Professional Documents
Culture Documents
VOL. 5, NO. 2 November 23, 2011 618 Strouds Lane, Pickering, ON L1V 4S9
Tel: 905.831-4402
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Contemporary Bajan Heroes: November 30th, 2011 marks the 45th Anniversary of Barbados' Independence from Great Britain. The Canadian Barbadian Community's celebration of their country's 45th Independence will include the November 26 Annual Barbados Independence Celebration Gala at the Thornhill Community Centre. This collage is a pictorial tribute to some of Barbados' heroes. L-R; Diva Rihanna, Jockey Patrick Husbands, Former Prime Minister, the late David Thompson, Cricketer Fidel Edwards, Author Austin Clarke and Calypsonian Red Plastic Bag.
Dwayne De Rosario
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Community
DCook Man
Jamaica, Trinidad or any of the smaller islands such as Antigua, Grenada, St Kitts, St Lucia and St Vincent, we have since grown to become a global company. We now serve customers throughout the entire Caribbean Diaspora." Our business philosophy has been to identify, understand and respond to the needs of our customers and to try to do so in a manner that will acquire their patronage and support." Seventeen year old Ariana Bacchus, Rose and Anthony's daughter, is the eldest of the grand-daughters amongst Lionel's twelve grand-children , As the elected spokesperson of "Bedessee Generation Next", she said that she while always being happy for any excuse to visit Canada and her grand-parents, she was nonetheless overjoyed to be a part of her granddad's 78th Birthday celebrations. His hard work and dedication are the qualities she admires most about her Granddad. Astute beyond her age, she expressed an appreciation for the Bedessee Import's success as a family business. She said the one memory of her grand-father, that she will some day pass on to her own kids, is that of him making her work hard finding and picking grey hairs from his head and rewarding her with chocolates for doing so. Lesson learnt that hard work pays good dividends! As joint hosts of the event Lionel's Canadian based sons, Rayman and Invor, thanked everyone for attending. They both gave glowing tributes to their dad, for all the love and support he's provided to his family during his seventy-eight years. As to the Birthday boy himself, he declined the opportunity to make any comments. True to his nature his time was spent quietly ensuring that everyone present was having a wonderful time. 11-11-11, seventy-eight glorious years and counting for a truly wonderful and remarkable personality, Lionel Bedessee. Cheers Govenor, thanks for having set such a wonderful example throughout the years and all the very best for many more!
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ar ib be an
Je w el
Beautiful Andrea considers herself to be very blessed and it is obvious why. Canadian born of Guyanese and Trinidadian parents she leads a very active lifestyle with hair styling, make-up, modelling and acting engagements. As if those werent enough shes also busy putting plans in place for an April 2012 Fashion Show to launch her own clothing line, Bendicon which means Blessed in Spanish. Beautiful, Blessed and Busy indeed!
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905.475.5603
Email: caribbeanchorale@yahoo.ca
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Caribbean Perspectives
Toronto's 2015 Pan American Games: Business Opportunities for the Caribbean
by Sandra Ann Baptiste
The expected influx of over a million visitors to Ontario for the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games, one of the world's largest international multisport events, will provide opportunities for Caribbean vendors and suppliers to capitalise on this huge captive audience to showcase and sell Caribbean products and services. The Games in July-August 2015 will attract over 8,000 athletes from 41 North American, South American, Caribbean and Latin American nations who will be housed in the newly-constructed Toronto Pan American Athletes Village located at the heart of the Games on an 80-acre site next to the Don River in Toronto's waterfront district. At a recent Canada-CARICOM Trade Development Forum in Mississauga that I attended, it was suggested that there are good business prospects for Caribbean entrepreneurs during the two-week event. However, some of the areas mentioned such as telecommunications, coaching and medical services are not feasible. Director of Procurement for the Games, Bill Zakarow has acknowledged that there may be opportunities for Caribbean businesses to participate in the bidding process in areas such as food services, construction, cultural events, provision of team clothing and promotional merchandise. At the Pan American Village, meals have to be provided for the 8,000 plus athletes. The food has to reflect a mix of various cultures. Large companies likely to win the bid to manage the provision of meals will sub contract to various suppliers. Caribbean restaurant and food producers should watch for such opportunities. Food suppliers will have to have the capacity to meet the demands for quantity, quality and stringent food safety standards. A major focus will be service, particularly on-time delivery. The Request for Proposals (RFP) for food services is expected to be early in 2014. Outside of the Games venue, Caribbean businesses are well placed to expand their food offerings during the fourweek period of the games since visitors to the event will be visiting downtown Toronto for meals, entertainment and shopping. Think Caribana for four weeks. The vendors who churn out large volumes of curry and roti, jerk chicken, peas and rice and doubles for the Caribana crowd need to gear up for this much longer event that has the potential to generate substantial revenue for them. Those established Caribbean businesses in the downtown core also need to gear up for this occasion and do special advertising the get the attention of the visitors to the games. As construction for the Games continues, construction workers, electricians and plumbers will be needed. Construction on the Games Athletes Village has begun and the aquatic centre and stadium are next. Cultural events to entertain the athletes and visitors will also be part of the program and here again there might be opportunities for Caribbean artists to provide some entertainment during this cultural festival. Caribbean entertainers should try to tap into this opportunity to show off the region's amazing talent. The 20,000 volunteers on hand will need to be outfitted (tee shirts, shorts and hats). Caribbean garment producers may want to consider whether they are equipped for this opportunity and want to participate in the bid for signature games outfits. The bidding for this is expected to be late 2013 to mid-2014. Zakarow noted that the Games organizers have placed diversity high on the agenda for this event. The broad base of suppliers must include SMEs (small-medium enterprises) of which at least 51% must be owned and operated by aboriginal peoples, women, individuals of multi-cultural heritage and individuals with disabilities. The selection criteria for the procurement process includes the total cost of ownership, availability of goods and services, quality, innovative solutions, capabilities and experience, diversity and financial strength. For bids for up to $10,000 a supplier database will be used and quotations obtained from selected suppliers. A minimum of three suppliers will be considered for bids between $10,000 and $100,000 which will be "invitational competitive" and involve the use of the supplier database, a supplier listing from the Canadian electronic tendering service MERX, market research and the procurement opportunity will be posted on the TO2015 website. For projects or services over $100,000, the bidding process will be "Competitive open", posted on MERX and the TO2015 website. The Games organizing committee has implemented a "supplier diversity" strategy that will enable diverse businesses in the Southern Ontario region to participate in business opportunities. Total business procurement opportunities are approximately $400 million over the next four years. To date, 17 % of those funds have been allocated. Businesses owned by visible minorities account for 14 % of this. Zakarow advised that Caribbean companies should proactively promote their products by registering on the official Games website www.toronto2015.org.To keep on top of what projects are available for bidding, CARICOM producers, service providers and entertainers should look for posted opportunities on MERX. In order to attract the best athletes, Games officials are aiming to increase the number of sports disciplines that will be used as pre-qualifiers for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. There were 12 such disciplines in the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Olympic Bid Committee Chairman, former Ontario Premier David Petersen, reminded me recently of the Caribbean's interest in the Pan Am games highlighted during his visit to Guyana last year to promote Canada's bid for the 2015 Games. Games officials are keen to attract topnotch Caribbean athletes such as three-time Olympic gold medalist Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, West Indians in Toronto and Caribbean visitors, some of whom will be accompanying our Caribbean athletes from the 15 member countries of CARICOM, will be a ready market for our Toronto-based businesses. Organisations such as Caribbean Export and the recently resuscitated Canada-Caribbean Business Council have indicated their commitment to help Caribbean entrepreneurs take advantage of the sizeable financial and marketing opportunities that will present themselves in the run-up to the Pan Am Games. The planning needs to start now. Sandra Ann Baptiste is a business consultant and Specialist in Caribbean Affairs.
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do this alone. And 'beggar thy neighbour' policies won't work. This is not a time for individual jurisdictions to try to cut separate deals; it is time for joint actions to put their case before influential nations in the G20 such as Canada which represents Caribbean countries on the boards of the World Bank and the IMF. Sir Ronald Sanders is a Consultant and former Caribbean diplomat. Responses and previous commentaries at: www.sirronaldsanders.com Tony McWatt Malcolm Cliffe Mark Bannister, Sandra Ann Baptiste, Duane DaSilva, Akua Hinds, Sir Ronald Sanders, Oumarally and Baboolal Andrea Simone
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Barbados Beckons!
As an island country in the Lesser Antilles, Barbados is 34 kilometres (21 mi) in length and as much as 23 kilometres (14 mi) in width, amounting to 431 square kilometres (166 sq mi). It is situated in the western area of the North Atlantic, about 104 miles east of the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and 250 miles north-east of Trinidad and Tobago. Barbados was initially visited by the Spanish and first appears on a Spanish map from 1511.Thereafter, the Portuguese in 1536 then visited, but they too left it unclaimed. The first English ship, the Olive Blossom, arrived in Barbados in 1625. They took possession of it in the name of 'James I, King of England'. Two years later in 1627 the first permanent settlers arrived from England and it became an English and later British colony. Barbados has an estimated population of 284,589 people, with around 80,000 living in or around Bridgetown, the largest city and the country's capital. In 1966, Barbados became an independent state and Commonwealth realm, retaining Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State. As a coral island Barbados is now one of the Caribbean's leading tourist destinations and one of the most developed islands in the region. On the West Coast of Barbados, coral shore beaches of fine white sand stretch along a blue-green sea. Coral reefs fringe the Barbados shoreline to provide excellent snorkeling and Scuba Diving. The constant breeze of the trade winds give Barbados a mild and pleasant tropical climate. Visitors to Barbados, will see it as mostly a flat coral island with excellent beaches, but there are rolling hills and many deep ridges and gullies, with an interesting distribution of flora and fauna. Within the Barbados coral core there is a vast array of caves and underground lakes. These provide an excellent supply of drinking water that is amongst the purest in the world Barbados is a very beautiful island, with lots of art, activities, night life, music, history and some of the best restaurants to be found anywhere. But what makes Barbados even more special, and the reason why so many visitors keep returning to the island year after year, is the people. Barbadians, "Bajans" are warm and friendly souls, always ready to greet you with a sincere smile. They make you feel welcome and special, in this lovely Caribbean Island. Music festivals, sporting events, culinary affairs and per-
forming arts - here the calendar is brimming with exciting opportunities and unforgettable experiences. Every day brings something new to discover in Barbados. In terms of climate, the Island is generally split into a period of two seasons one of which includes noticeably higher rainfall. Known as the "wet season", this period runs from June-November, In contrast, the "dry season" runs December-May. Gentle breezes of 12-16 kilometres per hour (8-10 mph) abound throughout the year and give Barbados a warm climate which is moderately tropical. Barbados has a well-developed mixed economy, and a moderately high standard of living. Historically, the economy of Barbados had been dependent on sugarcane cultivation and related activities, but in the late 1970s and early 1980s it has diversified into the manufacturing and tourism sectors. Since the 1990s the Barbados Government has been seen as business-friendly and economically sound. The island has seen a construction boom, with the development and redevelopment of hotels, office complexes, and homes.
Transport on the island is relatively convenient, with 'route taxis', called "ZRs" (pronounced "Zed-Rs"), travelling to most points on the island. They generally depart from the capital Bridgetown or from Speightstown in the northern part of the island. There are several locally owned and operated vehicle rental agencies in Barbados. The island's lone airport is the Grantley Adams International Airport. It receives daily flights by several major airlines from points around the globe, as well as several smaller regional commercial airlines and charters.
Barbados has numerous internationally known hotels. The southern and western coasts of Barbados are popular, with the calm light blue Caribbean Sea and their white and pinkish sandy beaches. Along the island's east coast, which faces the Atlantic Ocean, there are tumbling waves which are perfect for light surfing. Shopping districts are popular in Barbados, with ample duty-free shopping. There is also a festive night-life in mainly tourist areas such as the Saint Lawrence Gap. Other attractions include wildlife reserves (Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary), jewelry stores, scuba diving, helicopter rides, golf, festivals, sightseeing, cave exploration (Harrison's Cave), exotic drinks and fine clothes shopping. The largest carnival-like cultural event which takes place on the island is the Crop Over Festival. Crop Over is an important event for many people on the island, as well as the thousands of tourists that flock to the island to participate in the annual events. It gets under way from the beginning of July, and ends with the costumed parade on Kadooment Day, held on the first Monday of August. There are so many ways to tour Barbados and explore its many interesting sights and activities. You can go underground by electric tram and see some of the most beautiful stalactite and stalagmite-filled caves found anywhere, or soar sky-high over the tree tops on a Zipline adventure, or maybe have a bird's eye helicopter view of its shores and countryside. You can witness the colorful splendour of the island's beautiful sea life, from inside a sub. You can also sail along the tranquil waters on a day or night cruise or maybe a pirate cruise touring along the lovely coastline, as you swim with the sea turtles or snorkel on a coral reef. Perhaps you may just want to lie on one of the many palm-fringed, coral sand beaches. Then there are the land tours, from large air-conditioned bus excursions around the island, to quaint jitney expeditions through the gullies and hills of the interior. You can visit the not-easy to reach sections of the island by horseback, Segway and ATV tours, or enjoy a 4x4 safari into the rain-forested inland areas, Land Rover style. Whatever your preference, there is an island tour to cater to your wishes, which will be weaved into a wonderful experience! As a unique Caribbean paradise, surprisingly sophisticated, friendly, fun and always naturally charming, Barbados beckons.!
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Bimshire Beat
Rihanna Not Fit
BRIDGETOWN, Concerned that Barbados is in a state of decay and immorality, a church leader has accused worldclass singer Rihanna of always doing foolishness, and called her unworthy of being an ambassador. At a service launching the Independence anniversary celebrations being put on by the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), Bishop Dr Marlon Husbands took issue with some of the actions of the pop star, and also expressed concerns about the level of indiscipline, immorality and homosexuality in the country. Speaking at the Sanctuary Empowerment Centre on Country Road, St Michael, before an audience that included Acting Prime Minister Ronald Jones, President of the Senate Sir Branford Taitt and Speaker Michael Carrington and fellow Members of Parliament Steve Blackett and Patrick Todd, Bishop Husbands lambasted Rihanna for the controversy that ensued last September in Dublin when a farmer told her to cover up after she stripped down for a video in a wheat field.
Connie Smith tatement released recently the BIBA boss urged Government to use all diplomatic channels at its disposal to have this matter resolved before this reputational risk undermines Barbados standing as a jurisdiction of choice from which to operate.
Ahead of the US
The World Economic Forum has ranked Barbados infrastructure its roads, bridges, airport, harbour and other facilities ahead of the United States.In its latest global report on competitiveness, the WEF placed Barbados in the 22nd spot, a notch above the United States at 23rd. In the United States the classification triggered much anguish about the state of the infrastructure and criticism of the Forums methodology that measures competitiveness. American experts and analysts are asking the question: is Barbados infrastructure that good or Americas really so bad? The discussion is being waged in blogs and the Washington Post newspaper. The American Society of Civil Engineers has given the United States infrastructure a failing D grade.
$60,000 Ruling
BRIDGETOWN, Guided by a Landmark 2007 judgment, the High Court has ruled that an employer must pay a driver who fell from her defective lorry more than $60 000 in damages. The recent case involving driver Leroy Dacosta Roach, 45, of Sutherland Hill, St Lucy, and truck owner Mary Anne Alleyne, involved the issue of whether Roach was Alleynes employee and therefore entitled to a duty of care, or whether he was an independent contractor. Justice Kaye Goodridge ruled on November 10 that there was indeed a breach of duty of care by Alleyne, resulting in injury to Roach, who will receive $20 000 in general damages, $39 325 for past loss of earnings and $7 480 in special damages. This case was guided by the principles which were elucidated in the case of Sagicor Insurance Co. vs Livingstone Carter et al., Roachs attorney, Clement Lashley, QC, told local reporters.
QEH Checkup
James, made this disclosure in a recent interview with local reporters. We have revised the arrangements for overseas referrals to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital which . . . deal with addressing the administrative arrangement for referrals, as well as the method of payment and how payments are to be made prior to admission to the QEH, Dr. James reported. He spoke of patients from overseas turning up at the QEH for indiscriminate access, without the knowledge of the administration of the QEH and, by extension, without the knowledge of our consultants. Dr. James said that previously patients essentially booked commercial airlines and presented themselves to immigration were given admission to the country and then they would turn up at the QEH Accident & Emergency Department with various kinds of conditions.
Dr. Dexter James BRIDGETOWN, An improved system of communicating between local immigration officials and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has resulted in better monitoring of non-nationals who come to Barbados seeking medical attention at the Martindales Road, St Michael health facility. Chief executive officer of the hospital, Dr. Dexter
Life didnt begin in Barbados, it was just perfected here. Learn how at VisitBarbados.org V VisitBarbados.org a or contact your local travel professional.
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EC News
Permission Withdrawn
CASTRIES, Tourism Minister Allen Chastanet says the Barbados government has withdrawn REDjets permission to fly the Barbados-St. Lucia route. I am not certain of the full details, but I know that REDjet had called for a press conference and a day before the press conference they called to cancel the event. My understanding is that they were hopeful to get their license and I guess when they physically went to collect it they discovered that while it was promised it was not approved, he said. Officials of the Barbados-based airline had planned to host a joint news conference with the St. Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) to announce the introduction of the service from the Hewanorra International Airport into Barbados with connections to Panama. But Chastanet told reporters that REDjet had been informed that permission had been denied and that he was not certain whether that had anything to do with the ongoing discussions between trade unions and the regional airline, LIAT. He said he hoped the REDjet issue would be resolved soon, because REDjet is registered in Barbados and I keep pleading with the government of Barbados that if they are going to have an airline, allow it to fly. Chastanet said he was still patiently waiting for some progress to be made on the matter, adding I think for the government of Barbados at this particular juncture to be selecting where the plane can go and not go, is unfair to the remaining sister countries in CARICOM, as it flies in the face of the CARICOM agreements that we have signed in terms of having an open skies arrangement. I am still hopeful that the government of Barbados and in particular the Minister and the Ministry will announce that REDjet can start flying, he said. Chastanet said that REDjet operating out of Hewanorra International Airport in the south, would not be competing with LIAT which does not operate a service there. REDjet was originally due to commencce its St Lucia operations last month.
Committee Meets
ST GEORGE'S - The regulatory framework for Professional Services in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) was one of the topics discussed at a recent meeting in St. Georges of the National Trade Policy Coordinating Committee. Another topic discussed was titled, Rum The Threat to Exports from the Caribbean. The National Trade Policy Coordinating Committee is an advisory body set up by the Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development to provide inputs from key players in the development of policies with respect to trade and export. The committee comprises representatives from government ministries and statutory bodies, private sector, non-governmental organisations and other trade groups. The meeting was chaired by Hon. Joseph Gilbert, Minister for Trade and Export Development who updated members on the involvement of Grenada on regional and international trade issues in preparation for the Thirty-third meeting of the Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED).
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Ricky Lautan
Remax Vision Realty Inc Brokerage
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Guyana Digest
Crash Report Forthcoming Marriot Turns Sod
GEORGETOWN, Guyana is one step closer to boasting a Marriott-branded hotel after a sod-turning ceremony at the proposed Kingston, Georgetown site was held on Sunday, November 20. Marriott International Inc. announced last year that it intended to open its first Marriott-branded hotel here in 2013.After an earlier delay since the announcement, due mainly to financing, Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI) has disclosed that it was ready to move ahead with the massive investment. This comes weeks after outgoing President Bharrat Jagdeo announced that the project was still in the pipeline. The 160-room Georgetown Marriott Hotel is on track to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is on track to becoming Marriotts first LEED hotel in the Caribbean & Latin America. It will operate under a management agreement with AHI, currently owned by the Government of Guyana, as part of a publicprivate partnership between the Administration and private sector investors. Caribbean Airlines crash GEORGETOWN, The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is expected to submit a report on its investigations into the July 31 Caribbean Airlines crash-landing in Guyana within the next few weeks. A GCAA source said recently that the preliminary report covers the circumstances leading to the incident in which the Boeing 737, bearing registration 9Y-PBM, broke in two shortly after landing at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri in July with 161 people on board. The report will be submitted to Guyanese Transport Minister Robeson Benn. Acting Director General of the GCAA, Paula McAdam, told reporters that she could not offer any information on the results of the investigation. There were no fatalities when the CAL aircraft landed in Guyana. A number of passengers were injured. Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad said Guyana welcomes this venture wholeheartedly, adding that it translates into added accommodation of an international standard. We are having a Marriott brand; this will be sold internationally and with a casino, it will be even better, an enthused Prashad told local reporters. He said that with more and more tourists becoming attracted to this country, a facility of this magnitude will surely fill the void the demand has created. All the hotels are filled now in Guyana; filled to capacity. The resorts in the interior locations for bird watching are filled until June next year, the minister said. He also revealed that discussions are ongoing with several other investors interested in the hotel industry. While the minister refused to go into detail on the projects, he said one of the hotels would be located on Main Street, another next to the Chinese Embassy opposite the Botanical Gardens and a third at Liliendaal near the Guyana International Conference Centre. Marriott International, Inc. has nearly 500 locations in 60 countries around the world
Donald Ramotar
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Inna D Yard
Parties In Check
KINGSTON, Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair says both major political parties the Jamaica Labour Party ( JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP) have conceded that they have members they are unable to control in their efforts to abide by the Political Code of Conduct, but vowed to ensure the rules are obeyed as the country prepares for a general election. The ombudsman said he would not be daunted in using his efforts to enforce the code which sets out appropriate behaviour for politicians, including non-violence and non-intimidation, safety of property, public utterances and freedom of access. Speaking at a recent training session to create awareness of the Political Code of Conduct among stakeholders, ahead of the impending election, Bishop Blair said he recently met with the general secretaries of both the JLP and PNP and they both admitted that they had difficult individuals in their ranks. "Both of them conceded that they have members in their party that they cannot touch. They, are in their words, 'time bombs', and therefore sometimes when I make rulings they have to set aside and try to prevent the time bombs from going off," Blair said. The training workshop at the Planning Institute of Jamaica in Kingston included liaison officers for the political ombudsman's office from each division of the police force; representatives from the Social Development Commission, the Citizen's Action for Free and Fair Elections, the Peace Management Initiative and Church Umbrella groups. Chairman and executive director of the National Integrity Action Limited Professor Trevor Munroe said the workshop was the first in a series of meetings involving various stakeholders including the political candidates about the code of conduct. He said the English-speaking Caribbean was the only region in the world which did not have some kind of regulation of political campaign financing, but said a significant step forward was expected in this matter shortly.
Sauce Controversy
LONDON, The secret recipe for Reggae Reggae Sauce was not inherited from Levi Roots Jamaican grandmother; and the successful British-based entrepreneur has a gangland past. These were two startling revelations that came to light recently during an ongoing High Court case wherein Roots former business partner, Chef Tony Bailey, 52, has accused him of stealing the coveted recipe while the pair ran a jerk chicken stall at the popular Notting Hill Carnival. Bailey and financial advisor Sylvester Williams are suing Roots for more than 600,000 after they claimed he cut them out of an agreement to launch the sauce together. Roots real name Keith Valentine Graham appeared on Dragons Den in 2007 and became the most successful contestant on Dragons Den and a millionaire to boot on the strength of his popular condiment. But the former reggae star, 53, has admitted he lied on the BBC show when he said the secret recipe was handed down by his grandmother and the Reggae Reggae Sauce proprietor also confessed that another claim that the sauce had been the taste of the Notting Hill Carnival for 15 years was a marketing ploy. Questioned in the court about the sauce being his grandmothers recipe, Roots admitted that was untrue. He said: I was trying to create the flavour my grandmother used to cook for me. How she used to do what she called relish. However, the former reggae star says he created the sauce from a basic recipe, and was trying to 'recreate' the flavour of his grandmother's original jerk chicken seasoning. He also claimed that while the sauce wasn't sold at the Notting Hill Carnival, he and Bailey sold jerk chicken and people came to their stall just to see Levi Roots himself. Roots claimed his story about his sauce being 'the taste of Notting Hill Carnival' was in reference to his reputation at the Caribbean street celebration. Reading from the sauce label, Ian Glen QC, acting for the claimants, said: 'On the bottle of sauce, it says "Our family in Jamaica have been blending home-made jerk sauce since way back, and for years it's been the taste of London's Notting Hill Carnival." Is that true?'Roots replied: 'No, that's not true. It's a marketing ploy. 'When I was trying to market the sauce, I thought of every conceivable way that I was connected with music and the Notting Hill Carnival. I cooked all that in a bag together and tried my best to make a story about it.' When Glen asked about the claim that it was his grandmother's recipe, he admitted that this was also untrue. Roots said: 'My way of trying to market the sauce when I started out was to put in all my experience with people in my life and my family. 'I was trying to create the flavour that my grandmother used to cook for me. How she used to do what she called relish. 'I was trying to recreate that flavour and that is the reason why my grandmother is on it. I thought it apt to put her legacy in there.' He also admitted lying in his first cookbook by denying his gangland past. Bailey and Williams claim breach of confidence, over the sauce recipe, and breach of contract. Roots denies their claims and insists the pair have no rights in the sauce or the business. The hearing continues.
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Trinbago News
Work To Be Done
PORT-Of-SPAIN, Works Minister Jack Warner said the scale of destruction in the wake of flooding in northwest Trinidad will severely tax the already overburdened emergency relief fund. Warner was part of a convoy of Cabinet Ministers who joined Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on a six hour November 20 tour of the worst hit areas between Maraval and Diego Martin. "When I was coming here I was thinking that if we had twice the amount (in the emergency fund) it would not be enough," he said, while speaking with reporters in Waterhole, Cocorite. "Therefore we have to have some kind of strategic plan that will do the critical work first, you know, prioritise. Because as you know, everything is a priority," he said. Warner said the retention ponds in downtown Port of Spain solved some of the flooding problems but there was always more to do. Flooding in the higher lands of west Trinidad is rare and Warner said the illegal and unchecked development on the surrounding mountain could have contributed to the level of damage in the areas over the weekend. Warner said he wished he could legislate the governing the use of the mountainside "immediately". But while he warned that the time had come to stop the "name and blame" game, he was pointing fingers at the hillside development and lack of overarching legislation for the weekend devastation. "That is part of the problem, people on the hills and they of course deforest the hills and we suffer as a result and we have to nip that in the bud," he said. He said the restructuring of the Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency Unit (PURE) will be on hold for just about seven days, but this experience with the road infrastructure damage taught him that road works cannot be done in a "piecemeal" fashion. One of the things I am convinced about in terms of development, in terms of road repair, in terms of drainage you cannot do it piece-meal, you have to do it holistically or not at all," he said. Several residents blamed the Regional Corporation for the severe floods over the weekend, but Warner said this needed to stop. "This is a country of blame and name. Of what value is it to blame anybody? You have to correct it. We come into office we blame the People's National Movement (PNM). We cannot beat Guyana we blame Jack Warner. At one point the blame game must stop," he said.
Jumbies At School
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh was on local televison recently sharing disturbing details about the number of children in the school system in danger of becoming uneducated. These are children, in both primary and secondary schools, with attention deficit disorder, autism, dyslexia, neurological issues, cerebral palsy and serious social problems, he said. There is need to pay special attention to this 30 per cent of the school population, he said, so that they were not become unteachable and lost. Gopeesingh may need to develop a new criteria for the at-risk children of the Moruga Secondary School. here are children (and some members of staff ) at that school who believe, and will swear on holy books, that the compound is being visited weekly by "jumbies". The supernatural beings are entering the bodies of mostly female pupils, causing them to writhe on the ground, screaming and speaking unintelligibly, suddenly obtaining superhuman strength, and the ability to walk on walls. The belief is now so entrenched, that the school is effectively closed, with only a fraction of the school populationstaff and pupilsshowing up on any given day. Nobody wants their child to be possessed. The "demons" first began their visitations last November, causing academic chaos during the final weeks of the school term. An "emergency" interfaith service was held after a series of unfortunate events began with 25 female pupils being taken to the Princes Town District and San Fernando General hospitals after they complained of out of body experiences, headaches and nausea. The Education Ministry's Student Support Services Division and nine members of the Ministry of Health's Mental Health Department were assigned to the school, and produced a report that is still to be disclosed publicly. Experts believed then as they do now that the supernatural "visitations" were nothing more than a case of mass hysteria. Many in Moruga appear to be unconvinced.
Boardroom Leak
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Lawrence Duprey was concerned there may have been an informer in the boardroom of CL Financial and as a matter of precaution decided to keep the sale of CLICO Energy to a foreign company a private matter, former CL corporate secretary Gita Sakal has said. Sakal made the statement while being led into evidence by her attorney Justin Phelps at the ongoing Commission of Enquiry into the collapse of CL Financial and the Hindu Credit Union (HCU). Some 84 million shares of CLICO Energy which amounted to a 51 per cent stake in the company were sold to a Barbados-registered company called Proman Holdings after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2009 with the former PNM government for a billion-dollar bailout of CL Financial. Sakal said the reason the sale was kept secret was because Duprey raised concerns about a "leak" at the CL Financial board level, Sakal said. "I complied with Mr Duprey's request for confidentiality on that basis. I chose to obey the confidentiality of the chairman. I took my vow of confidentiality seriously," she said. Sakal admitted that the sale of CLICO Energy had breached the MOU signed with the State. "At the time there were little breaches in the MOU, I agree (the MOU) was not strictly followed," Sakal said. A recent report indicated that Duprey, Andre Monteil and Sakal herself, the disgraced CL Financial conglomerates top executives in had made off with tens of millions of dollars in consultancy fees and commissions for which no taxes were paid while raking in fat annual pay deals with generous perks which included a luxury car, club membership and corporate credit card, among other things. The group's former top three corporate bosses and Duprey's personal chauffeur Rupert Superville were paid a whopping $80.3 million in consultancy fees and commissions for which no taxes were paid to the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR), according to a Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) BIR tax assessment for income years 2007 to 2009. Credit card payments, miscellaneous insurance and foreign travel totaling $7.9 million for the group's top three are listed among the items flagged by the BIR for income years 2007 and 2008. The CL Financial group was placed under State supervision on January 30, 2009 following a run on its investment bank and insurance companies.
9 New Aircraft
PORT-OF-SPAIN, State carrier Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has taken delivery in Toulouse, France, of its first ATR 72-600 aircraft. CAL, which becomes one of the very first operators of the new ATR-600 series, booked a US$200 million contract earlier this year for the purchase of nine ATRs. The aircraft are configured with 68 seats. With the new delivered ATR 72-600s Caribbean Airlines will start replacing its fleet of five 50-seat Q-300s and introducing newest and most technologically advanced turboprops into its domestic routes, ATR said in a November 9 emailed statement . The airline will also add passenger capacity and develop new routes and frequencies within Trinidad and Tobago. Caribbean Airlines will also operate some of its new ATR 72-600s on the domestic route network of Air Jamaica, which was recently acquired by Trinidad and Tobago's flag carrier. The new ATR aircraft was expected to arrive in Trinidad on November 15. Robert Corbie, acting chief executive officer, Caribbean Airlines, said in the statement: "The introduction of this very first ATR 72-600 aircraft marks a real milestone in our national aviation. It will bring even better connectivity and comfort to our passengers, at optimal fares."
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Smart Trini
A Trinidadian Man walks into a prestigious private bank in midtown Manhattan and asks for the loan officer who politely tries to direct him to a more... commercial establishment. The Trini Man says he's going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000. The loan officer says the bank will need some kind of security for the loan, so the Trini Man hands over the keys to a new Rolls Royce. The car is parked on the street in front of the bank. He has all the papers including the title and everything checks out. The bank agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan. An employee of the bank then proceeds to drive the Rolls into the bank's underground garage and parks it there. Two weeks later, the Trini Man returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $20.41. The loan officer says, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multimillionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow $5,000?" The Trini Man replies. "Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $20.41 and expect it to be there when I return?".
A man and his wife were getting a divorce at a local court. But the custody of their children posed a problem. The mother jumped to her feet and protested to the judge that since she had brought the children into this world, she should retain custody of them. The man also wanted custody of his children. The judge asked for his side of the story too. After a long moment of silence, the man rose from the chair and replied: "Judge, when I put a dollar into a vending machine, and a Pepsi comes out, does the Pepsi belong to me or to the machine?"
Misinterpretation
An elderly Jamaican woman had just returned to her home from an evening of Church services when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled, "Stop! Acts 2:38!" (Repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven). The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done. As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar, "Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you." "Scripture?" replied the burglar. She said she had an Ax and Two 38's!"
Wrong Ticket
A flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate to check tickets. As a man approached, she extended her hand for the ticket, and he opened his trench coat and flashed her. Without missing a beat she said, "Sir, I need to see your ticket, not your stub."
Innovative Granma
A man came walking up to his grandparent's house when he noticed his grandfather sitting on the porch in a rocking chair with nothing on from the waist down. "Grandpa, what are you doing?" he exclaimed. The old man looked off in the distance without answering. Grandpa, what are you doing sitting out here with nothing on below the waist?" he asked again. The old man slowly looked at him and said, "well, last week I sat out here with no shirt on and I got a stiff neck. This is your grandma's idea."
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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
Home Affairs
by Aneesa Oumarally
One of the most litigated areas of law in Ontario is in the area of Estates. In my years of practice, I have come across some common concerns and questions. In the following, I have tried to provide some answers to commonly asked questions relating to Wills and Estates. Q. What is a Will? A. A will is a document which takes effect when you die and each individual has to make a will Q. What does a will allow you to do? A. i) It lets you leave instructions on how you want your property to be divided and distributed when you die. ii) It lets you name a person (Estate Trustee) who will wrap up all of your personal affairs and carry out the instructions left in your will iii) If you have children under 18, a will also allows you to name a guardian and to state your wishes as to who should look after your children after your death iv) It can minimize your tax burden when giving property away. Q. Is it important to have a will? A. If you die without a will, your property will be divided according to the laws of Ontario.One of the downfalls of these rules is that it may not take into consideration: a. Dependants (other than children) b. Your current spouse takes a preferential share (what if this was your second marriage and you wanted your children to take because your spouse had enough as it is? Or that they were in their minority/ still going to school?) c. Without a will your estate would pay the full extent of the probate taxes, because of course you would not have met with a lawyer and other professionals to minimize your tax burden on death. d. You may not be able to exclude certain persons from your will eg. Your daughter's husband from getting the benefit of the money that you wanted to really go to your daughters. e. You prevent fighting- everyone will know what your wishes are. Q. What does one need to make a will? A. i) You need to make a detailed list of all of your asset including the location of the asset, any identification numbers (bank account number/policy number). ii) You need to make out a detailed list of all of your liabilities. A good suggestion is to take a photograph of all of your jewelry. Q. What about the person who will take care of my affairs? A. You need to know who is going to be your EXECUTOR/ATTORNEY (Estate Trustee) i) This is especially important because this person is going to be carrying out your wishes upon death- WHO SHOULD YOU CHOSE? Over 18 Capable of this task- i.e. that they are not easily influenced; should know the beneficiaries; should know you well; Know where to look for help You should also name a CONTIGENT EXECUTOR/ATTORNEY In the event that your attorney cannot act then who will act for them If you have children then who will take care of them if you should die while in their minority? Suggestion: The person who takes care of them should not also take care of the money for the estate! The persons chosen should be around your age. Q. I have heard that some banks will be your executor is this a good idea?
It depends on the individual and how much money is in the estate and in some cases it may not be in the best interest of the estate, only because they do not know you and they charge the estate exorbitant amounts to administer the estate and sometimes it takes the estate years to be completed (think if a beneficiary is one at the person's death and they collect all of the proceeds at 18).
Q. Is it a good idea for your lawyer to be the executor? A. There may be conflict of interest because the lawyer could be acting as your executor and the estate's lawyer and charging fees. Now if the lawyer is a family member or a good friend, you may still want them to act in this capacity. Remember when you include a professional to do the job as the executor you will have to pay them out of the proceeds of the estate. Q. Do you have to pay the executor? A. No, not usually, however, you do pay executors who are also one of your professionals- eg. Your lawyer etc. However if your estate is a large one then your executors should be compensated because the task becomes a huge one. Q. How long does it usually take to wind up an estate matter? A. It depends, however the standard is as long as there are beneficiaries in their minorities. Q. Can a couple make one will? A. No. Each person is considered an individual in law and therefore each person must make a will. Q. What is the cost of the will? A. The price of a simple will can vary from law firm to law firm. Q. Why would I not buy a will kit as advertised? A. Because it does not come with advice- don't be misled instructions on how to fill a document out is not advice. Q. What is a living will? A. A living will is a power of attorney basically. There are two types of POA - Personal Care and Property. Personal Care Allows others to make decisions about your person if you are incapacitated; Property Takes effect the date it is singed and allows your attorney to do anything you can do as a person to property- mortgage, sell, etc. Q. How old should you be to make a will? A. Never to early to make a will, but at least 18 years of age. Q. When should you make a new will? A. Upon marriage (will revoked) Review will upon the following circumstances: Upon separation/divorce Birth of new child Children in their majorities Grandchildren Executor dies Spouse dies Marriage of the children Come into large sums of money Q. Any other suggestions: A. i) Do not leave an original will in a safety deposit box because the banks need the will to open the safety deposit box - how else would they know who your executor is. ii) A copy of a will is no good unless it is notarized. iii) When you are doing the will or prior, ask your executor if they will act. iv) Ensure if you chose other persons to act with the executor that they get along. v) Speak to your adult children about your will/wishes vi) Let your executor know what funeral arrangements you will want vii) Plan and pay for your funeral in advance or leave a nest egg of about $10,000.00 somewhere unless you have life insurance to pay for funeral expenses.
Stock up on supplies
The best thing you can do for your home as you prepare for winter is to waste no time stockpiling snow salt, emergency supplies, and even investing in a gas-powered generator if you live in a remote or sparsely populated area. You don't want to be one of those people scrambling to find a bag of salt on the eve of the first blizzard of the season. Such a proactive policy now is certain to spare you some stress in the future. As a homeowner, there is probably no other asset as precious to you and your family than the residence you live in. Just like you wouldn't send your kid to school without a coat on, you certainly wouldn't leave your home dangerously exposed to low temperatures, sleet, and snow. With those tips, you might be able to save a little bit of money too. Just be sure to put it into a high yield savings account to get even a little more extra.
Money Management
Do you know what a TFSA is? Do you have one? Do you know whats in it and what it can do for you? (Heres a secret: Its even better than you think!) With the introduction of the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), we Canadian girls now have more options than ever before to help us save money and reduce taxes. There are a lot of us out there who have opened a TFSA since they became available in 2009, but how many of us have really looked into how powerful this account can be? Its time to start getting excited! The TFSA is designed to help Canadians save for important goals and reduce their overall tax bill. If you live in Canada and are at least 18 years old, you can contribute up to $5,000 per year to a TFSA and then watch your savings grow tax-free throughout your lifetime. Now, $5,000 per year doesnt sound like a lot, but its a start, and that annual limit will be increased over time. You put the money in, you get the money and the growth back out TAX-FREE. Its just that simple! Simple, but of HUGE value. Think about it in a regular non-registered account, every dollar of investment income (e.g. interest, dividends, etc.) is taxed, and so are your capital gains meaning you have to earn more than a dollar to get a dollar (depending on your tax bracket, this could mean $1.35, $1.50, $1.75you get the picture, and the tax man gets paid first). In an RRSP, you get a tax break up front, but when you start withdrawals, the tax man has his hand out then. With the TFSA, YOU DONT PAY TAX ON THE GROWTH OF YOUR INVESTMENTS. You make a dollar, you get to keep that whole dollar, and the government wont get their paws on it. At all! See how big this can be for you?
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1. Use your tax-refund wisely. You should use the tax refund from your RRSP contributions to invest in your TFSA for an optimal combination of growth and flexibility. 2. If you have used-up all of your RRSP contribution room and are looking for additional investments, ensure you use up all of your TFSA contribution room prior to investing in non-registered accounts this way youll be keeping your profits all to yourself! 3. Resist the temptation to dip into your TFSA. The TFSA offers more flexibility than RRSPs and therefore, there are fewer barriers to discourage you from accessing the money. Remember, the longer your in-
RRSPs
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PAGE 17
vestments sit uninterrupted, the longer you may benefit from the positive effects of tax-free compound growth. Discipline and a clear objective are essential when investing within a TFSA this is where working with a professional advisor can help. If you have to call your advisor before pulling money out, with any luck she can talk you out of doing something stupid! 4. Procrastination can be costly, so make your TFSA contribution early in the year. The sooner you put your money into a TFSA, the sooner you stand to benefit from the effects of tax-free compound growth. If you cant do it all in January, monthly contributions can also be effective. 5. Ideally, you should use your full allowable contribution room each year. But if you dont, you will accumulate unused TFSA contribution room that can be used at a later date. Moreover, amounts withdrawn from your TFSA this year will be added to next years TFSA contribution limit. When possible and if it fits your financial strategy, try hard to maximize your TFSA contributions the potential payoff is so worth it! 6. Investing in a TFSA during your accumulation years could help reduce your taxes in your golden years! There are claw-backs on income-tested benefits such as OldAge Security and Age Credits. That is, when it comes time to withdraw retirement funds you could find yourself making too much money and not being able to keep your OAS benefits. Because withdrawals from your TFSA are non-taxable, they will not be included as part of your net income, potentially saving you money over time. 7. Unlike RRSPs, there is no age limit on making contributions to a TFSA. In fact,
you can contribute well into your retirement years, helping you save for shortterm goals like a new car or even home renovations, visits to the grandkids (or trips to get away from the grandkids)...whatever. 8. If you anticipate that your marginal tax rate will increase at a later date (i.e. because youre making more money, you fabulous girl!), you may benefit by saving through your TFSA rather than making additional RRSP contributions. Thats because the tax reduction that your RRSP contribution may generate now may be less than the tax reduction it could generate later on. 9. Give your spouse or common-law partner the cash so that he can make his own TFSA contribution. Income attribution rules which govern spousal RRSPs or non-registered investments do not apply to the investment income or growth in your spouses TFSA. This can effectively double your familys TFSA annual contributions if one partner cannot afford to make such an investment. Ka-ching! 10. Get expert help. In most cases, the TFSA is an investment vehicle that should complement your current retirement strategy, not be the primary focus. To find out whats the best strategy for you, contact a professional advisor to discuss your own situation.
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CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC
Sports Beat
Overhaul Required
PORT-OF-SPAIN, The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) has come under heavy criticism following the national team's early elimination from 2014 World Cup qualifying. The Soca Warriors were beaten 2-1 at the Guyana National Stadium on November 11 to end any hopes of advancing to the next round of the CONCACAF qualifying campaign. Former national players Clayton Morris and Marlon Morris and ex-coach Everald "Gally" Cummings have all called for a complete change of leadership in the governing body. "I think the TTFF executive should resign," Marlon Morris bluntly told the Sunday Express, "because the footballing public has lost all confidence in their leadership. Nobody would put money in the TTFF." Morris, who recently failed in his bid to become president of the Northern Football Association, said further of the administration: "They lack credibility and the ability to think independently." He said the November 11 result did not come as a surprise since the team had been subject to "poor preparation". But he also claimed the TTFF had also let the players down. He said: "When players feel second class, when you hurt the football community, when the administration is fighting with the players, they are not going to play for you. Footballers are a fraternity. The passion isn't there... All of this is a function of poor leadership." Clayton Morris, T&T captain during the 1990 World Cup qualifying campaign, linked the failed 2010 campaign to Friday's loss. "It's very disappointing to see we went out so early. I don't think these teams should be knocking us out. But having said that, it's what we've been doing since 2006 (that is responsible). Since we blacklisted the (2006 World Cup) players, we started to go backwards." And referring to the resignation as Football Federation president last month of Oliver Camps, Morris said Camps' colleagues should follow his lead. "The rest of people should be man enough to let younger blood take over now. It's time for the changing of the guards...I don't think we could go forward if the same people remain there, same with coaching." Morris said a different approach was needed when it came to hiring coaches from overseas. "We have what it takes to bring our football to a level," he said. "To develop our football, we have to do it for ourselves." He said that if after that further experience was needed for
a qualifying series, then perhaps a foreign coach could be hired. And he recommended his old coach as the one to oversee the future development of the local game. "Gally Cummings should be the man given the responsibility to develop the football for the next couple of years, where he would have a panel of coaches going into the communities to find talent," Morris (C) said. "That wouldn't cost the amount of money involved in hiring a foreign coach." Cummings himself said the timing of Pfister's hiring, so close to the start of qualifying, was wrong. "You don't bring in a man at short notice to prepare a team. The side should have had a local preparing the team (well in advance)," he said. And with the qualifying effort over at the first stage, he sees no reason for Pfister to be retained. "The only person who benefitted from this is Pfister," he said. "I think the entire technical staff should go." However, Cummings laid ultimate blame for the failure of the 2014 effort at the feet of the TTFF and their ex-special adviser, Jack Warner. "I am tired of seeing the TTFF destroy football in this country," he said. Tongue-in-cheek, he added with reference to previous failed campaigns stretching back to 1990: "Jack Warner is in the best position as Minister of roads. He fixed the Road to Italy, he fixed the Road to France (1998) and the road to Germany (2006) still has many bumps. This road (Brazil 2012) get fixed too, because he was responsible for bringing Pfister." The former coach and technical adviser is now advocating that the senior team take a hiatus from international competition. "I think for the next two years, we should take part in no international tournaments until we build a proper foundation. Build the football to a level where we can compete and stop embarrassing the country... "Put an interim committee in place to hold onto the football until we get fair elections."
Shanntol Ince PORT-OF-SPAIN, Already in the history books by becoming the first Trinidad and Tobago representative at a Parapan American Games, 16 year old Shanntol Ince added a second chapter on November 18 by bagging bronze in the women's 100 metres backstroke S9 event, at the Scotiabank Aquatics Center, in Guadalajara, Mexico. Not satisfied with her achievement, Ince claimed another medal the very next day, securing bronze in the women's 100m freestyle S9. T&T Paralympic Committee (TTPC) president Ken McKell described Ince's double strike as "an historic moment" for the local Paralympic movement. "A milestone in our lives, and we plan to go from strength to strength with the support of all stakeholders who would have an interest in our community of persons with disabilities. TTPC is using sport to improve and enhance their lives. We certainly hope that it will create a greater awareness of the potential of persons with disabilities in sport." McKell, who travelled to Guadalajara as the T&T chefde-mission, paid tribute to Ince. "Her performance has certainly been inspiring," he told the Express, "and a true testament to the dedication and commitment of improving her life through sport." McKell said Ince is expected to be on show next year on the biggest sporting stage for para athletes. "All indications are that she will be representing Trinidad and Tobago at the London Paralympics 2012. "There are other athletes," the TTPC president continued, "who are training. Carlos Greene in shot put, wheelchair racer Ricky Singh, and Dennis La Rose in table tennis--they will be attending qualifying events in early 2012 in a bid to qualify." The late Rachael Marshall is the only T&T athlete to have earned precious metal at the Paralympics. At the 1984 Games, in New York, USA, she captured gold in the women's shot put L5 and javelin L5 events, as well as bronze in the women's 100m freestyle L6.
Success Celebrated
GEORGETOWN, The Executive and members of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) have extended congratulations to the players and Technical staff of Guyanas flagship team, the Golden Jaguars for their historic qualification to the Third-Round of the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 Qualifying competition. The performance of the team has seen Guyana reach heights and depths which were previously only imagined but may now become reality. The biggest win of the second-round without a doubt was Guyanas 21 triumph at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, against Trinidad and Tobagos Soca Warriors, who have been getting the better of Guyana for many years. But this time around, that dominance was not to be, as, urged on by a massive supportive crowd, clad in yellow, the Jaguars achieved a historic win which ended the hopes and aspirations of the Soca Warriors. President (ag) of the Guyana Football Federation, Franklin Wilson, on behalf of the members of the Federation, applauded the efforts of captain Christopher Nurse and all the players especially those from the professional ranks in England who have really enhanced the overall attitude of the team. The Technical Staff led by Jamal Shabazz also came in for high praise for the dedication and leadership they have given to the team even in challenging times. The President and Government of Guyana and the many business entities that have contributed were also praised by the GFF for playing an integral role in the success of this team so far. Wilson is urging all to step up their support since coming up against the likes of Mexico, Costa Rica and El Salvador in the Third-Stage will be no easy task. He noted that pristine preparation of the team will be vital to advancing further which is by no means impossible. Proper planning and team work are traits that will see us through successfully, Wilson noted. Guyana have been drawn in Group B along with Mexico, Costa Rica and El Salvador. The Golden Jaguars will travel to Mexico for their first game on June 8 and four days later will host Costa Rica at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. On September 7, Guyana will travel to face El Salvador and four days later on September 11, the Guyanese will entertain the El Salvadorians at the Guyana National Stadium.
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Calypso Cricket
Uncanny Similarities
The similarities in batting style had been written about long before Darren Bravo made his international debut - the batting stance of both Lara and Bravo, their trigger movements, their flourish with they drive the ball, are all uncannily similar. Now, after 12 Test matches, it turns out that the number of runs they've scored, and their averages, are also exactly the same - 941 runs at 47.05. Bravo has played two more innings, but has also been unbeaten twice, to Lara's none. Both also have eight fifty-plus scores, though the split of hundreds to fifties is slightly different. The one major difference in the numbers is the balls faced, and hence their strike rates. Lara's is 62; Bravo's is 47.14. In terms of balls faced, Bravo has played 479 more deliveries to score the same number of runs as Lara had after 12 Tests. Both have almost the same number of boundary runs too Lara has the edge by four runs - though their boundary methods are quite different: Lara had struck only three sixes at that stage of his career, while Bravo already has 17. Another difference is the kind of opposition, and the kind of conditions, that they have encountered in their first 12 Tests: Bravo has played at home and in the subcontinent, while Lara had a full five-Test series in Australia, where he flourished, scoring his first hundred - a glorious 277, no less - and three fifties (Chart 1). Their ODI numbers aren't that dissimilar either. Bravo's played 31 so far, and averages 31.54 at a strike rate of almost 73; Lara's average after 31 was slightly higher, but his strike rate was only 67.18 (Chart 2). By the time his career ended, Lara had pushed it up to 79.51, at an average of 40.48. More importantly, Lara maintained these numbers over 299 ODIs, and an international career that straddled more than 16 years. If Bravo's career stretches as long, West Indies cricket, and indeed world cricket, will be well served.
Darren Bravo
Player Brian Lara Darren Bravo Player Brian Lara Darren Bravo
SR 62.03 47.14
100s 1 2
50s 7 6
4s 119 97
6s 3 17
Brian Lara
100s 50s 0 9 0 5
Chart 1 Chart 2
Tour Schedule:
Fri Mar 16 1st ODI - West Indies v Australia; Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent Sun Mar 18 2nd ODI - West Indies v Australia; Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent Tue Mar 20 3rd ODI - West Indies v Australia; Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent Fri Mar 23 4th ODI - West Indies v Australia; Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia Sun Mar 25 5th ODI - West Indies v Australia; Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia Tue Mar 27 1st T20I - West Indies v Australia; Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia Fri Mar 30 2nd T20I - West Indies v Australia; Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados Mon Apr 2 - Wed Apr 4 TBC v Australians; Venue TBC Sat Apr 7 - Wed Apr 11 1st Test - West Indies v Australia; Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados Sun Apr 15 - Thu Apr 19 2nd Test - West Indies v Australia; Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad Mon Apr 23 - Fri Apr 27 3rd Test - West Indies v Australia; Providence Stadium, Guyana
Denesh Ramdin
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