VOL. 7, NO.

03 February 6, 2013

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

Grenada Celebrates of Independence O

n Sunday, February 3 at the Toronto West Seventh Day Adventist Church, Grenadians and supporters of Grenada came together with jocundity, patriotism and pride to celebrate their 39th year of independence from Britain. The three hour commemorative occasion included astounding performances by the award winning country gospel artist Shirley Simpson, Kathy-Ann Charles Tobin as well as other endowed Grenadians beaming with pride. An independence message from the Prime Minister of Grenada, the Hon. Tillman Thomas was conveyed by the Hon. Consul General Jenny Gumbs. Throughout PM Tillmans message he earnestly encouraged Grenadians to be proud of their significant achievements throughout the past 39 years and by continuing to foster a cooperative spirit and hard work, they will benefit from the fruits of their labour which will propel Grenada forward. The celebratory events taking place from February 3-24, 2013 are sure to be quite impressive and diverse in nature. The Grenada Independence Planning Committee (GIPC) has worked arduously to execute festivities ranging from the Showcase Grenada Expo to the Independence Soiree Spice It Up which will feature 2012s 400m Gold Medalist Kirani James. This will be a special anniversary for Grenadians and those of Grenadian heritage.

by Christine Reid

39

Years

L-R: Pastor Frankie Lazarus, Shirley Simon, Grenadas Consul General Jenny Gumbs and Joseph Mitchel, President of the Grenada Community Network, were amongst hundreds who attended the February 3 Grenada Independence Celebrations Church Service.

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aving quickly established its reputation for hosting one of the most sumptuous and reasonably priced Caribbean Buffets to be found anywhere in town, Leelas Tropical Nights Restaurant and Lounge has added yet another attraction for its patrons. The increasingly popular Restaurant is now offering an all-you-caneat, one-of-a-kind Caribbean Brunch Buffet on Sundays from 11:00 am 1:00 pm. Dozens of delicious traditional Caribbean breakfast items, including baigan chokha, dhall, salt fish and bakes, will be on offer for the very reasonable price of only $9.95 per person. Conveniently located in Scarborough at 1154 Morningside Ave, at Sheppard just north of Hwy 401, Leelas is a family restaurant serving Caribbean Style Chinese and West Indian Cuisine. Leelas has quickly become famous for its thirty-plus item Caribbean Halal Dinner Buffet, thats available on weekends, from Friday to Sunday. Leelas owners, the husband and wife pairing of

Steve and Leela Dindyal, are hoping that their tasty multi-item Sunday Brunch offerings will be an instant hit amongst food lovers within the Caribbean community and beyond. Sunday church goers, who having been spiritually fed with Gods word may then find themselves with an insatiable appetite for the added comfort of good food, will certainly be amongst those who will find great value in partaking of Leelas Brunch Buffet. With an ambiance that can best be described as warm, comforting and decidedly unpretentious, Leelas Restaurant and Bar has also become somewhat of a haven for quality Friday and Saturday night entertainment thats proven attractive to its mature clientele. Leelas regularly hosts exciting, quality bands like Fuh Fun, much to the delight and satisfaction of its patrons. The restaurant is also available as a rental venue for family functions, and special occasions.

Passion Equals Productivity For Dianne Millan

nternational mobile top up is a highly convenient service for millions of people around the world to stay connected to their family and friends back home. Ezetop is the leading and fastest growing corporation in mobile phone recharge and they work alongside with Digicel, Lime, T-Mobile as well as 220 diverse operators throughout the world. Dianne Millan is the Business Development Manager for Ezetop Canada and in her role she is responsible for managing large corporate accounts and working closely with distributors in fortune five hundred companies including Canada Post and MoneyGram. Being an action-oriented and results focused individual has served Millan quite well in all of her distinguished professional endeavours. When Millan migrated to Canada from Trinidad and Tobago at the age of 17, she immediately began to better herself through education. Recognizing that it is essential for expansion and empowerment, Millan completed her post secondary studies in Telecommunications and Networking. Shortly after, Millan became employed by AT&T and then moved her way up the corporate ladder to Sprint Canada and Rogers where she spent 12 years making highly lucrative contributions towards organizational goals. Millan always possessed an innate curiosity most about the way information is transmitted electronically. Being a consumer wasnt enough for Millian; it was necessary to know and become extremely familiarized with the way communication is created. I needed to know how it works and how does the world communicate. Its not just a telephone call; there are so many aspects to a phone call and what takes place and so I wanted to learn all of that. said the adept sales professional with profuse expertise in electronic communications. The level of enthusiasm that Millan deposits in her

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February 6, 2013

work has been a crucial instrument in her outstanding career achievements. Millan has a proven track record in excelling in evChristine ery position as well as surpassing company targets by significant margins. By always being the number one sales rep it has given me more passion to find out more about data services work, internet services and anything to do in the communication sector. explained the multiple sales award recipient for top industries such as Rogers, AP Global and Eco Carrier Inc. Within the next few years Millan aspires to have every ethnic group become thoroughly conversant about the services Ezetop has to offer to their consumers. My long term goal is not only creating the awareness in Toronto but throughout Canada and also having all retail stores carry our products. Within the next year or two, Ezetop is going to be well known in Canada. said Millan. In early spring all major chain convenient stores will be offering Ezetop services and by the end of the year all retail stores in Canada will be offering top up services to their customers. Being a woman of Caribbean descent has been a struggle for Millan in the previous positions held in the telecommunications industry. In spite of this, her success in sales made her an incredible asset that has left an indelible mark with both her employers and colleagues. I knew what I was doing and I was confident in what I was doing and I fully understood what the customer wants. explained Millan. The telecommunications and networking industry has taught Millan a lesson that was of great magnitude which is to listen first and then speak. Listening is one of the biggest things in life that you could do in order to be a successful person and it is really

Reid

important in sales. said Millan. The strains of the past only served to propel Millan forward and what was considered a setback is now a plus point for Millan in her current managerial position with Ezetop Canada. Ezetop was looking for someone like myself with a Caribbean background and a telecom background said Millan with great confidence. There are numerous advantages in choosing a career that you are passionate about and it is a key element in producing positive energy in both your professional and personal life. If you find something that you like to do then you will never work one day. My success in sales and development is because of the passion I have for what Im doing. Im not only doing what I want to do but what I love to do. explained Millan. Even though Millans profession is highly demanding and absorbs a lot of hours, it has never been taxing on her physically or mentally. Millans enthusiasm for what she does has always fueled her productivity which then allows her to enjoy the results of her labour and it has attracted positive people into her life.

February 6, 2013

he Caribbean Childrens Foundation, (TCCF) will be hosting its annual Valentines Dinner Dance on Sunday, February 9 at the Empire Banquet Hall, 246 Brockport Drive (Hwy 27 & Belfield. Themed Roses, Chocolates and Diamonds, this years Gala will be emceed by First Fridays Founder, Warren Salmon. The evenings entertainment will be headlined by the outrageously hilarious comedian, Marc Trinidad. Music will be supplied by Deejays Arjune and Alex. Tickets for the Gala evening are extremely reasonably priced at $40. This includes Empires sumptuous Dinner Buffet. There will be roses for the ladies and lots of attractive door prizes, including an El Dorado Jewellery sponsored diamond ring, valued at over $1,000. All proceeds from the evening will

Roses, Chocolates & Diamonds For Valentines

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Caribbean Jewel Caribbean Jewel

go towards the CCFs ongoing charitable and highly commendable efforts to provide Caribbean Children with financial assistance towards required medical treatments. The Foundations mandate is to assist poor children from the Caribbean suffering from life-threatening ailments, for which no treatment is available in their country, to receive treatment at hospitals in and out of Canada. Since its establishment in 2000, the TCCF has raised over $1 million dollars and has provided treatment for 54 children from seven Caribbean countries. The TCCF proudly boasts that no one within the Organization is paid a salary or wages. TCCF is managed and run entirely by volunteers. Every penny goes directly to the cause! And a very worthwhile cause it is indeed!

Mark Your Calendars For The April 7 Hair Show

harms Beauty Works will be hosting their Hair and Beauty Show on Sunday, April 7 at the Ajax Convention Centre. Show times will be from 3:00 8:30 pm. Sponsored by Beauty Collection Inc and Royal Imex, the Shows intention

G renadian b eauty

is to showcase the amazing talents of Charms Beauty Works and other hair stylists. Booths are available for related companies wishing to promote their respective services in the fields of beauty and fashion.

Vivian Charlott Burkhardt is a beauty queen who represented Grenada in Miss World 2007 in Sanya, Peoples Republic of China, where she placed as one of the semi-finalists. Having graduated from The TA Marryshow Community College with an Associate Degree in Natural Science, she has completed her studies as a pre-med student at St. Georges University. She received her bachelors degree in Basic Medical Science, and was also pursuing her MD at St. Georges University. Vivian, who is half Grenadian and half German, was born in Germany and moved to the island of Grenada when she was 15 years old. She is fluent in German and English and knows some French. Among her major interests are alternative energy and the environment.

PAGE 4

Humble Roti Scaling New Heights

Coolie, coolie come for roti, all de roti done!
n the elementary schools I By Tony anywhere in the Caribbean, attended in the fifties, this North America and Britain. racist chant was common. The pulao or mixed rice Now, fifty years after Independish of India became pelau dence, making, buying, selling or eat- and was popular long before roti made ing roti is not limited to any one race. the hit parade. Even in music technolIt is not the speed with which the roti ogy, the country that gave the world done but the question, Where de the steel pan also reputedly invented roti gone? As we say in Trinidad, it the dhantal, a percussion instrugone for higher. ment that was fashioned out of the Now you can buy all the differ- iron bows that yoked the oxen that ent variations of roti in Toronto, New pulled the cane-carts. York, Miami and wherever TrinidadiThe dhantal and chutney muans and other West Indians live, lime sic, another Trinidadian invention, go and labour. together like a roti with a Red Solo In 1962, the roti best known out- soft-drink or curry duck and a river side of the home was the dhal puri. lime. In politics, the combination of There is no such commodity in India, rum and roti characterized a unique where a puri is either a flat, flaky bread form of garnering votes for elections cooked in ghee (clarified butter), or a that was not limited to race. dish made by mashing or grinding When Trinidad became Independent peas, vegetables or meat and cooking in 1962, we did not understand what it in hot water. was happening or appreciate what we The purists say that what we call a had. Boys and girls of East Indian dedhal puri is really a dhal paratha scent leaving their rural villages to go which is a stuffed roti but in Trini- to the city High Schools and Collegdad what is called a paratha is not es had an especially rough time. We stuffed and is known as a buss-up- studied by rote and by roti. There was shut, taking its name because of its a lot of stuff to memorise but what has likeness to a tattered shirt. The version stayed in our memories longest was of roti that is the breakfast and dinner the shame that we were made to feel staple, is saada which means home- for taking our saada roti to school. ly, simple or rustic in Hindi but, Saada roti was not well known outin South India, would be a chappati. side the household. Civilised people However, the Trinidad roti is made bought bread from the bakery or had using baking powder as a leavening enough money for sandwiches from agent and not yeast which is used to the schools tuck shop or the parmake nan, the generic Hindi word lours or cake shops outside. We carfor bread. The first time I heard the ried our food in oily, curry-soaked name Kofi Annan I thought it was an paper (one bag per week) bags or Indian breakfast. wrapped in brown paper and we hudIt is not surprising that the Indian dled together, rotis held close to our indentured immigrants to Trinidad, mouths, hurriedly gulping down our coming in contact with the British and food, sometimes with mouthfuls of pamingling with the other races and cul- per, so ashamed were we. tures that comprised the most cosmoIt was doubles that served as the politan of countries of the Caribbean, wedge that opened the floodgates for should come up with some culinary Indian food. Doubles vendors were innovations. Although barra (or bara, always around but increasingly there a fried flatbread originally made from were more of them and their customers ground peas and flour) exists in In- were not limited to Indians. Paratha dia and in other places where curried was next to taste the limelight. It might channa (chick peas) is a staple, it is be because of the name by which this Trinidad that invented the doubles, roti is best known. Buss-up-shut a sandwich made by putting curried captured the Trini imagination. channa between two barras. Paratha, which is also a misnomer Now you can get doubles almost in the classic Indian sense since it is

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February 6, 2013

Deyal

not stuffed with anything, is made to separate into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Unlike the dhal puri, it cannot be used as a wrap but has to be served separately from the curry. This requires a container. Interestingly the paratha went mainstream when containers became commonplace. In a way it demonstrated that there is a link between food and technology the barra and dhal puri needed only pieces of brown wrapping paper and paper bags which were common. The paratha needed a container and became popular when these were available in Styrofoam, cardboard and plastic. What about the saada roti as the breakfast food of choice of so many Trinidadians? Its present popularity has as much to do with health and changing lifestyles as with taste. In rural homes, the husbands worked and the wives, even if they laboured in the cane-fields, were still responsible for the home and the food. Work started from before four a.m. and the bread vans came much later so that roti was the fastest, easiest and, for most Indians, the only palatable solution. However, with the new generation where both men and women work but despite the increased income still have to hustle early in the morning to avoid the traffic, it is easier to buy breakfast than wake up and cook. The rationale for continuing to want Indian food is that the last thing people give up is their food. They are willing to change their language, their clothing and their external lifestyles but are very reluctant to part with their food which, for them, is the most important of comfort zones. In fact, under stress most people revert to their comfort foods. The health fad also helped. The chokhas or pulped or mashed vegetables (aloo or potato, tomato, baigan or eggplant) that accompany the saada are healthier than bacon and eggs. Health-conscious Trinis eventually hopped onto the bandwagon. Now, saada roti has become the breakfast dish of many people in both rural and metropolitan areas. For lunch, you can also buy dhal (split-pea soup), rice and any of the

curries or chokhas in the food courts of the many malls throughout the country. In the intervening years between 1962 and today, there were two other phenomena that helped to take roti and other Trinidadian East-Indian products outside the country. One was the migration of many skilled workers to other parts of the world. Because of Trinidads long established petroleum industry, there are Trinidadians working in every oil-producing country in the world. Also, during the past fifty years many Trinidadians have migrated to the US and Canada. These people, many of whom were of East Indian descent, missed their home food and eventually, some found a living making and selling local food to the others. The other event is the rise of chutney, a hot and spicy music mix associated with Trinidadian Indian culture. It is a unique combination of Hindi and Trinidadian English, calypso, soca and Indian melodies. Increasingly it carved its own niche in the music world. While the song that took it over the national and global threshold was Sonny Manns Lotala, the indications were always clear that chutney would emerge as one of the countrys global cultural exports. Today roti has come out of the closet or the safe, the brown paper bag and the dirt fireside or chulha. You can get any variation in the supermarkets, not just in Trinidad but throughout the diaspora. At the same time, there are signs that the tossed salad that Trinidad is, has been quietly fusing into the melting pot that it should be. The emergence of roti is one of the contributors to a growing national unity of taste and culture not what we put on the stage but our way of life and our values. It is only under the pressure of politics that we tend to become tribal. Hopefully, we can learn from the humblest and most homely of rotis and evolve beyond that saada but wiser.
(Article compliments Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerces CONTACT Magazine)

Caribbean Perspective Mixed Views On Calls For A New Regional Private Sector Body
debate is on-going among regional private sector leaders and groups as to what, if anything, should replace the now dysfunctional Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), once an influential regional umbrella business association. Former board member and former head of Guyanas Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Dookhoo, believes there is an urgent need for a new vibrant regional private sector organisation that could represent and safeguard the interests of the business community across the region. Hes recommended that a new Caribbean private sector association should have as its core members the umbrella organisations in each of CARICOMs member states. This could include the PSC in Guyana, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA). Dookhoo is confident that donor organisations would be willing to help finance the launch of a new Caribbean private sector organisation. In the 80s and 90s, the CAIC, then based in Barbados, had a seat at the table at the annual CARICOM Heads of Government Summits and made well-researched and detailed presentations on intra-regional trade and other issues affecting the private sector. Guyanese Pat Thompson, who was at the helm of the organisation was well known for his influential role in representing the interests of the Caribbean business community. Executive Director of the Barbados Manufactur-

February 6, 2013

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ers Association (BMA) Bobbi Mc Kay feels a restructured CAIC will not be a vehicle from which the BMA can benefit, especially given the numerSandra Ann ous intra-regional trade challenges the countrys manufacturers are facing. Mc Kay feels there is too much self- interest and not enough regional cooperation when it comes to trade among CARICOM Member States. She asserted that while Barbados markets are wide-open to other CARICOM countries, there is no reciprocity in this regard. Mc Kay says the BMA was not an active member of CAIC for over six years as it could not see the value of the regional umbrella private sector body. She doesnt agree that any restructured regional private sector group should have as its core members national umbrella private sector organisations, since these umbrella groups deal with macro issues affecting the private sector and not the day-to-day challenges. Mc Kays Trinidadian counterpart, Ramesh Ramdeen also feels that a revitalised CIAC or any similar organisation being mooted, is not the right fit. He contends that the interests of Chambers of Commerce, who mainly represent importers, and those of manufacturers are quite different. Ramdeen, who is CEO of the very dynamic Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA), is calling for a regional manufacturers association to be established. Such a group, he argues, can represent the interests of manufacturers in international trade negotiations and the manufacturers in the region through a regional organisation. The TTMAs

Baptiste

Executive Director believes the DRs full membership in CARICOM is inevitable but it is a question of whether this process is being accelerated when there are current obstacles in trade between the Spanishspeaking Caribbean country and CARICOM States. While the debate continues about a replacement for the CAIC, the much talked about Caribbean Business Council (CBC) continues to be stalled and private sector organisations in the region seemed to be unaware of the status of this proposal. Legislation for the CBC was apparently drafted and in the offices of the CARICOM Secretariat. The Council was intended, among other things, to have regular dialogue with the regions Heads of Government. The last public information about the Business Council was in September 2011 when CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque met with CAIC President Carol Evelyn in St. Kitts and Nevis. In the meantime, some initiatives out of Port of Spain, suggest moves are being made once again to re-establish a regional umbrella private sector group. The need for such an organisation is clear but its modus operandi will have to be vastly different from the original CAIC, given not only the changed economic circumstances in most CARICOM countries, but also the calls from manufacturers for a regional grouping of their own. The pace at which regional governments implement agreed upon decisions is alarming. On this issue, the Caribbean private sector needs to show some maturity, put regional interests first and make a decision sooner rather than later.
(Sandra Ann Baptiste is a Business Consultant and Specialist in Caribbean Affairs)

Kellys McCarthys Young Life:

An Inspiration To Us All!
he cancer that had ravaged her body for over five years, finally claimed its victory over Kelly McCarthy. She passed on January 29th, just days shy of what would have been her forty-first birthday on February 6. For those who may not be familiar with who Kelly McCarthy was. She is, was, the beautiful young Canadian lady that was featured in our October 24 (CG621) Issue. Wed given deserved coverage to the gallant efforts her close friends were making back then to raise funds to help cover the escalating costs of her cancer treatments. As fate would have it such treatments were only ever going to provide comfort, as the disease had already long since become irreversible. But what a courageous, heroic fight our dear Kelly gave before she finally became yet another of cancers countless victims. With every fibre of her ailing body, she clung to life with such tenacity, absolutely refusing to let go. She valued life so much that even dur-

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February 6, 2013

ing her last days, as part of her was sadly making the necessary final preparations for her impending departure, her courageous spirit was holding on for as long as humanly possible. During the afternoon of Tuesday, January 29, when the long anticipated dreaded news finally came that her valiant struggle had ended, the overwhelming emotion one felt was strangely that of almost disbelief. She had fought so courageously and again with such tenacity for so long, that it was hard to comprehend that shed actually lost her battle. She is now sadly gone, but Kelly will live on in the memories of those who were privileged to have known her. First and foremost she will forever serve as an inspiration, for courage in the face of the greatest possible adversity any of us could ever likely face, that of impending death. More importantly, her relatively short life and premature demise should serve as yet another harsh reminder to us all, that tomorrow is promised to no one.

As very wise person once counselled yesterday is a memory and tomorrow an uncertainty, but today is a gift, thats why it is called the present! Instead of taking this life for granted, as we all far too often tend to do, we should perhaps value it a bit more by living it to the fullest. For an example of how to live life to the fullest by adding meaning to our existence, we need look no further than Kelly. Kind, joyous, loving, overly generous, tremendously supportive to her family and friends! Those were the words Kellys brother used in the eulogy he gave at her Memorial Service. Others will fondly remember her unbridled joyous embracing and acceptance of our Caribbean culture. As we wrote back in last October, despite her Canadian Irish origins, she quickly became we people. Someone we fondly regarded as much as our own, as if her navel string had been buried in the sands of the Caribbean. As her sister reported previously,

Kelly also had a very admirable and unselfish attitude towards others, coupled with an exemplary sense of community spirit. Three years ago, despite her own condition, she pulled together a team of her lady friends to participate in the Run for the Cure sponsored by CIBC. While still undergoing treatment herself, her team Boobs in the City and Boob in the City 2 was the second top womens team in Toronto raising almost $25,000 over a two year period. In his bestselling book, Who Will Cry When You Die, Robin Sharma advocates that we should each live our lives in such a manner that when the time inevitably comes for us to receive our heavenly wings, our existence would have had meaning to others. As she left us Kelly must surely have known that not only did her life have meaning, but it will now also serve as an inspiration to all that were so privileged as to have known her. May she rest in peace.

Tony Mc

CARICOM Passport An Obstacle Race

he judgment in a case now proceeding through the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) could prove to be a landmark in the movement of West Indians through each others countries. Shanique Myrie, a Jamaican, alleges that on 14 March 2011, (then 22 years old), she was originally allowed entry into Barbados at Grantley Adams International Airport for a month when her passport was stamped, but two hours later she was taken by a female immigration officer to a bathroom where she was allegedly finger raped, abused with foul language, threatened and then denied entry into Barbados. The government of Barbados is the defendant in the case. It has been accused of violating its obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (the CARICOM Treaty) and a CARICOM Heads of Government decision in 2007. According to Myries lawyers, denial of her right of entry was unjustifiable, arbitrary and thus led to discrimination. The full trial will begin next month pitting the Barbados government, as defendant, against both Myrie and the Government of Jamaica which has intervened alongside her in the case. Three other Jamaican women have offered themselves as witnesses, saying that they too have been victims of Barbados immigration officials. Jamaicas argument is that its substantial legal interests in the case lies in the circumstance that any judgment

rendered will establish a binding precedent for all CARICOM member states. In a Sir Ronald preliminary hearing, in October 2012, the CCJ agreed. Prior to the case going before the CCJ in April 2012, the Barbados government said that it had conducted its own inquiry and it upheld the denial of the Immigration officer that any cavity search had taken place. However, the Barbados governments lawyers admitted to the CCJ hearing that the case was arguable. Hence, it is proceeding. Since the establishment of CARICOM in 1973, hundreds of CARICOM nationals have complained of discrimination against them by immigration officials at the point of entry of several Caribbean countries. Nationals of Guyana and Jamaica especially have complained some, even when they are travelling on Canadian, US and European Union passports. There have also been expulsions of many CARICOM nationals, deemed to be illegal, from a few countries without a legal process. All of this has raised questions about the value and relevance of the Caribbean Community and Common market (CARICOM) to the citizens of its 15 member countries. Indeed, these events have created resentment and an inclination to dismiss CARICOM as anything but a government talking shop. The governments themselves do little to address the problem, which

Sanders

if a solution is not found, will undermine CARICOM severely. Just recently, on 28 January, the highly-regarded, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, P J Patterson publicly asked at a meeting of Rotary in Guyana: What purpose does the CARICOM Passport serve if travelling within the Region is still like an obstacle race? The CARICOM passport was introduced by member governments in 2009 although the Bahamas and Haiti have not done so, and Monsterrat is prohibited from doing so because it remains a British colony. However, the passport itself does not ease entry into the countries of CARICOM. While the word Caricom is emblazoned on its cover, it is still a passport of the nation that issued it; it does not relieve the holder of the rigorous attention of immigration officers at CARICOM ports, nor does it, by itself, facilitate ease of entry. The problem, of course, goes far beyond a CARICOM passport. It really strikes at the heart of what a Community is about. In the European Union (EU) the 27 member states of the Community have EU passports but they also have entrenched in their community law, freedom of movement of their peoples to move, reside, work and study in each others countries CARICOM governments will not overcome the problem of discrimination against CARICOM nationals at ports of entry until they deal with the more fundamental issue of perfecting the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) which provides for the free movement of goods, services and capital throughout the signaPublisher/Editor: Editorial Consultant : Contributors: Legal: Graphic Design:

tory member states (Bahamas is not a signatory). Once all the legislative provisions are put in place, the free movement of people is a natural consequence just as it is in the EU, the federation of the United States of America, and the federation of Canada. Rights of establishment and arrangements for transfer of social security and medical benefits between CARICOM countries all these have to be put in place before complete freedom of movement can take place. The problem is that little or no progress is being made by governments to perfect the CSME. The majority of CARICOM citizens would understand the need for the legislative and other requirements before there can be full freedom of movement. What they will not understand, however, is why should their place of birth in a CARICOM country, elicit unfriendliness and hostility? CARICOM citizens also know that a few of their country people are up to unacceptable activity of one sort or another, but in todays age of advance passenger information and high-tech screening of bags, why cant such persons be identified and dealt with separately? The Shanique Myrie case before the CCJ will help to determine the obligations of CARICOM member governments to the people of CARICOM countries who travel to or through other CARICOM States. The case is being watched by interested eyes and the judgment cautiously awaited.
(The writer is a Consultant, former senior Caribbean Ambassador and now Visiting Fellow, London University)

Tony McWatt Malcolm Cliffe Sandra Ann Baptiste, Beverly Brown, Akua Hinds, Christine Reid, Sir Ronald Sanders, Oumarally and Baboolal Susan Zelinski

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

February 6, 2013

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Barbados Beat

BLPs Election Pole Position

BRIDGETOWN, The Barbados Light & Power (BL&P) Company Limited has called on both political parties to stop placing posters and billboards on to utility poles citing safety concerns. The company has posted letters to the constituency offices of each party to alert them to the request. In a statement the BL&P said the practice had implications for the safety of linesmen who work on the poles. We acknowledge that it is a general election period but we are asking party supporters to refrain from placing posters and billboards on the utility poles. If this has already been done, please remove the staples and nails when the posters are removed said Corporate communications administrator Jackie Marshall-Clarke in the statement. It is a matter of safety for us. The staples and nails pose a serious danger to linesmen in their operations, if required to climb poles, Marshall-

BRIDGETOWN, The two main political parties here have nominated candidates to contest the 30 seats in the February 21 general elections ahead of the official Nomination day on February 6. In the unprecedented move, not witnessed before in Caribbean politics, the main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) led by former prime minister Owen Arthur marched to the Treasury Building on January 31 to pay the required US$125 per candidate. Not to be outdone, the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) of Prime Minister Freundel Stuart nominated their candidates for the polls, the following day. DLP spokesman, Ronald Jones told reporters the party would not engaged in any grand public display, an apparent reference to the op-

Election Candidates Nominated

position party. Arthur told supporters, who had marched with the BLP candidates to register for the poll that the BLP would make no unrealistic promises on the campaign trail. The BLP was scheduled to launch its campaign on February 2 and Arthur said that the partys manifesto has been completed. We have seen a deterioration in the quality of our life and Barbados has retrogressed socially, we want to change that, he said. In the 2008 election, the DLP, which had been in opposition since 1994, won 20 of the 30 seats, defeating the BLP under Arthurs leadership. The DLP, won 53.21 per cent of the popular votes, while the BLP received 46.52 per cent.

Clarke added. And she noted that in accordance with the Town And Country Planning Act Cap 240, permission from the Chief Town Planner was required in order to place campaign material in this manner. Marshall-Clarke said that some posters obscured identification numbers on the pole and in the event of an emergency, BL&P crews need to be able to identify pole numbers. In an interview with local media on why the notice was necessary as it was customary during general elections to place electioneering material on utility poles, Marshall-Clarke said the companys concern was safety first, not only for people but for the workmen who had to climb the poles as well. Marshall-Clarke, however ,insisted that nails and staples hinder the spurs [on linesmens boots] from gripping the pole, making it difficult for the crews to climb and do their work, and they were also a safety hazard.

Living In Fear
BRIDGETOWN, A masked man described as fast and tricky has been terrorizing residents of Marley Vale, St Philip, for the past three weeks. Residents told the Reporters that the tall man who wears black clothing with a hood over his head has been pulling at their doors and windows late at night and even hiding in their cellars. It is also reported that he snatched a womans handbag. The situation has the community in an uproar women are unable to sleep at night and the men hold vigils, hoping to capture the elusive intruder. More than anyone else, Janice Best, who lives with her two young children, has seen the masked assailant, who constantly targets her house.

Barbados Making British Press Headlines

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados has made headlines in England again and for all the wrong reasons. A visiting British couple, Professor James Bridges and his wife Olga, were brutally attacked by a knife-wielding intruder within minutes of arriving at their rented villa in the islands northwestern parish of St Peter. Professor Bridges, who is Chairman of the European Commissions Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks, was stabbed three times while his wife suffered seven stab wounds, including a punctured spleen and diaphragm, according to The Telegraph. The Daily Mail added that Dr Olga Bridges also sustained a fractured rib in the carnage. Dr Bridges, 62, underwent emergency surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Bridgetown where she was later said to be in a stable condition. Speaking from the hospital, the 72-year-old professor described the sheer terror of being attacked soon after they arrived at the luxury West Coast beachfront villa where they had been scheduled to stay for two weeks. Professor Bridges, who is one of the UKs leading experts on toxicology, went on to say that as he and his wife lay wounded, the masked intruder demanded to know where their money was. After searching their bedroom for cash, the attacker returned and continued to stab them.The couple, from Guildford in Surrey, had reportedly only been in the villa for about 40 minutes when the savage attack took place on the evening of January 25. A spokesman for the Royal Barbados Police Force said a local man was being questioned over the attack, but declined to give any further details. The UKs Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed that a British couple had been attacked in Barbados and consular assistance had been offered.

Rough Seas For Fisherfolk

BRIDGETOWN, Times are tough for Barbadian fisherfolk and for those who rely on the fishing industry to make a living. From captains to carpenters, many are feeling the pinch of reduced fish stocks in local waters. Nester McDonald Yarde has been painting fishing vessels for more than 30 years. Operating from the Berinda Cox Fish Market in Oistins, he said the lack of fish resulted in boat owners being less inclined to pay for his services as they had less money to spend. Things did not look quite so bright for boat owner Glyne Lovell. An owner for around 35 years, he lamented the high costs of operating a vessel. The hardest part is the amount of money we have to pay a crane to take in and carry out our boats $1 880, he said. Lovell said Government was doing nothing to ease the problem and criticised both the previous Barbados Labour Party administration and the Democratic Labour Party for leaving an imported crane idle at Fisheries [in Bridgetown] for more than five years. He said Government granted $2 000 to boat owners but this was far from enough. However, he said he could not blame Government as it had always been this way. In addition, he said he had spent a further $16 000 in repairs and would need $5 500 for operational expenses. Boat captain Nicholas Squires complained there were too many people making suggestions and changes to the fishing industry who had no idea what they were doing. He said locals should be more involved. At Silver Sands Beach, fishermen said the fish were not biting any harder either. Renald Price said the intakes were way down. I went out three weeks ago and only catch about 4 000 pounds of flying fish. That is low because normally I could catch 30 000 pounds, he said, adding that his only choice was to keep his head above water. Price said he was a diver, boat captain and more, but work was slow.

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February 6, 2013

Antiguan Vies For Caribbean Top Model Title

STJOHNS, Antigua, Starting February 18, 23 beauties from around the region will take part in the first season of Caribbeans Next Top Model. Antiguas very own Xiea Hull will be representing the nation in the highlyanticipated television show, hosted by Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam of Trinidad and Tobago. The show is affiliated with the Tyra Banks Americas Next Top Model brand; Caribbeans Next Top Model, which was shot in Trinidad & Tobago and will run for 11 episodes; it will be aired on WSEE TV in Puerto Rico, One Caribbean Television and CaribVision (CTVs channel 451) during primetime on Mondays, with repeat airings on Saturdays. The show will be judged by Fitzwilliam (dubbed the face) as well as international photographer Pedro Virgil (the eye), and Richard Young (the mind). Nineteen-year-old Xiea, who has been modelling for the past three years, discovered her passion while spending

EC Review

Trouble In The NDC Camp

ST GEORGES, Grenada, All is not reported to be well in the political campaign of the incumbent National Democratic (NDC) in Grenada, which is seeking re-election at polls scheduled for February 19. The campaign is said to have different pulls, with only the weekend rallies having a semblance of a national campaign, Caribupdate Weekly reported. Insiders speak of a largely disjointed national campaign effort, with a lot of emphasis placed by Nazim Burkes allies in ensuring that he survives in St Georges North East, the paper added. Burke, finance minister and deputy to Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, easily won St Georges North in the partys 11 4 general election victory in 2008. However, according to Caribupdate Weekly, At least one independent poll shows he (Burke) is very vulnerable this time. The paper also reported on the silence in the NDCs campaign of the partys public relations officer, Glen Noel, who is also the governments minister of information and national mobilization. Noel has attended NDC rallies but sits in the back row, with apparently little to do about the direction of the meetings, the Caribupdate Weekly report said. Noel is considered a Tillman Thomas loyalist, but the prime minister himself has had little direct influence on the campaign.

her summer break at a pool in Jolly Harbour Resort. While going through some pictures she took with friends many of them told her how well she photographed. Shortly after, while walking in St Johns she was approached by one of the islands top fashion designers who inquired if she was a model and then offered her a job in a fashion show. She attended the Antigua Girls High School before joining the staff as the Visual Arts teacher. Outside of modelling she paints and dances and writes novels.

St Kitts Making Economic Progress

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, A just concluded International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission to St Kitts and Nevis yields a positive assessment of the twin-island federations progress. The mission, led by George Tsibouris visited over January 21 to 29, was the fifth review of the program under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) approved by the Funds Executive Board on July 27, 2011. At the conclusion of the mission Tsibouris said, despite a difficult economic environment, the overall fiscal position through end-September 2012 was stronger than expected due to buoyant non tax revenue and lower-than-expected capital outlays.

However, he also stated that the estimate of economic growth for 2012 has been revised downwards from -0.7 to -0.9 percent, reflecting a decline in tourism in the third quarter. Still the IMF representative said they expected a pick-up in tourism and the launching of several construction projects in 2013 were expected to contribute to a recovery in activity, with economic growth projected at nearly 2 percent. Inflation has eased to 0.3 percent at end-2012. He added that discussions with the authorities had been positive, and the IMF was fully committed to working with them as they proceed with the finalization of the 2013 budget and supportive policies.

Taiwans Foreign Minister Visits St Lucia

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Taiwans Foreign Minister David Lin recently concluded a two-day visit to St Lucia. Lin, who was met on arrival by Foreign Minister Alva Baptiste, also inspected several public construction projects funded by Taiwan prior to his before his departure, according to a statement issued by the Taiwanese Embassy here. The statement said that Lin thanked St. Lucia, one of Taiwans 23 diplomatic allies, for support of his countrys efforts to participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Baptiste thanked Taiwan for its assistance with St. Lucias development in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, telecommunications, health services, education and energy. The previous St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) government had enjoyed diplomatic relations with China, which regards Taiwan as a renegade province, and there had been fears that Castries, which broke off relations with Beijing six years ago, would have re-established links with China after the Kenny Anthony administration returned to power in 2011.

Winston Derrick Passes

STJOHNS, Antigua- Winston Derrick, the voice of the people, is no more. Derrick died at 2 am, on Saturday February 2, leaving a nation in mourning. The 62-year-old, self-described fooley boy from Ovals was the chairman and co-founder of OBSERVER Publications Limited. He had hosted the groundbreaking radio programme Voice of the People for the last 12 years. News of his passing spread throughout Antigua & Barbuda and abroad as the country woke. Condolences flooded OBSERVERs phones, website and fan page from grieving and bewildered people from all strata of society, including dignitaries, friends and the man on the street. Prime Minster Baldwin Spencer expressed his sympathies on behalf of the government, Leader of the opposition, Gaston Browne, said the chairman gave a voice to the voiceless. Winston Derrick will certainly be greatly missed, there is no doubt that he provided many individuals in this country with a voice; many individuals, including politicians, who were voiceless. I would say, in my case, in some instances where I found myself relatively voiceless, that OBSERVER Media Group gave me a voice and I am eternally grateful to Winston Derrick, the opposition leader said. His close friend and a company foundation member, Selvyn Walter, simply characterised his longtime friend, saying, The man, Winston Derrick, was fantastic. Derrick started OBSERVER Media in 1993 with his brother, Samuel Fergie Derrickwho died in 2003with a

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newsletter distributed via fax. In 1996, with a small staff, the brothers expanded into broadcast media. On the first day of production, police raided the premises, seizing all the equipment needed to operate. After a five-year battle to ensure OBSERVER Radio would be a reality, the Privy Council decided in the Derricks favourallowing the radio operations to be reborn in 2001. The Derrick brothers then acquired controlling interest in Antigua Printing and Publishing Ltd, but untenable economic sanctions levied against OBSERVER Publications Ltd by the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) regime caused the directors to relinquish their shares to employees. Other business ventures include forming OBSERVER cellular Ltd, which, during its first year of opera-

tion, brought down mobile phone rates by more than 40 per cent. The controlling interests in the cellular company were subsequently sold to AT&T in 2002. Winston Derrick leaves to mourn his family, friends and his OBSERVER Publications family. The chairman would have been 63 on February 27.

Tributes Pour In For Fallen Observer Chairman

ST JOHNS, Antigua, In the wake of the sudden death of OBSERVER Publications Ltd Chairman Winston Derrick, condolences and tributes have come pouring in from many segments of society, including several dignitaries. Governor General Dame Louise Lake Tack said when she received news of his passing via telephone early morning on February 2, she never thought the news would be so very sad. It seems like yesterday I sat next to Winston in the Privy Council in London, she said. When he realised he won his case he turned to me and said, I had no doubt whatsoever that we would win, but this thing has left me broke, which made me smile. Dame Louise referred to Observer Publications Ltd v Campbell Matthew et al, the Privy Council case that compelled the then government to provide OBSERVER Radio with a broadcast licence. Minister of Finance Harold Lovell, who served also as junior counsel, said he worked very closely with Derrick on the case. Winston is somebody who I would say is a lawyer who never bothered to qualify as a lawyer, Lovell said. In particular, he had an excellent constitutional mind. He thought in terms of the rights of the citizens and he understood implicitly what it was to stand up for those rights, and to ensure that the state did not encroach on those rights further than was justifiable. Lovell added that he would remember Derrick as one who was never shy about speaking his mind. Winston was never a person who was afraid to express his opinion. Whether you were his friend or not, he would disagree, but disagree agreeably, the finance minister said. Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer described Derrick as a patriot and said the whole nation will be mourning to have learned of his untimely passing. I think it is important for us to make sure that his legacy and that of the OBSERVER Group will remain with us and that we will appreciate the role that Winston would have played in the development of Antigua & Barbuda, Spencer said. He was truly an Antiguan & Barbudan. We have had our disagreements, but this in no way diminishes the significance of his role in Antigua & Bar-

Antigua Gets Go Ahead

ST JOHNS, Antigua, The World Trade Organization (WTO) has paved the way for Antigua and Barbuda to suspend certain concessions and obligations it has under international law to the United States in respect of intellectual property rights. In a move hotly contested by the United States government, the Antigua government is threatening its big neighbour to the north that it will suspend its copyrights and patents on the twin island state, paving the way for unlicensed use of US intellectual property. This salvo comes is another effort in the long-running battle by Antigua to get the US to either comply with the WTOs 2005 rulings in Antiguas favour in its internet gambling dispute, or to negotiate a fair and reasonable so-

buda and beyond. Providing a voice to the voiceless was how Leader of the Opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) Gaston Browne described the late OBSERVER chairman. There is no doubt that he provided many individuals in this country with a voice, many individuals, including politicians, who were voiceless, Browne said. I can say, too, in my case, in some instances, where I found myself relatively voiceless that OBSERVER Media Group gave me a voice and I am eternally grateful to Winston Derrick.

lution with the Antiguan government. In 2007, the WTO gave Antigua leeway to force Americas hand by giving the Caribbean nation the right to waive intellectual property rights protections on some US$21 million worth of US goods annually, a fraction of the US$3.44 billion the island requested. A strong statement by the United States Trade Representatives office called Antiguas move to enforce this decision: unwise. However, Antigua argues that the remedy is expressly provided for under WTO law and, contrary to what the US has publicly stated, will not constitute piracy or theft of intellectual property rights, but a lawful suspension of intellectual property rights, conforming to the judgment of the relevant WTO tribunal.

St Kitts Deputy PM Resigns

BASSETTERE, St. Kitts, Deputy Prime Minister Sam Condor on January 31 announced his resignation from the Cabinet with immediate effect, citing recent developments as his reasons for stepping aside. Condors resignation was submitted less than a week after Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas fired a Senior Government Minister Dr. Timothy Harris. In a radio and television broadcast on January 25, Dr. Douglas said Harris, who is also the Chairman of the ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP), had been dismissed because of his opposition to two recent government-sponsored legislation, including one to increase the number of senators in the National Assembly.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives D Gisele Isaac shared Brownes sentiments. I want to say how much he has changed the landscape of media and media freedom in Antigua & Barbuda. I think that is a debt we can never repay, she said. I dont even think we recognise yet the significance of what he has done with OBSERVER Radio in particular. Early Saturday morning, on February 2, news of Derricks passing at around 2 am, quickly spread throughout the country prompting an avalanche of tributes.

On January 29, during his radio programme Ask the Prime Minister, Dr. Douglas had warned that he would not tolerate Cabinet ministers not supporting the governments policies and also that the ruling party would take strong objection to people elected to the parliament on its slate and then seeking to undermine it. While no one was named it was apparent he was referring to Timothy and Deputy Prime Minister Sam Condor, who in recent months openly opposed government policies, including forcing a postponement of the presentation of the national budget last month. Condor served for more than 20 years as a parliamentarian and as a government minister for over 17 years.

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Toddler Dies From Fall

GEORGETOWN, A toddler died at the Georgetown Public Hospital On February 1 after she accidentally fell down the stairs at her home at Buxton, East Coast Demerara. Dead is oneyear-old Treverlyn Thomas, of Lot 34 Middle Walk, Buxton. When reporters visited the infants home, her mother Dawn Leitch related that about 7.30 am, she and the toddler were in the living room. I just done feed she and she jump out me hand and run with a force and push open the back door Then I hear the tumbling down the step. When I go outside, she been pon de ground crying, Leitch said. Leitch said she picked up her daughter and rushed her to the hospital where she was taken into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She said the child responded to her name everytime it was called during the trip to the hospital and in the emergency room. After some hours, doctors notified her that the infant had sustained a fractured skull and her brain was bleeding heavily. The doctor come out and told me that she got a 50/50 chance of surviv-

Guyana Digest

Russian Debt Cancelled

GEORGETOWN, Russia has cancelled the remaining debt incurred 28 years ago when Guyana purchased two fuel-guzzling military helicopters from the former Soviet Union, the two countries have announced. Russia said it cancelled the remaining US$277,490.24 or G$56.7 million which had been part of two loans amounting to US$9,409,044.71 that had been used to purchase two helicopters for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The two MI-8 military choppers were bought in 1984 and parked in 1988 because they had been consuming large amounts of fuel. Their shells were removed from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in February 2007 and buried in a nearby sand pit. The money, according to the two countries, would be used to to assist Guyana in financing projects in the areas of poverty reduction, environmental protection as well as economic development. The cancelled debt originated from two loans contracted on October 23, 1984 and December 24, 1984 between the now defunct Guyana National Cooperative Bank (GNCB) on behalf of the Guyana government and AVIAEXPORT, a Russian Foreign Trade Agency.

ing When I go in the room I see they had a tube in she lungs because she couldnt breathe on she own, Leitch lamented. The grieving mother stated that at about 2.30 pm, a doctor came out and related to her that her daughter had died. The mother said Treverlyn, who has a twin brother, was a bold child. Oh my little Tinesha [the name Treverlyn was called] she like see them breeze blow pon dem tree and she does mimic them animals in the community. Oh yuh gone and left meh! Why? Leitch cried

2 Dead, 17 Injured in Mon Repos Road Accident

GEORGETOWN, On February 3 two persons became Guyanas latest road fatalities as a result of a collision between a city-bound minibus and a Titan on the Mon Repos Public Road, East Coast Demerara. Those who succumbed to their injuries are 39-year old Shondel Yaw and the minibus driver 42-year old Godfrey Daniels Eyewitness Alexis Boyer, who was in a car behind the bus, told reporters that the Titan exited Mon Repos North from a cross-street and swerved on the southern lane of the public road to head east. Boyer said the Titan,GLL 6514, slammed head on into the bus, BMM 8260, which was travelling at a moderate speed. The accident occured around 8:30 PM. The 17 others in-

jured included Wayne Reynolds,50, of 5 Duncan Street, Campbelville; Dully Singh, 27, of Vreed-en-Hoop; Nigel Roach, 29, of Liliendaal; Debra Bennett,46, of Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara; Kristel Seeram,22, of Chelsea Park; Marcel Fitzalbert,33, of Festival City and Nabaclis; Janelle Nichols,31, of Alberttown; Kristel Clark,14, and Nurse Savitri Mohandas who was going to work at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation The left leg of one of the men was almost dismembered. The bus originated its journey from Anns Grove, East Coast Demerara.

New Hotel Chain Comes to Guyana

GEORGETOWN, Choice Hotels International will debut its upscale Ascend Hotel Collection in Guyana early this year. The global lodging company has announced that its construction of a boutique 25-room member hotel in central Georgetown is advancing well. The new Ascend Hotel Collection member hotel, to be called The Opus, will be located within close proximity to several global agencies and is only a few blocks from the lively downtown shopping district. The new Guyana hotel will feature 23 standard guest rooms, two executive rooms (featuring wooded floors and jetted tubs), restaurant and bar, small meeting room facilities, free parking, quality linens, air conditioned rooms, free cable television, Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast. Local entrepreneur Wilfred Brandford, who owns the new hotel, believes the relationship with Choice Hotels International is not only the right fit

for his company, but will also help elevate Guyanas image in the global marketplace. Highlighting the advantage of a small property belonging to a global brand, Brandford added the hotel will cater to these and other market segments by leveraging the robust marketing and reservations systems of Choice Hotels as well as Choice Privileges, an industry-leading guest loyalty program. Ascend member hotels are allowed to retain their independent identity and continue to deliver superior guest service, while receiving the benefits of a growing membership program with a leading lodging company, including shepherding support in marketing, reservations and operations. Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises approximately 6,200 hotels, representing more than 495,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories.

Digicel Launches Million New Dollar Promotion Managing Director For Banks DIH
GEORGETOWN, Digicel Guyana has announced that six lucky customers will win $1M each in the companys sixth anniversary promotion dubbed EZ cash. In addition 60 Digicel customers will win $600 credit daily for six weeks. This announcement was made by Digicels Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James at a February 1 press conference held at the companys headquarters in Fort and Barrack Streets, Kingston, Georgetown. James said: Digicel is delighted to launch this six-week promotion which gives customers a chance to win big. Digicels EZ cash promotion begins on February 4 and will end on March 17 and during this period Digicel will also visit several communities across Guyana to engage customers in its sixth anniversary celebrations. James said: On February 14 we will celebrate six years of service in Guyana and we want to make it special for our customers. Thousands of customers will win a prize in the anniversary promotion. Persons can qualify for EZ cash by simply topping up with $600 or more. James added that Digicel will also host several events countrywide in celebration of its significant milestone and this will include an anniversary luncheon for 12 loyal Digicel customers and their guests. She noted that there will also be special treats for customers, who visit Digicel stores in February and for the next six weeks; customers can expect quite a few prizes and surprises as they seek to reward customers for choosing Digicel as their preferred mobile network. The Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James told reporters that six years ago they started business in Guyana where they offered fantastic services to customers and today it is no different as she listed the calendar of events for the month of February in observance of their anniversary. She stated that Digicel will also launch their Mashramani Band and a team form the cellular giant will be on the road on February 4 where they will be engaged in community activities for their anniversary. At the February 1 press conference Digicel Guyanas sixth anniversary jingle was played for the first time for the media and other senior officials of Digicel including its Chief Executive Officer, Gregory Dean and Sponsorship and Events Manager, Gavin Hope among others. GEORGETOWN, George McDonald has been appointed Co-Managing Director/Marketing Director of Banks DIH Limited as of January 19, 2013. The move announced in a January 30 Banks DIH press release would effectively make him the understudy of long-serving Chairman and Managing Director, Clifford Reis. Prior to the announcement Reis had been Chairman and Managing Director. According to the release, the decision was made at the January 18th monthly statutory meeting of Banks DIH. The companys Annual General Meeting was held the following day. The release said that McDonald joined the staff of Banks DIH Ltd on October 1, 1972 as a clerk within the brewery. Within four years of his employment, he was granted a company scholarship to pursue a degree in economics at the University of Guyana. Upon his graduation, he was transferred to the Sales Department in 1981 as Sales Manager: Soft Drinks. He was confirmed as Sales Manager in 1983. In 1991, McDonald was elevated to the post of General Marketing Manager which he held until 1995 when he was confirmed in the position of Marketing Executive. The release said that in 1997, McDon-

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Wedding Expo Launched

GEORGETOWN, This year the government will set out to revise the legislation which governs weddings in Guyana, a move aimed at promoting wedding tourism in the country. Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali speaking at the launch of Wedding Expo Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali made this announcement at the January 28 launching of the fifth annual Wedding Expo, at Duke Lodge. The minister stated that one of the major setbacks remains the outdated legislation overriding the time in which one can be registered and licenced to get marry. He posited that Guyanas tourism product portfolio needs to be diversified and that weddings can play a key role in doing so. He explained that Guyana can capitalise on numerous venues and infrastructure as well as the large diaspora overseas who spend large sums on weddings. The minister stated that though Wedding Expo in its budding phase, it has immense potential to contribute to the tourism product in the country. The tourism minister recognised the impact the event has on the economy. He disclosed that the Tourism Ministry, the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana will work with the Wedding Expo Committee to train persons to become professional event planners. Meanwhile, Roraima Airways Chief Executive Officer Captain Gerry Gou-

veia noted that Wedding Expo is seeking to promote wedding tourism in the country. He stated that there is a need for Guyana to be marketed as a wedding destination, and that this is not being done. Gouveia said the changing of the legislation is important to ensure the country is user-friendly to people who want to come to the country to get to married, rather then going to a different countries. He highlighted that this year the Wedding Expo will be bigger and better. Georgetown Chambers of Commerce President Clinton Urling, who was also present at the launch, stated that Wedding Expo is not only contributing to the economy, but to the overall social development of the country. Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Mobile Sales Coordinator Allison Dundas said the reason the company remains committed to sponsoring the event is because it sees it as great opportunity to support and promote small businesses in Guyana. Couples have been invited to apply for the Race to the Altar to be selected as the lucky wedding couple to have a sponsored wedding at wedding expo on April 6. Applications will be closed on February 7. This year, persons will have to pay an entrance fee of $500 to attend the event. The Wedding Expo will be held from April 5 to 7, at Duke Lodge.

ald was chosen to attend the Western Executive Programme at the University of Western Ontario, Canada and upon resuming duties he was appointed Marketing Director which position he held until his confirmation by the Board of Directors as Assistant Managing Director/Marketing Director on April 29, 2010. The Board of Directors congratulated him on his appointment and wished him a long and successful tenure. According to its annual report for 2012, Banks DIH Limited Group recorded a profit before tax of $4.938 billion, a 22 percent increase over the takings of 2011 which was $4.036 billion. Profit after tax for the Group was recorded at $2.776 billion up from $2.298 billion, an increase of $478 million or 21 percent. Chairman Reis in his report in the annual report said that for the first time in its history the company achieved profit before tax in excess of $3.5 billion and profit after tax of $2.5 billion.

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February 6, 2013

Jamaica Yard

Caricom Modelling Jamaicas Refugee Policy

KINGSTON, Jamaicas top diplomat in the United States, Ambassador Stephen Vasciannie, has pointed out that his islands refugee policy incorporates reference to international human rights standards and provides a good framework for the treatment of asylum seekers. It also provides a model that could be used in some other Caricom states, Ambassador Vasciannie said in his presentation to an international refugee law course staged by the Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs of the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC recently. Noting that Jamaicas refugee policy was formulated in 2009, Ambassador Vasciannie said that the Jamaican approach is based expressly on the 1951 Refugees Convention and the 1967 Protocol to the Refugees Convention. Ambassador Vasciannie pointed out that Jamaicas refugee issues have taken place in the context of regional geopolitics and domestic political issues in neighbouring countries, and against the background of resource considerations. But in the end, the policy affirms the centrality of law, he said. Jamaica became a party to the Refugees Convention in 1964 and to the Protocol to that Convention in 1980. The Convention and Protocol require Jamaica to grant refugee status to all foreigners who establish that they have a well-founded fear of persecution on any one of a number of grounds, including religious belief, political opinion or membership of a particular social group.

1,250 Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care Treatments

KINGSTON, Some 1,250 persons with specific eye conditions, benefitted from 1,410 procedures conducted under the Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care programme during 2012. Coordinator of the programme, Gregory Thomas, in an interview with JIS News also informed that over 16,000 consultations took place last year. The programme, which seeks to help reduce preventable blindness in adults, evolved from the five-year Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care Project, which previously saw persons being screened for eye conditions in Jamaica and sent to Cuba for treatment. Launched in January 2010, the programme offers surgical treatment for people suffering from three specific conditions: Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy (damage to the retina caused by complications of diabetes mellitus) and Pterygium (a non-cancerous fleshy growth, usually on the surface of the eye) free of cost. Thomas further noted that since the programmes inception, over 46,000 consultations have been done; over 4, 200 surgeries have been performed; and over 3,790 patients have received surgical treatment.

Schoolgirl Amongst 3 Brutally Murdered

KINGSTON, The gruesome discovery of the body of a 14-year-old girl wrapped in a sheet on the side of a road in Kingston 11; the killing of a special constable by gunmen dressed in police garb along Grange Lange in St Catherine; and the brazen attack on a businessman in the upper St Andrew community of Temple Hall kept detectives in the Corporate Area and St Catherine busy between late Tuesday January 29 and early January 30. The slender, badly bruised body of Shariefa Saddler, who hailed from Joshua Edwards Avenue in Olympic Gardens, was dumped on Lothiam Avenue which is in close proximity to where she lived by men in a motor car shortly after 11:00 am. The teen is believed to have been abducted while on her way to classes at the Haile Selassie High School earlier in the morning. The body was still clad in the Haile Selassie uniform she had left home in with a mens tie knotted around her neck. Speculation that Shariefa may have been raped remains unsupported by the cops who say its too early to tell. Police are waiting on [the results of the] post-mortem before they disclose additional details in the case, said one policeman on the scene. Superintendent Hewitt was accompanied to the area by several senior officers, including Assistant Commissioner of Police George Quallo. The police search of the area led to the discovery of a bag belonging to the girl in a nearby gully, some metres away from where her body was found lying face down.

The killing and the dumping of the body in broad daylight left residents in shock. Shariefas killing happened hours after Special Constable Duan Peart died from multiple gunshot wounds sustained while on his way to his home in Portmore, St Catherine. His attackers were said to have been dressed in uniforms similar to those worn by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. He became the second member of the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) to have died at the hands of gunmen in a week. Pearts killing has been condemned by Police Commissioner Owen Ellington and ISCF Commandant James Golding. Golding, meanwhile, said ISCF members remained committed to the cause of policing in a professional manner, despite this unprecedented attack on ISCF members by lawless gunmen. The St Andrew North Police said that they were following several leads in the murder of businessman Fabian Latibeaudiere, who was peppered with gunmens bullets as he tried to enter his Toyota Prado motor vehicle in the rural St Andrew community of Temple Hall early on the morning of January 30. The incident triggered shock and fear among residents in the area. Police reports were that the gunmen then fled the scene by car and Latibeaudiere was rushed to the Medical Associates Hospital in St Andrew where he was pronounced dead. The cops could not confirm claims that a firearm and a large sum of cash were stolen from the victim.

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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

Cop Killed During Training

KINGSTON, The Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington has ordered that all weapons training be suspended at the Jamaica Police Academy following the January 30 death of a policeman during a training exercise. Five other members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force were injured during that incident. Commissioner Ellington says an internal investigation will be conducted by the Inspectorate of the Constabulary. He says the investigation will seek to determine whether established protocols and Standard Operating Procedures were adhered to. The Independent Commission of In-

PAGE 13

Marley Endorsement For Snoop Dog

KINGSTON, American rapper Snoop Lion has been given a reprieve from the Dogg house by none other than Rohan Marley, son of Jamaican reggae icon Bob Marley. According to celebrity website TMZ, Snoop Lion/Dogg just got the MARLEY FAMILY SEAL OF APPROVAL ... because Bobs son Rohan tells TMZ the reggae legend wouldve totally supported Snoops Rastafarian rebirth. The website quotes Rohan as saying that hes well aware that an original member of the Wailers -- along with the Rastafari Millennium Council -- attacked Snoop, claiming the rapper is nothing more than a Rasta Imposta. But Rohan says those guys have it all wrong, according to TMZ. Our fathers name should not even be mentioned in this issue because like a true Rasta, he would have embraced Snoops reincarnation and welcomed the positivity, Rohan told the website. Why condemn a man for his love of Rastafari and Bob Marley? he asked. The controversy stems from Snoop Doggs name change to Snoop Lion and his claim that he had converted to the Rastafarian faith after a visit to Jamaica last year. But legendary reggae musician Bunny Wailer an original member of the immortal Bob Marley and the Wailers had a bone to pick with the Dogg, taking issue with Dogg/Lions documentary Reincarnated, which depicts Snoops immersion in the Rasta culture as he recorded his first reggae album. Wailer claims Snoop engaged in outright fraudulent use of Rastafari Communitys personalities and symbolism and failed to meet contractual, moral and verbal commitments. Snoop Dogg also raised the hackles of leaders of the Rastafari Millennium Council, who are said to have sent him an indignant seven-page letter. The offended parties reportedly want Dogg to stop using the name Lion and issue a public apology after he pays the financial and moral support they claim he promised them. The letter from the Rastafari Millennium Council also made it clear to the American rapper that smoking weed and loving Bob Marley and reggae music is not what defines the Rastafari Indigenous Culture! Rohan Marley nevertheless took an opposing view. We have been cool with Snoop before his transformation and he will continue to have our blessings and support, he told TMZ.

vestigations is also probing the shooting incident. The Police Commissioner says during the suspension of weapons training, the Tactical Training Village and the range at the police academy will be closed. He says all established and related Standard Operating Procedures will also be thoroughly reviewed. In the meantime, Ellington is appealing to police personnel to remain calm during what he describes as a difficult time. He also reminded them that caution and discipline must always be exercised with respect to the care and use of weapons on and off duty.

Cool Runnings Celebrates 20 Years

KINGSTON, Hundreds of fans converged on the Plaza Theatre in Calgary, Canada last Sunday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cool Runnings, the hit movie based on the exploits of Jamaicas bobsled team at the 1988 Winter Olympics in that Canadian city. The special showing was staged by the Reel Fun Film Festival. It was attended by two cast members of the 1993 comedy, Leon Robinson and Doug E Doug, who mingled with fans before the show and signed Calgary Winter Olympics memorabilia.

Grace To Assist Pepper Farmers

KINGSTON, Pepper production in Jamaica should see an improvement, following the signing of an agreement between farmers and representatives of GraceKennedy Limited at the companys head offices in downtown Kingston on January 31. According to the agreement, GraceKennedy will supply the pepper farmer with inputs including seedlings, fertilizer and other chemicals for a one-year period. In return, the farmers will sell their crop to GraceKennedy at a mutually agreed on price. . Speaking at the signing ceremony, GK Foods CEO Michael Ranglin explained that the initiative was a partnership aimed at stabilising the local supply of pepper. Ranglin said that the company needed peppers as it was one of the main ingredients used in the production of GraceKennedys sauces. However he noted that while the company was an expert at marketing its products, it did not grow peppers. Agriculture minister Roger Clarke speaking at the signing said that it was necessary for sustained food production locally as Jamaica currently imports US$1 billion in foodstuff annually and a way must be found to also export food of a similar value. General Manager of Grace Agro Processors Division, Orville Palmer outlined some of the challenges faced in pepper processing. He said that while the pepper mash produced locally is of a very high quality, second only to Peru, the cost of production was the main challenge. Participating farmers are from the parishes of St Catherine, St Mary and St Elizabeth and those selected had to meet criteria set by GraceKennedy. These include having at least two years experience in agricultural production. Also farmers must cultivate land which has adequate drainage and not be flood-prone; and have an adequate and reliable supply of irrigation water.

PAGE 14

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

February 6, 2013

BMobile Drops Machel

PORT-OF-SPAIN, The long-standing corporate relationship between the soca superstar Machel Montano and bmobile was suspended as of January 29. No reason was given for the move although there had been calls for Montano to be dropped as a brand ambassador after he was found guilty on five criminal charges last December. The surprise move came one day before Montano was scheduled to perform in the companys January 30 pre-Carnival concert series Soca in b Square in Woodford Square, Port of Spain. Montano, is the defending Groovy and Power Soca Monarch, and is also in the race to retain the Road March title with 2013 hit Float. In a release, TSTT, bmobiles parent company, said it had, at this time, suspended all existing relationships with Montano. The brief statement reiterated TSTTs commitment to supporting the nations culture. The suspension comes 12 days after a letter from social activist group Fixin T&T to TSTTs board, requesting the company immediately disassociate itself with Montano in light of his con-

Trinbago News

Vaccine Programme Suspended

Green Seasoning Curry Powder Kuchella Mango Polourie Mix

viction on four offences of criminal assault and one charge of using obscene language after a fracas outside the Zen nightclub, Port of Spain in April 2007. Montano was found guilty on December 10 and was scheduled to be sentenced on January 17, but the hearing has been adjourned to February 25. Planning and Sustainable Development Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie, by whose Ministry Montano was commissioned to create the Going for Gold album in honour of the countrys 50th anniversary of Independence said his Ministry will not turn its back on Machel. Another of Montanos sponsors, Caribbean Airlines Ltd, is yet to release an official statement on their position regarding the artiste.

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Gynaecologist Dr Sherene Kalloo, who was instrumental in bringing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations into the country, is very upset by the suspension of the programme across primary schools. One week after being launched, the programme has been shelved following opposition by the Catholic Education Board of Management (CEBM) to the cervical cancer preventative vaccine being administered to young girls. But while the vaccine is still being administered at clinics, Kalloo is blaming a lack of proper information for the cessation of the vaccinations at the school level and hopes that with the She urged parents, students and the members of the denominational boards to get more information from the correct sources and not scare themselves with incorrect data. Kalloo said with the proper information, parents would know that the injection cannot give rise to increased promiscuity. Kalloo added that she and the other doctors met with stake-

holders over the past nine months before going ahead with the implementation of the vaccinations in schools. She said the CEBM opposition did not remove the vaccination, it simply made it more inaccessible for the same vulnerable section of society most prone to the disease. But not all denominational boards are against the vaccines. Head of the Anjuman Sunnat ul Jamaat Association (ASJA), Yacoob Ali, said they did not have a problem with the vaccination in their schools. General secretary of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS), Sat Maharaj, said he too had no problem with the vaccinations in the schools under the SDMS banner. The CEBM stated that it was concerned that the Ministry of Health intervened into the schools without consultation. Their other issue was that they did not receive any invitation to the sensitisation meetings and they first learned about the vaccinations in the media.

Overseas Trinis Urged To Return Home

PORT-OF-SPAIN, In an effort to stymie the brain drain, the government has put various incentives in place to encourage emigrants to return home, Labour Minister Errol McLeod has said. McLeod made the statement on January 28 during his contribution to the Finance Bill 2013 at the House of Representatives, Tower D, Waterfront Centre in Port of Spain. One area that requires greater attention in development of our economy is the role of returning citizens who possess skills and competencies in various disciplines, McLeod said. Based on their experiences and their international exposure qualified returning citizens would be instrumental particularly in contributing to the diversification of our economy, McLeod said. He said the wealth of knowledge that can be obtained from returning skills and competencies would help to propel our economy. Greater emphasis must be placed on attracting and retaining such individuals as a means of preventing the brain drain of our economy. A number of people are coming back home and a number more could be encouraged to come back home as the more developed economies struggle to get back on to steadier footing, he said.

Malls For Sale

PORT-OF-SPAIN, CL Financial (CLF) is hoping to raise more than TT$300 million with the private sale of two of the conglomerates mallsValpark Shopping Plaza in Valsayn and Atlantic Plaza in Point Lisas as well as the Holiday Inn Express, its hotel at Trincity. Local media have been advised that a local conglomerate has also put in a bid to acquire the Long Circular Mall, St James and the Tru Valu chain of supermarkets. The assets are all owned by Home Construction Ltd (HCL), which is a subsidiary of CLF. The CLF empire, once owned by former insurance executive Lawrence Duprey, has been under Government management since January 2009. The sale of the malls has not been advertised. Instead CLF, currently chaired by former finance minister Gerald Yetming, engaged advisory firm Ernst and Young to invite selected bidders for the assets a few weeks ago. The CLF board was scheduled to meet on February 1 to determine the successful bidders of the assets. Questioned on whether the sale appeared selective and discriminatory, the source admitted: Of course it was. We wanted to make sure we got the best opportunity to get the best price. For instance, with the sale of Holiday Inn, Ernst and Young went abroad as well as to the local market. Bidders were reportedly selected based on their interest in the investment market. Among those bidders were the ANSA McAL Group of companies, Issa Nicholas Holdings Ltd, the Hadeed Group of Companies, MovieTownes Derek Chin, Bhagwansinghs and the Gopaul Group of Companies. At least five companies were said to have put in bids for the Valpark property. Asked if the sums expected from the sale seemed low for the assets, the source explained that HCL had already done valuations on the properties so they had a fair idea about what they expected.

Clause 15 of the Finance Bill 2013 seeks to amend the Customs Act to support ease of doing business and help to create an environment to help nationals living abroad to return home and set up businesses here and so set about reducing the brain drain with which we are plagued, McLeod said. Two major clauses include full relief from motor vehicle tax in some cases and an increase in the value of household effects which may be admitted without tax from $100,000 to $250,000 these significant tax concessions aim to encourage and facilitate the return of citizens who have resided abroad for at least five consecutive years with the recognition of the advantages that these persons may bring to this country such as specialised skills and experience which may have beneficial effects on the local economy, McLeod said.

Republic Bank Branch Robbed

PORT OF SPAIN, Three armed men held up a branch of the Republic Bank in south Trinidad on February 1 and escaped with an undetermined amount of cash, police said. They said the men, armed with a gun and cutlasses, forced customers to lie on the

ground and ordered the tellers to put the cash in a bag soon after the bank in point Fortin opened for business. The bandits escaped by forcing a motorist to hand over his new vehicle that was later found abandoned along the south trunk highway.

Belly Bustas Take 3 Good Mannered Balgobin

A teacher trying to teach good manners asked her males students how would they tell a nice young lady who was their dinner date that they have to go to the bathroom. Just a minute I have to go pee. Said one student, to which the Teacher responded that would be rude and impolite. She then turned to lit-

February 6, 2013

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 15

Genies Scare
A West Indian fellah finds a lamp and rubs it. Out pops a genie. The genie says, Ill give you three wishes, but whatever you wish for your ex-wife will get double. First he wishes for a billion dollars. Voila, a billion dollars appears and in the home that used to be his, his exwife simultaneously receives two billion dollars. Then he wishes for ownership of a 100 sq mile habitable island in the

tle Balgobin and asked What about you, Balgobin, what would you say? To which Balgobin responded, I would say: Darling would you kindly excuse me for a minute. I have to go shake hands with a very close and dear friend of mine, whom I am hoping I can introduce to you after dinner.

Fully Owned and Managed by Joe & Sandra!

Garbage Disposal
A little old lady is walking down the street dragging two large plastic garbage bags behind her. One of the bags rips and a bunch of $100 notes fall out. A policeman notices, approaches her and asks for an explanation as to how she came by so much money. I live right next to the soccer stadium she explains and everytime theres a match a whole heap of fans come to

Caribbean. Instantly the deed appears in his hand and his ex-wife gets title to two islands. He stops to think of his final wish, as hes now royally pissed that his exwife who made his life such a living hell is getting twice the benefits of his good luck! So whatever I get she gets double? Yep says the Genie. Okay, scare me half to death!

pee through the fence and into my yard. So I decide to stand behind the fence with a cutlass and when they stick their thing through the fence I grab it and say One hundred dollars or I chop it off with this cutlass! Okay, says the policeman laughing. thats fair enough! But by the way, whats in the other bag? Well officer, says the old lady, not everybodys been willing to pay!

Happy Hour Sat & Sun 5 - 8pm Domestic Beer $3.00 each Thur & Fri Specials Any 4 beers DJS ! y y Frida
1 Order of Wings $20.00 Mix Drinks $3.50

Ever

Spring Into Home Affairs Employment Law Unjust Dismissal Home

o you have been terminated by your employer but you feel that you were not treated fairly. In what follows I shall outline an alternative option to litigation, which is sometimes economical and expedient. The Canadian Labour Code provides an avenue for advancing a claim against an employer. Under Unjust Dismissal of Part III of the Canada Labour Code, an employee can make a complaint against an employer for unjust dismissal. If you feel that you have been dismissed unjustly, you can file a complaint for unjust dismissal at any Labour Program office. Note this complaint must be filed within 90 days from the date of your dismissal. Why I indicated that this process is economical is that you do not require the services of a lawyer and you can make the complaint yourself. However, if you retain the service of a lawyer or a representative, that person can also make the complaint on your behalf. The complaint will be dealt with by an inspector. The inspector is a neutral party and acts like a mediator to settle the complaint. The type of settlement depends on the parties but can include a monetary award, reinstatement to your job with compensation or reinstatement without compensation. If you are unable to resolve the issues with the inspectors help, the employee or your representative can request that the complaint be referred to an adjudicator. Once you have requested an adjudicator, the Minister of Labour then decides whether one will be appointed. The adjudicators hearing is completely different from a civil lawsuit; for instance if you were to sue for wrongful dismissal, you would have to go through the courts. In our civil courts, the procedures are quite formal and you would find it dif-

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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

February 6, 2013

ficult to advance a case without a lawyer. However, in an adjudicators hearing, the rules and procedures are informal Selwyn R. and designed to ensure that all relevant information is made available to the adjudicator. The employee is free to call witnesses at the hearing. Again it is not necessary to have a lawyer at this hearing but if you choose to have a lawyer represent you, you are free to do so. Generally, in my practice I find that people who have been dismissed, do not have the funds available to retain a lawyer for the hearing. However, what a lot of people do and what I am quite willing to do is consult with people and advise them what they should do and not do in preparation for the hearing and in filing a complaint. Once the adjudication hearing is completed, the adjudicator will render a decision. This decision is binding on both the employee and he employer. The adjudicator who finds that a dismissal is unjust can order the employer to: 1. Reinstate the employee with or without a monetary compensation; 2. Pay monetary compensation; 3. Do something that is equitable and favorable to the employee

Baboolal

The benefits of this approach is that the employee does not pay for the adjudicator. The cost is born by the Ministry of Labour. Furthermore, filing a complaint under the Labour Code does not prevent the employee from filing a civil suit for wrongful dismissal.
The foregoing is intended for information purposes only and you should consult a lawyer if you need legal representation or a legal opinion. Selwyn R. Baboolal is a partner at Oumarally Baboolal practicing in the area of litigation for the past 18 years.

s Spring brings about the renewal of plants and adds colour to the outdoors, it inspires us to dream up plans for the indoors where we have been snuggled up all winter. Renovations are done for several reasons, from adding living space and increasing home equity and market value, to repairing damage, becoming more energy efficient, or simply to improve comfort and convenience. Maintenance and repair renovations focus on protecting and improving our investment and should be the priority as they usually require immediate attention. Retrofit projects usually focus on the homes shell or mechanical systems like replacing a furnace, adding siding, a new roof, or upgrading insulation. Lifestyle renovations are the most varied. They can help improve our way of life or give us a chance to redecorate, rearrange and redo. Some projects offer a payback, depending on how long you plan to stay in your home. Bathroom, kitchen, furnace/heating and basement renovations typically offer the highest payback. Sometimes, it takes a only a little effort to make a big difference. Painting is the quickest way to freshen up a home and is easy to do yourself. In the kitchen, new efficient appliances add appeal as well as save energy and money. Simply replacing bathroom fixtures can add new sparkle, and can shed new light on any room. Its also the season for reno or home repair scammers. A friendly, knowledgeable construction professional might knock on your door and offer a special discount to do a must-do repair job he just happened to notice while he was working in the neighbourhood. Perhaps they will offer to do a free inspection and then find a serious problem. There might be pressure to make a quick decision and pay a deposit for the required materials. Avoid any potential for home repair fraud by dealing with a reputable contractor and getting a detailed contract in writing.
*The information in this article is not intended as specific investment, financial, accounting, and legal or tax advice for any individual.

Repairs

Bianca

Aziz

Health Living Curbing Antibiotic Resistance

February 6, 2013

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

PAGE 17

by Dr George I

Traitses

ith drug-resistant staph infections making headlines, many concerned patients are trying to separate fact from fiction while learning how to best protect themselves and their families from these new superbugs. Although methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, (MRSA), is probably the most talked-about drug resistant infection, today about 70 percent of bacteria that cause infections in hospitals are resistant to at least one common antibiotic. Tuberculosis, gonorrhea, malaria, childhood ear infections, and other bacterial conditions are getting increasingly hard to treat. Many diseases can become untreatable, returning us to the days before antibiotics were invented. There are steps you can take, however, to help curb antibiotic resistance and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to MRSA and other drug resistant bacteria. What Causes Antibiotic Resistance? Antibiotic resistance is a natural process in the evolution of bacteriasingle-celled organisms found on the inside and outside of the body, except in sterile areas, such as blood and spinal fluid. Most bacteria are harmless and even beneficial. Some bacteria can cause illnesses such as strep throats or ear infections, which are usually treated with antibiotic medications. When antibiotics are taken, they kill the bacteria that are too weak to resist thembut those strong enough to withstand the antibiotic effect can survive, multiply, and dominate the bacteria strain. Many social factors contribute to antibiotic resistance, as well. use of antibiotics. Impressed by the fast-acting relief from antibiotics, patients have gotten into the habit of demanding the powerful drugs for anything that ails themwithout distinguishing between bacterial infections, which can be treated by antibiotics, and viral infections, which cannot. Moreover, instead of completing the course of treatment, some stop taking

antibiotics when they feel better, contributing to bacterial resistance. Feeding antibiotics to animalswhich are later consumed by humans as foodfor disease prevention and for weight gain has also been a cause for concern, potentially making human illness more difficult to treat. How Can I Prevent Antibiotic Resistance? Boost your immunity by eating a quality diet, exercising, and reducing stress. During the cold and flu season, take vitamin C and zinc. Do not demand antibiotics for you or your child to treat viral infections, such as common colds, coughs, and flu. Viruses dont respond to antibiotics and usually resolve within a week or two. If your symptoms get worse, notify your health care provider to find the best treatment for your condition. Mild ear infections also heal by themselves within one or two weeks. Some anecdotal evidence shows that chiropractic adjustments may help relieve the pain associated with ear infections by allowing fluid to drain from the Eustachian tube. When prescribed antibiotics, stick to the schedule and take the entire dosage, even if you are feeling better. Stopping the antibiotic treatment too soon helps bacteria develop antibiotic resistance. Dont save any antibiotics for the next time you get sick. Discard any leftover medication after completing the course of treatment. Dont take an antibiotic prescribed for another

person it may not be appropriate for your condition. Taking the wrong medication may delay recovery and prompt bacteria to multiply. Antibacterial cleaning products have not been proven to prevent the spread of infection better than non-antibacterial products. In fact, some preliminary studies have shown that antibacterial cleaning products may contribute to antibiotic resistance. How Can I Protect Myself From Staph and MRSA? The most effective way to prevent staph infections is to practice hygiene. Here are a few suggestions: Wash your hands before eating, after using the restroom, or after contact with potentially contaminated items. Keep your and your kids wounds clean and covered. When wounds dont heal properly, seek medical attention. Avoid sharing and encourage children not to share personal items such as clothes, towels, soap, and razors. Promptly change wet and sweaty clothes, for example, after going to the gym, to prevent staph growth. When working out in a gym, use your own yoga mat, shower with flip-flops, and sanitize any fitness equipment used.

Sports Beat Ahye In Record Breaking Form

Michelle-Lee Ahye was in recordbreaking form in her 2013 opener at the January 31 Knights of Columbus Saskatchewan Indoor Games in Canada. The 20-year-old sprinter seized silver in the womens 50 metres final in 6.33 secondsa new Trinidad and Tobago standard. Reigning Olympic, world and world indoor long jump champion, American Brittney Reese topped the field in 6.30. Ahyes 6.33 run was an improvement on the 6.36 T&T record she had established in the preliminary round. With the 6.36 dash, she erased Hydianne Harpers 6.47 national standard from the books. Harper had produced that clocking way back in 1998. Ahye was back on the track on February 2, competing in the womens 60m dash. She picked up another silver, getting to the line in a personal best 7.34 seconds, behind Reese (7.32). Ahye clocked 7.42 in the qualifying round. Another T&T athlete, Mikel Thomas finished second in the mens 60m hurdles in 7.80 seconds. At the Armory Collegiate Invitational, in New York, USA, Morgan State Universitys Emmanuel Stewart broke his own national record in the mens

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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

February 6, 2013

Lendore Wins Indoor 400M

Trinidad and Tobagos Deon Lendore was in fine form at the Armory Collegiate Invitational indoor track and field meet, in New York, USA, on February 2. The 20-year-old Texas A&M University student clocked 46.49 seconds to capture the Championship mens 400 metres title. The previous day hed produced a 47.07 run to qualify fourth fastest for the finals. Lendore, who anchored T&T to mens 4x400m bronze at the London Olympics, is the 2013 world leader in the indoor 400m. On January 19, he won at a meet in Texas in an indoor

Bajan Tauch To Surf Down Under

Fresh from a top-ten finish on her Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Junior Pro debut, Barbados top female surfer Chelsea Tuach was heading Down Under to compete against the worlds best. The 17-year-old reigning Caribbean womens champion finished ninth at the ASP?Junior Pro event which was held over the January 26 weekend on the North Shore of Hawaii. Surfing against top juniors from Hawaii and the United States, Tuach came out blazing to win her first round heat despite the small, inconsistent surf conditions at Turtle Bay. After advancing to the quarter-final, Tuach came third in her heat, narrowly missing a semi-final berth. The California-based Tuach is headed for Australia on to compete in an ASP One Star Junior Womens event to be held at Merewether Beach, Newcastle in New South Wales from February 14 to 17. She will be making the trip compliments the energy drink, Red Bull, which has been sponsoring

weight throw. He finished fifth with an 18.86m effort, improving on the 18.40m standard he had established last year. At the Vandal Indoor meet, in Idaho, Shawna Fermin struck gold in the womens 400m. The Washington State University student stopped the clock at 55.35 seconds. In Illinois, Arkansas State Universitys Kashef Daniel cleared the bar at 1.99 metres to capture the Southern Illinois University (SIU) Invitational mens high jump title. He was 11th in the long jump with a 6.55m leap. At the Meyo Invitational, in Indiana, University of Minnesota athlete, Alena Brooks finished second in the womens 800m in a personal best two minutes, 06.24 seconds. University of Southern Mississippi student Robert Colling-wood threw 17.43m to cop fourth spot in the mens shot put. His twin brother and Southern Miss teammate Richard Collingwood finished sixth with a 16.91m effort.

Special Olympics Figure Skating Silver Medals For Jamaica

Nigel Davis and Tamra Mitchell broke new ground for Jamaica On February 3 when they won two silver medals in ice figureskating at the Special Olympic World Winter Games. Davis, who has previously won gold in speed skating, was confident and expressive during his ice dance routine at the Yongpyong Dome ice rink (skating surface), but had to settle for second place behind the small-framed Yuktotorah Ho of Hong Kong in the Singles Male Level One category. Mitchell and Davis then combined to win Jamaicas second silver medal at the Championships when they were bested by the Hong Kong connection of Sze Hou Ho and Ka Man Ng in the Teams Level One segment.

best 45.91 seconds to claim top spot on the performance list. He is still the only athlete on the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) 2013 list with a sub-46 clocking.

Junior TT Championships To Honour Edwards

the surfing sensation for the past three years. Additionally, Tuach is among 16 surfers who have been invited to the trials for the four remaining slots in the prestigious ASP Six Star Hunter Ports Womens Classic to be held immediately after the junior event from February 18 to 24 at the same break. Tuachs selection was secured through her outstanding performance at her first ASP Six Star event in Oceanside last August where she placed a creditable 13th out of 80 of the worlds top professional women. The Caribbean Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships will be staged in April in honour of the late Aubrey Edwards. The former Trinidad and Tobago Table Tennis Association (T&TTTA) president died on January 29. Edwards also served as president of the Caribbean Region Table Tennis Federation (CRTTF), and was a past board member of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The decision to dedicate the regional tournament to the memory of Edwards was taken at the T&TTTAs February 2

Mitchell, though a picture of composure in her dance patterns, narrowly missed out on bronze and had to settle for fourth place ahead of United States Kelly Bradshaw (fifth) in Singles Female Level One action. Canadians Sara McKelvie and Meg Ohsada took respective gold and silver medals, while Lingkuen Cheung won bronze. Jamaican skating coach Jacqueline Bennett expressed joy and relief with the historic accomplishment in the event and praised both athletes for the improvement they showed.

annual general meeting (AGM), at the Central Regional Indoor Sports Arena (CRISA), in Chaguanas,. At the AGM, Edwards was also made an honorary life member (posthumous) of the association. T&T will host the Caribbean Junior and Cadet Championships between April 3 and 7. The best young players in the region will battle for under-18 and under-15 singles, doubles and team titles. The T&T challenge will be spearheaded by Aaron Wilson, Arun Roopnarine and national womens singles champion Brittany Joseph.

February 6, 2013

CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

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Aussies Go Two Up Windies Women I Against Windies Record Breaking Win

Australia handed the visiting West Indies a second convincing defeat in three days to go 2-0 up in their fivematch One-Day International series. A maiden ODI century for George Bailey helped the hosts reach 266 for seven despite no other player passing 39 and five wickets from Mitchell Starc saw the West Indies dismissed for 212 in reply. Glenn Maxwel would have been unaware that he had just become a cricketing millionaire in the IPL auction in Chennai and he backed up his new status with four wickets, although Sunil Narine thumped him for four sixes in as many balls as the West Indies launched a late, but ultimately futile, comeback. Kieran Powell registered a maiden ODI century in making 83 and Dwayne Bravo made 45 but such contributions were not enough for the tourists, who now need to win all three remaining matches to clinch a series win - a turn of events that is already looking beyond them. They started this game well enough, Australia struggling early on as Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy and Bravo took a wicket apiece by dismissing Aaron Finch (11), Usman Khawaja (3), Phillip Hughes (21) and Michael Clarke (16). Then Bailey came into his own, first adding 37 with Matthew Wade, who fell for 16 to Narine and seeing Maxwell fall for a golden duck to Sammy to leave Australia in trouble at 98 for six. He finally found an ally in James Faulkner, who contributed 39 to a seventh-wicket partnership of exactly 100 as Bailey cut loose. Faulkner faced 67 balls, hitting three fours before he was caught by Powell off Sammy. Nothing was going to stop Bailey though, and with Mitchell Johnson (16 not out) in at nine, he was able to play through the innings, not only reaching a maiden ODI century but topping his previous best in all one-day cricket, finishing on an excellent 125 not out in 110 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes. West Indies Women broke a host of records, Stafanie Taylor with a number of them by scoring 171, as they crushed Sri Lanka Women by 209 runs in their second World Cup match in Mumbai. Faced with a must-win situation after they were well beaten by India in their opener, they responded perfectly, piling up 368 for eight and then dismissing Sri Lanka for 159. Taylors 171 is the third highest ODI innings of all time, behind only Belinda Clarks 229 and Charlotte Edwards 173, both scored in the 1997 World Cup. The 209-run winning margin lies just outside the top 20 in womens ODI history while twins Kycia (30) and Kyshona (44) Knight both top scored, adding a neat symmetry to the West Indian innings - the seventh highest of all time and highest by a West Indian side. Sri Lanka had pulled off a remarkable one-wicket win over England in their first game but there was to be no repeat as they could last only 40 overs in reply and none of their players could reach 30 as Shaquana Quintyne grabbed three for 32. Taylor blasted 18 fours and two sixes in her whirlwind 137-ball innings, and was well supported by the Knight twins and then Deandra Dottin, who smashed 50 in 22 deliveries with five fours and four sixes. Further runs were added late on by Merissa Aguilleira, who made 47 not out in 24 deliveries. Sri Lanka were then just as outclassed when they came to bat and lost wickets regularly, the West Indies never losing control of the match. Quintyne, Shanel Daley (2-35), Shakera Selman (1-35), Anisa Mohammed (1-10), Taylor (1-10) and Kyshona Knight (1-3) all picked up wickets as the West Indies showed off their versatility by using nine bowlers. Top scorer for Sri Lanka was Deepika Rasangika (28) while Prasadani Weerakoddy

Eye Injury Scare Prompts Samuels To Help The Blind

The loss of sight in his right eye for over two weeks earlier this month has prompted West Indies and Jamaican batting star, Marlon Samuels, to come to the aid of students at the Salvation Army School for the Blind. Before the accident my foundation was being set up towards helping kids, Samuels said. The foundation is not fully up, but I wanted to address the situation right away by just starting to help with the blind as well. Samuels recently handed over a cheque valued at J$50,000 to acting principal, Esmie Taylor, to fund five students to sit five CXC subjects each. The 31-year-old all-rounder got a brush with what most of the students have endured all their lives, when he was struck by a bouncer from Lasith Malinga on January 6 in the Australian Big Bash T20 League cricket match between the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars. Me sitting in a room where if I closed my left eye I couldnt see out of my right eye, it was total darkness, Samuels recounted. If I felt like that for two weeks, imagine how they (the blind students) feel to be living like this for their entire life. I want to give them the opportunity to further their education, so I will continue to pay for CXCs and stuff like that.

Taylor welcomed the pleasant surprise. I am extremely pleased because we were not expecting it; I just suddenly got a call saying Marlon Samuels would like to make a donation to us, Taylor shared. I assisted by suggesting certain things and they said no, we are not going that big, it is just a start, and then we came down to this. So I am very elated, because time and time again our students have difficulty paying their CXC fees. Following the injury in Australia, Samuels spent over two weeks in a hotel room, as he was ordered not to move to avoid permanent damage to his eye. The accident has, however, acted as a wake-up call and has resulted in Samuels making a commitment to support the school, which includes the purchasing of well-needed Braille machines, which are used by the blind for writing. I will definitely get sponsors on board, so I can gain more and earn more, so I can give back more to them, Samuels expressed. We got some information about the (Braille) machines, but I wanted to do something right away and the machine has to come from abroad. But I am going to get quite a few for them as well to help them.

made 22, a career-best - which rather highlighted the difference between the two sides on the day. Both sides go into the final round of matches - West Indies taking on England and Sri Lanka meeting India with a chance of reaching the Super Sixes.

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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC

February 6, 2013