality in what seems so picturesque and idyllic a place as the West Indies where the outcome of the best charitable, official andbur eaucratic efforts is always uncer-tain at best”. “The Village Curtain” is described onthe cover as “A Jamaican Collection”. That is, perhaps, somewhat misleading. I expect ed a collection of short stories. True, the stories are there, full of interesting vignettes and characters who appear and reappear. Yet the framework is more that of a novel. The action needs to be followed chronologically. There is no obvious human hero. The story deals with the sea, survival and the village culture. Tame has spent a lifetime in the marine industry. He admits that he has never earned a cent that has not come fr om his dealings with the sea. The first chapter and r efer ences thr oughout point to fishing r eading the weather , even dyna miting the coral r eefs testimony to his intimate knowledge. He is fascinated by the various methods used in fishing, sympa thetic to the plight of those who eke out survival in that uncertain envir onment. UNDERST ANDING Characters in the book ar e treated with understanding. The human spirit is strong, asillustrated over and over whether thr ough Sonia, the visiting American who falls in love with the Black River areaand wants to develop tourism; Mikey, who survives a Floridaprison and almost loses his lifeat sea; or Leo, who dynamites the reef and loses an arm yet is able to continue with an adapt-ed method. The hardships bind communities together, watched over by village elder “Mr. James”, a ganja grower, who dispenses white rum liberally, yet sticks to coconut water himself. The homespun wisdom of the man allows him to deal with people at all levels -politicians, charity workers, visitors and police advisingquietly , carrying on his own activities, ever hospitable yet never lifting the village curtain more than a few inches. COMMENTARY Social commentar y is scattered throughout. We hear of the young officer from Kingston explaining basic seamanship to the men of the vil-lage who had fished the Pedr o Banks since they were 10 years old, and the Englishman who comes to the Police Force as deputy commissioner telling the press that he has not come to solve crime. Finally, there is the “Charity Man”, so called by “Mr . James”. Here is the disillusioned dogooder who sees his projects diverted from their original intent. T ame is a master of under statement. W e ar e allowed glimpses of lives in the community. The curtain is never lifted completely. The final vignette is of the dog, “a for mal sor t of dog”, passing to other owners after the death of Myra, the love of his life. Nameless, loyal, know ing, the dog becomes an alco holic after being given r um in the local bar. The chapter, which deals with the death and burial of the animal, is touching. As the stor y closes and “Sonia”, about to return to her homeland, looks at “Mr. James”and sees the veil of his eyes, themoment of tr uth teaches her “it’ s not a veil, it’ s a curtain. Curtain, hell. It’s a wall”. Tame says: “I hope that I have been at least par tially successful at bringing the smell of the salt spray at daybreakand rage of the hur ricane into the general atmosphere of this book as well as the tranquil sound of a quiet, rainy night”. Mission accomplished. Marie Gregory is a freelance writer for Caribbean Today. The book is available throughAmazon.com. Fishing to raise ‘The Village Curtain’ CARACAS, Venezuela, CMC – Caribbean students are likely to benefit from a decisionby the Bolivarian Alliance forthe Peoples of Our America (ALBA al net of universities for mem-ber countries. Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Honduras, St. Vincent and the Gr enadines, Nicaragua and Venezuela are members ofALBA, which Caracas has been promoting as the alternative to the Free Trade Area ofthe Americas (FT AA). A r eport in the Cuban news agency Pr ensa Latina stated that experts from Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela have endorsed the constitution for the proposednetwork. It said that the regional project was ratified at the firstmeeting of the ALBAEducation Training Groupsand that the meeting her e r evised the agreements reached during the sixthExtraor dinary Summit of Heads of State in Venezuelaand of the second ALBA Education Workshop in Nicaragua. The projectionincludes the cr eation of a common pr ogram for the teaching of community integral medi cine, education and energy. “The idea is that the member countries incorporateto the development of thepr ograms permitting the academic mobility and the development of common curriculafor the countries, among other actions”, the report stated.It quoted Edgar do Ramirez, dir ector of International Cooperation, as saying thatthe meeting consider ed that UNIALBA should be a net for the participation of students, educational, investigators, workers and productivesectors in the design of inves tigation lines. Caribbean students likely to benefit from regional net of universities 22 CARIBBEAN TODAYDecember 2009 BOOKS BOOKS / / EDUCATION EDUCATION www.caribbeantoday.com December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:02 AM Page 22

PAGE 23

December 2009CARIBBEAN TODAY 23 CLASSIFIEDADS MISCELLANEOUS DECLINED FOR HEALTH INSURANCE? We’ll get you covered! Real Major Medical PPO Plan. Choose Your Own Doctor! Dental,Vision Included.Guaranteed Approval. Call 1-866-760-2564 www .newhealthppo.com DISH Network.$19.99/mo,Why Pay More For TV? 100+ Channels. FREE 4-Room Install.FREE HD-DVR.Plus $650 Sign-up BONUS.Call Now! 1-866-573-3640 Fly at jet speeds,altitudes and comfort for piston twin cost in this pristine 2007 Eclipse 500, SN 60. This Eclipse Jet is in perfect condition. Always professionally flown and maintained by a corporate flight department. Al ways hangared.It has never been used for charter or flight instruction.Options include LX interior/exterior package,sixth forward facing sea t and plated metals.RVSM certified. Absolutely no damage history.Logbooks are complete and all ADs are complied with." View details at: http://sites.google.com/site/precisiondynamicsaviation/for-sale/2007-Eclipse-500 FREE GPS! FREE Printer! FREE MP3! With Purchase of New computer.Payments Starting a t Only $29.99/week.No Credit Check! Call GCF Today.1-877-212-9978 PROFLOWERS Christmas Decor and Holiday Flo wers & Other Gifts starting a t $19.99. Go T o www.proflowers.com/Elf to get an EXTRA 15% OFF Or Call 1-877-697-7697! Smoke HEAL TH-E Cigarettes. Kick The Habit But Still “Smoke.”Nicotine Free,Looks & Feels Like A Real Cigarette. Complete Kit, Only $49.99 Go T o WWW .PTVDEALS.COM/167 SWIM SP A Loaded, new . List $18,000, sacrifice $8,995. HOTTUB, deluxe,lounger,seats 5. Retail $4,995,Buy Now $2,195. Call 727-851-3217 You’re Family’s Best BenefitSafety! Let ADT help protect your family and get $100 Visa Gift Card! Hurr y ,offer ends soon. Call Now! 1-866-265-4139 SERVICES/ MISCELLANEOUS Abortion Not an Option? Consider Adoption.It’s a Wonderful Choice for an Unplanned Pregnancy. Living/Medical Expenses Paid.Loving, F inancially Secure Families Await. 1-877-341-1309 Atty Ellen Kaplan (#0875228 ADOPTION F inancially secure couple looking to adopt newborn.Loving home,doting big sister, great education,family vacations,beaches,skiing,parks.Expenses paid. Call Karen or Stan 800-362-9660 FLBAR#260101 ADOPTION Give Your Baby The Best In Life! Living Expenses P aid. Man y Loving, Financially Secure Couples Waiting.Call Jodi Rutstein,an Attorney/Social Worker who truly cares about you. 1-800-852-0041 #133050 ADOPTION 866-633-0397 Unplanned Pregnanc y? Pro vide your baby with a lo ving,financially secure family. Living/Medical/Counseling expenses paid. Social worker on staff.Call compassionate attorney Lauren Feingold (FL Bar#0958107 24/7 ADOPTION 866-633-0397 Unplanned Pregnancy? Provide your baby with a loving,financially secure family. Living/Medical/Counseling expenses paid. Social worker on staff. Call compassionate attorney Lauren Feingold (FL Bar#0958107 ADOPTION 888-812-3678 Living Expenses Paid.Choose a Loving,Financially Secure family for your child.Caring & confidential. (24 hours / 7 daysAttorney Amy Hickman. (Lic.#832340) (Place Under Attorneys ARRESTED? NEED A CRIMINAL LAWYER? Felonies,misdemeanors,DUI,traffic.Don’t be fooled.Use a reliable source.AAA Attorney Referral Ser vice,1-800-733-5342 Florida Bar compliant since 1996. aaaattorneyreferralservice.com *DIVORCE* BANKRUPTCY Starting at $65 *1 Signature Divorce *Missing Spouse Divorce e Cometo you!” 1-888-705-7221 Since1992 MOBILE HOME ROOF EXPERTS 100% Financing, Free Estimates We Finance Almost Ever yone Reroof, Repairs,40yrs Experience Home Improvement Services Toll-FREE 1-877-845-6660 State Certified (Lic.#CCC058227 Pregnant? Considering Adoption? A childless, successful woman seeks to adopt & needs your help! F inancially secure.Expenses Paid.Call Margie (ask for Michelle/Adam1-800-7905260 FL Bar #0150789 SURROGATE MOMS NEEDED! $18,000 Compensation.Healthy,non-smoking females, 21-37, height/ weight proportionate,gave birth w/no complica tions,no criminal background, w/private health insurance. Confidential. 941-741-4994; www.openarmsconsultants.com (PLACE IN BOLD $99.95 FLORIDA CORP.$154.95 FLORIDA LLC Complete & Inc ludes State F ees, Compan y Book & Seal. Free information packet: www.amerilawyer.com or call Miami-Dade .. .(305..(954 Tampa ...(813Pete ...(727 442-5300 Orlando ...(407 T oll Free . ..(800Spiegel & Utrera.PA.L.Spiegel,Esq.,Miami. Force Protection Security Details. $73K $220K Paid Training! Military/Police Exp.Not Required.Kidnapping Prevention $250-$1,000/ day. Paid Expenses. Call 1-615-891-1163 Ext.963 www.rlcenterprises.net LUMBER LIQUIDATORS Hardwood Flooring, from $ .99/Sq.Ft.Exotics,Oak, Bamboo,Prefinished & Unfinished.Bellawood w/50 year prefinish,plus A Lot More! We Deliver Anywhere,5 Florida Locations,1-800-FLOORING (1-800-356-6746PLACE IN BOLD WANTED 20 Homes To showcase our Solar Products and Lifetime Exterior Paint..Call to see if your home qualifies. CCC058227 1-877-834-SUN8 (7868 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ALL CASH VENDING!! Do You Earn $800 in a Day? 25 Local Machines and Candy All For $9,995.Call 1-888-753-3430 AIN#BO2000033 Call Us: We Will Not Be Undersold! ATTENTION READERS:Earn money from home processing mortgage assistance postcards.No advertising.Direct deposit available.References available.No gimmicks.800-650-2090. EDUCA TION/ INSTRUCTION Attend College Online from Home. *Medical, *Business,*Paralegal,*Accounting,*Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance.Computer available.Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-443-5186 www .CenturaOnline.com AVIATION MAINTENANCE / AVIONICS Graduate in 14 Months. FAA Approved; financial aid if qualified.Job placement assistance.Call National Aviation Academy Today! 1-800-659-2080 or NAA.edu HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Fast Affordable & Accredited F ree Brochure.Call Now! 1-800532-6546 ext. 16 www.continentalacademy.com NEED YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA? Finish from home Fast for $399! Na tionally accredited.EZ pay.Free brochure. www.diplomaathome.com Call 800-470-4723 FINANCIAL BURIED IN CREDIT CARD DEBT Over $10,000. We can save you thousands of dollars. Call Credit Card Relief for your F ree Consultation:1-866-640-3315 LA WSUIT LOANS? Cash before your case settles.Auto,workers comp.All cases accepted. Fast approval.$500 to $50,000.866-709-1100. www .glofin.com Personal Loans up to $2,500! 98% Approval Rate! Must have checking or savings account to qualify.Approval within 24 hours.Call 1-800607-2890 FOR SALE Boats; 1000’s of boats for sale www.floridamariner .com reaching 6 million homes week ly throughout Florida.800-388-9307,tide charts,broker profiles,fishing captains,dockside dining and more. METAL ROOFING TAX CREDIT! 40 yr Warranty. Direct from manufacturer .30 colors in stock Quick turnaround.Delivery available.Gulf Coast Supply & Manufacturing,1-888-393-0335 www .gulfcoastsupply.com HELP W ANTED BECOME a successful Commercial Model/Actor. All a ges, sizes and races. Earn $500$1,000/mo. Let us show you how.1-800-483-0996 Drivers Immedia te Need! Regional & OTR posi tions available Now! CDL-A w/Tanker Req’d. Outstanding pay & Benefits! Call a recruiter Today! 877-4843042 www.oakleytransport.com FEDERAL POST AL JOBS! Earn $12 $48 per hour / No Experience Full Benefits / Paid T raining 1-800370-0146 ext. 23 Now Hiring!! LOSE WEIGHT & MAKE MONEY Clip on ho w to make $10K in 30Days: www.123MySystemPays.com Minimal investment, inc ludes training & keys to success! Serious Inquiries Only. Dona 206-984-4639 Mystery Shoppers Earn up to $150 per day. Under cover Shoppers needed to judge retail and dining establishments EXP.Not RE.Call 1-888-601-4861 REALESTATE A Bank Repo for Sale! 4Br 3Ba $21,900! Only $215/Mo! 3Br $12,500! Only $199/Mo! 5% down 15 years @ 8% apr.For listings 1-800-366-9783 Ext 5597 A Bank Repo for Sale! 4Br $12,600! Only $217/Mo! 3Br $10,500! Only $199/Mo! 5% do wn 15 years @ 8% apr.For listings 1-800-366-9783 Ext 5460 A Bank Repo for Sale! 5Br $13,400! Only $225/Mo! 3Br $10,000! Only $199/Mo! 5% down 15 years @ 8% a pr.For listings 1-800-366-9783 Ext 5197 A Bank Repo! 6Br $26,900! Only $238/Mo! 3Br $10,500! Only $199/Mo! 5% do wn 15 years @ 8% apr.For listings 1-800-366-9783 Ext 5493 Bank F oreclosure for Sale! 7 Br 3 Ba $19,900 $238/Mo! 5% down 15 years 8%.4 Br $10,000! $199/Mo! F or listings 800-366-9783 ext 5461. Bank Owned! Foreclosures! 4bed 3ba $225/mo! 3bed 2ba only $199/mo! 5% dw ,15yrs @ 8% For Listings 800-366-9783 ext 5558 Bank Owned! 4bed 3ba $199/mo! Only $14,900! 5% dw,15yrs @ 8% apr 5 Br $38,900 or $320/mo! For Listings 800-366-9783 ext 5466 F oreclosures From $10,000!! 1-4 Bedrooms Available From $199/mo!! For Listings 800-350-4142 Good Investment! Holly Hill, Near River! House/double detached garage plus garage Apartment Each; 2-Bedrooms 1-Bath Living/Dining Rooms, Large Sun P orches. $220,000 386-615-0901 386-212-2562. HUD HOMES! 3bd 2ba only $199/mo! 4bdr 3ba $215/mo! Stop Renting! 5% dw , 15 yrs @ 8% apr For Listings 800-366-9783 ext 5638 (Place Under A partments F or Rent) LAND SALE NOTICE:VIRGINIA MTNS Closeout Sale! 2.5 acres with pond near stocked trout stream, near sta te park,$29,500,must sell. Bank financing.1-866-789-8535 NOR TH CAROLINA Holiday in the mountains. Make your family memories today; even the family pet is welcome! Call F oscoe Rentals 1800-723-7341 book online www .foscoerentals.com Stuart,Florida Waterfront Condo 2/2 ground floor end unit.Deep water dock,North Fork,St. Lucie River ,heated pool,covered parking,quiet neighborhood,close to downtown.Estate sale, price just reduced $224,000 772-692-9017 NORTH CAROLINA SKI BEECH Discount Ski packa ges,Discounts on Lodging, Lift Tickets & Ski Rentals 1-6 Bedrooms,fully equipped chalets & townhomes. Chalet Rentals 1-800-368-7404 www.skibeechmountainnc.com HEALTH & BEAUTY WEIGHTLOSS? P AIN? CAN’T SLEEP? Men’s Health Flexeril,Tramadol,Soma,Viagra,Cialis, Levitra and Many More!!! Low Prices!!! Free Shipping Pharmac y Connection USA 1-800-4531448 AUTOMOBILES Acura Integra 00 $500! Nissan Altima 01 $350! Honda Civic 00 $800! Police Impounds! F or listings Call 800-366-9813 ext N580 Donate Vehicle Receive $1000 Grocery Coupon Noah’ s Arc Support No Kill Shelters,Research to Advance Veterinary Treatments Free Towing,Tax Deductible,Non-Runners Accepted 1-866-912-GIVE Donate your Car Truck or Boat to HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND F ree 3 Day Vacation,Tax Deductible, Free Towing,All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 1-866-905-3801 Honda Civic 00 $800! Police Impounds for Sale! Many Makes and Models Priced to Sell! F or listings call 800-366-9813 ext 9480. Police Impounds for Sale! Honda Accord LX 98 $800! Nissan Altima 01 $350! Hondas Chevys Jeeps and More from $500! For listings Call 800-366-9813 ext N581 $500! Police Impounds for Sale! Cars/Trucks/SUVs from $500! Many Makes and Models, Must See! For listings call 800-366-9813 ext 9482 December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:02 AM Page 23

PAGE 24

24 CARIBBEAN TODAYDecember 2009 December2009.qxd 12/9/09 1:02 AM Page 24